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 poisonous 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 warm 
water that accompanies it, so we have no doubt that some of its 
good effects may also be ascribed to the same cause, and particu- 
larly its being so often grateful after a full meal. 
The U. S. Dispensatory, describing the properties of Te' 
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 produces ; 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 moderately, and 
by healthy individuals, it may be considered perfectly harmless. 
