Among the Romans this was rather considered as a refreshment to prevent faintness, than as a meal to convey nourishment. It consisted principally of some light repast, without animal food or wine; but in modern times it is considered the principal meal, at which every species of luxurious gratification is indulged in. With regard to the proper 7 period at which invalids should dine, physicians entertain but one opinion: it should be in the middle of the day, or at about two or three o'clock. Sir A. Carlisle has justly observed, that it is thus best adapted to the decline of animal vigour, because it affords a timely replenishment before the evening waning of the vital powers, and which naturally precedes the hour of rest; besides which, the custom tends to prevent intemperance; while late hours and a consequent state of exhaustion demand, or seem to justify, an excessive indulgence in strong drinks, and in variety of food. The exact period, however, of dinner must be directed by the physician with reference to the necessary habits of his patient, the nature and time of his breakfast, and, above all, to the rapidity or slowness of his digestion. I will illustrate the importance of this precept by the relation of a case which lately fell under my own immediate notice and care.

A gentleman, resident in a distant part of the country, applied for my advice under the following circumstances. His health was generally good, but he had lost all appetite for his dinner, and constantly experienced a sensation of weight and uneasiness after that meal: I prescribed some laxative and bitter medicines, and after a fortnight had elapsed I again saw him. He then told me that he had not experienced the sensations of which he had complained for some time; but that the circumstance afforded him but little encouragement, as he had uniformly found the same beneficial change whenever he resided in London, which he was at a loss to explain, as he took the same exercise in the country. I then inquired whether the hour at which he dined was the same in both situations? when it appeared, that in the country he dined at three, and in London at about six. I immediately suspected the origin of the complaint, and fortunately touched the spring which unfolded the whole secret: his digestion was remarkably slow, and the dinner in the country was served up before the breakfast had been duly digested.

By my advice this evil was remedied; and he has never since had any reason to complain of want of appetite, or of the weight and oppression which had so long distressed him.

139. Tea

I have already stated my reasons for considering this repast as salutary; and where it is practicable, exercise should follow it.