Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/101

 PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISEASES 87

not possess this virtue, he can drink hygienic drinks — boiled milk, tea, coffee. Whatever is said, it is not possible to deter- mine the quantity of alcohol which one can drink with impunity, since we must take account of individual susceptibility. That which seems harmless for one is an abuse in another. It is difficult to say when the quantity is innocent, for a slight excess which may not be noticed, even if it does not affect the brain, may expose other parts of the body to serious injuries. Already many physicians drink water, and it is an established fact that in the banquets of physicians the consumption of wine is half that at other banquets. Many ph3-sicians have reduced the quantity of alcohol and wine in their perscriptions, and they do not so frequently recommend wine and beer to nursing women.

Alcoholism may be considered one of the capital causes of mental disorders and human degeneracy. It is against this evil that all should labor with united forces and by all means which tend to annihilate it.

Also the societies for preventing the abuse of alcoholic drinks have great reason to be congratulated. In Holland Dr. Buysch, inspector of asylums for the insane, and in Belgium Dr. Frank, have become valiant champions of the noble cause, and have made appeal to woman and have taught her to comprehend the grand part she can take in social reform by contributing to the contest against alcoholism.

Woman is in a position to fulfill the role of a protecting angel, capable of covering with her wings those who are unfortunate and of showing them the lofty way of salvation.

GENERAL MEASURES.

Alcoholism being a public danger, it is necessary to use in combating it public measures, that is, laws and reforms which assist in the struggle. It has been proposed to raise to the highest point the duties on alcohol, to increase the price of licences to wine merchants, to limit the number of drinking places, and to forbid the sale of unwholesome drinks. Thus far none of these reforms has succeeded. Candidates as well as electors have an interest in maintaining present conditions. Dr.