An Inquiry into the Effects of Ardent Spirits upon the Human Body and Mind, wit…


Read by TriciaG

(3.5 stars; 5 reviews)

Written when the United States extended only to the Mississippi River, by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, this short work explores the physical, social, and mental effects of distilled liquors; the classes of people prone to intoxication by them; suggested drinks to use instead of them; and remedies for intoxication and for their habitual use. He takes a medical view of alcoholism, exploring the physical causes rather than blaming moral failure as the cause. Alcoholic drinks that are not distilled (beer, ales, wines, etc.) are viewed as wholesome drinks, and opium is suggested for pain as being without bad effects or addictive qualities. (Summary by TriciaG) (1 hr 4 min)

Chapters

Part I 21:22 Read by TriciaG
Part II 26:52 Read by TriciaG
Part III 16:19 Read by TriciaG

Reviews

Waste of time


(0.5 stars)

Add tartar (hope I spelled that right, especially on a literary review, lol) or a bitter powder, consumption of whatever variety of tea, or gingerbread, as a means to end craving alcohol?? I get during his time, morphine was a commonly given remedy by doctors, but the author praises and plugs its use so often, im sure the word morphine is used same, if not more than spirits!!