[ To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sui,—It is difficult
to imagine what can have induced Sit Arbuthnot Lane to write his article on this subject ; still more difficult is it to imagine how he could start off with the regret that it was not generally recognized that alcohol pos- sesses high value as food and as medicine ; for if there ever was a hoary, vulgar, and disastrous delusion, surely it is this I The modern physician has drugs at his disposal which are far more effective and reliable for any purpose for which alcohol was prescribed fifty years ago ; he knows its dangerous liability to-create craving ; and he is not likely to treat this distinguished surgeon's pharmacological opinions with much reverence. Anyone who wishes to know the views which advanced medical workers have formed about alcohol as a food, will be better advised to consult the little book entitled Alcohol, the report of 'the Advisory Committee of the Central Control Board, 1918.
No- one will doubt, however, that gentlemen who are accus- tomed to :take fermented liquors with their meals will find a dinner-party a very dull affair if water and lemonade are the only beverages supplied ; and it may be admitted that those who are slightly confused and exhilarated by alcohol are, more tolerant towards stupidity, more appreciative of feeble, attempts to jest, less self-critical and, consequently, more expansive. This 'fact has to be faced, but there are some who feel that clear-headedness and an alert wit are adequate compensations. Besides, this article creates such an unfortu-' nate impression, appearing as it does in close proximity to a serious " leader " setting forth the political aspirations of; Conservatives on the eve of an election.—I am, Sir, dm.,
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