w UNITED STATES OF AMERICA *" . . FOUNDED 1836 WASHINGTON, D. C. B19574 LltCTUREi? O N DJET and REGIMEN: BEING A SYSTEMATIC INQUIRY INTO THC MOST RATIONAL MEANS OE PRESERVING HEALTH AND PROLONGING LIFE : TOGETHER WITH pirrsiozaciCAL and chemical explanations,, CALCULATED CHIEFLY FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES, IN ORDER TQ BANISH THE PREVAILING ABUSES AND PREJUDICES IN MEDICINE. =--\j-=^^g by A. F. M. WILLICH, m. i>. Qui ftomachum regem totius corporis cfle Contendunt, vera nite ratione videntur : Hujus enim validus tenor firmat omnia membra : ._ .. , At contra ejufdem franguntur cun&a dolore.. Serenus Sammonicu*, Dc Medicina Pracepta fatabtrrima. ________VoL-n- ..'f6*& the JFirCt "J3oQon, from tlje ©econo Hcnfiort, ©fcmon.. „ Corrected and improved, with conjlderabk Additions. boston: PRINTED BY MANNING ijf 10RING, For JOSEPH NANCREDE, No. 49, Marlbro'-Strcci l800. LECTURES ON DIET and R'EGIMER CHAP. VII. Of Food and Drink ;—their Quantity, Quali- ty, Proportion to each other', Time of taking them, &c.—Of Spices.— A Clarification of the mojl ufual alimentary Sub/lances, according to their individual Effeil on Health. ALTHOUGH it be certain, that animal life could not be fupported without food and drink, few individuals give themfelves the trouble of reflecting, how the very important function of aflimilating our aliment is accom- plifhed. That office of the flomach, by which all living creatures are fupported, deferves the attention of every inquifitive mind. Were I not confined in my plan to the relative falubri- ty of Food and Drink, without entering into phyfiolo^ical difquifitions, how the digeftive organs prepare and conduct the food from one ftage to another, till it is converted into chyle, and from that into blood, i might ainufe my readers with a variety of fpeculations anil B 14 OF FOOD AND DRINK. theories, none of which are fully eftabllihed ; but fuch digreflions, however entertaining or gratifying to curiofity, would be of little fer- vice, either in making the proper choice of al- iment, or in afcertaining its wholefome or pernicious qualities. If, in the early periods of fociety, when men fubfifted upon roots, plants, and animal food, as ' they were promifcuoufly found, people did not reflect, upon the relative falubrity of things, we have no right to cenfure them ; as they often might have been ftarved, before they could have difcovered their qualities. But if we, in our • prefent ftate of knowledge, neglect fuch inqui- ries ; if we indiscriminately feed on whatever is prefented to our palate ; fuch conduct de- ferves fevere animadverfion. For, if man af- fume the r5j;ht of calling himfelf Lord of the Creation, ' \» a duty incumbent on him, to make h! /'■■*[': acquainted with the nature and properties of thofe fub/tances, which fo effen- tially contrk.ute to animal exiftence. Hence it may be juftly afked, what are the corr'it.Li:; it parts of aliment—how are they to be diflu ■•'/.-" a \—are they of different kinds, or ti, thry, with all the difference of form and tail'*, inciii manifeft the fame properties, powers, and effects—do they promifcuoufly fupply all the parts of the human body, or are particular kinds of food more or lefs adapted to fupply the wants of different parts of the body—and laftly, lave all Jubilances, we make ufe of as food, an cqu'I fhare in this nutritive principle? Such a.< tNj queitions, which mult ariie in every i cf; ;aing mind j and as the prefervatioa OF FOOD AN'D DRINK. -I5 p£ the body depends fo much on the manner in which the continual wafte is fupplied, it is a matter of the firft confequence, to choofe the fubftances which are moft congenial to the different dates and conditions of the body. An eaftern Dervife was once afked by a wealthy Mahometan, " Of what fervice to " fociety is an order of men, who employ " themfelVes in fpeculative notions of divinity " and medicine ?"—" If you were more cau- —We can more eafily digeft a heavy meal, in four hours of accelerated refpiration and muf- cular action during the day, than in eight hours of fleep. This circumftance has led mankind to make their principal meal about the middle of the day. A perfon who fits up five or fix hours after fupper, will f el himfelf much more inclined to take a fecond fupper, than to go to bed- Abjlinence readily induces putrid difeafes : a fafting of twenty-four hours is followed with a difguft and averfion to food, which of itfelf is a fymptom of putrefcency, and is at length fuc? ceeded by delirium.—After taking for fome time too little food, the body is enfeebled; 22 OF FOOD AND DRTNK. the veffels are not fufficiently fupplied j their action on the whole mafs of the blood, and of the blood on the feveral veffels, is interrupted ', its free circulation is checked ; and the Imall- er veffels corrugate, fo that the thinneft blood is no longer capable of pervading them, as is the cafe in old age. When a perfon has fuf- fered fo much from extreme hunger y that his fluids are already in a putrefcent ftate, much, food muft not be given him at once ; for his contracted ftomach cannot digeft it. Such a body muft be fupported with liquid nourifh- mem, in fmall quantities, and be treated alto- gether like a patient in a pdtrid or nervous fe- ver. Hence, no animal food of any kind, but fubacid vegetables alone* can be given witb propriety. 2. As to the quality of ailment, we muft here inveftigate the nature of Digeftion. This func- tion may be aptly divided into two different proceffes : Solution and AJfimilation. Solution takes place in the ftomach, where the food is changed into a pulp, where it is dilfolved ac- cording to its greater or lefs folubility, and where its nourifhing particles are abforbed* Aflimilation only begins, when the folution has already taken place in the ftomach, when the nutritive fubftance, or the alimentary juice, is inhaled by the abforbent veffels, and con- ducted to the blood, by means of the lacteals. Aflimilation, therefore, is that function, by which the aliment is as it were aniinalized x. and hence it has been conjectured, that animal food is eafier digefted than vegetable, as being, more analogous to our nature, and more eafily converted into animal fluids* OF FOOD AND DRINK. 23 There are articles of eafy and of difficult di- geftion, in the animal as well as in the vegeta- ble kingdom : in both we find fome fubftances, which are completely indigeftible, and which pafs through the alimentary canal, without af- fording any nourifhrnent. The mqftfimple difhes are the mofil nourifhing. The multiplied combinations of fubftances, though they may pleafe the palate, are not con- ducive to health. All fubftances containing much jelly, whether animal or vegetable, are nourifhing ; for this alone affords nutriment; and the hard, watejy, and faline particles of food cannot be affimilated or converted into chyle. Nourifhing fubftances would, indeed, be more conformable to Nature ; but, as our appetite generally incites us to eat fomewhat more than is neceffary, we fhould acquire too much alimentary matter, and become too full of blood, if we were to choofe only fuch articles of food as contain a great quantity of jelly. Dr. Buchan veryjuftly obferves, that " the iC great art of preparing food is to blend the *' nutritive part of the aliment with afufflcient " quantity of fome light farinaceous fubftance, " in order to fill up the canal, without over- " charging it with more nutritious particles " than are neceffary for the fupport of the ani- " mal. This may be done either by bread or " other farinaceous fjubftances, of which there " is a great variety." Thofe, who are not employed in hard labour or exercife, do not require fuch nourifhing food as thofe, whofe nutritive fluids are in part confumed by muf- oilar exertions and violent perfpiration. 24 OF FOOD AND DRINK. Such as have fuffered frequent lofies of blood/ from whatever caufe, will beft reftore it by ftrong aliment; which, on the contrary, ought to be avoided by the plethoric. Thofe, laftly, ■uhofe frame is weakened and emaciated by irregularities and diffipation, fhould not at- tempt to eat much at a time, but rather repeat their meals more frequently, at proper and regular intervals. Whether we ought to make ufe of articles of eafy or difficult digeftion, cannot be deter- mined by general rules : every perfon muft attend to the effects, which fubftances of dif- ferent degrees of digeftibility produce on his ftomach. The chyle, when prepared of fub- ftances not eafily digeftible, is folid and con- centrated, and confequently affords a fubftan- tial mufcular fibre : but fuch fubftances as the ftcmach cannot digeft, ought never to be ufed as food. It is an important rule of diet, to eat if pofi fible of one kind of meat only, or, at all events, to eat of that difhfirfil which is the moft palata- ble. The ftomach is enabled to prepare the beft chyle from fimple fubftances, and will thence produce the moft healthy fluids. And if we follow the fecond part of this rule, we are in no danger of overloading the ftomach. At a table dietetically arranged, we ought to begin with thofe dimes which are moft diffi- cult to be digefted, and finifh pur meal with the moft eafy ; becaufe the former require ftronger digeftive powers, and more bile and faliva, all of which become defective towards the end of a heavy meal. The power of dk OF FOOD AND DRINK. 25 geftion in the ftomach is undoubtedly moft vigorous and active, when that organ is not too much diftended ; and the more coarfe fub- ftances alfo require a longer time for being duly aflimilated. To begin meals, as the French, Germans, and "Scots generally do, with fvups or broths, is highly improper and noxious. Thefe liquid difhes are ill calculated to prepare the ftomach for the reception of folid food ; as they not only weaken and fwell it by their bulk and weight, but alfo deprive it -of the appetite for the fucceeding part of the dinner. Every tenfion is attended with relaxation, fo that we imagine ourfelves fatisfied fooner than we are in reality. Befides, broths and foups require little digeftion, weaken the ftomach, and are attended with all the pernicious effects of oth- er warm and relaxing drinks. They are ben- eficial to the fick, to the aged, and to thofe who, from the want of teeth, have loft the power of maftication ; but for fuch perfons they ought to be fufficiently diluted, and not too much heated with fpices ;—otherwife they will be digefted with fome difficulty. Many individuals are accuftomed to fpend the whole forenoon without breakfaft, and feel no inconvenience from it, while others of a more delicate ftomach could not bear fuch abftinence, without unavoidable cravings and debility. The bufmefs of digeftion is ufually accomplifhed within three or four hours after a meal ; hence the ftomach is empty at rifing in the morning, and the body often enfeebled by long fafting. Our fcreakfaft mould there 26 OF FOOD AND DRINK. fore confift of more folid and nourifhing fub- ftances, than are now generally ufed for that^ meal ; efpecklly if our dinner is to be delay- ed till the late hours which modern fafhion prefcribes. We fhould breakfaft foon after v.e get up, dine about mid-day, and not pro- ti-act the hour of fupper till the time which I\'ature points'out for reft A principal rule of diet is to take food with an eafy and ferene mind ; hence it is prefera- ble tc\dine or fup in company : our food has thus more relifh, it agrees better with us, and we eat more flowly and cheerfully. But we ought not to indulge ourfelves in fitting too long at table, which is always pernicious to health. For digeftion takes place, even while we fit at table ; and as the ftomach, when gradually fupplied, craves for additional quan- tities of food, efpecially when a variety of pal- atable dimes ftimulates the appetite, we ought to be much on our guard againft thefe feduc- tions. Hence it is moft advifable to make our" dinner on one or two difhes ; becaufe we can eat more of a plurality of difl.es than of one or two only, and do not fo eafily perceive when the ftomach is overloaded.—To read, or otherwlfe exercife the mind, during the time of eating, islikev.iie improper. Gentle exercife, before dinner or fupp-:r, is v;i v conducive to increafe our appetite, by pro- moting the circulation of the blood. But too violent excicife impairs the appetite, and weakens the powers of the ftomach, by means of its fympathy with the other parts of the body. In proof, of :his, we feldom fee nco- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 27 pie worn out with fatigue able to partake of their ufual repafts^ rlhe exercife, however gentle, ought to be over at leaft half an hour before dinner ; becaufe it is hurtful to fit down to table immediately after great fatigue. As to our conduct after dinner■, it is fcarcery poffible to give rules that are generally appli- cable, and much lefs fo to every individual. From the contradictory opinion of the moft efteemed authors, they appear not to have difcriminated between the various ftates and conditions of animal life ; and as exercife was found to agree with fome conftitutions, and to difagree with others, a diverfity of opinions neceffarily arofe among thofe who were fo paflionately fond of reducing every thing to general rules. In order then to remove thefe difficulties, I think it neceffary to obferve, that though it be apparentlv confident with the inftinct of nature to reft fome time after dinner, according to the example of ani- mals, yet this time, as v. .11 as other concur- rent circumftances, deferves to be more pre- eifely determined. As foon as the food has entered the ftom- ach, the important office of digeftion begins: the vigour of the organs exerted on this occa- fion ought certainly not to be abridged by vio- lent exercife ; but mufcular and robuft people feel no inconvenience from gentle motion about one hour after the heavieft meal. On the con- trary, it is highly probable that the abdominal mufcles receive additional impetus, by exer- tions of a moderate kind. But as the whole procefs of digeftion is of much longer duration 28 OF FOOD AND DRINK. than is generally imagined, the afternoon hours cannot be employed advantageoufly to health, in any labor requiring ftrong exer- tions. The tranfition of the alimentary fluid into blood, which takes place in the third or fourth hour after a meal, and in fome people of a weak and flow digeftion much later, is always attended with fome increafe of irritability, which, in perfons of great fenfibility, may de- generate into a painful fenfation or illnefs. At this time, therefore, nervous and hypochon- driac perfons are frequently troubled with their ufual paroxyfms ; they are feized with anguifh, oppreffion, and an inclination to faint, without any external caufe. Perfons in this condition of body, as well as all febrile patients, and efpecially thofe who are troubled with ftomachic complaints, would act ex- tremely wrong and imprudent, to undertake any exercife whatever, before their* victuals be completely digefted ; as during digeftion all the fluids collect towards the ftomach. In violent exercife, or in an increafed ftate of perspiration, the fluids are forced to the ex- ternal parts, and withdrawn from the ftomach, where they are indifpenfalle to afiift the proper concoction. As to the propriety of fleeping after dinner; we may learn from thofe animals, which fleep after feeding, that a little indulgence of this kind cannot be hurtful. Yet this again can- not be eftablifhed as a general rule among men. For the animals which fleep after food, are for the malt part fupplied with articles of OF FOOD AND DRINK. 2Qj fo very difficult digeftion, and fo hard in th^r nature, that great digeftive powers are requited to convert them into alimentary matter. Hence this practice can be recommended only to the nervous and debilitated, to weakly perfons in general, who' are much employed in mental exercife, and are paft the middle1 age—ef- pecially after a heavy meal, in hot weather, and warm climates. Experience, however, teaches us, that, in this refpect, a fnort fleep, of a few minutes only, is fufficient and preferable to one of longer duration ; for, in the latter cafe, we lofe more by an increafe of infenfible perfora- tion, than is conducive to digeftion.—But the pofition of the body is far from being a matter of indifference. The beft is a reclined and not a horizontal pofture, from which head-ach may eafily arife, when the ftomach preffes upon the fubjacent interlines, and the blood is thereby impelled to the head.- The old practice of ftanding or walking after dinner is fo far improper, as it is hurtful to take exercife, while the ftomach is diftended by food, the fenfation of which lafts at leaft for one hour. In the primitive ages, people fubfifted chiefly upon plants and fruits. Even to this day, many fects. and whole nations, the Bra- mins for inftance, abftain from the ufe of an- imal food. The ancient Germans, alfo, who were fo renowned for their bodily ftrength, lived upon acorns, wood apples, four milk, and other productions of their then unculti- vated foil. In the prefent mode of life, here as well as on the Continent, a gfeat propor- C 2 30 OF FOOD AND DRINK. tfc>n of the poorer clafs of country-people fub- fift chiefly on vegetables ; but although they duly digeft their vegetable aliment, and^ be- coiee vigorous, yet it is certain, that animal food would anfwer thefe purpofes much better. Hence v in countries where the labouring clafs of people live principally upon animal food, thev far excel in bodily ftrength and duration of life. A popular writer obferves, that " ank " mal food is lefs adapted to the fedentary " than the laborious, whofe diet ought " to confift chiefly of vegetables. ln- " dulging in animal food renders men dull " and unfit for the purfuits of fcience, efpe- " cially when it is accompanied with the free *' ufe of ftrong liquors." This is fo far true, but Dr. Buchan ought to have added, that the vinfirm, and thofe who labour under complaints of indigeftion, will fuffer ftill more from the ufe of vegetable fubftances, which by their pe- culiar nature produce too much acid, and re- quire ftronger digeftive organs, in order to be changed into a good alimentary fluid. Dr. Buchan farther obferves, that " con- " fumptions fo common in England, are in " part owing to the great ufe of animal food." To thi3 affertion no one will give his affent, vho is acquainted with that clafs of men, who carry on the bufinefs of butchers, among whom it is as rare to hear of a confumptive ^erfon, as it is to find a failor troubled with me hypochondriafis. I muft quote another observation of this gentleman, to which I rannot implicitly fubferibe. Having remark- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 31 ed, that the moft common difeafe in this coun- try is the fcurvy ; that we find a taint of it in almoft every family, and in fome a very deep taint, he fays,—" that a difeafe fo general " muft have a general caufe, and there is none Cifo obvious, as the great quantity of animal " food devoured by the natives. As a proof, " that fcurvy arifes from this caufe, we are in " poffeflion of no remedy for that difeafe equal " to the free ufe of frefh vegetables." He likewife remarks, " that the choleric difpo- " fition of the Engl'ifh is almoft proverbial, " and if he were to aflign a caufe of it, it " would be their living fo much on animal " food ;" and finally, that" there is no doubt " but this induces a ferocity of temper un- *' known to men, whofe food is chiefly taken " from the vegetable kingdom." There is much truth mingled with much fallacy in thefe affertions. I will allow, that animal food predifpofes people to fcorbutic complaints, and that it renders men more bold and fanguinary in their temper ; but there are a variety of other caufes which produce a fim- ilar effect. Nor are the Englifh fo choleric a people as the Italians and lurks, both of whom, though fparing in the ufe of animal food, are uncommonly vindictive. It is farther not to be imputed to the confumption of flefh- meat, or the want of vegetables alone, that the fcurvy is fo frequent in this country, both on land and at lea. There appears to me to exift a powerful caufe, to which people pay very little attention, and from which the icurvy more frequently derives its origin than from J2 OF FOOD AND DRINK. agy other ; the difference of food being infaft only a concurrent caufe. If we confider the very fudden and frequent changes of temperature in our climate ; if we compare the prefent mode of living with that of our anceftors, who did not interrupt the dk jreftion of one meal by another, fuch as our rich luncheons in the forenoon, and our tea and coffee in the afternoon, when the digeftive organs are, as it were, drowned in thefe favour- ite liquids j—if, farther, we reflect upon the irregular manner in which our time of repofe is arranged, fo that we fpend a great part of our lifein the unwholefome night-air, partly at, hue furrers, and partly in the modern practice of travelling at night;—if all thefe cricumftanc- es, be duly weighed, we cannot be at a lofs to dis- cover a more general caufe of fcorbutic com- plaints, thjnthat of eating too muchanimal food. After thefe reflections, it will not be diffi- cult to comprehend, that the moft important of the human functions is materially injured, by thefe habitual irregularities. I allude to the infenfible perfpiration which is fo far from being; encouraged anc} fupported by fuch conduct* that the noxious particles, which ought to be' evaporated, are daily and hourly repelled, a- gain abforbed.by the lacteals, and reconducted to the mafs of the circulating fluids. Here they can produce no other effect than that of tainting the humours with acrimonious par- ticles, and difpofing them to a ftate of putref- cency and diflplution, which is the leading fymptom of fcurvy. Upon the minuteft in- quiries among fea-faring people, as well as the OF FOOD AND DRINK. 33 inhabitants of the country, I have been in- formed, that thofe individuals, who pay due attention to the ftate of their fkin, by wearing flannel fhirts and worfted ftockings, and by not expofing themfelves too often to night-air, or other irregularities, are feldom, if ever, trou- bled with fcurvy. To return to the fubjedt of animal food and its effects, it deferves to be remarked, that a too frequent and exceffive ufe of it difpofes the fluids to putrefaction, and, I believe in fome fanguine temperaments, communicates to the mind a degree of ferocity. Nations living chiefly upon the flefh of animals, like the Tar- tars, are in general more fierce than others j and the fame effect is manifeft in carnivorous animals : they emit a very difagreeable fmell, and both their flefh and milk has an unpleafant and difgufting tafte. Even a child will refufe the breaft, when its nurfe has eaten too much r animal food. Thofe who eat great quantities ' of meat, and little bread or vegetables, muft neceffarily acquire an offenlive breath. It ap- pears, therefore, to be moft fuite.ble and con- ducive to "health, to combine animal with vege- table food, in due proportions. This cannot be minutely afcertained, with refpect to every individual ; but, in general, two thirds or three fourths of vegetables, to one third or fourth part of meat, appears to be the moft proper. By this judicious mixture, we may avoid the difeafes arifing from a too copious ufe of either. Much, however, depends on the peculiar prop- erties of alimentary fubftances, belonging to one or the other of the different claffes* which we have now to inveftigate. 34 OF FOOD AND DRINK. Of Animal Food. It may ferve as a preliminary rule, th^tfrefh meat is the moft wholefome and nourifhing.. To preferve thefe qualities, however, it ought to be dreffed fo as to remain tender and juicy; for by this means it will be eafily digefted, and afford moft nourifhment. The flefh of tame animals is, upon the whole, preferable to game j and although the latter be, in general, more mellow, and eafier of digef- ti -, it does not contain the fweet jelly, and mild juices, with which the former is almoft uniformly impregnated. By the ufual mode of dreffing victuals, they lofe a confiderable part of their nutritious qual- ity, and become thereby lefs digeftible. Raw meat certainly contains the pureft and moft nourifhing juice. We do not, however, eat raw flefh, but there are fome fubftances which are frequently confumed in a ftate nearly ap- proaching to that of rawnefs. Such are the Weftphalia hams, Italian faufages, fmoked gecfe, falted herrings, and the like. Various modes of preparing and dreffing meat have been contrived, to render it more palatable, and better adapted to the ftomach. By expofure to the air, flefh becomes more foft, which obviouflyis the effeft of incipient putrefadion ; for, by this procefs, the volatile particles of ammoniacal fait are difengaged, and it is rendered more agreeable to the tafte! OF FOOD AND DRINK. 35 Pickled and fmoked meats,* fo commonly ufed in the northern and eaftern countries of Eu- rope, acquire an unnatural hardnefs, and com- municate a great degree of acrimony to the flu- ids of the human body. By boiling, flefh is de- prived of its nourifhing juice, as the gelatinous fubftance of the meat is extracted, and incor- porated in the broth ; and it is thus converted into a lefs nutritive and more oppreffive bur- den for the digeftive organs; becaufe the fpirituous and balfamic particles are too much evaporated during the boiling. The broth indeed contains the moft nourifhing part of it, but it is too much diluted to admit of an eafy digeftion. A better mode of dreffing meat is roafting, by which its ftrength is lefs wafted, and the fpirituous particles prevented from evaporating; a cruft is foon formed on its furface, and the nutritive principle better pref- ferved. Hence, one pound of roafted meat is, in .actual nourifhment, equal to two or three pounds of boiled meat._ The boiling of animal food is frequently per- formed in open veffels; which is not the beft method of rendering it tender, palatable, and nourifhing : clofe veffels only ought to be ufed for that purpofe. The culinary procefs called Jlewing is of all others the moil profitable and nutritious, and beft calculated to preferve * It is rpmarkab'e, that fmoltd meat is more readily digefted in a roru than boiled ftate. Experience affords ample proof of this aflerlion, efpcciaJly in the articles of fmoked hams and faufages; for the foft •■. buii-ous fluids which, by the joint procelles of piek- ling and fni<4 ing, have been effectually ekeompofed, or converted into ;t neutrj|J fubftance eonfifting of amiuoni.ical fait combined with animal jelly, are completely extracted by boiling, fo that lit- tle more than the dry flefliy fibres remain behind. 36 OF FOOD AND DRINK. and to concentrate the moft fubftantial parts of animal food. When we expofe articles of provifionto the fire, without any addition of moifture, it is call- ed baking. That fuch articles may not be too much dried by evaporation, they are ufually covered with pafte. Thus the meat, indeed, re- tains all its nutritive particles, becomes tender and eafily digeftible ; but the pafte is the more detrimental to the ftomach, as it generally con- fifts of an undue proportion of butter, which cannot be readily digefted in that ftate. When meat is fried, it is in fome degree deprived of its fubftance ; but, if the fire be ftrong enough, a folid cruft will foon be formed on its furface, by which the evaporation will be checked, and the flefh rendered mellow: the butter, or other fat ufed to prevent its adherence to the pan, give? it a burnt or empyreumatic tafte, and renders its digeftion in the ftomach rather difficult. Vegetables are, in general, not fo readily di- gefted, as even hard and tough animal fub- ftances ; which from their nature are more fpeedily aftimilated to the body ; but the flefh of young animals, with a proportionate quan- tity of wholefome vegetables, is the diet beft adapted to our fyftem. The flefh of fattened cattle is by no means wholefome ; thefe ani- mals lead a fluggifh and inactive life, and as they are furrounded in their dungeons by a bad and pu rid air, they confequently do not afford fluiJs falutary for th i ftomaeh. Though fat meat is more nourifhing than lean, fat being the cellular fubftance of animal OF FOOD AND DRINK. 37 jelly, yet to digeft this oilvmatter, there is re- quired, on account of its aiflicult folubility, a good bile, much faliva, and a vigorous ftom- ach. To prevent any bad effects, we ought to ufe a fufficient quantity of fait, which is an excellent folvent of fat, and changes it into a faponaceous mafs. Luxury has introduced an unnatural ope- ration, which makes the flefh of certain ani- mals at once delicate and nutritious; but the flefh of the fame animals is ftill more whole- fome in their unmutilated ftate, before they have been fuffered to copulate. The mucil- aginous and gelatinous parts of animals alone afford nourifhment; and according to the pro- portion of thefe contained m the meat, it is more or lefs nourifhing. We find mucilage to be a principal conftituent in vegetable, and jelly or gluten in animal bodies : hence far- inaceous fubftances contain the moft of the former, and the flefh of animals moft of the latter. A fubftantial jelly, as for ii.dance that of calf's feet, is more nourifhing than a thin chicken broth ; but it is more difficult to be digefted. In fummer, it is advifable to increafe the proportion of vegetable food, and to make ufe of acids, fuch as vinegar, lemons, oranges, and the like ; the blood being in that feafon much difpofed to putrefency. The man who contin- ually takes nourifhing food, is liable to become fat and plethoric ; while on the contrary the parfimonious, or the religious fanatic, from their abftinence, become thin and enfeebled : hence the medium, or a proper mixture of both D 38 OF FOOD AND DRINK. vegetable and animal nutriment, feems to be moft conducive to r&alth. I cannot fufficient- ly recommen., the following caution to thofe who are frequently troubled with a craving appetite : the more food the ftomach demands, it ought to be the more fparingly furnifhed with ftrongly nourifhing fubftances, in order to avoid obefity, or fatnefs j and much vegetable ■! food is in this cafe required, to counteract that j difpofition to putrefceUcy, which the frequent eating of nutritive fubftances neceffarily occa- fions. There are people who feel the fenfation of hunger in a painful degree, ,which generally arifes from too much acid being generated in the ftomach. A vegetable diet would be prej- udicial to fuch individuals ; they ought to in- creafe the proportion of animal food; and difhes containing . oily fubftances, in general, agree well with them. Bread and butter is ufeful to fuch perfons, in order to neutralize rheir acid acrimony, and at the fame time, to change the fat into a more foluble faponaceous fubftance. The caufe of this acid is frequent- ly a weaknefs in the ftomach, which cannot be cured in any other manner, than by ftrengthening bitters, and articles of nourifh- ment that are mildly aftringent, and promote warmth in the interlines ; and in this refpect, cold meat, as well as drink, is preferable to hot. The jelly of animals being the very fub- ftance, which renovates the folid parts, is ob- vioufly ferviceable and neceffary to nourifh the human body. As, however, each kind of an- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 39 imal has its peculiar jelly and fat, which can be nourifhing only when aflimilated to our na- ture by the digeftive organs; and as the differ- ent parts of animals require different degrees of digeftion, it will be neceffary to enter into more minute inquiries, refpecting thefe par- ticulars. Experience informs us, that the flefh and inteftines of young animals afford a thin, eafi- ly digeftible, and nutritive jelly. Old ani- mals, hard and tough flefh, cartilages, finews, ligaments, membranes, membranous thick in- teftines, and the finewy parts of thetegs, pro- duce a ftrong and vifcid jelly, which is diffi- cult to be digefted and aflimilated to our flu- ids. The more healthy the animal is, the ' ftronger will be the jelly, and the more nour- ifhing its fluids. The moft nutritious flefh is that of animals living in the open air, having much exercife and a copious mafs of blood, and particularly, if they are kept in dry and warm places. The alkali contained in the flefh of carnivorous animals is the caufe of the ball rio'irifhment it affords, and of the injurious confequences attending its ufe. "From the fimilarity in the ftructure of quadrupeds to that of man, it may be conjectured, that their jelly is fimilar to ours ; that fuch as are fed upon milk give the beft nourifhment; and that the flefh of female animals is more eafily digefted, but lefs nutritious than thatof the caftrated males, which in every refpect deferves the preference. After quadrupeds, we may ckfs birds, in point of nourifhment; then fifties ; next to them amphibious animals; and laftly infects. 4* €F FOOD AND DRINK. As animal food is ftrongly nourifhing, it generates blood, fat, and fpirituous particles, in a much greater quantity than vegetable ali- ment. The adivity and courage of carnivo- rous animals prove, that the feeding upon flefh gives fpirit and ftrength, heats the body, and preferves the mufcles in a lively ftate. For thefe reafons, much animal food is improper for thofe of a full habit and abundance of blood, for febrile patients, and thofe who are difpofed to hemorrhages or lofles of blood. The phlegmatic, on the contrary, and thofe of thin wateiy fluids, and a weak digeftion, may with fafety eat more animal than vegetable food.—Of the different kinds of flefh, game is moft heating ; that of young domeftic ani- mals leaft ; for inftance, of calves and chickens, particularly when they are eaten v.ith vegetable fubftances containing an acid, ' fuch as forrel, afparagus, &c. That animal food difpofes to putrefcency, 1 have before re- marked ; hence it ought to be fparingly ufed in fummer, and in hot climates. Perfons, whofe fluids already fhow a putrid tendency, and who are reminded of it by frequent erup- tions of the fkin, or who are already corpulent, fhould abftain from a too copious ufe of ani- mal food. I have alfo obferved, that the flefh of carnivo- rous animals has an extraordinary tendency to putrefaction, as is obvious from their fetid per- foration ; that it contains an acrimony and al- kalefcency foreign to our nature; and that it does not afford mild ii atriui'mt. Theflefh of <->ra- nivorous animals, partaking more of the vegeta- OF FOOD AND DRINK. J^l ble principle, is lefs fubject to putrefaction; and though it be lefs nourifhing, a;.d lefs abounding in fpirituous particles than that of the former, yet it fupplies us with a milder and more congenial aliment. The flefh of fifties, being, like the element in which they live, moft diftinct from the nature of man, is of all others the leaft whole- fome and nutritive. The tame quadrupeds that fuck the moth- er's milk, if they reft too much and are quick- ly fed, do not afford a good and well-prepared food. In animals, which have tender muf- cles and little exercife, thofe parts are probably the moft wholefome which are more in motion than others, fuch as the legs and head- Poultry furnifhes us with the moft valuable aliment, as it has excellent and well-digefted fluids, from its more frequent exercife and conftant refidence in the open and pure air, Some animals, when young, have tough and fpongy flefh, which is mollified and improved by age, and can be eaten only after a certain time, fuch as eels and carp. Others are hard when young, and muft be ufed early, becaufe ^that hardnefs increafes with their age ; as the haddoc, and many other fpecies of fifh. The flefh of old animals, that have lefs mufcular parts than the young ones of the fame fpe- cies, is indigeftible ; and we may lay it down as a general rule, that the more the flefh of an animal is difpofed to putrefaction, it is the more unwholefome. Veal, although affording lefs nutriment than the flefh of the fame animal in a ftate of ma- D 2 42 OF FOOD AND DRINK. twtty, contains many nourifhing and earthy particles, and produces little or no difpofition to flatulency : it ought, however, not to be brought to market, till the calf is at leaft fix weeks old, and fed, if polfible, on the mother's milk. Veal is not of a heating nature, and may therefore be allowed to febrile patients in a very weak ftate, efpecially with the addition of fome acid ;—it is alfo the moft proper food for perfons who have a difpofition to hemorrha- ges. On account of the great proportion it contains of vifcidity, perfons difpofed to phlegm and complaints of the abdomen, ought to ab- ftain from its ufe. For thefe reafons, we rec* ornmend veal-broth, efpecially in pectoral and inflammatory difeafes. The lungs, the liver, andflfhe tongue of veal, are lefs vifcous than the flefh ; and being eafily digefted, foft, and mild, they are very proper for fick perfons and convalefcents. No animal fat is lighter than this ; it mows the leaft difpofition to putref- cency ; and it may therefore be ufed, in pref- erence vto any other, by perfons of a fcorbutic taint. The fat of veai fhould not be boiled; the operation of boiling foftens its fibres too much, dhTolves the jelly, and renders it unfit for digeftion. But, by roafting, it becomes dri-r, and fomewhat more folid ; both the fe- rous and. thick parts of the blood are incra dated in the external veffels, the fibres are dried up, and a cruft is formed, beneath which the flu- ids are moved, an i changed into vapour, by th'- continued application of heat. In this op- f.ra.ion all the fibies iie, as it were, in a vapour- kuth, and are pcrfU'tiy fofteaed without lofmg OF FOOD AND DRINK. 43 any of the jelly. Roafting, therefore, may be confidered as the beft mode of preparing thij meat. Baking alfo forms a cruft over it like roafting, but the faf incraffated by heat may occafion inconvenience, as it poffeffes an oily acrimony, and is with difficulty digefted. For the fame reafon, it is improper to eat the burnt cruft of any meat, of which fome people are particularly fond, though it contains an empy- reumatic oil, highly pernicious, and altogether indigeftible by the ftomach. For roafting, the mellow and juicy kidney-piece, or the breaft of veal, deferves the preference : the leg is- too dry and fibrous ; it requires good teeth to be well chewed, renders the ufe of tooth-picks more neceffary than any other difh, and is fre- quently troubiefome to the ftomach. In fhort, veal does not agree well with weak and indolent ilomachs, which require to be exercifed with a firmer fpecies of meat. When boiled, it is but flightly nourifhing, and when we make a meal upon veal alone, we foon feel a renewal of the cravings of the appetite. For removing the acid from the ftomach, veal is the moft im- proper article of diet. But to patients recov- ering from indifpofition, firft may be given veal-broth, then roafted veal, and laftly beef; the properties of which we fhall now confider.* Beef aifords much good, animating, and ftrong nourifhment; and no other food is * A horrid cuftom has been introduced by luxury, of feeding calves cooped up in boxes fo fmall as to prevent all motion, and from -which light is totally excluded : by this cruel refinement their flefli is, by tpicures, thought to be rendered more white and delicate; hut if" humanity doct not revolt at this praflice, thofe who have any regard for health fhould avoid the ufe of the flefli of an animal rtiied in this uunatural.and putrescent ftate. 44 OF FOOD AND DRINK. equal to the flefli of a bullock of a middle age* On account of its heating nature it ought not to be ufed, where there is already an abun- dance of heat; and perfons of a violent tem- per fhould eat it in moderation. It is pecu- liarly ferviceable to hard-working men ; and ks fat is nearly as eafily digefted as that of veal. It deferves, however, to be remarked, that the tongue, the inteltines or tripe, and the fau- fages made of beef are more difficult of digef- tion than the mufcular part; and that it would be extremely improper to give them to nurfes, children, or lying-in women. The meat of old bullocks, fed and kept in the flail, when unfit for labour, is fcarcely di- geftible ; it is burdenfome to the ftomach, and contains, as well as that of old cows, (which is ftill worfe) no wholefome fluids. Though, beef be more frequently eaten boiled, yet it is more nourifhing and digeftible when roafted. Finally, beef is almoft the only fpecies of an- imal food, with which the ftomach is not ea~ fily furfeited, and which is in proper feafon throughout the whole year. Pork yields a copious and permanent nour- ifhment, which does not difagree with the ro- buft and laborious, but which, from its abund- ance of acrid fat, is not wholefome to perfons of a weak ftomach or fedentary life ; as thefe animals live and are fed in flies without exer- cife, and in an impure air. From the want of clean water, their flefh acquires a tough and itrong confiftence, and is indigeftible but by a ftrong and healthy bile. Perfons who have OF FOOD AND DRINK. 45 impure fluids, and a tendency to eruptions, as well as thofe who have wounds or ulcers, fhould refrain from the ufe of pork ; for this food will difpofe them to inflammation and gangrene : it is equally improper in a catarrh- al ftate of the breafl, in weak flomachs, coughs, and confumptions. The antient phyficians confidered pork as the beft and moft nutritious meat, if fupported by proper digeftive powers. But they were cer- tainly miftaken in this fuppofition ; for, al- though its quality is fuch as renders a fmaller quantity of it neceffary to fatisfy the cravings of the ftomach, yet veal and beef, taken in in- creafed proportions, afford equal, if not more nourifhment, and doubtlefs a more wholefome fupply of animal jelly, than pork, under fimi- lar circumftances of the individual, would produce. By allowing thefe animals clean food, and the enjoyment of pure air and ex- ercife, their flefh might be much improved in falubrity ; but the farmer is little anxious about the quality of the meat, if he can pro- duce it in greater quantity, which he is certain to obtain from the prefent unnatural mode of feeding fwine. People of delicate habits may fometimes eat pork fparingly; but it is an er- roneous notion that it requires a dram to aflift its digeftion ; for fpirituous liquors may in- deed prevent, but cannot promote its folution in the ftomach. It would be much better to drink nothing after pork for a fhoit time, as it is ufually very fat, and this fat is more fubtle and foluble than any other, and has nothing in it of the nature of tallow. 46 OF FOOD AND DRINK. Pork, eaten in moderation, is cafily digeft With thofe whofe digeftive organs are weak, no other fpecies of meat agrees in general fo well, as a fmall quantity of this. Hence the obje&ions made againfl it relate more to the quantity than to the quality or fubftance ; for if it be eaten in too great quantity, it is apt to corrupt the fluids, and to produce acrimony. We ought therefore to eat it felciom and fpar- ingly, and the appetite which many people have for this food fliould be kept within mod- erate bounds. The moft proper additions to pork, are the accidulated vegetables, fuch as goofeberry or apple-fauce; which not only gratify the palate, but correct its properties, neutralize, in a manner, its great proportion of fat, and thus operate beneficially on the alimentary canal.* The flefh of wild hogs, as they have more exercife than the tame, and do not live upon fubftances fo impure and corrupted, is more palatable, more eafrly digefted, lefs tough, not fo fat, and on account of their refidence in the open air, is. like all game, purer, but more li- able to putrefaction. * There is little to be apprehended from the worms in fwine, which, according to a late difeovery of*the celebrated NJaturalift GJrzK, in Germany, are natural to thefe animal. They refide in the cartilaginous vefitles of the liver, and when thefe vciicles burft in very hot weather, while the worms are yet extremely fmall, they pafs into the blood with other fluids, and gradually incr: uc in f\ze. Bit there is,no iuftance, that they have produced diftaies. unkfs arifing from difgufh Should it however, be found, ' trat thefe animalcule become vifible externally, and in greft quantities, the butchers ought not to be permitted to kill fudi hogs, as the flefli eafily acquires an uncommon acrim >::y, 1., much cifpofed to putrify.and confequently, improper to ht j.td as food. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 47 Smoaked hams are a very ftrong fooa. If eaten at a proper time, they are a wholefome ftimulus to the ftomach ; but boiling them ren- ders the digeftion ftill more difficult.—In fatt- ing any kind of meat, much of its jelly is wafh- ed away, the fibres become fluff, and thus heavier for the ftomach. The fait penetrates into the jelly itfelf, prevents its folution in the alimentary canal, and confequently makes it lefs conducive to nutrition.—JSyfmoaking, the fibres of meat are covered with a varnifh, the jelly is half burn*, the heat of the chimney oc- cafions the fait to concentrate, and the fat be- tween the mufcles to become rancid ; fo that fuch meat, although it may ftimulate the palate of the epicure, cannot be wholefome. Saufages, whether fried or boiled, are a fub- ftantial kind of nourifhment; they require, therefore, a ftrong bile to diffolve them, and a good ftomach to digeft them. They are not of an acrid nature, provided they have not too much pepper in their compofition, and be clofe- ly filled, fo as to contain no air. Blood Sau- fages, ufually called Black Puddings,'confifting of bacon and coagulated blood, which is to- tally indigeftible, are a bad and ill-contrived article of food ; and ftill more fo, if they have been ftrongly fmoked, by which procefs the blood becomes indurated, and the bacon more rancid : thus prepared, nothing can be more pernicious and deftructive to the beft fortified ftomach. The fpices ufually added to faufa- ges, correct, in fome degree, their hurtful prop- erties, but are infufticient to counteract the 48 OF FOOD AND DRINK. bad a^d highly difagreeable effects of rancid fubftances. Bacon is chiefly hardened fat, accumulated in the cellular texture under the fkin, and is of all meat the moft unwholefome ; it eafily turns rancid in the ftomach, or it is fo already by long hanging, and is particularly pernicious to thofe who are fubject to the heartburn. Lard, a fofter fat collected from the entrails and the mefentary of hogs, becomes eafily ran- cid, and is otherwife relaxing to the digeftive organs: for which reafons, it is feldom ufed in Englifh cookery. The mutton of fheep fed on dry paftures is a better and more nourifhing food than that of others reared in moift places. Thofe alfo fed upon the fea-fhore are excellent meat, the fa- line particles which they imbibe giving at once confiftency and purity to their flefh. The flefh of rams is tough and unpleafant, but that of ewes and ftill more that of weathers, is of a rich, vifcous nature. Young mutton is juicy and eafily digefted, but it is rather tough, and has not that balfamic alimentary juice peculiar to fheep above a certain age. The beft mut- ton is that of fheep not lefs than three, and not above fix years old. Under three years of age, it has not attained its perfection and flavour. A roafting piece of mutton ought to be ex- pofed to the open air for feveral days, according to the weather and feafon; it affords then a. palatable difh, which is eafily digefted, and agrees with every conftitution. But the fat of mutton is almoft indigeftible; for it eafily co- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 49 •Rgulates in the ftomach, and oppreffes that or- igan : hence the lean part of mutton is more nourifhing and conducive to health.—The feet ■of this animal are nourifhing, on account of their jelly, and are of great fervice for injec- tions, in thofe difeafes which criminate from acrimony in the interlines. Lamb rs a light and wholefome food, notfo nutritious as mutton, but extremely proper for •delicate flomachs. The vegetables moft prop- er to be eaten with lamb are thofe of an acid- ulated nature, as goofeberries, forrel, and the like. It is fafhionable to eat this meat when very young ; but a lamb that has been allowed to fuck fix months, is fatter and more mufcu- lar, and in every refpect better, than one which •has been killed when two months old, and be- fore it has had time to attain its proper con- fiftency. Houfe Lamb U a difli, priced merely becaufe it is unfeafonable. Like ail animals reared in an unnatural manner, its flefh is infipid and detrimental to health. 'The flefh of Goats is hard, indi^eftible, and unwholefome •, hence the meat of kids only is efculent, being more eafil) digefted, and } lad- ing a good nourifhment. The flefh of Deer (Venifon), and that of ■Hare, contain much good nutriment; but, to the detriment of health, thefe animals are generally eaten when half putiified, though they are naturally much difpofed to putr^fcen- cy. When properly drelf-d, they afford a mellow food, and are readily afiimilr.tL-d to cur fluids. -But as wild animals, f.cm th.ir $0 OF FOOD AND DRINK. conftant motion and exercife, acquire a drie* fort of flefh than that of the tame, it fhould never be boiled, but always ought to be roaft. ed or ftewed. From the fame caufe, the fluidl of wild animals are more heating, and more apt to putrify, than thofe of the domeftic, Perfons, therefore, who already have a pre- difpofition to fcurvy or other putrid difeafes^ fhould not eat much game, particularly in fum- mer. This pernicious tendency o{ game may be corrected by the addition of vinegar, acid of7lemons, or wine; falad alfo is very proper to be eaten with it. Thofe parts of wild ani- mals, which have the leaft motion, are the moft juicy and pab table: the back, for in- ft.ance, is the beft part of a hare. The lungs of animals contain nothing but air and blood-veffels, which are very tough, folid, difficult to be digefted, and afford little nourishment. Befidei, on account of the en- cyfted breath, and the mucus contained in them, they are in reality difguifing. The//w er, from its dry and earthy confidence, pro- duces a vitiated chyle, and obftructs the vef- feh ; hence it re aires a great qu. ntity of drink, and ou<_hi never to be ufed by the plethoric : the blood-veffels and biliary parts adhering to it, are particularly clifagr'eeable. The heart is dry, fcarcely digeftible,'and not very nourifhing. The kidneys alfo are acrid, hard, tough, and m.t eafily digefted by the dedicate. Thrf 2 inteftines, however, of y'ouna.: animals, fuch as calves and Iambs, produce aliment i\.m.:::mly wh ./i.-.fome. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 51 The fat and marrow of animals afford, in- deed, 'olid and elaftic alimentary juice, in- creaie the blood and fluids, but are difficult to be digefted ; they require a powerful ftomach, perfect maftication, fufficient faliva and bile, and agree beft with perfons who take much bodily exercife. If not duly digefted, they occafion diarrhoea, weaken the ftomach and the bowels, ftimulate too much by their un- common acrimony, and eafily turn rancid, efpecially when eaten together with meat much difpofed to putrefaction. They are apt to de- ftroy the elaftic power of the firft paffages, as well as of the whole body, to produce the heart-burn, cramp of the ftomach, and luad- ach, particularly in irritable habits, and, at fength, to generate an impure and acrimoni- ous blood. The blood of animal's is completely infoluble, consequently in no degree nourifhing. The milk L of very different confiflence and properties, not only according to tffe different kinds and fpecies of animals, but alfo in the fame fpecies, in confequence of the difference in feeding, conftitution of body, age, time of milking, and fo forth. Milk takes the lead among the articles of nourifhment. It affords the beft nutriment to perfons whofe lacteals and blood-veffels are too weak for deriving nourifhment from other provifions ; becaufe it is already converted into an alimentary fluid in the inteftines of an animal. Nature has appointed this nutritive fub- ftance, milk, as the food of children ; becaufe infants, on account of their growth, require $2 OF FOOD AND DRINK. much nourifhment. From this circumftance",, we may alfo conclude, that milk is eafily di- gefted by healthy ftomachs, fince at this early age the digeftive powers are but feeble. Milk- porridge, however, as well as thofe difhes in. the compofition of which milk and flour are ufed, frfve a manifeft tendency to obftruct the Iecteals or milk-veffels of the inteftines and the mefentc iy j a circumftance which renders them extremely unwholefome, particularly to chil- dren. Milk, although an animal production, does not readily undergo putrefaction ; as it is poffeffed of the properties of vegetable ali- ment, and turns fooner four than putrid. It affords a fubftantial alimentary fluid ; and hence it is of fervicc to perfons enfeebled by diffipation or difeafe. As the milk of animals contains more cream- than that of the human breaft, it ought to be diluted with water, when given to infants. It combines both faccharine and oily particles, and is a very feiviceable article of diet, in a putrefcent ftate of the blood, in inveterate ul- cers, and in the fcurvy. It is well calculated to alfuage rigidity, cramps, and pains, being a diluent and attenuating remedy, efpecially in the fate of whey ; it promotes perfpiration and evacuation in general, and is highly beneficial in fpitting of blood, hyfterics, hypochondriafis, dyfentery, inveterate coughs, convulfive affec- tions, the putria fore throat, and in complaints anfmg from worms. Milk is alfo ufed for fo- mentations, baths, emollient injections, and wafhes for inflamed and fore parts. If intend- ed as a medicine, it fhould be drunk immedi- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 53 ately or foon after it comes from the cow. Through boiling, and even by long Handing, the beft and moft nutxitious balfamic particles evaporate. The milk to be employed for diet in difeafes ought to be taken from healthy and well-nour- ifhed animals j for we fee in children how ^ much depends on the health of the mother, and how fuddenly they fuffer from an un- healthy or paflionate nurfe. In Spring and Summer, the milk is peculiarly good and whole- fome, on account of the falubrious nourifh- ment of herbs. In Winter it is much inferior. It is farther neceffary, that the animal furnilh- ing the milk fliould be kept in the free air, and have daily exercife. In order to obtain good milk, it would be advifeable, for perfons who have the opportunity, to keep a cow ; for, be- fides the adulteration of that which is fold, cows are frequently milked at an improper time, by which the milk is much injured, and cannot be wholefome. The beft milk is obtained from the cow at three or four years of age, about three months after producing the calf, and in a ferene Spring morning. Good cow's milk ought to be white, without any fmell j and fo fat, that a drop be- ing allowed, to fall on the nail will not run down in divifions. It is lighter, but contains more watery parts than the milk of fheep and goats j while, on the other hand, it is more thick and heavy than the milk of affes and mares, which come neareft.the confiftence of human milk. Ewe's milk is rich and nour- iihinj j and it yields much butter, .which is fo 54 OF FOOD -AND DRINK. unfavory, that it cannot be eaten. Both this and goat's milk produce much cheefe, which is tough, ftrong, pungent, and difficult to bo digefted. , As goats are fond of aftringent herbs, their milk is fu peri or in ftrength to that of other animals ; hence it has been fometimes ufed with the moft happy fucccfs in hyfteric cafes. Goat's whey and'afs's milk are chiefly ufed in pulmonary confumptions ; where afs's milk cannot be got, that of mares may be ufed as a fubftitute.