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notion (till prevails among many of the lower 

 people, that fick perfons are in want of fomething 

 cordial to fupport their ftrength, and keep up their 

 fpiritsj in confequence of which they often, in fpite 

 of any directions to the contrary from thofe who are 

 better qualified to judge, give them fome ftrong 

 fermented liquor, as ale or ftrong beer, and fome- 

 times rum, brandy, gin, and the like. It is a me- 

 lancholy reflection, that numbers fall victims to this 

 odious opinion, which, as well as many other in- 

 ftances of impertinent interference with the fick, 

 ought to be difcouraged as much as poffible. 



The mode of giving food to a fick perfon is 

 worthy regard. It fhould always be in fmall quan- 

 tity, and no more mould be brought into the pa- 

 tient's fight than it may be expected he will be able 

 to take at a time. This fhould be done often in 

 the day, and even during the night, and without 

 waiting for its being afked for by the fick perfon, 

 who is often able to take food when he has not 

 fpirits to alk for it. It mud not however be prefTed 

 with any importunity, which is more likely to ex- 

 cite difguft than appetite. 



The fupport of the fpirits of a perfon labouring 

 under difcafe, is as necefifary towards his cure as 



the 



