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89
The Lunacy figures shew a large, and, in some cases, an
increasing number of admissions into Asylums of both sexes,
which are due to drink, and an increase of General Paralysis
amongst lunacy patients due to the same cause.
The following facts recognised by the Medical Profession are
published in order to carry out the Recommendation of the Committee,
and to bring home to men and women the fatal effects of
Alcoholism on physical efficiency :—
1. Alcoholism is a chronic poisoning, resulting from the
habitual use in excess, or abuse, of alcohol (whether
in the form of spirits, wine or beer), even though
such habitual use, or abuse, does not produce
drunkenness.
2. Spirits (taken in excess) rapidly produce a state of
alcoholism, but even the milder alcoholic drinks, such
as beer, light wines, etc., will, under similar conditions
produce, with equal certainty, the same results after a
time : it is merely a difference of dose.
3. For healthy adults, alcohol, in any form, presents no
advantages , whilst for healthy children it is decidedly
injurious, and should in no case be given, except by
order of a Medical Practitioner.
4. It is a mistake to say that alcohol is necessary, even for
those doing hard mental or bodily work, as the stimulation
(or artificial strength) which it produces, soon
gives place to nervous depression and weakness; hard
work can usually be done better without alcohol.
5. Alcohol (taken in excess) is a narcotic, dulling the nerves
like laudanum or other forms of opium; and its first