CHEMISTS AND THE USES OF ALCOHOL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 88, 16 April 1903, Page 3

CHEMISTS AND THE USES OF ALCOHOL.

One of the most debated subjects at the present moment in France is the question of alcohol, and the affirmation of Professor Duclaux, the distinguished head of the Pasteur Institute, that alcohol possesses a decided alimentary value has led to an animated controversy among eminent medical specialists. Dr. Duclaux's opinion was based on the experiments of Messrs Atwater and Benedict, two American physiolo-. gists, and in his contribution to a symposium organised by the Revue dcs Revues on the subject, M. Pasteur's successor contends that although practical and definite conclusions cannot be drawn from the experiments of the Americans named, Mr Atwater has demonstrated that an average of one pint and three- quarters of wine per day is useful and inoffensive. Dr. Ronx, also of the Pasteur Institute, maintained that even if it be recognised that alcohol, may serve as an aliment under certain conditions, the fight against alcoholism must be continued. Dr. Berthelot, the eminent chemist, says that although alcohol may be a combustible, it is not an aliment. Employed in small quantities and given in feeble doses it may be useful in certain cases as a medicine, like quinine, for example. Dr. Charles Richet doe 3 not doubt that alcohol is an aliment, but he thinks that men would have to be angels for alcohol not to be a great danger to them. Professor Bernheim, of Nancy, says that like all drugs alcohol is also a poison. It is a question of dose and the organic individual. Professor Landouzy considers that all those who have at heart the vital interests of France will continue to regard alcoholism as one of the evils which lies heaviest on the country. Dr Magnan is of opinion that in no case is alcohol a rccommendable aliment. Dr Legrain, president of tho French AntiAlcoholic Union, thinlcs that Dr Duelaux must regret his hasty affirmations.