340 A Treatise on 
thing contrary to Nature ; which they themfelves 
tacitly acknowledge, when they attempt to correct 
it with Maftich, Saffron, and Cinnamon, &c. 
Now, in Order to compofe thefe Differences, 
we muff obferve that Aloes, either immoderately, 
or unfeafonably ufed, is hurtful ♦, but that taken in 
due Time, and Meafure, it is ferviceable ; particu- 
larly to opulent Citizens and other Perfons of For- 
tune, who living in the Midft of Plenty, are in- 
ceffantly cramming themfelves with Variety of 
Foods and Sauces *, fo that the Stomach, weaken- 
ed and oppreffed by the continual Labour of Di- 
geflion, and an enormous Quantity of Victuals, 
may fometimes want the Affiftance of this ftimu- 
lating bitter Medicine, as well to incide and refolve 
the crude, tenacious Humours, adhering to its 
Membranes, as to carry them off, together with 
the filthy Matter wherewith the Inteftines are load- 
ed. Aloes, I liiy, is very beneficial to Perfons who 
lead an idle, fedentary, and luxurious Life, where- 
by the Veffels of the Belly become more and more 
replete with thick ? vifcid, and foul Humours. In 
this Cafe it relieves the Stomach and Inteftines, by 
difcharging the Faces by which they are over- 
loaded, and by helping Concodtion. It is alfo fer- 
viceable to the Liver by diffolving the inlpiffated 
Bile and Blood, rendering both more fluid, and by 
exciting their Motion. And whatever Detriment 
thefe Gluttons may fuffer from a too frequent Ufe 
of Aloes, it ought to be regarded as nothing, in 
Comparifon of the Ailments which a Redundancy 
of crude Humours might occafion. But with Re- 
fpedt to Perfons who lead a Life of Sobriety we 
are to judge otherwile : For when the Body is free 
from Excrements, this Drug is injurious. In dry 
and bilious Temperaments, it augments the Dry- 
nels, and brings on an Atrophy. When the Bowels 
2 are 
