Crabs,—Lobsters (No. 176), Prawns, &c. unless thoroughly boiled, (which those sold ready boiled seldom are), are tremendously indigestible.
Shell Fish have long held a high rank in the catalogue of easily digestible and speedily restorative Foods:—of these Oysters (No. 181), certainly deserve the best character; but we think that they, as well as Eggs,—Gelatinous Substances,—Rich Broths[15], &c. have acquired not a little more reputation for these qualities than they deserve.
Oysters are often cold and uncomfortable to Dyspeptic Stomachs—unless warmed with a certain quantity of Pepper, and good White Wine.
To recruit the Animal Spirits, and produce Strength, there is nothing like Beef and Mutton—moreover, when kept till properly tender, none will give less trouble to the Digestive organs—and more substantial excitement to the Constitution.
The Editor has dined for some years principally upon plainly roasted or boiled Beef and Mutton, and has often observed, that if he changes it for any other Food for several days together—that he suffers a diminution of strength, &c. and is disposed on such days to drink an additional Glass of Wine, &c. See [Index].
However, the fitness of various Foods, and Drinks—and the quantity of Nutriment which they afford—depends very much upon how they are prepared, and as much on the inclination and abilities of the concoctive faculties, which have the task of converting them into Chyle.
It is quite as absurd, to suppose, that one kind of Diet, &c. is equally adapted to every kind of Constitution—as that one Remedy will cure all Diseases.
To produce the highest degree of Health and Strength—we must supply the Stomach with not merely that material which contains the greatest quantity of Nourishment—but in making our reckoning, must take into the account, the degree in which it is adapted to the habits and powers of the Organ which is to digest it—the Arms of a Giant are of little use in the Hands of a Dwarf.
The Plan we have proposed, was calculated for Midsummer-day,—when plenty of hard Exercise in the open Air will soon create an Appetite for the substantial Diet we have recommended—it is taken for granted, that a Person has the opportunity of devoting a couple of months to the re-establishment of his Health—and that during that time, he will be content to consider himself in the same state as any other Animal out of condition—and disposed to submit cheerfully to such a modification of the rules recommended, as his Medical Adviser may deem most convenient to the circumstances of the Case, and the Age, the Constitution, and previous habits of the Patient, &c. &c.
Every part of this system must be observed in proportion—and Exercise increased in the same degree, that Nourishment is introduced to the Constitution.