Recent researches on the action of alcohol in health and in sickness : a lecture / by G. Sims Woodhead.

  • Woodhead, G. Sims.
Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Recent researches on the action of alcohol in health and in sickness : a lecture / by G. Sims Woodhead. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Library & Archives Service. The original may be consulted at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Library & Archives Service.

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    iulluences advem;])' afTcctiiig tlie puljlic licaltli on wliidi medical ollicers are at prcHent coneeiitrating tlieir eUbits, I would choose uidiesitatingly tlie abolition of drink, as being greater, l)y far, than all the others combined.” Mow true this is only tho.se who have gone into the question can know, but each one of you may, by a study of the question, soon convince himself or herself that Dr. Millard has not gone one word beyond what is amply justified by facts. It is evident that wherever we have accurate data on which to base a conclusion no verdict can bo given in favour of alcohol. Even in the case of the very small doses in which it is .sometimes u.sed (although certain physiologists have departed from theij- custom of requiring facts and experiments to support the po.sition they maintain and have accepted use and wont and “general experience” in theii' stead), the verdict must be “ non-proven.” On the main question Physiology and Pathology now speak with no uncertain voice, and taking into account the enormous amount of moral, physical and intellectual shipwreck made by alcohol the temperance pi’opaganda is justified ; it must go on and gather force. Temperance workers b}' the continued study of the effects of alcohol and by the diffusion of the knowledge so gained amongst those who are growing up to take an active shai'e in the conduct of the affairs of the nation, will be able to diffuse a more accurate conception of the role of alcohol in our national life, and possibly to lead our budding legislators to forward measures to counteract its evil effects.