lytic, and a torpor with consequent gall-stones or schirrus of
this viscus is induced with concomitant jaundice; otherwise it becomes
inflamed in consequence of previous torpor, and this inflammation is
frequently transferred to a more sensible part, which is associated with
it, and produces the gout, or the rosy eruption of the face, or some other
leprous eruption on the head, or arms, or legs. Sometimes the stomach is
first affected, and paralysis of the lacteal system is induced: whence a
total abhorrence from flesh-food, and general emaciation. In others the
lymphatic system is affected with paralysis, and dropsy is the consequence.
In some inebriates the torpor of the liver produces pain without apparent
schirrus, or gall stones, or inflammation, or consequent gout, and in these
epilepsy or insanity are often the consequence. All which will be more
fully treated of in the course of the work.

I am well aware, that it is a common opinion, that the gout is as
frequently owing to gluttony in eating, as to intemperance in drinking
fermented or spirituous liquors. To this I answer, that I have seen no
person afflicted with the gout, who has not drank freely of fermented
liquor, as wine and water, or small beer; though as the disposition to all
the diseases, which have originated from intoxication, is in some degree
hereditary, a less quantity of spirituous potation will induce the gout in
those, who inherit the disposition from their parents. To which I must add,
that in young people the rheumatism is frequently mistaken for the gout.

Spice is seldom taken in such quantity as to do any material injury to the
system, flesh-meats as well as vegetables are the natural diet of mankind;
with these a glutton may be crammed up to the throat, and fed fat like a
stalled ox; but he will not be diseased, unless he adds spirituous or
fermented liquor to his food. This is well known in the distilleries, where
the swine, which are fattened by the spirituous sediments of barrels,
acquire diseased livers. But mark what happens to a man, who drinks a quart
of wine or of ale, if he has not been habituated to it. He loses the use
both of his limbs and of his understanding! He becomes a temporary idiot,
and has a temporary stroke of the palsy! And though he slowly recovers
after some hours, is it not reasonable to conclude, that a perpetual
repetition of so powerful a poison must at length permanently affect
him?--If a person accidentally