(From the same). Drunkenness. Spirituous liquors animate, and for a time our natural vigour is more active; but this effect is fleeting. If they are often repeated, or too freely used, their excess of action enervates the constitution; the appetite and the digestion are impaired; the spirits fail; and a general feebleness ensues.

The effects of spirits on the human body have not been discussed with philosophical precision, nor is this the place for the enquiry. It has been generally supposed that alcohol is a stimulant, and that the repeated stimulus exhausts the excitability. From every experiment, however, on the nerves, it has been found a sedative; and those who trust in such conclusions have supposed, as usual, that it combines a stimulant power. Were we inclined* to form systems, we should endeavour to show that it is really a sedative, and that its apparent stimulus is only an instance of irregular, rather than increased, action. Whatever be the source, its secondary effects are allowed to be highly sedative; and from the diminution of irritability, the most fatal effects arc derived, particularly indurations of the liver, which have been ridiculously attributed to its coagulating the blood.

To relieve the effects of ebriety, we must employ moderate stimulants and tonics, particularly those which contain no portion of ardent spirits. The most effectual are the Bath waters, carbonated ammonia, or even the pure alkali; light bitters with aromatics. The most difficult, but the most essential, part of the cure, is to prevent the continuance of the practice. This can bo seldom attained; never, it is said, with females; but men will sometimes "turn from the error of their ways."

As the want of irritability is chiefly felt in the liver, its circulation should be assisted by a gentle, steady stimulus to its ducts, by those laxatives which assist the secretion of bile.

When the over-night's potation has been too liberal, a wet napkin should be bound round the head; a quantity of cold water should be placed at the bed-side; and if a restlessness comes on with heat, a dryness of the tongue, etc. this water should be drunk as freely as the thirst requires: thus, by degrees, a perspiration is produced, and the most effectual relief obtained. On the succeeding day, abstemiousness is requisite; and such a regimen should be pursued as is consistent with the nature of the con-stitution. A man of a strong, healthy, plethoric habit should drink plentifully of thin, warm, diluting liquids, mixed with vegetable acids; keep in bed, and promote perspiration.. The weak, delicate, and relaxed, besides abstinence from solid diet, should ride on horseback, or take some other gentle exercise in the pure air; a glass or two of generous wine, as a cordial, may be allowed, or such other means pursued as are calculated to invigorate the system, and keep up an increased state of insensible perspiration. See Wallis on Health and Disease.

To the most violent effects of fermented spirits vinegar is an antidote. A sponge dipped in vinegar should be frequently applied to the mouth and nose; an emetic that operates quickly should be given; a clyster, and, after it, a purging draught, may be administered; and a gentle sweat promoted.