Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why: What Medical Writers SayAllen, Martha Meir
Science
Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why: What Medical Writers Say
Allen, Martha Meir
Alcohol -- Physiological effect; Temperance
The _Christian Advocate_ of New York city deserves special mention for
having published in 1898 two articles written by Mrs. Allen under the
caption, "The Danger and Harmfulness of Patent Medicines." These were in
the fall of that year published in pamphlet form, and a copy sent to
every local W. C. T. U. in the United States for study. Tens of
thousands of copies of this and other leaflets on that theme were
distributed within a few years, some local unions placing them in every
home in their community. Medical journals took note of this work and
commended it highly. When Mr. Bok began his campaign of education in the
_Ladies' Home Journal_, for which he deserves lasting gratitude, the
_American Druggist_ said he was "bowing to the clamor of the W. C. T.
U."
This department which began in weakness, and was for years regarded as
fanatical even by many members of the W. C. T. U. has entered upon an
era of victories. The National Pure Food Law requires the percentage of
alcohol in patent medicines, and the presence of different dangerous
drugs, to be stated upon the label. The prohibition law of Georgia
forbids physicians to prescribe alcoholic beverages, absolute alcohol
only being permitted. Kansas has amended her law so that whisky
drug-stores are eliminated. If physicians prescribe alcohol the law
forbids charge for it. Alabama forbids the sale of liquor for everything
but the communion. The Internal Revenue Department has examined a large
number of "patent" medicines and has listed them as intoxicating
beverages. Two state medical societies and some county societies in 1908
passed resolutions to discourage the medical use of alcoholic liquors.
Two national societies of druggists and pharmacists in 1908 passed
resolutions against whiskey drug-stores.
These are some of the results of Medical Temperance agitation. Much more
may be expected in the next decade if the work is as faithfully and
fearlessly carried on as in the past.
This book contains much of the teachings of the department of Medical
Temperance. When these views are generally accepted the liquor-problem
will be well-nigh solved.
CHAPTER III.
ALCOHOL AS A PRODUCER OF DISEASE.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account