Subject
Temperance Books
Best books
F. W. (Frederick William) Salem
Beer, its history and its economic value as a national beverage
"Beer, its history and its economic value as a national beverage" by F. W. Salem is a historical and economic treatise written in the late 19th century. It argues that pure, well-made beer is a temperate, healthful alternative to distilled spirits and should be supported by sensible regulation. The work combines history, brewing science, public policy, and social economics to advocate adopting beer as a national drink. The opening of the book presents a clear thesis—“Beer against whisky”—claiming prohibitory laws fail while accessible, pure beer advances true temperance. It then surveys beer’s long lineage from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome through medieval Europe: monastic brewing, early regulations, and famed beer centers and figures (such as the brewer-statesman Jacob van Artevelde, the folkloric Gambrinus, William Penn, and General Israel Putnam). A vivid picture follows of Renaissance drinking customs, notable beers (Eimbeck, Braunschweig Mumme), the Munich court brewery and bock, and the rise, dip, and revival of beer culture. The narrative shifts to modern policy, highlighting countries that promoted beer to curb spirits—Germany, Austro-Hungary, the Low Countries, Scandinavia, Russia, France, England (the Beer Bill), and even Egypt, Japan, and Persia—arguing social order and public health improved as beer spread. It explains how beer is made, outlines its composition and nutritive value, and counters claims of adulteration with scientific reasoning and trade realities, including a brief Newark controversy and a correction of misattributed statements to Liebig. The section ends by noting that hops transformed the art of brewing and broadened beer styles.
Martha Meir Allen
Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why What Medical Writers Say
"Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why" by Martha Meir Allen is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the detrimental effects of alcohol when used as medicine, drawing on historical inquiries, scientific studies, and testimonials from prominent physicians who oppose its medicinal use. Allen acts as a compiled voice for medical professionals advocating for non-alcoholic treatment methods, contributing to a growing movement against the medical prescription of alcohol. The beginning of the work outlines Allen’s motivations and foundational thoughts regarding the medical use of alcohol. She acknowledges the extensive reliance on alcohol in medical practice historically, characterized by an uncritical acceptance of its alleged healing properties. However, she highlights a shift in understanding based on rigorous scientific research and the testimonies of notable medical figures who have found that alcohol's effects are more harmful than beneficial. Through discussions of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union's efforts and various medical studies, the opening portion sets the tone for a thorough examination of alcohol as a deadly poison rather than a cure. Allen seeks to clarify misconceptions surrounding alcohol's role in medicine, advocating for alternative treatments that demonstrate improved outcomes without the risks associated with alcohol.
American Tract Society
Select Temperance Tracts
"Select Temperance Tracts" by the American Tract Society is a collection of writings focused on the moral implications and detrimental effects of alcohol consumption, most likely created in the mid-19th century. This compilation primarily addresses the societal impact of alcoholism and the call for temperance, arguing against the use of ardent spirits from various perspectives, including medical, religious, and social viewpoints. Each tract within the collection serves to raise awareness about the risks associated with drinking and promotes a movement towards sobriety. The opening of the text introduces readers to the negative consequences of consuming ardent spirits, detailing the immediate and chronic effects on the human body and mind. It discusses various symptoms of drunkenness, as well as long-term health issues linked to intemperance, such as liver disease, jaundice, and mental deterioration. The text warns against the dangers of forming an appetite for alcohol, emphasizing the moral responsibility of individuals and society to abstain from its use. Through vivid representations of the destructive nature of drinking, the tracts aim to persuade readers to adopt a lifestyle of temperance for their personal well-being and the health of their community.
James Runciman
The Ethics of Drink and Other Social Questions; Or, Joints In Our Social Armour
"The Ethics of Drink and Other Social Questions; Or, Joints In Our Social Armour" by James Runciman is a contemplative treatise written in the late 19th century. The book explores the complex social issues surrounding alcohol consumption, examining the moral, personal, and societal implications of drink in British society. Runciman articulates a deeply personal connection to the effects of alcohol, driving home the urgency of addressing the problems caused not only by individual choices but by societal attitudes towards drink. At the start of the work, the author establishes a critical tone towards the statistics and moral lectures often used to discuss alcohol, suggesting that they lack emotional impact and fail to resonate with the individual experiences of those affected by addiction. He reflects on the damaging influence of drink through the lens of personal anecdotes and vivid imagery, painting a picture of the lives ruined by alcohol consumption. Runciman dismisses superficial solutions, advocating instead for a humane, individualized approach to understanding and confronting alcoholism, emphasizing that mere legislative action is insufficient without addressing the human elements of the crisis.
