THE DEATH-RATE FROM ALCOHOL 65 



quite without bias, and their returns may be 

 accepted as true to all intents and purposes. It 

 has been said that statistics, properly manipulated, 

 may be made to prove anything. There is so 

 much truth in this view that the wise man regards 

 them with suspicion — especially when they contro- 

 vert his own cherished convictions. The object in 

 view, however, is a very important consideration. 

 When statistics are compiled to guide the compiler, 

 particularly in financial matters, they are generally 

 trustworthy ; when they are compiled to guide 

 other people, they are not so often worthy of 

 credence — hence the frequently misleading nature 

 of the statistics compiled by promoters of bogus 

 companies, and by enthusiasts having religious, 

 philanthropic, or patriotic ends in view. 



Dr James Ridge, of Enfield, has published a 

 very suggestive and important little book.^ In it 

 are presented a mass of statistics, culled from the 

 records of a number of friendly and insurance 

 societies, which places the devastation caused by 

 alcohol in a very clear light. For full details I 

 must refer readers to the fifth chapter of his work.^ 

 The following, however, are some of his facts. 

 The United Kingdom Temperance and General 

 Provident Institution is a life insurance company, 



1 "Alcohol and Public Health," by James Ridge, M.D. London : 

 Lewis & Co. 



^ Quoted in full, by permission, in " The Present Evolution of Man." 



E 



