A Moral and Physical Thermometer (1827)
Your drinking choices - from milk to morning whiskey
The temperance movement urged the restriction of alcohol. It gained momentum in the 19th century and influenced a wealth of campaigning artwork. This chart shows the progression from temperance to intemperance. At one end are the health-giving effects of beer and at the other the vices and punishments associated with spirits.
The top illustrations are idyllic scenes: a man out hunting with his dog; two men counting their plentiful wares; a man relaxing in the sunshine. These pleasant moments are accompanied by the thermometer reading milk and water. According to 18th-century physician John Coakley Lettsom, even if you drank cider and wine you would be respected in the community, popular amongst your peers, and enjoy happiness into old age. Some alcoholic drinks are presented as healthy; ale and stout are said to improve strength and nourishment ‘when taken at meals or in moderate quantities.’
Halfway down the chart this cheerful, prosperous life starts to go wrong. A habit of punch or toddy would see you becoming idle, experiencing tremors in the morning, and even facing debt. It was not just your pocket which would be affected; infused spirits would disturb your mind, making you angry and violent. Serious health concerns like epilepsy and melancholy are shown, in contrast to healthy beer. Drinking gin might also see you in jail, or shipped to Botany Bay. ~ Royal College of Physicians
Below is another famous “temperance thermometer” of the era by Philadelphia physician (and signer of the Declaration of Independence) Benjamin Rush. Rush’s version appeared in his pamphlet “An Inquiry into the Effects of Spirituous Liquors in the Human Body” in 1784, and was republished many times.
Title: A moral and physical thermometer illustrated by the celebrated Docr. Lettsom
Subtitle: Dedicated to that eccentric gentleman Mr. Abernethy, who posessing the abilitie of a skilfull Docr. yet disowns the title. NB. Recomemended [sic] to the serious study of all sober heaads [sic] of families.
Creator: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker
Published / Created: [June 1827]
Publication Place: London
Publisher: Pubd. June 1827 by S. Knights, Sweetings Alley
Repository: Medical Historical Library, Cushing/Whitney Medical Library Print10198
A more posts on temperance:
I don't take whisky in the morning, but I have been hitting the Toddy and Crank pretty hard. No wonder I'm so peevish.
Looking under the Intemperance drink column, I wonder what "Hysteric Water" is and where can I get some?