go THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY
abstinence, which is not so rigorous as it will be in an asylum of abstinence, but which is sufficient to permit him to become sound in mind, if this termination of the malady, in a certain cerebral condition, is possible. Observe that so long as he is delirious he usually remains in confinement, where it is difficult to procure alcoholic liquors, at least in quantity to bring on his disorder. When he is cured comes the moment to send him to a special asylum, where he will be an abstainer, and where he will learn to form habits which will assure against future falls.
The asylum for abstinents, says Dr. Magnan, ought to be a field of suggestion. The physician and his assistants, the employes and nurses, ought to give the example and should drink water alone. It is important that there should be no dis- cordant note, no jesting from any source, to interfere with the action of treatment. The reading of papers, conversation, con- ferences, all ought to be employed to strike the attention of the sick and to reassure their good resolutions. And when they go out, the treatment is only begun, not completed. It belongs then to another institution, to boards of relief, to help and watch over them.
Awaiting further legislative measures, the temperance soci- eties are doing vast good, and in several countries of Europe their number and influence increase from day to day, and their crusades are by no means near the end. It is necessary to arouse from indifference members of the higher social classes. The inferior classes will not be long in following them.
We merely remind the reader of the abuses of morphine and other drugs which contribute to the increase of insanity. The remedy here is easily found. It would be sufficient to impose a fine on all druggists who dispense such medicines without the prescription of a physician."
RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS.
Religious education should be conducted with moderation,
' In America the suppression of patent medicines, cigarettes, etc., containing cocaine, opium, alcohol, etc., should be made part of this movement to prevent insan- ity.— C. R. H.