* Miik confifts of cafeous, butyraceous, and watery parts ; that which contains a well-pro- portioned mixture of the three, is the moft wholefome. But this mixture is not always met with in due proportion—frequently the two firft, namely, cheefe and butter, predom- inate ; and in this cafe it affords indeed a ftrong food, but is difficult of digeftion. If the water form the greateft proportion, it is then eafily digefted, but lefs nourifhing. This is particularly the cafe with afs's milk, which,, more than any other, affects the urine and ftool,, while it has a tendency to purify the blood. On account of the warmth, and the mechan- ical procefs of the digeftive organ, joined to the chemical properties of the acid generated } in it, milk neceffarily coagulates in every ftom- ach. The cafeous part is diffolved, and dilut- * Artificial afs's milk, not inferior in its properties to the natural, may be made by the following procefs:—Take of eryngo-root or fe^-holly, and pearl barley, etch half an ounce; liquorice-root three ounces; water two pounds or one quart; boil it down over i. gentle fire to one pint, then ft: din it, and add an equal quantity of new cow's milk. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 55 ed by the admixture of the digeftive liquor,, and thus prepare^ for being changed into a pure chyle or milky fluid. Indeed, it makes no difference, whether we take cream, cheefe, and whey in fucccfTion, or whether we confume them united in the mafs of the milk: in the former cafe, the feparation takes place without, and in the latter within the ftomach. It is however improper to eat acid fubftan- ces together with milk, as this mafs would oc- cafion fermentation and corruption : while, on the contrary, the natural coagulation is on- ly a feparation of the conftituent parts, not a tranfition of this mild fluid into the ftage of acid fermentation ; for this is prevented by the faponaceous digeftive liquors, though the milk itfelf be coagulated. Yet milk is not a proper food for the debil- itated, in all cafes; nay, under certain cir- cumftances, it may even be hurtful. It does not, for inftance, agree with hypochondriacs ; as it occafions cramp of the ftomach, cholic, heartburn, and diarrhoea. Febrile patients, whofe weak organs of digeftion do not admit of nutritive food, and whofe preternatural heat would too eafily change the milk into a rancid mafs, muft abftain from it altogether. It difagrees alfo with the plethoric, the phleg- matic, and the corpulent; but particularly with tipplers, or thofe addicted to ftrong fpir- its. Its butyrous and cheefy parts may ob- ftruct digeftion and opprefs the ftomach. Laftly, four milk is unfit/or ufe, on account of the chemical decompofition which has taken place in its conftituent parts, and becaufe it $5 OF FOOD AND DRINK. can hardly be digefted by the moft powerful ftomach : even fweet milk tought not to be eaten together with fLfh meat, and in moft cafes the whey is preferable to the miik. With thefe exceptions, milk is an excellent fpecies of diet, which does net require ftrong digeftive organs, unlefs a variety of other fub- ftances be eaten along with it. On the con- trary, perfons much reduced in bodily vigour have received benefit, and in a great meafure been cured, by eating milk only. We daily obferve that children at the breaft, uith the natural inclination to acidity and vifcofity, feel its bad effects only, when, together with miik, they are fed upon cakes, paltry, ginger* bread, and other trafh. Milk being free from all acrimony, produces wholefome, light, and fweet blood. Sugar and fait are almoft the only proper fpices to be added to it. Cream is exceedingly nourifhing, but too fat and difficult to be digefted, in a fedentary life. Butter poffeffes at once all the good and bad properties of expreffed vegetable oils; ifc is the fooner tainted with a rancid bitter tafte if it be not fufficiently freed from the butted milk, after churning—Bread and butter re- quire ftrong and wed-exercifed powers of di- geftion.-It is a moft pernicious food to hot- tempered and bilious perfons, as well as to thofe of an impure ftomach. The good qual- ity of butter is marked by a very fat mining ^t^L • our' a8"eahle &™T>an* * I am difpofed to think it would be beneficial to r,„! . •* OP FOOD AND DRINK. $J Butter-milk is a fpecies of whey, but con- tains a great number of butyrous particles. If we drink it while new and fweet, it is refrefh- ing and cooling. Before I quit the fubject of milk, I cannot omit remarking, that this fluid, befides the qualities before enumerated, contains fome fpirituous parts, in a latent flate, with which our chemifts are little acquainted. And al- though thefe parts cannot be difengaged from the miik, and exhibited in a feparate form, yet it is certain, that the Perfians, and other inhabitants of the Eaft, prepare a kind of wine from milk, which poffeffes all the prop- erties of intoxicating liquors. Such is the report of refpectable travellers ; but I am in- clined to fufpect, that thefe Orientals make fome addition to the fweet whey, after the cafeous parts are feparated from it, by which they induce a vinous fermentation. Wheth- er they add honey, fugar, or any mucilagi- nous vegetal.de, containing the faccharme principle, I ilia.ll not attempt to decide : but k is well known, that the Chinefe ferment and diflil a liquor from a mixture of rice and ▼cal, which is not unpleafant when new. Cheefe is obtained from the tough part of the milk, which fubfides in coagulation, and which muft be completely freed from the whey. All cheefe is difficult to be digefted, tatbn of fait butter into every civi'iz-d country, where thehurt- f< 1 properties of it arc A-iBo'truly underaoocf.—Mdtcd fat, or the drippings of baked and roafled nie.n is. equally, if not more per- nicious to the ftomach, than even ftale butter, and both ought to. he ul.-d only for greafing cart wheels, aud not for injuring human, organ:.. 5$ OF FOOD AND DRINK. being the coarfeft and moft glutinous part of the milk, which the health) and laborious on- ly can concoct in their liomach. To others, it is too heavy ; it imparts a thick and acrid} chyle to the blood j it hardens in a weak ftomach, and accumulates an indurated earthy lump. When eaten new, in any confiderable quantity, it corrupts the fluids ; and if old,. it becomes patrid. In fmall quantities aften dinner, it can do no great harm, but it is ab- furd to nmpofe that it aflifts digeftion ; its effects, at aeft, being of a negative kind, that is, by producing a temporary ftimulus on the ftomach : and even this is the cafe only with found old cheefe which is neither too fat, nor too far advanced in the procefs of putrefaction. ioafltd cheefe, though more agreeable to fome palates than raw, is ftill more indigefli- ble. Cheefe, if too much falted, like that of the Dutch, acquires, when old, a pernicious acrimony. T ho green Cheefe of Switzerland, which is mixed wiih a j.cwi!cr of the wild Meliiot, cr the Trifolium Melilolus, L., and the mild-r Sage-Cmcdes prepared in Eng- land, are the almoft only kind which may be eaten without injury ; and even theie mould be uied in moderation.* •To fcow the ftrongly vifcid quality of cheefe, and whs* power* of _d.grft.on « rnnft require to affimibte it to our flu d flull ment.on a cc-rnpofit.on «•:,,:, may be ufeful, as the ftrom-eft cement yet ccntnved, lo; nu .ding chin;, cups, g|afi „ andTil Lee. A ,:ece of Chefhire ex Ounfcerter cheefe /l o£a Tn three or fourduFereut water,, till it form a foft and claU c mai reed Of the v.r|)ty and other extraneous ingredients After w prtfled an th€ t from lhi. ^ ^ ^ y^^~ w i'-j-i > ruu.su upon a piece oi marble, fuch a, j, Uitd by OF POOD AND DRINK. 59 Birds, as they move in the pureft and moft healthy atmofphere, poffefs the beft prepared and moft wholefome alimentary fubftance ; yet the flefh of birds, though more eafilv di- gefted, is lefs nourifhing than that of quadru- peds ; as on account of their -conftant exercife the whole winged tribe have drier mufcles, confequently a lefs nutritious juice. Thofe birds particularly, which fubfift upon worms, infecls, and fifhes, are not wholefome ; and if they frequent fwampy and filthy places, their flefli will afford meagre and impure nourifh- ment. Some parts of fowls are lefs wholefome than others. The wings of thofe whofe prin- cipal exercife is flying, and the legs of thofe that generally run, are the drieft parts of their bodies : hence the breaft is, in all, the fofteft and moft nutritive part. Young poultry is • preferable to that of fome years old, which have very tough mufcles, and are heavier to the ftomach. Birds living upon grain and berries are in allrefpecls the beft ; next, thofe feeding upon infects ; and laft of all, that clafs of birds which preys and fubiifts upon fifhes. Thefe indeed, like all other animals, whofe proper food i flefli, are eaten only by favage nations, wild aid tame ducks and geefe excepted; which, by their ftrong flefli, and the inclina- colour-nvn ; and as much unflaclcd or quicU-'nne in powder muft be adJvd, .is will be aWorbed by the cheefe, without m k- ig it too hard This conp uind fornv. the itrongeft pol&blc ce- aiewt; if allow d tu J./ flow!/, if is able to withftaudlire a* v.-^il a* water. 6c OF FOOD AND DRINK. tion of their fluids to putrefcency, are lefs wholefome than any oth.-r bird. AVater-fo\dk afford the I aft beneficial fpoJ. In general we find winged animals out m feafon in Spring; p irtly becaufe moft oirfhem are then pairing, and par}ly on .account of the long journeys of thofe that are birds of paffage, by which they become leaner than at any other time of the year ; yet fome bi-ds of paffage do not arrive in this climate till towards Autumn. It is remarkable, that moft birds, when tak- en from their wild ftate, and fed in captivity, fuch as partridges, larks, and others, lofq much of their peculiar flavour, which is alio. the cafe with wild quadrupeds. Yet thofe tame and domefticated fowls and animal*, that are well fed in yards and flails, are gen- erally more fat and mufcular than thofe which ' are obliged to feek their own food. Old fowls are the moft ferviceable for broth ; or they-, might be boiled in clofe veffels, where they can macerate for fome hours, till they are com- plexly foftened by the fteam. Fowls Iofe much of their fine flavour, if boiled ; they are therefore beft roafted, except the fmaller kimij, which ought to be baked. All birds living upon grain and berries n-l0rig/?°d nu:riment» excePt geefe and duck^. 1 he flefh of the goofe is unwholefome, efpeci- ally when fed in fmall inclofures, without exercife ; which practice is fometimes carried • io far, as cruelly to n.il the animal to a board through the feet, to prevent its motion. Its fat is almoft totally indigeftible : its flefh pro- duces a very cbvious ar.d bad eficcT upon, OF FOOD AND DRINK, 6l Wounds* and ulcers. It is alfo pernicious to thofe who are difpofed to inflammatory difeafes, and to cutaneous eruptions.—A young hen, or chicken, is a very wholefome difh ; its veg- etable aliment produces a mild and fweet chyle ; and the whitenefs of its flefh fhows its excellent quality. As it is eafily digefted, it is a difh to be recommended to the weak and de- bilitated ; and it agrees beft with individuals of an acrid and mucous tendency, or fuch as are troubled with biliary and ftomachic diforders. The Capon is one of the moft delicate difh- es ; if eaten when young, he yields a ftrong and good chyle; his flefh is not of a heating nature, is not difpofed to putrefcency, and the fat itfelf is eafily digefted. Turkeys, as well as Guinea or India fowls, yield a ftrong ali- ment, but are more difficult of digeftion than the capon ; particularly the lege, wings and fat. Thefe birds, when roafted, are ufually filled with fome kind of heavy pudding, which is a favourite morfel with many, but requires the ftrongeft digeftive powers.—The old prej- udices, that the flefh of capons is productive of the gout, and that of fparrows brings on epileptic fits, are too abfurd to require refuta- tion. Among the birds fubfifting on infe&s, there are few eaten, except the various kinds of fnipes and flarlines. All of them, without ex- ception, confift of hard, unfavoury, and fcarce- ly digeftible flefh. It would be ufelefs to enumerate the vari- ous birds living upon fifh, which are eaten in other countries. They all have a^tafle of fifh, F 62 OF FOOD AND DRINK. and afford a poor aliment. The ducks and geefe only are eaten in Britain : of thefe the former afford the better nourifhment, as they are generally not fo abundantly fat as the lat- ter, and are permitted to move about in the open air. But they ought not to be fuffered to repair to flagnant waters, which they fwal- low, and which taint their fluids and flefh with qualities detrimental to health. Next to milk, no nutriment is fo fimple and falutary as that of bird's eggs, among which thofe of hens juflly deferve the preference, in refpeft of nourifhment, tafte, and digeftion. * The albumen, or the white of eggs, corref- ponds to our ferum, or the water of the blood ; it is diffolved in a warm temperature, but confiderable heat makes it hard, tough, dry, and infoluble. The yolk of eggs is more foluble, contains much oil, and is uncommon. ly nourifhing, but has a ftrong tendency to putrefaction : hence eggs muft be eaten while frefh. People of a weak ftomach ought to eat no kind of food eafily pu'rcfcible,*confequent- ly no eggs. To thofe, on the contrary, who digeft well, a frcfh egg, boiled foft, (or rath- er ftewed in hot water, from five to ten min- utes, without allowing it to boil) is a very light, proper, and, at the fame time, nour- ifhing food. Hard-boiled eggs, fried eggs, pan-cakes, and all artificial preparation of eggs, are heavy on the ftomach, corrupt our fluids, and are unwholefome. The eggs of ducks and geefe ought not to be eaten, but by perfons of the moft adlive and powerful ftomachs. All eggs OT FOOD AND DRINK. 63 require a fufficient quantity of fait, to promote their folution in the digeftive organ ; yet but- ter renders them ftill more difficult of di- geftion : hence it is equally abfurd and perni- cious to ufe much butter, with a view to foften hard boiled eggs. We cannot be too circum- fpe£t in the ufe of eggs, as to their frefhnefs ; for there are examples, of perfons, after hav- ing ufed corrupted, or only tainted eggs, being feized with putrid fevers.* * Various modes of preferving eggs have been contrived in domeftic life. To prevent the external air from pervading the tgg, is the principal requifite. 'With this intention fome fmear them with butter, others pack them in bran or common fait; the farmers in Germany fufpend them in frcth river-water, by means of a net ; but alt thefe methods are troublefome and uncertain. The belt way of preferving them to any length of time, is to place them in a very ftrong lime-water, to leave fome lime at the bot- tom of the vefl'el, and if the water fhould become turbid, to pour it ofFand fupply it with a freih infufion. This may be done with boiling water, to diffolve more of the lime ; but it muft be allowed to become perfectly cold before the eggs are placed in it. I fhall here take notice of a method lately contrived to preferve animal and vegetable fubftances, to almoft any length of time, without fairing or pickling. A Mr. Dona: dson has obtained his Majefty's Letters Patent, for invciring a powder, which is faid to pofiefs the extraordinary virtues ot preferving the flelh of ani- mals, as well as vegetable root's, to an indefinite length of time. If this be true, (though I am much inclined to doubt it) it is eafy to conceive how the Egyptian mummies could be preferved for ftVcral thoufand years. Our Eaft and Weft' India veffels may now fave themselves the trouble of taking live ftock on board. In order to afford an opportunity of judging of the merits of Mr. Donaldfon's powder, or of giving it a fair trial, I fhall briefly ftate its component parts, as recorded in the Patent—Any quan- tity of vegetable gum, fuch as Gum Arabic, or that of cherry-trees, in fine powder, is mixed with an equal quantity of fine flour of wheat or barley : this is made into a pafte, and baked in an oven, contrived for that purpofe, with a very gentle heat, fo as to pre- vent it from forming a cruft. The dry mafs is again reduced to a fine powder, and this ir. the great and aftonifliing prefervative.— Either animal or \^getable fubftances furrounded with this pow- der, and packed n clofe boxes in that ftate, according to the pro- ftfiions of the Patentee, keep frefli, and free from corruption, for almoft any length of time.—Relatu r.-fero. 64 OF FOOD AND D^-INK. Fifi, though of a tender flefh, afford upon the whole but a weak nourifhment. They are more or lefs difficult to digeft, according to the different kinds of water in which they live. Being of all animal fubftances the moft pu- trefcible, they are much inferior in quality to birds and quadrupeds, on which account they ought not to be eaten by febrile patients and convalefcents. Their fat is ftill more in. foluble and indigeftible than that of other an- imals, and readily turns rancid. On account of their indifferent qualities, no fatiety is more noxious than that of fifh. Acid fauces and pickles, calculated to refill putrefaction, render fifh fomewhat better, and more wholefome for the ftomach, while butter has a tendency to prevent digeftion, and to promote the corruption of their flefh. On the contrary, fpice and fait, ufed in moderate quantities, ftimulate the fibres of the ftomach to exert their action, and facilitate the digeft- ive procefs. Fifh dried in the open air, and afterwards boiled foft, are eafily digefted ; but all failed fea-fift?j as well as fmoked fifh, are injurious to the ftomach, and afford little nutrition. The fame remark, though in an inferior de- gree, applies to fifh prefe/ved in vinegar and fpice. In general, the heads and tails con- taining the leaft fat, are the lighteft parts for digeftion, as on the contrary the belly is the heavieft. Such as have a tender flefh are fooner digefted than thofe of a hard and tough confiftence. The foft and mucilaginous fifties, like the eel, are part!;, compofed of an oily.-flime, part- OE FOOD AND DRINK. 6$ ly of tough fibres, and are confequently not eafily digefted. Thofe living in ponds, ditch- es, and other ftanding waters, are certainly lefs wholefome than river fifh, whofe exercife is greater, and whofe natural element is purer. For ftanding water eafily putrifies, and the fifh lodging in the mire of fuch refervoirs, contin- ually feed upon the putrid parts. But the fame kind of river fifh is alfo of different qual- ities, according to their different nourifhment. Thus, thofe caught, in rivers contiguous to great towns, are lefs falubrious than others ; becaufe they neceffarily receive great quanti- ties of the impurities thrown into fuch rivers. Salt-water fifh are perhaps- the beft of any, as their flefh is more folid, more agreeable and healthy, lefs expofed to putrefcency, and lefs vifcid. Thefe excellent qualities they poffefs when frefli; when falted, they have all the properties of falt-flefh, and confequently its difadvantages. With refpecl to herrings, it is certain, that of all the fea-fi/h they are moft eafily digefted : and fait-herrings, in particu- lar, if eaten in fmall quantities, diffolve the flime in the ftomach, flimulate the appetite, create thlrft, and do not readily putrify by long keeping. Among the amphibious animals, ttie legs of frogs are in fome countries efteemed a delicate difh ; yet, as they contain a large portion of fat, the ftomach* cannot eafily digeft themy without the addition of much fait. The fame observation applies to the Turtle, as well as the Weft-Indian Guana, a fpecies of Lizard, two or three feet long, of a moft forbidding ap- F 2- 66 OF FOOD AND DRINK* pearance ; but its flefh is delicate and fall*. brious, much refembling that of a chicken.-* We alio eat lobfters and crxL:, which are. fpecies of water-infe&s : as bot.i of them, how- ever, generally arrive at a ftage approaching to putrefaction, before they are fold in inland towns, their confumption is attended with con-. fiderable danger. Befides, the flefh of lobfters, in particular, is not eafily digefted, as it pof- feffes a peculiar acrimony, which in fwallow- ing fometimes occafions paiii in the throat Some people, it is laid, have been affetted with eruptions of the fkin, pain in the ftom- ach, and rheumatifms, arifing from the ufe of lobfters. Their jelly, however, is mild and nourifhing.* * The flefh of ri-ucr hljlers is more delicate than that of the -fca-lebfter ; but it is at the fame time more fubjeck to putrefac- tion, and ought therefore to be ufed in a frefli (late, with much fait or vinegar. In Germany and other parts of the Continent, lake and rivtr-tobfter3 are always boiled alive, and generally in mjlk: a_ difh much efteemtd in families, and of which children are particularly fond.—The Germans cook various fpecies of frefli-wctti:r-{jfh in milk: and although palatable difhes may thui he prepared, yet, on account of the incongruous variety of fub- ftances, I cannot ; pprove of the mixture. There is, however, a method of obtaining from lobfters a very excellent and wholefome jtily, the particulars of -*hkh I fhall here communicate to the re.»;er, upon tb■. authority of a refpeclable phyfician at 1 i.im- t-.-.rgh. " i ke th* flelh of about thirty river-lobfters fufficiemly b i!cd; cut it in fmall pie^s, a'u. place it in a capacious earthen vt-flel, over a gentle fire, with one ounce of frefh butter. After the butter is completely abforbcd.add the r !t;.i. flefh and flcin of to calves' feet, r..ul tour r;... i% ot pure foft water. Thefe in- gredients muft he fi-nnicrtt. -..vera moderate fire, till tbt whole of the m ,fs amount to rather more than one quart. In : at ftate, h^.li a drachm of powdered ntvtmtg, and a ha;allt.l of chervil, n.uftbe added ; and after having allowed it to boil up again, 'be pure ft \> .rt of this mafs i* to be parted through a Uror," linen cloth. When p! .:-!, for fome hours, in a cellar or i'uV.u' other cool p>.ace,rt K.ri.is a hr>. ;.< , iy, two or thtee fpoonfuls cf which wi;l impart uncomin n r.chr.efs and flavour to a hafonful of com- mon vcl or chicken br;-.:h "—I nuke no doubt tb.t a fimilar jel- ») :i..< be pret.:tu of i:u..a fe^-le titers, if they c„u be had alive. OP FOOD AND DRINK. 6*] Oyfters are eaten both raw, and dreffed: when raw, they are in every refpe£t preferable ; for, by cooking, they are deprived of the falt- water which promotes their digeftion in the hu- man ftomach, as well as of a great proportion of their nourifhing jelly. Raw oyfters are eafily digefted, and may be eaten, with great advantage, by the robuft, as well as by the weak and confumptive ; as this fhell-nfh pof- feffes more nutritive animal jelly than almoft any other. They farther are generally at- tended with a laxative effe&, if eaten in any quantity : hence they afford an excellent flip- per to thofe liable to coftivenefs. Snails, though fel-dom eaten in this coun- try, are equally nourifhing and wholefome. % On account of their gelatinous nature, they have lately been much ufed againft confump- tions; and as thefe complaints are now. very frequent in Britain, it were to be wifhed that fuch patients may give this remedy a fair tri- al, by boiling a dozen of the red garden- mails every evening in a quart erf fweet milk or whey, for half an hour, then ftraining the liquor through a coarfe cloth, and drinking it with fugar every morning gradually upon an empty ftomach ; and repeating^thefe draughts for a month or two, if required. r! his red garden-fnail (or the Helix Pomatia, L.) has alfo been ufed externally in the open hem- orrhoids, where frefh mails were applied, every two or three hours, in a raw ftate, with remarkable fuccefs. Mufcles are of a more folid texture, and therefore not fo eafdy digefted as oyfters. The fea-mufcles afford a hard, indigeitiWe, 6£ QE FOOD AND DRINK and, as fome imagine, poifonous food. Al- though the examples of their deleterious na- ture be very rare, yet they ought not to be eaten without vinegar, or fome other vegeta^ ble acid, acting as a corre&or of their badt qualities, or, in the opinion of others, as am antidote. Of Vegetable Aliment. The various, articles of nourifhment we derive from the Vegetable Kingdom, may with, propriety be divided into five orders : i ft, The different fpecies of farina, or grain,, fuch as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. 2d, The legumes, or pulfe, fuch. as peas, beans, &c. 3d, The various kinds of falads and pot* herbs. 4th, All the different roots; and, 5th, Fruit* or the production of trees and; flarubs. The firft of thefe, namely the farinaceous,. are very nourifhing, on account of the copious mucilage they contain j but they are likewife difficult to digeft. Bread itfelf, though juftly called the flaffof life, if eaten too freely, or to ferve as a meal, produces vifcidity or flime, obftrufts the inteftines, and lays the founda* tion of habitual coftivenefs* All difhes pre? pared of flour, are not only nourifhing, but are emollient, attenuating, and corred acrimony* Leavened bread, or fuch as has acquired an acidulated tafte by a flow fermentation of the dough, is, cooling and antifeptic j a circum- Or FOOD AND DRINK. 69 fiance well eftablifhed by experience. By this procefs of preparing the dough, all the rough parts are moft intimately mixed with the drier parts of the flour, and the f.xeo air is expelled in baking. New-baked bread always contains much of an indigeftiKe pafte, which is reme- died, either by allowing it to d y for two or three days, or by toafting it. This ought to be done regularly, particularly in times of fcarcity, both on account of health and econo- my. Stale bread, in every rcfpect, deferves the preference: and perfons troubled with flat- ulency, cramp of the ftomach, and indigeftion, fhould not upon any account eat new bread, and ftill lefs hot rolls and buttt-r. Indeed, all paftry whatever is unwholefome, efpecially when hot. Thofe who devour hot pies with avidity, fhould confidcr, that they contain an uncommon quantity of air, which diftends the ftomach, and produces the moft alarming and dangerous cholics, and incurable obftructions, infomuch that the ftomach and bowels have bem known to burft. The porous quality of bread arifes from the fixed air having been ex- pelled in baking ; and the more fpongy the bread, it is the more wholefome. But new- baked bread, and rolls in particular, require a found ftomach ; becaufe they contain much mucilage, not having parted with all their moifture ; and wheat-flour is more vifcid than that of rye, which is the bread^corn of moft nafions on the Continent. Bread and butter, together with cheefe, as they are eaten in Holland and Germany, form a mafs fcarcely digeftible. The external fur- jq OF FOOD AND DRINK. face/>f bread, or the cruft, which has beei more"dried by the heat of the oven, is eafieft digefted ; it contains the empyreumatic part, expelled by fire from the flour ; it produces an emollient effect, on the bowels ; but, at the fame time, is more heating and lefs nourifhing than the fofter part, or crumb. The great difference in bread is owing, partly to the different fpecies of grain from which it is made, partly to the time the flour has been kept; for, when new, it is more dif- ficult to deprive it of its tenacity ; partly to its being more or lefs cleaned from the bran; partly to the different methods of fermenting and baking it; to the difference in the water with which the flour has been kneaded ; and laftly, to the various ingredients of which the pafte has been compounded. The foftnefs of the mill-ftones ufed in grinding the flour, may alfo vitiate the bread, by introducing particles of'fand and marble, fo as to make it equally noxious to the teeth, and oppreffive to the ftomach. Well-baked, and thoroughly dried bread, is eafily difforved by water, without rendering it vifcid or gelatinous : hence it is w .11 adapted for the ufe of the debilitated, as well as for every age or temperament. Hafty-pudding, on account of its tenacity, and the quantity "of mucilage it contains, is not fo eafily digefted as people, who feed their infants upon this difh, are apt to imagine. Porridge made of oatmeal, the common food of children and the lower clafs of adults in Scotland, is not fo heavy as that of wheat-flour; though both of them require vigorous digef- OF FOOD AND DRINK. *J\ live organs, robuft conftitutions, and ftrong exercife, in order to produce a proper nutri- ment. The vermicelli, and macarone of the Italians, as well as all the different difhes made of flour mixed up into pafte, and either boiled in water or ftewed in butter, are ill calculated for patients and convalefcents, to whom they are frequently adminiftered. A pafte, when it is fo elaftic that it can be formed into balls, is extremely difficult to be digefted. All unfermented paftry is exceffively trying to the ftomach; and inftead of wondering that the lovers of fuch dainties are continually troubled with indigeftion and other ftomachic com- plaints, it would be againft the order of things if it were otherwife. Bread ought not to be eaten with every difh ; it is more ufeful and neceffary with thofe articles that contain much nourifhment in a fmall bulk, in order to give the ftomach a proper degree of expaniion. Befides, the addition of bread to animal food has another advantage, namely, that of preventing the difguft attending a too copious ufe of flefh, and its ftrong tendency to putrefaction. But if we accuftom ourfelves to eat new baked bread, to provifions already indigeftible in themfelves, fuch as fat geefe, bacon,-blood- faufao-es, and the like, we make them ftill more infupportable to our digeftive organs. Of the different kinds of grain, from which bread is prepared, that of rye is by far the moft whole- fome for people of a fedentary life, as well as the delicate and nervous. For though it be 72 OF FOOD AND DRINK* lefs nourifhing, it is likewife lefs tenacious, and more eafily digefted, than bread made of wheat.* Rice contains a thin, unelaftic, and eafily foluble mucilage. It is one of the popular prejudices, that rice has a tendency to produce coftivenefs : this is only fo far true as the ufe of it, by perfons of languid and debilitated conftitutions, is fometimes attended with flat. ulericv, which fufficiently accounts for its fec- ondai y effect. To avoid fuch unpleafant con- fequences, rice ought to be eaten with the addition of fome fpice, fuch as cinnamon, fen- nel, carraway, annis-feed, and the like; par- ticularly by thofe of a phlegmatic habit, and flow digeftion.—In India, where this plentiful grain is almoft the only food of the natives,. it is regularly eaten with fuch quantities of pepper, and other ftrong fpices, that Europe- ans, on their firft arrival, cannot partake of this high-feafoned difh. From a cuftom fo beneficial in its phyfical effecls, we may con- clude, that the Indians, though directed more by inftindt than fcientific induction, are not altogether unacquainted with the rules of diet. * A few years fince, when ferious apprehenfions of an ap- proaching famine were entertained, in confequence of the fcarci- ty, or rather the high price of flour in this country, th* minds of men were feduloufly employed in refearches tending to avert the impending calamity. Compoutions of various fubftances to ferve as fubftitutes for bread, fuch as grey-peas, horfe-beans, potatoes. and many other farinaceous vegetables, were repeatedly tried. And although a very nourifhing and palatable bread was form- ed of flour mixed with rice and potatoes, yet the prejudices of the lower, as well as the higher clafles of the people, in favour of wheaten bread, were too great and inveterate, to admit fe ufeful and beneficial an innovation. OF FOOD AND DRINK, 73 One of the beft preparations of rice is the mucilage, or jelly, which is obtained by boil- ing two ounces of it ground to fine powder, and a quarter of a pound of loaf-fugar in one pint of water, until it becomes a tranfparent thick broth : this, when exprefled through a cloth, and allowed to cool, is a palatable and wholefome jelly. Oats, when nulled or deprived of the hufk, and reduced to groats, are ufed as the common difh for the infirm and nek in England, France, and Germany. They impart to the water a thick mucilage, which, with the addition of a few currants boiled in it, is of a nourifhing and flightly aperient quality. Barley, or rather pearl-barley, may be ufed with a fimilar intention, and is perhaps ftill more nutritive; but, after decoction, the groff- er parts which remain ought not to be eaten. Millet, or hirfe, is inferior to either oats or barley ; it poffefles too crude a mucilage for relaxed or inactive ftomachs. Manna-grafs (the fefiuca fiuitans) is fo called in Germany and Poland, becaufe its feeds have a remarkably fweet and agreeable tafle, particularly before the plant comes to its full growth. It excels in richnefs and nutriment all the other vegetable productions of Europe; and, boiled in milk, it affords excellent foups as well as puddings. Two ounces of this manna, properly cooked in milk and water, would be a fufficient meal for the moft robuft and laborious man. Boiled in water alone, in the proportion of one ounce to three pints of wai_r evaporated to one quart, with the G 74 Of FOOD AND DRINK. addition of fome fugar and white wine, it makes an agreeable and nourifhing difh for lying-in women, and other patients for whom animal food is improper, and whofe fituation requires the occafional ftimulus of wine. The fecond order of vegetable aliment in- cludes all the leguminous productions, as beans, peas, lentils, and the like ; thefe con- tain a folid gluten or mucilage, and afford a rich and ftrong nutriment, which beft agrees with a vigorous ftomach. They alfo have a confiderable proportion of crude particles, which cannot be aflimilated to our fluids, and muft therefore remain undigefted in the bow- els, to the great detriment of the alimentary canal. The meal of the leguminous clafs is digefted with more difficulty than that of grain; befides, it contains much fixed air ; on which account it is extremely flatulent, is apt to pro- duce coftivenefs, and to communicate various kinds of acrimony to the blood. Thefe effects, however, it produces only when it is eaten too frequently and copioufly. Hence bread, made of peas or beans, eif.hcr alone or mixed and ground together with wheat, is improper for daily ufe. Yet we muft not imagine, that even the moft wholefome articles of food are altogether free from air : this element is a neceffary and ufe- ful ingredient, to promote the digeftion of alimentary fubftances. The proportion of fix- ed air varies extremely in different vegeta- i-:r-.3:—-all the leguminous pi its particularly OF FOOD AND DRINK. J$ abound with it; and even perfons with whom they agree well, muft have experienced flatu- lency and torpor, after a copious ufe of peas or beans. Thofe who are fond of peas-foup, would better confult their health, by boiling the peas whole, than fplit and deprived of their hulks; for thefe promote the grinding of the peas, and prevent them from turning acid in the ftomach, which fplit peas readily do, while they are apt to occafion oppreffion in the bow- els, and a very troublefome heart-burn. C^een peas, as well as French beans, boiled in their frefh ftate, are equally agreeable and wholefome; for they are lefs ■ flatulent, and more eafy of digeftion, than in their ripe ftate. It deferves to be remarked, in general, that all vegetables of the pulfe kind, as they advance in growth,become more oppreflive tothe ftomach, and confequently lefs falutary in their effects. The third order of Vegetables comprifes the various kinds of falads and herbs ufed in cooking, fuch a9 greens, cabbage, fpinage, and the like. Thefe contain a great propor- tion of water, and little nourishment: they ferve to fill the ftomach, refill putrefaction, and may therefore be eaten more freely in fummer than in winter ; being, befides, of a foftening, laxative, faponaceous, and confe- quently folvent nature, they are well calcu- lated to relieve the bowels. On account of their watery confiftence, they are of peculiar fervice to lean people, to thofe who Iofe much 76" OF FOOD AND DRINK. moifture by perfpiration, or who are troubled with flufhings and undulations of the blood (in which cafe animal food is improper)—and as thefe vegetables aflift infenfible perfpira- tion, they are cooling, and aflift all the emunc* tories of the body. Their nourifhment is in proportion to the mucilage contained in them; but as this is in a very diluted ftate, the ali- ment they afford is inconfiderable. They are further diftinguifhed by the earthly, acrid, and aerial particles which they contain, both with refpect to their nutriment, and their ef- fects upon the firft paffages. They become foft by boiling, many of the aerial particles are expelled, and they are thus rendered more digeftible. But the practice t f boiling them iti large quantities of water, which is afterwards poured off, is extremely abfurd* and injudicious; for, with the water, their beft and moft nutritious parts are confequent- ly thrown away : hence thefe vegetables ought to be thoroughly wafhed, and, cabbage ex- cepted, ftewed in a fmall quantity of water, which will fo far be reduced by flow boiling, that it may be brought to the table, together with the vegetables. To improve their relifti, as well as to render thefe vegetables lefs flatu- lent, we generally add fpices, which alfo aflift digeftion. i.nd for the fame reafon, in a raw ftate, they are-eaten with vinegar, fait, pepper, and the like. Salads, being in general eaten with oil and vinegar, call for all the powers of the ftomach, to digeft thefe liquids, together with the raw herbs, j^.-uu vegetables with pafte and milk, OF FOOD AND DRINK. 77 as they are prepared in fome countries, Iofe all their principal virtues, and readily acquire an empyreumatic oil upon the cruft, which is indigeftible, and taints the fluids with a dan- gerous acrimony. Afparagus is an excellent article of nu- triment, although fomewhat flatulent and di- uretic in its effects. The young fhoots of this plant are not only the moft palatable, but at the fame time the moft falutary.—As a good fubftitute for fparrowgrafs, I can from experi- ence recommend the young buds of hops, which are more eafily procured, fcarcely inferior to the former in tafte, and, on account of their aromatic quality, very grateful and wholefome. Artichokes afford a light and tender food, perhaps ftill more nutritive but lefs diuretic than afparagus; for this reafon, they are pref- erable for culinary- ufes. Spinage, a favourite difh with many, affords no nutriment, paffes quickly through the fto- mach and bowels, almoft undigefted; and, being ufually dreffed with butter, it weakens the alimentary canal, produces loofenefs, and confequently is not proper food for the weak and debilitated.—In languid ftomachs, fpinage is apt to produce acidity and the heart-burn. Sorrel poffeffes an acrid acidity, which de- prives the teeth of their enamel, and outfit to be avoided by thofe who are already troub- led with an acid tafte in the mouth. Red Cabbage is one of the moft indigeftible vegetables, particularly as the French and Germans eat it, with ham and chefnute: it-is thus rendered heating, flatulent, and laxative, G2 JrS OF FOOD AND DRINK. and contains no nourifhment.—More digeftfc ble, cooling, and lefs hurtful to the bowels, are the youii'jf fprigs.of cauliflower ; but the mo^ indigeftible of all is. the Colewort (Caulis ra* picius.) What has been faid with refpect to cabbage, is applicable alfo to the Orach, or Atripkx, and the Lettuce, when eaten boiled or ftewed. White Cabbage is poffeffed of excellent prop- erties ; it is lefs flatulent than the • common greens, and, being full of water, it is diuretic, and fomewhat laxative.—It is remarkable, that all herbs and plarfts, in general, are more- or lefs flatulent, according to their digeftibil- ity, ani are difpofed to putrefcency, in pnM portion to the time they remain in the ali» mentary canal. Of White Cabbage fliced or cut in thin* fhreds, and afterwards feafoned and falted, the Germans make Sauer Kraut; which is. eafily digefted, on account of the fait mixed, with it, and the acetous fermentation it has. undergone, before it is ufed, and by which the gieateft part of its fixed air is expelled.. Sailer Kraut may be preferved frefh for a long tine; it operates powerfully on the firft pain fages, being one of the molt excellent antifep- tics ; it has proved of fingular fervicc at fea, in refi"ing the ravages of the fcurvy, and curing: it in the moft alarming ftages. We are ind jbted to Capt. Cook, for introducing this falutary difh among the failors, in fpite of all prejudices, and thus preferving the health of many brave mariners. Laftly, Sauer Kraut has been found the beft preventin OF* FOOD AND DRINK. 79 againft epidemic diftempers, particularly a- gainft the dyfentery, and the putrid and pe- techial fevers, which it has even frequently cured. {<> Lettuce contains many nitrous particles, is very cooling, and ufeful in the evening to -thofe who cannot fle?p, from the too great heat and undulations of the blood. But the copK ous addition of oil and the yolk of eggs ren- ders it lefs digeftible than when eaten in its fimple ftate; but if thefe muft be ufed it is better to add fome fugar, which decompofes. thefe fubftances. The moft fuitable ingredi- ents of Salads, befides the Lettuce, are the va- rious Creffes, Chervil, (Chaerophyllum bufbo~ fum, Linn.) and the fcurvy-grafs, which, to- gether with other cooling herbs, produce the effect of cleanfing the humours, or, as fome fey, of purifying the bipod, and are at the fame time diuretic ; efpecially if eaten in Spring, and upon an empty ftomach. The fourth order of Vegetables confifts of all •he efculent roots, or fuch as are ufed*at our tables. They are either of the mild, or of the aftrinent and acrid kind. The former are much more nourifhing and lefs flatulent than the latter, which however poffefs fome medic- inal powers, fuch as the various fpecies of rad- ifhes, onions, garlic, and the like. Roots are neither fo nourifhing, nor fo eafily digefted as animal food. Yet we may confid- « it as a certain rule, that any kind of ali- 8t> OF FOOD AND DRINK. ment, for which we feel a natural and perma- nent appetite, is conformable to our nature. Of this kind is that beneficial root, the potato; which, in the molt fimple preparation, and without any addition, affords an agreeable and wholefome food to almoft every perfon, and particularly to children. It is one of the lighfc eft alimentary fubftances, occafioning neither vifcidity nor flatulence, and can be hurtful only, when immoderately ufed. But, being a dry vegetable, and containing many earthy particles, it requires a proper quantity of drini. to prevent obftructions. Its excellent nom> ifhment is fufficiently obvious in the healthineft of thofe country people, whofe principal food is potatoes, as well as animals that are. fattened upon thefe roots* The quicknefs with which the chyle made from potatoes is aflimilated to the blood, leave* no doubt that they are eafily digefted j for.it is a general remark, that labouring people fooner feel a renewal of their appetite, aftei potatoes, than any other fpecies of food.. It is a groundlefs affertion, that they generate* thick and crude chyle, and confequently a grofs and vifcous blood. It is an equally un- founded fuppofition, which, is amply rexuteil; by experience, that the potato is a narcotic root, and that it is apt to ftupify the powers of the mind. This effect is produced only from a too copious ufe of it, together with want of exercife ; in which cafes any other food would be attended with fimilar confe- quences. OF FOOD AND DRlNlK Si The ftimulating powers afcribed to potatoes appear to me merely fanciful. Thofe of a farinaceous confiftence are much more eafily digefted, than the heavy and gelatinous kind. The flour made of potatoes is more wholefome for paftry, and for all thofe difhes prepared of meal, than any other. The French have late- ly contrived a method of preparing a granula- ted flour from this root, which is grateful to the palate, and very nourifhing. It is per- formed by a machine of fimple conftruction, a reprefentation of which, together with a de- scription, was given, .fome time ago, in the Repertory of the Arts and Manufactures ;— and it has alfo been ufed fuccefsfully, when mixed with wheat flour, in making bread.* The Beet-root comains. a large proportion of faccharine matter. By the lateft experiments of M. Achard, of Berlin, it has been proved, that about fourteen pounds weight produced one pound of raw fugar, exceedingly fweet, and without the intermixture of any other tafte. Independent of this confideration, the beet is a valuable root, both in an economical and culinary refpeft ; it is poffeffed of mild aperient qualities, and ought to be eaten more frequently, for fupper, by thofe who are of a coftive habit. Although it is not difficult of digeftion, yet fame lefs flatulent root, fuch as parfley, celery, or even potatoes, ought to be ufed together with the beet ; which addition ; Whatever has been formerly faid againft tJie ufe of potatoes* it is now well underftood that they are wholefome, nouriunn& and light to the ftomach, even in the weakeft conftitutions.— W. Permtntur, of Paris, lived for ftveral weeks on potatoes only, Wiihjki*. experience any >il effects ca his health. g2 OF FOOD AND DRINK- w'll render it not only more palatable, but aT. fo more fuitable to the ftomach and bowels. Carrots are extremely flatulent, and there* fore an improper food for the weak, artd thofe inclined to acidity ; by fuch individuals they can fcarcely be digefted, unlefs taken with the addition of fpice, and a proper quantity of fait; by which means their fermentation and corruption in the ftomach will be in a great meafure prevented. In other refpectsj they contain a good and copious alimentary fluid, at the fame time powerfully affect the kidneys, and are likewife anthelmintic, or definitive of worms. Parfnips, befides their fweet mucilage, con- tain fomewhat of the aromatic principle, be« ing more nourifhing and lefs flatulent than carrots. To deprive them entirely of the latter quality, they ought to be boiled in two different waters; but by this precaution they partly Iofe their, fweet tafte, and become l«fi nourifhing. Turnips are nutritive,, but flatulent, and not eafy of digeftion ; they become ftill more iflr digeftible with age.—The leaft flatulent and moft nourifhing of thefe roots are the long kind, or Swedifli Turnip, lately introduced into this country. Parfley, as well as Smallage, are of a fweet> ftimulating, and aromatic nature. The for- mer, efpecially, was by the older phyficiani fuppofed to purify the blood ; an effect n$kh modern medical obfervers would not only doubt, but even ridicule. So much, howev- er, is certain, that parfley is a mild aperient OF FOOD AND DRINK. B* and diuretic. Yet, for thefe falutary pur- pofes, it ought not to be eaten in a raw but •boiled ftate. Celery is one of the moft fragrant roots we poffefs in our climate, though its fhoots and leaves are more commonly ufed for falads, than the root itfelf. There, are two fpecies of celery known among gardeners, both of which are eftimable : one produces thick knobby roots, not unlike the fize and figure of a fhort pine apple ; the other has a variety of fmall whke, tender, and odorous roots. The latter fpecies is more common in this country, while the former is much efteemed in France and Germany, where it is eaten in thin flices, previoufly foaked in vinegar; a preparation which, in fuinmer, affords a cool- ing and wholefome difh. In a raw ftate, cele- ry is digclted with fome difficulty, which may be removed by boiling it in water, or foaking it, as before obferved, for a fhort time in vine- gar.—The Germans prepare an artificial cof- fee from this root, by cutting it into frnall fquare ri::ces, which are dried and roafted in the ufual manner. Dr. Unzjzr occasionally recmmnends this native coffee to his patients, particularly to nurfes and lying-in-women, as a wholefome fubftitute for either tea, or the real coffee of the fhops. The Skirret-root, and the Scorzenera of Spain, poffefs more jpicy and ftimulating than nutritive qualities. Both thefe roots, as well as the three preceding are diuretic, and con- _ fcquemly in a fligk decree ftimulating. The flcin.t, in particular, ha* an agreeably fweet gj. OF FOOD AND DRINK. and fpicy flavor, and is fo tender, that it cat fcarcely bear to be boiled. For this reafon, it is moft properly eaten when raw, like fruit, or may be ufed as an excellent ingrediem in foups and broths.—The Scorzenera, on the contrary, ought to be deprived of its black fkin, and only eaten boiled : by foaking the raw root for half an hour in cold water, it lofes its bitter tafte, and is likewife rendeit* lefs flatulent. The Salfafy, or Goat's-beard, is a root con- taining ftill more of the faccharine principle, than the fcorzenera: being a good fubftitute for fparrowgrafs, and more eafily reared^in this climate, it certainly deferves to'be more generally cultivated in our gardens. Onions, Garlic, Shallot, and Chives, are ftimulants: they aflift digeftion, relieve the bowels, expel flatulency, diffolve flime or mu- cus, and are therefore beneficial in difeafes which proceed from too much vifcidity; be- fides, they increafe the appetite, and ought to be ufed principally as fpices, or medicines. They are powerful expectorants, but muft be avoided by very hot, irritable, and choleric temperaments. Although thefe ropts are eaten in quantities by whole nations, yet from their penetrating and volatile fmell, which they communicate to the human breathi it is certain they agree beft with individuals of a cold and phlegmatic habit, and thofe whole ftomachs require fo powerful a ftim- ulus. All kinds of Radifhes may be confidered as medicinal roots; they are peculiarly calculat- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 8$ ■ed to diffolve flimy humours, to generate, and alfo to expel flatulency; moving the air in- clofed in the inteftines, and expelling it, by the copious air contained in themfelves. They are falubrious to ftrong and active ftomachs; but in thofe which are deficient in elafticity, radifhes increafe flatulency to the higheft and moft troublefome degree. The fmall falad- radifhes are more readily digefted than the large root; they propel all the alimentary fluids towards the ftomach, increafe the ap- petite, and are therefore proper to be eaten before a meal. Old radifhes are altogether indigeftible, and the whole genus, like onions and garlic, occafion a very orfenfive breath. The Arrow-root powder, lately imported in- to this country from the Kaft Indies, appears to afford a larger proportion of nutritive mu- cilage than any vegetable hitherto difcovered : but it is to be regretted that the exorbitant retail-price (eight fhillings the pound weight) will preclude many invalid- and convales- cents from ufing this excellent root in broths and jellies. The fifth and laft order of Vegetable fub- ftances comprehends the Fruit, or productions, of the different trees and fhrubs. Fruit, in general, poffeffes ftrongly refolv- ent powers, and it is the more beneficial, as it comes to maturity at a time when the body is relaxed by the heat of fummer, and when the blood has a ftrong tendency to inflamma. H 86 OF FOOD AND DRINK. tion. It is befides of great fervice in attenua- ting the thick bilious impurities collected dua, ino- the fummer, and of evacuating them by its laxative virtues. The acid contained ia moft kinds is as ufeful to quench thirft, as to refill putrefaction. In weak ftomachs, how- ever, or fuch as are filled with impurities and flime, it is apt to ferment, and occafion fome inconvenience; but this may be avoided by a temperate ufe, and efpecially by eating it boiled. The more fap or juice we meet with in fruit, it will prove the more flatulent ; and as the juicy, cooling, and watery fpecies of fruit require ftrong digeftive organs, to prevent them from producing fermentation, flatulen- cy, and diarrhoea, a glafs of old wine is very proper to promote their digeftion. A gentle diarrhoea, brought on by eating ripe fruit, ia fummer, has frequently a falutary effect.