THE MODERATE USE OF ALCOHOL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1802, 18 December 1896, Page 6

THE MODERATE USE OF ALCOHOL.

At the English Church Congress Sir Wiltoughby Wade, M.D. (Birmingham),'said thai; although ■ alcohol was admittedly a. poison, which favored the development of diseases, there was only one disease— delirium , tremens—- actually accredited to it,ai|d ifcdid not follow that because alcohol waa ad~ « mittedly injurious under certain eircumstances it could not, under any circiHn-, stances, be beneficial. In certain acute diseases, such as pneumonia, alcohol might bo extremely beneficial; and, although doses might Bometimes be necessary, he had never known subsequent cravi'ig for alcohol to result. The effect of Its use, in\ : ibfsyautl other diseases seemed to prove thafc there was a demand or need for alcohol. Thew could, however, be no doubt that in perfectly healthy persona alcohol was sot a necessity of life, and especially was this true of children. Ag far M hfg observations went, the human body acted healthier under a moderate use of alcohol, though of course the power of resistance varied in different ..person's. SotneX cases©! pain and asthma were readily relieved by spirits, but there were few in which equalrejief eould aoj& be obtained by less, objectionable means. & discouraged strongly the use of all alcoholic ''pick-llie-ups," and recommended instead soup or beef tea; bub he held to the opinion that in many eases of acute disease patients "hold tfaemaelves together mi progress better if supplied with alcohol in small quantities, and that many persons in feeble health also the betterior it, but it should in the latter cases be only taken at regular me&li and in email quantities.