Athothis : a satire on modern medicine / by Thomas C. Minor.

" But many Jews die from these diseases !" interrupted Paulus Androcydes. " True " replied Athothis. " But not at all in pro- portion to population. Besides, these affections are sometimes propagated in other ways. This is only one of many superstitions, founded on wisdom, to enable man to live longer.'*' " The waiter has taken the Westphalia ham!" remarked Paulus Androcydes, with a spiritual sigh of relief. " Behold ! the covers are removed from a pair of dainty quails and a tender spring chicken. AVe are also to have venison and egg sauce 1" " I prefer quail. They are old-time Egyptian friends!" said Athothis. " Yet, methinks these two gentlemen, with whom we are dining, reverse the ancient custom, which was to serve the quail in fruit jellies as a dessert at the end of a meal." " I prefer my quail stewed, and not broiled," quoth Paulus Androcydes. "And, following the directions laid down by Apicius, that famous gourmand in the court of Augustus, I believe that this delightful game should be cooked in a gravy, composed of salt, pepper, borage, fine mint, and a little honey, stirred up with oil and rich fruity wine, in equal proportions. As for spring chick- ens, they are fit only for invalids, and an admirable food for him that hath a delicate stomach. The venison looks tempting, but I fully agree with Rhazes, who insists that such meat is difficult to digest, although Celsus holds a contrary opinion. The egg sauce looks tempting, yet such food may really possess some of the medicinal qualities ascribed by the immortal Pliny. I suppose that your ancient Egyptians had an aversion to flesh, as well as fish ? Am I right ?"