114 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
take it? Why, for the stimulation it gives to their diseased 
stomach, and because taken in small doses it imparts a warm 
glow to the mouth, throat, and stomach, but only for a very 
short time. It flies to the head. This can be understood 
from its nature. Being volatile, the heat of the stomach 
sends it upwards to the brain, which becoming (if much is 
taken) sur-charged, the cerebrum or large brain, the seat of 
consciousness and ideas, is confused, and the cerebellum, 
(smaller brain), which is the seat of motion, being stupefied, the 
legs are unable to carry the body with their wonted steadiness 
thus furnishing one of the inspired prophets with an 
illustration of the earth under the wrath of the Almighty. 
Jeremiah says: ‘‘ Theearth shall reel to and fro and stagger 
like adrunken man.” The stomach is the part most injured by 
spirit-drinking. It,first, becomes inflamed, then congested, and 
ultimately ulcerated. The brain next is diseased, and loss of 
moral character and self-control follow in the order of ruin. 
These are the abuses. Now what is the use of spirits in 
medicine? We were about to quote Solomon’s advice, viz. : 
‘‘ Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish;” but we 
remember that spirits. as such, had no existence for 1800 years 
after his time, for the process of distillation was only discovered 
about the 12th century, by an Arabian named Gebar, so the 
wise man’s advice only referred tothe milder intoxicants. But we 
may apply them and give spirits in extraordinary cases to tide 
men over critical times of trouble. Given only when needed, as 
medicine little harm would be done Spirits have a strong 
solvent property in dissolving out the medicinal properties 
of gum, seeds, and for making essences and perfumes. 
On this account they are useful; also in the arts and 
manufactures ; varnishes, polishes, &c., owe their existence 
to them. Probably our readers think they have had enough 
of spirits at this time. Our advice to all is to take them only 
in the form of medicine, for it is not safe to do otherwise. 
Cures for alcoholism will be found under that name in the index, 
which see. 
