form of whisky, was for many years considered of
great value in the treatment of consumption of the lungs. Indeed, it was
looked upon not only as a curative, but also as a prophylactic, or
preventive, of great service to those predisposed to this disease by
reason of narrow chest and weak lungs.

Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson was the first medical scientist who showed
plainly that alcohol, instead of being a preventive of consumption, is
really the sole cause of one type of this disease, the type now classed
under the head of "alcoholic phthisis." For this kind of phthisis there
is no hope of cure.

French physicians some years ago came to the conclusion that alcohol was
a prolific cause of tuberculosis and that the administration of
alcoholic liquors in tubercular troubles was a great error, and in the
International Anti-Tuberculosis Congress held in Paris in 1905, about
2000 medical scientists being present, they presented the following
resolution, which was adopted: "In view of the close connection between
alcoholism and tuberculosis, this Congress strongly emphasizes the
importance of combining the fight against tuberculosis with the struggle
against alcoholism."

Since that time a great crusade against tuberculosis has been carried on
by means of exhibits and lectures, and in connection with these, almost
invariably the people are warned against intemperance. For example, a
pamphlet sent out by the Boston Association for the Relief and Control
of Tuberculosis says: "Do not spend money for beer or other liquors, or
for quack medicines or 'cures.' Self-indulgence and intemperance are
very bad. Vice which weakens the strong kills the weak." The New York
State Charities Aid Association, working with the State Board of Health,
says in a pamphlet: "Patent medicines do not cure consumption. They are
usually alcoholic drinks in disguise, and the use of alcoholic drinks is
dangerous to the consumptive." At the great exhibit in Washington in
September, 1908, in connection with the International Anti-Tuberculosis
Congress different warnings against alcohol were upon the walls. Among
these was a large poster of white cloth on which was printed the
opinions on alcohol, in brief, of some of the best-known authorities on
consumption. The opinions as given on that poster are given here, with
others, in order to show the great change of sentiment regarding alcohol
and consumption which has come about within a few years:--

"