James Parton
Smoking and Drinking
"Smoking and Drinking" by James Parton is a critical examination of the habits of smoking and drinking, written in the late 19th century. The work addresses the physical and moral implications of these vices, arguing that they have detrimental effects on health, society, and individual character. Parton not only discusses the impact of these indulgences but also highlights their role in encouraging dependency and a decline in overall vitality. The opening of the text serves as a preamble to Parton's discourse, setting a reflective tone on the advancement of society and the concerning decline in health amidst material welfare. He suggests that, with the rise of modern conveniences and wealth, people have become increasingly reliant on harmful habits such as smoking and drinking. Parton laments that these practices serve as both effects and causes of a broader societal malaise, leading to a deterioration in the vitality and moral fabric of the population. Through personal anecdotes and rhetorical questioning, he engages readers to ponder the necessity of self-control and virtue in overcoming these destructive habits.
Fred A. (Fred Arthur) McKenzie
Sober by Act of Parliament
"Sober by Act of Parliament" by Fred A. McKenzie is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the effectiveness of legislation aimed at promoting sobriety and controlling the liquor trade, drawing on examples from various regions, including America and Britain. It delves into the complexities surrounding alcohol laws and the societal factors influencing their success or failure. The author approaches the subject with a commitment to honesty and impartiality, seeking to present factual outcomes rather than advocating for a specific policy. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the motivations behind sobriety legislation, highlighting the conflict between advocates of prohibition and those in favor of regulated alcohol trade. McKenzie discusses recent attempts in South Carolina to regulate liquor through state-controlled dispensaries, detailing the challenges faced by proponents amidst fierce political opposition. He also touches on the wider implications of such laws on society, hinting at the nuances of governance and public sentiment that complicate the enforcement of sobriety measures. This sets the stage for a thorough exploration of how different regions grapple with the issue of alcohol regulation throughout the book.
J. Ewing (James Ewing) Ritchie
Bessbrook and Its Linen Mills: A Short Narrative of a Model Temperance Town
"Bessbrook and Its Linen Mills: A Short Narrative of a Model Temperance Town" by J. Ewing Ritchie is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on Bessbrook, a unique model town near Newry, Ireland, particularly highlighting its successful linen mills and commitment to temperance principles. It serves to illustrate how a factory community can thrive while promoting the moral and social welfare of its workers through total abstinence from alcohol. The narrative provides a comprehensive view of Bessbrook, detailing the community's structure, the unique factory system, and the various institutions established for education and health. The book emphasizes how the absence of public houses fosters peace and discipline among the townsfolk, as well as the importance of community engagement and family involvement in the workforce. With a focus on the linen production process, Ritchie illustrates not only the mechanics behind the mill but also the positive implications of a temperance-based lifestyle on the quality of life for Bessbrook's residents. Ultimately, it paints a hopeful picture of what can be achieved when industrial and social ethics align, setting Bessbrook apart from its contemporaries.
John Fiske
Tobacco and Alcohol I. It Does Pay to Smoke. II. The Coming Man Will Drink Wine.
"Tobacco and Alcohol" by John Fiske is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work takes an analytical approach to the physiological effects of tobacco and alcohol, evaluating contemporary views and presenting the author's own conclusions based on scientific principles and research. Fiske challenges the prevailing negative perceptions surrounding these substances, advocating for moderate use and arguing for their potential benefits. At the start of the text, the author introduces his motivation for writing, which stemmed from responding to criticisms of tobacco made by Mr. James Parton. He discusses Parton’s absolute condemnation of tobacco and begins to refute these claims by presenting scientific arguments. Fiske emphasizes the complexity of the physiological effects of tobacco, stating that when used in moderation, it can actually be beneficial to health rather than harmful, a claim he plans to substantiate with evidence and references from current physiologists. The opening sets the stage for a detailed examination of both substances, positioning Fiske as an advocate for a reasoned and balanced approach to tobacco and alcohol consumption.
