An assistant to a Tea broker, had frequently for some weeks
complained of pain and giddiness of his head, after examining and
mixing different kinds of Tea: the giddiness was sometimes so
considerable, as to render it necessary for a person to attend him,
in order to prevent any injury he might suffer from falling or other
accident. He was bled in the arm freely, but without permanent
relief; his complaint returned as soon as he was exposed to his
usual employment. At length he was advised to be electrified, and
the shocks were directed to his head. The next day his pain was
diminished, but the day after closed the tragical scene. I saw him
a few hours before he died; he was insensible; the use of his limbs
almost lost, and he sunk very suddenly into a fatal apoplexy. Whether
the effluvia of the Tea, or electricity, was the cause of this event,
is doubtful. In either view the case is worthy of attention[87].
A young man of a delicate constitution, had tried many powerful
medicines in vain, for a depression of spirits, which he laboured
under to a degree of melancholy, which rendered his situation
dangerous to himself and those about him. I found he drank Tea very
plentifully, and therefore requested him to substitute another kind
of diet; which he complied with, and afterwards gradually recovered
his usual health. Some weeks after this, having a large present of
fine green Tea sent him, he drank a considerable quantity of the
infusion on that and the following day. This was succeeded by his
former dejection and melancholy, with loss of memory, tremblings, a
proneness to great agitation from the most trifling circumstances,
and a numerous train of nervous ailments. I saw him again, and he
immediately attributed his complaints to the Tea he had drank; since
which he has carefully denied himself the same indulgence, and now
enjoys his former health.
I have known many other instances, where less degrees of depression,
and other complaints depending upon a relaxed irritable habit, have
attended delicate people for many years; and though they have had
the advice of skilful physicians, yet in vain have medicines been
administered, till the patient has refrained from the infusion of
this fragrant exotic[88].