94 NAT. ORDER. THEACE^. 



owing to the large quantity of warm or hot water which accom- 

 panies it ; and it is possible that some bad effects may arise from 

 this cause ; but from attentive observation, we can assert that 

 whenever there are any marked effects, they are, in nine of every 

 ten persons, entirely from the qualities of the tea ; and that any 

 similar effects of warm water do not occur in one of a hundred 

 who take in this very largely. 



But while we thus endeavor to establish the jjoisonous nature 

 of Tea, we do not at the same time deny that it may sometimes 

 show useful qualities. It is possible, that in certain persons, taken 

 in moderate quantity, it may, like other narcotics, in a moderate 

 dose, prove exhilarating, or like these, have some effect in taking 

 off irritability, or in quieting some irregularities of the nervous 

 system. As its bad effects have been often imputed to the ^varm 

 water that accompanies it, so we have no doubt that some of its 

 good effects may also be ascribed to the same cause, and jaarticu- 

 larly its being so often grateful after a full meal. 



The U. S. Disjiensatory, describing the properties of Tea, 

 says " that it is astringent, and gently excitant, and in its finer 

 varieties exerts a decided influence over the nervous system,, 

 evinced by the nervous feelings of comfort, and even exhilaration 

 which it jiroduces ; and the unnatural wakefulness to which it gives 

 rise when taken in unusual quantities ; or by those unaccustom.ed 

 to its use. Its properties, however, are not of so decided a char- 

 acter as to render it capable of very extensive application as a 

 medicine ; and its almost exclusive use, as every one knows, is as 

 a grateful beverage at the evening meals. Taken nwderately, and 

 by healthy individuals, it may be considered perfectly harmless. 