—; Acrid and aftririgerit fruit, being rather a med- icine than food, is lefs hurtful to the healtHj*v and to children, than is commonly imagined* Inftead of being noxious, as fome imagine, in inflammatory diforders, it is of the greateft fervice. Perfon'■: of a thick and black blood cannot eat any thing more conducive to health than fruit, as it poifeffes the property of atten- uating and putting fuch blood in motion ; but thofe of a watery and phlegmatic conltitutioa ought carefully to avoid it. . Fruit preferved with fugar is antifeptic and nourifhing, but at the fame time flatulent; and if preferved with fugar and fpices, it is heating and drying. It h moft wholefome when eat- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 87 en on an empty ftomach, which can exert all its power to difpel the air difengaged from it, and to remove it, before it begins to ferment. Boiling, as well as drying, corrects the flatu- lent tendency of frefh fruit, fo that, thus pre- pared, it will agree with every body. By ei- ther of thefe methods it is deprived of its fuperfluous humidity, as well as of its fixed air ; whence it becomes more nourifhing, but lefs cooling, than in the frefh ftate. Sago is the medullary part, or marrow, col- lected from a fpecies of palm-tree growing in the Mulucca and other iflands of the Eaft-In- dies, This fubftance, although not ftrictly the fruit of a tree, well deferves the firft place here ; for it is ufed as bread by the natives of India, who macerate it in water, and form it into cakes. The grains of fago, fold in the fhops, are obtained by a more artificial procefs: they furnifh a nourilhing and agreeable jelly with water, milk, or broth ; but require to be previoufly cleaned of the dull, mould, and lea- water. To make a complete folution of fago, the firft decoction ought to be ftrained, and afterwards boiled a fecond time, for about half an hour. Prepared in this manner, it is a proper difh for the confumptive and con- valefcent, as well as thofe whofe digeftion is weak or impaired. Cherries produce the effects now ftatfd, in a very pre-eminent degree ; they are excellent in fcurvy, in putrid fevers, and in dyfentery ; they correct the blood when inclined to pu- trefcency, and by their faponaceous and mel- liferous juice, they powerfully refolve obftruc- 88 OF FOOD AND DRINK. tions in the inteftines. Thofe who ufe them with this intention, may eat them at any time of the day, though they operate moft effectu- ally in the morning, on an empty ftomach. Even the fweet fpecies contain a ftimulating acid, which, in proportion to their juicy con- fiftence, difagrees more or lefs with the weak and debilitated ; for this fap or juice eafily ferments in the ftomach, and produces flatu- lency, diarrhoea, and acidity. On account of thefe peculiar effects, perfons whofe ftomachs are bilious and vitiated, who are troubled with putrid eructations, and an offenfive breath, ought to eat them freely, to counteract that difpofition to putridity. Cherries are divided into the aqueous-fweet, aqueous-acid, and the dry pulpous kinds. The Spanifh cherries are the moft difficult to digeft, but are alfo the moft nourifhing. The aqueous-Tweet kind, as our early common cherries, are unwholefome ; becaufe their juice eafily ferments, and occafions colic and diar- rhoea. The watery-acjd fort are the beft of any ; their juice ftrengthens the ftomach, pu- rifies the bloo'd, and is the leaft flatulent. Dried cherries are in many difeafes an excel- lent article of diet, on account of their cooling and antifeptic properties. The fwallowing of cherry-ftones, however, is highly perni- cious, as thefe flones have fometimes been found to accumulate in the inteftines, to form lumps cemented together by vifcid phlegm, and thus to produce the moft violent and fa- tal fymptoms.. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 8g Plums alfo poffefs medicinal virtues ; they are nourifhing and attenuating. Prunes, or dried plums, are of peculiar fervice to coftive habits, affording an agreeable and nutritive difh ; but, as they are apt to produce flatulency, it would be advifeable to eat them either when the ftomach is empty, or for fupper, without mixing them with other aliment. Under this limitation, they are both aperient and cooling, and agree with almoft every conftitution ; but plums eaten frefh, and not quite ripe, efpe- cially in large quantities, are very apt to oc- cafion loofenefs, colics, and other maladies of the ftomach and inteftines. The larger fort of plums are in general more dangerous, in this refpedt, than the fmall ones, as they (par- ticularly the green and yellow kind) are fel- dom allowed to grow perfectly ripe. Tamarinds are more frequently employed for medicinal purpofes, than as an article of diet. The pulp of this fruit is one of the moft grateful acids; which, if taken in the quanti- ty of from half an ounce to an ounce or more, proves gently purgative. By its acidity, it is well calculated to quench thirft and allay im- moderate heat. Peaches abound with juice, and though not very nourifhing, they are not productive of diarrhoea. This falutary fruit was formerly decried as unwholefome; but it is rather fer- viceable in obftruclions and bilious diforders. Sugar, wine, and the like, diminifh the good qualities of peaches ; and even when preferv- ed in brandy, they are not fo wholefome as when frefh j fincc they become hard by all ar- il 2 90 OF FOOD AND DRINK. tificial preparations.. The kernels likewife of peaches are a wholefome bitter, and are clean- fing, on account of their aftringent properties* As there are various kinds of peaches, of an inferior quality, it will be ufeful to point out the diftinguifhing marks of that fruit, in a mature ftate* The beft fort of peaches have a delicate thin fkin, which is eafily feparated from the puipous part. Thofe which are not naturally fmooth ought to be covered with only a fmall quantity of down £ for too much down or wool on the furface is a fign of their inferior quality. They are likewife not to be depended upon as being wholefome, if they are of a fize either too fmall or preternatural- ly large. Their pulp ought to be delicate, yet folid, fomewhat fibrous, and full of juice ; it fhould not adhere to the ftone or kernel, and readily melt in the mouth.. Apricots are more pulpy than peaches, but perhaps lefs. nutritive : their juice readily fer- ments and turns acid in weak ftomachs ; yet, when ripe, and ufed with moderation, they are cooling and antifeptjc, particularly for bif- jous and plethoric individuals. Of Pears, fome are extremely hard, aftrin- gent, and difficult of digeftion ; but the more juicy pears have a faponaceous, nourifhing, and readily digeftible fluid ; in their effects they refemble the fweet kind of apples, ex- cept that they are lefs relaxing to the bowels. Pears are of a more flatulent tendency than any of the fruits before mentioned, and ef- pecially the hard vimer-pcars, which are eaten OF FOOD AND DRINK. 9* at a time when the ftomach requires ftimulat- ing more than cooling food. Apples are, in their general effect, fimilar to other fruit, and, befides their aromatic virtues, are poffeffed of laxative properties. They are ferviceable in difeafes of the breaft, to remove fpafmodic contractions, to neutral- ize acrimony, and to attenuate vifcid phlegm. With this intention, apples are moft bene- ficial when eaten either roafted or boiled. The common people in Germany are fo fenfible of their excellent properties, in inflammatory difeafes, that they boil even the wild apples, and drink the water. This procefs deferves imitation, efpecially when apples become fcarce in Spring. Apples may be divided into the fpicy, the acidulated, and the watery fpecies. The firft, the various kinds of rennet, for example, have the moft delicate flavor, and are certainly the beft ; they do not contain a fuperfluity of wa- ter, and, from their vinous nature, are not apt to excite flatulency. Other kinds of apples, like the pippins, are too hard, confequently heavy to the ftomach, though fomewhat more nourifhing than the former. Stewed apples are eafily digefted and wholefome. The kernels or feeds of apples are bitter and aromatic ; Nature feems to ha"ve intend- ed the feeds for correcting the watery and fermentable fluids of this and all other fruit, apricots excepted. Hence the kernels of ap- ples and pears, *as well as thofe of plums and cherries, ought to be eaten with the fruit, and not be thrown away as ufelefs.—The but- 92 OF FOOD AND DRINK. ter in the pafte of apple-pies may be confid- ered as an ufeful addition, on account of its tendency to prevent fermentation, though the paftry itfelf always difagrees with weak and irritable ftomachs. Of Quinces we have two fpecies, namely, the apple and pear-quince : the latter are tne moft wholefome, particularly thofe of Portu- gal. They are an excellent antifeptic, and in this refpect the beft kind of fruit, contain- ing an acid and much mucilage. They are not productive of obftructions ; but their pulp, like that of all other fruit, is digefted with fome difficulty. They are generally eat- en boiled with fugar, and are excellent in dyfentery, on account of their copious mu- cilage. In Lemons, Oranges, and other fruit of that kind, we meet with three different fubftances* The external rind contains an effential oil, ftrongly aftringent and heating; the fecond or white rind is without tafte ; the third part of them is a falubrious, cooling, and acid pulp, highly efficacious in counteracting the putrid tendency and diflblution of the blood. The juice of lemons and limes is one of the ftrongeft vegetable acids j* and that of oran- * If the objections ftarted againft the ufe of thefe acids, by a late phyfician in Germany, Dr. Unzer, he well founded, we ought to guard againft their ufe. He maintains that, although lemons and limes may be wholeforrc and refrefhing fruits in their native country, yet as they are packed up and ftnt to us in an unripe ftate, they poffefs an acrid and unnatural acid, from not having undergone the vinous and acetous fermentations, and which confequently cannot be wholefome. The juice, efpecially, which is obtained from the middle of thofe fruits, having acquir- ed an highly aftringent though not unplca&nt tafte, from the OF FOOD AND DRINK. 93 ges and fhaddocks, though milder, is not lefs falutary. Thefe acids are of a very faponaceous con- fiftence; they attenuate the fluids, remove obftructions, encourage digeftion, ftimulate the appetite, quench thirft, cool the blood, counteract putrefaction, are a principal reme- dy in pectoral, bilious, and inflammatory dif- eafes, as likewife in fcurvy, in all affections of the kidneys, and an antidote againft the narcotic vegetable poifons. Hence the larg- eft dofe of opium may be checked in its nar- cotic effects, if a proper quantity of the acid of lemons be taken with, or immediately af- ter it. Four grains of pure opium, for in- ftance, or one hundred drops of laudanum, is a very powerful and fometimes fatal dofe ; yet if one ounce of the pure acid of lemons, or two ounces of orange juice, be added to. every grain of opium, or to twenty-five drops of laudanum, it will produce a very different effect. Inftead of ftupifying the perfon who takes it, and of being attended with painful coftivenefs, it will not only prove laxative,. but induce firft a cheerfulnefs, not attainable by the ufe either of opium or ftrong liquors* and afterwards bring on a gentle and refrefh- ing fleep. ftyptic quality of the bitter kernels, is extremely unwholefome. It is, according to the obfervations of Dr. Unzer, very apt to im- pair digeftio.., and to occalion either diarrheea or conftipation of the bowels.-—Such effects, however, will be produced only when thefe acids are immoderately ufed; in which cafe the moft whole- fome fubftances will be attended with bad confequences, and ever form exceptions from the general rule. Yet I muft agree with Dr. U. that the peel of lemons and oranges contains an inflamma- ble and heating oil, which, if rubbed on fugar, for making punch* *• monade, &c. is apt to produce dangerous effects. 94 OF FOOD AND DRINK. Of thefe effects I can fpeak from my own experience, as well as that of others. Opiums ufed with this addition, is one of the moft fal* utary and beneficial fubftances with which we are acquainted. I am farther inclined to be- lieve, that the Turks, who eat very little ani- mal food, could not bear the large quantities of opium they fwallow, were it not for the copious ufe of vegetable acids. And that thefe form a principal part of a Turkifh fum- mer diet, every traveller knows, who has vifited the eaftern climates. For thefe reafons, I cannot fufficiently rec- ommend the ufe of acids to perfons, who are either accuftomed, or obliged, to take opiate* in large dofes. In choleric, bilious, and pleth- oric habits, in thofe liable to obftructions, whofe alimentary canal is unclean, and laftly, in thofe who feel a determination of the blood to the head, opium is an uncertain, and even dangerous medicine, without the addition of vegetable acids. The want of the acid of lemons may be effectually fupplied by an in- digenous production :—barberries afford an acid fully as ftrong, and nearly as agreeable, as that of lemons. The juice of the various fpecies ofRaifins is not unlike that of ripe lemons in its properties, but lefs efficacious. There are various kinds of that excellent fruit. Among the larger fort, thofe of a blueifh colour, imported from Marfeilles, are the beft; while the Spanifh raifins, of a light brown colour, are inferior to thofe of any other fpecies. Both kinds, as well as Currants, contain much nutriment, OF FOOD AND DRINK. 95 but cannot be recommended for frequent ufe, as they all tend to produce flatulency, partic- ularly in individuals of relaxed habits and a fedentary life. On this account, they ought to be eaten with other food, in which cafe they are emollient, gently laxative, and fome- times anodyne. Goofeberries, having lefs of the acid than either raifins or currants, are perhaps more wholefome, efpecially if their fkin and other impurities are not fwallowed together with the juice. Wnen ufed in a green ftate, for fauces and pies, they are cooling and refrefhing; and, when ripe, poffefs fimilar properties with cherries. Figs abound with faccharine matter, and are uncommonly nutritive, though at the fame time of a flatulent nature, unlefs eaten with bread or other mealy fubftances.—Of fimilar effects are mulberries and rafpberries : the former have a more mucilaginous and nburifli- ing juice, while that of the latter is more of a vinous nature, and one of the beft cordials for allaying thirft and affording refrefhment. Grapes and Strawberries are both excellent fruits. They are uncommonly refolvcnt, lax- ative without debilitating, and promote all the natural evacuations ; but at the fame time, grapes are in a high degree flatulent. The quality of grapes depends much on > climate and foil. Th6fe of a fweet tafte, and aromatic flavour, only ought to be ufed. They agree beft when eaten on an empty ftomach, with a fmall quantity of bread. Befides their flightly nourifhing quality, it is affirmed by 1)6 OF FOOD AND DRINK. fome writers, that they cool the blood and an- imate the nerves. Strawberries, if eaten plentifully, have been found a fafe preventive againft the ftone in the kidneys; as is attefted by the experience of the celebrated Linnaeus. Yet the fmall ftones contained in ftrawberries, as well as in grapes, are faid to accumulate in the inteftines of fome individuals, and to give rife to the moft obftinate conftipations, nay even to the iliac paflion. The beft method of eating ftraw- berries is with pure water, and fweetened with a little fugar ; they are more heating with wine, but lefs wholefome ; with milk or cream they are an agreeable but improper compe- tition. As a medicine, the wild ftrawberry is far preferable to any other. Cucumbers are a wholefome, gently opening, and cooling fruit, which may be of confider- able fervice to the confumptive, as it has the property of fweetening acrid humours. They -fhow a tendency to ferment, and produce diar- rhoea ; but this may be prevented by the ad- dition of vinegar and pepper, which alfo coun- teracts their natural col chiefs. Prepared with oil, vinegar, fait, and pepper, they are infup- portable to fome weak ftumachs, and occafion frequent eructations and flatulency. But properly pickled, they are an excellent ana- leptic, though unfit to be given to children and wet-nurfes. Much of the fame nature with cucumbers are Melons; but they are more aromatic, and, in this refpect, more wholefome. Water-melons require more fpice and wine than Mufk^melons t •OF FOOD AND DRINK. 97 ;as they partake more of the nature of Cucum- bers. Gourds, a fruit of the melon-kind, but lefs • fweet, and of a much larger fize, if boiled in milk, after the firft water has been poured off, and with the addition of fait and pepper, af- fords fufficiently wholefome and nutritive food. Olives, in their natural ftate, are bitter, acrid, and exceedingly difagreeable ; though their tafte is much improved when pickled, as we receive them from abroad, particularly in the fmaller kind, or Lucca olives. On ac- count of the abundance of oil which they con- tain, they are unfit for delicate ftomachs, and are pernicious, efpecially when eaten for de- fert, after a heavy dinner. Almonds, Walnuts, Hazlenuts, and Nuts in general, are extremely difficult of digeftion, on account of the oil they contain, which readily turns acrid and rancid on the ftomach, and occafions the heart-burn. Bilious indi- viduals fliould by no means eat them ; and there is nothing fo abfurd as to adminifter al- mond-milk as a common diet drink to febrile patients. This milk cnfifts altogether of oily and almoft infoluble parts, which heat and vi- tiate the ftomach, ftimulate the bile, and are eafily decompofed from the water with which they are mixed. It quickly fpoils .; frequent- ly, indeed, before it is introduced into the ftomach .: it is not in the leaft degree cooling, and its nourifhing quality i; very improperly employed in fevers, and all thofe difeafes which are attended with debility of the ali- mentary canal. I g% OT FOOD AND DRINK. Nuts and almonds ought to be eaten ©nly while frefh, and when the fkin, which is ex- tremely aftringent and hurtful, can be re- moved. They fliould be well chewed, and eaten with fait; for every piece fwallowed entire is indigeftible, and the fait renders them mifcible with our fluids as a faponaceous mafs. If eaten in large quantities, they remain in the ftomach, cannot be expelled by any med- icines, and produce alarming and fometimes fatal diforders. In general, they occafion dif- ficult breathing, vomiting, and complaints in the bowels, which have been obferved to be very common in thofe autumns that were pro- ductive of great quantities of nuts. Laft among the vegetable productions, we may clafs the various fpecies of Mufhrooms. They are all of a tough, leathery confiftence ; and being almoft indigeftible, they afford little nutriment, notwithstanding they, in a great meafure, referable animal food. Several kinds of mufhrooms are faid to con- tain a narcotic and acrimonious poifon. And as thofe of a harmlefs kind cannot be eafily diftinguifhed from the bad ones, this might be a fufficient reafon to abftain from the ufe of them altogether. But if they muft appear at our tables, vegetable acids, or vinegar, are the beft antidotes, to counteract their pernicious effects.' Pickled with vinegar, or falted, mufh- rooms become ftill more tough ; and roafted with butter, they ar^ an indigeftible mafs, and extremely liable to :um nu^d in the ftomach. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 99 Of Drink in particular. I. With refpecl to its Quantity, Ibrinking is perhaps more neceffary to the nipport of animal life than Eating ; for drink is indifpenfable to the folution and digeftion of food. Thofe who drink too little, people, for inftance, of a fedentary life, and particularly women, are fubject to complaints of indi- geftiom Sufficient drink prevents the incraf- fationof the blood, and the obftruction of the fmaller veffels; it tends to clear the blood of the acrid particles generated in it; and it pro- motes the neceffary fecretions, fuch as the bile and the gaftric juice of the ftomach. We ought to drink only when we are thirfty, and to defift when thirft is quenched.: but this is feldom the cafe, becaufe many of our liquors ftimulate the palate. Pure water, therefore, is an ineftimable beverage, as it will not induce us to drink more than is neceffary. We fliould drink in a greater proportion than we eat ; for the quantity of our fluids by far exceeds that of the folids, and confequently there muft be fecreted more fluids than folids. TI-.*' general rule may be given, to take about double the proportion of liquid to the dry food; but this cannot be accurately obferved, nor is it applicable in all cafes. The feafon, the weather, cold, heat, the na- ture of our food, and the greater or lefs degree of our exercife, require more or lefs drink at one time than at another. Thirft, however, 100 OF FOOD AND DRINK. is as good, if not a better guide than hunger •„ and he who is accuftomed to drink water only, will not eafily tranfgrefs the meafure, if he drink as often as nature calls upon him. With a proper choice of food, every one would drink conformably to his wants. Hence it is needlefs to recommend water as a beverage to perfons who will not be perfuaded to change their irregular mode of eating. The more we eat in quantity, and the driei our victuals are, the more we ought to drink. The phlegmatic have lefs inclination to drink than thofe of a fanguine and choleric tempera- ment. The laborious ought to drink more than the fedentary, and ftill more'in fummer than in winter, to fupply the humours loft by infenfible perfpiration. In the morning when we rife, we generally feel an inclination for drink, which is relieved by tea, coffee, or other warm liquors. Water would unqueftionably be a more proper bev- erage at this time ; and I venture to fay, it would be difagreeable to thofe only, whofe ftomachs are fpoiled by the habitual ufe of warm liquors and hot rolls. A glafs of pure frefh water, and a while after it, a piece of bread with fome fruit, or even butter, would afford a very wholefome breakfaft, by w^eh the ftomach and the inteftines might be clear- ed, the blood and humours refrefhcd, and the whole body ftrengthened. If the ftomach be not loaded with mucus, or relaxed by tippling, a bafon of fweet cow's milk, with a piece of ftale bread, is an excellent breakfaft in Spring and Summer. OF FOOD AND DRINK.- rai To drink immediately before a meal, is im- proper, becaufe the ftomach is thereby fwelled, and rendered lefs fit for the digeftion of food. Hence, to avoid the neceflity of drinking, it is advifable, not to take any violent exercife immediately before dinner. To drink much at night, previous to our going to bed, is likewife hurtful. But the drinking before a meal is more noxious than at any other time; becaufe the ftomach is filled with the liquid we fwallow; the bile and the gaftric juice there collected are too much diluted; and confequently the important office of digef- tion is checked. To drink much during the time of taking food is alfo objectionable; as the ftomach is thus rendered incapable of receiving the due portion of aliment. Cold beer or water dcvs not well agree with warm victuals;, and the teeth are injured, by taking hot and cold fub- ftances in immediate fucceflion. In the hot weather of Summer, it is fcarcely poffible t,o delay drinking till the dinner be finifhed ; and it is the n,m\. neceffary, or rather lefs hurtful, at this time, as the bile whic!i.ierves to diffolve the vi&uals, then, requires greater dilution. In Winter, unlefs we eat. very dry and falted pioviiions, wc feel lefs inclined to drink atr table. Bat if we muft drink in the intervals of eating, it would be moft conducive to di- geftion to drink water only, and in fmall quan- tities : as pure water is more proper during the time or eating, becaufe it agrees with all uifnes without exception. Yet a glafs or two of wine, dmin; dinner, particularly far the aged I. 2 OF FOOD AND DRINK." and debilitated, is proper and conducive to digeftion. . Some advife us never to drink without eat^ ing fomething; but he who drinks only when nauire requires it, has no occafion to eat every time he drinks. Perfons, on the contrary, who are once accuftomed to drink more than is ne- ceffary, or to make ufe of hot, ftimulating, and intoxicating liquors, would do well to eat al- ways fo ne bread or other folid food along with them. Indeed we ought to begin to drink only after our appetite for food is fatis- fied, and then it fhould be done gradually during digeftion. This fundion may be dif- turbed by large draughts of liquor, which oc- cafion fermentation and flatulency.—Glafs is the moft proper fubftance for drinking-veffels ; for no other but the fluoric acid will affect it.— For the fake of delicacy, as well as health, every perfon at table ought to be fumifhed with a feparate glafs or other veffel for his mink. Much drink loads and oppreffes the ftomach, as it diftends it too much ; but it is not nearly fo hurtful as too much food. Every beverage relaxes the ftomach ; and perfons whofe bow- els are not fufficiently elaftic, fliould be careful in the quantity they drink ; for an immoderate proportion of it may weaken digeftion, dilute the fluids too much, and conduct the food too quickly through the alimentary canal. An undue portion of drink renders the mafs of the blood too thin and watery ; from a thin blood arifes alfo a weak alimentary fluid, con- fequently a general debility of the body, and relaxation of the urinary and other paflages.. OF FOOD AND DRINK. I03 On the other hand, too little drink is equal- ly improper; digeftion is weakened; many parts of victuals remain undiffolved, and are not conducted to the lacteals, becaufe the proper means of diluting them are wanting ; the blood becomes thick and vifcid ; and fi- nally, the fecretions and excretions are not duly performed, becaufe the different canals are too dry and contracted. II. With refpecl to its Quality. There is as great a diverfity among the- kinds of beverage, as there is among thofe of food: water itfelf is of very different qualities, according to the particles with which it is im- pregnated, and the places from which it is ob- tained. That of wells, fprings, rivers, lakes, fwamps, and the various mineral waters, all differ in their fenfible properties. Even cold and warm water produce different effects. The former, when moderately ufed, ftrength- ens the ftomach, and proves debilitating only when it is drunk in too large quantities. Warm water is always- relaxing, and ftill more fo when taken in a large quantity ; it remains longer in the ftomach than cold water, and con- fequently is more oppreflive : cold liquor ftim- ulates the ftomach,. but warm d*ink diminifiv es its elafticity. If the ftomach be overfilled with drink, and its elafticity weakened, a glafs of ftrong wine, or other fpirituous liquor, may remedy this inconvenience.—Water can only fo far be called nourifhing, as it fupplies the aqueous parts we continually Iofe. It is the bafis of IQ4 OF FOOD AND DRINK. all other liquids, and the greater proportion of water they contain, the more fit they are to promote digeftion. Spring-water originates partly from that of the fea, which has been changed into vapours bv fubterraneous heat, and partly from the atmofphere. As it is diffolved, purified, and filtered in a variety of ways, before it becomes viiible to us, it is lighter and purer than other waters. Well-water is more or lefs pure, according as it pafles over beds of earth, which contain foluble, or minute particles. Wells opened in a fandy foil are the pureft, becaufe the wa- ter is there moft completely filtered. The more frequently a well is ufed, the better its water, provided that no impure fubftances are introduced into it ;. for, the longer water ftands unmoved, it turns the fooner putrid. Well-water, finally, may be moft effe&ually purified by filtering it through a quantity of fand and fmall pebbles; and ftill more con- veniently by means of filtering-ftones.* River-water is more pure and wholefome, if it flows over a fandy and flony foil, than4if it pafs over muddy beds, or through towns, vil- lages, and forefts, from which it receives many impure fubftances : the. water is rendered foul by fifhes, amphibious animals, and plants. Laftly, the more rapid the courfe of the river* the eafier it clears itfelf of feculent particles, and the water becomes purer* * The filtering machines lately invented by Mr. Jofeph Collier,. of London, promife to be very ufeful for doiritftic purpofcs, ai *hev are^applicablt to all Quids, but more particularly wat«x. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 105 Lake-water much refembles that of rivers in its properties, but being lefs agitated, it is more impure, and better adapted to wafhing than cooking. The water, which in cafes of neceflity is ob- tained from fwamps or ditches, is the worft of all; becaufe a great variety of impurities are collected in it, which in a ftagnant water and a foft foil readily putrify. And, as the mere exhalations of fuch waters produce a peftilen- tial atmofphere, it may be eafily conceived, that the ufe of them muft be attended with pu- trid and other dangerous difeafes. Rain-water is alfo impure, as it contains many faline and oily particles, foon putrifies, and principally confifts of the joint- exhalations of animals, vegetables, and minerals, of an im- menfe number and variety of fmall infects and their eggs, feeds of plants, and the like.— Rain-water is particularly impure in places filled with many noxious vapours, fuch as marfhy countries, and large manufacturing towns, where the fumes of metallic and other fubftances are mixed with rain. In high and elevated fituations, at a diftance from impure exhalations, if no ftrong winds blow, and after a gentle fliower, rain-water is then pureft ; be- caufe the vapours of the atmofphere have al- ready fubfided. In Summer, however, on ac- count of the copious exhalations, rai:>-water is moft objectionable. Snowwater poffeffes the fame properties as rain-water, but it is purer : both are foft, that h, without fo many mineral and earthy parti- cles as fpring, well, and river waters, SuU ic5 OF FOOD AND DRINK. purer is hail-water, as being produced in the higher regions of the atmofphere, and having a form, in which it cannot eafily partake of im- purities. Laftly, Dew, as it arifes from the evaporations of various bodies of the vegeta- ble and animal kingdoms, is more or lefs im- pure, according to the different regions and;. feafons. As the health of man principally depends on the purity and falubrity of the water he ufes, we ought, where neceffary, to deprive it of its pernicious qualities ; and this can be done by boiling, filtering, and moft effectually by dif- tillatiom The putrid fubftances in the water may be corrected by the addition of an acid. Thus, half an ounce of alum in powder, willj make twelve gallons of corrupted water pure and tranfparent in two hours, without impart- ing a fenfible degree of altringency. By the addition of a very fmall quantity of quick lime, water may be preferved from corruption. in long voyages : or, to prevent water from putrcicence at fea, add a fmall quantity of alkali and vitriolic acid to every cafk, which will preferve it pure and wholefome for a twelvemonth. Charcoal-powder has alfo been found to be excellently adapted to check the putrid tendency of water, and for this.ieaion the ftaves of the cafks, ufed on fhipboard, ought to be well burnt in the infide, to keep the water from corrupting. Vinegar, or other ftrong acids, are alfo well calculated to cor- rect putrid water; and may be either mixed with it, or drunk immediately after, to pre- vent its bad effects, OF FOOD AND DRINK. ' lO*J Win?, that falutiferous liquor to the infirm and the aged, may be divided into five prin- cipal claffes : i ft, The fweet wines, for inftance, thofe of Hungary, Spain, Italy, Greece ; the Mala- ga, Malmfey, Madeira, and Cape wines. If thefe be genuine ; if they have not been adul- terated by the addition of fugar or honey, &c. if they have been properly fermented, they af- ford a true medicine to the weak and con- valefcent. 2d, The weakly acidulated wines ; fuch as old Rhenifh, Champaign, thofe of the Mofel. of the Neclvar, Franconia, and Auftria; of thefe the Rhenifh, Moftl, and Champaign wines are the beft. 3d, The acidand tart wines ; among which are moft of the wines of Franconia, Thuringia, Saxony, Silefia, and fome parts of Branden- burg. Thefe wines, in general, are apt to occation head-achs, complaints of the ftomach, and are befides of an unpleafant tafte. 4th, The acidulated fweet wines, particu- larly thofe of France, as the common white wine and claret, are wholefome, provided that they be neither too old nor too new; and 5th, 'Yhejharp and afiringent wines, fuch as Port wine, Burgundy, the dry or hard kinds of Madeira, Sherry, and the like, which, on account of their heating and binding nat- ure, ought to be ufed chiefly for medicinal purpofes. There ave a great variety of fruit-wines, whieh are fermented like wines from the grape ; for inftance, the currant and raifin- *08 -OF FOOD AND DRINK. wines: but the artificial wines of this country are, in general, liable to many ftrong objec- tions. Among our home made wines may be reckoned Cyder and Perry, which are prop- erly wines .of Apples and Pears. Cyder and Perry are, it is faid, generally fermented and kept in leaden veffels, or at leaft the Apples and Pears are palled through leaden tubes; and the lead being readily diffolved by the acid, is gradually introduced into the body, which produces painful and dangerous colics, and frequently gives rife to the moft defper- ate and incurable obftipations, among thofe habituated to the free ufe of thefe liquors. With refpect to the conftituent parts cf wine, I fhall only remark, that every kind .confifts of three principal ingredients, water, alcohol, or a pure fpirit, and fugar. If thefe three fubftances could be fo intimately com- bined as they are in wines, and if afterwards the proper aromatic? were added, to impart to them the particular flavour, there is no doubt, but we could perfectly imitate every wine whatever. But the greateft obftacle to this fpeculation is the length of time, which wines require to arrive at a proper ftate of maturity, and which, in made wines, ought to be ftill further prolonged. - The more water the wine contains, it is the more fuitable beverage at table, and, when weak, it is in fome degree calculated to quench thirft. The ftrong wines, on the contrary, excite thirft, as they are drying, and afted the organs of fecretion. As every kind of wine contains a greater or lefs quantity of acid, it OF FOOD AND DRINK. is an excellent antifeptic remedy, and hence it is given copioufly in putrid ulcers and ma- lignant fevers. Moderately ufed, it increafes the circulation of the fluids, and dilates the blood-veffels, promotes both the fecretions and excretions, and invigorates all the functions of the body. Every motion is performed with greater vivacity, as is obvious from the addi- tional luftre of the eyes. But the ftrength and vigour which wine imparts to the body, is of no longer duration, than while it remains in the ftomach, before it enters into the mafs of the blood, and while the ftimules received by the nerves of the ftomach, is propagated to the brain. This explains the caufe, that ' 'ftrong liquors are fo intoxicating, when drunk upon an empty ftomach. That wine operates on ana1 through the ftomach, is clear from experience ; for an emetic taken immediately after it, will foon 'make a drunken man fober. But if its fpir- ituous parts be communicated to the blood, fo as to occafion fluctuations, the body be- comes difordered, weak, and relaxed. It is only -a ftimulant, and not a permanently ftrengthening cordial; for moft wine-drink- ers, who indulge in excefs, die of relaxation and debility. There may, however, be cafes in which an occafional excefs of this kind will be falutary; for inftance, to a perfon who has been long fitting at ftudy, or whofe mind k depreffed, and whofe fluids are nearly ftag- nating : as paflions fometimes conduce to an- imate the mind, and tempefts to purify the atmofphere. K IIO OF FOOD AND DRINK. The flate of intoxication is in every refpect fimilar to that of incipient apoplexy or palfy.— Drunken men ftagger in various directions, their tongue lofes its power of fpeech; they ftammer, and fee things double and moving circularly. The mind is equally affected, and imbecility is the concomitant effect. All thefe partial palfies arife from the preffure of the blood-veffels on the brain, which are then fur- charged with blood. If the intoxication has arrived at its utmoft height, there is no longer any difference between this and the true apo- plexy ; all the other organs are paraliied, ex- cept the heart, which continues its action, and breathing is not fupprefled. The imprudent fufterer is deprived of fenlation, and if one of the fmaller blood-veffels, that prefs on the brain with an ullufual weight, fhould accident- ally bur ft, he is in danger of inftant death. But ftill more frequently does one of the pulmonary veffels burft, and occafion fpitting of blood. In drinking, alfo much depends on the bod- ily conftitution and other circumftances.— Thus, people are fooneit intoxicated in a cold place, where perfpiration is checked, and when the blood is moving from the external to the internal parts. The fame is the cafe on an empty ftomach, but this may be pre- vented by eating a little at intervals, efpecial- ly fat or oily fubftances. Individuals of much fenfibility and irritability, and pelfons after having taken violent exercife, are more liable to intoxication, than thofe of a calm and a phlegmatic temperament. OF FOOD AND DRINK. Ill For thefe reafons, a perfon much inebriated ought to be carried without delay into a tem- perate room, and placed in a bed between the blankets, with his head raifed, in order to promote the circulation of the blood, from the head and the internal organs towards the fur- face of the body and the lower extremities. All clofe bandages of the fhirt and garters muft be loofed, and the feet fhould be bathed in luke- warm water, not exceeding the ninety-eighth degree of Farenheit. Plenty of tea or other "diluent drink ought to be given, and a gentle emetic is frequently of great fervice. After a good fleep, which has overcome the intoxication, the whole body feels weak and tremulous-;' and the ftomach diford'ered* bi> this ftate, perfons are generally troubled with much acid in the digeftive organ, which may be removed by the abforbent earths, fuch as r.iagnefia ; after which, fome fedative and ftrengthening remedies may be given, fuch as hot red-wine negus, warm ale with ginger, ftrong coffee, and the like. The copious ufe of wine, though not to a degree of inebriation, is exceedingly debilita- ting to the ftomach, checking digeftion, excit- ing diarrhoea, if white-wine, and obftructions, if port-wine be the favorite liquor ; it makes the fibres dry and rigid ; the cheeks and the whole furface-of the body turn fallow, a fymp- tom of bad digeftion ; the powers of the body and mind are enfeebled/and ctopfy or gout, and fometimes fudden death, are the confe- quences. Plethoric young men, and fuch as have weak flomachs and lungs, fhould not ac- 112 ©F FOOD AND DRINK. cuftom themfelves to the ufe of wine. To give it to infants or children, is a practice highly pernicious, except in very fmall quantities in- deed. In fhort, wine fhould be ufed as a med- icine only, if intended to produce falutary ef- fects. To the phlegmatic, to the aged, and to thofe who are difpofed to flatulency, and after fat meat, it is highly beneficial, if ufed with prudence and moderation. As wine encourages perfpiration, it drie3 the body, makes it lean, and may therefore be of fervice to cold and phlegmatic conftitutions. It ftimulates the bile, and excites the appetita to a repetition of excejfs, fo that perfons once habituated to drinking can but gradually re- linquish this feductive practice. To drink wine copioufly every day, is as improper and perni- cious as to take medicines by way of diet : nothing is fo much calculated to occafion hab* itual indigeftion. And as wines are frequent- ly adulterated with fugar of lead, and other poifonous ingredients, to render them more agreeable to the palate, I propofe to bellow fome attention on this important fubject, in cTder to enable the reader to detect fuch per- nicious mixtures, which may expofe his health, and even life itfelf to the greateft danger. Some of the adulterations of wine are rather harmlefs, others extremely dangerous. The common red-wines are frequently made of new, tart, and half-fpoiled white wines, by tinging them with red fumach, or other woods and berries. In order to make wines ftronger and more pungent, a variety of fpices are employ- ed, fuch as galangal, cardamom, mace, and O* I00D AND DRINK, J J;; the like; or an unfermented mop:, wort, or the mafh for diftilling fpirits, are occafionally added, and allowed to ferment together with impure wines. To impart to wine the flavor of mufcadel, the leaves of the Horminum, a fpe- cies of Sage (Salvia Horminium, L.J are often ufed; though it be a plant of a ftrong ftupify- ing frAell, and very pernicious effects. All adulterated wines, and what we call Britifh wines, if drunk in any quantity, are more or lefs detrimental to health. For, even • by the moft innocent mode of preparing them in large quantities, the manufacturers are in- duced to feafon them with fpices of a heating and ftimulating nature. But the moft deleteri- ous of all adulterations of wine, is that with the various preparations of lead, to give it a fweet tafte. This infamous practice was carried on, fome years ago, in Paris, to fuch an extent, that the Exeh'c-office could not account for the prodigious increafe of Vinegar • tiered at the city-gates. But it was at length difcover- ed, that this vinegar cc united only of tart and adulterated wines, imported under the pre- tended character of vinegar, in order to avoid the hign duty implied upon wines, on i.'ieir entrance into Paris : and fugar of lt:c.j, luaaed to fome abforbent earths, was employed to change thefe vinegars into fweet wines, which deftroyed the lives of many ;.m.uiand perfons. This fecret of the utmoft importance to health and life, was confeffed by a rich old -.vine-mer- chant, on his death-bed, to relieve in fome de- gree his tortuied conference. K 2 n-4 OF FOOD AND DRINK. Such adulterated wines operate like flow poifons; they firft occafion head-ach, con- traction of the throat, pain of the ftomach, uneafinefs, cough, difficulty of breathing ; af- terwards colics, and particularly the dry bel* ly-ach, with continual obftipations, and at length palfy, convulfions, confumption, and death.—The brafs cocks alfo, which are by fome people ufed to. draw of wine or cyder, are of the moft dangerous tendency ; as they eafily yield and mix their verdigrife with the liquor. To detect adulterated wines, we muft at- tend to the following particulars : every white or ftraw-coloured wine of a fweetifh tafte, af- terwards aflringent, and at the fame time new; every wine that has an.unufually high colour, not in proportion to its ftrength and age, or if it has the flavour of brandy, penetrates the tongue, or laftly, if it has an uncommonly ftrong flavour, may be juftly fufpected of adul- teration.—.Red wines, either of a very deep or a very faint colour; of a woody or taut tafte ; and thofe which cover the inner furface of the glafs, as well as the bottom of the bot- tles, with a red fediment, are generally tinged with lame colouring fubftances. If fuch a wine be paffed through filtering paper, the colouring particles will remain behind on the paper. By the following method, we may eafily difcover, whether wines be adulterated, or col- oured, with burnt fugar, raifins, whortle-ber- ries, and the like. A fmall phial muft be fill- ed with the fufpected wine; the opening is OF FOOD AND DRINK. "5 flopped with the finger, and'the phial, being inverted, is plunged into a tumbler of water : the finger being withdrawn from the mouth of true phial, if the wine be adulterated the fubftance with which this is done, will vifibly efcape from the phial, and mix with the wa- ter ; in fo far at leaftj, as the addition is heav-' ier than .water, which is-generally the cafe. Thefe adulterations, however, are of little detriment to health, if they contain no metallic particles. In order to difcover thefe, we are poffeffed of an excellent chemical tell, contrive ed by Prof. Hahnemann, in Germany, and known by the name of Liquor vini probatorius. It is prepared as follows : One drachm of the dry liver of fulphur, and two drachms of cream of tartar, are ftiaken in two ounces of diftilled water, till it be completely faturated with he- patic air : the liquor is then filtered through blotting paper, and kept in a clofe ftopped phial. From fixteen to twenty drops of this liquid are dropped into a fmall glafs, filled with wine that is fufpected to have been adul- terated. If the wine turn only thick with white clouds, and depofit no other but a white fediment, we may be certain that it contains no metallic ingredients whatever ; but if it turn black, or even dark, if its colour ap- proach that of a dark red, if it have firft a fweet, and then an aftringent tafte, it is cer- tainly impregnated with fugar of lead, or fome other preparation of that metal equally de- finitive. If, however, the dark colour be of abluifn call, not unlike that of pale ink, we may fufpect the wine to contain iron in its j!6 OF FOOD AND DRINK. compofition. Laftly, if the wine be impreg- nated with copper or verdigrife, it will depofit a fediment of a blackifh grey colour. This experiment ought to be made with a frefh- prepared teft, and in the open air. It further merits attention, that white wines are very frequently coloured with burnt fugar and other vegetable bodies ; they acquire a darker colour by being kept in oak cafks, or by containing much tartar ; and in all thefe cafes they will be made fomewhat darker by the above defcribed teft ; but the fediment will not be of an uniform colour, and will confilt only of fome brown ftreaks.—It. is well known, that all white wines muft be impreg- nated with a fmall quantity of fulphur, in or- der to preferve them : if this be done in mod- eration, it is not detrimental to health ; but if too great a proportion of fulphur be ufed, fuch wine occafions great heat and thirft, it foon intoxicates, produces eruptions of the (kin and face, head-aeh, trembling of the limbs, and palpitation of the heart, hemor- rhoidal complaints, gout, and a variety of nervous fymptoms. Nothing is fo eafily dif- covered as fulphur ; for by putting a piece of filver, or even the fnell of an egg, into an over- . fulpherated wine, it will inftantly turn black. Wines are fometimes adulterated by mixing quickdime with them, in order to produce a beautiful ruby-colour. If fuch a wine be poured into a tumbler, and allowed to ftand for a day or two, a thin cruft or pellicle will be formed on the top, by which the lime held in folution will be detected. It is affirmed OF FOOD AND DRINK. I 17 that fuch wines, if ufed for any length of time,. bring on gouty and gravelly complaints. The moft kinocent adulteration of wine, and perhaps the moft frequent, is that with water; If a fmall quantity of wine be poured on quick- lime, and if the lime be flackened by it, the wine then certainly contains water. But if the lime continues whole, the wine is pure and unmixed. Ardent fpirits comprife all thofe liquors ob* tained by fermenting vegetable, and particu- larly farinaceous fubftances, to a certain de- gree, and afterwards fubjecting them to diftih lation. All diftilled liquors confift of a great proportion of alcohol or pure fpirit, a greater or lefs quantity of water, and generally of a very fmall proportion of an .empyreumatic oil, efpecially if diftilled once only, or if this pro- cefs be carried on too quickly. Pure fpirits are perfectly free from this oil, which, from its burnt and acrid nature, is altogether indi- geftible. Proof fpirits ought to confift of 55 parts of alcohol, a-nd 45 of diftilled water in 10c :: but rectified fpirits of wine ought to have only 5 parts of water in the hundred : the fpecific gravity of the former being as 930,- and that of the latter as 83 ^, to 1000. The intoxicating effects of fpirits are but too well-known ; if they be diftilled over pepper- mint, balm, annifeed, or carraway, their ftrength is not much increafed ; but if over cinnamon, cloves, mace, or other hot fpices, they are rendered ftill more heating, and per-; aicicus to health. 18 OF FOOD AND DRINK. If drunk in hot weather, or after violen! perfpiration, they check this funftion, by con- trading the veffels of the fkin, and clofing the pores. On account of this contracting power, they'are fometimes of fervice to a perfon whofe ftomach is overloaded with beer or water, to aflift their paffage through the proper emunc- tories. After violent exercife and heat, a dram of fpirits is more proper than cold water or beer, though a cup of tea or other diluent drink is preferable. After fat or ftrong food, pints are exceedingly improper : for, inftead of promoting the folution and digeftion of food in the ftomach, they rather tend to re- tard it. We may be convinced of this, by attending to the effects they produce on inan* iiuate fubftances : for thefe are preferved from- diffoiution and putrefaction more effectually in fpirits, than in any other liquid. Thus we may learn, that fpirits will impede digef- tion, and render ftrong food taken into the ftomach ftill more indigeftible. Many perfons are accuftomed to take a dram as a remedy againft flatulency : if the ftomach be clean and undepraved, they will certainly be relieved by it; but, in the contrary cafe, their expecta- tions will be difappointed. Ardent fpirits are rendered ftill more con- tracting, and prejudicial to the ftomach, when combined with acids, as in punch ; and, for the fame reafon, the habit of taking drams* after fruit, or any acid vegetable, is abfurd. Notwithftanding the frequent abufe of fpirits, they afford one of the moft excellent antifep- tics ; but, if the human body bi already re- OF FOOD AND DRINK. II9 plete with vitiated humours, and troubled with frequent eructations, it is too late to cure it with gin or brandy. Thefe liquors, however, are of confiderable fervice in preventing the bad effects of a moift and cold atmofphere, of pef- tilential vapours, of very unclean occupations, of a damp military camp, and occafionally too, -of a temporary abftinence from food. To perfons of relaxed fibres, diftilled liquors may, under certain limitations, be ufeful, as they increafe the elafticity and com- pactnefs of the veffels. But to thofe, whofe ■fibres are already rigid, fpirits are obvioufly pernicious, and have a tendency to bring on a premature old age. They flop the growth of, and are otherwife very improper for, young perfons. That fpirituous liquors incraffate and coag- ulate the fluids, we may eafily difcover in thofe who are addicted to the ufe of them: they have a thick blood, are troubled with con- ftant obftructions of the inteftines, and their unavoidable confequences ; fuch as a gradual deprivation of the nervous fyftem, lofs of mem- ..ory, debility of mind, hypochondriafis, jaun- dice, dropfy, and at length confumption of the lungs. The throat and ftomach of habitual tipplers are rendered callous, and at length al- moft clofed, the glands are indurated, and con- fequently digeftion is in the higheft degree impaired. Beer, confidered according to its ingredi- ents, confifts of water, malt, and hops ;* and * Befides thert ingredients, Brewers are apt to add a number of other fubftances, fome of which are titremely noxious, and all T20 OF FOOD AND DRINK. in proportion to the quantity, quality, and man- ner of compounding them, it has received differ- ent names, and is poffefled of various degrees of falubrity. The more water there is ufed in brewing beer, it is the better calculated to quench thirft ; but lefs fo, if it contain a great proportion of the mucilaginous and faccharine principle of the grain. Strong beer, there- fore, is very nourifhing, and may be employ- ed with advantage as a medicine, in emaciated habits. The greater or lefs addition of hops to the malt, furuifhes us with bitter or fweet beer. The former kind is preferable as a medicine ; the latter is more ufed as a common beverage ; but it is apt to excite flatulency and diarrhoea. Hops, like other bitter fubftances, preferve beer in its vinous ftate, ftrengthen the ftom- ach, and diffolve vifcid phlegm. Beer made of a great proportion of hops, and a fmall quantity of malt, is a good beverage, and well calculated to allay thirft. There aregreat varieties in beer,accordingly as it is fermented ; fome kinds, fuch as thofe made of oats, in fome parts of Germany, which are fcarcely allowed to ferment at all, are very cooling in fummer, but foon fpoil; others are only half fermented, fuch as the Dantzig fpfuce or black beer ; others again prohibited by law. Thefe are Coccuius Indus, Coriander Seeds, Alum, Liquorice and Liquorice Root, burnt Sugar, Treacle, Cap- Gcum, Ginger, Copperas, &c. &c —An ufeful pamphlet has late- ly been publifhed, called " Every Man his own Breiver" detailing this manufacture, and, at the fame time, fhewing practically, how any private family, or even lodgers, may make Porter and Ale in the fmalleft quantities, at lefs than half the expenfc at which thefe atticlcs arc purchafed. