We cull the following definition of neurasthenia from our French contemporary:  Neurasthenia is discouragement of the soul.  Being in a state of discouragement the soul ceases to take care of the body and allows it to become encumbered with waste products.  The body in its turn becomes so defective that the soul is incapable of repairing the enfeebled organs and throws the body away into the water or leaves it somewhere to be crushed or abandons it by some other means.  Neurasthenia may be compared to an indolent mechanic.  He neglects to oil his engine.  It runs off the rails and is smashed.

 Fresh Departures.

The Vegetarian Society of France has introduced three new sections into its organisation.  The first is documentary, and aims at the collection, centralisation and classification of all information bearing on food reform.  The second deals with domestic economy and hygiene.  A number of ladies willing to devote themselves to the popularisation of the leading ideas of vegetarianism have joined this section.  They offer advice and instruction to all who wish to familiarise themselves with food reform principles.  The third section is concerned with physical training and outdoor games, with special reference to the relationship between these things and a non-flesh regimen.

 “VEGETARISCHE WARTE.”

 Nietzsche as Fruitarian.

“A simple life,” wrote Nietzsche in 1879, “is very difficult at the present time,” and went on to explain its difficulties and to suggest that even the most determined would be obliged to leave the discovery of the way to a wiser generation.  He himself, however, took some steps upon the way during his stay in Genoa, when he lived on bread and fruit and spent but a few shillings a week.  Eggs were occasionally included, and artichokes—­and the little cookery he needed was done by himself over a spirit lamp.  His winter in Genoa, he declares, was the happiest in his life and saw the production of his “Twilight of the Gods.”

 Food Reform in Russia.

The movement goes ahead rapidly in Russia.  Hardly a town of any size but has now its vegetarian restaurant.  This year the first Russian Vegetarian Congress has been held.  It seems to have been a very successful gathering.  “Seldom,” writes one who was present, “have I experienced such a strong impression as was made upon me by this first vegetarian congress in Moscow.”  Unity seems to have been the prevailing note.  Papers were read on the general significance and the various aspects of vegetarianism, followed by discussions.  Amongst the various excursions undertaken was a pilgrimage to Yasnaya Polyana, including a visit to Tolstoy’s grave.

A Vegetarian Exhibition has also been held in Moscow.  It included a fine show of fruits and vegetables, exhibits of various substitutes for leather, soaps made of vegetable oils, an abundance of Russian and foreign vegetarian literature of all sorts, from the noblest reaches of theory to the most invaluable details of practice.  The next Congress is arranged for Easter 1914, at Kiev.

 A Hopeful Sign.