226 PROBLEMS OF HUMAN EVOLUTION 



advanced to 31*3. Taking spirits, we find the average annual 

 consumption per head in 1885 was 0-96 of a gallon; in 1897 



I-02. 1 



I have not any statistics for years previous to 1885, but the 

 figures at our disposal tell their tale very plainly. They show 

 that during the period in question there has been a marked 

 increase in prosperity. In other words, the environment has 

 become softer. I am quite aware that alcohol itself is an 

 eliminator : it destroys those who indulge in it to excess. For 

 them it hardens the environment and makes it more exacting. 

 But it is only a minority who are thus affected. There is an 

 enormous majority who do not drink to excess, and who are not 

 injuriously affected by the drunkenness of others. In their case 

 we may infer that there is greater comfort more money to 

 spend and, on the whole, a wise use of it. The increase in the 

 consumption of alcohol is proof that the great mass of the people 

 live in easier circumstances. The housing, clothing, and diet of 

 the poor, there is every reason to believe, have improved pari 

 passu with the rise in their drink bill. 



Reduction But the best evidence of the softening of the conditions of life 

 in the j g f ounc } j n t h e diminishing death-rate. From Porter's Progress 



death-rate 



of the Nation 2 I quote some figures derived from the London 



Bills of Mortality. 



Percentage of deaths 

 under 20 years of age. 



1751-1760 51! 



I76I-I770 . . 50} 



1771-1780 . . 



1781-1790 



1791-1800 491 



1801-1810 . . . 47J 



1811-1820 . . . 



1821-1830 . . . 



1831-1840 . . . 



I believe that the figures just quoted may be taken to be 



1 See the report on Alcoholic Beverages, published by the Board of Trade, 1897. 



2 P. 23- 



