E 438 ] 



part of them) are more calculated to reftore health 

 than to pKeferve it. We fhould therefore be careful 

 to recommend, to perfons in health, to be con- 

 tented with the happinefs they enjoy in that refpect, 

 and not to attempt to improve what cannot be 

 amended, but may eafily be impaired. Some ig- 

 norant people are prepoflefTed with a notion that it is 

 wholJome y as it is termed, to drink feveral infufions 

 of herbs, as of flowers of chamomile, of centaury, 

 and feveral others. But fuch trials are not only 

 unneceiTary, but likely to be injurious. The taking 

 of bitters in large quantities, for a long time toge- 

 ther, hurts the tone of the ftomach, inftead of mend- 

 ing it, as was found by fatal experience of thofe 

 who took the Portland Gout 1/owder, which de- 

 ftroyed nearly all who tried it. This powder was 

 nothing elfe than fuch bitter herbs as are commonly 

 drank in tea, or brewed with malt liquor in the 

 form of purl. What is here faid, is not meant to 

 infinuate that bitters 'properly and moderately ufed, 

 are not very ufeful remedies. It is the excefs only 

 that is cenfured. 



Another reafon why we fhould be upon our guard 

 againft continuing the ufe of the fame medicines 

 for a long time is, that it is apt to introduce that 

 moft deftructive of all habits, Dram-drinking* Many 



of 



