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 helaboured 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].