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 121 to a fufricient degree, like our porter and ale ; and laftly fome, which are more than fuffi- ciently fermented, fuch as Burton ale, and moft of the ftrong home-brewed ales. All thefe are different in their effects, according to the various degrees of fermentation. Every kind of beer is inclined to ferment, on account of its conftituent parts. If it be not properly fermented, this takes place in the ftomach itfelf; the fixed air, being difen- gaged within the body, diftends the ftomach and bowels, and occafions flatulency and loofe- nefs. However, when drunk in fmall quan- tities, it is not attended with any great incon- venience, particularly in fummer, or in hot climates. It is ufed with great advantage at fea, againft that great enemy of the mariner, the fcurvy ; thofe perfons who have corrupt- ed gums, that are painful and bleed on the leaft touch, ought to drink half a pint of wort, or unfermented beer, every morning and eve- ning, keeping this liquor for a good while in their mouth ; and they may promife them- felves great benefit from this fimple remedy. Many confidcr beer or porter as excellent, when it foams much and makes a head, as it is called, on the top of the veflel ; which is drunk by fome tipplars with avidity, before it disappears. But this froth is not a proof of its M>od quality; but rather of its imper- fect fermentation, which is continued and completed in the ftomach. It is likewife of- ten artificially increafed, by the addition of improper ingredients, ihe volatile vapoTir, or ^'i-;, difengaged from fuch Ivcr in the fto- L X22 OF FOOD AND DRINK. mach and bowels, produces a quantity of ftinr* ulating and contracting air, by which the ali- mentary canal is almoft at the fame time ex- panded and contracted, fo that the molt dan- gerous fpafms and colics may thence arife. Such beer likewife emits a quantity of fulphu- reous vapours; and for this reafon it is dan- gerous to go into cellars, where it is kept in a ftate of fermentation. A candle will often beextinguifhedby the vapour of cellars, which is fometimes fo noxious as to fuffocate per- fons on their entrance. If bottles filled with beer, ale, or porter, are not foon enough corked, it turns flat or fuir, acquires an unpleafant tafte, produces flatulency, colics, and fpafms. If bottled and corked in proper time, the gas which it ought to contain is not diflipated ; its agree- ably pungent tafte is preferved, and it is then a very excellent and nourifhing liquor, which allays thirft, and does not affect digeftion, like wine.—A perfon who has a good appetite, and takes nourifhing food, requires no beer for its digeftion; and, by drinking it, he is expofed to plethora, or a full habit, and all ks concomitant complaints. Thofe, on the contrary, who take a great proportion of veg- etable food, and have a weak ftomach, will find a ftrong and bitter beer falutary. As every new fort of beer is not equally grateful to the ftomach, we would do well to dent from ufing that kind, to which we can- not habituate ourfelves in the courfe of two ox three weeks. On account of the great variety of thi< liquir we meet with in travel- OF FOOD AND DRINK. 123 fing, it is much better to drink no beer at all on journeys, and inftead of it to ufe lemonade, in hot weather, and wine or fpirits mixed with water, when we travel in a damp and cold feafon. Beer, in general, is nourifhing, and has a tendency to fatten fuch individuals, as are of dry and rigid fibres, and whofe bile is good. Hence the inhabitants of countries, in which beer is the principal beverage, are commonly more phlegmatic and indolent than thofe of wine-countries. Many forts of beer, howev- er, in which a greater than ufual proportion of grain is ufed, contain much fpirit, and are of a heating and inebriating nature. Such is, for in fiance, our Burton and feveral oth- er ales, and all the ftrong kinds of foreign beer. Light and well-fermented beer is a whole- fon-e and, at the fame time, diluent fpecies of nourifhment. With perfons already plethoric, or difpofed to become corpulent, the lighten: beer generally agrees beft. Thick and nour- ifhing beer is of fervice to wet-nurfes and the debilitated. Sweet beers are only nourifhing, but all the bitter kinds an* ftrengthening alfo. The latter are beneficial in a weak ftate of digeftion, and to people troubled with acid in the ftomach ; yet fweet beer is more whole- fome for daily ufe, and at the fame time lefs expofed to dangerous adulterations. In fhort, beer is no proper beverage for people of a thick, black-bilious blood, and with a difpo- litioii to melancholy : it is the moft ufeful fpecies of drink to the weak, the lean, and the 124 OF FOOD AND DRINK. laborious; provided they are not very fubject to flatulency, nor troubled with difeafes of the breaft. In both of thefe cafes, I have found it uniformly to difagree, and to be much in- ferior in falubrity to water. A moderate ufe of fermented or diftilled fpirituous liquors is far lefs prejudicial to the conftitution, than the habitual and exceffive drinking of warm liquors. Tea, the common favourite among all ranks, if taken regularly twice a-day, and in large quantities, is attend- ed with bad confequences. It thoroughly re- laxes the coats of the ftomach, weakens the bowels, predifpofes them to flatulency upon the leaft occafion, and deftroys all the energy of the digeftive organ. Thefe effects, how- ever, are not fo frequent, nor indeed to that extent, if the tea be drank ftrong, fufficiently diluted with milk, and fweetened with fugar : it is chiefly the warm water, which renders the tea of the common people fo deftru&ive to the conftitution, as they generally make up for the indifferent quality of the tea, by the quan- tity of water. The tea-leaf, which has employed the pens of fo many eminent writers, ftill deferves fome attention; as the nature and properties of it are but imperfectly underftood. It certainly is an aromatic, fliglnly aftringent, and fome- what narcotic plant. Whether it poffefs any diuretic, diaphoretic, and other virtues, for which it has been celebrated, is rather doubtful; as thefe may be in part owing to the great quantities of warm water, with which the infufions of it are made. Good tea, par- ticularly the black fort, in moderate quantity, OF FOOD AND DRINK. 125 and made ftrong, is antifpafmodic and refrefh- ing. It is, therefore, calculated to relieve the cramp of the ftomach, and pains of the abdo- men, if they proceed from flatulency. But, according to circumftances, it may even in- creafe fpafmodic contractions; for inftance, if it arife from a vitiated bile, from worms, or from hyfteric and gouty complaints ; in all which cafes tea will moft certainly not re- lieve, but rather prolong the fpafmodic con- traction of the veffels. The relaxation which tea occafions in the firft paffages, renders it peculiarly hurtful to females of lax fibres, a thin blood, and irritable habits. To enumerate the great diverfitv of nervous fymptoms, at- tending its abufe in fuch conftitutions, would lead me too far from the prefcribed limits ; but fo much is certain, that the vapours arifing from liquors drunk very hot like tea, weaken the lungs, and dilpofe their votaries to frequent cokit; and catarrhs, which readily make a tranfi- tion into confumptions. Individuals of a rigid and folid fibre, of a dry and firm body, may be allowed to drink tea in moderation, as it will not eafily hurt them. By adding a table-fpoonful of old Rhenifh wine, or ardent fpirits, to everv cup of tea, it may be fo far improved, as to make it lefs flatulent; 'out the frequent repetition of it, even in this form, muft be detrimental to the body. A moderalemie of tea may fometimes be of fervicc to perfons in a perfect ftate of health; yet, for ciaily ufe, it cannot be recom- mended. It doubtlefs occafions a gentle ftim- ulus, and roufe* the mind for a fhort time ; 1. 2 126 OF FOOD AND DRINK. hence it is perhaps the beft and fafeft refreih- ment after violent heat and fatigue of the body. As the means of increaiing perfpiration, tea is an ufeful beverage to travellers in cold weather, when infenfible perfpiration is liable to be checked. Hypochondriac and hyfteric people, how- ever, are much deceived in the efficacy of tea, as a diluent drink ; for all the evils arifing from relaxation, a weak ftomach, and flatulency, under which fuch perfons ufually labour, are, by the habit of drinking tea, increafed to the moft alarming degree. The cold ftomach, which they propofe to warm by it, is a mere phantt-m of the brain ; for this fenfation of cold i-; nothing but relaxation, which cannot be removed by hot liquors, but is increafed by every repetition of them. It would be a great proof of a patriotic fpirit in this country, if the ufe of this exotic drug were either altogether abandoned, or, at leaft, fupplied by fome indigenous plants of equal flavour, and fuperior falubrity. The Chinefe have good reafon to fmile at our degenerate tafte, when t!iey are informed, that we actu- ally poirefs an inimenfe variety of the moft valuable aromatic plants, much better calcu- lated by nature to invigorate our ftomachs, and to revive our fpirits, than tea, which we purchafe from them at great expenfe. Thefe fc-ntlmcntc may be ungrateful to tea-dealers, er Eaft-India merchants, but every honeft truth fliould be candidly told to an unbiaffed public. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 12/ It would undoubtedly be more conducive to our health, if we could altogether difpenfe with the ufe of warm liquors, at leaft when in a ftate of health. But, if this practice muft be indulged in, we ought to choofe the herbs growing in our own meadows and gardens, in- ftead of making ourfelves tributary to diftant nations. With this intention, the late Dr. Solander introduced his Sanative Tea; nor with a view of making it a fecret or quack- medicine, under which character it is now fold in this country, but of recommending the ufe of it to thofe individuals who require dilu- ent liquors, and to the heavy, fluggifh, and phlegmatic. Dr. Tiffot had previoufly recom- mended the ftalks of cherries, and the leaves of peach and almond trees, to the poor people of Switzerland, as fubftitutes for tea ; but we poffefs a variety of plants infinitely fuperior to thefe, of which I have myfelf occafionally made trial. I fhall divide thefe into three clafles ; namely, lft, The ftrong, fpicy, and balfamic plants, fuch as balm, peppermint, fage, and the like. 2d, The ftrongly aromatic flowers, among which thofe of the Rofa pimpinella folia (or the rofe whofe leaves refemble thofe of the Burnet-faxiiiage) and the wicd-rocf, or the Afperula odor at a, L., deferve the firft place, and far excel in flavour all the teas imported from China ; and laftly, 3d, The mild aromatic leaves and bloffoms of trees and fhrubs, for inftance, the bloffoms of the lime-tree and the black thorn, the leaves tf the peach and almond-:rees, and particv> I28 OF FOOD AND DRINK. larly the firft tender leaves of the whortle- berries, or the Vaccimum Myrtillus, L., which cannot be diftinguifhed from real tea, when properly gathered, and dried in the fhade. After having pointed out the beft fubftitutes for Indian Tea, I cannot fupprefs my earneft wifh, that even there indigenous vegetables may not be abufed by decocting them in too much water, which, when fwallowed hot, muft be detrimental to the ftomach, the lungs,. the nerves, and the whole human frame. I cannot better conclude this important article, than by quoting the prophetic words of an ex- perienced phyfician.—" Tea," fays he, " will induce a total change of conftitution in the people of this country. Indeed it has gone a great way towards effecting that evil already. A debility, and confequent irritability of fibre, are become fo common, that not only women,, but even men are affected with them. That clafs of difeafes, which, for want of a better name, we call nervous, has made almoft a complete conqueft of theonefex, and is mak- ing hafty ftrides towards vanquifhing the other." And Dr. Buchan emphatically con- cludes : " Did women know the train of dif- eafes induced by debility, and how difagreea- ble thefe difeafes render them to the other fex, they would fhun tea as the moft deadly poifon. No man can love a woman eaten up with va- pours, or wafhed down with difeafes arifing from relaxation.'' Coffee is a decoction of the well-known bean or berry of that name, roafted and ground into a powder. The bitter and aftringent OF FOOD AND DRINK. 129 powers of the beans, in fome meafure, correct the bad properties of warm water ; but if they be too much roafted, their empyreumatic oil is expelled, and they acquire an infipid tafte. If,~ on the other hand, they be not fufnciently roafted, this burnt oil is not-evolved to the fur- face of the bean, and the coffee acquires a bit- ter and unpleafant flavour. This beverage is generally confidered as ftrengthening to the ftomach. It promotes digeftion, difpels flatu- lency, removes vertigo and torpor, exhilarates the mind, increafes the circulation of the Mood and infenfible perfpiration, attenuates vifcid humours, is diuretic, and fometimes gently aperient. Thefe properties of Coffee being, in a great meafure, confirmed by ex- perience, juftly make it a valuable medicine, which is eminently qudified to cure the moft troublefome heau-achs, provided they origin- ate from the ftomach, or from a bad ftate of concoction. Coffee drunk alter dinner pro- motes digeftion ; and agues, diarrhoeas, and giddinefs, have been frequently removed by it. Its fubtle oil ftimulates the folids, rarefies the blood, and coitequcntly is of particular fervice to females of a fedentary life, and to thofe who fuller from phlegmatic and catarrhal dif- eafes. If drank too ftrong, it affects the nerve;;, and by its penetrating property often occafions fleepleffnefs, and tremor of the hands; but, in fome phlegmatic and indolent individuals, it is apt to excite fleep; If coffee be not ufed merely as a diluent for relaxing the fibres, it ought to be made ftrong. The beft proportion is, one ounce of 1*0 OF FOOD AND DRINK. wellroafted and ground coffee to one pound or one pint of water, which fhould be juft allowed to boil up : for the longer it is boiled, it lofes the more of its volatile and aromatic particles, and confequently becomes weak and tnfipid.—As coffee is pollened of excellent aiitifpafmodic virtues, it is a favourite bever- age with the hypochondriac and the hyfteric ; and according to early obfervation, it is alfo the beft and moft effectual remedy in fpaf- modic afthma. The fteam of boiled coffee has frequently been beneficial to weak eyes. If drunk in the morning, and immediately after dinner, of a proper ftrength, and not above one or two fmall cups, it is a wholefome fubftitute for tea t>r fpirits, particularly to perfons in a good ftate of health, and to fuch as are not habitual wine-drinkers, or of a very irritable temper- ament.—Laftly, the coffee of the Levant far excels that imported from the Weft Indies, which is frequently ftccped in fea-water, in or- der to make it weigh heavier. This fradulent practice may be eafily detected, by foaking the raw coffee in water, and examining its tafte. An immoderate ufe, however, of this decoe- tion is prejudicial to the healthy, and deftruc- tive to the tiifeafed : it debilitates the latter ftill more, by caufing great undulations in the blood, tremor of the limbs, giddinefs, and a certain infupportable timidity. It leads peo- ple of a fanguine temperament, and particu- larly females, to the long train of all the fash- ionable nervous difeafes. It frequently occafions a difagreeable eruption in the face, and brings Of FOOD AND DRINK. I32 on many troublefome diforders, occafions bleedings of the nofe, and fometimes fpitting of blood, induces frequent hemorrhoids, a hectic cough, and at laft confumption and death.—If coffee be drunk after dinner, with a view to promote digeftion, it requires no milk to dilute it, and render it weaker : but, if it be ufed for breakfaft, fome milk or cream i; neceffary, to fheath or neutralize the empy- reumatic oil it contains, which fires the blood, and occafions violent flufhings, accompanied with choleric fenfations. „ All the kinds of mock coffee, made of rye, wheat, peas, dried carrots, beet, the fuccory- root, and the like, have little refemblance to it, except what they acquire by their burnt tafte and empyreumatic oil. A coffee made of acorns is much recommended in afthmatic and fpafmodic complaints ; but as it contains an uncommon quantity of oil, which is dan- gerous and heating to the blood, too much circumfpection cannot be employed in the ufe of it. From my own experience, I recom- mend to begin, with adding about one eighth, then one fixth, and gradually a greater part of the burnt acorns to the coffee, till at length they may be ufed in equal quantities. Chocolate, efpecially when boiled with milk and eg ;s is exceedingly nourifhing : but the fpices with which it is mixed, fuch as cinna- mon, cloves, mufk, vanilla, and the like, make it more heating and lefs wholefome. Vanilla, which we always find in theSpanifh Chocolate, is an extremely volatile and pungent aromatic ; even its fbivour is frequently infupportable t» l '.•vaiwubk, copious, and perma'ic.t fubftltutf cvr futrar. OF FOOD AND DRINK. I39 grains fhould be fwallowed in the morning, on an empty ftomach. Yet I would not ad- vife this practice to be followed, except to fome very vitiated ftomachs, which have been accuftomed to fpices and fpirituous liquors, and with whom the pepper may ferve as a fub- ftitute for drams. 5. Cubebs, Cardamoms, Vanilla and Cloves, are hot, pungent, and confequently improper for daily ufe.—Cubebs are much inferior in pungency to pepper.—Cardamoms are a warm and grateful aromatic ; they do not, like thofe of the pepper kind, immoderately heat and inflame the bowels; hence they certainly de- ferve the preference for common ufe.—Vanil- la* is warming, refolvent, ftrengthening to the ftomach, and a remedy for flatulency. In chocolate, it aflifts the digeftion of the oily fubftance of the cacao. Cloves are hot and ftimulant aromatics, but formerly feldom obtained genuine in this coun- try, as the Dutch frequently mixed them with other cloves, previoufly deprived of their ef- fential oil by diftillation.—Mace and Nutmeg are lefs heating, and therefore preferable for common ufe j but the former is ftill more • Vanilla is the pod of the EpiJendion, L. growing in Cayenne and fome parts of Spanim America. The largtft pods are fome- times fix inches Ions;, narrow,and almoft triangular, foft,oleaginous, externally of the appearance of leather, and internally filled with a dark brown pulp, in which we find a great number of fmall black or brownifh red and fhining feeds. Thefe have a pun- pent aromatic and oily tafte, and a ftrongly balfamic odonr, much refemhltiit; that of the Pe:uvian balfam. A very fmall propor- tion of tlufc feeds, for inftance, a grain to an ounce, is futficicnt to import to the Chocolate the very agreeable flavour which v*e feocrally meet within that imported from Spain and Milan, 14© OF FOOD^AN^D DR1NJU fo than the latter, which is fuppofed to haye an aftringent virtue, and is employed with that intention in diarrhoeas and dyfenteries— Cinnamon is undoubtedly the moft delicate fpice, but is feldom obtained pure from the mercenary Dutcl?, who were accuftomed to fend us more Caffia than real cinnamon. The Caf/ia bark, though refembling that of cinna- mon in tafte, is much lefs heating, and cer- tainly more beneficial for common ufe than cinnamon, which is better calculated to an- fwer medicinal purpofes. The bark of caf- £a is thicker and coarfer ; it breaks fhort an4 fmooth, while the cinnamon breaks fibrous ar,d fhivcry.—Pimento, or Jamaica pepper, re- fembles in its fmell a mixture of cinnamon,, eloves, and nutmeg, whence it has received rfie name ofall-fpice; it is milder than the Eait- India pepper, and is an uftful addition to ibroths and ftewed difhes, wjien ufed, as it ought •to be, in whole grains.—Ginger is one of the moft agreeable and wholefome fpices, efpe- cially boile4 whole in beer, and drunk by people moying in the open air, and in cold weather. But this fpice, as employed by the bakers for gingerbread, does a great deal of mifchief, efpecially to the ftomachs of chil- dren ; though it may occafionally be fervice- able to travellers, early in the morning, and. ■on an empty ftomacli,* * If the baker- knew nhat the fubftance is, with which they £i!i its outfide, to invite children to cat their ill-contrived gin^tr- brn-d, 1 venture to hope they would defift from fo pernicious a practice, l ^is gold leaf, or Dutch gold, i» actually manufac- tured <-f brajsor copper, one of the muft virulent Metallic poifons. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 1^1 The indigenous, fpicy, and balfamic herbs, fnchzs par/ley, marjoram, thyme, fage, and the like, cannot be too much recommended for culinary ufe, efpecially in broths ; as they are well calculated, by their aromatic virtues, fo aflift the digeftion of many ftrong articles of food, which daily cover our tables ; and thefe excellent herbs are not liable to the adultera- tions with which moft of the foreign fpices are vitiated. 6. Among all the native fpices, there is none, in my opinion, which excels, in medicinal virtues, the common Caraway. The feeds of this plant are the mildeft and moft ufeful car- minative we poffefs. To people of a weak digeftion, troubled with flatulency and colics, they afford the moft certain relief, if ufed in fufficient quantity ; for inftance, a table-fpoon- ful at a time, early in the morning, and one hour before a meal : or ftill better, if thefe feeds are plentifully ufed in bread, and among cooked victuals. Yet here I muft caution thofe of a hot and bilious temperament, as likewife individuals liable to obftructions and habitual coftivenefs, not to ufe thefe feeds in- difcriminately, and without confulting a pro- feflional man. Caraway-feeds, finely pounded, with a fmall proportion of ginger and fait, fpread upon bread and butter, and eaten every day, efpe- cially early in the morning, and at night be- fore going to bed is fuccefsfully ufed in Ger- many as a domeftic remedy againft hyfterics,' and will, no doubt, effectually cure the dif-* eafe, provided it does not arife from improper *42 os fooATand drink;. diet obftruaions of the inteftines and other veflels, paffion, bile, acrid humours, and the like ; in all which cafes the caraway and ginger will certainly do more harm than good; a> each of thefe caufes muft be removed by the appofite means. If, however, caraway be kept in a pounded ftate, for the purpofe of overcoming the dif- pofition to flatulency and indigeftion, it foon turns rancid, and may prove hurtful, on ac- count of the ftrong oil it contains.—The plant of caraway is one of the early fpring-herbs, and makes an excellent addition to falads. The feeds, when diftilled with ardent fpirits, yield a very heating and pernicious oil, which ren- dersfuch fpirits till more detrimental to health* ihan when they are in a pure ftate. SWr 0F*F00D ANi6 fTRlNK. 143 CLASSIFICATION Of the various Species of Food, Drink, and Spices, according to their individual fa- lubrity. I. FOOD. Divifion Firft. Alimentary fubftances containing wholefome fluids. CLASS I. Articles affording ftrong nutri- ment. Order 1. Vegeto-farinaceous fubftances. Genus, i. With foft juicy fibres. i. Such as contain afaccharine matter ; as the fkirref or fugar-root (Sium Sifarum, Linn.) the common car- rot, beet, and polypody-root (Poly- podium vulgare, L.J 2. Sweetijh fubftances affording a tender farina or meal; as the parfnip, the turnip-rooted cabbage (Napobraf- fica,) the colewort (Caulis Rapicius,) ^viper's grafs (Scorzonera, L.) the goat's-beard, or falfafy (Tragopogon Pratcnfe, L.) the Solomon's feal (Convallaria Polygonatum, L.) parf- ley-root, afparagus, turnips, and po- tatoes. Genus ii. Subftances affording flour, or thofe of a vifcous, earthy confiftence; viz. every fpecies of grain, as wheat, rye, barley, oats, buck-wheat, millet, maize, or [44 0F *09W AND DRINK. Indian-Corn, the chickling-vetch (La- thy rus Tuberofus, L.) and the like. Order II. Gelatinous animal fubftances. Genus i. Of a foft and juicy mufcular fub- ftance; viz. veal, lamb, young beef, mutton, pork, venifon, turtle, hare, rabbits, badgers, domeftic fowls, pheaf- ants, partridges, the greater number of land-fowl, oyfters, fmall lobfters, and frefh eggs. Genus ii. Of a hard and tough confiftence ; viz. all the animals before mentioned, when old ; as well as the buftard, the darling, the woodpecker, the fparrow, the goofe, the duck, the lapwing, muf- cles, fnails, crabs, hard boiled eggs,&c. Order III. Fat or butyro-oleaginous fub- ftances. Genus i. Of the fweet kind; viz. cacao, fweet almonds, walnuts, hazel-nuts, water-caltrops, chefnuts, beech-nuts, cafhew-nuts (Anacardia,) piftachio- nuts, wild pine-apples (Karatas,) milk, and frefh cheefe. Genus ii. Of the hitterifh and tart kind \ viz. bitter almonds, acorns, all the feeds of fruit, and olives. CLASS II. Slightly nutrimental fubftances. Order I. Thofe of a vifcous and watery confiftence, or whofe vegetable mu- cilage is diluted with much water. Genus i. Of a fweet tafte; viz. melons, and feveral fpecies of pears and apples, -OF FOOD AND DRINK. I45 fweet citrons, lemons, oranges, figs, mulberries, rafpberries, fweet grapes, cherrie ~, and plums, jujube-berries, dates. &c. Genus ii. Of a fweetifh tafte; viz. green peas and beans, white cabbage, cauli- . flower, fpinach, orach, blite, or ftraw- berry-fpinach, cucumbers, and gourds. Genus iii. Of a compound fweet and bitter tafte; viz. the fuccory, the rampion (Phyteuma, L.), the borage, the fow- wort (Serratula, L.), the young fhoots of hops, the fow-thiftle (Sonchus, L.), the hedge-muftard, artichokes, capers, the brook-lime, endives, and lettuce. 'Genus iv. X)f a mildly fweetifh and fpicy tafte; viz. celery, angelica, fhepherd's- needle (Scandix cerefolium, L.), fennel, and the common balm (Meliffa offici- nalis, L.) 'Genus v. Of an acrid tafte; viz. radifhes, turnip-radiflics, horfe-radifhes, tarra- gon (Artcmifia Dracunculus, L.) fcur- vy-grafs, and rue. Genus x'u Of an acid tafte; viz. forrel (Ru- mex acetofa, L.), purflane (Portulaca, L.), four citrons, lemons, limes, cher- ries, plums, &c. Genus vii. Of a vinous quality; viz. all fweet apples, particularly rennets, ap- ples of Borltof, and fome few varie- ties from America; the pine-apple '(Ananas), the honey or paradife-apple, N IAS OF FOOD AND DRINK. (haddocks or fina-apples, bramble-ber- ries, ftraw-berries, whortle-berries, goofberries, currants, grapes, apricots, peaches, and nectarines. , Genus viii. Of a tart and aftringent tafte; viz. all the wild-growing apples and pears, quinces, cran-berries, red whor- tie-berries, bar-berries, the green fum- mer and winter pears, four apples, medlars, the fruit of the dog-rofe or hip-tree, and of the fervice-tree, floes or the fruit of the black-thorn, and the green Brafilian plums. Order II. x Thofe of a gelatinous watery Confiftence. To this order belong all the various fpecies of fifhes. Divifion Second. Alimentary fubftances, containing unwholefome fluids. Order I. Thofe of an acrid nature. i. Coarfely vifcous and faline fubftances i viz. all faked and fmoked animal fool, both of quadrupedes and fifhes. 2. Putrefcent, or eafily putrefcible fubftan- ces ; viz. the ram, the he-goat, the bull, the otter, water-fowls, the blood of animals, roafted eggs, tainted eggs, and laftly all the flefh of wild and tame animals kept too long, with a view of making it more tender. OF FOOD AND DRINK. 14? $.Subftances of a furry and leathery ap- pearance, or fuch as difcover a fufpicious acrimony ■, viz. truffles, morels, and all kinds of mufhrooms. Order II. Thofe of grofs fluids, or a coarfe earthy confiftence; namely, the various leguminous feeds, fuch as dried peas, beans, lentils, and the like. II. DRINK. (A) Watery Liquors. I. Simple or uncompounded ; namely all kinds of common water. II. Mucous-watery fpiritous. 1. All fermented liquors known under, the name of beer or ale. 2. Spicy-balfamic liquids; fuch as the ver- nal fap of the birch and maple-trees,*s well as the artificial preparations of tea, coffee, and chocolate. 3. Sweetly-acidulated ; namely, lemonade, orgeat, mead, muft, and the like. (B) Spirituous Liquors. I. Diftilled : namely, all kinds of ardent fpir- its, from whatever grain or vegetable fub- ftance they may be extracted. II. Fermented: All kinds of Wine. 1. Sweet wines; thofe of Hungary, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Cape wine ; as likewife all wines made of currants, raifins, &c. 14^ OF FOOD AND DRINK. 2. Slightly acidulated wines ; among which Champaign, Rhenifli wine, or old Hock, and that of the Mofelle, are the principal. 3. Acid and tart wines ; to which chiefly belong the wines of Franconia and Saxony. 4. The acidulated fweet wines ; fuch are moft of the French wines, and particu- larly Claret ; and, laftly, 5. The fharp and aftringent wines ; the chief of which are the wines of Oporto and Burgundy. III. SPICES. 1. Of the fweet kind; fuch as fugar, honey y manna, and the infpiffated fap of the maple and beech-trees. » 2. Of the acid kind ; namely, the juice of citrons, lemons, unripe grapes, &c. 3. Of the faline kind ; namely, common fait, whether obtained in a folid form, as rock-falt, or from the evaporation of the fea and falt-fprings. ' Laftly, 4. Of the pungent and balfamic kind ; fuch as garlic, fhalot, onions, chives, nuU meg, mace, pepper, pimento, cubebs, vanilla, cardamoms, bay-berries, juni- per-berries, ginger, calamus, cloves, cinnamon, faffron, carraway, corian- der, fennel, parfley, dill, fage, marjo- ram, thyme, penny-royal, mugwort,. hyffop, peppermint, and rue. C '49 3 CHAP. VIII. Of Evacuations ;—their different fpecies, as well as their peculiar nature inveftigated; to- gether with the neceffary direclions for their management, according to the different ftates of the body. THE evacuations of the body, from its fu- perfluous, impure, and noxious parti- cles, are no lefs neceffary than its nourifhment. The fame power which changes and affimilates our food and drink, likewife effects the due and timely evacuation of what is fecreted. It is an object of the firft confequence, that nothing remain in the body, which ought to be evacuated ; and that nothing be ejected, which may be of ufe to its prefervation. How many perfons do w. find complaining of bad health, notwithftanding every attention they pay to tile air they breathe, to aliment, exercife, fleep, &c. ; while others enjoy a good ftate of health, though totally carelefs with regard to thefe particulars. Indeed, much depends on a proper ftate of the evacu- ations.—If thefe be difordered, the moft rigor- ous obfervance of dietetic rules is infutficient toinfun our health ; while, on the contrary, molt of thofe rules may be neglected, for fome time, without any injurious confequen- ces, if the evacuations be duly attended to. N2 150 OF EVACUATIONS. Nature removes not only the noxious mat- ter, or fuch as is in a ftate of corruption, bub likewife the ufeful fluids, if they become fu- perabundant ;. for inftance, the milk, the femen, the blood. In fuch cafes, therefore, thefe muft be confidered as objects of evacua- tion, equally natural and falutary. By ftool, the thick and feculent remains of aflimilated food are evacuated ; for every ar- ticle of aliment contains more or lefs dregs,, and their fmalleft particles only can be changed into the milky fluid, or chyle. By urine, we eject the oily and faline parti- cles fecreted from the blood, in a diluted ftate ;. which prevents thefe particles from injuring the external membranes, by their irritating acrimony. By infenfible perfpiration, which is carried on through the fmalleft orifices of the pores, the moft fubtile and noxious particles of the fluids are evaporated ; which, if they were retained within the body, would lay the foun- dation of its total corruption. Nature expels all crude and* acrid fubftances by thefe three principal emunctories; and ac- cordingly as they are difordered, difeafes of different degrees of malignity and duration will neceffarily enfue.—Nature alfo frequently relieves herfelf by more unufaal channels ; fuch are, the bleeding of the nofe in plethoric young men, the hemorrhoids with which per- fons of a middle age are fometimes troubled, the various ulcers common to thofe uhoie fluids are in an impure ftate, the excretions of faliva, and the expectorations of others, &c, OF EVACUATIONS* PC^ Ky a premature fuppreflion of thefe trouble- fome but falutary efforts of nature, great mis- chief may be produced to the individual. Many perfonsperfpire much under the arm- pits, others in their, hands or feet ; others again are fubject to eruptions in the face or other parts of the body :. fuch canals, howev- er, if Nature be once accuftomed to eject by them certain ufelefs and hurtful particles, can- not be nattily ftopped, without occafioning, greater and more dangerous inconveniences,;, cleanlinefs, in the ftricteft fenfe of the word, is almoft the only fafe remedy to counteract their fatal effects. Of Evacuations by Stool. As the food and drink we confume every day, neceffarily depofits ufelefs matter, a daily opening by ftool is extremely falutary ; par- ticularly to perfons fubject to coftivenefs and the many difagreeable confequences thence arifingk Of thefe I fhall only enumerate fre- quent, head-achs, difficult breathing, flatu- lency, eructations, and fpafms : hence peev- ifhnefs of temper, general lethargy, and at length, hypochondriafls ;—the abdomen of fuch perfons.feels tumid ; the circulation of the blood.in the inteftinal veffels is retarded<; and, confidently, the general circulation in- terrupted. Thefe complaints, fooner or later, certainly attend habitual coftiwenefs; efpecial- ly if no other kind of evacuarioiij as that by urine,, or infenfible perfpiration, be in an uncommon degree increafed* Z$l OF EVACUATIONS. In* healthy individuals, the evacuation by ftool ufually takes place once or twice a-day ; and, according to the habits of the perfon, either in the morning or evening. rl hofe who are troubled with coftivenefs mould vifit the cuftomary retreat, regularly every morn- ing at a fixed hour, and thus endeavour to pro- mote this neceffary evacuation by proper ef- forts, though they may not, at the moment,- feel much inclination ; for it is well founded on experience, that Nature at length will be habituated, by perfeverance, to obferve a cer- tain regularity in this refpect. The moft proper time for thefe attempts is early in the morning, or late in the evening. Whatever dietetic means may be adopted to promote ftool ought to be employed either from three to four hours previous to the time we wifh to fucceed, or immediately before go- ing to bed. If in the morning, we ought to rife early, to take firft a flice of bread with much frefh butter ; then eat fome boiled prunes; drink two or three cups of the decoc- tion ; and, if neceffary, aflift the operation of the whole with a tea-fpoonful or two of cream of tartar in treacle. Thus prepared, we ought to walk a little in the open air, or, if the weather be unfavourable, about the room; to mb the "lower belly with the palm of the hand ; and, when we fit down, to re- tain the breath, by frequently, though mod- erately, inlriring; and, laftly, to change the pofture of the body, from a ftraight to a crooked and fidelong direction, till we fuc- ceed in the attempt. OF EVACUATIONS. l$3 Although thefe trials fhould repeatedly fail, we muft not be difcouraged from perfevering ki them ; nor ought we, without abfolute neceflity, to choofe any other than the wonted hour to attain the end propofed ; fo that this, at length, may become the only time, when Nature fhall fpontaneoufly aflift our endeav- ours. During thefe practices, however, the choice of our diet is of the greateft moment; as we can powerfully promote the defired end,. by living chiefly upon rye bread, fpinage, boil- ed fruit, particularly prunes, decoctions of currants, the fweet and emollient vegetables, efpecially the beet-root, and occafionally failed meat; the laft of which fhould be aflifted with much drink, not of the fpirituous kind, but rather of a mild aad aperient nature, fuch as fweet table-beer, whey, infufions of malt, ap- ples, pears, and the like. It deferves to be remarked, that if every effort of this kind prove abortive, the volun- tary exertions in promoting ftool fhould not be carried to an extravagant degree; as by fuch unnatural preffure we may bring on rup- tures, the burfting of veins in the rectum, or the piles. Hence it is more advifeable to ab- ftain, for fome time, from all crude and folid aliment, and to ufe only fuch articles of food and drink as have been before pointed out. And if this alfo fhould not be attended with the defired effect, we may then have recourfe to the mild purgatives, fuch as rhubarb, fenna^ cream of tartar, and the. neutral falts. While too much reft, and a fedentary life* prevent this fpecies of daily evacuation, gentle. 154 OF EVACUATIONS. exercife, accompanied with ferenity of mind1, almoft certainly promote it. In many fami- lies, coftivenefs is an habitual and hereditary diftemper. Sometimes too it originates from a weaknefs of the inteftinal canal brought on by difeafes, but more frequently from the hab- itual ufe of certain fubftances of foodanddrinkj for inftance, the lean flefh of quadrupeds, game, the leguminous vegetables, red Port wine, ftrong and bitter malt liquor, and the like. Hence the pre-difpofing caufe of the complaint fhould always be attended to. If it arife from weaknefs, red wine, bitter ale, and other cor- roborants, are well calculated to effect a cure. In every inftance, frequent exercife in the open air is extremely ufeful. Perfons living Sparingly on animal food, and who are other- wife temperate in their /paflions and defires, are feldom deprived of this natural benefit; and even though they fhould be without it for two or three days together, they have little to apprehend from fuch irregularity ; for, as they do not wantonly overload their ftomach, the accumulation of impurities cannot be con- fiderable. Where weaknefs and atony, or laxity of the inteftines, are the caufes of a coftive habit, the external ufe of cold water, by affufion on the lower belly or merely wafhing it with that fluid, is frequently preferable to all other dietetic remedies. This is one of the moft fimple means of preventing, painful coftivenefs ; though it ought not to be applied indiscrimi- nately, and leaft of all in thofe cafes where OF EVACUATIONS. '55 the ufe-of the cold bath is improper and'hurt- ful.—If debility and relaxation of the inteftin- al canal be the caufe of coftivenefs, clyfters of cold water alone are generally productive of lingular benefit; yet thefe alfo cannot be ufed without many exceptions—not, for inftance, by females, during the menfes, by perfons af- flicted with the piles, or having weak lungs, nor in certain kinds of colics and fpafms. The difcharges by ftool ought to be neither in too liquid nor too dry a ftate. Strong labour, heating drinks, and long fafting, ren- der them difagreeably hard, even in the health- ieft individuals; from the feces remaining too long in the region of the lacteals, fo that the nutritious or milky part of the concocted mafs is exhaufted to the laft drop, and there re- mains behind no other but dry, excrementi- tious matter. Thefe ftools, therefore, are frequently a fymptom of good digeftion, fuch as attends found conftitutions in general. Too dry excrements, in the form of balls, efpecially in delicate individuals, occafion head ach, inflammation of the eyes, febrile complaints, hemorrhoids, ruptures, paralytic affections, and frequently produce flatulency and fpafms, in perfons fubject to hyfterics and hypochondriafls: nay, even the fuppreflion of flatulency is extremely dangerous. Thofe who are apt to delay going to ftool, expofe them- felves to many ferious-i "conveniences. When this fenfation is loft, it does not ufually return for fome time. The feces collected in the inteftinal canal powerfully diftenfl it, give rife to the blind hemorrhoids, and fometimes even \$6 OF EVACUATIONS. to a falling down of the anus; the excrements ■become dry, and their re-abforbed fluid parts irritate and vitiate the blood, and produce many obftinate diftempers. If a perfon has been coftive for feveral days, the inclination to go to ftool is fometimes loft, until reftored by artificial means. Loofe and too frequent flools are common with thofe, who take more aliment than their ftoinach can digeft; for the food, from the ftimulus occafioned by its corruption in the alimentary canal, is too foon ejected, without being duly aflimilated. Hence debilitated per- fons, who eat immoderately, generally are thinner and lefs mufcular than others, who obferve a regular and temperate diet. The ftoois are a tolerable criterion of the quantity and quality of the food we have taken, and whether the digeftive powers be adequate to its concoction. For, in weak inteftines, the unaflimilated matter of food turns acrid, and contributes nothing to the nourifhment of the body. Thus it happens, that debilitated indi- viduals, and fuch as are of a phlegmatic hab- it, continue lean and emaciated, whatever quantity of food they confume. For thjs rea- fon, they ought to live principally on milk, eggs,broths,tender meat,emollient vegetables; and to eat only when they feel a true appetite, and after moderate exercife.—It is not the man who takes comparatively little food, that can be called temperate; but rather that per- fon who makes ufe of no more aliment, than he is able to digeft. Thin and copious ftoois, therefore, are a certain proof of indigeftion. OF EVACUATIONS. lS7 Some perfons are accuftomed to go to ftool more than once a-day, others only every fecond day, and yet enjoy a good ftate of health. It is, however, more defirable and wholefome to have a regular evacuation every day; and children efpecially ought to have two or three difcharges dail^ Aged perfons, in general, have but one ftool in a day. The air we breathe, makes, in this refpect, a re- markable difference. The more we perfpire in fummer, the fewer are the evacuations; and, on the contrary, moderate exercife is pro- ductive of more regular excretions, than that which is too violent. Robuft and mufcular individuals perfpire more than the weak and enervated ; hence the evacuations #f the for- mer, by other emunctories, are more limited ; while the latter, whofe fluids are not duly de- terminedfro the furface of the body, have more frequent openings by ftool. r Obftructions and coftivenefs, of which ma- ny perfons now complain, are owing to a vari- ety of caufes, but chiefly to our luxurious mode of living, and to the cuftom of making too many meals through the day. The time requifite to the digeftion of a meal cannot be well afcertained, as fome ftomachs concoct quickly, and^others flowly ; and there is a re- markable difference in the degrees of digefti- bility, among the various fpecies of food ; the nature and properties of which have been already pointed out in the to'uh Chapter. But this may ferve as a general rule, that we ought never to take a u.-w fupply of food, till the preceding meal be digefted. O I58 OF EVACUATIONS. Some moderate livers, after having deviated from their ufual temperance, do not feel any inconvenience till after two or three days, when they are troubled with copious evacua- tions, head-ach, uneafinefs and dejection of mind. Such exceffes are frequently accom- panied with ferious confequences, of which coftivenefs is only the forerunner. Neither the emetics, or laxatives, to which the glutton has recourfe, nor the fafhionable ftimulants md ftrengthening bitters, can prevent or rem- edy the ultimate effects of fuch brutal habits. The emetics and purgatives inevitably weaken the firft paffages, and lay the foundation of conftant obftipations; while the ftimulants deprive tl^inteftines ftill more of the necef- fary humours, and render the evil much great- er. The moft proper means of preventing thefj hurtful confequences, are the following., 1. A due degree of bodily exercife, by which the mufcular power will be invigorated, the nervous fyftem ftrengthened, and the cir- cidaticn of the blood promoted. 2. Wc ought to take a proportionate quan- tity of drink to our victuals; a circumftance not always fufriciently attended to, by perfons of a fedentary life. Drink dilutes the food, and iv i'tens the bowels. A weak, vcll-fer- jtnented, and ..ell hooped beer, is.an excellent bevjTige : fo is water with the addition of a little wine. Warm diluents, on the contrary, have a manifeft -tendency #to increafe obftruc- tions, by the relaxation the) produce in the inteftines. OF EVACUATIONS. *& 3. Let us choofe the quality of our food, according to our conftitutional wants. Thofe who canrtot digeft well, ought to avoid all thick, mealy difhes, paftry, onions, warm and new bread, and fuch as is not thoroughly bak- ed. Coftive perfons frequently complain of an acid generated in their ftomach; while others-, on account of this acid, are fubject to loofe and very frequent ftoois. Vinegar and tart wines are but rarely the caufe of this acidity ; never, indeed, except when, they difagree with the ftomach. New wines • on the contrary, as well as vegetables of an acefcent kind, and particularly long kept and roafted fit meat, have the ftrongeft. ten- dency to produce acidity, the heartburn, and, at length, obftrudtions in fome conftitutions, and diarrhoeas in others. The proper fpecies of food, in fuch cafes, are herbs, carrots, fu- gar-peas, french-beans, parfley-roots, the fcor- cenera, artichokes, horfe-radifh, muftard- leaves, and fimilar plants, boiled foft in brotlr, fufliciently falted, and without the addition of fat, or butter. Befides thefe, only a fmall quantity of meat ought to be ufed, and this fhould be tender ; but no fat fifh, nor game kept too long, for the purpofe of rendering it mellow; and laftly, all kinds of fruit ought to be eaten boiled rather than raw. 4. We fhould not too much indulge in fleep, which, particularly after dinner, is hurtful to perfons whofe digeftion is languid, and whofe evacuations are preternaturally flow. During fleep, all the motions in the fyftem are per- formed with lefs vigour, and more tardily : i6o OF EVACUATIONS. and, in this refpect, to keep awake may be confidered as a fpecies of exercife ; as the nerves, in that ftate, are more active, and the circulation of the blood is carried on with greater energy.—Evacuations by ftool can be fuppreffed, by fleeping an improper length of time, for inftance, ten or twelve hours inftead of feven or eight; and we may prevent thefe fal-utary difcharges, by fitting, down to any inactive employment, previous to the ufual in- clination to retire to ftool. If it be our wiih to preferve health, we ought not only to guard againft coftivenefsj but likewife to prevent, by all proper means, to frequent excretions. Copious evacuations of this kind exficcate the body, and deprive it of that ftrength, which is neceffary to fup- port its exertions. Perfons fubject to diar.- rhcea, cannot be too cautious in the ufe of watery, faline, and eafily fermentable articles of food and drink, and in avoiding violent fits of anger and other paflions. On the contrary, they will promote their health, by ufing pro- vifions of a drying nature, drinking a \\ ell- fermented, bitter beer or ale, or, if they can afford it, good old wine :—all of which have the beneficial tendency to promote perfpira- tion, and thus prevent fuperfluous humidity in the body. If too copious evacuations proceed from a relaxed ftate of the inteftines, daily exercife is of confiderable efficacy ; for the fibres of the whole body are thereby invigorated ; and, if irritating or peccant humours fhould be the caufe of the complaint, nothing is better cal- OF EVACUATIONS. l6l culated to expel-them by perfpiration, urine, or ftool, than fpirited and perfevering mufcu- lar uk :ion, until the body be tolerably fa- tigued. But, in this cafe, we muft not at- tempt to remove or fupprefs this material ftimulus by aftringent remedies ; for, inftead of evacuating the noxious matter by the proper emunttories, fuch medicines will neceffarily produce dangerous, and often fatal difeafes. It would be a definable object:, in houfes which are not provided with water-clofets, that every individual were furnifhed with his own night-chair j as moft of the common places of retirement are^ literally ventilators, where fome parts of the body are expofed to a cur- rent of air, which is frequently the caufe of diforders, particularly in perfons fubject to colds, and all other complaints originating from fuppreffed perfpiration; accidents, which may injure ftill more thoi':, whofe lungs are unfound* Men who are troubled vvith; the piles, and, above all, women during the menfes, ought to be very cautious in reforting to fuch places.—In the ufual privies, there generally prevails in fummer a - peftilential fetor ; fo that it becomes almoft impoffible to wait for the proper evacuation, both becaufe of the difagreeable fmell, and the danger of being infected with difeafe. >. After every ftool, -there is a. flight bearing down of the anus ; a circumftance which ren- ders fome precaution in the cleaning of it ne- ceffary. The fubftance ufed for that purpofe eughttobe previoufly examined, whether its fur face contain any rough and loofe parities, O 2 i62 OF EVACUATIONS. which would be immediately communicated to the anus, and might gradually produce the blind hemorrhoids.