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The mortality from alcohol cannot, therefore, be even
approximately estimated from the death returns.
The deaths from over-lying must be considered in this
connection. There are reasons for thinking that much of the
mortality of infants suffocated while in bed with their parents
may be attributed to drunkenness on the part of the parents.
Alcoholism is probably a greater danger to the public health
than anything which is usually included under the term
"insanitary conditions," and it is gratifying to note that the
Sanitary Authorities are now making a direct attack on this most
potent enemy of our national well-being. During the year 1905,
many Sanitary Authorities published placards calling attention
to the dangers of alcohol. Battersea was one of the first to
take this step, and the placard published was in the following
terms:—
BATTERSEA BOROUGH COUNCIL.
Physical Deterioration and Alcoholism.
The Report of the Committee on Physical Deterioration,
presented to Parliament by command of His Majesty, states
that:
The abuse of alcoholic stimulants is a most potent and
deadly agent of physical deterioration.
Alcoholic persons are specially liable to Tuberculosis and
all inflammatory disorders;
Evidence was placed before the Committee shewing that in
Abstinence is to be sought the source of muscular vigour and
dexterity ;
The lunacy figures shew a large and increasing number of
admissions of both sexes which are due to drink.
The following facts recognised by the Medical profession
and placarded all over France by order of the Government, are
published in order to carry out the recommendation of the
Committee to bring home to the community the fatal effects of
alcohol on physical efficiency:—
(1) Alcoholism is a chronic poisoning, resulting from the
habitual use of alcohol (whether as spirits, wine or
beer), which may never go as far as drunkenness.