EXPERIENCE IN EATING

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 3, 1887

EXPERIENCE IN EATING.

"As with reading, so with eating. It is not what a person reads or eats that benefits him; it is what he digests."

This was an eminent physiologist's reply to a reporter's questionings, when approached on the subject of the great American complaint.

"In the matter of diet," he said, "every person should be guided by his own experience, and not rely on the experience of others. I know a newspaper man in this city who lives on brown bread and apples and drinks nothing but water, and there is no man of my acquaintance who enjoys more robust or perfect health. I have heard also of a composer and dramatic author whose favorite dish is a compound of potato, oatmeal, and Spanish onion, on which he thrives and does much good work."

Richard A. Proctor, the astronomer, suffered for many years with sick headaches, and after trying every remedy under the sun he set to work experimenting upon himself. Exercise or rest had no effect upon his malady. They availed him nothing against persistent attacks. Then he tried stopping his customary glass of wine or beer, which he took with his dinner. This produced no change. Pastry was next taken off his food list, and he seemed to be benefited by the omission. Then he cut down on his tea and coffee. Still he did not get the desired relief. Finally he stopped taking sugar in his drink, but the effect of this abstinence was unfavorable. At last he determined to let butter alone. The effect of this change was instantaneous and decisive. He had no more headaches, and to this day you cannot prevail upon him to eat butter or anything that he knows contains the article.—New York Mail and Express.