--Laftly, all unnatural for- cing and draining of coftive perfons, is not only ufelefs. but may alfo be attended with dangerous confequences. It is, therefore, more advifable to ufe all proper means of keeping, ifpoflibie, this important excretion in due regularity ; and, to attain that defina- ble end/it is further neceffary to abandon ail ftrait garments, efpecially laced flays, and tight wailtbands. Of Urine. In a ftate of health, this difcharge takes place oftener than once in a day. The urine of thofe who live moderately, and take proper. exercife, if examined in the morning after rifing, and after having fpent a quiet and com- fortable night, is thin, clear, of a ftraw colour or inclining to yellow, with a white, loofe, and uniform fediment rifing in the middle ; it makes no foam, but what immediately van- ifhes, and has no unufually difagreeable fmell. If it correfpond to this defcription, it is a fymp- tom of good digeftion, and of the body being free from impurities. The quantity of this evacuation, in healthy perfons,, depends on their conftitution, the feafon and the weather. It is lefs in warm than in cold climates, on account of the increafed perforation. In v. in- OF- EVACUATIONS* 16% ter, we generally eject more urine than in fum- mer ; and this nearly in proportion to the de^ gree of infenfible exudation. In fpring and autumn, it is probably voided in an-equal proportion. We may judge (not prognofticate) refpect- ing the ftate of the body, from the appearance of the urine in the morning only ; for, during the day, this would be a fallacious criterion^ from the nature and quantity of food and drink we confume. The ancients were ex- tremely fond of predicting the different ftates of health and difeafe in the human body, from the appearances obferved in the urine. Among the moderns, who are better acquainted with the animal economy, thefe appearances are not implicitly attended to, as they have fre- quently been found to miflead the obferver ; yet, the early morning urine, if allowed to ftand for an hour or two, exhibits fome phe- nomena, which render it an object worthy the attentionof the medical practitioner. Thus, a thin, pale urine, which is voided by the hy- pochondriac, the hyfteric, and perfons afflict- ed with fpafms in the abdomen, indicates great weaknefs, or the approach of eramps, Originating from a contraction of the fmaller fecretory organs. It is likewife of a whitifh colour, after taking much weak drink. In debilitated individuals, the urine is foamy, and this froth remains on the top for a confil derable time ; becaufe it abounds in tough and vifcid particles. The health of fuch perfonr, however promifing in appearance, is by no means permanently eftablifhed. :64 of EVACUATIONS. The urine is of a red colour, after too little drink, or after drinking fpirituous liquors, af- ter violent exercife, profufe perfpiration, and after having fpent a reftlefs night. It yields a fediment refembling brick-duff, when the ftomach is impure, and the tongue white with a yellowifh taint, and covered with vifcous matter. According to. the higher or paler colour of the urine, in an ordinary ftate of health, the body may be confidered as being more or lefs vigorous. If, after long ftanding no fediment be depofited in it, great weaknefe is indicated : yet the conclufion is more favour- able, although the urine be thick and fandy, if a cloud be obferved fwimming in the middle. Indeed it is lefs dangerous to fupprefs the evacuations by itool, than thofe by urine; for, if this remain too, long in the bladder, it be- comes acrid and corrofive. If the inclination to make water is accompanied with a difcharge of a few drops only, it is called zftrangury ; if the difficulty of voiding it is attended with pain, a dyfuria ; and, if a total fuppreflion of it takes place, it is then called an ifchuria. Thefe difeafes are frequently the effects of fome malt-liquors, or of certain articles of food, particularly vegetables containing much acidity. In. the beginning of fuch painful complaints, relief can be given by fomenting the patient, about the genitals, with flannel- cloths, as hot as he can bear them, by keep- ing him fufficiently warm, and allowing him plenty of warm, diluent drink. Although the quantity of the urine-to be voided through the day cannot be accurately OF EVACUATIONS. rtfif afcertamed, yet this evacuation ought always to be proportionate to the drink we have taken, and to the greater or lefs degree of perfpiration. If we perceive a deficiency in this difcharge, weoughtto take moderate ex-- ercife, to drink light, thin, and acidulated diluents, and to eat= a variety of fuch herbs and fruits, as poffefs diuretic virtues : of this nature are, parfley, afparagus, celery, juni- perberries, ftrawberrieSj cherries, and the like. We fhould be careful, not to retain the urine too long ; a practice which' would occafion relaxation and palfy of the bladder, and which might at length produce.the gravel or ftone. Many, maladies may arife from voiding too fmall a-quantity of urine ; hence the neceffity of attending to this excretion, from which we may frequently difcover the caufe of the dif- eafe. The relative ftate of vigour or debility in the individual, the mode of life, more or lefs drink, dry or damp weather—all produce a difference in the quantity of this-evacuation. Robuft^ perfons eject lefs urine than the debili^ tated : a copious emiflion of it is-always a fymptom of a relaxed body, which is not pof- feffed of fufficient energy to expel its noxious particles by tranfpiration through, the cuta- neous veffels.- The more exercife. we take, the lefs we Iofe by the urinary paffages; fince they are drain- ed by the pores. Cold and moift air checks perfpiration, but promotes the excretion by urine. When this canal is fuppreffed, the bladder fometimes becomes fo much diftended that.it burfts, as may eafily happen to parturi. i66 OF EVACUATIONS'. ent women ; and hence arife incurable^?!//!*,-. or, if the paffages be obftructed, the urine re- treats into the cellular texture of the whole body, and penetrates even into the cranium. Women, however, are able to retain it longer than men.—Too copious, an evacuation of urine conftitutes a pecufiar difeafe, known by the name of diabetes, which not unfrequent- ly proves fatal to the fufterer, after he has dif- charged feveral gallons a day, for a confider- able length of time. Among the rules and cautions for the propt er management of this evacuation, it deferves to be remarked, that it is hurtful to make wa- ter too often, or before a proper quantity of it be accumulated in the bladder. By fuch practice, this veflel gradually contracts into a narrower compafs than is affigned by nature, and cannot again be eafily diftended. Too long a. retention of urine, on the contrary, preternaturally enlarges the bladder, weakens its mufcular 'power, and may, with the ad- vancement of age, occafion ifchuria or a total fuppreffion ; befides which it promotes the depofition of mucus and fand in the bladder, and inevitably leads to that troublefome and painful complaint, the ftone. Of infenfible Perfpiration. OF all the natural evacuations, none is fo important and extenfive, none is carried on with lefs interruption*, and none frees the •OF EVACUATIONS. 167 body from-fo'many impurities, particularly from acrid and thin humours, as infenfible perfpiration. The health of man chiefly de- pends on the proper ftate of this function: the irregularities occurring in it, occafionally produce peeviihnefs of temper, head-ach, dif- turbed.fleep, heavinefs in the limbs, &c.; and, on the contrary, we find ourfelves moft lively and vigorous, when it is duly and uniformly performed. A perfon of a middle ftature, and in perfect health, perfpires, according to the calculation of fome, from three to four pounds weight, according to others, about five pounds, within twenty-four hours. The exudation by the pores is moft effential during the night; ■ the noxious particles only being then feparated; which, on account of the diiturbances we are expofed to through the day, cannot be fo well effected, a^ the circulation of the blood is thereby interrupted, while at night it is com- paratively more calm and regular.;—^befides which, the nocturnal perfpiration is more co- pious, from'the greater uniformity of the fur- roundim; atmofphere. Moil of the febrile difeafes arife from a fup- preffed perfpiration ; as the exuded matter is of an acrid and irritating nature. To tranfpire beneficially, means, that the impure and per- nicious particles only be ejeCted, in which cafe the.perfpiration is invifible and imperceptible. This is fo cifentiai a requilite, that without it the health of the individual cannot longfubfift. The reciprocal connection between the func- tions of the ftomach, and of perfpiration, is i6S OF EVACUATION*. fo obvious, that if the latter be checked, the former is immediately affected; and the re- verfe takes place, if the ftomach be disordered. The more vigoroufly a perfon perfpires, (it ought to be well remarked, that the queftion here is not of fweating) the more adive are ..the powers of the body, in the regular con- coction of the alimentary juices; and.the more certain it is, that no fluids will fuperabound.: for the fluids though refined and fubtile, far exceed in weight the more compact and folid parts of the fyftem, fo that they would opprefs the machine like a heavy burden, if not evac- uated by the pores of the fkin. Moft individ- uals, however, are accuftomed to direct then attention only to evacuations of a more grofs nature, or fuch as are more obvious to the fenfes. But infenfible perfpiration is of greater moment than all the other excretions; and by paying due regard to that function, if it fhould be accidentally difturbed, we may frequently difcover the lurking caufe of a diftemper, and remove it, before it has materially injured the body. Yet, even in the moft healthy, this perfpira- tion is not at all times, nor at all hours of the day, equally active. It is weaker after a plen- tiful meal, but as foon is the food is digefted, we again perfpire with increafed energy; for the new chyle being changed into blood, im- parts additional efficacy to the vital pcvwers, as well as to the circulation of the blood itfelf. Asweperfpireconfiderablymoreinfummcrthan inwinter,ourmodeoflife,withrefpectcoflje3,as well as to food and drink, ought to beregulated OF EVACUATIONS. 169 accordingly. We know from accurate obser- vation, that if we retire to bed immediately after fupper, the procefs of perfpiration is checked in a remarkable degree: we alfo know, that it is highly conducive to health, that this important function of the body be preferved in the moft uniform ftate ; hence it neceffarity follows, that, after fupper, we ought to fit up at leaft tv/o hours ; and to afford this benefit both to the organs of digeftion and perfpiration, our fuppers fhould not be delay- ed to the late hours now fo abfurdly in fafhion. According to the experiments made by dif- ferent inquirers into the nature of infenfible perfpiration, this procefs is moft forcibly af- fected, and fometimes totally fuppreffed, by the following circumftances *: 1. By violent pain, which in a remarkable •degree confumes the fluids of the body, or propel* them to other parts. •2. By obftructions of the cutaneous veffels, which are frequently occafioned by the ufe of falves, ointments, and cofmetics. 3. By fevere colds, particularly thofe con- tracted at night, and during fleep. 4. When nature is employed with other ob- jects. Thus perfpiration is weaker during the time of concoction, particularly after ufing food difficult of digeftion. This is likewife the cafe, when nature endeavours to promote any other fpecies of evacuation, which more engages the attention of the fenfes ; for in- ftance, vomiting, diarrhoeas, confiderable hemorrhages, and the like : farther, when the efforts of Nature are too weak ; hence ths P 1^0 OF EVACUATIONS. aged, the debilitated, and poor perfons, una- ble to fupply the wants of the body, or to pay due attention to cleanlinefs, perfpire lefs than others : laftly, the fame muft happen to indi- viduals of a fedentary life, who neglect the neceffary exercife of the body ; and thofe like- wife who wear too tight garments, and im- proper ligatures about the joints. ^ Perfpiration, on the contrary, is promoted: i. By ftretchingor expanding the limbs; as, by fuch means, the lungs and mufcles acquire an additional impulfe, and the fluids circula- ting too flowly in the fmaller veffels, are pro- pelled to the larger veins and arteries, and thus forwarded to the heart ; fo that this prin- cipal mufcle is then impelled to extend and contract its ventricles with greater force, and confequently to quicken the whole circulation of the blood. 2. By the lukewarm bath, which is well calculated to foften the fkin, and thus to open the pores for a better perfpiration. 3. By moderate bodily exercife.. 4. By mild fudorific remedies ;—and for this reafon it is extremely proper, in cafe of a recent cold, to drink two or three cups of tea, efpecial'lv previous to going to bed. If perfpirable matter collect in drops, it fliould then be called Sweat, and is no longer a natural are- neceffary evacuation ; on the contrary, we find very healthful and robuft perfons who fed com or never fweat. B\ means of this exudation, •■>otli noxious and ufeful particles are at the fame t'.v\c ejected fn-m the lurface ; the body is enfeebled ; the blood is OF EVACUATIONS. I7I rendered impure ; and the fecretion of bad humours is prevented by every violent effort of the cutaneous veffels. If fweating be carried to excefs, it is ex- tremely noxious, and may even be productive of confumption. By infenfible perfpiration, on the contrary, the fuperfluous particles only are expelled ; becaufe the circulation of the fluids is flower, and more calm and uniform. This important purification of the blood ought never to be checked : if, therefore, we wifh to take a bracing exercife, it fhould by no means be continued till profufe perfpiration take place. Cold then only checks perfpiration, when it occafions an unufual ftimulus on the fkin, and if we too fuddenly remove from a warm to a cold atmofphere. Hence the neceffity of ac- cuftoming ourfelves, from early youth, to the viciflitudes of heat and cold, of walking ev- ery day in the open air, and of wafhing the whole body, at leaft once a week, with luke- warm, or ftill better, with cold water. By this practice the pores are braced, and inured to undergo the different changes of the weather and feafons, without Differing (as moft people now do, upon the flighteft occafion) by fevere cold and catarrhs. It is never too late to begin this ftrengthen- ing procefs, by frequently wafhing and rub- bing the whole furface of the body with cold water ; foi, if cautioufly managed at firft, it cannot fail to invigorate young perfons and adults, as well as the aged.—To fleep on feath- er-beds occafions a conftant vapour-bath at 172 OF EVACUATIONS.. night, which again deftroys the beneficial ac- quifitions of the day.—To remove from a cold temperature to a ftill colder one, is not nearly fo prejudicial, as to exchange fuddenly the air of a warm room, for that of a moiftand cold atmofphere. This accounts for the frequent colds caught in fummer, even by going from the burning rays of the fun to the cooling fhade ; and hence too the firft cold of autumn is moft fenfibly felt, becaufe we are then un- accuftomed to that impreflion. Much alfo, as has been before obferved, de- pends on the nature and properties of our food and drink, in refpect to the ftate of infenfible perfpiration. The fubtile and rarefied fluids- only, not tfrofe of a coarfe and oily confiftence, can pervade the fkin. Too many oleaginous, vifcous, and crude articles of nourifhment, fuch as fat meat, paftry, boiled mealy difhes, fmoked hams, faufages, &c. have a ftrong ten- dency to obftruct the free perfpiration of the tody, and confequently to affect the ferenity of the mind. All the deprefling paflions and emotions are a powerful check to infenfible perfpiration; while, on the contrary, thofe of an exhilarating nature may promote and increafe it to fuch a degree, as fometimes to prove the pre-difpof- ing, though diftant caufe of consumptions. Moderate daily exercife is eminently calculat- ed to fupport this function, and to ftrengthen the whole body. Cleanlinefs produces a fim- ilar effect; for fome impurities continually fet- tle on the furface of the body ; and thefe, if. not removed i:i time, clo^ the pcres, and aru. OF EVACUATIONS. 173 fo detrimental to health, that they may occa- fion many obftinate diftempers, which might be eafily prevented, or at leaft checked in their progrels, by a proper and conftant attention tc the fkin. Too violent a perfpiration indicates great debility of the body, or a laxity of the cutane- ous veffels, which may frequently be removed by cold bathing or wafhing. When perfons are troubled with unufual night-fweats, they may receive benefit (if it be not a iymptom of heCtic fever) by taking, immediately before go- ing to bed, two or three anchms of cream of tartar, in either beer or water. But if this fimple remeay, after repeated trials, fhould prove ineffectual^ a profeffional man ought to be confulted ; as long-continued night-fweats may in the end produce great weaknefs, and' even confumption. In moft' of the common colds, the popular ftimulant remedies, fuch as heating liquors, and particularly fudorifics, are ill calculated to relieve the complaint. If the patient, at the fame time, be troubled with pain in the bowels, heed-ach, a foul tongue, &cc. a gentle laxative will be of greater fervice than the diaphoretics. But if the ftomach be peculiarly affected, if the tongue be clea:; and the appetite good ; two or three cups of warm diluent drink, a tepid bath of the legs, a mod. -ately warm room and drefs, gentle exercife, and friCtion of the fkin with warm cloths, are the moft proper and generally effectual means of i- lie!'. As the retention of ufelefs and fuperfiuous matter is hurtful, it is not lefs dttrm.extal to r 2 I74 0F EVACUATIONS. health, if fubftances nnt ready to be evacuated are ejected from the body.—Of this kind are bleedings from the nofe, the mouth, and the veflels of the anm-; : though thefe are not nat- ural evacuations, yet they may occafionally be beneficial, as Nature fometimes makes an ef- fort to expel noxious matter in an unufual manner. But thefe parts or fluids ejected as pernicious, ftriCtly fpeaking, ought not to exift in the body ; and though the evacuation of them be beneficial, it is a fymptom of difeafe. if, therefore, fuch preternatural difcharges take place too violently or frequently, they ought to be checked with judgment and circumfpec- tion ; and we fhould endeavour to lead (but not to fcrv.-e) Nature to a more falutary canal, than that flie has chofen, either by accident or wanton compulfion. Of the Saliva. The faliva fhould not be confounded with mucus, or flime ; the former is a fluid, not in- tended by Nature to be evacuated, as it ferves the important purpofe of mixing and prepar- ing the food for the ftomach ; hence it ought not to be unneceffarily wafted by frequent fpit- ting ; the latter, mucus, may be fafely thrown out as burdenfome and offenfive. 1 he abfurd cuftom of fmoking tobacco is extremely prej- udicial, as it weakens the organs of die/eiliou, deprives the body of many ufeful fluids, and OF EVACUATIONS. 1/5 has a direct tendency to emaciation, particular- ly in young perfons, and thofe of lean and dry fibres. To thefe it is the more detrimental, that it promotes not only the fpitting of faliva, but likewife other evacuations. This plant is pof- feffed of narcotic properties, by which it pro- duces in thofe who firft begin to fmoke it, gid- dinefs, cold fweats, vomiting, purging, and, from its ftimulus on the falival glands, a copi- ous flow of the faliva. Frequent and much fmoking makes the teeth yellow and black ; the clay pipes are apt to canker the teeth to fuch a degree as to in- fect the breath, and produce putrid ulcers in the gums. Delicate perfons efpecially fuffer from this naufeous habit; as it has a direct tendency, notonly to exficcate their bodies, by contaminating the fluids, rendering them acrid, and vitiating the digeftion and afliinilation of food, but likewife to impair the mental facul- ties. Thefe effects, however, are lefs to be ap- prehended from fmoking tobacco, if it has be- come habitual, and is net carried to excefs. To perfons of a middle age, or thole of full growth, particularly the corpulent, the phleg- matic, and fuch as are fubject to catarrhal com- plaints, it may occafionally be of fervice, if ufed with moderation, efpecially in damp, cold, and hazy weather. Vet fuch perfons ought never to fnoak immediately before o- after a meal, as toe faliva is materially requifito to aflift the cone action of food, which is not accomplifhed till about three or four hours after a meal ;—■ they fliould fmoke llowly ; frequently drink fmall draughts of beer, ale, tea, or any other Ij6 of EVACUATIONS. diluent liquors, but neither fpirits nor wine j and, laftly, they fliould ufe a clean pipe with a long tube ; for the oil of tobacco, fettling on the fides of the pipe, is one of the moft acri- monious and hui\ful fubftances, and may thus be accidentally abforbed, and mixed with the fluids of the body. Of the Mucus of the Nofe. The fecretion of this humour is intended by Nature to protect the olfactory nerves: hence every artificial mean of increafing that fecre- tion is prepofterous, unlefs required by fome particular indifpoiition of the body. The re- marks, then, made with refpect to the faliva and fmoking,. are alfo applicable to the mucus of the nofe, and the habit of taking fnuff. The queftion here is not of that catarrhal fe- cretion of vifcid flime, which is ejected as ufe- lefs. Snuff ftimulates the mucous membrane of the nofe, and, lympathetically, the whole body ; by which the mental powers are in a degree affected. If ufed as a medicine* only, * By the perftufion ..I fome friends, who were anxious to fee the farcical performance of an empiric, whofe name does not de- fer"-i. to lie recti <:ed here, I this day (S.-jnember 25th, 1798) joiiw ed a party, to svitnefs the i)ieitr.c1tcrcffec.t»e:i a ttt\.&\nfnuff-foivdert logttiKi■ mull, v• Ii it he can.- his acromulu belts, v. hithaic at beft but a cl unify imitation or jvlrjji..a'i Arin.al Mug/.etifm ; (vid. page 113 Vol. I.) and, as fuch, liave Dot even the merit of originality. The medicated fnuff appears to be an aftr.tdnt mean contrived by this Charlatan, tt ftupify the heads of his patients, who were gen- erally of the loweft clafs i he Genu .n adventurer flood in need (J 00 external remedies to affeft the uuves ci the Fur'jwn fo&atkty OF EVACUATIONS. 17% and on occafions that require fuch a ftimulus, it may be productive of fome advantage ; but a liquid fternutatory deferves every preference to a powder, which, though at firft ftimulating and occafioning a flow of vifcous matter, in the end always obftructs the noftrils. And if this ftimulus be too violent, it may bring on. fo profufe a difcharge of matter from the deli- cate membrane lining the nofe, as to relax and corrode it, and to produce a polypus, or a con- cretion of clotted blood in the noftrils. In feveral difeafes of the head, eyes, and ears, however, the taking of fnuff may occa- fionally fupply the, place of an artificial iffue ; :hough an extravagant ufe of it will moft cer- tainly produce a contrary effect ; namely, ac- cumulation of matter in the head, bleeding of the nofe, and other complaints, farther, it would be extremely injudicious to advife the ufe of fnuff to perfons of a phthifical conftitu- tion, or thofe afflicted with internal ulcers, and fubject to fpitting of blood ; as, by the violent , iheezing it at firft occafions, fuch individuals might expofe themfelves to imminent danger. —Public fpeakers of every kind, as well as teachers of languages, and, in fhort, all thofe while our London Mountebank cannot, uithout fome additional ftimulus, operate on Evglijh braiifs.—All this is. clnrach r uic cf the vile and dtlpitablt plans adopted by quacks ; but, tohor an ig- rur. ant plunder to medicine defcanting on the virtues exifting in his acromatic belts ; maintaining that an univtrfal msgneticfpmt pervades them ; that ttv^ fpirit alone cures all the difeafti i: ci- dent to the human frame, even broken limbs and exfoliations of bones ; and, laftly, to permit an audacious i:npoftor to impeach the hontfty of the whole Faculty, before a deluded audience— fuchoutr.^e louulv calls for th« interfertnee of the civil ma- gi Uraxc. 178 OF EVACOATrONS, to whom a clear and diftindt articulation is of confequence, ought to avoid this habit, which, when carried to excefs, is, in this refpect, ex- tremely prejudicial. Thofe, too, who have a regard for cleanlinefs will not accuftom them- felvcs to this hurtful practice. In fhort,. the continual ufe of fnuff gradually vitiates the or- gans of fmell ; weakens the faculty of fight, Ly withdrawing the humours from the eyes ; impairs the fenfe of hearing ; renders breath- ing diiUcult ; depraves the palate ; and, if taken too copioufly, falls into the ftomach, and in a high degree, injures the organs of digeftion. Befides the many bad effects already men- tioned, taking fnuff may be attended with an- other confequence, equally dangerous to the alimentary canal. While the, nofe is continu- ally obftructed, and a free refpiration is imped- ed, the habitual fnuff-taker generally breathes through the mouth only ; he is always obliged to keep his mouth partly open, and confe- quently to infpire more frequently and with greater efforts. Thus, by inhaling too much- air, he probably lays the foundation of that troublefome flatulency, which is common a- mong thofe hypochondriacs who habitually take fnuff. Hence every perfon, unlefs good reafons can be afiigned in favour of it, oughl to be ferioufly diffuaded from the ufe of fnuff, d. > well as of tobacco: and it deferves to be remarked, that both thefe practices may be fafely, and cannot be too fuddenly relinquifh- ed, as foon as reafon prevails over fenfual grat- ifications. 0-P EVACUATIONS. *79 Of Wax in the Ears. If the ears be feldom, or not properly clean- ed, there fometimes accumulates a fpecies of wax, which grows tough and hard, diminifhes the acutenefs of hearing, obftructs the paffage to the ear, and may at length produce total deafhefs. Copious ear-wax, if it become thin and acrid, may occafion pain, and fometimes a running or fuppuration in the ears. Daily wafhing with cold water ftrengthens thefe or- gans, and is an excellent preservative of the fenfe of hearing.—If it be apprehended, that infects have made their way into the cavity of the ear, it may be ufeful to introduce fome fweet oil into the orifice, and to repofe on that fide, the ear of which is the feat of the com- plaint. Hemorrhages. Thfsf. are fluxes of blood, falutary to hoth fexes, when required and regulated by Na- ture; but, if fuppreffed, they may beproductive of ferious and fatal confequences. The menfes are irregular in their appearance and difap- pearp.nce ; being much influenced by climate, and the conftitution of the body : the hemorr- hoids, on the contrary, originate from the mode of living, joined to a particular temper- ament of the individual. Bleedir^ of the nofe arifes either from a fuperabundance of Mood, .lf$0 OF EVACUATIONS. and its impetuous circulation, or from the burfting of one of the fmall arteries.—As long as thefe fluxes continue within proper limits, and do not exhauft the ftrength of the perfon fubject to them, there is not the leaft neceffity to employ any artificial means of fuppreffing them; becaufe Nature muft not be rudely checked in her beneficent efforts. Nay, even the affections and paflions of th« mind ought to be duly regulated, particularly by females of an irritable temper, during the recurrence of the menfes; for thefe may, according to circumftances, be either preternaturally in- creafed, or totally fuppreffed, to the great in- jury of health. Laftly, it is extremely imprudent for young women to expofe their feet and legs to danger- ous colds, in vafhing the floors of rooms and paffages upon their knees, at a time when they ought particularly to guard againft the acceft of damp and cold. Humane and fenfible per- fons would not require their fervants to follow this prejudicial pradice, by which they are liable to contract the moft obftinate diforders: it produces obftructions in the abdomen, fwell- ing of the legs, dropfical complaints, palfy, and even confumptions;—hence the multitude of female fervants continually taking refuge ia the different hofpitals. Of the retention of Milk. Not lefs hurtful than the fuppreflion of hemorrhages, is the retention of the milk in OF EVACUATIONS. X8l the female breaft. This, likewife, is general- ly occafioned by indulging in fits of paffion, or by expofing the body, and particularly the lower extremities, to the influence of damp and cold places, or wearing wet clothes, and linen not properly aired. Hence may arife nodules, or fmall lumps in the breafts, trouble- fome fwellings, efpecially if the milk be abun- dant, inflammations accompanied with excru- ciating pain and violent fever, ulcers in one or more parts of the body at the fame time, or fcirrhous callofities ; and, at length, if neg- lected or mifmanaged, cancer itfelf. In ma- ny inftances, a premature ftoppage of the milk, in lying-in women, has produced inflammation of the Womb, and a fevere child-bed fever. Laftly, imprudence with regard to food and drink, drefs, air, &c. may occafion the fup- preflion of the milk, as well as of every other evacuation. Q- t l82 ] CHAP. IX. Of the Sexual Intercourse ; its phyfical confequences with refpecl to the Conftitution of tlie Individual ;—under what circumftances it may be either conducive or hurtful to Health. ASUBJECTof fuch extenfive importance, both to our phyfical and moral welfare, as the confequences refulting from either a too limited or extravagant intercourfe between the fexes, deferves the ftricteft inquiry, and the moft ferious attention of the philofopher. The inclination to this intercourfe, and the evacuation connected with it, are no lefs in- herent in nature, than other bodily functions. Yet, as the femen is the moft fubtile and fpir- ituous part of the human frame, and as it ferves to the fupport of the nerves, this evacuation is by no means abfolutely neceffary ; and it is befides attended with circumftances not com- mon to any other. The emiflion of femen en- feebles the body more than the lofs of twenty times the fame quantity of blood, more than violent cathartics, emetics, Sec. : hence ex- ceffes of this nature produce a debilitating ef- fect on the whole nervous fyftem, on both body and mind. It is founded on the obfervations of the ableft phyfiologifts, that the greateft part of this re- fined fluid is re-abforbed, and mixed with the Mood, of which it cou'ti ;.utes the moft rarefied / OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 183 and volatile part; and that it imparts to the body peculiar fprightlinefs, vivacity, and vi- gour. rl hefe beneficial effects cannot be ex- pected, if the femen be wantonly and improv- idently wafted. Befides, the emiflion of it is accompanied with a peculiar fpecies of ten- fion and convulfion of the whole frame, which is always fucceeded by relaxation. For the fame reafon, even libidinous thoughts, with- out any lofs of femen, are debilitating, though in a lefs degree, by occafioning a propulfion of the blood to the genitals. If this evacuation, however, be promoted only in a ftate of fuperfluity, and within prop- er bounds, it is not detrimental to health. Nature, indeed, fpontaneoufly effects it, in the moft healthy individuals, during fleep ; and,as long as we obferve no difference in bod- ily and mental energy after fuch loffes, there is no danger fo be apprehended from them. It is well eftablifhed, and attefted by the ex- perience of eminent phyficians, that in certain indifpofitions, both of men and women, this i;- the only permanent remedy that can be ad- vifed, to reftore their languifhing health. It is not uncommon to find, that melancholy, in- curable by any other means, has been happily removed, in perfons of both fexes, by ex- changing a fingle ftate for that of wedlock. There are a variety of circumftances, by which cither the utility or the irifalubrity of the fexual intercourfe is, in general, to be de- termined.—It is conducive to the well-being of the individual, if Nature (not an extrava- 184 OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. gant or difordered imagination) induces us to fatisfy this inclination, efpecially under the following conditions : 1. In young perfons, that is, adults, or thofe of a middle age ; as, from the flexibility of their veflels, the ftrength of their mufcles, and the abundance of their vital fpirits, they can the better fuftain the lofs occafioned by this indulgence. 2. In robuft perfons, who Iofe no more than is almoft immediately replaced. 3. In fprightly individuals, and fuch as are particularly addicted to pleafure ; for, the ftronger the natural iLiire, the fafer is its grat- ification. 4. In perfons who are accuftomed to it ;— for Nature purfues a different path, according- ly as fhe h habituated to the re-abforption, or to the evacuation of this fluid. 5. With a beloved object ; as the power an- imating the nerves and mufcular fibres is in proportion to the pleafure received. 6. After a found fleep ; becaufe then the body is more energetic ; is provided with a new ftock of vital fpirits ; and the fluids are duly prepared :—hence the early morning ap- pears to be defigned by Nature for the exer- cife of this function ; as the body is then moft vigorous; and, being unemployed in any other purfuit, its natural propenfity to this is the greater : befides, at this time, a few hours fleep can be readily obtained, by which the ex- pended powers are, in a great meafure, rele- vated. OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. l8j 7. With an empty ftomach j for the office of digeftion, fo material to the reftoration of bodily ftrength, is then uninterrupted. Laftly, 8. In the vernal months ; as Nature, at this feafon in particular, incites all the lower animals to fexual intercourfe ; as we are then moft vigorous and fprightly ; and as the fpring is not only the fafeft, but likewife the beft time, with refpect to the confequences refuk- ing from that intercourfe. It is well afcertain- ed by experience, that children begotten in fpring are of more folid fibres, and confequent- ly more vigorous and robuft, than thofe gen- erated in the heat of fummer, or cold of winter. It may be collected from the following cir- cumftances, whether or not the gratification of the fexual impulfe has been conducive to the well-being of the body ; namely, if it be not fucceeded by a peculiar laflitude ; if the body do not feel heavy, and the mind averfe to ie- flection : all which are favourable fymptoms, indicating that the various powers have fuftain- ed no effential lofs, and'that fuperfluous mat- ter only has been evacuated. Farther, the healthy appearance of the urine, in this cafe, as well as cheer fulnefs and viva- city of mind, alfo preve a proper coction of the fluids, and fufficiently evince an unimpaired ftate of the animal functions, a due perfpira- tion, and a frc-j cire ulatioii of the blood. lhere are, however, many cafes in which this gratification is the more detrimental to health, when it has been immoderate, and with- out the impuiie of Nature, but particularly in the following filiations: • , of Jena : and 1 here refer to >.is . xr client .vvjk: " I'.'- •/ - Mtdital .U.t^ofclcgy,'s3-.'' (in German,) j,,. 4,1. fecoro *J:! c>. -. ;. M'.:>r.ir, i-';j. OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. I95 and indifference towards the objed of former affeaion, and which are undoubtedly the fre- quent caufe'of a feeble and degenerate off- fpring. No irregularities whatever are more certain- ly punifhed than thofe of v&nery; and, though the confequences fhould not immediately take place, they unavoidably follow, and generally at a time when they are moft feverely felt ; fometimes in the organs of generation alone, and fometimes over the whole body. Even the connection with the moft beloved object, the poffefrion of whom has been long and anx- ioufly wifhed for, does not exempt the volup- tuary from thefe prejudicial effects, if the bounds of moderation be exceeded : the ima- gination at length becomes difordered ; the head is filled with libidinous images ; and the predominating idea of fenfual enjoyment ex- cludes the reflections of reafon. Thus Nature becomes in a manner forced to conduct the fluids to the parts of generation, fo that fuch unfortunate perfons cannot relinquish this de- ftructive habit ; they are troubled with invol- untary emiflions of the femen, which are ex- tremely debilitating, and which either deprive them entirely of the faculty of procreating, or deftroy the elafticity of the parts, and exhauft the femen to fuch a degree, as to produce only feeble and enervated children. In thofe who lead a life of debauchery, fpafmodic affections, and even ruptures, are not uncommon : women are afflicted with the fluor albus, violent fluxes of the menfes, bear- ing down of the vagina, and innumerable oth- 196 OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. er maladies of a difagreeable nature. Thefe deftructive effects on the body are at firft man- ifefted by a general relaxation of the folids : the whole nervous fyftem is reduced to a ftate of extreme debility, which is feldom, if ever, removed by the moft rigorous adherence to diet, and the moft appofite medical remedies. Hence neceffarily arife, as has been already obferved, the almoft infinite varieties of hy- pochondriafls, and imbecility, to fo alarming a degree, that perfons of this defcription cannot direct their attention to one object, for a quar- ter of an hour together : their fpirits are ex- haufted ; their memory as well as their judg- ment are greatly impaired; and in fhort, all the faculties of mind, all its ferenity and tranquillity, are fo much affected, that they fcarcely enjoy one happy moment. The external fenfes do not fuffer lefs upon thefe occafions: the eyes, efpecially, become weaker, imaginary figures are continually floating before them, and frequently the power of vifion is entirely deftroyed.—The ftomach alfo, on account of its intimate connection with the nerves, in a great meafure partakes of thefe infirmities: whence arife difeafes of various degrees of malignity;—the lungs too become difordered ; hence the many lingering and incurable confumptions, which deftroy fuoh numbers in the prime of life. If, how- ever, they furvive the baneful effects of their intemperance, their bodies become bent from abfolute weaknefs, their gait fluggifh and tot- tering, and the refidue of their days is marked with painful debility. OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 197 Young perfons, as well as thofe whofe em- ployments require much mufcular exertion, are in an uncommon degree weakened by fre- quent debauches. Indeed, the fexual. inter- courfe, even within the limits of moderation, is more hurtful to fome individuals than to others. Thus, a perfon born of ftrong and healthy parents is not nearly fo much hurt by occafional extravagance as another, whofe par- ents were weak and enervated, or who is him- felf threatened with cenfumption ; and, laftly, thofe alfo ought to be abftemious in this re- fpect, who feel an unufual laflitude and weak- nefs, after the leaft indulgence. ' There are people who, from ignorance, have long been in the habit of committing ex- ceffes, and who wifh at once to reform their mode of life ; the confequence of this fudden change generally is an increafed debility ; and they become very liable to fits of the gcut, hyfteric and hypochondriacal complaints. As they are fenfible of their growing weaknefs, they expect to relieve themfelves by ftrength- ening remedies, which render their fuuation ftill worfe, being apt to occafion involuntary emiffions of femen in the night, to relax and deftroy the ftomach, and at length to produce ' an irritating acrimony in the inteftineL, which is the frequent caufe of fuch emiffions. Ev;.:i the mild corroborants cannot be ufed here with any hopes of fuccefs ;. as the body is overload- ed with pituitous phlegm, from which readily arife jaundice and dropfy. Hence it U mere advifable, and, at leaft in a phyfical refpect, I9& OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE more falutary, to return from fuch irregulari- ties by gradual fteps, than by a too fuddei: and dangerous change. It is further remarkable, that moft perfons, efpecially in the higher ranks, do not marry at a proper period of life ; partly from caprice and famiiy-confiderations ; partly on account of the difficulty to maintain a family, in the prefent more expenfive mode of living; and partly from other caufes which are beft known to bachelors. Thus they enter into the con- jugal ftate, when their frame is enervated by diflipation of every kind ; but fuch debauchees ought not to be permitted by the State to en- cumber tha world with a degenerate offspring. On the contrary, to be married too early, and before a perfon has attained the age of maturity, is likewife improper and hurtful. Every candidate for matrimony fliould en- deavour to obtain the moft accurate intelli- gence, whether the object of his affection be qualified for the various duties of that ftate, or whether fhe be fubject to phthifical, hyfter- ic, and nervous complaints, all of which ought to be guard i againft; as, befides the misfor- tune of being united to a valetudinary partner, healthy women only will produce found and vigorous children. Thofe who do not marry for the fake of wealth and family-intereft, fhould choofe a well formed and a ;renable partner, as deform- ed mothers feldom bring forth handfome chil- dren. The natural difpofition -of a woman likewife, deferves to be inveftigated, previous to the union; for it is the opinion of accurate OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. IOQ obfervers, that children moft generally inherit the propenfities and paflions of the mother. There ought to be no remarkable difference between the age of the married couple; and the moft proper time in life for matrimony, in our climate in general, appears to be that be- ♦ween the age of eighteen and twenty in the female, and from twenty-two to twenty-four in the male fex. Laftly, women who are hump-backed, or who have had the rickets in their infancy, ought not to enter the ftate of wedlock; the former, in particular, (according to the rules of found ftate-policy) fhould by no means be allowed to marry, until examined by profef- fional perfons, whether there be any impedi- ment to child-bearing from the preternatural ftructure of the pelvis :—this frequently ren- ders the Caefarean operation neceffary; or the artificial feparation of the pelvis is connected with imminent danger of life. For the fame reafon, even elderly women fliould not be en- couraged to engage in matrimony, as they ei- ther remain barren, or, if not, they experience very difficult and. painful parturition. In fome rare inftances, however, too great abftinence may be the caufe of ferious diftem- pers. A total retention of the femen is not indeed always hurtful; but it may be fo, occa- fionally, to perfons naturally lafcivious, and to thofe of a corpulent habit. Thefe are gener- ally provided with an abundance of the feminal fluid, which, if too long retained in the body, caufes involuntary evacuations, plethora, fwei'ings, pain and inflammation of the femi- 200 OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. nal veffels, the infpiffation and at length cor- ruption of the ftaguating femen—and fome- times priapifms, convulfions, melancholy, and at length furious lewdnefs. The female fex are not lefs liable to difeafes from inevitable abftinence : lofs of ftrength, chlorofis, fluor albus, hyfterics, and even furor uterinus, may fometimes be the confequence. Yet, I cannot upon this occafion omit to re- mark, that thefe effects feldom, if ever, take place in thofe who live regularly, and do not encourage libidinous ideas ; and that both males and females would undoubtedly derive greater benefit from total continence, till mar- riage, than by an unlimited indulgence in ven- ery: in the former cafe, they would not only in a great meafure contribute to their vigour of body and mind, but alfo to the prolonga- tion of life.—Young women of an habitually pale colour, may be juftly fufpected of being troubled with the fluor albus;—or of having an ardent defire to change their ftate. To repair the injuries brought on by an ex- ceflive indulgence in the fexual commerce,fuch means ought to be employed, as are calculated to remove the irregularities which have taken place in the functions of digeftion and perfpir- ation, and to give new energy to the folid parts. With this intention, the quantity of food is not of fo much confequence as its qual- ity ; hence the diet fhould be nourifhing, of eafy digeftion, and have a tendency to promote infenfible perfpiration : in all ftates of debility, a light and fpare diet is the moft fuitable to re- ftore ftrength, without exerting too much the OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 201 digeftive organs. Rich nourifhment, there- fore, as well as tough, flatulent, and crude victuals, or thofe which are liable to ferment in the ftomach, would, in fuch cafes, be ex- tremely pernicious.—But, above all, a rigid degreeof abftinence from the intercourfe which has occafioned the w:eaknefs, cannot be too ferioufly recommended ; as this alone is gen- erally fufficient to reftore mufcular vigour, ef- pecially where youth and foundnefs of confti- tution are in favour of the individual. Although we are poffeffed of no fpecifics, ftri6Hy deferving the appellation of aphrodifiacs, yet there certainly are means, which tend to promote the defire, as well as the capacity, of carrying on the fexual intercourfe : thefe are either fuch as contribute to increafe the feminal fluid, or ftimulate the genital organs. Of the former kind are thofe, which afford a rich chyle and falubrious Blood, which conduct this fluid more abundantly to the parts of gen- eration, and are on that account mildly diu- retic ; for inftance, milk, eggs, tender and nourifhing meat, herbs and roots of a mild, fpicy nature, and, fuch as promote the fecre- tion of urine, moderate bodily exercife, partic- ularly on horfe-back, &c. Merely ftimula- ting remedies, however, fhould not be employ- ed without great precaution, efpecially by the infirm, and thofe beyond a certain age ; for the emiflion of femen, in thefe, is generally attended with debility and difguft : while in young and robuft perfons there is no neceffity to increafe the fecretion of that fluid by artifi- cial means. 202 OF THE SI XUAL INTERCOURSE. There are likewife remedies of an oppofite tendency, more effectually anfwering the pur- pofe of moderating, or rather checking a too violent propenfity to venery, than thofe before ftated, with a view to promote it. In the pref- ent ftate of fociety, and particularly among maritime nations, where a great proportion of men and women are obliged to lead a fingle life, the means conducive to dimimfh this paf- fion, deferves every attention. Of this nature are : i. A laborious and rigid life, much bodily exercife, little fleep, and a fpare diet; fo that the fluids may be more eafily conducted to other parts, and that they may not bs pro- duced in a greater calamity, than is requifite to the fupport of the body. For the fame reafon, it is advifable, as foon as the defire of committing exceffes rifes to any height, im- mediately to refort to fome ferious avocation, to make ufe of lefs nutritious food an'd drink, to avoid all difhes peculiarly ftimulating to the palate, and to abiiain from the ufe of wine, and other fpirituous liquors. 2. To fnun every fpecies» of excitement; fuch as intimacy v "th the other fex, amorous converfations, libidinous narratives, feductive books, pictures, &c. 3. A cool regimen in every refpect:— hence Plato and Ariftotle recommended the cuftom of going barefoot, as a means of check- ing the ftimulus to carnal defire ; fo that this indecorous practice was confidered by the an- cients as a fymbol of chaftity. The cold bath was likewife fuggefted for the fame purpofe -r OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 203 others again, among whom may be reckoned Pliny and Galen, advifed to wear thin fheets of lead on the calves of the legs, and near the kidneys.—With the fame intention, and prob- ably with better effect, may be ufed the coal- ing fpecies of nourifhment, fuch as lettuce, water-purflane, cucumbers, &c.—for common drink, mere water; and, if the impulfe of paffion fhould increafe, a fmall quantity of ni- tre, vinegar, or vitriolic acid, may occafional- ly be added to the water, to render it more cooling.—Yet all thefe and fimilar remedies are of little or no advantage to the habitual voluptuary, efpecially if fubject to hypochon- driafls. The exciting caufe in fuch perfons not unfrequently proceeds from a difeafed abdomen, which, as has been before obferved, may be fo much obftructed, that all other remedies are in vain, until the material ftimu- lus of fuch obftructions be removed.—Laftly, 4. The various extenuants, fuch as fpices of all kinds, and the fmoking of tobacco, vio- lent exercife, he. are equally improper ; as thefe would inevitably impair the health of perfons naturally lean, fanguine, and choleric; while in cold and phlegmatic temperaments, they would rather tend to increafe than to abate the ftimulus. Having now, as far as was confiftent with the plan of this work, inveftigated both the beneficial and detrimental confequences of the fexual intercourfe, I propofe to conclude this fubject with a concife view of the principal theories of generation, which have been offered tv (he ableft phyfiologifts, and which I have 204 0F THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. extracted from the afore-mentioned work of Dr. Loder. " The origin of the firft germ of the em- bryo, (fays the learned Profeffor) and the manner of its formation, are fo obfcure, that of all the conjectures made by the moft atten- tive and ingenious obfervers, none Jias yet obtained general credit, or arrived at any de- gree of certainty. The fexual function ap- pears to belong to thofe fecrets of Nature, to the devejopement of which the powers of the human underftanding are altogether inade- quate. Yet it is not undeferving the attention of a reflecting mind, to become acquainted with the diverfified hypothefes that have pre- vailed on this fubject, and particularly thofe which have the greateft fliare of probability in their favour. " Some of the ancient natifralifts have fearched for the firft germ of the embryo, not within the bodies of the parents, but abfolute- ly in external objects; while they maintained, that it is introduced from without, either by the air, or particular articles of nourifhment; and, if it happen to meet with a body qualifi- ed to effect its formation, it then receives life, and grows; but, in the contrary cafe, it paff- es away unchanged. This whimfical con- jecture is undefervedly tranfmitted to our times, by the name of panfpermia ;—it is un- worthy of refutation, as it is unfounded, and totally inconfiftent with experience. " By another hypothefis (generatio aquivo- ca) it was afferted, that a variety of infects, and even of the fmaller animals, may originate OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 205 from extraneous fubftances, by mere fermen- ^ tation and putrefaction, without previous generation, or any intercourfe of males and female.-.—Thus maggots were faid to arife from putrifying meat, and in wounds ; fleas to grow in urine and feces, &c. But by more accurate obfervations we have learnt, that fuch vermin are only generated in putrefcible bodies, when the eggs of thofe infects, which feed upon putrid fubftances, have been previ- oufly depofited in them.—Yet there is a cer- tain kind of minute animals, which feem to receive life merely from the vivifying powers of Nature, being bred, by infufion, in fubftan- ces foreign to their fpecies; and to thefe per- haps the preceding theory is fo far amicable, as their origin is involved in obfeurity. " Other naturalifts have afcribed the firft germ of the embryo exclufively to the femen of the male. Hence arofe the fingular opinion, that the fmall embryo, with all its parts, is al- ready depofited vifibly in the femen ; or that it may be produced from this humour by mere fermentation, or chemical procefs, without the co-operation of the animal body. Hence alfo the hypotheiis formerly maintained by feveral tminent writers, that the animaiculae of the femen are to be confidered as germs of em- bryos ; that, with every intercourfe b. tween the fexes, an innumerable quantity of thefe is introduced into the female parts of generation; that only one or two of fuch ruiimalculfc arrive at the ovaria, from thefe return to the womb, and progrcflivuy grow there ; but that all the 206 OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. Others neceffarily perilh.*—This bold conjec- ture is not only incompatible with the wifdora of the Creator, but, befides other ftrong ar- guments againft it, in a manner refutes itfelf by this circumftance, that in very different creatures, for inftance, in men and in affes, there are found animalculas exactly fimilar, while in animals of the greateft refemblance in other refpects, we meet with animalculse al- together different. For this reafon, they ought to be confidered as little creatures inherent in the animal body, and which indeed may form an effential part of a fruitful femen, but the ufe of which is vet unknown. " Another feet of natural philofophers, who attributed to both fexes an equal fhare in the procreating function,maintained,that the germ of the embryo originates in a mixture of the male and female femen, the latter of which proceeds from the ovaria. Among later nat- uralifts, the celebrated Buffon was the prin- cipal fupporter of this opinion. He endeavour- ed to eftablifh this hypothetical notion, by conjoining with it the idea of certain internal forr s, which were requifite to the formation of the parts of the body ; in confequence of which he maintained, that the fex of the em- * Li/eftritr -von Hawmon, a young man, born at Dantzig, during the time of his fludying medicine at l.eyden, and in the courfe 01 his trucrofcopical purfuits, difcovered, in the month of Auguft, 1677, in a drop of the femen of a ceclc recently diifeeled, a !:■> I of ocean, in which fwam thoufands of little, lively, active animal* The fame phenomenon was alfo obferved in the maturf femen of other male animals; and in thefe animalcutae were immediaHy tho'.i^t to he fecn the ge.-rn of fuhfequcnt perfect anim ;!s. >>/ this difeovery, a key v.-as Hppofed to be f j<:nd, which would un- 'ock tr.u v hole myfttry of g Mention. OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 207 bryo is determined by the circumftance of its confifting of a gTeater quantity of male or fe- male femen.