CHAPTER IV.. Conditions to Be Observed Before and After Eating.

CONDITIONS TO BE OBSERVED BEFORE AND AFTER EATING.

General laws of organic activity apply to the stomach as well as to other parts--Increased flow of blood towards the stomach during digestion--Hence less circulating in other organs--and consequently less aptitude for exertion in them--Bodily rest and mental tranquillity essential to sound digestion--Rest always attended to before feeding horses--Hence also a natural aversion to exertion immediately after eating--Mischief done by hurrying away to business after meals--Severe thinking hurtful at that time--Playful cheerfulness after dinner conducive to digestion--The mind often the cause of indigestion--Its mode of operation explained--Also influences nutrition--Illustration from Shakspeare--Importance of attending to this condition of health enforced, 288–303