t 354 ] 



aflanlt, but more frequently it makes inroads into 

 the conftitution as a fecret unfufpeded enemy* 

 Various caufes confpire to favour its introdu6lion 

 into the fyftem. The arts of chcmiftry, of medi- 

 cine, and even of cookery, have all iucceffively lent 

 their aids infomuch that no perfon of whatever 

 rank or ftation, from the prince to the peafant, can 

 at all times pronounce himfelf perfectly fecure 

 againil its filent depredations. Devoutly therefore, 

 not ludicroufly, may we now exclaim with Sir John 



FalftafF, 



'* Heavens, keep lead out of us !" 



The jovial knight, like a hon-vivant of the pre- 

 fent day, not dreaming of its admiffion into his 

 body by any mode but one, viz. that of a leaden- 

 ball, continued to quaff his fack in feeming fe- 

 curity, while each draught probably contained a 

 portion of the detefled metal which he fo pioufly 

 deprecated. For our anceftors in thofe days were 

 no novices in the myft9ry of refining liquors with 

 lead^ though by no means fuch able adepts as their 

 fuccefTors, who (to do them juftice) appear to have 

 carried the art to its ne plus ultra. 



But to be ferious: — Though the above appre- 

 henfions to fome may feem imaginary, or at leaft 

 exaggerated, yet whoever attentively confiders the 

 well-authenticated fa(^s adduced by Sir George 



Baker, 



