Food, Medicine, and Poison

Name: Food, Medicine, and Poison
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work explores the distinctions between food, medicine, and poison, categorizing substances based on their effects on the body. It defines food as that which is fully digested, with parts assimilated and rejected. Medicine is characterized as being fully digested but only partially assimilated. Poison is identified as something that is digested but not assimilated, while mere obstruction refers to substances that are neither digested nor assimilated. The text delves into the complexities of how substances interact with the body, suggesting that the effects of certain poisons can manifest long after ingestion. It raises questions about the nature of poisons, including the possibility of delayed reactions, and hints at the historical narratives surrounding slow-acting poisons. The author reflects on the implications of these classifications, emphasizing the nuanced relationship between consumption and bodily health. The work serves as a philosophical inquiry into the nature of substances and their roles in human life, urging readers to consider the broader implications of what they consume and the potential consequences of those choices. It invites contemplation on the boundaries between nourishment, healing, and harm, ultimately challenging the reader to think critically about the substances they encounter in daily life.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1830 · Genre: Philosophy, Non-fiction, Health and Wellness · 132 words

First lines

1. That which is digested wholly, and part of which is assimilated, and part rejected, is -- Food.

2. That which is digested wholly, and the whole of which is partly assimilated, and partly not, is -- Medicine.

3. That which is digested, but not assimilated, is -- Poison.

4. That which is neither digested nor assimilated is -- Mere Obstruction.

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Food, Medicine, and Poison is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1830 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1830 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophy, Non-fiction, Health and Wellness, Literary Criticism, Science
Length: 132 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophy — The text explores the concepts of food, medicine, and poison, delving into their meanings and implications.
Non-fiction — The work presents a factual analysis of the distinctions between food, medicine, and poison.
Health and Wellness — The themes relate to health, nutrition, and the effects of substances on the body.
Literary Criticism — The writing style and thematic exploration can be analyzed within the context of literary discourse.