Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/190

164] Thus, experience has proved, that numberless thefts are committed during those public exhibitions of criminals; so that it is not bad, but good examples, which have a beneficial effect on the minds and morals of a people, who are yet susceptible of improvement. For these obvious reasons, we propose that every individual in whom symptoms of despair, either by serious verbal declaration, or by his inconsistent actions, are discoverable, ought to be strictly guarded, reproved, and even punished, though at first in a lenient degree; for instance, by solitary confinement, hard labour, a sparing diet, &c. without permitting the use of dangerous weapons, or any other instruments. Farther, by teaching young persons to set a just value on life, and the dignity of human nature, they will not easily acquire false conceptions of pride and honour; or estimate things only by their influence on the external senses; or wish to appear of greater importance than they are entitled to, either by their merits or rank in society.

Besides, there are many other causes which ultimately lead to suicide: among those of a physical nature, we shall only mention, 1. and complaints, arising from inveterate obstructions in the ; and, 2. A very tender and irritable nervous system. Farther, if we ask the intelligent divine, respecting the origin of this growing evil, he will justly observe, that it chiefly arises from immoral habits, and the neglect of public or private worship;—the honest lawyer will allow, that it is often the consequence of unsuccessful litigation;—but the experienced physician maintains, with equal justice and truth, that it originates from excessive repletion; from the vicious custom of drinking imtnoderate quantities of vinous and spirituous liquors; from eating late and hot suppers; night-gambling; and from indulgence in of every description.

Those of our readers who wish to investigate this interesting theme, will derive information and amusement from the perusal of Mr. 's Full Inquiry into the Subject of Suicide (2 vols. 4to. 1l. 11s. 6d. boards, Rivington, 1790), in which its effects are fully considered, and illustrated by numerous historical examples.  SULPHUR, or, a hard inflammable mineral, of a yellow colour: it is insoluble in water; destitute of smell, except by friction, or when heated; and possesses a peculiar, faint taste.—This simple substance is found, in a native state, in various parts of the world, particularly in the vicinity of volcanoes, being often combined with other minerals: it is generally cast into rolls, for sale, being known under the name of roll-brimstone.

Sulphur, when gently heated, rises in vapours, which are easily kindled; and, if it be suffered to cool gradually, it shoots into crystals resembling thin needles, termed flowers of sulphur: when combined with any alkaline salt, such as pot-ash, and melted in a moderate heat, and in a close vessel, a compound is produced, which is named liver of sulphur. This preparation is of a liver-brown hue; and, while dry, emits no peculiar odour; but, in a moist state, it evolves a very offensive smell, resembling that of putrid eggs: it deliquates in the air, and is completely dis-