Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/33

Rh plan of abstinence on the first sensations of indisposition, and continue it on some occasions for a period of twenty-four, and even forty-eight, hours, until these feelings had subsided, the appetite was restored, and the calls of hunger become not only frequent, but even importunate. He concludes his interesting remarks with an aphorism, "That in those particular states of the body, which denote the approach, and at the commencement, of acute diseases, the strict observance of a rigid and continued abstinence has been productive of the most beneficial effects."—The late celebrated author of the "Elementa Medecinæ," Dr., has, in that work, particularly enjoined it, as one of the means to be employed in the prevention and cure of sthenic, or inflammatory diseases; and he declares that the cynanche tonsillaris, or inflammatory sore throat, and the catarrh, or common cold attended with hoarseness, may often be cured by abstinence alone.

Men of genius, and persons who lead sedentary lives, are more especially benefited by occasional abstinence; as these, from the want of vigorous exercise, and their intense application, are generally the severest sufferers from diseases of repletion. In the observance of the rules of abstinence, due attention must always be paid to the age, strength, constitution, and habit of the patient.

With regard to the total abstinence of the sexes from sensual gratifications, it should be observed in this place, that it may, though rarely, be attended with serious effects; yet these seldom, if ever, take place in those who live regularly, and do not encourage libidinous ideas; and that both males and females would undoubtedly derive greater benefit from total continence, till marriage, than by an indulgence in venery: in the former case, they would not only in a great measure contribute to their vigour of body and mind, but also to the prolongation of life.

Of the brute animals, many are remarkable for their long abstinence from food, such as the serpent, the rattle-snake, tortoise, bear, dor-mouse, elephant, &c.

Instances may also be found, of men who have been abstemious to a degree almost incredible; and experience has demonstrated that, from habit and use, the power of abstinence may be either increased or diminished. Some persons will bear the attacks of hunger without any visible marks of impatience, while in others, a mere temporary privation will occasion the most urgent and distressing symptoms. See the article.  ACACIA, in botany, Egyptian thorn; according to, is a species of mimosa, growing in Egypt. It is also to be found in North America, and is there called the locust-tree. Its culture is not difficult. It delights more in a dry, sandy, and elevated soil, but may be raised in any, either from seeds or slips. Its uses are various; as it is applied both to domestic and medicinal purposes.

An inspissated juice of its fruit, of a dark colour and firm consistence, has been brought to us from Egypt: when dissolved, it is used in any convenient liquor for relieving spittings of blood, complaints of the eyes, and quinsies.

The leaves of acacia are said to afford an agreeable nourishment to horses and horned cattle. They may