llabitual Drunkenness and Insane Drunkards. By John Charles
Bucknill, F.R.S. (Macmillan.)—Dr. Bucknill republishes a number of addresses, papers, and letters which have appeared from time to time relating to the theory that "drunkenness is disease," and to the measures, such as the foundation of "asylums for inebriates" and the putting of habitual drunkards under control, which have been pro posed by way of carrying out this theory into practice. To this theory he is strongly opposed. While acknowledging the existence of dipso. mania (properly so called) as an actual disease, though indeed so rare that in the course of his extensive experience he has never met with an undoubted case, he holds strongly to the belief that drunkards are re- sponsible, and that it would not be to the public advantage to do anything which would seem to deny this responsibility. This view he supports with much forcible argument. Sometimes he expresses himself with a vigour and directness which are apt to offend, as when he wishes that "alcohol were really the active poison which it is so often represented to be, that men who indulge in it might die off quickly." But practically, he is right ; certainly, if it be true that drunkenness is absolutely incur- able. It must be allowed, however, that this incurability suggests an essential difference between it and all other vices. Whatever side we may take upon the question, there can be no doubt that Dr. Bucknill's volume is a valuable contribution to the discussion.
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