exhibited in most parts of the kingdom, as pose. Within a recent period a species of the consequence of this ill-judged and fatal building has arisen, which has been approact of legislation.* priately termed the Gin-palace." Many The inducements held out by publicans of these engines of destruction are gorgeously contribute very much to the progress of in-decorated at an expense, which would be temperance. The vending of intoxicating deemed incredible if not certified on unliquors has never been held as respectable; doubted authority. Into these seductive and it has, in general, been conducted by abodes, thousands of deluded and wretched persons of low, and frequently immoral, individuals enter daily, victims of a vice character, who have resorted to most de- which must ultimately lead them to poverty grading means in order to increase this and premature death. profitable source of emolument. Complaints, It has of late become a common practice of this description, were made, even at so in large towns to exhibit museums, pictures, early a period as the reign of Edward I. and other attractions, in connexion with (A.D. 1285). In the statutes for the re- houses for the sale of strong drink. Music gulation of the city of London at that time, forms a fashionable means of attraction. it is stated, that "divers persons do resort In the town of Manchester, this is partiunto the city," some who had been banished cularly the case. In 1751, at a time when or who had fled from their own country, various enactments were framed to put a also foreigners and others, many of them stop to the fearful drunkenness which presuspicious characters; and "of these, some vailed at that period, an act was passed do become brokers, hostelers, and inn- prohibiting every kind of music in publickeepers, within the city, as freely as though houses. This act is still in force; yet most they were good and lawful men of the public-houses, and many beer-shops, have franchise of the city; and some do nothing organs and other instruments of sound. On but run up and down through the streets, Sabbath evenings these habitations of revelry more by night than by day, and are well are thronged with young persons of both attired in clothing and array, and have their sexes indiscriminately, and scenes, not unlike food of delicate meats and costly neither the Bacchanalia of ancient Greece, present do they use any craft or merchandise; nor themselves to shock the eye of soberness have they any lands or tenements whereof and modesty. : to live, nor any friend to find them; and The practice of holding clubs, combinathrough such persons many perils do often tions of workmen, and even parish and other happen in the city." In addition to this, it meetings of like character at public-houses, was complained, that "offenders, going forms another very fruitful source of intemabout by night, do commonly resort and perance. In country places, in particular, have their meetings and evil talk, in taverns it is not uncommon to witness gross scenes more than elsewhere, and there do seek for of intoxication, consequent on the feasting shelter, lying in wait and watching their which too often follows the transaction of time to do mischief." To do away with this grievance, taverns were not allowed to be opened for the sale of wine and ale after the tolling of the curfew. parochial affairs. On the termination of Friendly Society meetings, intemperance and broils are also commonly witnessed. Indeed it is well known that a large proportion of About the end of the fourteenth century, the hard-earned savings of the members of Lydgate, a priest and rhymer, in a poem these charitable institutions is consumed in called the "London Lyckpenny,"† describes the purchase of inebriating liquor. The the method then used by the "taverner" to following is an example in point. It relates attract his customers. The youth, the hero to a sick club not far from the town of of the poem, is descanting on his adventures Preston, Lancashire :as he passed through the streets of London. : Cash collected from members during At the present period, various means are In large cities and towns every means of attraction is resorted to for the same pur * Parliamentary Report, 1834; also Parliamentary Discussion, 1839. 1Strutt's "View of Manners." £63 2 11 £4 18 0 13 16 6 Sick received 1 8 0 10 4 7 £63 2 11 Thus the publican has a direct interest in potent effects, to be possessed with lifethe formation and continuance of these preserving qualities, and was in consequence well intentioned societies. called Elixir vitæ, or the Elixir of Life. To detail the various meetings and socie- Among the French, it is known by a similar ties of this kind at which intemperance is name, Eau de Vie. "When the common fostered and produced, would require a people are depressed," remarks a popular volume of no small extent. The customs writer, "they take a dram, because it is a of drinking, have, in all ages of the world, spirit. They then conceive that they have been closely associated with the usages of got what they wanted, and must of course society. To be successful in their efforts, be merry. Had it not been for the unfortherefore, all institutions for the promotion tunate epithet of strong being applied to of temperance, must make strenuous efforts beer, and the term spirit being given to to do away with these strongholds of sin. brandy, people would never have guessed that Public attention is already drawn to this ale gave them strength, or brandy created interesting and important subject. SECTION II. PHYSICAL CAUSES OF INTEMPERANCE. spirits."