BREAD FOR THE DYSPEPTIC.

"THE stomach," says Dr. Mease, in his valuable treatise on Sick Head-ache, noticed in our last number," is the seat and throne of this disease, and affects the head by means of that sympathetic connexion which it holds with it and every organ of the human body." Of course the kind of food to be used by the invalid, thus affected, becomes a question of great importance. The following instructive remarks from this work, on bread, will be duly appreciated by our readers.

"As bread constitutes so large a portion of our daily aliment, and forms a most important item in the articles by which a cure of this distressing com plaint is to be effected, it demands the first notice.

"Bread should be light, and none other must be touched. There is no excuse admissible for heavy bread. If corn bread be used, it should be eaten in the form of thin, crisp cakes. I cannot conceive a more injurious article of diet, to a weak stomach, than the hot corn bread of the southern states. No wheaten bread should be eaten, unless twenty-four hours old. Economy✶ and health unite in proscribing fresh bread as an article of diet: for, however palatable, it is highly injurious to the stomach, and tries its powers more than almost any other of the causes of disease. During the years of youth, when the natural vigour of the stamina is daily deriving an accession of strength, or, in constitutions enjoying greater powers of the stomach than are absolutely required for the purposes of digestion, fresh bread may be eaten with impunity for years; but I will venture to assert, that every meal in which it is taken, will detract some little from the powers of that organ; and that, in time it will show its effects. As an attachment and relish for bread one day old is acquired in a short time, the sooner the former is left off the better indeed a cure must not be expected, so long as the use of fresh bread is indulged in.

"In cases of severe affliction from the disease, and where a disposition to acidity prevails in the stomach, it is advisable to lay aside raised bread altogether, and to substitute shipbread or crackers, or rice boiled dry. Where the teeth have failed, biscuit may be soaked in cold water, a short time before they are wanted. Bread made from unbolted wheaten flour is to be preferred to white bread."

OFFICIAL TESTIMONY AGAINST ARDENT SPIRITS.

It is a pleasant thing to see men of observation and experience giving their official recommendation and sanction to the cause of temperance. Facts have long since shown, not merely the utter inutility of drinking ardent spirit, but the ruin of health, reputation, and fortune, which this practice is so apt to produce. The false and vitiated appetite of some, and the vile policy of others, who, in opposing temperance, thought that they were

*The London bakers, in their answers to the questions put to them by the committee of the house of commons in England, appointed during the scarcity of the year 1801, to devise means of affording relief, asserted that three stale loaves were equal to five fresh loaves.

ministering to the prejudices of the crowd, have contributed to distort these facts, and to blind people to their real interests in this question. The revilers and sneerers at temperance, will now begin to discover that they paid their fellow citizens a poor compliment, by supposing that any class of people could prefer such beastly indulgence, as drunkenness, or even the feverish disturbance produced by more moderate doses of liquor, to the tranquil enjoyments which follow that well regulated state of the animal economy, which is due to the suitable excitement of the senses, by their appropriate stimuli, as of food, light, air, &c. The eulogists and defenders of even the moderate drinking of ardent spirits must begin to discover their utter ignorance of the matter; they must see moreover, that theirs is the essentially low and vulgar doctrine, adverse alike to sound physiology, pure morality, and to patriotic legislation and obedience to the laws. Let the timid, who in their hearts admit the superior comforts of entire abstinence, take courage from the following opinions recently expressed by some of our public functionaries. Let the time servers, the lovers of good, provided they are with the majority or the magnates of the land now come out more boldly. Even their voices and persuasions may be of some use to arrest the downward course of the ignorant or depraved, of those who drink liquor because they know no better, or because they have become accustomed to it.

We would recommend to our readers the following patriotic sentiments and opinions of the chief magistrate of Pennsylvania, in his late message.

