[89] “As to the quality of food, although whatever is easy of digestion, singly considered, deserves the preference, yet regard must be had to the palate and to the appetite, because it is frequently found, that what the Stomach earnestly covets, though of difficult digestion, does nevertheless digest better than what is esteemed of easier digestion if the Stomach nauseates it: I am of opinion the patient ought to eat only of one dish at a meal.”—Sydenham on Gout.
“Every Animal but Man keeps to one dish—Herbs are the food of this species—Fish of that—and Flesh of a third.”—Spectator, No. 95.
“Be content with one dish at a meal, in the choice of that consult your palate.”—Mandeville on Hypochondriasis, p. 316.
[90] “It is surprising how much the condition and disposition of the Stomach and Intestines will vary in the same person at different times.”—Whytt on the Nerves; p. 127.
[91] “Many people, to be sufficiently nourished, must be supplied with food exceedingly stimulating.”—Struve’s Asthenology, 8vo. 1801, p. 280.
[92] “Whosoever dreameth that no Sick Man should be allured to meat, by delightful and pleasant Sauces, seemeth as froward and fantastical as He that would never whet his knife.
“Why hath nature brought forth such variety of Herbs, Roots, Spices, &c. fit for nothing but Sauces, &c. but that by them, the Sick should be allured to feed.
“Abstinence is as dangerous, as Fulness and Satiety is inconvenient.”—Dr. Moffett on Foods, 12mo. 1746, p. 343.
[93] “This gentleman had so cold a Stomach, (saith Suidas,) that he made a sheath for his Tongue, that he might swallow down his Pottage scalding hot; yea, I myself have known a Shropshire Gentleman of the like quality.”—Dr. Muffett on Food, 4to. 1655, p. 287.
[94] “The Chyle appears to be of the same nature, from whatever aliment it has been extracted; if the medical people in different countries were questioned, each would probably approve of the diet used in their own—and would find plausible arguments to prove its superiority, with numerous and admirable examples among their countrymen in support of their theory.