One is not forced to wear it all life long, and it may be laid aside when the inconvenience is sufficiently reduced.  A suitable diet however, should be maintained.  I have not worn it for six years.

Quinquina.

One substance I think decidedly antiobesic.  Many observations have induced me to think so, yet I leave the matter in doubt, and submit it to physicians.

This is quinquina.

Ten or twelve persons that I know, have had long intermittent fevers; some were cured by old women’s remedies, powders, etc.  Others by the continued use of quinquina, which is always effective.

All those persons of the same category, gradually regained their obesity.  Those of the second, lost their embonpoint, a circumstance which leaves me to think the quinquina which produced the last result had the effect I speak of.

Rational theory is not opposed to this deduction, for quinquina, exciting all the vital powers, may give the circulation an impetus which troubles all, and dissipates, the gas destined to become fat.  It is also shown that quinquina contains a portion of tannin which is powerful enough to close the cells which contain grease.  It is possible that these two effects sustain each other.

These two ideas, the truth of which any one may understand, induce me to recommend quinquina to all those who wish to get rid of troublesome embonpoint.  Thus dummodo annuerit in omni medicationis genere doctissimi Facultatis professores.  I think that after the first month of any regimen, the person who wishes to get rid of fat, should take every day before breakfast, a glass of white wine, in which was placed a spoonful of coffee and red quinquina.  Such are the means I suggest to overcome a very troublesome affection.  I have accommodated them to human weakness and to our manners.

In this respect the experimental truth is relied on, which teaches that in proportion as a regime is vigorous, it is dangerous, for he who does not follow it literally, does not follow it all.

Great efforts are rare, and if one wishes to be followed, men must be offered things vacile, if not agreeable.

Meditation XXIII.

Thinness.

Definition.

Thinness is the state of that individual, the muscular frame of whom is not filled up by strength, and who exhibits all angles of the long scaffolding.

Varieties.

There are two kinds of thinness; the first is the result of the primitive disposition of the body, and is accompanied by health, and a full use of the organic functions of the body.  The second is caused by the fact that some of the organs are more defective than others, and give the individual an unhappy and miserable appearance.  I once knew young woman of moderate stature who only weighed sixty-five pounds.

Effects of thinness.