Volume 1

The physiology of digestion, considered with relation to the principles of dietetics / By Andrew Combe.

  • Combe, Andrew, 1797-1847.
Date:
1836
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The physiology of digestion, considered with relation to the principles of dietetics / By Andrew Combe. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CHAPTER IV. CONDITIONS TO BE OBSERVED BEFORE AND AFTER EATING. General laws ‘of organic activity apply to the stomach as well as to other parts—Increased flow of blood towards the stomach dur- ing digestion—Hence less circulating in other organs—and consequently less aptitude for exertion in them—Bodily rest and mental tranquillity essential to sound digestion—Rest al- ways attended to before feeding horses—Hence also a natural aversion to exertion immediately after eating—Mischief done by hurrying away to business after meals—Severe thinking hurtful at that time—Playful cheerfulness after dinner condu- cive to digestion—The mind often the cause of indigestion— Its mode of operation explained—Also influences nutrition— Illustration from Shakspeare—Importance of attending to this condition of health enforced, ; . A , 288-303 CHAPTER VY. ON DRINKS. Thirst the best guide in taking simple drinks—Thirst increased by diminution of the circulating fluids—The desire for liquids ge- nerally an indication of their propriety—-Much fluid hurtful at meals—Most useful three or four hours later—The tempera~ ture of drinks is of consequence—Curious fall of temperature in the stomach from cold water—Ices hurtful after dinner— Useful in warm weather, when digestion is completed and cau- tion used—Cold water more dangerous than ice when the body is overheated— Tepid drinks safest and most refreshing after perspiration—Kinds of drink— Water safe for every constitu- tion— Wine, spirits, and other fermented liquors, too stimu. lating for general use, but beneficial in certain circumstances—. Test of.their utility, : ‘ : , - 804-823