Remarks on fasting and on the discipline of the body : in a letter to a clergyman / by a physician.

  • Physician
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Remarks on fasting and on the discipline of the body : in a letter to a clergyman / by a physician. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    quantity; but there is so much to interfere with the natural development of appetite, that its warnings, when regarded, are not always the most certain monitors. When the appetite cannot be depended on, or followed as a guide, the only means left is to ascertain by experiment the quantity of food which is most conducive to health, and to adhere strictly to that, paying no regard to appetite. A short con¬ tinuance of such a plan will restore the appetite to a healthy state, so that its indications may afterwards afford a safe guide as to the quantity of food. Liquids, although absolutely necessary in a certain proportion, need not be taken in large quantity. The quantity of water excreted from the system through various channels, and which is necessary for the solution of many substances which must necessarily be removed from it, does not exceed four pints in each day. This is supplied partly by the water which is in combination with the various animal or vegetable substances which are taken as food, and partly by the chemical decompositions which are connected with the respiratory and the heat-producing processes; the rest must be provided for by drinks. Supposing one-third to be supplied from the two former sources, the quantity of fluid necessary through the day need not be much more than two pints and a half I would lay down the following dietary, as affording sufficient nourishment for persons in the higher
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