Alcohol at the bar : the highest medical and scientific testimony concerning its use / compiled by G.W. Bacon.
- Date:
- [between 1880 and 1889?]
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Alcohol at the bar : the highest medical and scientific testimony concerning its use / compiled by G.W. Bacon. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![CHAPTER XVIII. TWELVE REASONS FOR ABSTAINING FROM IN- TOXICATING DRINKS. —POEM ON STRONG DRINK. In the preceding chapters we have collected a great deal of evidence on the pernicious effects of alcohol, mentally, physicially, and socially, and have, we believe, fully demonstrated the utter uselessness of intoxicants for strengthening the body. We have compiled the following twelve reasons, which are based upon this evidence, and we think they should be sufficient to create—in all except those who study the gratification of their appetite more than their own well-being—the desire to enjoy the benefits resulting from total abstinence : First.—Because the use of intoxicants is not only un- necessary , affording neither food nor force to the system,, but positively injurious. [See chapters II. and III.] Second.—Because, for the above reason, every penny paid for such drinks, is so much money absolutely wasted which could be applied to far more useful purposes. Third.—Because by abstaining, we shall be better in health, stronger in body, and live longer ; for the use of alcoholic drinks lessens the capacity for either mental or manual work, impairs the health, causes numerous diseases, and shortens life. [See chapters III., V., and XII.] Fourth.—Because even in their moderate use, the evil effects are cumulative and are liable to impair digestion to such an extent, that an increased quantity is required to prevent depression, until, at length, the moderate man becomes the drunkard, [See chapter V.] Fifth.-—Because total abstinence is the only safe](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b28057077_0142.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