—But, as the fuppofed female fe- men does not proceed from the ovaria, and as the ovaria are not connected with the womb by any tubes, but merely by folid ligaments, it follows that women fecern no femen, and what is improperly fo called, is only, as I have already obferved, a pituitous liquor fecreted from the uterus and the vagina. It is farther inconceivable, that the embryo could be en- dowed with corporeal parts, different from thofe of father and mother, if it originated merely in the mixture of the feminal fluids of both, and if thefe fhould comprehend all the individual parts of the body. Befides, the fanciful internal forms of Buffon cannot be proved by any argument or obfervation. " Again, others have afcribed the germ of the embryo to the mother alone, while they granted to the male femen no other power than that of vivification. Thefe philofophers, among whom we find Haller and Bonnet, ferioufly afferted, that the whole body of the embryo lies already prepared in the ovary of • the mother, fo that it requires only to be de- veloped, and that the male femen communi- cates merely the firft impulfe to this develope- ment. They certainly went too far in this af- fertion ; yet it is highly probable, that the crude matter already exifts in the ovary, and that it is firft animated by the femen of the male, and thus qualified for its gradual for- mation. 2o8 OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. " Refpecting the manner in which the em- bryo is formed, there prevail two principal theories, namely, that of evolution,* and that * " According to this theory, (fays the facetious Pfof. Bi.u- menbach, of Gottingen,) wc, and indeed all the children of Adam, were at one time, i/fofaflo, pent up in the two ovaria of our com- mon mother, Eve. There we lay, as it were, afleep ; juid, though aftomlhingly little creatures, yet completely organized bodies,and perfect miniatures of the forms wc have fince attained; for, fays Haller, " All our vifcera, and the bones themfelvei lutre then already "formed, although in a kind of fluid ftate," That which we call im- pregnation, is nothing elle than the action of awakening the germ from its lethargic ftate, by means of the. male icmen, which ftimulates the little creature's heart to the firft puliation ; and fo on. " The fame kind of idea has lately induced a very cclebrat-il naturalift of Geneva, and a warm advocate of this theory, to plan out for us a hiftory of organized bodies previous to the ftate of impregnation ; from which we learn, i. that we are all much older than wefuppofe ourfelves to be: a. that all mankind are exactly of the fame age, the great-grandfather being not a fecond older than the youngeft of his great-grandchildren ; 3. that thi, ref- pectable age of ours may be about fix thoufand years. The fame natural hiftorian alfo entirely agrees in opinion with Bazia ; that fince this charming long feries of years, when we were all packed together, along with Cain and Abel, and the other two hundred thoufand millions of men, which, according to the beft calcula- tions, have fince that period gone—quo plus JEneas, quo Tullus ji- ves, et Ancus; in a word, fince the firft creation, during which time we have been in a kind of lethargic fleep, though not entirely mo- tonlefs; that during the whole fifty-feven centuries., I fay, pre- vious to our being awakened by the above-mentioned ftimulus, we were, according to Bazin's opinion, always growing by im- perceptible degrees ; for, inftance, we were moft probably rather a little bigger at the time we lay befide Cain's nieces, than when all their uncles and aunts were of the party, as it is very nat- ural to fuppofe, that we muft then have been confiderably more ftraitened for room. In this manner, our apartment became gradually more eafy and commodious, in proportion as our fore- tathers were evolved; and we kept continually expanding our- felves more and more, until the fuccefEon of evolution at laft came tto our turn! !" Such ie-the ludicrous account of a theory which, though lead- ing to the moft extravagant and romantic conclufions, was fup- ported by the great Baron Haller, and the late Italian philofo- pher, Spallanzant. Thtfe eminent men have endeavoured to fupport the doctrine of the pre-exiftence of complete organized noJect'lg in the ovaria of females before impregnation, by many experiments and cblervations^wbich at firft fi^hr appeared to be OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 2©9 t of gradual formation (epigenefis.) Agreeably to the former, it was conjectured, that all or- ganic bodies, which have already originated, or which may at any future time originate from one another, have been combined, or inclofed one within another as germs, from the firft creation of the world ; and that they required only a gradual evolution, to bring them to a ftate of perfection. The fupporters of this theory alleged the inftance of thevine- fretter, which evidently contains in itfelf feveral generations, as likewife that of the butterfly, which lies already formed in its cafe, and va- rious other plaufible examples ; but, above all, they endeavoured to explain their hypo- thefis by the origin of the chicken in the egg ;* fo far conclufive, that they obtained full and general credit for more than thirty years. Prof, blumenbach himfelf not only be- lieved in the truth of this abfurd doctrine, but defended it in many of hie earlier writings. At length, however, the fuccefs he unexpectedly met with, in an experiment with a fpecies of a green-armed polypus (conferva fontinalit,) and its aftonifhingly rapid jKAwrb of reproduction, induced this candid philofopher to acknowkope I is iormcr errors, and to pubhlh an ' EJfay on Generation? in vInch he boldly attacks all former theories; at- tempts to refute them, partly by argument, partly by his pecu- liarly humcrhis mode of expofing the inconfiftencies thty lead to ; and, nt the lame time, propoles a new hypothefis, tut i'ul- ftance of which 1 fhall infert in a fubfequcnt page, vhcii the the- of gradual fo>motion will be confidered. • To fuch readers as are defirous to become more fully a.c- nuanted with the particulars of this extraordinary eoni.cture, it rnay be uftful to illuftrate it with the.following account, extracted from the Effay before que ted, from the pen 01 i rof. Blnmenbach, " .Mr. Paul," f.iys he, " a r.at:'.:-»! hiftoiian of great reputation, has (in his prefice 'o the 8th vol. of the Collection Acadeisique, p u, & feq.) objected •> Haller's demnuftration, that, allowing tin meriluants of the yolk with its invifible veflels to have pre- exiftcd in the hen, yet it is poflihle that the embryo is only formed during incubation, and that its blood-vcflels afterwards unite with S 2 210 OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. \ which, however, is a direct demonftration of the contrary. The objections which have been ftarted againft this opinion, concerning the the blood-veflels of the membranes of the yolk, and thus form an onaflomofts. " Baron von Haller immediately declared loudly againft this objection, and denied it, as a thing altogether impojpble, that the tender veilcls of the microfcopic embryo fliould be capable of anaftomoling with the large blood-vc-flcls of the giant yolk. " But what is rather fingular is, that this very ingenious ard meritorious, author, who denies the poflibility of fuch an anafto- mofts, fuppofes wit !v foon as it has arrived at the cavity of the uterus, forms an adhcGon with it, by means of the placenta ;—And how ?—Juft in the fame way th.-t he denies it to the embryo of the hen; that -is to fay, by an anairomofis taking place between the microfcopic and ten- der branches of the umbilical veffels, and the giant ones of the rr.aterna". uterus. '"The modern advocates for the theory of evolution have taken this obfervation of the yolk of the egg, as the prop of their hy- pothefis.—Long before this, however, the fpawn of the f.">j hid been employed for the fame purpofe. " Nearly a century indeed before that period, Swammkrdam announced the wonderful difeovery, that the black points in the fpawn of a frog were fo many perfetly-for.n d litl^rogs, and that they pre-txifted in the ovaria, although not difccfcerable by the naked eve. " The good n.an fecmed to have had a prefentiment of the un- certainty and inflability of all vain worldly honours; and he therefore, as is well known, foon after betook himfelf to a more folid enjoyment, in which Mademoifelle Bourignon participated. And, indeed, it happened as he appears to" hive foicfeen ; for the ungrateful world now afcribc the merits of that difeovery to the celebrated Abbe Spallanzani, who has maintained it in ftv- eral of his writings, but more particularly in the fecond volume of his " Dijfertaxioni diffua animate e vegetable." Tom. xi. in Mo- dena, T780, 8vo. « Ke calls the little black points oF the fecundated fpawn of fro^s, tadpoles, or young frogs; and, as this little black point ex- actly refembles the fame in the unfecundated fpawn, he reafons agreeably to his logic, that the tadpoles muft have exilted in the mother.—-I do not know v. hat would be thought of a chemift -•ho ilio-.i'"d aiTtrt that the Arbor Dim* prc-exiflcd in a mil's of amaJ- Cim of iilvcr, becaufe, when a weak folution -j>f lilver was poured on it, a little tree feemed to fpring out of it.—One ougljt to be afknmed of wafting much ti:e in the refutation of an a'iertion, of the l^.fuv' o; which any in; - judiced £'-■ ron, who is not alto OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 2M minutenefs of the germs, and the production of monfters, or bodies of preternatural fhape, may be eafily removed ; but a more weighty objection made againft this theory is that which relates to the reftoration of parts loft from the body, and which appears to be irrefutable. gcther unaccuftomed to obfervations of the kind, may convince himfelf, every fpring. " Whoever has taken the trouble accurately to examine the fpawn of the frog, muft confefs, that the idea of demonftrating the little black points it contains to be fo many completely form- ed tadpoles, refembles Brother Peter's method of reafoning in the Tale of a Tub, where he demonftrates to his brothers, that a brown loaf is a piece of excellent roaft mutton.—But the abettors of the theory of organized germs have gone a ftep farther in fupport of their opinions. They refer to cafes where even young girls, in all their maiden chaftity, have become pregnant, from the untimely and premature evolution of one of thefe organized germs. w The concurrence of facts is fometimes moft wonderful. It happened, that in the very fame year, in which Swammerdam an- nounced his difeovery in the fpawn of the frog, a cafe was pub- lifhed in the Epbem. rerum not. cuthf. delivered to the fociety by a celebrated court-phylkiah of thofe times, Dr. Claudius, which exactly fuited, as a confirmation of Swammerdam's opinion.—A miller's wife was delivered of a little girl, whofe belly feemed of an unufual fize. Eight days afterwards this big-bellied child was feized with fuch violent pains and reftlefThefs, that every one who was prefent thought it could not outlive the next inftant. The fick infant, however, in the mean time, actually bore a well-form- ed, clegai.t, lively little daughter, about the fize of one's middle finger, which was regularly baptized. During the time\ and af- ter the birth, the waters, placenta, and other impurities were duly difchargtd ; but both the little mother and daughter died early on the following day !!!" (Prof. Blumenbach fays, in a note fub- joincd to this account, that he has made ufe of the very words of a conftrnpornry phyfician, Dr. Otto, who was confulted by the grandmothcr(themiller'swife)duringher pregnancy. His nephew has vindicated and illuflratcd the whole hiftory in a moft learned and injjcnious'manner : 'DC. J. Aug. Ottonis Epifola de fatu puer- perj, Jive de fatu in fatu.' Weiifenfels, 1740, 8vo.) " Baron von Hallcr very judicioully clafTes this cafe with an- other from the Tranfactions of the Academy of Sciences at Stockholm, where, on difl'ectiiiri a young girl, bonts, teeth, and niirs, were found in a tumour of the mefenttry. Thefe two cafik he U;rks upon as principal evidences for the truth of the doctrine of ^x:\* pre-ei.uing in the mother. 212 OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. Befides thefe confiderations, many arguments may be produced to fliew the futility of that doctrine. " More probable than the former, unquef- tionably is the theory of gradual formation :* according to which it is fuppofed, that previ- ous to generation there exifts no real germ, but crude matter only, from which the parts of the organic body are gradually formed. The power by which this formation is accomplifh- ed, is a certain formative effort pervading all nature, (nisus formativus; vis plqftica, vis effentialis) manifefting its activity according to equal and determinate laws, although in a dif- • Another definition of Epigencfu deferves to be inferted here, as it is more concife, and as its author, Prof. Blumenbach, hu not only embraced this doctrine as the moft rational on a fubject of fo myfterious a nature, but has like-wile been at great pains to elucidate the gradual formation of animate bodies by an addition- al hypothefis—his nifus formativus (Bildungt-trieb), or the fponta- neous effort of Nature in forming homogeneous iubftances.—•" It is fuppofed," fays he, " that the prepared, but at the fame time unorganized rudiments of the foetus, firft begin to be gradually organized, when it arrives at its place of destination, at a due time, and under the neceffary circumftances. This is the doc- trine of Epigenefis." And with a view to corroborate this fup- pofition, the learned Profeffor makes the following categorical declaration : " Tbat there it no fuch thing in nature, as pre-exijling or- ganized germs ; hut that the unorganized matter of generation, after be- ing duly prepared, and having arrived at its place of deftination, acquires 0 peculiar ail ion, or nifus, which nifus continues to operate through the •whole Ufe of the animal, and that by it tbefrjl form of the animal, or plant, is not only determined, but after-wards preferved, and when de- ranged, is again-rcflorcd. A nifus, -which feems therefore to depend on the powers of life, but -which is as dijlincl from the other qualities of Irv- ing bodies, (fenjibility, irritability, and contractility,) as from the common properties of dead matter : that-it is the thief principle of generation, growth, nutrition, and reproduction ; and tbat to dijiinguifh it from all others, it may be denominated the Form AT ive Nisus." I fhall only add, that this is, at prtfent, the prevailing theory in the German Univerfities; though, 10 reality, it kaves us as much in the dark as any other, OF THE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. 213 ferent manner, in the functions of nutrition and generation, as well as in the reftoration of parts accidentally loft. It may be fafely afferted, that this is a mere modification of the univerfal power of vitality ; if no obftacle be oppofed to this plaftic effort, the young organic body then receives its proper form ; but, in the contrary cafe, there arife various unnatural fliapes and monfters. By the influence of cli- mate, aliment, mode of living, and other in- cidental circumftances, this effort of Nature may, in the courfe of life, be varioufly modi- fied ; nay, it is liable to changes in the-very firft crude matter, or in the plaftic' lymph, by the different conftitution of the male femen.-— But the principal arguments in favour of the theory of gradual formation are juftly derived from the firft origin of plants, from the for- mation of the chick in the egg, and from the reproduction of fuch parts or the body as have been loft, either by accident or neceffity. [ **4 3 CHAP. X. Of the Affections and Passions of the Mind ;—•their relative good and bad effecls on Health. I^HE boundlefs ocean does not exhibit fcenes more diverfified, than the various affections and pafiions of the human mind. They arife partly from the mind itfelf, and partly from the various conftitutions and tem- peraments of the individual. "Whiieno other remedies but rational arguments can influence the mind, the difpofition of the body may be changed and improved, by an infinite variety ©f means. It is, indeed, principally from bodily caufes, that many perfons are violently affected from the moft infignificant motives, and others are little, if at all, influenced by the moft calamit- ous events. It is, for inftance, obvioufly from a phyfical caufe, that violent medicines, poi- fons, the bite of mad animals, &c. produce timidity, or fits of anger and rage:—that ac- cumulations of black bile in the abdomen make people referved, peevifh, melancholy, and ftupid. What we wifh to think, and in what manner to continue the operations-of the mind, frequently does not depend upon our- felves. The thoughts of the fober are very different from thofe of the man in a ftate of OF THE AFFECTIONS, &C. 21$ intoxication. A certain difh, a particular drink, may fufpend the powers of reafon. The temperament of man is, as it were, the fource of his mental operations. , Affections and paffions are different one from another in degree only. The former imply the inclina- tion or propenfity to a paffion ; the latter, the realized affections, whether fimple or com- pound ; or in other words, they conftitute an actual and perceptible degree of fenfual defire or averfion. According to Lord Kaimes, paflions are active and accompanied with de- fires ; affections are inactive and deftitute of paffion. He alfo diftinguifhes between wifh- es and defires: the former he calls the high- eft activity of the affections. Compaffion and wifhes for the better, are in his idea affections: pity, and a defire after what is better, he calls' paffions. Paflions operate upon the body either fud- denly, or flowly and gradually. Sudden death, or imminent danger of life, may be the con- fequence of the former: a gradual decline and confumption, that of the latter. The paflions, as fuch, may be aptly divided into two principal claffes^ thofe of an agreeable and of a difagreeable nature. Men of ftrong imagination chiefly fuffer from paffions of the violent kind, while thofeof more underftendingv and lefs fancy, are fubject to flow emotions of the mind. Indolent perfons, whofe fenfations are dull, and lefs paflionate, than thofe who combine acute feelings, and a lively imagina- tion, with a clear underftanding. The great* eft minds are generally the moil impaflioned. 2l6 OF THE AFFECTIONS AND All paflions of whatever kind, if they rife to a high and violent degree, are of a danger- ous tendency ; bodily difeafe, nay death itfelf, may be their concomitant effects. Fatal apo- plexies have frequently followed fudden dread or terror. Catalepfy and epileptic fits fome- times accompany immoderate affliction, or dif- treffing anxiety. Hypochondriafls, hyfterics, and habitual dejection, may indeed arife frcm a variety of phyfical caufes; but they are as frequently generated by the paffions or fuffer- ings of the mind alone, in individuals other- wife healthy. Difeafes of the mind, after fome time, pro- duce various diforders of the body ; as difeafes of the body occafionally terminate in imbecil- ity. In either cafe, the malady muft be op- pofed by phyfical, as well as moral remedies. It is only by the management of the confti- tution and education of the individual, that the paflions may be rendered ufeful; for, if un- controlled and left to themfelves, they affeft us as a tempeft does the ocean, without vour being able to counteract their pernicious influ- ence. Since all affections whatever confift in defire or averfion, they muft neceffarily be ac- companied with reprefentations of fo lively a nature, as to induce the individual to perform the cornefponding voluntary motions. Con- fequently the affections muft alfo be accompa- nied by fenfible motions within the body, not only by voluntary actions, but by thofe alfo, which contribute to the fupport of life, and which are more or lefs violent, according to the degree of the affedion. Joy, for inftance, PASSIONS OF THE MIND. 217 enlivens all the corporeal powers, and, as it were, pervades the whole animal frame. Hope has nearly a fimilar effect; and thefe two affections contribute to the pfefervation of health and life, more than all the medicines that can be contrived. But of the other affec- tions of the mind, we can, in moft inftances, obferve fcarcely any other effect, than that of irregular motions, which, not unlike medi- cines, in a limited degree, and under pertain circumftances, may be occafionally ufeful, Hence the dominion over our paffions and atfjec- iions is an effential and indifpenfable requifite to health. Every individual, indeed, is at his birth provided with a certain bafis of inclina- tions, and with his peculiar moral tempera- ment : the moft tender infant, even before he is capable of fpeaking, difcovers by his fea- tures and geftures the principal inclinations of his mind. If thefe be foftered in his fufcepti- ble breaft, they will grow up with him, and become fo habitual, that the adult cannot, without the greateft exertion, overcome them by the power of reafon. The phyfical ftate of the body is moft hap- py, when the mind enjoys a moderate degree of gaiety, fuch as is generally met with in healthy and virtuous perfons. The circula- tion of the fluids and perfpiration are tjien car- ried on with proper vigour; obftructions are thereby prevented or removed ; and by this lively and uniform motion, not only digeftion, but likewife all the other functions of the body, are duly performed. T 2l8 OF THE ABJECTIONS ANjT) Joy is that ftate of the mind, in which it feels extraordinary pleafure; in which it en- joys a high degree of contentment and happi- nefs. The activity of the whole machine is enlivened by it; the eyes fparkle; the action of the heart and arteries is increafed ; the cir- culation of all the fluids is more vigorous and uniform j it facilitates the cure of difeafes in general, and forwards convalefcence. The different degrees of this affection are, Gaiety, Ch'eerfulnefs, Mirth, Exultation, Rapture, and Ecftacy.—Habitual joy and ferenity, arifing from the perfection, rectitude, and due fubor- dination of our faculties, and their lively exer- cife on objects agreeable to .them, conftit,utp mental or rational happinefs. Evacuations which are moderate, a proper ftate of perfpiration, and all food of an aperi- ent quality and eafy digeftion, may be confid- ered as contributing to a joyful ftate of mind. A pure, dry air, and every thing that invigo- rates the functions of the body, on the well-be- ing of which the ferenity of mind greatly de- pends, has a tendency to obviate ftagnationa. Joy farther is more falutary, w,heri combined with other moderate affections.: and the vari- ous bodily exertions, as well as the employ- ments of the mind, in Teflecting upon different objects, are then fuccefsfully performed.—A moderate degree of joy removes the noxious particles of the body, and in this refpect is equal, nay fuperior in falubrity, to bodily ex- ercife ; but excefs and too long duration of this,paffion attenuate and carry away not only the fuperfiuous, but likewife many ufeful flu- PASSIONS OF THE MIND. 210/ ids, and more than the natural functions can re- ftore. Hence, this too violent motion and dif- iipation of humours is attended with relaxa- tion and heavinefs; and fleep alfo is prevent- ed, which alone can re-invigorate the nerves, that have fuffered from too great tenfion. On this account, the celebrated S'anctorius dif- fuades perfors fronv gambling, who cannot control their paflions ; becaufe of the joy which accompanies their fuccefs, being follow- ed by reft lefs nights, and great ab {traction of perfpirable matter. Sudden and exceffive joy may prove extremely hurtful^ on account of the great wafte of energy, and the lively vibra- tion of the nerves, which is the more noxious after long reft. Nay, it may become dangerous, by caufing cxpanfion or laceration of the vef- fels, fpitti;-.g of blood, fevers, deprivation of underftanding, fv:ooning, and even hidden death. If we have anticipated any joyful event, the body is-gradually prepared to un- dergo the emotions connected with it.—For this reafon, we ought to fortify-ourfelves with the neceffary fhare of firmnefs, to-meet joyful as well as difaftrous tidings. Laughter is fometimes the effect or confe- quence of joy ; and it frequently arifes from a fudden difappointment of the mind, when directed to an object which, inftead of being ferious and important, terminates unexpected- ly in infignificance. Within the bounds of moderation, laughter is a falutary emotion; for, as^ a deep infpiration of air takes place, which is fucceeded by a fhort and frequently repeated expiration, the lungs are filled with 220 OF THE AFFECTIONS AND a great quantity of blood, and gradually emp- tied, fo that its circulation through the lungs is thus beneficially promoted. It manifefts a fimilar effect on the organs of digeftion. Pains in the ftomach, colics, and feveral complaints that could not be.relieved by other means, have been frequently removed by this. In many cafes, where it is purpofely raifed, laugh- ter is of excellent fervice, as a remedy which agitates and enlivens the whole frame. Expe- rience alfo furnifhes us with many remarkable inftances,- that obftinate ulcers of the lungs and and the liver, which had refifted every effort of medicine, were happily opened and cured by a fit of laughter artificially excited. f Hope is the anticipation of joy, or the pre- i-T.nment of an expected good. It is attended v/ith ail tile favourable effects of a fortunate event, without poffeffing any of its phyfical difad vantages ; becaufe the expectation of hip. pincfs does not affect us fo exceflively as its enjoyment. Befides, it Is not liable to thofe interruptions, from which no human pleafure is exempt; it is employed principally with ideal or imaginary objects, and generally keeps within the bounds of moderation j laftly, the fenfe of happinefs contained in hope far ex- reeds the fatisfaction received from immediate enjoyment, confequently ft has a more benefi- cial influence on health than good fortune re- alized. Althoiigh hope is, in itfelf, merely ideal, and prefehts its flattering and embellifh- ed images to the fancy in a borrowed light, yet it is, nevertfhelefs, the only genuine fource of human happinefs. Hope, therefore, is the PASSIONS OF THE MIND. 22T moft favourable ftate of mind to health, and has frequently preferved the ferenity and pro- longed the exiftence of thofe, whofe fituation appeared to be forlorn. Love, viewed in its moft favourable light, prefents to us a picture of permanent joy, and is attended with all the good effects of that paffion. It enlivens the pulfations of the heart and arteries, promotes the operations of the different functions of the body ; and it has frequently been obferved, that a ftrong at- tachment to a beloved object has cured in- veterate diforders, which had refilled all me- dicinal powers, and which had been confider- ed incurable. The changes which this paffion can effect on the powers and the whole dif- pofition of the mind, are equally remarkable. For the extraordinary exertions, made to ob- tain poffeffion of the object of our wifhes, ex- cite a fenfation and confcioufnefs of ftrength, which enables man not only to undertake, but alfo to perform the greateft achievements. In that exalted ftate, he fets all difficulties at defiance, and furmounts every obftacle. Sorrow is the reverfe of joy, and operates either fuddenly or flowly, according as the caufe of it is of greater or lefs importance and duration.- The loweft degree of it is called Concern ;—when it arifes from the difappoint- ment of hopes and endeavours, it is Vexation ; —when filent and thoughtful it fettles into Penfivenefs or Sadnefs ;—when it is long in- dulged in, fo as to prey upon, and poflefs the mind, it becomes habitual, and grows into T2 32-1 OF TilF. AtlECTIONS AND Melancholy.—Sorrow increafed and continu- ed, is called Grief;—when toffed by h6pes and fears, it is Diftraclicn ;—when all thefe are drowned by forrow, it fettles into Defpair. —The higheft degrees of forrow are called Jtgotrcs. Sorrow feldom proves fuddenly fatal; for, though it injures the nervous energy, it does not hafteri the circulation of the blood, with the rapidity of other paffion?, but rather re- tards its courfe. Yet there are examples'of its fpeedy and fatal effects.—Not unlike a flow poifon, forrow corrodes the powers of mind and body ; it enfeebles the whole nervous fyf- tem ; the heart beats flower ; the circulation of the blood and other fluids becomes more inert; they frequently ftagnate in their chan- nels, and generate evils more ferious thanfad- nefs itfelf. Farther, the face at firft turns pale, then yellow and tumid ; the body and mind are worn out; the courfe of the blood through the lungs muft be aflifted by frequent fighing; the appetite and digeftion become vitiated ; and thus arife obftructions, hyfteric and hypochondriacal complaints, and, at length, confumption, which is inevitable de- ftruction to the body, frequently in the prime of life, and in fpite of the healing art. Per- fons who indulge themfelves in peevifhnefs, very foon Iofe their appetite, together with the power of digeftion ; their mouth has a .bitter tafte ; flatulency, colic, fpafms, faint- ings, and the long lift of ftomachic complaints neceiTarily follow. Men become fubject to the blind hemorrhoids j and women to fup- PASSIONS OF THE MIND; 12$ preffion or other irregularities of the menfes^. coftivenefs, or chronic diarrhoea. The bile, on account of the retarded circulation, either grows hard and produces indurations of the Liver, or it is mixed with the blood, and gen- erates jaundice or dropfyv Such perfons in time become very irritable and peevifh ; and with the frequent return of grief, the mind, at length, is totally employed in contemplat- ing its wretched fituation, fo that it finds new food for increafing it in almoft every object: it beholds. Hence the whole imagination is, by degrees obfcured, and the moft ufual con- fequences of it are, the deepeft melancholy— fucceeded either by a nervous fever, or infani- ty—fometimes cancer, and at other times a fpeedier diffolution, by what is then called a broken heart. Solitude and idlenefs are not only the re- mote caufes of many paflions, but alfo fup- "port and fofter them, without exception : they collect and fix the attention of the mind on the favourite objects, and make us reflect the more keenly on the caufes of the paffions, (he lefs we are interrupted in thefe fond rev- eries by other fenfations. Though it is cer- tain, that it is not in our power to avert grief, from which even fages and heroes are not al- ways exempt, yet we can do much to allevi- ate it, by denying ourfelves the enjoyment which this indulgence in certain fituations af- fords. Moral arguments of confolation, if properly adapted to the capacity and mental difpofition of the fufferer, have in thefe cafes generally a powerful influence. Thofe whofe 324' or THE AFFECTIONS AND minds are affected by forrow, ought to avoid"' as much as poflible the company of perfons, who are fond of relating their calamities, and recounting their misfortunes. On the contra- ry, whatever has a tendency to cheer the mind, and to divert' it from difagreeable objects, ought to be inftahtly reforted to. Of this na- ture are, company, bufinefs, cheerful mufic, and the focial affections.—-The body mould be frequently rubbed with dry cloths, perfumed with amber, vinegar, fugar, and the like j the lukewarm bath may be employed with great advantage ; and, if circumftances permit, the patient fliould remove to a warmer and drier- climate.—If temperately ufed, a weak and mild wine is of excellent fervice, but an immoder- ate indulgence in wine may diforder the fto~ mach, by the quantity of acid it produces. Weeping generally accompanies forrow, if it be not too intenfe : tears are the anodynes of grief, and ought not to be reftrained by adults. We feel in weeping an anxiety and contraction of the breaft, which impedes refpiration ; prob^ ably, becaufe then a fuperfluous quantity of air is contained in the lungs, which is forcibly expelled by fobbing. By this obftruction in breathing, the blood, which ought to be re- conducted from the head, accumulates in the lungs, and confequently in the veins : hence arife rednefs^ heat of the face, and a flow of tears, which are regulated in quantity by the degree of fadnefs that produced them. Their principal good effects are, their preventing the danger to be apprehended from grief, by di- miniihing the fpafmodic motions in the breaft PASSIONS OF THE MIND. 225 and head, and by reftoring regularity in ref- piration, as well as in the circulation of the blood : hence perfons find themfelves much relieved after a plentiful flow of tears, which however are extremely prejudicial to the eyes. Grief arifing from an ungratified defire of returning home and feeing our relations, is productive of a difeafe very common among theSwifs, and which fometimes, after a fhort ftate of melancholy, trembling of the limbs, and other fymptoms apparently not very dan- gerous, hurries the unhappy fufferer to the grave, but more frequently throws him into a donfumption, and generates the moft lingular whims and fancies. Perfuafions, punifhments, medicines, are here of no fervice ; but a fud- denly revived hope, or gratification of the pa- tient's wifhes, have a powerful effect; provi- ded that an incurable confumption, or infanl* fry', have not already taken place. Tnere is alfo a fingular hyfteric or nervous fever, which affects many unfortunate fufferers :n mental diforders, and which was firft ac- curately defcribed by Richard Manning- h-vm. Debilitated perfons, and thofe of great iehiibility, of both fexes, after melancholy af- fections and other exhauftions of ftrength, are particularly fubject to this diforder. It begins with irregular paroxyfms, and manifefts itfelf by an undefinable indifpofition, a dry tongue without thirft, anxiety without a vifible caufe, want of appetite, a low, quick, and unequal pulfe, a pale and copious urine, occafional fen- fations of cold and fhivering, fometimes clam- my" fweats, fometimes colic, fleepleffnefs, and $26 OF THE AFFECTIONS AND infanity. According to the experience of Manningham, this fever generally terminates, in the courfe of thirty or forty days, by faint- ings, filent reveries, and death ; unlefs it be removed in the beginning, by bracing and ftrengthening remedies. Among the mournful paffions we may alfo include an extravagant degree of love, or fuch as trahfgreffes the bounds of reafon. It is then no longer a pleafure, but a difquietude of mind, attended with the moft irregular emo- tions ; it diforders the underftanding ; grad- ually confumes all the vital powers, by a flow fever j prevents nutrition, and reduces the body to a fkeleton. All the paffions, indeed, may in their more violent degrees occafion a depravation of the underftanding ; but forrow and love are peculiarly calculated to produce fo fatal an effect. This mental diforder, to which both fexes, but efpecially women, are fubject, friould be oppofed in time, by phyfical as well as moral remedies.—Much may be done here by education, and a proper choice of fociety. The imagination fhould be with- drawn from fuch images, as may encourage inordinate and exceflive love ; and it cannot be deniedj that young females particularly are frequently precipitated into this weaknefs, merely by reading improper novels. This imbecility of mind becomes the more danger- ous in young people, as it is generally increaf- ed by folitude, and their ignorance of the re- al world.—Exalted ideas of virtue, of magna- nimity, and a generous felf-denial, are excel- lent antidotes j but, if the body fmk under PASSIONS OF THE xMIND. Ilf ^jhe weight of paffion, even thefe exertions are infufficient to fupport the energy of the mind. The phyfical remedies to be reforted to in thefe fituations are, rigid temperance, a fru- gal and lefs .nourifhing diet, conftant employ- ment, and much exercife; hut the moft fuc- cefsful of all, is a happy marriage. Of all the paflions that can aid the medical art, there is none from which we may expect greater benefit, than from a rational gratifica- tion of love. On the contrary, a too ardent paffion is attended with the moft dangerous phyfical confequences: it is nearly related to difappointed love, and ufually fhews itfelf by a referved melancholy, a general diftruft, and a gloomy raifanthropy, which, however, ex- ternally appears only under the character of laflitude and depreflion. It is apt to be fol- lowed by a fuppreffion of the menfes, con- Jumption of the lungs, and even infanity. Difappointed love is extremely detrimental to health, and gradually deftructive to the bo- dy 4 it fometimes produces furor uterinus in females of an irafcible temper and romantic turn of mind, unlefs the paffion itfelf be radi- cally cured. The moft' dangerous effect of love is jeal- oufy ;—this pitiable paffion, like difappointed love and pride, is very liable to terminate in madnefs.*—In fanguine temperaments, the excefs of this affection is productive of confe- • In the houfcs appropriated to the unhappy victims of infani- ty. wc generally meet with three different claflcs. The firft con- ufts of meu deprived of thtir undti (landing, by pride ; the Sec- ond of £irls, by love ; and the tkird of women, by jcaloufy. 228 OF THE AFFECTIONS AND quences moft* prejudicial to the body; their fluids are impelled to a more rapid circula- tion, and fecrete, with preternatural velocity, that valuable fluid which ftimulates them to venery. Such perfons are much addicted to eafe, pleafure, and every fpecies of gratifies^ tion, which fuits their irritable nerves : their fkin and mufcles being foft, and acceflible to every ftimulus, and their fluids thin and rare- fied, it may be eafily conceived, that their hu- mours circulate with rapidity to the parts of generation, and that their nerves are thus con- stantly excited to defire. The dreadful con- fequences are but too frequently vifible in young perfons, whether fingle or married, who have too early indulged in fuch excef- fes. Hence originate tabes dorfalis, wafting of the limbs, fpitting of blood, pulmonary confumption, hectic fever, and the whole train of undefinable nervous difeafes, fo called for want of more proper names; befides a hoft of other diforders, moftly incurable. In order to prevent, or at leaft to oppofe, the torrent of thefe and fimilar paflions, man mufti not only be ferioufly apprifed and con- vinced of his danger, and the dreadful mifery attendant on intemperance and excefs, but he muft alfo fubmit to a ftrictly temperate mode of life, if he afpire to rife to the dignity of his nature, and above the rank of the lower ani- mals. He is a rational being, though his fen- fitive faculties every where remind him of his animal nature. Hence the following rules cannot be too rigidly adhered to: a conftant and ufeful employment; falutary exercirs of PA3SIONS OF THE MIND 22$ fhe body, till it be moderately fatigued ; temperance in eating and drinking ; abfti- nence from ftrong and heating food and liq- uors ; avoiding the habits of effeminacy^ foli- tu4e, and too much reft ; and laftly, a ftrict attention, from early youth, to the moft rigid modefty and purity of manners. Envy arifes from felf-love or felf-intereft, particularly in fuch individuals as have ne- glected to cultivate their own talents, or to whom Nature has denied certain qualifica- tions of body or mind, which they cannot avoid feeing in others : it is principally ex- cited, when they are witneffes of the profper- ity of perfons who poflefs fuch fuperior en- dowments. People of a narrow mind, and thofe of a confined ediAgtion, are moft fub- ject to this mean paffionr Envy deprives thole addicted to it of an appetite for food, of fleep, of every enjoyment, and difpofes them to febrile complaints ; but in general it is hurt- ful to thofe only who brood over and indulge in this corrofive paffion. For the world con- tains vaft numbers, who fhow their envy at almoft every event productive of good fortune to others, and who yet often attain a vjry great age. Joy at the misfortunes, or the discovered foibles of others, felf-love, calum- ny againft their neighbours, fatire and ridi- cule, are the never-failing refources of tlvjir iralignant difpofitions. Medicines cannot cure a difeafe fo odious; ::Ju:ation and improve- ment oFmorals are its only antidotes. Envi- ous perfons commonly give too much impor- tance to trifles: hence they ought to be in- U 23© ON THE AFFECTIONS AN^D ftructed to employ themfelves- in more ufeful purfuits; to judge of things according to their true value, and to accuftom themfelves to a philosophic calmnefs ; they ought to learn how to overcome, or a| leaft to moder- ate, their feliifhnefs; to counterbalance their expectations with their defert?, and to equal ')r furpafs others, in their merits rather than in their pretcnfions. Fear or anxiety, is the apprehenfion of evil. Fear weakens the powers of the mind, relaxes and congeals every part of the human body, retards the pulfe, hinders ref]>iration, obftructs themenfes, fometimes alfo perfpiration ; hence it produces tremor and dread ; frequently too it excites perfpiration, fince it diforganizes ev- ery thing linked to t^£ body by means of the nerves. It is apt to occafion diarrhoea, and, in fome individuals, an involuntary difcharge of femen. Some perfons of a relaxed habit are, by great fear, thrown into a perfpiration refembling the agonies of death ; and others cannot retain their urine, timorous perfons are more readily infected by epidemical difor- ders than thofe poiT?ffed of courage-; becaufe ftar not only weakens the energy of the heart, but at the fame time nromotes the abforption of the fkin, fo as to render the timid more lia- ble to contagion. In fhort, fear increafes the malignity of difeafes ; changes their natural courfe ; ar-?ravates them by a thoufand inci- dental circumftanrcs, fo that they refill: all remedies ; and fu:»preffes the effort'; of Na- ture fo a.; to terminal i' fpeedy diii'dution. The ufmu confequences of violent and fuper- * PASSIONS OF THE MIND* 2Jl ftitious fear, produced by a difordered imagi- nation, are eruptions in the face, fwellings, cutaneous inflammations, and painful ulcers. In fome inftances, too, fear has produced pal- fy, lofs cf fpeech, epilepfy, and even madnefs* itfelf. . Bafhfulnefs is an inferior degree of fear, which retains the blood in the external vef- feio of the breaft, and the whole countenance. Hence, in females of a delicate conftitution, and tranfparent fkin, we obferve the blufh not only overfpread the face but alio the bofom. If carried to a greater degree, it is attended with dangerous confequences, particularly in the individuals before-mentioned : k may flop the flux of the menfes and prove fatal, if an attack of a fever fliould accelerate the cataftro- phe.—A very high degree of bafhfulnefs may generate a dangerous fever, even in men ; though, from modern education, inftances of this latter kind become every day more rare. An extravagant degree of bafhfulnefs clofely borders on fear : if it does not proceed from vice or corrupted maimers, it may be corrected by focial irtcrcourfe with perfons of a cheer- ful difpofition. Terror, or the dread of an evil furprifing u.°, before we are able to prevent it, is of all paf- fions the moft deftructive, and the moft diffi- cult to be avoided, becaufe its operation is un- forefeen and inftantaneous. To fhun all occa- * One irihr.ee of this effect I have my ft If witneiTc-d, in a gen- t-rman, now living in Edinburgh, who was at I.ifbon in the awful earthquake of i o.c ; and who, trom the great fright wh.ca fuzed "lim upon feci.g whole ftrtets and churches tumble do\\:» bef jrr hn.., ii.vj been depiiwd of his uuderftaodingtvtr lu.'-v 2\2 OF THE AFFECTIONS AND fions that may produce it, is perhaps the only remedy. Perfons who are feeble and poffeued of much fenfibility, are moft fubject to terror, and likewife moft affected by it. Its effects are, a fudden and violent contraction of ?lmoft every mufcle, that ferves to perform the vol- untary motions. It may farther occafion polypous concretions of the heart, inflamma- tions of the external parts of the body, fpafms, and fwoons ; at the fame time, it may flop fal- utary evacuatipns, particularly perfpiration and hemorrhages; it may repel ulcers and cutane- ous eruptions, to the great detriment of health, and danger of life. The menfes are fometimes inftantaneoufly fuppreffed : palpitation of the heart, trembling in the limbs, and in a more violent degree, convulfions and epileptic fits, or a general catalepfy, and fudden death itfelf, are the fubfequent effects of terror. As terror quickly compels the blood to re- treat from the fkin to the internal parts, it for- cibly checks the circulation of all the fluids. If anger accompany terror, there not unfre- quently arife violent hemorrhages, vomiting, and apoplexy. Terror has been known fud- denly to turn the hair grey.—An inattentive and injudicious mode of educating children of- ten lays the foundation of this infirmity, which is difficult to be eradicated at a more advanced age. Perfons under the influence of this paf- fiun, fhould be treated like thofe who fuffer from any other fpafmodic contraction. Tea, a little wine, or fpirits and water may be given to them ; vinegar, lavender-drops, or fpirits of hartfhorn, may be held to the noftrils; F.i:SI0NS OF THE MINE. 233 warm bathing of the feet, and emollient injec- tions may be of advantage ; and, laftly, the different evacuations ou 3ht to be promoted ;— but, above all, the mind ought to be duly compofed. Anger arifes from a fenfe or apprehenfion of fuffered injuftice, and an impetuous defire of revenge. Its- difterent degrees depend upon the impreflions made by the injury, or the ar- dour of the difpofition to vengeance. In the former cale, namely, when the fenfe of injul- tice is the prevalent feeding, anger affects us like terror, ar.d produces fpafmcdic contrac- tions and 11 agnations in the liver and its veliels, fometimes fo confiderable as to change the bile into a concrete mafs ; from this caufe alone often ari'c the gravel and ftone of the bladder. The more ufual confequences of anger, if join- ed to affliction, are palenefs of the face, palpi- tation of the heart, faltering of the tmgae, trembling of the limbs, and jaundice. If, on the contrary, the hope of revenge be the predominant feature in anger, violent a m- motions take place in the whole fyftem ; the circulation of all the fluids, as well as the pul- iatioiio of the heart and arteries, are percept.oiy increafed ; the vital fpirits flow rapidly bat ir- regularly, through, the Kmbs ; the mufcles make uncommon efforts, while fome appear almoft palfied ; the face becomes red; the t yes fparkle ; and the whole body feels.elated and inclined to mo^on. rI las fpecies of anger is by far the moft common. Anger and tencr are, therefore, particular- ly injurious, to the tender bodies of infants, V 2 234 OF TH.-. AFFECTIONS AND who are poffefied ef extreme fenfibility, eafily a5cfh 1> ar:I confequently much expofed to thefe paffions, on account of the proportiona- l.ly greater fize of their nerves, and their ina- '; iilty to reftrain paffion by the influence of reafon. They are liable to be fo feverely af- fected, that they may die fuddenly in convul- sions, or retain during life an imbecile body and mind, liable to be terrified upon the flights eftoccafion. When children are apt to cry in fleep, when they ftart up and make motions indicating fear or terror, it muft not be always afcribed to actual pain, but frequently to dreams,-which fill their young minds with ter- rible images, efpecially if they have often been frightened while awake. All parents know how much fome children are addicted to anger and malice, and how difficult it is to fupprefs the ebullition of thefe paflions. Hence we ought to beware of giving the moft diftant en- couragement to fuch deftructive emotions. For it is certain, that both men and women of an irafcible temper generally die of a confump- tion of the lungs. Perfons of an irritable difpofition are more frequently expofed to anger than others ; they are more eafily affect d by every paffion. Hence the tendency to anger is particularly vibble in individuals troubled with hyfterics and hypochondriafls, as well as in debilitated and difappointed met. of letters. Perfons of a hot and dry temperament, of ftrong black hair, an- great mufc;:lar ftrergih, are likewife much fubject to fits of anger. PASSIONS OF THE Ml-ND. c'35 A moderate degree of• this paffion is fre- quently of advantage to phlegmatic, gouty, and hypochondriac individuals, as it excites the nerves to action; but, if too violent and raging, it diffipates the more volatile part of the fluids, and is productive of the moft hurt- fur confequences. In the epileptic, fcorbutic, choleric, and fuch as have open wounds, it caufes fever, fpitting of blood, convulfions, inflammations, throbbing pains in the fide, jaundice, apoplexy, &c. No fluid is more affected by anger than the bile, which by its violent influx into the duo- denum produces a fixed fpafmodic pain in the region of the navel, flatulency, vomiting, a bitter tafte in the mouth, anxiety and preffure •about the pit of the ftomach, and, at length, either obftructions or 'diarrhoea.—Wine, or other heating liquors, drank immediately af- ter a fit of anger, and ftrong exercife or labour, are attended with confequences ftill more per- nicious, as are alfo emetics, laxatives, and •blood-letting. The propenf.ty to anger is increafed by want of fleep, by heating food and drink, bit- ter fubftances, much animal food, rich foups, fpices, and by all things that have a tendency to inflame the blood. Perfons fubject to this paftion fhould ufe diluent, acidulated, and gently aperient drink, and obferve in every re- fpect the moft rigid temperance. Such per- fons ought to fleep more than others ; and employ the lukewarm bath, gentle cathartics of cream of tartar or tamarinds, fruit, butter- milk, whey, vegetable aliment, &c 2j5 OF THE AIFECTIONS A XT© Among other arguments againft anger, young people, efpecially females, fhould be informed, that befides the phyfical dangers attendant on this paffion, it deforms the face, and, like all the impetuous emotions of the mind, deprives the paftionate of every charm, and induces a ftrong averfion to fuch compan- ions. 1 hofe who feel the approach of anger in their mind, fhould, as much as poffible, di- vert their attention from the objects of provo* cation ; for inftance, by reciting a paffage they have learnt by heart; or, as Julius Csefar did, by repeating the Roman alphabet. Inward fretting, in which fadnefs is com- bined with anger, is the more deftructive, that it does not vent itfelf in words, or external actions. There may arife from it giddinefs, inclination to vomiting, fudden pain in the fide, great anxiety, and fimilar' complaints. Somewhat related to this infirmity is, what Dr. Weikardt, a German author, calls the " mal de cour j" a cruel malady, which com- prehends anger, avarice, envy, and fadnefs.— From a ienfe of neglect and unmerited injury, whether real or imaginary, which torments, courtiers, the habitual- peevifhnefs of a great proportion of men leads them to avenge their difappointment, by oppreffing and ill-treating tl -Six defendants. "I o accuftom themfelves to e ..fiufcrthe phyfical and moral viciffitudes of life, «md the perifhable nature of all terreftrial happinefs, with becoming firmnefs, and to enlarge their minds by the acquifition of ufe- ful kiiowbd _,e, are the beft remedies for this mental difeafe, PASSIONS OF THE MIND. 237 When fadnefs or fear have fo overpowered the heart and the underftanding, that all hopes of averting the apprehended evils are extin- guifhed, tne mind finks into Defpair. We then fee no comfort in futurity, and our ideas of approaching mifery become fo intolerable, that we think ourfelves incapable to fuftain it, and fetk no other remedy but death. There are attacks of defpair, and an inclination to filicide, in which people are, upon any unfore- fcen event, fuddenly deprived of their under- ftanding, and reduced to temporary infanity. This precipitate fpecies of defpair more nearly refembles terror. Others are folitary and re- ferved ; continually brooding over their mis- fortunes, till at length all their hopes and re- folution fail. Their defpair, confequently, is more nearly .allied to melancholy, than any other paffion. A fudden fit of defpair is owing to very irri- table mufcular fibres, which are quickly exci- ted to the moft irregular motions, and from which arifes confufion in the fenfes and the imagination. In profoundly thoughtful and melancholy individuals, the folid parts are weakened, the fluids become thick, heavy, and ftagnating ; and this weaknefs of the folids gives them a fenfation of peculiar debility. They are difpirited and dejected ; their ftag- nating, or, at beft, flowly circulating fluids, occafion in them a fenfe of anxiety and timid- ity ; whence gloomy reprefentations are but too eafily impreffed on their mind. This is very apt to be the cafe with perfons who eat more animal than vegetable food, which pro- 238 OF THE AFFECTIONS AND duces very rich and fubftanrial blood. From this fource fome authors derive the choleric difpofition of the Britifh in general ; but I have endeavoured to prove, in the fifth Chap- ter, on Fcod and Drink, p. 31 and foil, that this obfervation cannot be maintained on ra- tional principles, and that it is inconfiftent with actual experience. It is alfo faid of the Negroes, that they are more fubject to melan- choly, and even to fuicide, becaufe their blood is more compact, florid, and fubftantial, than that of the Europeans. The ambitious are likewife frequently feized with this affection, when they meet with any thing to give them offence or obftruct their projects. Erodigals, and thofe who are ftran- gers to the troubles and difficulties of life, are fubject to fits of defpair, whenever they are re- duced to a ftate of adverfity. Too rigid con- ceptions of virtue have alfo, though feldom, been the occafion of this infatuated paffion. The cautions and rules for preventing defpair and fuicide are the fame which muft be employ- ed to counteract fuch other paflions as deprefs ■ the fuffering mind ; but they muft be modified according to the temperament of the individ- ual ; and the cure of fuch evils ought to be directed principally to the body, and partly alio to the mind. Nothing, indeed, is better adapted to pro- ject us againft all the uneafy and turbulent emotions of the mind, than a temperate and acdve life: as, on the contrary, intemper- ance unavoidably occafions irregular commo- tions in the fluids, and may be the fcurce of PASrKJNS OF THE MIND: 239 difeafe and imbecility. Hence Pythagoras advifed his pupils to abftain from animal food, which excites wrath, with all the other paf- fions and defires. Idlenefs and want of exer- cife are not lefs productive of many malignant propenfities. It cannot be doubted, that thofe who, at an early, docile age, combine folid principles of virtue with a fober and active life, and who are by frequent examples reminded of the tur- pitude and difadvantages attending violent paf- fions in others, will of themfelves reprefs thefe enemies to human life. Yet it is much more difficult to fupprefs paflions that have already made fome progrefs ; in which cafes cenfure and rational remonftrances are feldom avail- ing. To thofe, however, who have not reach- ed fuch a pitch of obftinacy, as to be above taking advice, the following hints may not be unprofitable! : 1. To remove, without delay, the object that gave rife to the paffion, or at leaft to de- prive it of its nourifhment, fo that it may die of itfelf ; by going to fome other plac-, which prefents a different fcene. 