Page:Alcohol, a Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine.djvu/162

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ALCOHOL AS A MEDICINE.
 

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