Our Attention ought to be directed to the means of thinning the blood, when it has been deprived by too profuse transpiration, in hot, dry winds, of its aqueous particles and rendered thick and viscid. Water would easily supply this want of fluidity if it were capable of mingling with the blood when in this state; acid matter cannot be ultimately combined with the blood when the body is in this state. In order to find a menstruum by which water may be rendered capable of combining ultimately with the blood - of remaining long in combination with it - and of thinning it, we must mix it with a substance possessing the property of a soap, and consequently fit to dissolve viscous matters, and make them unite with water. The soap must contain but little salt, that it may not increase the thirst of the parched throat. It must not have a disagreeable taste, that we may be able to drink a considerable quantity of it: and it must be capable of recruiting the strength without overloading the stomach. Now all these qualities are to be found in the yolk of egg. No beverage therefore is more suitable (whilst it is very agreeable) for hot, dry weather than one composed of the yolk of egg beaten up with a little sugar {quantum sufficit for taste) and mixed with a quart of cool spring or filtered water, half a glass of Moselle or any other Rhenish wine, and some lemon juice.

The wine, however, may be omitted, and lemon juice alone (and rather more) used. In like manner hartshorn shavings, boiled in water, may be substituted for the yolk of egg; equal quantities of beef tea and whey are good for delicate infants.