1939 The Gentleman's Companion volume II Beeing an Exotic Drinking Book

THE GENTLEMAN'S COMPANION

of regulating our liquid absorption as this condition approaches, any pleasant drinker may be betrayed by his own enthusiasms, or in prov– ing his balance or his manhood as a 2-fisted bottle-man! Particularly is this true on large and involved congregations, such as country weekends, trips on yachts, and other divers sequences– especially if liquors are visible in large supply and amateur mixers among the guests are given carte blanche to explore and blend to their heart's content. Therefore, should the barometer tend to forecast such alarming possibility, and we-through real or false pride, weak mind, fallible stomach, to cash a bet, revenge a rival, or impress a lady-feel certain of liability ourself, there is always one tried and true way of minimizing subsequent toxic effect, which is vastly gratifying to the party of the 1st part, mystifying to rival, and impressive to the girl. It is a drugless way, and incidentally in actual practice we find that the farther an inebriate keeps away from stiff drugs, the better for all concerned. So, therefore, before the 1st stirrup cup take a scant 2 tsp of olive oil -gingerly, and repeat at 15 minute intervals, to a total of 6 tsp in all. Take these gingerly, and in no event try to take all 6 at once without having proved it harmless in the past. We once, in vasty youth, tried taking 2 oz of the oil in one gulp. To our collective sorrow the effect upon our timid and shrinking gastric unit proved far more violent than any man-made emetic. Should any guest, male or female, through any form of miscalcula– tion fall upon this evil estate they should-in mild cases-be speedily placed upon a seat with knees spread. Then with the hands clasped ?ehind the nape of the neck, urge the patient to draw his head down m that position as far toward the floor as physically possible. This forces some of the blood back into the brain, and the seizure may pass. · · · If not, and after 5 minutes, the condition still obtains-get him into a recumbent position; loosen clothing, especially at the throat. · TO ALLAY a MILD, or EVEN SEVERE, SYNCOPE, sometimes CALLED FAINTING, from PoTATION

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