nce
to students, sedentary mechanics, and those individuals whose
digestive apparatus has been enfeebled, than to those of active habits
and firm health.

2d. The circumstance that different articles of food contain different
proportions of waste, or innutritious matter, may be made practically
subservient in the following way: If, at any particular season of the
year, there is a tendency to a diarrhoea, an article that contains a
small proportion of waste should be selected for food; but, if there
is a tendency to an inactive or costive condition of the intestinal
canal, such kinds of food should be used as contain the greatest
proportion of waste, as such articles are most stimulating to the
digestive organs, and, consequently, most laxative.

299. _In the selection of food, the influence of season and climate
should be considered._ Food of a highly stimulating character may be
used almost with impunity during the cold weather of a cold climate;
but in the warm season, and in a warm climate, it would be very
deleterious. Animal food, being more stimulating than vegetable, can
be eaten in the winter but vegetable food should be used more freely
in the spring and summer.

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298. What is said of the distensible character of the stomach and
alimentary canal? What is the effect of eating highly concentrated
food? Why is the unbolted wheat bread more healthy than flour cakes?
Give observation 1st. Observation 2d. 299. What kind of food is
adapted to cold weather? To warm weather?

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300. _The influence of food on the system is modified by the age of
the individual._ The organs of a child are more sensitive and
excitable than those of a person advanced in years. Therefore a
vegetable diet would be most appropriate for a child, while
stimulating animal food might be conducive to the health of a person
advanced in life.

_Observation._ When the digestive organs are highly impressible or
diseased, it is very important to adopt a nutritious, unstimulating,
vegetable diet, as soon as the warm season commences.

301. _Habit is another strong modifying influence._ If a person has
been accustomed to an animal or vegetable diet, and there is a sudden
change from one to the other, a diseased condition of the system,
particularly of the digestive apparatus, usually follows. When it is
necessary to change our manner of living, it should be done
gradually.[11]

[11] The