loo A STUDY IN HEREDITY 



austerity, but through incHnation ; because deep 

 indulgence, so far from being delightful, is disagree- 

 able to them. The present writer has never 

 medically treated a Jew for alcoholism, and he 

 has never heard of one being so treated. The 

 following is emphatic testimony from an author 

 who would disagree strongly with the views set 

 forth in this volume : — 



"That Sunday closing is but a tiny factor in promoting 

 sobriety is demonstrated by the sober conduct of the East End 

 Jewish people. Their Sunday is our Saturday, I have worked 

 among them and have known thousands. I cannot recall a 

 single case of drunkenness among them, nor have I treated any 

 of them for a disease in any way attributable to alcoholic 

 indulgence. I have, on the other hand, treated many a drunken 

 man in Scotland, even on a Sunday."^ 



Other races supply evidence as convincing. 



" In Greece in past ages inebriety was more common than at 

 present ; the wine was stronger and perhaps not so pure. The 

 ancient Grecian was therefore regulated and penalised for excess. 

 Some law-givers prohibited the use of more drink than was 

 necessary for health. Some sages restricted to three cups, one 

 for health, one for cheerfulness, and one for sleep ; Lycurgus, the 

 Spartan, prohibited drinking except for the specific purpose of 

 quenching thirst. He cut off the legs of drunkards and destroyed 

 all the vines he could. Solon condemned an archon to death 

 for being drunk, and the Senate of Areopagus penalised men 

 for standing too long at the wine bar. Pittacus, the sage of 

 Mytilene, inflicted double punishments for a crime committed 



1 " Inebriety among the Ancients,'' pp. 58-9, W. L. Brown, Medical 

 Magazine Company. 



