Useful knowledge: Hangover Cures

Since alcohol was first imbibed - and its residual effects suffered - a noble, distinguished (almost alchemical) search for the ultimate hangover cure has been underway. The homeopathic principle of similia similibus curanter ('like cures like') lies behind 'hair of the dog that bit you' remedies which seem to have included everything from a straight brandy to a spicy Bloody Mary. Some of the more elaborate hangover remedies are:

THE DOCTOR - Raw egg, brandy, sugar, fresh milk (sherry may be substituted).

THE COALMAN - Melt butter over hot water, stir in a dessertspoonful of Worcester sauce, the same quantity of orange juice, a pinch of cayenne, and about half a wineglassful of old port. Take some freshly browned toast and soak in the mixture before eating.

CHAMPAGNE - Regularly cited as the ultimate hangover cure. Some recommend adding a splash of brandy, others a couple of raw eggs - when the concoction becomes a SURGEON-MAJOR.

ST MARK'S PICK ME UP - 10 drops of Angostura bitters, 10 drops of orange bitters, a glass of brandy, two glasses of water, a shot of curacao, lemon juice. Mix well.

THE BATHING CURE - A series of baths - ice cold and as hot as can be borne - in alteration.

BRAZIL RELISH - 1/2 curacao, one raw egg, fill with maraschino.

THE NURSE-MAID - A schooner of sherry poured into half a pint of cold milk, seasoned with cloves.

THE LAZENBY - Hot water infused with ginger, cloves and honey

in Schott's Food & Drink Miscellany.