As to the benefit of alcohol and tobacco, my opinion is that there is no general rule. As for myself, my experience is, that the less stimulant I take, the better—I have given up beer with benefit to myself, and I have almost given up wine. I take, on an average, about five glasses of claret per week, more by way of luxury than of use. Tobacco I never use, as smoking seems to me to be rather a waste of time.
WALTER W. SKEAT.
March 18, 1882.
M. BARTHELEMY ST. HILAIRE.
I have no difficulty in making known to you my views on the effects of tobacco and alcohol. I believe both to be extremely injurious, as they are the cause of many diseases, even when taken in small quantities, and much more so when indulged in to excess. I have never used them personally, but I have only too often observed their baneful influence on individuals of my acquaintance. I do not even consider wine to be harmless, especially as it is most usually adulterated. I have abstained from it for many years, indeed for nearly a lifetime, with great advantage. In our climate none of these stimulants are needed, and I very much question whether they are more necessary elsewhere.
Accept my thanks for the questions you have addressed to me.
B. ST. HlLAIRE.
Feb. 24, 1882.
MR. W. SPOTTISWOODE, D. C. L., LL. D., PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY.
In reply to your enquiry, I beg to say that I have never smoked, and that I take wine only at meals, and in moderation. I have never observed any noticeable effect from wine so taken on mental work, but should think it quite insignificant.