The luxuries of life may be classed under two heads, as follows:

1. The Poisonous In Nature

The common condiments - salt, pepper, and spices.

Vinegar.

Fruit essences.

Meat extracts.

Boiled down sauces.

Wine and whiskey flavors.

Various soda fountain drinks.

Tea.

Coffee.

2. The Non-Poisonous Within Their Own Nature

Sugar - not in combination with natural foods. Pure candy.

Fruit juice flavors.

Fruit juice acids.

Pure ices.

Jellies - some kinds.

Some kinds of cake, pies, and puddings.

Oils and fats - not in combination with other foods.

Cocoa.

Luxuries of any kind are not essential to life, health or happiness. They are to food what tucks and ruffles are to clothing, and like them, the non- poisonous may be used with discretion to be pleasing, or with indiscretion to be disgusting. There are plenty of wholesome kinds of luxuries for variation without resorting to those destructive to living tissue.

An injurious luxury is one that is poisonous to the system no matter how little used. The slow poison gradually deadens or paralyzes the sensitive nerves of taste or smell and weakens the whole cell structure of the body, until a little does not satisfy. More and more must be indulged in to produce the same excited effect, until the blood is loaded and the tissues are saturated with not only one kind of poison, but with many kinds. The vitality that should be reserved to rebuild and establish strong perfect cells, able to resist disease, is constantly exhausted in an effort to eliminate this needless amount of poison, thus old age conditions and various diseases are fostered through habits of thoughtless slavery to stimulants, among all classes. Injurious luxuries add nothing to life and would never be craved or missed if a taste for them were not cultivated in early youth. The momentary sensation that is so deceiving promises delight, but yields only suffering from which every mother should strive to protect her child.

A non-poisonous luxury is one that is not poisonous within its self, but because of the combination or some condition the use of much of it is detrimental. They serve their only purpose when indulged sparingly, or not at all. At present all such things are looked upon from a false standpoint, the idea that because a little is good more will afford greater pleasure. The fine distinction of "enough" should be impressed upon the child mind for protection later in life.