186 ORD. X. Cymose. COFFEA ARABICA. 
“mildly empyreumatic by the process of roasting. The medicinal 
“ qualities of Coffee seem to be derived from the grateful sensation 
*« which it produces in the stomach, and from the sedative powers 
“it exerts on the vis vile. Hence it assists digestion, and relieves 
** the head-ach; and is taken in large quantities with peculiar pro- 
“priety by the Turks and Arabians, because it counteracts the 
“ narcotic effects of opium, to the use of which those nations are 
«much addicted. In delicate habits it often occasions watchfulness, 
*‘ tremors, and many of those complaints which are denominated 
““nervous. It has been even suspected of producing palsies; and 
“ from my own observation, I should apprehend not entirely with- 
«out foundation. Slare affirms that he became paralytic by the too 
« liberal use of Coffee, and that his disorder was removed by ab- 
“ stinence from that liquor.’” 
_ Dr. Percival cites a letter from Sir John Pringle, who asserts 
that strong Coffee is the most powerful remedy, with which he is 
acquainted, in abating spasmodic asthma. 
The late Dr. Fothergill has observed, that “it is a question often 
proposed to physicians, which is best Tea or Coffee?” The solution 
of this point would perhaps be a difficult one. We neither find the 
Chinese or Turks subjected to any such discriminating effects as to 
enable the faculty to say, with precision, that one is more injurious 
otham-the other; for-my own part I leave it to the experience of 
individuals. ~Dr.-F. recommends the Coffee to be made strong, and 
as much boiled milk.to be added to it beforeit-is taken from. the 
fire as thereis water; it is then suffered to settle, and drunk either 
with or without cream. This the Dr. substituted for tea, which was 
- not quite favourable to his health. 
The Frenchycustom of drinking Coffee immediately after dinner, 
imaidetajaby anuch etter than that which prevails with us of taking 
“it at@late hour inthe evening. For, from the observations of Dr. 
. Percival, and indeed from the experience of mankind in general, 
this beverage * very commonly suspends the inclination to sleep, and 
‘See Essays, vol. ii. 
