The Way it Was

Advice for Travelers to the Tropics, 1880s

I would especially urge on the traveller, if he is visiting the tropics, the absolute necessity of extreme moderation in the use of alcohol. Indeed, it is better to go to the extreme of abstaining altogether, than to go to excess in this matter, which is remorselessly punished by nature.

At the same time, alcohol is a valuable medicine and should not be excluded from the traveller’s repertory. For an expedition not likely to last more than a year, the following amount will be found sufficient: Two dozen of good champagne, three bottles of sherry, four bottles of brandy, and four of whisky. Claret, burgundy, and port travel badly, although as tonics and blood-making wines they are among the best.

Except under extraordinary circumstances, such as accidents or deadly faintness, alcohol should never be taken in the day-time, but reserved for the evening, and if the want of it then felt, it should preferably be taken in the form of champagne, or brandy or whisky and water.

The practice of so many German travellers of taking small quantities of neat brandy or other spirit in Africa during the day is most deleterious, and if pursued for any length of time will inevitably prove fatal.

H.H. Johnston, Hints on Outfit, 1889. Compiled by Simon Brett, Take a Spare Truss, Elm Books, London 1983.