"Corpulence, an excessive development of the bodily fat—an "oily dropsy," in the words of Lord Byron—is a condition for which the physician is frequently consulted, and for which much may be done by judicious arrangement of the diet. The tendency to polysarcia or obesity is often hereditary, and is particularly apt to be manifest after the middle period of life. It may, however, be seen early, and in this country it is not very uncommon in young girls and young boys. A very important factor is overeating, a vice which is more prevalent and only a little behind overdrinking in its disastrous effects. A majority of persons over forty years of age habitually eat too much. In some of the most aggravated cases of obesity, however, this plays no part, and the unfortunate victim may be a notoriously small eater. A second element is lack of proper exercise; a third less important factor is the taking largely of alcoholic beverages, particularly beer."