of digestion, in order to neutralise the acid in the stomach.  This gives relief, but does not cure, as the dose has to be repeated after each meal; in course of time the quantity of soda has sometimes to be increased to an alarming extent.  Fourth; the abstention from starchy foods and the substitution of an exclusive flesh dietary.  In the “Salisbury” treatment, raw minced beef is given.  This method often gives immediate relief, but its ultimate effect on the kidneys and other organs is very bad.

No hard and fast rule can be laid down as to the number of meals into which the daily amount of food required should be divided.  The stomach appears to work to the best advantage when it is full, or nearly so, and the appetite is appeased.  Three approximately equal meals seems to be a convenient division.  Dr. Dewey and his followers advise only two meals a day, and it seems incontestable that many persons find the plan advantageous.  These are generally adults with weak digestions, or elderly persons who, on account of their age and the sluggish action of their assimilative functions, require comparatively little food.  Children, on account of their vigorous vitality, rapid growth and hearty appetites, ought not to be restricted to this number.  Persons who have got into the pernicious habit of greatly over-eating, and whose stomachs have become distended and unusually large, sometimes find it easier to restrict their daily food to a healthy quantity by taking only two meals.  The general objections against two meals are that either two little food is taken, or the ingestion of such a large quantity is bad for the stomach and causes it to press on the adjacent viscera.  The large quantity of blood and nerve force drawn to the over-distended stomach, depletes the brain and nervous system, causing drowsiness and incapacity for mental and physical work.  The carnivora, whose opportunity for obtaining food—­unlike the herbivora—­is irregular and often at long intervals, gorge themselves upon opportunity and are in the habit of sleeping after a meal.  The frugivora and herbivora, however, are alert and ready to fly from their enemies should such appear.  The conveying of so much nourishment to the liver and blood stream at one time, is probably a greater tax on them.  A light lunch between the usual full meals has nothing to recommend it.  The stomach is burdened to little purpose, often before it has finished with one meal another is imposed upon it, no time being left for recuperation.

Dietaries.—­The best proportions of proteids, carbo-hydrates and fats required for the nourishment of the body has not yet been conclusively decided.  The common plan is to average the dietary of large bodies of persons, particualrly of soldiers and prisoners.  These dietaries have been adjusted empirically (the earlier ones at least), and are generally considered as satisfactory.  They are chiefly of English and German origin.  Another method is to laboriously