If a man recovered he did it almost in spite of fate.

The medicines given were scanty and crude.

The principal remedial agent--as far as my observation extended--was a rank, fetid species of unrectified spirits, which, I was told, was made from sorgum seed.

It had a light-green tinge, and was about as inviting to the taste as spirits of turpentine.

It was given to the sick in small quantities mixed with water.