1827 Oxford Night Caps

9

. Various opinions are entertained respect ing this compound drink. Some authors praise it as acooling and refreshing beverage, vphen drank in moderation; others condemn the use of it, as prejudicial to the brain and nervous system. Dr.Cbeyne,a celebrated Scotch physician, author of"An Essay on Long Life and Health,"and who by asystem of diet and regimen reduced himself from the enormous weight of thirty-two stone to nearly one third, which enabled him to live to the age of seventy-two,insists, that there is but one wholesome ingredient in it, and that is the water. Dr. Willich, on the con trary, asserts, that if a proper quantity of acid be used in making Puncli, it is an ex cellent antiseptic, and well calculated to supply the place of wine in resisting putre faction, especially if drank cold with plenty of sugar; it also promotes perspiration; but if drank hot and immoderately, it creates acidity in the stomach, weakens the nerves, and gives rise to complaints of the breast.