Dr Beaumont had also frequent occasion to remark, that, when stomachic disorder attended with febrile symptoms were present, the mucous coat of the stomach presented distinct appearances of disease. He frequently saw it, for example, red, irritable, and dry; and on the food touching it _no gastric juice exuded_, and consequently any food taken lay long undigested. But after the diseased action was subdued by regimen and medicine, the gastric juice again flowed readily, and digestion went on as vigorously as before. Even anger and violent mental emotions sometimes produced these appearances, and gave rise to temporary indigestion. These observations shew the futility, not to say mischief, of administering food during fever and other diseases by way of supporting the strength, when, from the deficiency of the gastric juice, it cannot be digested, and can only add to the existing irritation. In this state, however, bland fluids are appropriate; because they allay irritation, and are almost entirely absorbed, without requiring to be digested. The condition of the stomach above described, and the consequent failure and vitiation of the gastric secretion, induced by drinking ardent spirits, and by general intemperance, explain at once the miserable digestion and impaired appetite of the habitual drunkard; and it would be well for those who are in danger of becoming the victims of the habit, were they early impressed with some of these striking and important truths. * * * * * If it be asked, whether I go the length of proscribing all fermented liquors, from table-beer upwards, I answer that I do not; I merely mean, that, where the general health is perfect without them, they ought not to be taken, because then their only effect is to produce unnatural excitement. But wherever the constitution or health is so deficient, or the exertions required by the mode of life are so great, that the system cannot be sustained in proper vigour without some additional stimulus, I would not only sanction but recommend the use of either wine or such other fermented liquor as should be found by experience to support the strength, _without quickening the circulation, exciting the mind, or disordering the digestive functions_. If, however, any of these effects be produced, I would consider its occurrence as a proof that the stimulus is inappropriate, and cannot be too soon discontinued, or at least diminished to such a quantity as shall be consistent with the ordinary action of the animal functions.