614 The Philosophy of Drunkenness. [J UN E, 



hemlock what drug you will; but bar your patient from the flavour of 

 liquor. Let him have no hopes no cravings for the arrival of the hour 

 at which the " remedy" is to be administered. 



The final point treated in Mr. Macnish's book displays his desire and, 

 in a medical man, it is a fair and a wise one to provide for all emergencies. 

 He gives the following directions to those who will not be cured of drunk- 

 enness, how they may indulge their propensity with the least mischief to 

 themselves : 



" If a man is resolved to continue a drunkard, it may here be proper, though 

 somewhat out of place, to mention in what manner he can do so with least risk to 

 himself. One of the principal rules to be observed, not only by him, but by 

 habitually sober people, is never to take any inebriating liquid, especially spirits, 

 upon an empty stomach. There is no habit more common or more destructive 

 than this: it not only intoxicates readier than when food has been previously 

 taken, but it has a much greater tendency to impair the functions of the digestive 

 organs. In addition, drunkards should shun raw spirits, which more rapidly bring 

 on disease of the stomach, than the same quantity used in a diluted state. The 

 best form in which these fluids can be employed is, I believe, cold punch. This, 

 when well made, is always weak ; and the acid with which it is impregnated, has 

 not only a bracing effect upon the stomach, but operates as a diuretic thereby 

 counteracting in a considerable degree the activity of the spirit itself. The next 

 best form is that of grog j and warm toddy the third. The last, to be good, must 

 be stronger than the two others j and the hot water with which it is made, increases 

 the naturally stimulating qualities of the active ingredient. 



" The malt liquor drunkard, unless his taste be irrevocably fixed to the contrary, 

 should, as a general rule, prefer porter to ale at least to that variety denominated 

 strong ale. Herb ale and purl are pernicious ; but the lighter varieties, such as 

 table-beer and home-brewed, when used in moderation, are not only harmless, but 

 occasionally even useful. 



" As to the wine-bibber, no directions can be given. The varieties of wine are 

 so numerous, that any correct estimate of their respective powers is impossible ; 

 nor, though it were practicable, would it be proper within our narrow limits. It 

 may, however, be laid down as a maxim, that the wines which are most diuretic, 

 and excite least head-ache and fever, are the safest for the constitution. 



" Warm and cold bathing will occasionally be useful, according to circum- 

 stances. Bitters are not to be recommended, especially if employed under the 

 medium of spirits. Where there is much debility, chalybeates will prove ser- 

 viceable, A visit to places where there are mineral springs is of use, not only 

 from the waters, but from the agreeable society to be met with at such quarters. 

 The great art in breaking the habit consists in managing the drunkard with kind- 

 ness and address. This management must of course be modified by the events 

 which present themselves, and which will vary in different cases." 



With which last extract we must take our leave of the author ; assuring 

 him, that we have been much pleased and interested with his pamphlet ; 

 and our readers, that they will derive from its perusal no inconsiderable 

 portion of amusement, as well as of instruction. 



