The book examines inebriety from a wide range of angles: although that caused by alcohol is the main focus, he also explores use of opium (popular at the time), tobacco, nitrous oxide, and also other various poisons, such as hemlock, "bangue" (cannabis), foxglove and nightshade.
Robert Macnish (15 February 1802 – 16 January 1837) was a Scottish surgeon physician, philosopher and writer.