Tea Drinking and Insanity in Ireland
Insanity is said to be on the increase in Ireland. In 1871, England and Wales had 30.4 per cent per ten thousand; Scotland, 34; Ireland, 30.5. But in 1901 the figures were: England and Wales, 40.8; Scotland, 45; and Ireland, 56.2. There is a feeling of conviction that in the north of Ireland tea-drinking has very much to do with it. Large quantities are consumed. Certainly it would hardly seem as tho the other contributory elements should be left out, such as tobacco and whisky.