* Homer thus alludes to this popular fallacy : O, Hector! say what great occasion calls "Have a care of an unfortunate custom; it may be, it has a tolerable complexion; it may be, the failing is somewhat imperceptible in the single instance. Don't trust to that; 'twill rise in the sum. To go always a little out of the way, makes a strange mistake upon the progress. A grain will The warrior, however, refuses to taste the grow to a burthen by constant addition. To be proffered stimulant. The experience, even always dipping into an estate, is the way to turn of those times, acknowledged the insufficiency beggar: and tho' the degrees may be gentle, the misfortune will come heavy at last.-A drop that's of strong drink, either to support the spirits perpetually pelting, will make a stone give way, under anxious depression, or to enable the and grow hollow. Bacchus will be always an idol: have a care of coming near the worship. Don't human frame the better to endure fatigue. make your body a heathen temple, nor your health Far hence be Bacchus' gifts, (the chief rejoin'd) Inflaming wine, pernicious to mankind, Unnerves the limbs, and dulls the noble mind. Let chiefs abstain, and spare the sacred juice To sprinkle to the gods, its better use.t a sacrifice.' COLLIER. I. Delusive notions in regard to strong liquors.II. The moderate use of intoxicating liquors, Innumerable illustrations of the same the primary physical cause of intemperance. delusion may be found in the writings of our III. Improper diet and physical exhaustion a English dramatists and poets. Shakspeare cause of intemperance.-IV. The use of stimulants in various forms, a cause of the formation not unfrequently makes his characters speak of intemperate habits.-1. The use of condiments the prevailing notions of the times. When or provocatives.-2. The use of tobacco in smok- Boniface is told "that his ale is confounded ing.-3. The use of various preparations of opium. perance. 4. The use of spirituous, patent, or quack strong," he replies, "True; or how else medicines.-V. The present system of the me- should we be strong that drink it." Exdical profession, a productive source of intem- amples might easily be adduced where the words "good" and "strong" are identified I. ANOTHER principal cause of intemper- with intoxicating liquors: two may suffice. ance may be found in the erroneous opinions "Here is a pot of good double beer neighbour; which prevail concerning the enlivening, drink." strengthening, and peculiarly invigorating "Strong, lusty, London beer." FLETCHER. properties of intoxicating liquors. Giving credence to these delusive notions, men in that error which supposes, that because Pernicious indeed, but deeply rooted, is all ranks and conditions of life resort to SHAKSPEARE. strengthening properties. Permanent vigour the laws of nature, and not by violent, and can alone be secured by due observance of consequently, unnatural, physical excite them with eagerness and confidence. The intoxicating liquors are (to use a popular plodding traveller considers alcoholic stimu-expression) STRONG, they necessarily possess lus as the indispensible companion of his journies; the labouring man views it as his cheering friend during unceasing toil and exertion; and the student-he of the midnight oil, has recourse to its exhilirating influence, during moments of mental depression and physical debility. This popular delusion has been countenanced and fostered by the fictitious and delusive names by which these liquors in general have been known. Alcohol, when first discovered, was supposed from its ment. "The strength," remarks Mr. E. Johnson, in a work which is worthy of universal perusal, and displays much vigorous intellect as well as philosophical correctness on "that is, the intoxithe part of its author, *Jackson on the Four Ages. Counter cating power of wine and ale depends upon the power which imparts them. the spirit they contain. A great deal of mis- act or subdue these natural impressions, by chief has arisen from the misapplication of the a superior and unnatural influence, and a term 'strength' to the intoxicating power of new state of things is induced, which eventu'strong drinks.' Potations are said to be ally predominates. Such is the change strong, and hence the silly notion that they effected by the stimulating influence of inepossess the power of strengthening the body. briating compounds. The excitement which People seem to suppose that by swallowing alcohol creates, is always succeeded by a strong drinks they actually swallow strength, corresponding depression of the animal as though it were some tangible substance functions, or in other words, a desire or to be chewed, swallowed, and digested like physical craving for renewed stimulation. a potatoe. We say onions 'smell strong,' Hence, the formation of an artificial and and we might as well expect to derive insatiable appetite. strength from smelling onions, as by drink The difference between moderate exciteing fluids of a strong flavour. We call them ment and intoxication is but a degree. The strong, because they affect us strongly. kind of action is the same. The results Whatever affects us strongly cannot be produced are of course in proportion to the indifferent; and if it be not good, it must amount or strength of the active agent. In not only be simply injurious, but very the one instance the links of the chain are much so."