Source: Practical American Cookery and Domestic Economy, E. Hall, 1856.

“At the head of the vegetable class stands bread, that article of diet which, from general use, has received the name of the staff of life. … The custom of eating butter with bread, hot from the oven, is compatible only with very strong digestive powers…. and even buttered toast, though the bread be stale, is scarcely inferior in its effects on a weak stomach.”

Oh Elizabeth, you just squashed one of life’s greatest simple pleasures…

Note: Putrescency is to grow mold (putrid).