The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-08
The wnr On Atrafer.

Prof. ". G. Atwater, of Wesleyan Uni
versity, has brought veritable tornado OF
wrath upon himself because OF his con-
tinued efforts to prove that alcohol is a
food. The well intentioned temperance adj
vocates of the country have arrayed them
selves against him apparently without ex-
ception and have enlisted under their ban
ners many able scientists and physicians
who disagree with Prof. Atwater's theories
and alleged proofs concerning the nutri
tive nature or>the most active constituent
of alcoholic beverages. The women's tenn
perance organizations especially have been
aroused and marshaled into bristlng bat
talions OF opponents. They are now en-
gagged in distributing pamphlets combating
the Atwster theory and essaying to prove
that alcohol not only presents no food char
acteristic, but is poison. pure and simple
Prof. Atwater's contention is not as new
as his antagonists seem TO believe. He is
simply giving greater prominence and elab-
Grafton 10 an idea promulgated some time
ago. One OF his strongest arguments is
that alcohol protects the materials of the
body from consumption Just as effectively
as do corresponding amounts OF sugar.
starch, and fat Through his experiments
as to the nutritive property of alcohol be
has attempted to show that it is a benefit
to the human organism when used in mod
Grafton.
An inspection OF the article on diet in
Chambers Encyclopedia will reveal the
fact, as has been stated, that Prof At
water is not the intrepid pioneer he is sup
posed to be in the matter OF investigating
the actual effects OF spirits upon the body.
The authority referred to says that from
three series OF observations made upon
himself, .Nr. Hammond. an eminent English
physician, arrived at the conclusion that
alcohol increases the weight OF the body
by retarding the metamorphosis of the old
and promoting the formation of new it's
sues. and limiting the consumption OF fat -
DR.. Hammond proved to his own satisfac-
ton that in certain cases the introduction
OF alcoholic beverages into the system pro-
duced a nourishng effect similar to that Of
solid foods. the degree of benefit conferred
depending upon the occupation OF the man
and his physical condition. Neither Or.
Hammond nor any other reliable authority.
however. has advised or defended the ex-
cessive consumption Of stimulating liquids.
This has invariably been pronounced harm
full TO mind and body by practitioners. and
doubtless would be by Prof. Atwater. who
is conducting an interesting series of tests.
The efforts Of this Connecticut invsstiga-
tor 20 obtain actual knowledge do not seem
TO he illegiiimate and blame worthy. nor
does there seem TO be sufficient basis
for the bitter war that is being waged
against him. His opponents are making
the terrified plea that If the Wesleyan pro-
fessor's theories are substaatiated. all the
schoolbooks at present in use throughout
the world will have to be rewritten. and that
the teachings OF the pulpit and religious
thought in general will undergo a complete
revolution. Is not that n weak foundation
mentative? If the statements in school |
books throughout the world are fciions. |
ought they to be permitted to remain I'M
changed? VIII the excellent cause OF tem-
perance be advanced by persisting in !
building its fabric upon gross error, II it !
is found to be an error?
Temperance in all things Is to be enc
Ct the greatest characteristics o. the futare |