Clubs, for the exclusive purpose of feeding, are dissolved, and succeeded by family parties, collected for the more rational entertainments of conversation, dancing, music, and chess. Taverns and beer-houses are much less frequented than formerly, and drunkenness is rarely seen in genteel life. The tea table, in an evening, has now become the place of resort of both sexes, and the midnight serenade has taken place of the midnight revels of the young gentlemen of former years.
In doing justice to the temperance of the modern citizens of Philadelphia, I am sorry to admit, there is still a good deal of secret drinking among them. Physicians, who detect it by the diseases it produces, often lament the inefficacy of their remedies to remove them. In addition to intemperance from spiritous liquors, a new species of intoxication from opium has found its way into our city. I have known death, in one instance, induced by it.
The following circumstances have had a favourable influence upon the health of the present inhabitants of Philadelphia.
The improvements in the construction of modern houses, so as to render them cooler in summer, and warmer in winter.
The less frequent practice of sitting on porches, exposed to the dew, in summer evenings.
The universal use of stoves in places of public worship.
The abolition of the custom of obliging lying-in women to sit up for company.
The partial use of Schuylkill or hydrant water, for culinary and other purposes.
The enjoyment of pure air, in country seats, in the neighbourhood of the city. They not only preserve from sickness during the summer and autumn, but they render families less liable to diseases during the other seasons of the year.