iment remained nearly unaltered.

317. The same principle may be applied to the action of the organs of
man. If his mind or muscles act intensely soon after eating, the
stomach will not be sufficiently stimulated by blood and nervous fluid
to change the food in a suitable period. The Spanish practice of
having a "siesta," or sleep after dinner, is far better than the
custom of the Anglo-Saxon race, who hurry from their meals to the
field, shop, or study, in order to save time, which, in too many
instances, is lost by a sense of oppression and suffering which soon
follows.

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316. Why should not severe manual or mental exertion be made
immediately after eating? State the illustration. 317. May this
principle be applied to the action of the human stomach? What is said
of the Spanish custom of resting after dinner?

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318. In some instances of good health, the infringement of this
organic law may seem to pass with impunity, but Nature, though
lenient, sooner or later asserts her claims. The practice of the
Spaniard may be improved by indulging, for an hour before resuming
toil, in moderate exercise of the muscular system, conjoined with
agreeable conversation and a hearty laugh, as this facilitates
digestion, and tends to "shake the cobwebs from the brain."

_Observation._ No judicious teamster drives his animals as soon as
they have swallowed their food, but gives them a period for repose, so
that their food may be digested, and their systems invigorated. In
this way, he secures the greatest amount of labor from his team.

319. _The mind exerts an influence upon the digestive process._ This
is clearly exhibited, when an individual receives intelligence of the
loss of a friend or of property. He may at the time be sitting before
a plentiful board, with a keen appetite; but the unexpected news
destroys it, because the excited brain withholds its stimulus. This
shows the propriety of avoiding absorbing topics of thought at meals,
as labored discussions and matters of business; but substitute
cheerful and light conversation, enlivening wit, humor, the social
intercourse of family and friends; these keep the brain in action, but
not in toil. Under such circumstances, the blood and nervous fluid
flow freely, the work of digestion is readily commenced, and easily
carried on.

320. _Indigestion arising from a prostration of the nervous system,
should be treated with g