Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-03-01
NoN-ALcoHoLIcs in MEDICINE.
Doctors Testimony After an Experi-
ence OF Thirty-Four Years I'm
the M edical Profession.

There is no provision made in the hui
man economy for the liberation of al
cohoL 1t is an irritant poison of great
magnitude, from which no one can es-
cape, because it aggravates the condi-
ton which it is given to relieve, besides
creating an appetite for itself which
otherwise would not exist.
Alcohol is not acted upon by the gas
trio juice, but is carried through the
system unaltered in its character by
contact with the various secretions of
the body. 1t cannot, therefore, be as
simulated, consequently does not enter
into the constituent properties of the
body.
That which Is not assimilated can
not be counted as food, because it does
not repair waste, and is lacking in sus-
tanning power. Alcohol may generate
fitful energy, but the value of energy,
Is estimated by its enduring quality.
The spirit of strength which alcohol
gives is devitalizing, leaving the sys-
tenn weaker than it found it, being
based upon that law of physics which
declares that action and reaction are
always equal.
Alcohol can never be a medicine be-
cause its mission is to consume sub
stance, harden tissue and peryert func-
ton, possessing no compromising bene-
fits in its malignant nature. Only the
unscientific mind will prescribe al
cohol, there being neither sense nor
science in expecting a salutary action
from its administration. Alcohol may
temporarily palliate pain; it never
cured diseased conditions. Palliation
is always followed by a reaction which
introduces complications foreign to
the case and more taxing TO the vitality
than the original trouble, adding fuel
to the FIRE.
Alcohol is a false friend; even in
emergency it never revived a patient
that there was not something better
adapted to the case. Something more
permanent in its power for good could
have been given. and to which no after
effects would be attached. because res
toration to normal balance is not its
province. The system has less to con-
tend with during suffering when TAX
ing nothing, than It has when taking
the wrong thing.
nv uoSAOE WHO pEeScTlOeS aicO moi IN
any shape demonstrates his ignorance
of the nature Of disease and the nature
of cure. sick person is in more or
less Of a defective state of health. has
less resistance to unfavorable influ-
ences, and should be tenderly protected
from baneful risks. Alcohol is agrees
sive, inflammatory and intolerant in
it's effects on the human body. Make
too hot fire under a defective boiler
and we all know what happens to the
boilerl
The doctrine Of total abstinence
from alcohol under all circumstances,
is not the product OF sentiment or be-
lief; II is based on a scientific truth
borne out by accumulated facts
through experiment and extensive OBJ
servation. All assertions to the con-
trary spring from either willful mis-
interpreta tion of the truth, or gross,
culpable and inexcusable ignorance.
After an experience of "a years. unbi-
ased by prejudice, seeking only SUBJ
stantial facts, am compelled to say
that alcohol occupies no legitimate
place in medicine.-Alice B. Campbell,
NJ. D.. in Union Signal.