242 Facts towards a History of 



From these observations, it is evident that the plan of treat- 

 ment must be varied, according to the diversity of the morbid 

 conditions "with which it is connected. Thus, when it is the 

 consequence of an immediate rejection of the food by vomiting, 

 the irritabihty of the stomach should be counteracted by 

 mild gelatinous food, by opiates, tonics, &c., aided by sti- 

 mulant epithems, and other topical applications. At the 

 same time, nutritive enemata should be injected into the in- 

 testines. 



In like manner, when it is the consequence of the food 

 passing off too rapidly (as in lientery), the remedies adapted 

 to that condition of the body should be resorted to. If it 

 proceed from worms, calomel, jalap, cowitch, and other an- 

 thelmintics, should be prescribed ; if from mesenteric ob- 

 struction, rhubarb, neutral salts, and afterwards chalybeates ; 

 and lastly, when it arises from acidity in the stomach and in- 

 testines, bitters and absorbents should be given. 



A false appetite, a craving that does not arise from the 

 demands of health, but from the morbid piquancy of the 

 juices in the stomach, is a state in which more is taken 

 than can be digested — the food is devoured rather than 

 eaten. 



This condition of stomach has led to the notion that the 

 parties have had to feed another animal besides themselves ; 

 and the lower orders do not hesitate to believe, that a large 

 worm, and even a wolf, are occasionally inhabitants of that 

 viscus. 



II. Drinking. 



Use a little wine, for thy stomach's sake. — 1 Tim. v. 23. 

 So says St. Paul — and this seems to have been the opinion 

 of the most ancient philosophers and physicians. A moderate 

 use of it has been sanctioned by the wise and good in all ages. 

 Those who have denied its virtues are those who have not 

 been able to drink it. Asclepiades wrote upon wine, the use 

 of which he introduced with almost every remedy, observing, 

 that the gods had bestowed no more valuable gift on man : 

 even the surly Diogenes drank it ; for it is said of him, that he 

 liked that wine best, which he drank at other people's cost — 