John Ellis
Personal Experience of a Physician
"Personal Experience of a Physician" by John Ellis, M.D. is a reflective medical narrative written in the late 19th century. The work recounts Ellis's journey through the medical profession, touching on both his personal medical experiences and his exploration into alternative treatment methods, particularly homoeopathy. The text likely serves as both an autobiographical account and a treatise advocating for a deeper examination of medical practices and beliefs, particularly the value of homoeopathic remedies. The opening of the narrative begins with Ellis emphasizing the importance of thorough education and self-investigation for physicians, noting that they hold the lives of their patients in their hands. He shares his initial skepticism regarding homoeopathy, sparked by conversations with a fellow physician, leading him to experiment with its treatments on his patients in western Massachusetts. As he narrates his early encounters with homoeopathy, he highlights several case studies that showcase its efficacy compared to allopathic methods, ultimately suggesting a shift in his medical practice towards homoeopathy. The beginning establishes not only his personal experiences in the field but also sets the stage for a broader critique of traditional medical practices.
T. S. (Timothy Shay) Arthur
Grappling with the Monster; Or, the Curse and the Cure of Strong Drink
"Grappling with the Monster; Or, the Curse and the Cure of Strong Drink" by T. S. Arthur is a temperance work written during the late 19th century. The book meticulously explores the destructive nature of alcohol, detailing its physical, mental, and social impacts on individuals and society. Through a discussion of pathological effects and personal testimonies, the narrative aims to educate readers about the dangers of alcohol consumption and advocate for total abstinence and temperance reform. The opening of the work introduces the author’s intent to delve into the profound consequences of alcohol on health and society. Arthur utilizes biblical references to underscore the ancient warnings against strong drink, setting a somber tone that foreshadows a deep examination of alcohol's ability to enslave and ruin lives. In this introduction, the author expresses concern over alcohol's accepted presence within respectable society, highlighting its role as a bringer of disease, poverty, and moral degradation. The stage is set for an exhaustive investigation into alcohol's curse and various methods of prevention and cure, thus inviting readers to consider the moral imperative of temperance.
Joseph Cook
Alcohol and the Human Brain
"Alcohol and the Human Brain" by Joseph Cook is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book examines the detrimental effects of alcohol on the human brain and body through a blend of physiological and moral arguments. It serves as a passionate appeal for temperance, exploring the implications of alcohol consumption on mental faculties and societal conduct. In the text, Joseph Cook utilizes various experiments and scientific inquiries to illustrate how alcohol hardens albuminous substances in the body, severely affecting blood and brain function. He explains that alcohol's affinity for the brain disrupts rational thought and moral judgment, leading to both individual and societal deterioration. Throughout the work, Cook argues against even moderate drinking, emphasizing that any consumption of alcohol poses a significant risk to one's mental and moral integrity. With a mix of vivid imagery and scientific rigor, Cook underscores the urgent need for total abstinence to safeguard both individual well-being and societal health.
Unknown
Dialogue between John and Thomas, on the Corn Laws, the Charter, Teetotalism, and the Probable Remedy for the Present Disstresses
"Dialogue between John and Thomas, on the Corn Laws, the Charter, Teetotalism,…" is a socio-political discourse authored anonymously and published in 1842. This book belongs to the genre of political dialogue and commentary, reflecting the concerns of the working class during the early Victorian era in Britain. It delves into the pressing issues of the time, such as the Corn Laws, the push for political reform through the Charter, and the advocacy for teetotalism as a remedy for social and economic distress. The dialogue unfolds between two characters, John and Thomas, who discuss the various causes of their societal woes, including the detrimental effects of the Corn Laws on trade and the burden of national debt. They critically examine the role of alcohol in exacerbating their economic hardships and advocate for the philosophy of teetotalism, emphasizing its potential in alleviating poverty and misery. Through their conversation, the text illustrates the broader struggles faced by the lower classes, while suggesting that abstaining from alcohol could lead to improved conditions for the entire community. The interchange also highlights the intersection of personal choices and societal issues, making a case for collective moral responsibility in seeking reform.
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