Dear WO'N: I applaud the ancients' diluting the wine. It would have meant that the guests would be much slower to become intoxicated, and much less prone to injury to the brain or liver. Having food with liquor also is wise. Fat in the stomach causes duodenal sphincter to remain closed until fat in the intestine has been absorbed, then sphincter relaxes again briefly. So sudden drunkenness is avoided. Behaviour is much less likely to become objectionable. Tongues are pleasantly loosened, but not too loose. And hangover is much less likely to be troublesome.
I have always found it surprising that eating while reclining was the custom. I have never been able to enjoy food in bed, no matter how sick I am. I need the assist of gravity to get food down and keep it down.
The development of distilled liquors is one of the worst catastrophes to afflict the human race. Few if any of the brain damaged alcoholics I had on my wards were wine drinkers. Alas, I do not enjoy alcohol in any form.
I regret I have no words to contribute.
