t; being a liquid, and at the same time acid, it is peculiarly prone to
increase acidity, and is not tolerated by persons who suffer with sour
stomach. It should, however, be said that it, on the other hand, seems to
agree particularly well with some people, and has been known when taken
alone, at least temporarily, to relieve obstinate forms of indigestion.

_Coffee._--The most universal beverage taken at meal time in America is
undoubtedly coffee. Each morning countless thousands are cheered and
stimulated by its invigorating properties to undertake their daily tasks,
but, as is always the case after taking drugs that have such action the
system has to pay the penalty in a reaction following later, during which
the capacity for work is diminished. It is, however, true that the effect
last referred to is not of such importance as to constitute in itself a
serious objection to the use of coffee, but other ill results are rather
prone to ensue that in many instances change the aspect of the question
entirely. In a great many people, particularly after the first vigor of
youth has passed, coffee produces anything but pleasant effects, and on
some it seems to act as a downright poison. Like all liquids taken at
meal time, it predisposes to acid indigestion, particularly when it is
sweetened. It is likewise true that when it contains any considerable
quantity of cream the liability to dyspeptic disturbances following its
use are particularly great--doubtless as a result of the considerable
quantity of melted fats that it contains under such circumstances.

From the foregoing it appears then that coffee without either cream
or sugar is less unwholesome than when these substances are added
to it, but even when it is taken in this way it causes decided
symptoms of indigestion in many persons. The writer is not of the
opinion that the habitual taking of coffee is to be commended, and
would, therefore, not advise its constant use; it, however, must be
admitted--as is the case with all other substances that cause
indigestion--that in many people, and particularly in those who
live out-of-doors and are actively engaged in physical occupations,
the use of coffee seems to result in no harm. Like other substances
that cause indigestion in a concentrated form, coffee when largely
diluted is less apt to produce disturbances of this kind; for
example, a beverage consisting