MODERATE DRINKING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 299, 15 December 1923, Page 19

MODERATE DRINKING.

VERDICT OF SCIENCE. A critical scientific examination of the drink question and important conclusions are recorded in "The Action of Alcohol on Man," by Professor Ernest H. Starling, of University College, London.

The title also covers essays by Dr. Robert Hutchison, physician to the London Hospital; by Kir Frederick W. Mott, pathologist to the London County Council asylums; and by Dr. Raymond Pearl, professor of biometry nad vital statistics at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, U.S.A.

Their considered judgment goes In favour of a moderate use of stimulants. Professor Starling states in his preface : —

The evidence here presented has convinced mc that in a civilised society such an ours the abolition of all alcoholic beverages from our midst, even If carried out by universal consent, would be a mistake, anil contrary to the permanent interest of the The following conclusions are stated :— Alcohol is without doubt a food. Alcohol administered in a small dose at a time to a healthy Individual does not affect the digestion or availability of other food. » The slight deleterious effects of alenhol may he more than offset by the psychical effects of its consumption, such as the increased appetite or interest in the work resulting from the. pleasant flavour of the particular drink employed, or a freeing of the mind from depressing ideas unrelated to the work and tending to divert atten-

We need nnly compare the dull depression nr the forced merriment of a teetotal party with the natural flow of spirits and good fellowship which distinguish an ordinary feast of which nleoholu! drinks form a part.

I»rofe«Hor Starling stresses the psychical sense of well-being as an available asset for the Individual and lor society.

A certain decree nf self-satisfaction is a necessary element fnr successful activity, and a life that is not joyous is one that ulisument.

So far as the moderate use of alcoholic rirink.H serves to further cither of these ends It must be regarded as a distinct advantage to the community as a whole.

Professor Kayniond Pearl points out, as a matter of statistics, that moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages does not sensibly shorten the mean duration of life or increase the rate of mortality as compared with that enjoyed by total abstainers from alcohol.