Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Supper

SUPPER is the evening refreshment, or the last meal which is usually taken, shortly before retiring to rest.

Since late dinners have, within these few years, become fashionable, suppers are in a great measure relinquished; but, as many persons still retain the latter practice, it should be remarked, that all flatulent and heavy food ought to be avoided; for, as digestion is more slowly effected during sleep, the stomach will become oppressed, and often troubled with nausea, eructations, accompanied with headach, &c. in the morning, consequent on excess in eating. Where, however, a healthy person is obliged to labour at the desk, or in any other sedentary manner, during the greater part of the night, it will be advisable to take a slight repast, such as bread-pudding, water-gruel, or milk with biscuit, toasted bread, and the like, at least one or two hours previously to bed-time. Nevertheless, to convalescents, it may, under certain circumstances, be allowable to eat an egg, or partake of a few oysters, or similar shell-fish, that atford a more solid nutriment than any of the dishes before mentioned; provided they agree with their digestive organs.