Considering the rash and frolicksome disposition* of some who visit this mountain, it is very remarkable that so few fatal accidents happen. I have heard of young English gentlemen betting who mould venture farthest, or remain longest, near the mouth of the volcano. A very dreadful event had nearly taken place while our company remained. The bank, if it may be so called, on which some of them had stood when they looked into the volcano, actually fell in before we left the summit of the mountain. This made an impression on all present, and inclined them to abandon so treacherous a neighbourhood. The steep hill of dross and cinders, which we had found it so difficult to ascend, we descended in a twinkling; but, as the night was uncommonly dark, we had much trouble in passing over the rough valley between that and the Hermitage, near which the mules waited. I ought to be ashamed, however, to mention i96 VIEW OF SOCIETY AND child, accompanied her husband as far as the Hermitage, and was then with difficulty persuaded to go back 'r the other actually went to the summit, and returned with the rest of the company. Before we set out for Naples, we were refreshed, at a little inn at the bottom of the mountain, with some glasses of a very generous and palatable wine, called Lachrima Chrijli; and experienced the truth of what an Italian Poet observed, that the effects of this wine form a strong contrast with its name: Chi fu, ne Contadini il piu indiscreto> Che a sbigottir la gente, Diede nomedolente, * What inconsiderate fellow, to terrify people, could first give the mournful name of tears to that wine which, above all others, renders the heart glad, and excites cheerfulness f LETTER LXIU. Naples. ^tour account of our friend's state * of health gives me much concern; the more, as I cannot approve the change he has made of a physician. You say, the doctor, under whose care he is at present, has employed his mind so entirely in medical researches, that he scarcely displays a grain of common fense, when the conversation turns on any other subject; and that, although he seems opinionative, vain, and ostentatious in his profession, and full of false and absurd ideas in the common affairs of life, yet he is a very able physician, and has performed many wonderful cures. Be assured, my dear Sir, that this is impossible; for medical skill is not like the rod of an inchanter, which may be a blockhead or a man of sense. The number of weak, goffipping men, who have made fortunes by this profession, do not prove the contrary. I do not fay that men of that kind cannot make fortunes; I only assert they are not the most likely to cure diseases. An interest with apothecaries, nurses, and a few talkative old ladies, will enable them- to do the first; but a clear understanding, and a considerable mare of natural sagacity, are qualities essentially necessary for the second, and for every business which requires reflection. Without these, false inferences will be drawn from experience itself; and learning will tend to confirm a man in his errors, and to render him more completely a coxcomb. The profession of physic is that, of'all others, in which the generality of man-' kind have the fewest lights, by which they can discern the abilities of its professors; because the studies which lead to it are more out of the road of usual education, and the practice more enveloped in techni men, who have not been bred to that profession, can sown a judgment of those who have, is, the degree of sagacity and penetration they discover on subjects equally open to mankind in general, and which ought to be understood by all who live in society. You do not mention particularly what has been prescribed by either; only that the former physician seemed to rely almost entirely on exercise and regimen, whereas the present flatters our friend with a speedy cure, by the help of the Pectoral and Balsamic medicines which he orders in such abundance; and which he declares are so efficacious in pulmonary consumptions. Having lamented with you the mournful events which render the name of that disease ' peculiarly alarming to you, and knowing your friendly solicitude about Mr. - , I do not wonder at your earnest desire to know something of the nature of a distemper with which he is threatened, and which has proved fatal to so many of |