The bases of the temperance reform: an exposition and appeal./ With replies to numerous objections. By Rev. Dawson Burns.

Drink-Selling and Disease.
ments," a door is opened for every encouragement which
vice need seek.*
(4.) There zs disease, to an extent far above that which
the physiologist assigns as the normal and expected
average; and every enquirer refers much of this to drinking habits, which the public-house systematically promotes. Much sickness unquestionably arises from bad
dwellings, deficient nutrition, improper exposure of young
persons to cold and contagion; but, as these causes are
themselves very common effects of drinking, their results
should largely be ascribed to the intoxicating cup. As
alcohol also impairs the blood and tissues, it invites
acute sickness of every kind, and renders chronic disease
less curable; while more ailments, such as nervous weakness, liver derangement, and brain affections, are aggravated (where not originated) by a use of strong drink
considered to be perfectly moderate, because not connected with conscious or visible intoxication. Mental
diseases are in this manner multiplied greatly; and as
both physical and mental maladies are transmissible, the
germs of the most terrible disorders become the fatal
legacy of one generation to another. The influence of
this disease on the national rate of mortality is, of necessity, fearfully impressive. That it has much to do with
the excess of town over rural mortality (equal to the loss
of nearly 200,000 lives in England and Wales per annum)
cannot be questioned; and even the rural mortality is
known to be unnaturally raised by the indulgences which
find their congenial sphere in the village inn or alehouse.t
* The New Licensing Act (clauses x4 and I5) contains stringent provisions
against permitting prostitutes to remain in public-houses longer than is
necessary for obtaining reasonable refreshment, and heavy penalties for a
violation of the law; and any licensed person keeping a brothel is liable to
be fined not more than ~20, to lose his license, and to be disqualified from
holding another.
t Dr. Lankester, F.R.S., Coroner for Central Middlesex, remarks: "The
death from alcoholic poisoning in Great Britain is prodigious; it may be set
ISr
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