The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-10-19

violent fl OF coughing to remove 1t. The
pathological connection existing between
this somewhat unpleasant experience
and good digestion seems to be that the
coughing. by vigorously exercising the
muscles of the stomach. fits them for
strong ana energetic action during enc
balance OF the meal, on the same princi-
pie that athletes, horses etc., bring their
heart. lungs and muscles into proper ac-
ton by little preparatory exercise be-
fore the race proper begins.
The fish disposed OF aud the stomach
having received its preliminary warming
up, our friend now attacks the main body
of his dinner. The first thing that we
notice is that he mixes his food we I'll be-
fore taking. The fork is first inserted into
piece OF meat, some mashed potatoes
is added, piece OF brea: is harpoonsd,
some toiled cabbage. likewise horseradish
is sprnkled over the whole; if room can
be found on the end of one OF the prongs,
OF the fork to hang piece of pickle, so
much the better, and then all tie remain
ing cracks are filled up with gravy, after
which the food is in proper condition to
be swallowed. But what strikes us most
forcibly is that the subject of our obser
vations, he OF the bright eye, rosy cheeks,
etc.. chews his food just as little as pos
s;ble. "Can such things be?" Have not
the physioiogIes, from time immemorial,
insisted upon the necessity of thoroughly
masticatIng the food? But come to think
about it, whoever saw a we'll man that did
it? Whoever saw a well animal that did
it? Chickens, dogs. pigs. in fact. all the
dumb brutes. gulp down their food in the
largest manageable Jumps. Why should
we refuse TO learn lesson from nature?
None but confirmed and wretched dys-
peptics whose unfortunate condition is
sufficient icondemnation of their meth
DDS, mince their food and grind it to at
oins as though they we're afraid OF it.
And yet because we have inherited from
our fathers and forefathers the theory
that thorough masieation is an aid to
digestion, many people Will continue to
believe it, although all nature, both
brute and human, furnishes evidence
against it. All of which shows what a
hold superstition has upon people, even
in this glorious nineteenth century.
Whether the use or non-use of a napkin
is advisable is question that sesms to
tions. One thing is certain, If it IS used
it should frequently be firmly seized at
opposite corners AMI see-sawed across the
mouth as though one were trying to put
q sharper edge or IA finer polish on the
teeth. 1t is possible that this action,
vigorously performed, tends to settle the
dinner in its propsr place, but this
whole branch OF the subject is full of
difficulties that can only bs solved by
patient research and observation. Did
space permit it would be interesting to no.
tics various minor points that have been
skipped and tn carry our observations
through to the close of the meal, but the
limits OF a newspaper editorial will not
admit OF so extended an investigation.
Enough has been said to arouse interest
in the scbiect and 10 show the manner in
which the Investigation should b., carried
on. Since Lord Francis Bacon published
his great work, Novum Organum, the
world has more and more recognized the
fact that true science consists in the study
OF facts and the subsequent. search for
theories to explain them, rather than in
| the study of theories and tbe subsequent
search for facts to substantiate them.
Such should be the method EN- ployed in
the study of the present question, SO
vital to the happiness of mankind. Lay
ing aside preconceived opinions, we
should study the facts and accept the
/ conclusions they force upon us, however
novel and grotesque they may at first
seem. In the words of another great
philosopher, go to the we'll man, thou
dyspeptic, consider his ways and be
wise"