'Then, Sir, (said Johnson,) what is
gained is, the man has his choice whether he will move himself alone, or
himself and the machine too.' Dominicetti being mentioned, he would not
allow him any merit. 'There is nothing in all this boasted system. No,
Sir; medicated baths can be no better than warm water: their only effect
can be that of tepid moisture.' One of the company took the other
side, maintaining that medicines of various sorts, and some too of most
powerful effect, are introduced into the human frame by the medium
of the pores; and, therefore, when warm water is impregnated with
salutiferous substances, it may produce great effects as a bath. This
appeared to me very satisfactory. Johnson did not answer it; but talking
for victory, and determined to be master of the field, he had recourse
to the device which Goldsmith imputed to him in the witty words of one
of Cibber's comedies: 'There is no arguing with Johnson; for when his
pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it.
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