which gradually increased,
unabated by any medicinal or dietetic course, until I was reduced to the
very confines of the grave. The disease became complicated, for a time,
with chronic bronchitis. I would remark, that, at the time of my
commencing a severe course of diet, I was able to attend to my practice
daily.

In answer to your inquiries, I would say to the 1st--very much
diminished, and rapidly.

2. Rather less; distinct local uneasiness--less disposition to
drowsiness; but decidedly more troubled with cardialgia, and
eructations.

3. I think not.

4. My disease was decidedly increased; as cough, headache, and
emaciation; and being of a scrofulous diathesis, was lessening my
prospect of eventual recovery.

5. My febrile attacks increased with my increased debility.

6. Almost four months; when I became convinced death would be the
result, unless I altered my course.

7. I had taken animal food moderately, morning and noon--very little
high seasoning--no stimulants, except tea and coffee. The latter was my
favorite beverage; and I usually drank two cups with my breakfast and
dinner, and black tea with my supper.

8. I drank but one cup of weak coffee with my breakfast, none with
dinner, and generally a cup of milk and water with supper.

9. With me _much less aperient_; indeed, costiveness became a very
serious and distressing accompaniment.

10. From somewhat extensive observation, for the last seven years, I
should say, of laborers never; students seldom.

11. Among dyspeptics, potatoes nearly boiled, then mashed together,
rolled into balls, and laid over hot coals, until a second time cooked,
as easy as any vegetable. If any of the luxuries of the table have been
noticed as particularly injurious, it has been cranberries, prepared in
any form, as stewed in sauce, tarts, pies, etc.

Crude as these answers are, they are at your service; and I am prompted
to give them from the fact, that very few persons, I presume, have been
so far reduced as myself, with dyspepsia and its concomitants. In fact,
I was pronounced, by some of the most scientific physicians of Boston,
as past all prospect of cure, or even much relief, from medicine, diet,
or regimen. My attention has naturally been turned with anxious
solicitude to the subject of diet, in all its forms. Since my unexpected
restoration to health, my opportunities for observation among dyspeptics
have been much enlarged; and I most unhesitatingly say, t