Where, therefore, large quantities of the infusion must be taken, to produce or support a considerable diaphoresis, a decoction of Tea, or a strong infusion, may be administered with great propriety, particularly in inflammatory complaints; the sedative power of Tea, assisted by the diluting effects of warm water, generally producing a diaphoresis, without stimulating the system. The Chinese most commonly give it as a medicine in decoction, in a variety of diseases; but if the infusion were drawn from a large proportion of fine Tea, and soon poured off, that the finest part may be procured, and drank warm, it would seem preferable as an attenuant and relaxant. I have more than once given fine green Tea in substance with some diluting vehicle, and observed the same effects nearly as are produced from taking the infusion. Thirty grains of this kind of Tea powdered, taken three or four times at as many hours interval, generally relaxes the solids, diminishes heat and restlessness, and induces perspiration. Such a dose as produces a slight nausea, which this quantity usually does, more certainly induces a perspiration, and a mitigation of the symptoms accompanying inflammatory complaints. If this dose be doubled, the nausea and sickness will be increased, and a disagreeable sensation or load is felt for some time about the region of the stomach, which usually goes off with a laxative stool. SECTION XV. It is said that in Japan and China the stone is a very unusual distemper, and the natives suppose that Tea has the quality to prevent it[97]. So far as it softens and meliorates the water, which is very bad, it may certainly be of use[98]. We may also observe here, that every solvent is capable of taking up a limited quantity only of the solvend, and, when fully saturated with it, is incapable of suspending it long; hence it is plain, that the quantity of the stony matter carried off must be greater when the urine is increased in quantity, and has not been too long retained in the bladder: and therefore, as Tea is a diuretic, it may in this view prove lithonthriptic. Tea, we have already observed, contains an astringent antiseptic quality (SECT. I. EXP. I, II.) It likewise possesses no inconsiderable degree of bitterness; and, as the uvæ ursi, and other bitters, have mitigated severe paroxysms of the stone, may not Tea prove serviceable also by its antacid quality? It is an observation I have often had occasion to make, that people, after violent exercise, or coming off a journey much fatigued, and affected with a sense of general uneasiness, attended with thirst and great heat, by drinking a few cups of warm Tea, have generally experienced immediate refreshment. It also proves a grateful diluent, and agreeable sedative, after a full meal, when the stomach is oppressed, the head pained, and the pulse beats high[99]; hence the Poet says,