The anatomy of drunkenness : an inaugural essay / by Robert Macnish.

  • Robert Macnish
Date:
1827
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The anatomy of drunkenness : an inaugural essay / by Robert Macnish. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    from their constitutions. Sailors and soldiers who are hard wrought also consume enormous quantities with- out injury: porters and all sorts of labourers do the samei With these men exercise is a corrective; but in towns, where no counteracting agency is employed, it acts with irresistible power upon the frame, and soon proves destructive. The mind exercises a considerable effect upon drunk- enness, and may often control it powerfully. When in the company of a superior whom we respect, or of a female in whose presence it would be indelicate to get intoxicated, a much greater portion of liquor may be withstood than in societies where no such restraints operate. Some drunkards retain their senses after the physical powers are quite exhausted. Others, even when the mind is wrought to a pitch leading to the most absurd actions, preserve a degree of cunning and observation which enables them to elude the tricks which their companions are preparing to play upon them. In such cases they display great address, and take the first op- portunity of retaliating; or, if such does not occur, of slipping out of the room unobserved and getting away. Some, while the whole mind seems locked up in the stupor of forgetfulness, hear all that is going on. No one should ever presume on the intoxicated state of another to talk of him detractingly in his presence. While apparently deprived of all sensation, he may be an attentive listener; and whatever is said, though un- heeded at the moment, is not forgotten afterwards, but treasured carefully up in the memory. Much discord and ill-will frequently arise from such imprudence. There are persons who are exceedingly profuse, and fond of giving away their money, watches, rings, &c. to the company. This peculiarity will never, I believe, be found in a miser: avarice is a passion strong under every circumstance. Drinking does not loosen the
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