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Custom pleads for the former, for then our ap∣petite being strong, and we coming with empty bellies, and importunate Hunger to our Dinners, feed largely, having re∣spect only to our pre∣sent Satiety, by which meanes (the space to
Supper time being but short, and consequently our Stomacks not yet empty) our appetite is then weak, so that (at least if we have any re∣gard to Health) we then feed sparingly, other∣wise we must expect a a very turbulent and restless Night.* 1.1 But set∣ting Custom aside, which is alike inclined to that which is bad as good: I conceive the healthfullest way is, to propose the Largest Meal for Supper: the largest I say, not to a Surcharge, or Surfet, for that is at no time good,
but to a competent Sa∣tiety: alwaies provid∣ed that it be somewhat early, as about six, that so a due space may in∣tervene between that and Bed time: That our Dinner be only ad mulcendam famem, to asswage Hunger, not sa∣tisfie it, but take off its Edg and Urgency till Supper. And that Sup∣per be Quasi Laboris & Cogitationum Terminus, and the time after it, till Bed time, be only de∣stined to Mirth and Pastime, pleasant both to the body and the mind.
My Reasons for larger Supper are, 1. Because the time after Supper is fittest for Concoction, as destined to Rest and Sleep, in which the heat & Spirits are not distra∣cted, or otherwise im∣ployed, in the Brain or limbs, as in the day time by Business or Labor but are totally retired, & imployed about Di∣gestion. 2. The Inter∣vening Space between Supper and Dinner, is much larger then be∣tween Dinner and Sup∣per; & the Heat & Spi∣rits have thereby the greater Help and op∣portunity
to perform their office of Digestion.
The strongest Ob∣jection against this that I can find is, in the case of those that are troub∣led with the Head-ach, Vertigo, Catarrhs, or any other infirmities of a weak and moist Brain.
To which I answer, first, that my enquiry was only of what is best for them that are in good state and con∣dition of Health, and that particular Infirmi∣ties require particular Rules.
2. I say, as to the pre∣sent case, that the early
Supping avoids the inconvenience; for that a sufficient space is allotted before sleep∣ing time, for the closure of the Stomack: nor can I but conceive that Motion and Labor, which is usual after Dinner, doth by Agita∣tion and subversion of the Stomack, hinder its Closure, and so more inclines to the Elevati∣on of Vapors, which is the cause of the infir∣mities in the objection mentioned.
To the Common Ar∣gument, of the assistance the Stomack finds by
the additional Heat of the Sun, for its Help to Digestion. I answer, that all external Heats are rather a Hinderance thereunto, then a Fur∣therance, for that they dissipate, and draw forth the Natural Heat, and leave the Inner parts more Cold and Helpless: This they shall soon experiment that sit by a great Fire, or in the Hot Sun after Meals; and the case is clear by our Stomacks, greater inability in the Summer then Winter: So that my assertion to me remains firm, which
therefore I commend to publick considerati∣on.
* 1.2The same Rules as are for Eating, serve al∣so for the times of Drinking, the only mo∣tive whereunto ought to be Thirst: the only ends of Drinking being to Moisten and make passable the Victuals; & therefore Moist Meats require little Drink, and solid require only so much, as well to temper them and prevent ob∣structions: They there∣fore who drink much at Meals, incur a double inconvenience. 1. By
making the Victuals Float in the Stomack, which ought to reside in the Bottom thereof, they hinder Digestion, and by over-much moistning the upper O∣rifice thereof, they keep it open, and so make the Vapors rise. And 2. It makes the Victuals pass too soon out of the Stomack, raw and in∣digested, whence come Fluxes in the Bowels, and putrid Crudities in the Veins and Arteries.
The best time of Drinking is about the middle of the Meal: for that best moistens
and contemperates the Meat, and so helps Di∣gestion: To Drink be∣fore too much, dissolves the Stomack, unless in those that have a very Currant passage, and then an houre must be allowed between. To drink after is very bad for those that are apt to Rheums and Head-aches. Avoid drink∣ing also at sleeping time, for that also di∣sposes to Vapors and Rheums. Drink also small draughts, for that best prevents fluctuati∣on, when the Drink in∣sensibly, and by little
and little mixes with the Victuals.
For those that Drink much, and frequently, ad Ebrietatem usque, 'tis in vain to prescribe Rules, 'tis better save that labor, that I know before hand will be lost: Only I shall pre∣sent them with a short scheam, at their leasure (if they can spare any from their Potations) to Contemplate upon.
Large Supper best.
Rules for drin∣king.