"But whilst we are indulging in congratulations with regard to the general prosperity of our common country, and adverting to the extensive artificial improvements constructed and in progress in our own commonwealth, may I not be permitted, at the same time, with the sensations of unaffected 1 exultation and delight, which the deep interest all must feel in the subject, cannot fail to inspire, to direct your attention to, and to congratulate you upon its recent extraordinary moral improvement, exemplified in the gradual, but clearly perceptible, decrease of crime of every grade and description, and especially in the manifest diminution of the number of victims to that most degrading of all vices, intemperance, the genetrix of crime, and to which most vices owe their depraved origin: but upon which the philanthropic efforts of the wise and the good every where, aided by the force of public opinion, have stamped the seal of reprobation, and doomed it to such an overwhelming measure of odium and ineffable contempt, as even the unfortunate votary, with habits the most inveterate and confirmed, cannot assume the hardihood to brave or to resist. The entire prohibition of the use of ardent spirits to persons employed upon the public works, now constructing by the State, would, there is reason to believe, greatly aid in still further extirpating this loathsome and destructive moral contagion from amongst us, be attended with the most happy consequences to the individuals themselves, and produce results highly beneficial to their employers and to the State.

Coincident with these sentiments of Governor Wolfe, are those

expressed by the Secretary of War, in his Annual Report, Nov. 1831. Gen. Cass, after stating that a very large proportion of all the crimes committed in the army, may be traced to habits of intemperance, very properly recommends, as a preventive and remedy of these evils, that ardent spirits should no longer form a component part of the ration. Gen. Cass has been a soldier in every variety of hazard and exposure, and well knows, from his own personal experience of the advantages of habitual abstinence throughout life, that alcoholic poison ought not to enter a man's lips even under the plea of imparting to him additional power to sustain fatigue or ward off sickness. It invites both. We give that part of the Report,-in which this subject is treated as well in reference to the soldiers as to the poor Indians.

"A very large proportion of all the crimes committed in the army may be traced to the habits of intemperance. This vice is in fact the prevalent one of our soldiery. I am satisfied that ardent spirits should not form a component part of the ration. By issuing it, we furnish to those already accustomed to its use, the means of vicious indulgence; and we invite those, who are yet temperate, to acquire this destructive habit. It is certainly sufficient for all useful purposes, if there be in truth any utility in the consumption of ardent spirits, that the officers be authorized to grant permission for its purchase, in proper quantities, to those whose situation may require it, without the direct agency of the government in allowing and providing it.

There were issued to the army, in 1830, 72,537 gallons of whiskey, at the cost of 22,132 dollars. If this sum were applied to the purchase of tea, coffee, and sugar, for the use of the soldiers, their habits and morals would be greatly improved, and the discipline and respectability of the army promoted. The regulation of this department, by which an offer is made to the soldier of commuting the whiskey ration by the payment of one cent, is productive of little advantage. In this estimate of the value of this part of the ration, reference has been had only to the actual average cost of the article, delivered in large quantities at the various posts. But this is unjust to the soldier. He estimates it very naturally at the retail price, averaging probably five cents, and the present offer of commutation is in fact to ask him to sell his whiskey for one-fifth of its value. It is far better to leave the troops no choice, but to allow them a liberal compensation, and in such articles as will be most useful.

The Secretary of War, among other means of security for the Indians, in their new establishments on the other side of the Mississippi, recommends,

"A determination to exclude all ardent spirits, from their new country. This will, no doubt, be difficult; but a system of surveillance upon the borders, and a proper police and penalties, will do much towards the extermination of an evil, which, where it exists to any considerable extent, is equally destructive to their present comfort, and their future happiness.

The sentiments of the Secretary of the Navy, are equally decided against the use of ardent spirits, by the crews of public vessels.

LADY'S BOOK.-COMMENCEMENT OF A NEW SERIES.

In catering for the amusement of their patrons, the publishers have sought to obtain materials of an interesting, novel, and diversified character; and although they have not been able hitherto to present much in the shape of Original contributions, they have always cherished a proper regard for Native Talent, and have been zealous and persevering in their efforts to obtain it. With this view, it will be seen by the annexed advertisement, that a liberal premium of 200 dollars has been offered by them for the best American Tale; and there is no doubt the competition for the honour of the award will be contested by writers of the highest distinction. A secondary premium of 50 dollars is also offered for the best poem suitable for publication in the Lady's Book. It is reasonable to conclude then, that the attractions of the succeeding numbers of the work will be manifold-they will be increased both in the character of its contents, and the beauty of its external appearance. The publishers have made engagements for a new and excellent paper, on which to print it; and they also propose to make some improvements in its typographical appearance. The music type which they have selected for its use, is of the most approved kind; and, in future, the accompaniments, entire, will be given with the music they select for públication.

