18 OCTOBER 1924, Page 13

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Sir Arbuthnot Lane is

doubtless an authority on intes- tinal stasis, but he is doubtless not an authority on the physio- logical and psychological effects of alcohol. He is evidently unaware of recent scientific work on the subject—the latest researches indicating that alcohol, even in very small doses, has a definite deleterious effect on the mind processes. Sir Arbutlmot's advocation of alcohol for infants may do great harm among the partly educated. However, let us be thank- ful for our relative freedom to indulge in alcohol, Communism, proletarian Sunday schools, and, may I add, unabbreviated intestinal tracts.—I am, Sir, &c.,