EEVIEWS. 
639 
of diet to which they have not previously been accustomed. The light Greek 
and German wines are exceedingly agreeable drinks in summer ; but still 
there remains a question as to their wholesomeness. They are of endless 
variety and composition, and before recommending their general employ- 
ment, we think it would be as well to have their constitution and their 
physiological action more carefully investigated. Such an investigation is, we 
need not say, one of the most difficult things in the world to carry out satis- 
factorily ; but it is none the less necessary on that account. Indeed, it seems to 
us, that something in the shape of a medical commission of inquiry would be 
the only proper means of deciding the question, which Dr. Druitt answers in 
the affirmative. The volume before us is vigorously, in some instances a little 
too vigorously written, but is very agreeable reading for all that. We would, 
however, warn the author against pushing the “ slashing style ” too far. We do 
not at all agree with him in thinking that the valuable or noxious qualities 
of a wine may not be predicted from its composition. He is just too much of a 
practical man. It is all very well to say that the only tests of a wine are the 
questions, How do you like it ? — Does it agree with you ?” But if this argu- 
ment were strictly applied, we think the tables would in many cases be turned 
upon our author. There are at least ninety per cent, of our present wine- drinking 
population who would say that they like their Port and Sherry (much as they 
maybe “ fortified”), and these wines agree very well with them. Besides, one 
of the most powerful arguments which the author adduces against the em- 
ployment of low-class “ Sherries ” and “ Ports,” rests upon a knowledge of 
their chemical constitution. Had Dr. Druitt laid down his views in a calmer 
spirit, we think they would have been found more convincing ; but somehow or 
other they are, like our sherries, “ fortified ” with a spirit — that of enthusiastic 
advocacy — which, though it gives them pungency, deprives them of much of their 
digestibility. If we accuse Dr. Druitt of too much enthusiasm, we must do 
him the justice to add that we are convinced he is thoroughly sincere. We 
think that the work before us has been somewhat hastily put together, and 
therefore we pardon the following strange piece of information, which is 
afforded us in the Preface : — “ The term empirical signifies the practical men 
who judge by results ! ” The humour, too, of the Doctor’s remark, that the 
two cardinal points of a man’s moral nature are his purse and his stomach, 
we have failed to perceive. The “ report ” is on the whole a very interesting 
volume, and it merits a careful perusal, if for no other reason, because it is 
the work of an able medical man, who gives his own experience, and is not a 
mere volume of puffery, like some productions which shall be nameless. 
o 
u 
o 
