The practice of taking an emetic after a debauch is often alluded to in the works of the classical authors. Thus it is mentioned by Aristophanes in his ‘Acharnenses.’ Suetonius, in the lives of Vitellius and Claudius, states that these Emperors were in the practice of procuring vomiting, in order to relieve themselves from the effects of excessive eating and drinking. See also Pliny (Hist. Nat. xiv, 28.) Athenæus, upon the authority of Mnestheus, the Athenian physician, recommends that a person who has drunk wine freely should not go to rest until he has vomited more or less. He advises afterwards either the affusion, or bath of hot water. (Deip. xi, 67.) It appears, from Pliny, that the celebrated Asclepiades of Bithynia condemned the use of emetics, which were so common in his time. (Hist. Nat. xxvi, 7.) See also Celsus. (i, 3.) SECT. XXXIV.—ON WRONG DIGESTION OF THE FOOD. It contributes much to the health of those whose food spoils in their stomachs, that the offending matters be discharged downwards; and when they are not so discharged naturally, this operation ought to be promoted by gentle laxatives. Persons may, with advantage, take, before eating, an emetic from the drinking of wine, or must. They ought also to be counselled not to take food of a strong or offensive smell, nor such as easily becomes spoiled; but, on the contrary, such as is wholesome. To such persons, evacuations of the bowels at proper intervals, by means of gentle laxatives, are highly expedient. * * * * * COMMENTARY. See Oribasius (Euporist. i, 3, and Synops. v, 30.) This subject will be more fully treated of in the Third Book. SECT. XXXV.—ON VENERY.