[The translator here omits two Meditations, which refer exclusively to Paris is 1825.  Few Frenchmen now would understand them, and none but a Frenchman could.]

PHYSIOLOGY OF TASTE

PART SECOND.

Transition.

If I have been read with the attention I wished, all must have seen that I had a double purpose in view.  The first was to establish the theoretical basis of Gastronomy, so as to place it among sciences where it should doubtless be.  The second was to define gourmandise, and to separate this social character, as free from gluttony and intemperance, with which it is often confounded.

This equivoque has been introduced by intolerant moralists, who, deceived by too much zeal, saw excesses where there was only innocent enjoyment.  The treasures of creation were not made to be trodden under the feet.  It was afterwards propagated by grammarians who defined it as blind men do, and who swore in verba magistri.

It is time that such an error should cease, for now all the world understand each other.  This is true, for there never was a person who would not confess to some tincture of gourmandise, and even would not boast of it, none however would not look on gluttony as an insult, just as they do on intemperance and voracity.

About these two cardinal points, it seems that what I have described should satisfy all those who do not refuse conviction.  I might then lay down my pen and look on the task I have imposed on myself as finished.  As however, I approached those subjects which belong to every thing, I remembered many things which it did not seem to me fit to write, such as anecdotes, bon mots, recipes, and other odd things.

Had they been put in the theoretical portion of the book they would have taken the connection; place them all together, they will not be disadvantageous because they contain some experimental truths and useful explanations.

I have also inserted personal biography, but when I read them over, I feel to a degree uneasy.

This anxiety originated in my last lectures and glossaries, which are in the hands of every body.  I think, however, that I may be tranquil, having sheltered myself under the mantle of philosophy, I insist that my enemies have uneasy consciences and sleep badly.

Varieties.

I.

L’omelette du cure.

All know that twenty years ago, Madame R——­ was the most beautiful woman in Paris.  All know that she was very charitable and took an interest in the various enterprises, the object of which was the alleviation of misery, perhaps greater in the capital than elsewhere.

Having business with the cure of——­, she went thither about five P. M., and was surprised to find him at dinner.