* but few; in the other the chain is complete Recent investigation has tended very in all its proportions. The excitement promuch to dissipate these erroneous notions. duced by alcoholic liquors, however small Men begin to reflect on the folly of being in degree, is unnatural and morbid, and opinfluenced and guided by mere words, on posed in every respect to the agreeable subjects which alone can be determined by excitement of healthy action. It arouses the test of investigation and experience. the self-preserving power of nature into II. The moderate use of intoxicating vigorous operation. Hence, when alcohol liquor forms, no doubt, the most powerful in any proportion is taken into the system, inducement to the formation of habits of it excites a series of repulsive actions-an intemperance. The creation, as well as intense desire (if we may so express ourprogress, of the drunkard's appetite is selves) to eject a fluid so unnatural and gradual, insidious, and almost imperceptible. noxious in its influence. The peculiar changes which alcoholic liquors It is not sufficient to reply that persons effect on the animal economy, almost physi- indulge in large quantities of these liquors cally impel those who indulge in the use of with comparative impunity, with no apparent strong drink, to seek relief from the original injurious results, or at least without manisource of their disquietude-the poisonous fest effects. The same argument holds good cup. Each act of indulgence but strength- in reference to any other poisonous drug. ens the fetters which bind the unhappy A limited portion of opium will produce a narcotic effect on the healthy system. victim. One of the first stages of intemperance Habitual use, however, enables individuals is witnessed in the anxious and uneasy to take without any perceptible influence feelings, which even MODERATE drinkers ten or twenty times the same amount. No invariably experience, on occasions when one would presume from this circumstance they have been accidentally deprived of their that the moderate use of opium was harmaccustomed stimulus. Sensations of this less in its effects, or that individuals were nature, present undoubted evidence of the thereby justified in defending the practice. existence and developement of the inebriate In a moral and physical point of view, habits propensity. Indeed, the great danger of are formed by degrees, often imperceptibly, moderate drinking consists in the inability and unfortunately in too many instances, the to ascertain at what precise period in the dangerous consequences are discovered when progress of the vice this unnatural sensation the mischief has been irretrievably effected. first commences. If, remarks Paley, we are in so great a de It is aptly remarked by a drinker of half gree passive under our habits, where, it is a century, that the first pint of beer is like asked, is the exercise of virtue, the guilt of the first spark falling on the tinder : and vice, or any use of moral and religious that we may keep on adding spark to spark, knowledge? I answer, replies the same till our whole vitals are in a flame. This writer, in the forming and contracting of remark is correct in a physiological point these habits. And hence, he further adds, of view. The human system is naturally results a rule of considerable importance, viz: endowed with those feelings and powers that many things are to be done and abwhich are necessary to enable it to perform stained from solely for the sake of habit.* the animal functions by which its existence The acquisition of good habits is, thereis continued; and these are regulated, both fore, of immense importance. The moderate in respect of their strength and action, by use of intoxicating liquors, both in a moral and physical point of view, is the high road *Life, Health, and Disease by E. Johnson, Esq., Surgeon. * Paley's Moral Philosophy, book 1, chap. to intemperance. The habit of intoxication produce the drunken appetite." The same is a confirmed taste or appetite for strong medical gentlemen also unite in evidence drink, acquired in the first instance by "that those persons who use intoxicating moderate indulgence. The act of intoxi- liquor regularly, cannot reasonably expect cation is that expanded state or high degree to avoid the contraction of an unnatural of excitement of which moderate drinking is thirst for stimulus."