lemon juice should be disgarded in favour of liquorice (little bits being sucked at intervals) or of linseed tea.  I have often found an obstinate cough yield to a diet which contains lactic acid buttermilk, combined with the use of the new oxygen baths.  The lactic acid buttermilk can be obtained from any good dairy and should be taken in the morning fasting and at bedtime.

 WATER GRAPES.

W.G.B. writes:—­Referring to article in January number entitled “Grape juice for all,” I think perhaps it would interest others besides myself if Dr Knaggs would give us his opinion on the value of what are commonly termed “Water Grapes,” as compared with more expensive kinds.

On the Continent the grape cure is a popular method of treatment.  It is especially good for those who are anaemic and underfed as well as for those who suffer in the opposite way from over-feeding.  It depends upon which condition is present as to the kind of grapes selected for the cure.

Fully ripe grapes with but little acidity (water grapes) are best suited for persons suffering from anaemia and malnutrition.  The unripe or sour grapes answer best for cases of over-eating associated with constipation, gout and allied disorders of nutrition.  The excess of acid and cellulose helps the bowels and promotes elimination of the gouty poisons.

Our correspondent will note that for thin people who are pale and deficient in vitality the water grapes will be found most salutary.  They are best taken alone at breakfast without the addition of any other form of food.

 CEREAL FOOD IN THE TREATMENT OF NEURITIS.

E.J.H. writes:—­A friend of mine who is suffering from an attack of neuritis (not badly) is desirous of trying the diet of twice-baked standard bread as recommended by Dr Knaggs in an answer to a query in The Healthy Life some months since.  She has asked me if Dr Knaggs would limit the quantity of this bread taken in the course of the day.  If Dr Knaggs will very kindly tell me this I shall be greatly obliged.

Neuritis is a form of rheumatism or gout which involves the nerves.  Its usual starting centre is the spine itself, from which all the nerves of the body spring.  The diet needs to be greatly restricted so that the poisons can be eliminated.  The most important foods to cut down are the cereals because they are very slow to digest and are apt to cause constipation with its attendant self-poisoning of the system with uric and other acids.  Horses and animals suffer from neuritis from over-feeding with cereals and beans, and the stockbreeder or horse expert usually restricts these foods and gives plenty of grass, hay, chaff and green clover, which corrects the trouble.

The same thing applies equally to man.  He should take his cereals in the form they are the most easily assimilated—­namely, twice-baked