Liquor and Insanity in Sweden.
THE Journal of Heredity publishes a report from Dr. Mathews, of Rhode Island, in which, referring to alcoholism and insanity, it is stated that "in a Swedish asylum it was found that 50 per cent. of the patients had been addicted to the use of alcoholic beverages." It is mentioned that "after the removal of the heavy tax on alcoholic drinks in Norway the percentage of increase during eleven years was: in mania, 41 per cent.; melancholia, 69 per cent.; dementia, 25 per cent., and idiocy, 150 per cent. Of the last, 60 per cent. were the children of drunken fathers and mothers." "In the insane hospital at Vienna, Austria, probably one of the largest in the world, the superintendent informed me personally," says Dr. Mathews, "that from 50 to 60 per cent. of the insanity was due to spirituous liquors." He adds very pertinently: "This percentage in a country where it is claimed alcoholic drinks do no harm is well worth noticing." Alcoholic indulgence not only involves inevitable deterioration on the part of those who are addicted to it, but a fearful legacy for their offspring.—Temperance Advocate.