Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why—What Medical Writers Say is a comprehensive and meticulously researched work that delves into the controversial role of alcohol in medicine. Compiled by Martha M. Allen, Superintendent of the Department of Medical Temperance of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, this book presents a compelling argument against the use of alcohol as a therapeutic agent. Drawing on the opinions, studies, and writings of leading medical professionals and authorities from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the book systematically dismantles the prevailing myths about alcohol's medicinal value. The text is organized into detailed chapters that examine the physiological effects of alcohol on the human body, its impact on various diseases, and its use in medical practice. Allen presents a wealth of evidence from doctors, scientists, and medical journals, highlighting the dangers and inefficacy of alcohol as a remedy. She addresses common medical conditions such as fevers, digestive disorders, and respiratory illnesses, providing case studies and expert testimonies that reveal the risks associated with alcohol-based treatments. In addition to its scientific analysis, the book explores the social and moral implications of alcohol consumption, emphasizing the broader consequences for individuals, families, and society. Allen's work is not only a medical critique but also a passionate call for reform, urging the medical community and the public to reject alcohol as a medicine and to seek safer, more effective alternatives. Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine stands as a significant historical document in the temperance movement, reflecting the growing skepticism toward alcohol in the medical field during its time. It remains a valuable resource for those interested in the history of medicine, public health, and social reform, offering a thorough and persuasive case against the use of alcohol in medical practice.
