The Pedestrian's Record

the pedestrian's record. 49 these form the tissues which enter into the composi­ tion of the animal body. The number of elementary substances existing in the human frame are about sixty-two; and of these, the most importantare oxygen carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, principally because they are contained within the vegetables andanimals used as food, and consequently their narration will assist us in our endeavours to explain " what to eat and what to refuse," when giving expression to our ideas on diet. If the composition of the body and of the foods which supply it with nutriment be known, the task of prescribing for its maintenance can be readily explained, in a manner so simple that he that " runneth can read " ; but in doing so we have three classes to deal with, and these represent any men who may consider themselves in good health, but in reality are not so. They may not experience any discomfort, in fact, may fancy they are in splendid condition, although at the same time they are in a diseased state ; for one is anaemic, representing the bloodless state. This is caused by imperfect assimi­ lation, or by an insufficient supply of blood to the various organs of the body. A second is plethoric ; this state is produced by a redundancy of blood, by an excess or undue appropriation of that fluid ; in this case the blood-vessels become distended, and the heart labours heavily under inordinate pressure. But although such is the case, yet the plethoric subject considers himself, and is said to be, in robust health, for he eats and drinks well, and sleeps soundly, e