The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-08-23

One of the causes which have led peo-
pie to reject the doctrine of vegetarian
ism is the idea that IL is inspired by
pietism, religious convictions and mon
astic modification. But this is a grave
error. for the rational vegetarianism of
today is entirely scientific and dictated
by the sole desire to follow a system
conforming to the laws of nature. 1t
has science on its side, and only the
force of habit is opposed 20 it. The
muscles become soft, the size diminishes,
humanity degenerates. and is kept in
working order only by sedatives and
tonics. The numerous maladies Of the
stomach and the intestines. from simple
catarrh to the most serious diseases of
the organs, are often due to our appe-
tite for meat and other stimulants.
Vegetarianism, we are told by DR.. Bon
nejoy, does not consist solely in vege-
table food, but is based on three diet
etic axioms: % The general rebuilding
power lies in cereals, seeds, vegetables,
tubers, fruits, eggs, milk and their de-
rivatives; (0 the food. the air. and. in
general, everything that is introduced
into the body should show absolute
purity, freshness and entire absence of
falsificationS, mixture and authorizations,
even in the smallest quantities; 90 ii is
necessary, as far as may be possible, for
each one to manufacture his foods and
drinks at home, in order to reach the
desired results.
These are the principal dogmas of the
vegetarians. Man is not intended to
eat meat. His jaw is made to grind
grain and fruits. His hands are made to
gather them. The Darwinian theory
does not permit us for an instant to
doubt the frugivorous nature of man.
His intestinal canal is also a proof. In
the lion this is three times as long as
the body; in man, seven or eight times
as long.
The human body is a machine which,
to be kept in good working order. should
be nourished according to scientific rules
and not at the desire of our fancies.
Four classes Of substances are necessary
for the maintenance of life-the albu-
minOids, the carbohydrates, the fats.
the minerals. Now, meat contains but
three of these, while the vegetables con-
tain all four. Vegetable food is also
necessary for our intellectual life; for,
as Moleschott has said, without phos-
phorus there is no thought. The phos-
phorus contained in vegetable food is
almost double the quantity contained in
animal food. But these are not all the
advantages of vegetarianism Those
who believe that meat gives the rose
color to the cheeks and lips must be
shown their error. For, as Prof. Mussa
has shown, the amount of iron oxide
contained In the vegetables is much
greater than that found in meat. How
ever, vegetarianism is not too presump-
tuous with regard to its wonderful
nd At he
same time, the constant and intelligent
practice of all sorts of hygenic rules
1t calls to its aid pure air. light, heat
or cold. water, exercise, and, commenc-
ing with alcohol. the condemnation of
all stimulants. In these conditions it
is difficult to say which would prove
more beneficial. the remuneration Of
meat or the application OF a well-under-
stood hygiene. 1t is, however indisput-
able that vegetarianism, at its best,
comprises in its accessories many things
which make IL worthy of general SYM
pathy.-Review Of Reviews.