IN PRAISE OF ALCOHOL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8943, 31 May 1907, Page 2

IN PRAISE OF ALCOHOL.

MANIFESTO BY GREAT DOCTORS. A manifesto—which by reason of the high authority of its signatories is likely to attract wide attention — dealing with the question of the value of alcohol appeared in a recent number of the "Lancet." The signatures are those of some of the most distinguished members of the medical profession : — T. M'Call Anderson, M.D.j Regius Professor of Medicine, University of -Glasgow; William H. Bennett, K.C.V.0., F.R.C.S. ; James Crichton-Browne ; Dyce Duckworth, M.D., LL.D. ; Thomas 11. I'raser, M.D., F.R.S. ; W. D. Halliburton, M.D., etc., Professor of Physiology, King's Co-liege 1 , London; Edmund Owen, LL.D., F.R.C.S.; Fred. T. Roberts, M.D., B.Sc, F.R.C.P., and others 1 . The manifesto Is as follows : — In view of the statements frequently made as to present medical opinion regarding alcohol and alcoholic beverages, we, the undersigned, think it desirable to issue the following short statement on the subject — a statement which we believe represents the opinions of the leading clinical' teachers as well as of the great majority of medical practitioners. Recognising that, in prescribing alcohol, the- requirements of th© individual must be the governing rule, we are convinced of the correctness of the opinion so long and generally held, that in disease alcohol is a rapid and trustworthy restorative. In many cases' it may be truly described as lifepresfirving, owing to its power to sustain cardiac and nervous energy, while protecting the wasting nitrogenous tissues. As an article of diet, we hold that the universal belief of civilised mankind that the moderate use of alcoholic beverages is, for adulte, usually beneficial is amply justified. We deplore the evils arising irom ike abuse of alcoholic beverages. But it is obvious that there is nothing, however beneficial, which does not by excess become injurious.