We wish it to be distinctly understood at starting, that the present work is purely a cookery-book, written on the principles generally adopted by vegetarians; and as, until quite recently, there seemed to be in the minds of many some doubt as to the definition of vegetarianism, we will quote the following explanation from the head of the report of the London Vegetarian Society: - "The aims of the London Vegetarian Society are to advocate the total disuse of the flesh of animals (fish, flesh and fowl) as food and to promote a more extensive use of pulse, grains, fruits, nuts and other products of the vegetable kingdom, therefore propagating a principle tending essentially to true civilization, to universal humaneness and to the increase of happiness generally."

We have no intention of writing a treatise on vegetarianism, but we consider a few words of explanation necessary. Years back many people were under the impression that by vegetarianism was meant simply an abstention from flesh-meat, but that fish was allowed. Such, however, is not the case, according to the rules of most of the Vegetarian Societies of the day. On the other hand, strictly speaking, real vegetarians would not be allowed the use of eggs and milk; but it appears that many use these, though there are a considerable number of people who abstain.

There is no doubt that the vegetable kingdom, without either milk or eggs, contains every requisite for the support of the human body. In speaking on this subject, Sir Henry Thompson observes: - "The vegetable kingdom comprehends the cereals, legumes, roots, starches, sugar, herbs and fruits. people who style themselves vegetarians often consume milk, eggs, butter and lard, which are choice foods from the animal kingdom. There are other people, of course, who are strictly vegetarian eaters and such alone have any right to the title of vegetarians."

In the following pages will be found ample recipes for the benefit of parties who take either view. In questions of this kind there will always be found conflicting views. We have no wish or desire to give opinions, but consider it will be more advisable and probably render the book far more useful, if we confine ourselves as much as possible to facts.

The origin of vegetarianism is as old as the history of the world itself and probably from time immemorial there have been sects which have practiced vegetarianism, either as a religious duty, or under the belief that they would render the body more capable of performing religious duties. In the year 1098, or two years prior to the date of Henry I., there was a strictly vegetarian society formed in connection with the Christian Church, which lived entirely on herbs and roots and the society has lasted to the present day. Again, there have been many sects who, not so strict, have allowed themselves the use of fish.

Again, there are those who adopt a vegetarian course of diet on the ground of health. Many maintain that diseases like gout and dyspepsia would disappear were vegetarian diet strictly adhered to. On the other hand, we have physicians who maintain that the great cause of indigestion is not eating enough. An American physician, some years ago, alleged he had discovered the cause, his argument being that the more work the stomach had to do the stronger it would become, on the same principle that the arm of a blacksmith is more powerful in consequence of hard work. Of one thing we are certain and that is, there will always be rival physicians and rival sects; but the present work will simply be a guide to those who require, from whatever cause, a light form of diet.

Perhaps the greatest benefit vegetarians can do their cause - and there are many who think very strongly on the subject - is to endeavor to take a dispassionate view. Rome was not built in a day; and if we look back at the past history of this country, during the last half-century, in regard to food, we should see that there have been many natural changes at work. Waves of thought take place backwards and forwards, but still the tide may flow.

Some fifty years ago there was, undoubtedly, a strong impression (with a large number of right-minded people) that plenty of meat, beer and wine were good for all, even for young children. The medical profession are very apt to run in flocks and follow some well-known leader. At the period to which we refer, numbers of anxious mothers would have regarded the advice to bring up their children as vegetarians and teetotalers as positive cruelty. This old-fashioned idea has passed away.

One great motive for adopting a course of vegetarian diet is economy; and here we feel that we stand on firm ground, without danger of offending sincere opinions, which are often wrongly called prejudices. To a great extent, the majority of the human race are virtually vegetarians from necessity. Nor do we find feebleness either of mind or body necessarily ensues.

We believe there are tens of thousands of families who would give vegetarianism a trial were it not for fear. people are too apt to think that bodily strength depends upon the nature of the food we eat. In India we have a feeble race, living chiefly on rice. On the other hand, in China, for bodily strength, few can compare with the Coolies. For many years in Scotland the majority lived on oatmeal, while in Ireland they lived on potatoes.

We do not wish to argue anything from these points, but to bring them forward for consideration. Probably, strength of body and mind, as a general rule, depends upon breed and this argument tells two ways - it does not follow that vegetarians will be necessarily strong and will cease to be cruel; nor does it follow that those who have been accustomed all their lives to eat meat will cease to be strong should they become vegetarians. As we have said, the great motive that induces many to give vegetarianism a trial is economy; and if people would once get rid of the idea that they risk their health by making a trial, much would be done to advance the cause.

Cassell & Company, Limited: London, Paris & Melbourne. 1891.

Tags: Recipes and Cooking