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CHAPTER VI. The harms of the excessive use of hot (strong) drinks, and the benefits of using [them] in moderation.

The moderate and timely use of all manner of prepared spirits—for instance, rum, liqueur, grain spirits, and others like them—as well as every kind of wine, is of great benefit; for it strengthens human vigor, brings cheer, and fortifies [the body] against contagious diseases. For this reason, the ancient physicians likewise used to advise everyone to use [them] moderately as a medicine and as a preventive means against contagious disease. Just as much benefit as there is in the moderate use of drink, so too is excessive drinking harmful. We know by experience that it brings the blood to a boil and heats it, and thereby causes extreme debility. For this reason, those who wish to show courage or fearlessness by drinking heavily and becoming intoxicated very often perish. I repeat that the moderate use of all these drinks is very profitable and necessary for those persons who are of a feeble constitution and elderly, especially in the days of winter and in damp weather. Good, aged red wine is particularly praised, whereas in times of plague, rum or a punch made with good spirits, mixed with a moderate amount of souring [agent], is recommended; but the use of sweet wine, new wine ([*machar*]), beer, and the like is harmful, because it inflates the belly, especially in times of plague and cholera.