The present No. for December, completes the 3d volume: it is embellished with several beautiful and costly Engravings-the Title page, particularly, has been worked up in imitation of gold, which is a very expensive mode of printing, attended with incalculable trouble, and as a highly ornamental and gratifying display of the arts, deserves particular attention. Besides which there are, a splendid engraving on steel, of "THE WIFE;" The latest London Fashions for Caps and Bonnets;-A View of the King's Bridge and Royal Barracks, at Dublin ;The Woodpecker and the Wood Lark ;-Two favourite pieces of Music, with the accompaniments; also, a general Table of Contents for the volume.

The publishers have a few copies of the last six numbers remaining on hand, with which they will be happy to supply new subscribers-as these will form a connexion with the future numbers, all who desire the work complete will of course commence with them. Persons who have not seen the Book, may have a specimen No. by addressing the publishers (post paid) to that effect.

The publishers are desirous of obtaining, as early in the succeeding month as possible, an estimate of the number of copies of their work which may be subscribed for, so that they may know what edition they will be obliged to publishit is earnestly requested therefore, that all new orders for the Book may be forwarded at once; by doing so, those who wish to secure a copy of it will not be disappointed.

Agents procuring Ten new Subscribers to the Lady's Book, and remitting the cash, besides the discount which is allowed in such cases, shall be presented with a copy of the 3d volume of the work, superbly bound. The publishers will have the work carefully packed up, and subject to the orders of the persons entitled to it.

The Lady's Book is published on the 1st of every month-contains nearly 60 pages each No. of neatly printed letter-press. Terms, $3 per annum in advance. Address (post paid) L. A. GODEY & CO. 112 Chesnut street, Philadelphia.

PREMIUMS.-The publishers of the Lady's Book, impelled by a sense of gratitude for the unprecedented patronage which has been bestowed upon their work, and anxious to improve its character by every means in their power, have determined to offer the following premiums; viz.

200 DOLLARS for the best Original Tale, written for the Lady's Book. 50 DOLLARS for the best Óriginal Poem, suitable for publication in the Lady's Book.

Competitors for these Premiums, will address their communications, free of postage, to L. A. GODEY & Co. No. 112 Chesnut st. Phila. before the 1st of June, 1832, at which time, as many as shall have been received, will be submitted to a committee of literary persons, whose judgment shall award the prizes.

Accompanying each communication, the name of the writer must be furnished. If secrecy is preferred, the name may be enclosed in a separate sealed envelope, which will not be opened except in the case of the successful candidate.-It will, of course, be understood that all articles submitted for these premiums will be absolutely at the discretion of the publishers.-The publication of the Tales and poems will be commenced immediately after the award is made. Editors of papers exchanging with the Lady's Book, and others friendly to the promotion of Literature, are requested to give the above a few insertions in their respective papers.

THE

JOURNAL OF HEALTH.

CONDUCTED BY AN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS.

Health-the poor man's riches, the rich man's bliss.

2

VOL. III.

PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 11, 1832.

No. 9

TRULY there is magic in a name. We see this remark illustrated in many of the affairs of life, from the revolutions of kingdoms, down to the disturbances in the nursery economy. Under the banner inscribed liberty and equality, excesses the most lawless, and measures the most tyrannical, have been before now effected, and an intolerance, which under pure and undisguised despotism, would never have been allowed, is quietly submitted to. The worship of the goddess of Reason, has been performed by acts and ceremonies the most unreasonable and absurd; and glory, as the guide, has led to a series of battles and wars, as disgraceful in their execution, as inglorious in their result. Is it necessary to bait and worry into disgrace, if not death, an inflexible republican, demagogues have but to affix on him the term aristocrat and monarchist. The name is indeed too often every thing. In the medical profession, similar illusions abound. We will suppose that a person dies in the summer season in one of our cities, after a few days sickness; having, in the mean time, suffered much from pain and distress in the stomach and head. It is reported as a case of bilious remitting fever; perhaps one of a high and violent grade. So far all is in order; people are accustomed to this kind of fever; or at least their ears are familiar with the name. But let some sceptic declare that the case was one of yellow fever, and the whole city is thrown into alarm; people are hurrying away as from the plague, under the influence of fears which they cannot well define. If a person should ask, is the yellow fever more extensive in its range than the

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