2. One affection frequently aftlfts in fubdu- ing anocher of an oppolite nature ; fuch as to infpire the timorous with courage ; the angry, with fear ; the too violent lover, with hatred, and fo forth.—This, however, is feldom prac- ticable. 3. Let us direct our thoughts to other ob- jects of purfuit, fuch as public amuiements, the chace, travelling, agreeable company, or other 240 OF THE AFFECTIONS AND favourite employments of an ufeful and aiTja- five nature. 4. Mufic. Nothing is fo well calculated to moderate and calm the nerves, to quiet the mind, and to affuage the paflions; provided that the hearer poffefs a mufical ear and feel- ing, and the kind of mufic be adapted to his particular tafte and fituation. Hence we can- not be too much on our guard in the choice of mufic, as certain kinds of it have a tend- ency rather to increafe than to allay the par. oxyfm of paffion. 5. The ftate of perfpiration deferves par- ticular attention. For it is confirmed by numberlefs experiments, that paffions decreafe in the fame degree as perfpiration is increafed, particularly if they be of fuch a nature as to check infenfible perfpiration; for inftance, melancholy, terror, fear, and the like. In- deed, all the different evacuations are benefi- cial in this cafe. Laftly, 6. Let us make ufe of no medicines imme- diately after a fit of paffion. The moft advif- able regimen confifts in temperance in eating and drinking, efpecially in abftaining from hard, indigeftible food, cold drink, and cold air. We fhould better confult our health, after any fuch emotions, by keeping ourlHves moderately warm, and drinking tea, or fome fimilar beverage. After a very violent paroxyfm of anger it is fometimes neceffary to open a vein, in order to prevent inflammation ; or to caufe the evacuation of the bile by an emetic ; which cafes, however, are to be determined only PASSIONS OF THE MIND. 241 by profeflional men.—-The faliva ihould not be fwallowed in fuch a fituation; for it is fuppofed to have a flightly poifonous quality. Perfons under the influence of terror fometimes {land in, need of a cordial; but the melan- choly will find in wine and other ftrong li- xruors rather an uncertain remedy, or which, at beft, is only palliative : and, if immoderate- - iy ufed, they muft neceffarily promote fadnefs, as well as every other paffion, which thefe fup- pofed. anodynes, in the end, always increafe by their alternately ftimulating and relaxing effeas. W C -42 j CHAP. XI. Of the different Organs of Sense, and their r effective functions.-—Of 'thefuppofed Seat and Operation of the Soul—Motion—Mufcular Action. EFORE we proceed to inveftigate the pe- culiar functions of the different fenfes, it wiil be ufeful, if not neceffary, to premife a fhort analyfis of fenfation, or in other words, of the feat and operation of the foul. The ancients imagined the feat of the foul to be in the ftomach, becaufe of the acute feel- ing of this organ, and the multitude-of nerves with which it is provided, and by which it is connected with* other parts. But it is now univerfally admitted by phyfiologifts and anat- omifts, that the operations of the mind are carried on principally in the brain ; that this is the point 0/ union, in which all the nerves meet, and which is to be confidered as the af- femblage of all fenfations, or the fenforium com- mune. The brain is in the moft immediate connection with the perceptive faculty ; and here all the nerves are as it were concentrated into one point. Prof. Soemmering, of Mayence, has lately endeavoured to pro it increafes in violence and du- ration. There remains another curious phe- nomenon to be explained, namely, that of freezing, which often takes place, when we fuddenly go from darknefs to a ftrong light. Here the fame caufe operates, though under different circumftances. The optic nerves confift of the fecond pair of the nerves of the X 2 25& OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. brain; with thefe are united the third pair, the fourth pair, and fome branches of the fifth and fixth pair. Yet the fecond pair, or the peculiar optic nerve, has the moft important fhare iri vifion. It proceeds from the brain ftraight to the pupil of the eye, pervades this almoft through the middle of its pop erior in- ternal part, where it terminates and dilates it- felf, or, as it were, melts into a foft, o nvny fkin, forming the retina, which covers a great part of the pofterior internal eye.—Now, from' the fifth pair of nerves there proceeds but one branch into the eyes, while another takes its- direction to the nofe. When the eye is fud- denly impreffed with the rays of light, that branch of the fifth pair which extends to the eyes, is ftimulated in common with the other branch of the fame pair proceeding to the nofe. If the ftimulus be violent, it is communicated to both branches, that of the nofe is likewife ftimulated, and we are compelled to fneeze. To conclude the account of the fenfe of fight, I muft remark, that the reprefentations of the mind fcarcely difplay their influence on any other of tlie:fenfes, to fo extenfive a de- gree, as they do upon this: hence it happens, that we fometimes imagine we fee images be- fore us, in the cleareft manner, though the rep- refentation of them be merely a phantom of the brain. The impreflion forcibly made on the retina, remains there for fome time, even after the object itfelf has vanifhed ; thus we miac;inc we fee a fiery ring, when a burning teal is fwiftiy moved in a circle.—That we be- lieve we fee many bright colours, when we' OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE.. 259 »uh and prefs the clofeci eye with the fingers, is owing to this caufe, that the fame kind of effect is produced on the nerves of the eye by friction, as ufually accompanies the view of the colours themfelves. But whether colou*s, in general, depend on the different degrees of vibration of the air, or on the elements of the rays of light, which, by their divifion, appear fingly and diftinctly in the prifm, is a problem not yet, and which perhaps never will be, fat- isfactorily folved. By the next fenfe, namely, that of Hearing, we perceive the vibrations of the air which oc- cafion found. For this purpofe our ears are formed partly of cartilages, and partly of bones, in order to communicate thefe vibra- tions to the auditory nerves, and thence to the brain. This fenfe alfo is- more acute in the lower animals,* than in the human fpecies. The hare, for inftance, is warned againft ap- proaching danger, by hefexquifitely fine ear y and the owl, being, fenfible of the fofteft founds, makes ufe of her acute ear to aflift her in the difeovery of prey. The warm-blooded animals have an external and an internal ear; but in almoft every fpecies it is*of a different ftructure. Moft animals can move their ears—an advantage not enjoyed by man ; though it was not Nature which formed our ears immoveable, but an abfurd cuflom, continued for many centuries, grad- ually produced this effect. That the ears were not naturally defigned to lie flat on the head, is fufficiently obvious from the number of mufcles with which they are provided* and 26o OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. each of which is defigned to perform different motions. The manner in which the fenfe of hearing is produced, is fhortly this. The vibrations of the air, which.take place by the concuffion of any elaftic body, firft ftrike the external ear; hence the found agitates the tympanum. But that the vibrations may not become too violent, and the tympanum may not burft, as is to be apprehended from a very loud and near found, the ear is provided with a fiphon, which anat- omifts call the Euftachian tube, and through which the air collected on the tympanum again efcapes. But the vibration or the tympanum is alfo communicated through the four little bones of the ear ; it is forwarded through what is called the ftapes, or ftirrup, to the veftibule, or the firft entrance, and through the mem- brane of the feneftra rotunda, as far as the in- nermost cavity of the ear, which refembles the fhell of a fnail, %nd is therefore called coch- lea. The whole labyrinth of the ear being fill- ed with a fubtile water in fmall quantity, this fluid gently agitates the fubftance of the audi- tory nerve; in confequence of which found is communicated to the braim The humour contained in the labyrinth of the ear obvioufly ferves the purpofe of preventing the foft, pap- py fubftance of the auditory nerve from being too violently agitated. The ufe of the cochlea, which is very arti- ficially conftructed, cannot be eafily deter- mined ; it is probably rather defigned for the more accurate diftinction of the varieties of tones, than for the perception of founds in OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. l6l general ; for we may confider the delicate nerves, that run along the fpiral line of this cochlea, as a number of chords growing pro- greffively fhorter, and which, in a manner, re- peat the external vibrations of the air, in the internal parts of the ear. This repetition ap- pears to be performed according to a geomet- rical fcale, fince the fame vibrations of the air take place here in a reduced proportion. Hence founds, which are too loud and pene- trating, offend our ears, becaufe they fhake the auditory nerves too quickly and* violently, fo that thefe may even be lacerated, and pro- duce deafnefs; but this is not the cafe, when the tympanum is broken by accident. Some perfons,who are defective in this fenfe, are obliged to make ufe of ear-trumpets, and to turn their ear to the' quarter whence the found proceeds ; to place the hand at the fide of the ear,; to open their mouth, or ufe fome other afliftant means. All this is done with a view to fupply the motion of the'ears, of which we have been deprived by habits contrary to the laws of Nature : thefe motions the lower animals perform, by pointing their ears in the direction from which the found proceeds, {n this manner, the ear receives a greater pro- portion of found ; and many divifions of it, which might otherwife efcape, are conveyed to the nerves. By means of the teeth, and other bones of the head, founds may be conducted to the au- ditory nerves, fo as to communicate the necef- fary vibrations to the internal ear, though we can hear more eafily and diftinctly, when the l6^ OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. found comes through the organ itfelf. There is, however, a method of communicating founds to the deaf, with better fuccefs than by the common ear-trumpets, which inftruments at length entirely deftroy that fenfe. This is effected by means of a cylindrical rod or tube of ivory, or any fimilar hard fubftance : the rod may be from fix to twelve inches long and upwards, and from a quarter to half an inch in diameter; if it be made hollow through- out, the part which is placed in the mouth between the front teeth ought to have a much fmaller aperture than the other extremity. This tube is well calculated to aflift thofe deaf perfons, who wifh to enjoy the mufic of a harp, harpfichord, or other inftrument. I once, knew a gentleman, who was quite deaf, but with the affiftance of a cylinder, fuch as I have defcribed, was enabled to hear the fofteft notes diftinctly, and to enjoy all the pleafures of mufic. Laftly, it is a falfe affertion, that there is al- ways a hole in the tympanum ; for it is owing to the double opening of the Euftachian tube, that many jugglers can caufe the liquor they drink to flow out of the ear, in the fame man- ner as they difcharge the fmoke of tobacco through the nofe and ears. Our fourth fenfe is that of Smell. It is near- ly related to the fenfe of tafte, probably from the great fimilarity of ftructure in the organs of thefe two fenfes, and their vicinity to each other. This is attended with the manifeft ad- vantage, that man and animals are generally enabled- to difcover, without danger, any un- OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. 2(53 wholefome food. The functions of this fenfe are exercifed by the nofe, and chiefly by the mucous membrane which lines that organ. The whole infide of the nofe is covered with this membrane, which is a continuation of the general integuments of the body, but much fofter, more mucous and porous, full of vef- fels, exquifitely fenfible, and covered with hair towards the lower part of the noftrils, to prevent any impurities from afcending too far. Of all the parts of the mouth connected wi th the nofe, the moft remarkable is the cavity of the jaw-bone, or the finus maxillaris, which extends over the whole breadth of the two up- per jaw-bones, and opens itfelf into the nofe between the middle and lower fhell. In new- born children, all thefe cavities are not yet formed, and this is the caufe of their imper- fect fmell. In order to moiften the membranes, which otherwife would become too dry, by the air we inhale through the noftrils, there de- fcends a nafal canal from each cavity of the eyes, which communicates with the lower fhell, in order to conduct the tears continually into the nofe. If we make an effort to fmell, we draw up the air filled with the volatile, oily, and faline particles of odorous fubftances : thefe particles come in contact with the fine branches of the olfactory nerves, which have the capacity of receiving impreflions, and thus the fenfation' is imparted to the brain. Thefe nerves rife immediately from the brain, and are larger in many animals than in man. The bignefs of the nerves, however, is no proof of the great- $64 OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. er degree of fenfation in the animal, or of the fuperior abilities of the mind. On the con- trary, it is now pretty generally believed, that the mental, capacities of organized beings are in an inverted proportion to the fize of the nerves rifing out of the brain, and the medul- lary fubftance of the fpine. Thus, for inftance, the amphibious animals have ftrong nerves, in proportion to their fmall brain, and yet they are, in general, extremely infenfible and ftupid. Lean people, and ricketty children, on the contrary, have very thin and fine nerves to a large brain; and who has not ob- ferved their fenfibility of mind, as well as their quick and acute feelings ? But to return from this digreflion.—The faline and oily particles which affect the fmell, are more volatile and fubtile than thofe dif- tinguifhed by the tafte ; yet this difference may in a great meafure arife from the nerves of the tongue being covered with thicker membranes than thofe of the nofe.—In many animals, the fenfe of fmelling is more acute than in man, who would probably be much incommoded by too refined a perception of this kind. But it may be much improved by exercife, or depraved by neglect. Hence the American Indian can difcover the footfteps of man and other animals by fmell alone ;—- while perfons who live in a bad and fetid at- mofphere, are fcarcely fenfible of the differ- ence between the moft fragrant and offenfive fubftances.—It is remarkable, that moft ma- niacs and inveterate hypochondriacs, are ex- OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. 265 ceflively fond of fnuff, and every thing that ftimulates the nofe. Of all the quadrupeds we know, the dog excels in the acutenefs of this fenfe ; and there are many extraordinary inftances record- ed of his peculiar and aftonifhing powers of fmell ; with one of which, as well authenti- cated as it is extraordinary, I fhall conclude this fubject.—In the year 1582 Leonhard Zol- likofer fet out from his Chateau Altenklingen, in Switzerland, for Paris ; the diftance of which is upwards of five hundred Englifh miles. A fortnight after his departure, his faithful dog, who had till then been confined, alfo fet out alone for Paris ; where he ar- rived in the courfe of eight days, and discov- ered his mafter in the midft of a crowd, af- ter having fearched for him m vain at his lodgings. We are now arrived at the fifth and laft of our fenfes, the Tafte, which is fo diftmguifhed a favourite of a great number of perfons, that it appears, as if they wifhed to live only for the fake of its gratification. I have in former parts of this work endeavoured to in- culcate the propriety and abiolute neceffity of attending to the effects produced on this fenfe by food and drink, without which animal life cannot be long fupported. In this place, therefore, there remains to be defcribed only the mechanifm and the functions of this fenfe. The principal organ of tafte is the tongue, which in very few animals is as fenfible as in man. The former choofe, indeed, among the 266 OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. herbs upon which they feed, by accurately diftinguifhing the ufeful from the noxious plants ; but this appears to be more in confe- quence of their acute fmell, than from the guidance of their tafte. To defcribe the fig- ure and fhape of the,tongue, is not confiftent with my plan ; but I fhall briefly obferve, that this organ is provided with innumerable nerves, which terminate which muft be foluble by the tongue. If the fenfation of the faline particles be acrid, the tafte is ftrong, difagreeable, and at length be- comes painful : this is alfo the cafe, if the tongue, by burning or other accidents, ' be deprived of any part of the epidermis, ox fcarf-fkin. Such bodies as contain no -faline particles, as pure water, excite no kind of tafte what- ever. The difference of tafte cannot be ac- counted for from the variety of figure in the cryftals of the different falts, but appears to arife from the chemical properties inherent in faline bodies.—It may be laid down as a gen- OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. 26/ gral rule, that every fubftance, which affords an agreeable tafte to a healthy perfon of an undepraved palate, is wholefome : as, on the contrary, fubftances of an acrid and difagree- able tafte are commonly pernicious. The different degrees of tafte depend on the greater or lefs fenfibility of the nervous papillae before defcribed, as well as on the quality of the faliva, in a more or lefs healthy ftate of the body. If our nerves be blunted and weakened by fmqaking tobacco, by too ftrong and highly-feafoned food, by the copious ufe of fpirituous liquors, by age, or other caufes, we cannot reafonably expect to poffefs the fame degree of fenfibility of tafte, as if we had been more attentive to the ordinances of Na- ture.—The more fimple our ufual aliment is, the lefs it is feafoned by hot fpices and the lefs, we ftimulate the palate by wine and ardent fpirits, we fhall the better preferve our tafte, together with the nerves of the tongue ; and we fhall have a greater relifh for rich difhes, when they are but occafionally prefented to our palate.. The fenfes, then, are thofe organs, by means of which the mind perceives or feels external objects. They may be confidered as the fatellites of the mind ; and although fome animals enjoy particular fenfes more acutely than man, yet his fenfes are more comprehen- five, and he is amply compenfated by the ex- tenfive ufe he can make of them, while the inferior creatures poffefs a more intenfive ap- plication of their fenfitive faculties. 268 OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE, We have now confidered the mode in which the fenfes operate; we have feen that every thing depends upon a nervous ftimulus, which, by the moft diverfified organs, is communi- cated to the mind : there remain to be added only a few remarks and explanations, relative to animal motion, or mufcular action. The machine of the human body is put in motion by a great diverfity of powers.—Of thefe, the higheft and moft energetic is that of the mind; the next fubordinate'power is that of the nerves, immediately after which fol- lows the moft operative of the corporeal pow- ers, that is, mufcular irritability, or the peculiar faculty of the mufcles to contract, in confe- quence of any ftimulus applied to them. I pur- pofely omit in this place, what phyiiologifts have called the vital power, the peculiar pow- er of life, or BloMenxack's vita propria; and the healing power of Nature, or vis medi- catrix natura of the ancient phyficians. All thefe powers are, in a great meafure, hypo- thetical, though their frequent operations in a difeafed ftate of the body cannot be denied. And, as the mufcular powers of men and ani- mals are the moft obvious to the fenfes, I fhall content myfelf with ftating what has a refer- ence to thefe. A mufcle is a bundle of thin and parallel plates of flefhy threads or fibres. Thefe are connected by a- loofe and generally fat cellular membrane ; they feparate into greater bundles, till at length feveral portions of a mufcle lying parallel, or inclining towards one another, are again fu'rrou'ided by a tender membrane of OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. 269 a cellular texture, which forms one fubftance with the collateral partitions; and thefe, be- ing again feparated from the contiguous flefh, by a fomewhat thicker cellular texture,are then confidered as one diftinct mufcle. The human body has a confiderable num- ber of mufcles, yet many of the lower animals are provided with a much greater proportion of them. The caterpillar (Phalana Coffus,L.) has about 3500 mufcles, while the human body can count fcarcely 450. The mufcles of an- imals, in general, are more powerful than thofe of man. What aftonifhing power,for inftance, is the leaping chafer, or the grafshopper, o- bliged to employ, in order to make jumps, which extend to feveral hundred times the length of their own bodies! Another fmall in- fect, the flea, excels all other animals in its pro- digious leaps, and is able to carry a weight 80 times heavier than its body. All thefe appa- rent wonders are accomplifhed by means of the mufcles. The figure of them, in man, is very irregular ; thofe only, which are defign- ed to perform certain valvular motions, fuch as the mufcles of the mouth, the eyedids, the bladder, the anus, &c. are of a circular cr round figure. All the mufcles contract in the direction of their fibres ; the middle part or the belly of the mufcle fwells, hence it gets ftiorter, and both ends approach one another. Moft of our muf- cles operate in the manner of a lever ; the two ends of every mufcle, in the extremities of an- imals, are failciied to the bones, by means of Y 2 *7° OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. tendons or finews ; one of thefe extremities only being moveable, while the other remains. fixed. Hence, in. the contraction of the muf- cles, the moveable bone is drawn according to the direction of their fibres. If a mufcle be contracted, it neceiTarily fwells in thicknefs, as may be diftinctly felt by placing the hand up- on the muffler, a mufcle of the lower jaw, and comprefling the back teeth. As foon, how- ever, as the nerve of the mufcle is cut, or tied only, the contracting or fwelling power inftant- ly ceafes, whence we are inclined to fuppofe,. thatthe nerves have the principal fhare in reg- ulating the j>owers of contraction, extenfion,, and loco-motion. Whether this be done by the influx of a fluid into the nerves, or by fome other latent power, has not yet been difcoveredk. The energy of mufcular action is remarka- ble in every healthy individual, but particularly in very ftrong men, and frequently too in ma- niacs. With the afliftance of a few mufcles on- ly, they are enabled to raife a weight, often- much exceeding that of the whole human frame.—In order to fupport.the preffure of the lever, which is accomplifhed wivh a great lofs of power, and to preferve and confolidate the muieles.in their fituation, they run at one time under crofs "ligaments, as is the cafe on the fingers; at another time they move in rovers, for inftance, in the eye ; and, again,, in other places, they are fupported in their pofition by the peculiar ftructure of the bones,. as we find on the upper part of the fhoulders* If a computation could be made of ail the loffes of power which the mufcles experience^ OF Till; ORGANS' OF SENSE.. 2TI partly by their frequent infertion at very acute angles, partly by their being extended as a chord, and drawing a weight oppofite to its- fixed point ; partly by palling over certain joints which break the force to be applied to a particular joint ; and, laftly, by their flefhy fibres being obftructed by the angles they make with the tendons ;—if all thefe impediments could be reduced to an accurate calculation, we fhould be aftonifhed at the contractile force exerted by the mufcles, as it would exceed any amount of powers raifed upon mechanical principles. It is confidently afferted, that the effect is fcarcely -^th part of that force which the mufcles employ ; and yet a fmall number of them, the fubftance of which is equal in weight to a few pounds only, poffefs the power of lifting, or at leaft moving, feveral hundred weight, and this with inconceivable facility and fwiftnefs. It would be prefumptuous to' afcribe the great loffes ©f mufcular power to any defect in the animal economy : for, if we had the full ufe of our mufcles, the juft fym- metry or proportion of the parts would be de- ftroyed, and it might otherwife be attended with many phyfical evils, the confequences of which we cannot comprehend* As an ample eompenfation for the want of this unneceffary ftrength, Nature has provided the upper ends of the mufcles, which bend the joints, and chiefly thofe of the knees, with certain bags, burfa mucofa, which contain a lubricating mucus, to facilitate the motion of the tendons. And to this beneficent arrange- ment we owe the ability of exercifing the power 272 OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. of the mufcles with fuch extraordinary activ- ity, and without feeling them rigid and inflex* ibie, after violent and long-continued exercifer Being now acquainted, in fome degree, with the nerves and mufcles; it will alfo be neceffary to fay a few words relative to the blood; efpe- cially as the doctrine of temperaments, already treated of in the Introduction, was principally founded on the nature of thefe three fubftances. The quantity of blood in a human body ef full growth, is generally computed at 3c lb. This liquid apparently confifts of two parts on- ly, namely, the ferum, or water, and the craffamentum, or the thick and coagulable part of the blood. But, as the latter can be again feparated into two parts, namely, the cruor, or the thick and red part, and the coagulable lymph, the blood confequently confifts of three principal conftituents : the ferum, the cruor, and the lymph. Befides thefe, there is alfo a confiderable quantity of air contained in the blood, which is, as it were-, the medium of combination in all vegetable, animal, and mineral bodies; for, when the air is expelled, whether by combuftion, fermentation/ putre- faction, or any other procefs, they haften to- wards their inevitable diffolution. There is further contained in the blood, much water, a fmall proportion of oil, fome fait, earth, and a little iron, which, together with the heat produced by refpiration, is fup- pofed to impart the red colour to that fluid. The red colour is confined to the cruor, which confifts of very minute red globules, nearly re- fembling in fhape the eggs of filk-worms. OF THE ORGANS OF SENSE. 273 Much remains to be faid on the properties of the blood, and its wonderful circulation in the human body ; but, as this fubject, from want of room, cannot be Satisfactorily difcuf- fed here, I am under the neceffity of conclu- ding this Chapter with the following remark ; that the variety of temperaments in man ap- pears to be owing to the different mixture of the fluids, and the diverfified ftructure of the folids, particularly of the nerves and mufcles. This is fo true, that the whole picture of his phyfical life, together with his moral charac- ter, depend chiefly on the various combination of thefe parts. Yet there are different means by which peculiar temperaments are genera- ted ;—the firft of thefe is climate, which forms the national character ;—the fecond is a certain hereditary difpofition, which we derive from pur parents ;—and the third is the peculiar, Wganizatian of the in divider. C 274 ] CHAP. XIL Practical Remarks and Rules relative to the Treatment and Preservation of the Eyes :—On the importance of beflowing proper care on thefe organs—Of Short-fightednefs, and' thereverfe—General Rules for thePrefervation of the Eyes—Of the Conduct to be obferved in Weak Eyes—Dietetical Precepts refpecting the Eyes in general—So?ne additional Rules addref- fed to thofe who are obliged to make ufe of Eye- Glaffes* i. On the importance of be/lowing proper care on thefe organs. THERE is fcarcely any part of the fenfitive faculties, which contributes more to our phyfical enjoyments than the unimpairedpower of vifion. Hence the management of the eyes deferves the care and attention of every perfon, who wifhes to preferve them in a found and perfect ftate, and to retard, although we can- not altogether avert, the natural confequences which accompany the advance of years. By our mode of life, this infirmity is much accel- erated, and the eyes are weakened and worn out, or at leaft rendered too irritable. Such is particularly the cafe in thofe claffes of peo- ple, who are much employed in fedentary oc- cupations, who work by candle-light, or are much expofed to duft, &c. RULES FOR THE TREATMENT, &C. 275 The remarks, rules, and obfervations of this Chapter will relate chiefly to the treatment, both of found and weak eye?, and occafionally .alfo to the regimen of them in a difeafed ftate. More accuracy and attention is required in this refpect, than inexperienced perfons gen- erally imagine. Till of late years, proper at- tention has not been paid, to lay down and ef. tablifh well-founded and^ractical rules on the fubject of the eyes, and their treatment. Some modern phyficians and oculifts, however, have ufefully devoted much time and labour to in- quiries into the maladies of this organ. The fruits of thefe refearches, as well as my own experience, on this point, I now proceed to ilay before the reader. II. Of fhortfightednefs, and the reverfe. Man probably enjoys his fight to a later period of life than any of the lower animals, and might preferve it ftill longer, if he were better informed respecting its prefervation. Thofe who are naturally fhort-fighted, are en- titled to expect an improvement of vifion with the advancement of age ; for their eyes then gradually begin to Iofe that uncommon round- nefs which produces this defect, and thus to arrive at a greater enjoyment >f the beauties of Nature. Perfons who can fee objects diftinctly at a great diftance only, cannot, however, be confidered as lei's4'unfortunate ; as they ftand 2j6 RULES FOR THE TREATMENT AND in need of glaffes, chiefly for the better dif- tinguifhing of more minute objects. The nurfery, or the room appropriated to the ufe of children, is generally the fmalleft, if not the loweft apartment in the houfe ; fo that the infant, having the opportunity to ex- ercife its eyes on near objects only, often be- comes more fhort-fighted than it is naturally. Hence children ought at leaft to be frequently carried to the window, and have their eyes di- rected to a diftant view. On this account, a nurfery enjoying an extenfive profpect is much preferable to one where the view is confined. Many perfons who fee well at a diftance in their infancy, injure their fight by reading and writing by candle-light, but particularly fe- males, by fine needle-work ; as the eye is there- by too much accuftomed to near and minute objects. One of the bad confequences of fhort-fight- ednefs is, that people get into a habit of mak- ing ufe of one eye only. The effort of direct- ing both pupils to the object before them is attended w'ith too much trouble; hence they look at it fideways. It would be lefs detrimen- tal, if they were to ufe the eyes alternately; but here too it is equally eafy to acquire a bad habit ; for the eye, which is fpared or not ex- ercifed/becomes inert and ufelefs. Still worfe is the ufe of a magnifying or reading glafs, by which people accuftom themfelves to fhut the eye then unemployed. The other, which is thus unduly exerted, fomewhat fhifts its pofi- tion, it becomes progreffively lefs flexible in its internal parts, and perfons who take advan- PRESERVATION OF THE EYES. 277 tage of this temporary aid, do not find their powers of vifion imprqve with the advance- ment of age. To prevent thefe bad habits, the following advice may be ufeful :—Children fufpected of being fhort-fighted, fhould have their eyes di- rected to an object held clofe to them ; and if they appear to make ufe of one eye only, that eye fhould be occafionally clofed, fo that they may be obliged to exercife the other. When •they learn to read, they fhould be taught to hold the book ftraight before their eyes; thus they will exert themfelves tadifcover the printed letters at the greateft diftance at which tthey are made to place it. The eyes, by de- grees, become accuftomed to the neceffary in- ternal change of their pofture, and the child will, in time, certainly improve in the exten- fion of its fight. Many perfons indeed have, at a juvenile age, got rid of their fhort-fight- ednefs ; but there cannot he found one in- ftance of this improvement among thofe who have, either from fafhionable indulgence or neceffity,. habituated themfelves to ufe only m one eye. It is to be regretted, that in fhort-fighted individuals the breaft and abdomen fuffer much from compreffion during fedentary oc- cupations, fo that they are frequently troubled with hypochondriafls, and, what is ftill worfe, are fometimes thrown into a confumption of the lungs. Though ftanding at intervals agrees with employments that do not require great mental exertion; yet, in the contrary 278 RU-LES FOR THE TREATMENT AUD cafe, it confumes more ftrength than is gen- erally imagined ; and, in acute reflections, the mind ought not to be fatigued by the body. In this cafe, well-chofen concave fpcctacles may be ufed with advantage, fo that the body may be placed, while reading or writing, in the moft convenient pofture : for fuch glaffes will oblige the wearer to remove the object fome- what farther from the eyes. After fevere difeafes of the eyes, one of them frequently becomes fhort-fighted, while the other is fcarcely, if at all, affected. The confequence is, that we employ the found eye alone, while the weak one is totally impaired by this neglect. In fuch a fituation, we ought to ufe glaffes in reading or writing, one of which fhould be carefully felected for the fhort- fighted eye, (according to the rules hereafter to be fpecified) and the other of plain, clear glafs, chiefly for the fake of affording an equal degree of light to both eyes. If, by this pre- caution, the weaker eye has perceptibly gained ftrength, we may employ a lefs concave glafs # inftead of that firft ufed, fo that in time it may be fimilar with the other, and at length the patient be enabled to do without this afliftance. Eyes which form too extenfive a focus, re- quire no aid, unlefs they be extravagantly fo. Then, indeed, we fhould not hefitate to make vSe of convex glades. Ifris, however, a vul- gar prejudice, that by fuch glaffes the eye is too much indulged, and rendered ftill more far-fighted. On the contrary, itis generally improved durmg the ufe of thefe fpectacles, PRESERVATION OF THE EYES. 279 jnd, after the lapfe of feveral years, they may again be difpenfed with. It is a confolation in many difeafes of the1 eyes, that a long-continued weaknefs is feldom the forerunner of total blindnefs. This fatal event generally happens by fudden accidents, and is fpeedily decided.—Adults are not very fubject to external complaints of the eye, or fuch as deprive the cornea of its tranfparency. Small round fpots, hovering before the eyes like firings of hollow little globules connected with one another, are defects of no great con- fequence, and of which, perhaps, no eye is completely free. HI. General Rules for the Prefervation of the Eyes. In all employment's whatever, let us attend as much as poffible to this circumftance, that the eyes may have an uniform and fufficient light, fo as to affect the retina on all fides alike.—The eyes materially fuffer, when the- rays of the fun are ftrongly reflected from the oppofite wall or window. In children, many diforders of the^eyei- which would never have had fo fatal an iffue, have terminated in total blindnefs, when pa- rents have neglected to provide the cradle or window with proper curtains. For this rea- fon, we ought to be extremely cautious in the choice of an apartment appropriated to tl;e 280 RULES FOR THE TREATMENT AND labours of the day. We fhould not place ourfelves directly oppofite to the light, in reading and writing ; "we ought rather to take the light in a lateral direction. A great obftacle to this arrangement is the change of light in the fame apartment, by the progrefs of the fun. Where the fun dazzled in the morning, we find in the middle of the day'the moft uniform light, which again in the afternoon, particularly in towns, becomes reverberatory, and extremely hurtful. This inconvenience fhould be remedied, if poflible, by a frequent change of the room; or, at leaft, we might produce more uniformity in the light by means of window curtains, or blinds;. and it may be obferved, that blinds of green or whited-brown linen are beft adapted for this purpofe. It is an ufeful practice to protect weak eyes from the defcending rays by means of fliades ;. becaufe the vivid light ftriking them from above, is thus intercepted. But we ought to confider, that the lower part of the eye is by fuch means completely fhaded ; whileHhe up- per part of this organ is ftimulated by the light it receives from below ;—a practice which can- not be productive of good confequences. If the malady be fituated in the upper part of the eye, this conduct is ftill more improper : for the healthy part is in this manner protected, and that already relaxed is ftill more weaken- ed. Darknefs, or fhade, is then only beneficial to the eyes, when they are unemployed, when; the obfeurity is natural, and confeouentiy PRESERVATION OF THE EYES. 28l every where extended. To reft a little during the twilight, is very fuitable to weak eyes. No artificial darknefs during the day is ever fo uni- form, but that the eye muft exert itfelf at one -time moie than at another, and neceffarily fuffer by this change. Perfons with weak or difeafed eyes, who fpend' the whole day in an apartment darkened with green curtains, injure their fight itill more-by this pernicious practice. It is far more prudent to repair to clear day- light and the frefh air, and to direct the ..eyes to diftant profpects, than to confine them to the clofe atmofphere of a room, and to the fight of near objects. Laftly, it is an error, that weak eyes, when employed in minute vifion, ought to have u faint light; for by this practice they are cer- tainly ftill more weakened. Thus green fpec- tacles are very hurtful to fome eyes, as they deprive them of that light which"is neceffary *o a diftinct perception of objects. IV. Of the Conduct to be obferved in Weak Eyes. The artificial light, of candles and lamps is detrimental to weak eyes ; not, as fome imag- ine, on account of the light being too ftrong for the eyes, but becaufe the flame of a cardie too powerfully illumines the eye in one point, and does not uniformly ftimuiate the rci^sa. The means ufed to prevent the great ftimu- lus from the ravs of light are, in general, fo ' Z 2 S2 RULES FOR THE IREATMENT AND regulated, that the fcreen may not only covet the flame, but alfo concentrate the greateft part of the light. Thus the room is darkened, and only a fmall fpot above and below the ap- paratus is illumined ; a practice highly inju- dicious. The ftudy-lamps, with large round fcreens, feem to be purpofely contrived to im- pair the fouudeft eyes, bv their continued ufe. —The green parchment fereens formerly ufed were likewife objectionable ; for, though they admitted the free accefs of light on both fides, yet they produced too great a ftiade before the eyes. The beft and moft proper defence of weak eyes by candle-light is a flat fcreen, projecting about two or three inches over the forehead; or even a round hat, with a brim of a proper fize. Thofe who are afflicted with weak eyes fliould always make ufe of two candles, placed fo that their flame be neither too low, nor too high for the eye. This is a circumftance of great importance, as the light, when placed too low, is uncommonly ftimulating and fa- tiguing. Candles have this advantage over lamps, that their light is lefs offenfive to the eye and lefs pernicious to the lungs ; as th*y do not, in genera), emit fo much fmoke. But, on the other hand, ail canr'les have the follow- ing difadvantages : i. that, by their burn- ing downwards, the fatigued eye is progref- fively more ftrained in the later hours of can- dle-debt ; 2. that the unequal light they give is attended with the additional trouble of fnuffmg them; and, ?. that by the leaft com- motion of the air, cr, if mad,; of bad materials, PRESERVATION OF THE EYES. 283 they offend the eye 'by their flaring light.— Hence a clear chamber-lamp, burning with the leaft poffible fmoke and fmell, is far prefera- ble and more foothing to the eye, than even wax-candles. Some of the lately-improved Patent-lamps, originally contrived by M. D* Argent, in Switzerland, are well calculated to anfwer every ufeful purpofe; but, inftead of the common round fcreens, I would re- commend another, immediately to be de- fcribed. Thofe fcreens are the beft, which are appli- ed to one fide of the light only, which are not larger than is neceffary to cover the flame, and which ftill admit a fmall quantity of light to pafs through them. This is obtained by a •fimple contrivance of taffety, flightly gummed, and folded fo that it can be carried about in the pocket. Thefe little fcreens are very CT>n- venient in travelling, and are poffeffed of the effential advantage, that they overfliade only the fmall angle formed for the individual who is affected with weak eyes, without depriving the reft of the company of light. In the day- time, on the occafion of fealing letters, for inftance, the light of a candle or taper is more prejudicial to the eye than in the evening. In the morning we fhould not too much exert the eyes immediately after rifing. Hence it is advifeable to remove the candle to fome-* diftance and under fhade in the long winter mornings, till the eye be gradually accuftom- ed to it. For the fame reafon, the window- ffmtters ought not to be fuddenly opened in very bright day-light. This immediate change, 284 RULES FOR THE TREATMENT AND from darknefs to the cleareft light, occafions fenfible pain even to the ftrongeft eye. Writing fatigues the eyes lefs than reading ; for the letters we form on paper are pre- vioufly imprinted on the imagination, and confequently require much lefs acutenefs of figl-t, than the feries of letters and words we read. It is, for the fame reafon, much eafier to the eye to read our own hand-writing, .' .e th;>t of a ftranger, however xliftinct. ijafules, 1 he letters and lines in writing are more diftin^ unliable by the lower part of the blank paper, than the lines in a printed book, or on a manufcript; in both pf which they appear to flow together, and can be kept afun- der only by great exertion of the eye. The cafe is confiderably changed, when we en- deavour to write remarkably well; when we make ufe of a gloffy white paper, and particu- larly when we1 copy the writing of another perfon with great accuracy—in all which inftances the fight is more impaired than in reading, efpecially by changing the direction. of the eyes too frequently to papers, or books of different types. The extravagant elegance in the letter-prefs of many modern books, the fplendid whitenefs and fmoothnefs of vellum paper, or of hot- preffed woven paper, and the broad margin injudicioufly contrafted with the printers gloffy ink, are ill calculated to preferve our eyes. And if the lines be too clofe to each other, the columns too long, as in our newf- papers, the ink too pale, as is now becoming fafhionable, and the paper of a bluifh caft— PRESERVATION OF THE EYES; 28^ the eyes are then in a fair way of being total- ly blinded. I read in the Gentleman's Magazine for. April, 1794, a propofal, to print on dafk blue paper with white letters, or on green pa- per with yellow letters. This plan certain- ly deferves a fair trial, though it might meet with great difficulties in the execution.—The eyes would alfo be greatly preferved, by mak- ing ufe of a fine light blue writing-paper, rather of a greenifh tint, inftead of the fafh- ionable white or cream-coloured paper. Every exertion of the eyes is moft hurtful immediately after a meal, as well as at any time when the blood is in great agitation.—In the dawn, in twilight, and in moonfhine, we ought not to read or write, nor direct our fight too attentively to objects. Refracted rays afford an unpleafant light, and oblique rays are particularly painful. When we take exercife in a long, irregularly- lighted apartment, we feel fenfible vibrations • in the pupil of the eye. The moft fuitable apartment, in this refpect, is one forming a regular fquare, with large windows to the eaft,. in which there is an uniformly-divided light, m or ftill better by means of fky-lights. Garret windows afford a bad light ; it being general- ly introduced, as it were, by a funnel, and il- lumining only one part of the room, while the reft remains dark. A fitting-room is beft adapted to preferve the eyes, the walls of which are pale green, without paintings; two or three uniformly high windows, fo as to give an equal light; (yet fo contrived as to prevent its bein^.too. 28y which the image on the retina would be ren- dered weaker and more indiftinct. Montaldus gives an account of a perfon whofe eye-lids and eye-lafhes were completely white ; who confequently faw but indifferent: ly in the day-time, but much better in the evening and at night. This man happened to be taken prifoner by the Moors, who dyed his eye-lids black, by which his fight was much improved : but, as foon as the colour was loft, his vifion alfo became weaker. Dr. Russell mentions, in his " Hiftory of Aleppo," that the Turkifh ladies ufually dye the inner fide of their eye-lids black, not fo much for the fake of ornament, as with a view to ftrengthen their fight.—It has farther been obferved, that when we Iofe the eye-lafh- es, as is often the cafe in the fmall-pox, the fenfe of vifion is thereby confiderably weaken- ed. For a fimilar reafon, the hair combed down the forehead, if of a dark colour, will aflift the fight, as well as any other contriv- ance over the brow. PRESERVATION OF THE EYES. 2$7 VI. Some additional Rules, addreffed to thofe % who are obliged to make ufe of Eye-glaffe*, The cafes in which eye-glaffes may be ufed with advantage, are nearly the following : i. when we are obliged to hold fmall objects at axonfiderable diftance, before we can diftin- guifh them : 2. when, in order to difcern ob- jects, we require more light than ufual j for inftance, when we are obliged to place a can- dle between the eye and the object; for this is one of the moft deftructive practices, by which the optic nerves and mufcles are much injured ;-—and, as the eye employs itfelf with the object in proportion to the degree of light reflected upon it, the pupil ought to dilate accordingly; inftead of which, it is forced to contract, on account of the too powerful light produced by the intermediate candle: 3. when a near object, upon accurate and attentive ex- amination, becomes obfcure, and begins to appear covered, as it were, with a mift or fog: v 4. when, in reading or writing, the letters feem to flow into one another, and look as if they were double or treble: 5. when the eyes are eafily fatigued, and we are obliged from time to time to (hut them, or to direct them to frefh objects, for temporary relief. In the choice of fpectacles we need not at- tend fo much to their magnifying power, as to the circumftance of their agreeing with our fight;- that is, when they enable us, clearly and without exertion, to fee at the fame dif- tance, in which we formerly were accuftom- ed to read or work. Hence we ought out of 298 RULES FOR THE TREATMENT AND a number of glaffes to choofe thofe, whjch afford the beft and cleareft light in every ftate of the eye. But, if a perfon be fhort-fighted, he fhould choofe a fecond glafs, magnifying a little more than the other, but fomewhat lefs diftinct, yet fo that it may not obfcufe the ob- ject. This is unpleafant at firft, but the eyes in time become accuftomed to it, and daii / im. prove. If, after feme time, we make ufe of lefs concave glaffes, there is no doubt, that in the courfe of a few years, according to partic- ular circumftances, the defect of fhort-fight- ednefs may be gradually removed. He who obferves this regular gradation with his fpectacles, may preferve his eyes to the lateft period of life. But we fhould not make thefe changes too fuddenly, left the aid of art be too foon exhaufted, and the wearer of glaffes perhaps be unable to find any of fufficient magnifying powers. It is farther a hurtful practice, to ufe any other but our own glaffes, to which the eye has been accuftomed ; —every irregularity is injurious, and the pref- ervation of the eyes depends chiefly on uni- formity, with refpect to glaffes as well as to the light, in which the organs of fight are exercifed. In ufing one glafs only, people accuftom themfelves to neglect one of the eyes; and, on this account, fpectacles are preferable. Yet both glaffes muft be feparately fitted to each eye, and by no means indifcriminately ufed; for this would increafe the difeafe.