* the preparatory stage. The creation of the Evidence in support of this fact might be drunkard's appetite is in strict accordance multiplied to an almost unlimited extent. with the laws of the physical system. It is Universal experience indeed demonstrates quite true in relation to the bodily powers that it is physically impossible for mankind as well as the moral, that habit is the second habitually to use intoxicating liquors, withlaw of nature. The actions of the human out imminent danger of the formation of frame are exactly adapted to its require intemperate habits. Additional corroborative ments. All interference or derangement of testimony will be adduced from time to time, the same is certain to be attended with in various other sections of this work. injurious consequences. If the natural and III. The habits of society as existing in the healthy actions of the system, we again re-present day, are almost uniformly favourable peat, are displaced or overcome by a series to the developement of the physical, as well more potent in their character, a disorgan- as moral causes of intemperance. Of the ized state, greater or less in degree in pro- former inducements to this degrading vice, portion to the strength or amount of the improper diet constitutes one of the most agency in operation, is produced, which on common. The quantity of food commonly every repetition of the cause, increases in its made use of, its innutritious qualities, and force, until it results in the formation of a the variety of dishes so profusely employed settled and ungovernable appetite. in the present day, tend, very considerably, The writings of the most eminent mem- to injure the functions of the stomach, and bers of the medical profession strengthen to debilitate or frustrate its important opethese opinions. The following remarks of rations. Feelings of a painful and distressing Dr. J. Baxter, of New York, are pointed nature follow unnatural distension of the and correct :-"The habit of moderate stomach with food; for the removal of which, drinking has been the principal cause of the recourse is too frequently had to spirituous wide-spread scourge of intemperance. The stimulants. This practice, although apparently laws of gravitation in impelling ponderous productive of temporary relief, is eventually bodies towards the centre, are scarcely more injurious, and even fatal in its consequences. certain than the moderate use of liquor in The unnatural action to which the stomach begetting the drunken appetite. There is no is subjected by repeated violence of this safety but in obeying the command, Look description, produces, at an early period, a not on the wine when it sparkleth; for at the languid and comparatively torpid state of its last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like functions. This, unfortunately, is again an adder.' While I have known persons who sought to be removed by alcoholic excitement. have used ardent spirit during their whole Hence have arisen innumerable cases of life-time, and that to a great age, without intemperance, issuing, not unfrequently, in exceeding moderation, and, perhaps, were incurable disease. never intoxicated, there have been others, The physical exhaustion, induced by who have been led into the habit, by com- vicissitudes of climate or weather, and mencing with the moderate use, which has unnatural exertion of the animal system in involuntarily and imperceptibly increased various ways, forms another very general and gained upon them, until it was too late inducement to intemperance. Excessive to retreat. Ardent spirit, and even malt labour may, with propriety, be included in liquors, and wine, excite thirst, or rather a this class. The animal system is competent desire for more, as sugar and sweetmeats in to a certain amount only of exertion, and, a child; this is more perceptible in warm when over-worked, exhaustion is induced of weather; hence, glass after glass is taken, a distressing nature. Intoxicating liquors, which but inflames the more, till the taste is from the stimulating properties which they completely vitiated, and all the faculties are possess, are, but too frequently resorted to for the time suspended. He who habituates in such cases, as agreeable, and apparently himself moderately to liquor becomes easily effectual, remedies. a tippler; giving himself up to his acquired Languor and exhaustion, combined with taste, he is frequently overcome to intoxica- feelings of irksome thirst, are produced by tion, and ends with being a drunkard; the the excessive heat of summer. The system, faculty of receiving impressions is lost, evil in this state, and especially during laborious dispositions are acquired, and he becomes exercise, generally loses a large amount of truly the brute."* Fifteen medical gentle- perspirable matter; and the notion almost men of New York unite in one general universally prevails, that stimulating liquors testimony, that "the moderate use of recruit the exhausted strength, and counteract alcoholic drinks has a natural tendency to the loss thus sustained. * Testimonies of Physicians. New York. 1830. * Testimonies of Physicians. New York. 1836. The depression or exhaustion produced by poison of odious celebrity, from its use in the excessive cold, forms another powerful in- public punishment of the Athenians; the ducement or pretext to intemperance. Ar- seed and leaves have a refrigeratory power. tificial means of procuring animal excitement Those who are killed by it, begin to be cold are resorted to by the unthinking portion of in the extremities; but wine, from its heatsociety. In this case, however, as in all ing qualities, is a remedy, if used before the others wherein liquid fire is the agent of cold reaches the vital parts." ."