Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/154

134&#93; i ?4 ] D I E they affect lands of a moderately pontister* texture, or both light and heavy soils at the same time ; so that they never preclude the ge- neral adoption of this useful and rational mode of saving seed-corn. DIET, in animal economy, a re- gimen or course of living, adapted both to the preservation of health, and its recovery, especially from chronical diseases. The dietetic treatment ought to be conformable to the different con- stitutions of individuals. Those whose solids are relaxed and weak, should avoid all tough or viscid food, and such as is difficult to be digested. Their nutriment, how- ever, ought to be substantial ; and they should take frequent exercise in the open air. The plethoric, or those who abound with blood, can- not more effectually consult their health, than by a sparing use of ■whatever is in a high degree nou- rishing", as fat-meat, rich wines, strong ale, &c. Their aliment should consist chiefly of bread, or other vegetables, and their drink of water, whey, or srnall beer. — See Corpulency. Persons of a lean habit ought to follow a course dire&ly opposite to that before suggested. Those who are troubled with acidity, should live chiefly on solid meat ; and those afflicfed with hot alka- line eructations, should principally use acid vegetables. Invalids sub- ject to the gout, to low spirits, to hypochondriac, or hysteric disor- ders, should avoid all flatulent food, as also all salted, or smoke- dried provisions, and whatever is difficult of digestion, or apt to turn sour and rancid on the stomach. — Their food should be light, spare, cool, and of an opening nature. Another important object to be D 1 E considered, is the manner of life and age, together with the season and constitution. Those whose incli- nation, business, or profession lead them to a sedentary life, ought to be mere sparing as to the quantity, and more attentive to the quality of their aliment, than others whose pursuits are widely different, or who are accustomed to take much exercise : the former ought parti- cular)) to avoid the use of every thing that is sour, flatulent, rancid, and oppressive to the digestive or- gans. ! •Fersons liable to particular dis- eases, should be cautious in eating whatever tends to aggravate them. The gouty, for instance, should avoid drinking rich wines, strong soups, or acids. Those who are subject to the gravel, ought to shun a>] austere and astringent aliments : nor should the scorbutic indulge in animal food. The aliment in early life ought to be light, nourishing, and taken frequently, but in moderation : that of adults should be solid, and sufficiently tenacious ; the diet pro- per for those advanced in life, should resemble that of infancy. — At every period of lite, gluttony ought to be sedulously avoided j for, not unlike too great abstinence, it destroys the powers of digestion j but the moderate repetition of ali- ment is necessaiy for restoring the continual waste of the body. Diet ought also to be regulated according to the different seasons of the year ; because variations in the atmosphere produce corres- ponding changes in animal bodies. Jn consequence of the increased elasticity of the air, in the winter, the fibres are stronger, and better qualified for performing their vari- ous functions, and for digesting the stroi |