"The story is told of one of the druggists of a neighboring
no-license town. A man came in and asked for a pint of whisky.
He was asked what he wanted it for. His reply was that he wanted
it to soak some roots in. He got it, and as he went out he dryly
remarked, 'I should have told you that it was the roots of me
tongue that I want to soak.'"

CHAPTER VIII.

DISEASES, AND THEIR TREATMENT WITHOUT ALCOHOL.

The question, "What shall I take instead of wine, beer or brandy?" is
frequently asked by those who have been trained to think some form of
alcohol really necessary to the cure of disease, but, who, from
principle would prefer other agents, if they knew of any equal in
effect. This chapter deals somewhat with the answer to that question.

ALCOHOLIC CRAVING:--The craving for alcohol may be present for a time
after a person has commenced to abstain from all beverages containing
it. Or, it may occur periodically, as a sort of irresistible impulse.
For the periodical craving Dr. Higginbotham, of England, recommends that
a half drachm of ipecacuanha be taken so as to produce full vomiting. He
says the desire for intoxicating drinks will be immediately removed. The
craving is caused by vitiated secretions of the stomach; the vomiting
removes these. Dr. Higginbotham says:--

"If a patient can be persuaded to follow the emetic plan for a
few times when the periodical attacks come on, he will be
effectually cured."

Some men in trying to abstain have found the use of fresh fruit,
especially apples, very helpful. Nourishing and digestible food should
be taken somewhat frequently. A cup of hot milk or hot coffee taken at
the right moment has saved some.

ANAEMIA:--In this complaint there is a deficiency of the red corpuscles
of the blood. It may be the result of some fever or exhausting illness;
it may accompany dyspepsia, and is then due to imperfect digestion and
assimilation of the food. The poverty of the blood produces shortness of
breath, and often palpitation of the heart also, especially on a little
exertion. There is generally more or less weariness, languor and
debility, sometimes also giddiness, sickness, fainting and neuralgia.

"In the treatment of anaemia, port wine and other alcoholic
liquors are worse than useless."--DR. J. J. RIDGE, London.

"The common prescription of wine or some form of spirits for
states of general exhaustion and anaemia