Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1893-01-19
nRlNK ANp INSANITY.

Disastrous Consequences OF tsing Alca-
homie stimuIants.
DR. Augustine l'lanus, of Paris, IN All
article summarizing the results Of a
careful investigation made by himself
saws that a very large proportion
many more than majority Of the total
-of the numerous eases of insanity
which have been registered III that city
in the past few years, are attributable
entirely 10 the excessive use of intoxi-
eating liquors Along with this. his re.
searches show that the vice Of drunk
enness has increased very largely in
the French capital within the same
period There is correlation also.
according to his conclusions, between
the vest number of cases OF lunacy re-
sulting from intoxlcation and the in
crease in the amount of drunkenness
The same causes which promote tins
vice operate TO produce those excuses
which result in the arrangement Of the
intellect which is known as insanity
the most terrible affection which can
befall our poor. imperfect humanity.
DR. Planus finds that while the in
crease in the number OF victims of the
vice Of intoxication is due to great
many causes. among which is one of
particular interest. because it is excess
in indulgence from this cause which
most readily produces insanity. This
cause is the pressure and worry caused
from overwork. both physical and
mental Especially are these evil eff
fects visible IN the large class of brain
workers. Artists, authors. journalists,
LAWYERS doctors. boolSlleepers and
others. whose duties require severe
mental exertion, are especially the
speedy victims. not only of intemper.
ance. but OF insanity. Very often the
overNorll whether mental or physical,
is combined Of necessity with irregu
lar hours and irregular meals. and the
evil effects are increased thereby. As
he says most truly, the best work,
however hard. is always methodical
enough To permit Of timely rest and OF
regular nutrition; and the full recogni-
lion Of this fact is simp e question OF
public utility
But why should brain-workers and
others whose labors are at times ex-
cessive SO easily fall into the vice of
drunkenness? The reason is very
simple The exhausted system, pros
trated by overwork. Graves some slim
nlant Alcoholic liquors supply this
craving and give fictitious strength
for the time being. The worn and
weary worker overcome by exhaustion
Of his mental power in which his body
shares as the result of the loss OF nerve
power, finds that liquor, for the time
being, restores his power He speedily
becomes habituated to its use: and as
natural sequence the drink thirst
which takes possession of him be-
comes more pressing in its demands
continually FOR more of the liquid
poison. His body, his brain. his nerves,
become saturated with the Internal
stuff: he becomes its slave. his brain
breaks down under il. and the mad
house ends his miserable career
There is in this reason. too. why the
vice Of intoxication is more prevalent
in cities than in rural districts. In the
rushing life OF modern cities, in the in
tense competition of the race for
wealth and fame and position. men are
constantly tempted TO exert their pow
ers beyond the point mp to which they
may safely be exercised. Ambitious To
keep mp in the race. anxious to excel.
both the mental and the physical sys-
TINS are overtaNed. Alcoholic bever-
ayes are resorted to in order TO sustain
The tagging powers; but unfortunate
" they destroy instead of building up
and drunkenness follows, with insan-
iiy a. its sequel. When intelligent men
''r scores thus fan victims TO the insid-
ru> temptation Of the demon of rum.
is { too much la ssfy that it is the duty
q -i.icty. netting through the stale. a.
far~ them and conserve itself. t" crush
Or the liqnor flic. and thus pulverizt
tie run power.-TOiedo Blade