WCP7095

[1] [p. 138]

He modestly prefaces the result of his experiences by saying, "All this is rubbish. 'One man's meat is another man's poison' is a true saying of the wise ones of old." Rubbish it may be in his eyes, but not in the eyes of the reader. We may at least inquire without curiosity upon what diet must have been nourished so stalwart and enduring a physical frame."Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed, that he is grown so"—hale and strong?

(1) Food.—For the first seventy years of my life I ate everything or anything that I liked—and I liked too much pastry, muffins and such like, as well as potatoes, bacon, etc. I had a strong digestion, but when about sixty could not assimilate this, so a little later I had to give up all starch foods, and have since lived chiefly on one good meal of well-cooked meat a day, whereby I have lost a chronic asthma and other allied troubles.

(2) Drink.—I drank beer and wine in moderation in early life, but about twenty-five years ago gave it up altogether, and have been better without it. From experience and observation I feel sure that towards old age alcohol becomes more and more hurtful.

(3) Smoking.—Never practised it since early youth, when its effects literally sickened me of it! I believe that towards old age the minimum of carefully selected food, that can be thoroughly assimilated, is the best. Each person must find what is best for himself. Tea and coffee I take regularly, but without food. I work best morning and evening, after a cup of tea.

Alfred R. Wallace.