* Theophrastus renovation, the remedy leads to evils incom-states, that great drunkards were accustomed parably worse than the disease. to take the powder of pumice-stone previous Another variety of physical exhaustion is to engaging in the work of inebriation. produced by confinement in an impure or The practice of using provocatives was badly ventilated atmosphere. Those ill-ven- termed in olden times shoeing-horns. Nash, tilated workshops, where great numbers of in his " Pierce Pennilesse," among some of operatives are continually employed, may be the "general rules and inventions for drinkclassed among situations of this description. ing," specifies "to have some shoeing-horn Languid circulation of the blood, accompa- to pull on your wine, as a rasher on the nied with imperfect operation of its functions, coals or a red-herring." Bishop, in his are the consequences of confinement in a "Mundus alter et idem," uses these words: stagnant and polluted atmosphere. The "Then, sir, comes me up a service of shoecorporeal depression which necessarily en- ing-horns of all sorts; salt cakes, redgues, is too often sought to be removed by herrings, anchovies, and gammons of bacon, the use of stimulating liquors. and abundance of such pullers-on."+ MasAlmost every branch of trade, particularly singer gives us a remarkable list of these when carried on in crowded towns, has some" provocatives;" one of which he denounhealthy circumstance connected with it; minates a drawer-on; a phrase identical for the removal of which, mankind are too with that under consideration.‡ Burton, willing to resort to such sources of relief, as in his Anatomy of Melancholy, says, that necessarily induce, if they do not originate in his time, "salsages, anchovies, tobacco, in, a love of sensual indulgence. caveare, pickled oysters, herrings, fumaIV. The use of minor stimulants in various does," &c., were used to increase their forms, is another productive cause of in- appetite, and to enable them "to carry their temperate habits. In this description may drink the better." The same custom has be included a very large proportion of the been handed down to our own times. The substances employed either in the preparation condiments, or provocatives, employed at of various articles of cookery, or as domestic the present period, are too numerous to be and popular medicines. In addition to these separately detailed. Most of them are injumay be enumerated other practices, which rious when used in any considerable quantity, come strictly under the denomination of and even in moderate proportions, they more luxuries. Each of these will be noticed under or less debilitate the natural functions of the its respective division. 1. The use of Condiments or Provocatives, either in eating or drinking. This practice has been more or less in vogue from an early period. The Greeks and Romans, in their degenerate days, invented many ingenious methods to accomplish this purpose. Horace, in one of his satires, thus adverts to the provocatives to drinking used by the Romans: "Stew'd shrimps and Afric cockles shall excite A jaded drinker's languid appetite." Or, stomach. Medical men differ much in opinion as to their utility. Pliny pointedly condemns the use of condiments, which he terms pernicious :-Homini utilissimus est cibus simplex, conservatis saporum pestifera, et condimenta perniciosiora. Dr. Robertson, in his recent popular treatise on Diet and Regimen, states, that their use should be only "moderate and occasional," and adds, that "languor and exhaustion are almost sure to follow even a single instance of their immoderate use; and taken habitually, they are certain to produce, indirectly, debility and weakened "Grapes and apples with the lees of wine, action of the several functions; particularly, White pepper, common salt, and herring-brine."* and usually, in the first place, of those of The Romans, according to Pliny, took the stomach."|| Dr. Trotter also reprobates hemlock to excite them to drink heavily the habitual use of these articles. "It is through fear of death. "That we may worthy of remark," says he, "that condidrink the more wine, we allay its fire ments of every kind, from custom, become by cooling it in snow; and many other ex- very desirable, till at last no food is relished pedients have been devised. Some take without them. But it is rather the palate cicuta before they commence drinking, that than the stomach to which they are grateful." death may compel them to drink; others Again, "to mustard and pepper I have never use fine ground pumice-stones, and other accustomed myself, from infancy upwards; things, of which I am ashamed to speak."+ "Cicuta," further remarks Pliny, "is a * Francis's Hor. lib. ii. sat. 4. + Natural History, lib. xiv. * Natural History, lib. xxv. Description of Tenter-belly, lib. 1. chap. 3 A Popular Treatise on Diet and Regimen, by |