[ ye53 
ARTICLE IX. 
On the abufe of Seiriruous Liquors ;—iés 
Effects on publick and private Property, and con- 
Sequently on National Profperity. 
[By A. Foruercitt, of Bath, M.D. F.R.58.] 
NDER the head of Spirituous Liquors may 
be comprehended, not only thofe which are 
in common ufe, as brandy, rum, gin, &c. but alfo 
the more coftly compound waters, or rather fpirits, 
as thofe of cinnamon, nutmegs, annifeeds, &c. 
Spirits, though warranted as genuine, are, how- 
ever, frequently adulterated, and confequently ren- 
dered {till more detrimental to thofe who drink 
them. Thus, inftead of genuine French brandy, 
we are commonly prefented with a fiery malt fpirit, 
corrected, as is fuppofed, with aqua-fortis. Yet 
with this counterfeit brandy, are often prepared 
the famous compound waters, tinctures, and choice 
cordials, fo highly extolled for their fuperior quality. 
Eyen gin, that favourite liquor among the vulgar, 
appears in reality to be a more vulgar compound 
than its votaries are aware of; for inftead of a fra- 
grant fpirit of juniper diftilled in Holland, their 
friends, the fmugglers, take care to fupply them 
with a vile, heating, ill-flavoured compofition, 
brewed in England. Such at leaft, according to 
an 
