316 Sjnritualism Viewed by the [July, 



the introduction of beer, and the displacement of stronger drinks. 

 The canton of Soleure in Switzerland was formerly very intem- 

 perate, now it is much improved. This is partly attributable to 

 the opening of small shops where good coffee (a thing unknown 

 to the poorer classes in England) along with small white rolls and 

 butter are sold; but concurrently with that, a change has taken 

 place in the alcoholic drinks of the people, which is represented by 

 the following figures, denoting a Swiss measure of 1J litre : — 



Consumed in Swiss Wines. Foreign Wines. Beer and Cider. Brandy. 



1863 .. 1,334,865 .. 637.166 .. 23.168 .. 1 26,443 

 1865 .. 1,483,546 ..- 953,944 .. 84,972 .. 121,120 



The total consumption of alcoholic liquor, therefore, had in- 

 creased altogether nearly 30 per cent., but the beer consumed was 

 augmented threefold, whilst brandy had fallen off 4 per cent. ! 



Couple this experience with the fact that the Germans drink 

 certainly as much, if not more beer than we do, and are sober, 

 whilst we are perhaps the most drunken nation on the earth, 

 and I conceive no one will dispute the proposition so often ad- 

 vanced by me, that as claret and light Continental wines are slowly 

 reforming our middle classes, so will it be necessary to introduce 

 mild, pure beer as a staple drink, in order to attain the same end 

 amongst the labouring population. Until that is done, I am con- 

 vinced that not all the efforts of temperance advocates (whose 

 self-denial every one must admire and respect), neither lectures, 

 tea-meetings, denunciation, nor repressive legislation, will avail 

 anything beyond saving here and there a drowning wretch from 

 the flood of poisoned liquor with which our large towns are deluged, 

 but such a change as I have suggested being accomplished, I be- 

 lieve that, with the spread of education, and the introduction of more 

 rational amusements than those now offered to the humbler classes, 

 repressive legislation will be no longer needed; the ranks of our 

 criminals, paupers, and lunatics will be thinned, and it is to be 

 hoped the foulest blot will in time be removed from our national 

 escutcheon. 



II. SPIEITUALISM VIEWED BY THE LIGHT OF 

 MODEEN SCIENCE. 

 By William Ciiookes, F.E.S., &c. 

 Some weeks ago the fact that I was engaged in investigating 

 Spiritualism, so called, was announced in a contemporary ; * and in 

 consequence of the many communications I have since received, I 

 think it desirable to say a little concerning the investigation which 

 I have commenced. "Views or opinions I cannot be said to possess 



* The 'Athenaeum.' 