—if, how- ever we make ufe of one glafs only, each of the eyes ought alternately to be habituated to it. Many perfons wear glaffes in the evening, and can difpenfe with them in day-light. This PRESERVATION OF THE EYES. 299 is rather an imprudent pradice ; and, if it be not too late, they fhould choofe a fecond pair of glaffes, fomewhat more magnifying, and to be ufed by candle-light only. In this man- ner, the retina would receive an equal propor- tion of light, at one time as well as another, and the eye longer preferve its vigour. Green glaffes are faid to be moft fuitable to the eye, fince they modify the impreffion of light on the retina. Though this be in a great meafure true, they cannot be indifcriminately recommended, "and certainly not to fuch as have weak eyeg. Green is indeed pleafing to the eye, more than any other colour, but, at the fame time, it fomewhat obfcures objects, efpecially at firft. Thofe of a vigorous fight only fhould make ufe of them as preservatives, efpecially againft the fire or candledight. But, if white or light-coloured objects appear red, after having ufed green glaffes for a fhort time, We fhould discontinue their ufe ; as this phe- nomenon is a certain proof, that they will in the end deftroy the eyes. If the green colour does not in two or three days become imper- ceptible, but appears conftantly upon the pa- per as it did at firft, it is a farther criterion that the ufe of them is improper. Many give the preference to large reading- glaffes ; in order to avoid wearing fpectacles. It is however obvious, that it muft be a per- nicious practice, to keep the eyes in conftant exertion, as h the cafe here, where every mo- tion of the hand and the head neceffarily al- ters the diftance. In addition to this inconve- nience, the dazzling fplendour of the rays, reflected from the furface of the glafs, weak- 3©0 RULES FOR THE TREATMENT AND ens the eye to fuch a degree, as to render the ufe of fpectacles ultimately indifpenfable, with this only difference, that the eyes require greater magnifying powers, than might have been neceffary without this depravation. Hence fpectacles are in every refpect pref- erable, as they are not only more conformable to the nature and mechanifm of the eye, but alfo more convenient: they are uniformly placed before^ the objects by the imperceptible motion of the head; they leave the fpace be- tween the object and the eyes open and free; and being generally thinner, and lying at an uniform diftance before the eye, they prefent the objects more clearly and diftinctly than reading, glaffes. Thofe who have weak eyes, ought not to employ themfelves, even occafionally, in a manner that may be fatiguing.to the fight. Particularly hurtful are thofe occupations, in which one eye only is exerted, and muft con- fequently be placed in pofitions, different from thofe of the other eye, which is at reft. For this reafon, the ufe of magnifying glaffes, of whatever kind, is more pernicious to weak eyes, if we always ufe the fame eye, and pur- pofely fhut the other, than if we alternately make ufe of either. On this account, micro- fcopical inveftigafions are lefs hurtful, if, while one eye be employed, we can keep the other open. We fhould not make too frequent trials to difcovef, whether we have improved in fight, or not; for the exertion neceffary upon thefe occafions, is uncommonly ftimulating and fatiguing. PRESERVATION OF THE LYES. 30I ■Spedacles ought to be ufed only for the pur- pofes for which they are defigned ; namely, in fuch employments as require the affiftance of art, and where the eye is always kept at an equal diftance; for inftance, in reading or writing. We fhould not without a full trial make choice of a pair of glaffes, nor be fatif- fied with thofe which, at firft, exhibit the ob- jeds clearly and diftindly. For objeds will not always be at the- fame diftance before us as they appear at the firft experiment. It would be proper to try a pair of glaffes for a fhort time, efpecially by candle-light; to^ufe them in that pofture of the body to which we are accuftomed ; and, if with the ufual kind of labour, we do not feel our eyes fatigued, but rather fomewhat relieved, we then ought to adopt thefe glaffes. But, as it is almoft impoflible to meet with a pair of glaffes in the ftiops, which fit both eyes, there is nothing more abfurd, than to purchafe fpedacles ready made. Certain as it is, it may not be gener- ally known, that there is perhaps not one per- fon among thoufands, whofe eyes are both of an equal fize and conftitution. For this rea- fon, different eyes mould be accommodated with different glaffes ; and, if we confult our intereft in an affair of fuch confequence, we fhall be cautious in feleding for each eye a proper glafs. The following advice is fub- mitted to thofe who have no optician at hand : Short lighted perfons, who wifh for a prop- ^ er concave or magnifying gl 113, may take the exad focus, or point of vifion, by presenting the fmalleft print very clofe to the eye, and B B 302 RULES FOR THE TREATMENT, &C gradually removing it, as far as they can read the letters diftindly, and without much ex- ertion. When they have accurately afcer- tained the focus, after frequent trials, let them employ another perfon to take the meafure of this diftance, with a flip of paper, in the ni- ceft poffible manner. An optician, on re- ceiving this meafure, and being informed at what diftance the glafi"es~are intended to be ufed, will be able to judge, in a certain degree, although by no means fo accurately as by a per- fonal conference with the fhort-fighted perfon. Such as obferve their eyes to be inclined to far-fightednefs, may proceed exadly in a fim- ilar manner. But all eye-glaffes ought to be furnifhed with double joints or fprings ; as thofe with fingle joints are not only inconve- nient on the nofe, but what is worfe, they are apt to fhift the point of vifion with every motion of the head, and confequently injure the eyes. Laftly, in fuch occupations as require a more or lefs extended view of the objects^ for inftance, in playing at cards., where the dif- tance of the objeds muft be frequently varied, it would be extremely injudicious to ufe fpec- tacles ; as no eye whatever can bear fuch ex- ertions, without uncommon fatigue. For a fimilar reafon, it is hurtful to thefe important organs, to keep the fpedacles on the head at clofe work, when by fome accident we are obliged to fearch for fomething dropt, or mif- laid. Thus we force the eye to make uncom- mon efforts, in feeing farther than it is ena- bled to do, by the conftrudion of the fpecta- cles. I need not obferve, that many good eyes are fpoiled by fuch imprudent practices. E 303' J CONCLUSION. THE preceding Chapters contain the prin- cipal outlines, relative to the treatment of the human body in a healthy ftate, fo far as the limits of this work would admit, without tranfgrefling too much on the indulgence of the reader. I fhall conclude with a few general reflec- tions, and recapitulate, in a concife manner, feveral ufeful precepts, which have been more fully laid down in former parts of this work. Moderation, in every refped ought to be the firft and leading maxim of thofe who wifh to live long and enjoy health. Extremes, in the rn«ft oppofite things frequently border on each other. The greateft joy may occafion the moft acute pain ; and, on the contrary, moderate pain is often accompanied with feel- ings not altogether difagreeable. The higheft animal gratification, indeed, is clofely con- neded with difguft, and it is difficult to avoid the latter, after the enjoyment of the former. Hence prudence enjoins us to reftrain violent fenfations and affedions, before they have at- tained the higheft degree. The illuffrious Mead, in his " Medical Precepts and Cautions," originally written in Latin, when treating of the affedions of the mind, makes the following remarks, the truth of which has induced me to infert them : "All mankind," fays that medical philofo- pher, " have a natural defire for the enjoy- 304 CONCLUSION. ment of pleafures, which are of two different kinds, namely, the fenfual and mental.—The former engrofs the greateft part of men, while thofe few only «' whom kind Jove has be- friended," are captivated with the charms of intelledual pleafure. The reafon why fo great a proportion of thinking beings indulge in fenfuality is obvious : it proceeds from be- ing unacquainted with the ferenity of mind re- fulting from a dignified condud, and the joy that animates a good man, when his reafon prefides over his paflions* But the fenfualift, being devoted to grovelling enjoyments, is in- capable of relifhing the real charms of Virtue, and the fuperior beauties of Nature. The man who wifhes to enjoy.true happinefs fhould habituate his mind to cherifh Virtue, and care- fully avoid the opportunities which excite and inflame the paffions. " Cicero illuftrates this by a fentiment of Cato, which he received from the great Archytas, of Tarentum ;—'* that Nature never afflided mankind with a more deftruc- tive difeafe than the purfuit of bodily pleafure, which ftimulates to enjoyment with ungovern- able rafhnefs."* Indeed, the perufal of that great philofopher's writings, on this fubject, muft delight the mind of every rational man : and Virtue's exclamation, in Sinus Itali- cljs, is equally juft and impreflive :— " Pleafure, by gliding on the minds of men, " More mifchiets haft thou wrought than hoftile aims, " Than all the wrath of Gods !" f ",As the rational fubjugation of the paflions ftrengthens the mind, lb nmperanre in diet * I>. Seneilute C.ip. xii. f J'..n:.*r~m, Lit XV. v 94, CONCLUSION.- 305 renders the body lefs fubjed to thefe turbulent emotions. And this obfervation is applicable not only to individuals who are naturally of a hot conftitution, but even to thofe who con- trol their appetites ; becaufe moderation is a great means of tranquiihiing the mind." Cleanlinefs is a principal duty of man, and an unclean or filthy perfon is never completely healthy. It is better to wafh ourfelves ten times a day, than to allow one dirty fpot to remain on the fkin. On a place where impu- rities are fuffered to clog the pores, not only * infenfible perfpiration, but likewife the abforp- tion by the fkin is entirely fuppreffed ; and if the whole body be, as it were, covered with a varnifh formed of perfpirable matter, it is im- poflible that a perfon in fuch a ftate can poffefs found blood, or enjoy good health. Many difeafes originate from an impure at* inofphere, but a ftill greater number from the fudden changes of the temperature of the air. Hence the neceffity of expofing ourfelves daily to fuch changes, and of renewing the air in the houfe and apartments we inhabit, by open- ing the doors and windows every clear morn- ing, or during the day, as often as convenient. Indeed, to encounter cold weather, however intenfe, has theeffed of bracing the fibres of the fyftem in general, and is attended with danger only, when we fuddenly remove to a warmer temperature. For this reafon, it is extremely injudicious, and a bad compliment paid to a vifitor, to invite him to the fire-fide, upon his firft entering a houfe ; we fhould bet- ter confult his health, by conducing him to a &B2 3~<-> CONCLUSION. cold room, or to fome diftance from the fire, till the temperature of'his body be more equal to that of the apartment. Every thing calculated to remove or cure difeafes may alfo produce them ; for, whatev- er has a tendency to accomplifh ufeful changes in the body, may, under different and op- pofite circumftances, be attended with the con- trary ef .id. Hence no medicine whatever ought to be ufed as daily food—a favourite pradice among invalids, valetudinarians, and the votaries in quack medicines. Feeble individuals ought to eat frequently, and but little at a time : the number of meals fliould correfpond with the want of ftrength ; —for it is lefs hurtful to a debilitated perfon to eat a few mouthfuls every hour, than to make two or three hearty meals in one day ; yet this obfervation is liable to exceptions, re- fpeding thofe perforrS'wfr© have naturally weak ftomachs. There is no inftance on record of any perfon having injured his health, or endangered his life, by drinking water with his meals ; but wine, beer, and fpirits have produced a much greater number and diverfity of patients, than would fill all the hofpitals in the world. Such are the effeds of intemperance in diet, par- ticulaily in the ufe of drink ; for neither beer, wine, nor fpirits, are of themfelves detrimental, if ufed with moderation, and in a proper habit of body. It is a vulgar prejudice, that water difagrees with many conftit ea^ns, and does not promote digeftion fo well as wine, beer, or fpirits : on the contrary, pure fitter is preferable to all CONCLUSION. 3°7 brewed, and diftilled liquors, both for bracing the digeftive organ, and preventing complaints which arife from acrimony, and fulnefs of the blood. It is an obfervation not lefs important than true, that by attending merely to a proper diet; a phlegmatic habit may frequently be changed into a fanguine one, and the hypochondriac may \?e fo far altered, as to become a cheerful and contented member of fociety. The duration of work or exercife cannot be eafily afcertained, with regard to every indi- vidual. Generally fpeaking, we ought to work only when we feel a natural inclination to ei- ther literary or mechanical labours. To force ourfelves to any exertions, particularly thofe of the mind, is produdive of imperfed per- formances.—It is better to exercife the mind in fine than in bad weather ; but thofe who are continually making excurfions in the for- mer, cannot ufefully employ themfelves in the latter. Of the twenty-four hours of a day, we ought, in a good ftate of health, to devote upon an average twelve hours to ufeful occu- pations, fix to meals, amufements, or recrea- tions, and fix to fleep. This would be at once a natural and arithmetical proportion. It is, however, to be regretted that the hours .cannot be thus accurately divided.—An in- duftrious perfon frequently counts but twenty- three hours in a day ; as one and fometimes even two hours Hide away imperceptibly. " Sleep," favs Ur. Mead, in the fequel of the work'-abv^inemiqaed, « is the fweet 308 CONCLUSION. foother of cares and reftorer of mufcular en- ergy, which is wafted by bodily and mental exertions during the day. But exceflive fleep has its inconveniences; for it blunts the fenfes, ftupifies the mental faculties, and renders both lefs fit for performing the duties of adive life. The proper time for fleep is the night, when darknefs and filence invite and eherifh it; but fleep during the day is lefs refrefhing. The obfervance of this rule, if proper for the mul- titude, is ftill more neceffary for perfons devot- ed to literary purfuits, whofe bodies and minds are more fufceptible of injuries." The modern inventions for promoting lux- ury and effeminacy are really furprifing. It were to 'be wifhed, that the ingenious contri- vers could be perfuaded, that their pernicious arts referable thofe of the Quacks, whofe poi- fonous produdions gradually, though ulti- mately confume the vital fpirits of their vic- tims.—Every new expedient we ufe, with a defign to diminifh the labour of man, and en- cqurage indolence, is an additional proof that our age is not in a ftate of improvement, but rather on the decline. Wretched is the man who requires the aid of Art, more than of Nature, to prolong his life, and-to fupport fo precarious an exiflence!—Conveniency leads to effeminacy; effeminacy to general relaxa- tion ; and this is eventually attended with total enervation and imbecility. " Although pleafure, riches, power, and other things (concludes the author before quoted), which are called the gifts of Fortune, feem to be dealt out to na&akind with too CONCLUSION, 309 much partiality, yet there is a greater degree of equality of thofe things which conftitute real happinefs, than is generally imagined. People in the lower ranks enjoy the common advantages of exiftence more intenfely than thofe in the higher walks of life. Wholefome food is acquired by moderate labour, which improves the appetite arid digeftion : hence found fleep, uninterrupted by corroding cares, refrefhes the wearied limbs ; a healthy progeny fills the cottage ; and the fons perform their fathers labour, making his hoary locks fit comfortably on him. How vaftly inferior to thefe bleffings are the delicacies of the affluent, which are ever accompanied with real evils. Their appetites, in order to relifh their food, muft be ftimulated by poignant fauces, which heat and vitiate the blood, and render the body liable to diftempers. Their exceffes dif- turb their repofe ; and as a punifhment for their vices, their fons, who ought to be the ornament and fupport of their families, con- trad difeafes from their mother's womb, and are afflided with infirmities through the courfe of a languid life, which feldom reaches to old age. They are frequently tortured with anx- ieties for obtaining honours and titles, info- much that they Iofe the advantages of their pofleffions, by the vain defire of new acquifi- tions: « In wealth like this, • I ;ilw;i\s wifli to be extrtmely poor!' ; Horace, Satire I. v. 78. " But the worft inconvenience that refults from Epicurean modes of living is, that by 310 CONCLUSION. fupplying the body with fuperabundant nour- ifhment, the faculties of the foul are ftupifiedy and the paflions inflamed ; while the fparing and homely diet of the laborious poor neither oppreffes the bodily fundions, nor fofters a' propenfity to vice. Hence, unlefs prudence be a conftant attendant on opulence, it is, in thefe refpeds, better and more conducive to the prefervation of health and prolongation of life, to live on a fmall fortune. " Nor is Nature to be deemed an unjuft ftep- mother, but a moft provident and beneficent parent. In fhort, it behoves a wife man, in every ftage of life, "To hold tfie golden mean, " To keep the end in view, and follow Nature." Lucan, Book 11. Ver. 381. " Whoever inveftigates the imperfediqns of human nature will find, that as fome men are vaftly fuperior to others in the endowments of the mind, yet, mournful refledion ! even the beft minds are blended with fome degree of de- pravity -, fo the healthieft bodies are often af- flided with difeafes ; and thefe, being the feeds of death, ought to remind us of the fhortnefs of this life, and that, in the words of Lu- cretius, " Ni>ne have a right to IliV, :iU 'o its ufe." 0 / I 311 1 COROLLARY. A luxurious life, and diffolute manners, not only impoverifli a people, but ultimately depopulate the country itfelf. Such mifchiev- ous confequences can be averted only by laws wifely enaded, duly adminiftered, and expe- rimentally adapted to the natural capacity and difpofition of a people : for, if their artificial propenfities and defires be not controlled in time, and direded to ufeful ends, the citizen muft degenerate into a feeble and irrefolute flave, and his progeny will gradually wither away, like a plant in a foreign foil.—Thus Rome was fubdued, when fhe departed from her ancient fimpKcity of manners, when fhe adopted foreign and effeminating refinements, and when her feafts and public amufements Decame too frequent. THE END. E 3" 1 POSTSCRIPT. IT has been frequently and juftly remarked, that popular books on medical fubjeds are generally deficient in their pradical applica- tion ; infomuch that they leave the reader doubtful, whether and when he is to apply for profeflional advice. As my defign, in thefe Ledures, has not been to lay down particular rules for the diftindion and treatment of dif- eafes, but rather for their prevention, and confequently for the prefervation of health, I think it my duty to remark here, that a work feems to be wanting, which fhould impart in- ftrudion to general readers, how to diftinguifh difeafes, and how to treat them by a due and ftrid attention to diet and regimen, as well as to regulate the habits, peculiarities, tempera- ment, and, in fhort, the whole ftate of the patient's mind and body :—fuch a work being a defideratum of the prefent age. When I began the revifal of thefe Ledures, for the fecond edition, I had it in contempla- tion to give the outlines of a treatife correfpond- ing with this defcription : but being confined within the limits of a fingle volume, and con- fcious that a mere fketch of fo extenfive and important a work could be of little if any prac- tical benefit, I have purpofely delayed the pub- POSTSCRIPT. 3*3 lication of the whole to another year, when a Separate volume fhall conclude my dietetical labours. Having treated, in the prefent volumes of almoft every -fubjed that relates to the man- agement of the human body, in its healthy ftate, my next work fhall be entirely appropriated to its treatment in a difeafed ftate. * It fhall com- prehend an accurate and clear defcription of Difeafes, together with a plan founded on the rules of experience, how to treat and eventu- ally to cure them, efpecially thofe of a chronic nature. The adminif{ration of medicine ought, in fuch.a work, to be only a fecondary mean of removing difeafe, as it will be admitted by the moft enlightened and candid of the Pro- * "feffion, that, by ftridly medical remedies, we can znxefymptoms, and afford occafional alle- viation of pain ; but that we cannot effed a favourable change in the nature and progrefs of a difeafe, whether chronic or acute, with- out due attention to food, drink, air, fleep, exercife, or reft, &c. Hence I hope to be exempt from the charge of prefumption, when I venture into a larger field of inquiry than has hitherto been explored by praditioners ; for, as novelty is not my "object, though I think that too little .has been done by profeflional men, in guid- ing the unhappy fufterer, an i affifting Mm with thofe fimple remedies which are placed more immediately around him, I fhall enter upon C c - The Editor has fot fome time expected this fcccml vc'.-itr.r, with a view to piopofc it to the public as foon as It is rtcuwi 3*4 POSTSCRIPT. my propofed work with the confidence arifing from the importance and utility of the under- taking in which I am engaged. It is much to be regretted, that the boun- daries between, fafety and danger cannot be perfpicuoufly afcertained in a popular book, without deviating from the ufual terms and definitions adopted by medical writers : but I iliall not hefitate to avail myfelf of fuch famil- iar phrafes and expreflions as will render my works intelligible to the generality of readers. To afford a fhort fpecimen of this deviation, for which I allege the iefpedable authority of the late Dr. Tissot, 1 have fubjoined a few Queries, which ought to be diftindly anfwered ty individuals who confult a phyfician,whether pti-for;aiiy or ty letter. Indeed, it is not al- ways an eafy or pradicable talk to form an ac- curate judgment of the ftate of a p.tient, with cut an interview7, let his cafe be ever fo accu- rately and circumftantially defcribed : yet moft of the difficulties will be removed, if the fol- lowing queftions be anfwered with candour and precifion. For, as the fuccefs of the medicine entirely depends on a previous knowledge of the difeafe, this knowledge can, in fuch cafes be derived only from a clear and faithful ac- count communicated to the phyfician. General Qveft'wns. Of what age is the patient ? Had he mevicmb- en_py-:i pafed health ? postscript. 315 In what manner has he lived—frugally or luxurioufly ? How long has he been ill ? , How did the difeafe commence ? Is he difpofed to be feverifh ?' Does the pulfe beat ftrongly or weakly? Has the patient ftill mufcular ftrength, or is he much debilitated ? Does he remain the whole day in bed, or alternately walk about ? Is his ftate the fame at all hours of the day ? Is he uneafy or quiet ? Is he troubled with heats or fhiverings ? Is he afflidedwith pains in the head, ijhroat, breaft, ftomach, abdomen, thighs, or the ex- tremities ? Is his tongue dry, accompanied with thirft ; difagreeable tafte in the mouth ; naufea; and has he an averfion to, or appetite for food 1 Has he any ftoois, and how often ? Of what appearance and confiftence are the excrements r Does he evacuate urine freely and copioufly ? Of what colour and confiftence is the urine —is there any fediment in it ? Is he troubled with night-fweats ?• Does his fkin feel foft and pliable, or dry and parched ? Is there any expedoration, and what ? How is his fleep—quiet or difturbed ? Does he breathe with or without difficulty ? * To what mode of diet and regimen has he been accuftomed fince the commencement of the prefent complaint 1 What remedies has he ufed, and with what effed ?• 316 postscript. Has he ever before been attacked with the fame malady ? In female and infantile difeafes, there occur circumftances peculiar to the fex and age ;— thefe, as well as the preceding general quef- tions, require to be attended to, in confulting a medical man. Queries relative to Females. Do the menfes appear regularly and in mod- eration ? Is the patient pregnant, and how long ? If in child-bed, how was the delivery—fuc- cefsful, or attended with difficulty ? Were the difcharges eafy and regular ? Has the patient a good breaft of milk ? Does fhe fuckle the child herfelf ? Is fhe fubject to fluor albus, hyfteric fits, &c. Queries relative to Children. What is the exad age of the child ? How many teeth has it, and has it fuffered much pain in teething ? Is it ricketty ?—Is it of a ftature correfpond- ing with its age ? Has it had the fmall-pox—natural or inoc- ulated ? Has it a large and hard belly, with ftrong, or emaciated limbs ? postscript. 317 Does it fleep quietly, or ftart up, grind the teeth, fcream, &c. ? Does it difcharge worms, and of what kind ? If worms are fufpected to exift in the child (and the fame obfervation will apply to adults), it ought to be examined whether fome of the following, that is, at leaft four or five of the principal fymptoms (marked with italics) con- cur, which warrant fuch a conclufion :—viz. Slight cholic pains—frequent difcharge of water from the mouth—-fetid breath—itching of the nefe—a fwollen or chaped upper lip and nofe—a ravenous appetite for, or averfion to food—oppreffion at the ftomach—vomiting— an effort to fwallow during fleep—coftivenefs, or diarrhoea—bloody excrements—-fudden and frequent inclination to go to ftool—a large belly and thin limbs—continual thirft—occafionai debility, and fadnefs—frequent change of colour —languid eyes, with a livid hue around them, and ftanding half open during fleep—terrify- ing dreams^—frequent ftartings of the tendons —grinding the teeth—uneaiinefs and anxiety —a milky urhu—palpitation of the heart, faint- ing fits, convulfions—a profound and long fleep —cold fweats, ap/taring and vanifhing fuddenly —temporary dimnefs—dumbnefs, or difficulty of fpeech—weaknefs or lamenefs of the joints— corroded gums-~frcqucnt hiccough—a fmall and irregular pulfe—delirious fin—a fight and dry cough—evacuation of thick, flimy matter—worms difc':arved from liiiulous ulcers, &c. Ikiid;-3 the general queftions which ought to oe made and anfwered in all difeafes, thole likewi^ mult net be negleded -..hich more im- C c 2 318 POSTSCRIPT. mediately relate to the prefent affedion of the patient. For inftance, in a quinfey, we ought to be informed of the particular ftate and con- dition of the threat :—in difeafes of the breaft, the feat of the pain, the ftraitnefs of the cheft, the nature of the cough, and expedoration, fhould be diftindly mentioned. It would be ufelefs here to enter into farther particulars, as the intention of thefe queftions muft appear fell-evident to every intelligent reader : and although the queries appear numerous, they may be eafily anfwered, and in as few words as they were formed. The immortal Tiffot obferves, in his valuable work " On the Difeafes of Country-people," that it would be a defirable objed, if perfons of all ranks, in their letters to phyficians, were to adopt a plan fimilar to that above fpecified, as this would be the means of infuring fatisfado- ry anfwers, and preventing the neceffity of re- peating their applications, and explaining the contents of former letters. INDEX. A A. Vol. Page BcTINENCEfrom fexual intercourfe ii. 199 Acids, vegetable, when ufeful in colic i. 27 ------------their general properties - ii. 93 good correctors of opium - ii. ibid Agency, external, fliould be habitually refilled i. 129 —— diabolical in difeafes, maintained by Gajf- ner - - - i- 123 Air, its general influence on the body - i. 147 ----definition of -% - - j- 149 .----atmofpheric, how it may be improved - i. 154 ■----effects of warm and cold, on the body - i. 157 ------------damp or mout - - j. 158 —---- ... ,, dry and cool - - \' }S9 ------------fudden changes of i. ibid ----the moft wholefome to live in - j. 163 ----criterion of a damp one - - i. 166 ----different ftrata of it in a room - i. 167 -----how to admit when frefh - j- 169 ----the different ftates of - - 1.M70. .____and atmofphere, general reflections upon ii. 305 Air bath defined and recommended - *- 57 Alchcmifls, in fearch of original matter _ - j. 86. Alchemy, its productions tend to ftlorten life - u 87 Aliment, on the'quality of - - »• 22 _______ vegetable, generally confidered - n. 08 Almonds, properties of - - "/ 97 Ampkiht'■.■a animals, properties and effects of,aslood. 11. 65 An^er, its origin and confequences - "• 233 AnihialcuL; difcoyernblc in the femen - «• 206 Aphrodifiacs, how far admiffible - ";. 201 Appetite, different kinds of - - ..u'l a preternatural one, how to remedy n. 269 Apples, properties and tffects of - »• 91 Apricot;, prcp'-rtics.una euccts of - - ??• 9° Arrow-roct, properties of - - »• °5 slrtichde's, properties of - - »• 77 JwUruo*s? his charafter : *i '* 325 INDEX. Afparagus, properties of - - Afs's milk, directions for making artificial Aflrology, its profeffors are impoflors Atmofphere, definition of --------account of its preffure --------component parts of --------general reflections upon Azote, proportion of, in the atmofphere -----properties of, and effects on refpiration B. Bacon, Lord, quetation from -----------, deviates from the true path of inquiry ----,------recommends the bath, frictions with oil, &c. -----------erroneoufly advifes laxatives for the prolongation of life ----■-------his theory refuted ———----his remarks on longevity Bacon, properties of - - Ball, hand, effects of playing at Barbarity of the middle ages reviewed Barl'y, properties of Barometer*, living ones defcribed Baflofulncfs, its origin and confequences Bath, its temperature and general effects —— the cold, frequently dangerous to children ----the tepid, or lukewarm, far preferable Bathing, not fufficiently attended to —— the neceffity of, inculcated ------ frequent, in infancy recommended: - 1 in rivers, is ufeful ——— hiftorical account of Baths, general effects of ---- diviflon of ---- effects of the warm or tepid ---------------cold ■ cold, rules for ufing ---- ----when injurious - ----fhower, advantages of them ---- air, account of Beans, properties of Vol. Page n. 77 »»• 53 i. 90 1. 149 i. 148 1. 149 11. 305 1. 15.1 1. 149 i. 24 i. 106 i. ibid i. 107 i. 108 i. 126 ii. 48 i. 261 i. 82 "• 73 »• 31 11. 231 '• 53 i. ibid i. ibid 1. 42 1. 52 »• 53 1. 193 >. 194 1. 191 i. ibid i. ibid 1. 195 u 203 i. 204 1. 205 !. 207 »• 74 INDEX J21 — Vol. Page Beans, French^ properties of - - ii. 75 Bed, time and manner of going to - i. 294 ----fhould not be warmed - - i. 300 Bed-room, the proper fituation of one - i. 301 Beef, properties of ii. 43 Beer, ingredients, adulterations,andproperties of ii. 119- Beet-root, properties of - - ii. 81 Belts, acromatic, an imitation cf animal mag- netic ■. - - - ii. 176 Bile, bl ick, produces a wild imagination i. 78 Birds, their relative falubrity as food - ii. 5-9 '-----eggs> whether wholefome - - ii. 62- Blecdings, if exceffive, detrimental to health ii. 174 Blood, the nature of, inveftigated - i. 100 ----the transfufion of, defcribed - - i. 102 ■----of animals, whether eatable - "• 5r ----account.of the conftituent parts of - ii. 272 Blood-letting, how it became fafhionable - k 98 -»■----when beneficial - - '• 99 ___________always noxious to the healthy i. 100 ____-------perfons accuftomed to, die at an early age .- - 1. 101 Blumenbach's Prof, remarks on the theory of Evolution ». 208 212 Nifus formativus - - »• Boerhaafe's Angular advice - -_ - .'' 73 facetious remark on longevity i. 126 1. 21 Boetic or ruftic temperament defcribed JBobmfn's fanatical fyftem revived in Germany u 112 Bonnet's theory of generation examined - 11. 207 Braces, the great ufe of - - *;, 235 Bread, the nature and properties of - - "• 08 Breeches and Pantaloons, form of - _ - »• 2 34 Buchan, Dr. various quotations from 1. 3. 30.11. 23 Buffon's opinion on the fubject of generation re- _# futed - " " !!' 2°] Burfit mucofie, great ufe of - - - »; 27 Butter, properties of - - - * 5 Butter-milk, properties of C. Ca*h.i*c, red and white, properties of ^ - "-77 CagJostio's Balm of Life, an impofmon . i« Cvct-it oil, a good remedy for the tooth-ach,&c. 1. x85 T«* INDEX. Color''-, its influence on the living principle Candles, or rufh lights, h.;w to be placed at night ii -------of < heir ufe in general Carbonic acid air, properties and effects of, on refpiration - Cardamoms, properties of Carouffell, a particular kind of exercife Caraiuay, effects of, in flatulency and hyfterics (Carrots, general properties of - - Cajfia, properties of Caufes, natural, ought to be ftudred Checrfuhiefs, general effects of Cheefe, properties of Cherries - C'rhkcn in the egg, remarks on the origin of Child, a* perfect birth of, neceffary to longevity Children and young perfons ought not to be too luieily burled -----'—- how to pace them in Bed Chiragra of the ancient3) nearly obfolete Chives, properties of Chocolate, properties of - Choleric temperament defcribed Cicero's idea of monJ perfection quoted Cinninrr.n, properties of - - Chaliji.c!!'.'.:: ol Cno-.i, drink, and fpices CleurJinefs, in r.lhken, inculcated ----------a dumeftic virtue ... ---------- general rulcs-for pra-tiTing ---------reflexions epou Cloves, properties of - - Coffee, properties of - Cold, general effects of - - ■■■ bracing to ilii body -----how it ..'T.cli infenfible perfpiration ——— the common treatment-of Colic may arife from a variety of caufes Confimpt-ion, alarming incrcaie of Cook, Capt. relieved from rheumatic pains by friction - Copper of the face, origin of - Coruaro's illuftrious example in diet Cams, how to prevent and cure Vol :r\?s 1 ii. 75 288 ii. 282 i. rji n. i. '39 261 u. 141 n . 82 u. 140 >• 9 n. 218 n ii • 57 • 87 n. i. 209 126 i. ii. »34 256 i ii • 3i . 84 n. *3J l . 21 1 . 68 n. •140 n. i i. H3 . 64 180 u 181 n. 3°5- :i. J 39 u. 128 1. ^75 1. 177 11. 171 11. i 173 . 26 i. 178 i . 80 i • 47 l • 94 u 209 I N D EX. fbsfntetics, minor account of ————— modern, dangerous ■--------nature and properties of .-------- fubftitutes for - - - Coftivenefs, how to prevent — — the caufes of it afcertained Couch, a proper one for children Couches and coverings, what they ought to be Coin pox propofed as a preventive of the Small- pox - Crabs, properties of Cream, properties of Cricket, what fpecies of exercife Cubebs, properties of - Cucumbers, properties of Currants, properties of Curve, Dr. quoted on the ufe of the cold bath Curtains, difadvantages of ■Cuflom, a Angular, among the Egyptians, Cutis vera, or true fkin, defcribed Cyder, properties of D. D'Ailhoud's deleterious powder Dancing, violent, a great enemy to beauty _______rules to be obferved in Day, proper divifion of it . Death, caufes in which it is certain ---- uncertain fymp'cms of Deer, properties of the fleih of - Denis promoted the iransfufion of the bloo:. Dentifrices, their ufes examined Dejl, the beft utu.ilu-n of it pointed out Defpair, origin and e sequences of Deiv, whether wholeioinc Diet, effects of :i pi op- r - " Dietttic fyiU-m, 'unitary account or ________;______further illuftratu ns of ______________;iJvantae,es to be d.-rived from Difereroe of opinion, on' medicalfubjects actoun ed for - " , , n Diweflibilit* ^* .wimal and vegetable fiiMbnce. S^k found ftate of, rc4uiaL, to longevity 32' Vol. Page »• 44 i. 49 i. ibid i. ibid ii. 152 «• J5.3 i. 63 1 297 »• *3 ii. 66 ii. 56 i. 261 ii. 139 ii. 96 ii. 94 1. 199 i. 299 - i. 76 ii. 251 ii. 108 1. 122 i. 47 i. 254 ii. 307 i. 136 «. 137 ii. 49 i. 105 i. 188 ii- .: -'.5 ij- 237 ii. 106 ii. 3^7 »• 139 i. 140 i- »45 i. 6 >•■• 36 i. l$l 324 I N D E X. Vol, • Page Digefiictt, the nature of, explained - - ii. 18 Difeafes, origin and caufes of, inveftigatcd i. 19 Difpofition, a certain hereditary, requifite to lon- gevity - - - i. 126 Diffolution, actual, fyrnptoms of - - i. 136 Donaldson, Mr. account of his patent - - ii. 6^ Draivers, for females, recommended - i. 235 Drea?ning, definition of, by Halter - - i. 277 Dreams, on the nature and origin of - i. 278 ■ ■ a curious one related by Prof. Maas i. 381 ■1 another of Galileo ' - - i. 284 .------- influence of - i. 295 Drefs, on the fubftance and form of - i. 211 - general properties of a good - i. 212 ■ on the different materials ufed for • i. ibid ----- form of - - - i. 225 Drink, on the nature and effects of - ii. 99 Drinking, quantity and time of - ii. ibid ■ ■. ■-----with refpect to the quality of liquors ii. 103 Dundonald's, Lord, invention ior purifying fait - - - ii. 135 Dwelling near lakes, marfhes, and rivers, wheth- er wholefome - i. 163 E. Ear-trumpets, a better fubftitute for - ii. 261 Ear-wax, fhort account of - - ii. 179 Education, phyfical, of children, is much neglected i. 49 ■---------practical remarks and ftrictures upon i. 50 Efforts of the body, if violent, bring on the fymp-' toms of age - - i. 79 Eggs, various methods of preferving - ii. 63 Egyptians, the caufe of their thick fculls - i. 65 ---------formerly made ufe of iudorifics and emetics to prolong life - i. 76 Eleclric principle in the atmofphere - i. 17 Emetics, when ufeful in colic - - i. 27- Emunclories, the three principal, defined - ii. 150 Energy, if impaired, how to reftore - ii 200 Envy, origin and confequences of ii. 229 EpiJ:rmUi or fcarf {kin, ufe of, to the body ii. 249 Epigc-nefts, or the theory of gradual formation ii. 212 Evacuations, great importance of - ii. 151 I N D 325 _, . Vol. Page. Evacuations, confequences from neglecting them ii. 152 ----------means of promoting them - ii. 153 Excretions by ftool, if too frequent, effects of ii. 160 Exert:ife, advantages and difadvantages of i. 245 -------various fpecies of - - i. 247 -------duration of - i. 248 -------condu£l after - - - i. 267 -------confequences from the want of - i. 269 ■' '■ reflections on the continuance of i. 307 ■ new fpecies of - i. 257 Exhalations, the effects of, arifing from various fubftances - - - i. 171 Eye-cafes, the common, cenfnred - ii. 289 Eye-glaffes, rules relative to ii. 297 ---------when ufed with advantage - ibid Eyes, the weaknefs of, &c. - - i. 58 -----treatment and prefervation of—weaknefs— fhortnefs of fight accounted for—rules for preferving—cure and importance— if weak, how to treat—how to manage inthemorning—reading, writing—fliould not be long without exercife—dietetic precepts refpecting them - ii. 274—302 Exercife, a new fpecies of - i. 257 F, Faculties, to be gradually cultivated Faculty, the exillence of a fub-rcafoning, proved Fafhionable complaints, nature of them defined Fat of animals, whether wholefome Fear or anxiety, origin and confequences of Feather-beds cenfurcd - - Fencing, what kind of exercife Fever, nervous, defcribed by Manhingham Fibres, the bracing of, explained Figs, properties of Fifh, properties and effects of, as food Flannel, objections againft, anfwered _______ effect of, when worn next tire ikin Flefo of different animals compared Fluids, wholefome, in alimentary fubftances ----- unwholesome D D 1. 127 11. 245 1 • 3i 11. 251 11. i. 230 63 1. 257 11. 225 1 • 79 11 ii • 95 . 64 1. 219 ibid 11 • 45 n. ii. ■43 146 326 INDEX. Vol. Page. FodfJ, nature and effects of, on the body - ii. iG -----on the quantity of - - ii. 20 -----an'mal, general effects of, difcuffed - ii. 34 -----claflification of ibid Fothergul, Dr. quoted - - i. 231 Franklin, Dr. quoted on the ufe of the cold bath i. 199 Fretting, inward, mal de cour, what - ii. 27$ Friclion of the body and foles of the feet, &c. i. 209 ■--------<----falutary effects of - i. 210 Frogs, their legs ufed as food - - ii. 65 Fruit, properties of, in general - - ii. 85 Gaiety, general effects of - - - ii. 218 Game, properties of - i.i. 34 Garl.'s, properties of, as food .- - ii. 84 Carters ought to be abandoned - i. 236 Gellius's remark on the fixty-third year of life i. 130 Generation, principal theories of - - ii. 203 Gentle temperament defcribed - - i. 22 Gloves, woollen, ought to be worn by females i. 224 Goats, properties of their fleili - - ii. 49 Gold, the tincture of, introduced - i. 83 Goofeberries, properties of - - ii. 95 Goofe-JMn, how it arifes - - i. 196 Gourds, properties of ... ii. 97 Grapes, properties of - - - ii. 95 Gravity, fpecific, of the different airs - i- 15 s Greeks, employed beft means to prolong life i. 78 Grief, or forrow, definition and confcpiu.cfcs of ii. 222 Gums, fcorbutic, how to treat - - i. 187 Gymnafiic, the great benefit ov - - i. 78 Hanneyan's Liquor inni probatoriut - ii. 115 Hair, how to promote tlie growth of - i. 209 Halli-t'z theory of generation examined - ii. 207 Hams, fmoked, properties of - - ii. 47 Fare, properties of its flcfa - - u. 49 Hazel-nuts, properties of - - h. 97 Head, the moft proper method of covering - i. 227 Health, perfect ftate of, defined - - i. 67 Hearing, the fenfe of, analyzed - ii. 259 Heart, of animals, whether whpjefome food ii. 50 h. ::i, general effects of - - i. 175 index. 3*7 Vol. Page. Hemorrhages, or bleedings j what - «. 179 Hemorrhoids, or piles, connected with gout, &c. i. 32 —.....origin of, explained - *• 31. Herrings, properties of ii. 65 Hoffman, Moritz, recommends the transfufion' of the blood - - - i. 105 Hollands, when ufeful in colic - - i. 26 Homey, properties of - - - «• 13^ Hope, definition and effects of - - ii. 220 Houfes, improvement of the air in - i. 167 -------fitUation of them in point of health i. 165 Hufeiand's picture of a child properly treated in its phyfical education - - j* 60 Hunger, preternatural, what - - «• 38 Huxham, Dr. quoted refpecting Quacks ffyptchondriacal temperament defcribed 1. 28 i. 21 fyaloufy, nature and effects of - - «• 227 Jetty, animal, properties of - - »• 3" Imagination has a great fhare in prolonging life i. 74 _________may be difordered by black bile ^ 1. 78 Impofiures, in medicines, ftill prevalent - i. 111 Inflammable air, how obtained - - 1. 152 Ingknhouz's experiments upon vegetables - j. i$S Inquiry, partial method of •- - 1. 119 Inftttution, account of a curious one in Germany i. 134 Inftruments, wind, what effefts they produce i. 263 ---------ftringed - - - .. lb,d Intoxication, the ftate of, explained - \\' ll° ____________how to be treated • - «• 11 * Joy, general effects of - »• 2l8 K. Kaime's, Lord, diftinction between affections and paflions - - - ":. 2I5 Kidneys of animals, whether wholefome food 11. 50 L. Lamb, properties of, as food - - «• 49 J,c-a, properties of - - - "• 4° 3*8 INDEX. Vol. Tage. Lafatfr promulgates animal magnetifm and fomnabulifm - - - i. 120 Laughter, definition and confequences of - ii. 219 Laws, general, of Nature, commented upon i. 4. Lead, a frequent ingredient in cofmetics - i. 44 ----- its noxious vapours defcribed - i. 153 Leaping, what kind of exercife - - i. 257 Lemons, property of, as food - - ii. 92 Lentils, properties of, as food - - ii- 74 Lettuce, properties of, as food - - ii. 79 LtBAvws discovers the transfufion of the blood i. 102 Life, a long one has ever been valued - i. 72 ----the art of prolonging, defined—duration of computed by Moderns - - i. mo —— cannot be prolonged by fpecifics, or any artificial means - - i. 125 >----principle of, as conceived by the Ancients i. 126 ----conditions requifite to the prolongation of ibid ----critical period of - - i. 129 ----a fteady and equal progrefs of, required to longevity - - - - i. 130 Light, candle, how to manage at night - ii. 281 Limes, properties of, as food - ii. 92 Liquors, heating, are a liquid, fire - - i. 47 — watery, divifion of - - ii. 147 Liver, of animals, whether wholefome food ii. 50 Living, the prefent mode of, compared with that in a ftate of nature - - i. 141 Lobfters, properties and effects of, as food ii. 66 Longevity, bcdily and mental difpofition to - i. 76 ---------concluding remarks on the fubject of i. 84 Love, definition and effects of—extravagant de- gree of—di'apr ointed - ii. 221—227 Lo;~fp., promoted the fcheme of transfufion i. 105 Lungs of animals, whether wholefome food - ii. 50 Luxury, the effects of modern - - ii. 308 M. Mace, properties of, as a fpice - - ii. 139 Magnetifm, animal, account of - i. in Manchineel-tree, poifonous fhade of - i. 163 Manna-grafs, properties of - - *,. ii. 7 ? Married ftate, pi ope;- time and requisites to ii. 191 INDEX. 329 __ . Vul Page. Matter, original, of the alchemifts - i. 83 Mead, Dr. quotations from - - ii. 303 Meals, reflections on the frequency of - ii. 306 Meat, on the method and time of taking - ii. 24 Medicine, prefent ftate of, as a fcience - - i. 1 Melancholic temperament defcribed - - i. 25 Melons, properties of - - ii. 90 Men fts, what - . ii. 79 Mercury, a frequent ingredient in cofmetics i. 44 Messmer's medical knight-errantry—animal magnetifm defcribed—his advertisement ex- traordinary—irapofitions on the French Gov- ernment—realizes a princely fortune—is de- tected as a knave or fanatic—his fyftem ex- ploded i. ill —121 Metallic Iraclors, quotation from the Monthly Review refpecting them Military exercife, effects of, on the,body Milk, properties of, as food ----■ retention of - - Millet, properties of Mind, equanimity of, effential to longevity —— of exerciiing its functions Moderation, general reflections upon Monbqddo, Lord, an original character Mothers, proper conduct of, effential to the lon- gevity of their children Mucus of the nofe, what - - - Mufcles, defcription of—number of; in human and animal bodies—peculiar ftruclure and pow- er of—properties of, as focd—mufcular action, or animal motion, wh;'.t ■- - ii. 268-—269 Mi:lhrcom-, properties of - - ||» 98 Mutton, properties of _»• 48 Myopia, or fhortlightednefs, w:iat - "• *56 Negus, relative falubrity of - - J;*"133 Nerves, thedifferent i'./e of,*in maivand animals 1;. 263 Non-naturals, fix, explained - - '•. J4° Noflrums, definition of * • ( : " ," •* *3 Noftrums, pretended purpofe of, expounded - 1. 7' Nurfery, lhculd be Jpacious and airy - - "59 X> d 2 I. Ill I. ii ii. 257 • 51 186 11 i. i. • 73 132 272 11. ii. 3°3 207 i. ii. 126 176 330 INDEX. Vol. Page. Nutmeg, properties of - - - ii. 139 Nutrition, the nature of, inveftigatcd - ii. 22 Nuts, in general, properties of - ii. 97 O. Obflruclions, the caufes of, pointed out - ii. 157 --------------the means of preventing - ii. 158 Oil, vegetable, when ufeful in colic - - ^ i. 27 -----properties of - ii 134 Olives, properties of jh 97 Onions, properties of - - - ii. 84 Opium, much ufed by the Turks - - ii- 133 Oranges, falutary effects of »• 9Z Orientals, their method of prolonging life - i. 72 Oxygen, proportion of, in the atmofphere - i. 149 concife hiftory of - - 1. 150 -------properties and effects of, on refpiration i. 151 Oyfters, properties of "• °7 P. Panaceas, or unlverfal remedies, defined - i. 22 Pan'pirmia, what - - - u- 204 PapilLe, nervous, defcribed - - h\ 252 Paracelsus, an impudent infurer of lives - i. 88 -----------his early death - - i- 103 Paakjnson, Mr. James, quoted on the fubject of quack medicines - - " .lP 21 Parfley, properties of, as food—as a fpice - ii- 82 Parfnips, properties of - - - *hid Paffions, origin of—influence of, on the body— are either of an agreeable or difagreeable nature—means of oppofiwg them—how to pre- vent and mitigate them - - »■ 214 Paflty-cooks and confectioners prepare unwhole- fome mixtures - - '• 49 Patent or Quack medicines exploded - i. 22 ______________——----why dangerous - i. 29 Peaches, properties of »• 9() Pears, properties of »• 9? Peas, properties of - - -i - u\ 75 ---- green, properties of - - - IO'd Pepper, properties of - - ' * '|- *l% Pukxins 7iietallic trailers exploded -•' >• 11T Perry, properties of - - - .. -4 «.• 108 INDEX. 351 n r Vo1 **&■ Perftans, the caufe of their thin fkulls - i. 65 Perfpiration, infenfible, on the nature and impor- tance of—how affected and fuppreffed—how promoted—how influenced by food and drink —-by the deprefling paffions and emotions— if too violent how to be treated—perfpiring and fweating, how diftinguifhable ii. 166—174 Phlegmatic temperament defcribed - i. 22 Pimento, properties of - - ii. 140 Plica polonica, a Angular difeafe of the hair i. 214 Plums, properties of ii. 89 Plutarch's golden precepts - - i. 81 Podagra of the Ancients, now almoft i>nknown i. 31 Pomatums for making the hair grow - i. 209 Pork, whether wholefome - - ii. 96 Poflures, the moft ufual, of the body examined i. 271 Ponuers, inherent in the human body, fpecified ii. 268 Prefbyopia, or farfightednefs, what - ii. 275 Priestlet's important difeovery - - i. 154 Punch, properties and effects of, on the body ii. 133 Pttbagoras's advice to the pafllonate - ii. 239 R. Radifhes, properties of. - - ii- 84 Reafon, this is not the age of - - i. 110 Religion, the Chriftian, mifapplied by the alche- mifts - - - i. 86 Refpiration, the principal function of the animal body - - - - |- H7 Rett mucofum, or middle (kin, what - h- 249 Rice, properties of ----- ii. 72 Richter's, Dr. prefcription for the tooth-ach - i. 186 Rickets cured by cleanlinefs alone - - i. 61 -------relieved by a proper diet and flannel fhirts - - - - - |- 222 Riding in carriages, what kind of exercife - L 256 — ■ ■■■ on horfeback - - - - - »• 259 Rooms, fitting, the moft proper fituation of - i. 166 -------of heating, in Autumn - - »• 176 _______ what is the beft fituation of - - ii. 285 Rosehkreuz, a great adventurer and founder of a Sect - - , - " !' io3 Running, what kind of exercife - - - 1. 254 Russell, Dr. mentions a curious fact - - ii. 296 Rujpans, great friends of bathing - - i. 62 332 INDEX. s. Vol. Pajjr; Sage, properties of - ii. 141 Sago, properties of ii 87 Sailing in barges and at fea, what kind of exercife i. 258 Salads and herbs for cooking, properties of ii • 76 Salive, ufe of, to the body ii. *74 Satfafy, properties of ... ii . 84 Stilt, properties of - ii. J35 -----new mode of purifying ibid Sanctorius's advice to the paftionate ii. 219 Sangur.e temperament defcribed i . 20 Sauer Kraut; properties of ii • 78 Saufages - ii • 47 Scented bodies* effeds of - i. 162 School-ynajlers, their great age accounted for ■ i • 73 Screens, the moft proper form of, defcribed ii. 283 Seafons, the different falubrity of i. 160 Sedan-chair, what kind of exercife i. 258 Semen, obfervations on the lofs of ii. 182 ------nature and conftituent parts of, explained ii. 192 Sulfation, fhort analyfis of ii. 242 Senfe, organs ofy expounded ibid Senfes, external and internal, defined ii. 247 Senfibility to every change in the atmofphere i. '30 Sexual Intercourfe, how important—when con ducive to health—when detrimental—fitua- tions unfavourable to—the proper time of— confequences arifing from excefs ■ - ii. 182 Shallots, properties of - - ii. 84 Shirts and coverings of the neck reviewed i. 229 Shoes, on the proper fize of—on rendering the leather water-proof—of changing them from one foot to the other - - - i- 237 Sirocco, influence of, in Sicilly - - - i- 17 Skin the difeafes of, become fafhionable—the functions of, explained—how it may be im- proved—-fweatitig, how it arifes—on the im- mediate covering of *• 33 Sleep, concife hiftory of—confequences arifing from too much or too little—the proper du- ration of—in what fituations more or lefs ne- ceffary caufes of a difturbed and.uneafy i. 274 Small-Pox, to be prevented by the Cow-pox i- 13 Snuking tobacco, a bad cuftom '. - ii. 175 ------- •... how injurious to health - ibid 333 Vot. Page. 11 . 67 11. 257 It. 292 i • H 1. 120 i 1 77 n. 221 it. 210 : 22 i. 125 I N D E X. Snails, properties of Sneezing, origin of, explained Snuff-taking, injurious to the eyes, nerves, &c. Soemmkring's doctrine of temperaments—hy pothefis of the feat and operations of the foul Somnabulifm, what Sorrel, properties of - Sorrow, definition and confequences of Spallanzani's difeovery quoted Specifics, defined and commented upon ------for prolonging life are abfurdities Spectacles, concave, when to be ufed—convex, when to be ufed—how to choofe properly— green, when ufeful—when proper and how to fit—when improper and hurtful ii. 278—302 Spices, properties of, in particular - ii. 135 Spinage, properties of - > »• 77 ' Spirits, ardent, their general properties - ii. 117 Stays, laced, how hurtful - - »•• 232 St. Germain's Tea for prolonging life, what i. 121 Stockings, the proper fubftance for them examined i. 222 Story, a fingular one of a miller's wife - ii. 211 Strawberries, properties of - - »• 9^ Sugar, properties of - - - \\- *3" Swammerdam's difeovery quoted - - ii- 210 Sweating and peripiring, how to be diftinguifhed ii. 168 Swimming confidered as a kind of exercife i. 260 Swinging confider ' t a* a kmd of exercife i. 261 Swift, their defire ; f returuii.g home, a difeafe ii. 225 Tamarinds, excellent properties of - - u. 89 Tartar on the teeth, how it originates - _ 1. 184 ________________how to remove and prevent it 1. 18c Tafte, mechanifm of, explained - - 11. z5c Tea, if drunk hot, its effects on the fkin—proper- ties and effects of, in general—Indian, fubtti- ^ tutes for it - f - ~ " !/ 4l" Temperaments, peculiarities of, in vc hgated' - 1. 14 _______remarks on the variety of - ih>a Temperature, cautions relative to the changes of i. 175 TVrrsr, origin and confequences of - »■ 231 »fc INDEX. Theofcphif;:,:. fliort account of Tbcn, Ccv.'t, -a late fanatic at Leipzig Thcnherg introduced Cajeput oil into Europe Tburneisen, a noted aftrologer, &c. at Berlin T;.yni", properties of Toe-, T-ow to prevent their offenfive fmell Tcotk-ac'-, fome of the beft remedies for — powders, fome of them re. amended - -----Brufhes and fpong?s objected againft Touch, the fenfe of, analyzed -------the mechanifm of, explained Transfufion of the bloc d defcribed Turtles, properties of - - Vol. Tape, i- 103 i. i?4. i. 1S6 i. 91 n. 141 i. 225* i. 186 i. :88 ibid ii. 248 ii. 249 i. 102 ii. 65 163 Upas, the deadly, of Surinam V. Vanilla, properties of Veal, properties of Vegetables, divided into five claffes—farinaceous, nature and properties of—leguminous ii. 68 Venery, means of diminilhing the defire of - H. 102 Vcniftn, properties of ... ii, ^Q W. 11. 139 ii. 41 Walk.ig, effects of, on the body - - ii. Walnuts, properties of - ii, Water, of fprings, wells, rivers, and lakes—of rain, fnow, and hail—dew, whether whole- fome—if bad, how to purify and preferve ii. Water, drank habituall /, preferable to other liquors Weeping, nature and effects of, on the body - ii. Wines, diviflon of- into five claifes—conftituent parts of—general properties and eiiects of— effects from a copious ufe of—the adulterations of and dangers attending—Directions for de- tecling different adulterations - - ii. Withering's Dr. fimple cofmetic - ' i, Work, or exercife, fhould not be tqe long conti- nued - - - ii. 146 98 103 ibid 224 i*3 46 y>7 Medu- H.st I (VI 3