“There is much in what they describe as ‘contributions to mutual understanding’ which commands sympathy. On the main issue, that of reunion, it is difficult not to think that they multiply words without increasing sense. It is certain that they contain a large number of very disputable assertions.”
+ − Spec 123:215 Ag 16 ’19 900w
TOWNS, CHARLES BARNES. Habits that handicap. *$1.50 (4½c) Funk 613.8
20–3199
An exposition of the present prevalent evil of drug addiction in the United States; the results it invariably causes, both socially and individually; the difficulty of overcoming it; and the surest effective remedy. The poisons Dr Towns condemns include many widely used narcotics,—bromides, headache powders, cough syrups, etc.,—alcoholic beverages, all forms of tobacco, as well as more virulent drugs. As a nation we are fond of poisoning ourselves. Prohibition has driven many to more harmful habits than the daily cocktail or glass of beer. Our women have, many of them, acquired the cigarette habit. Depoisoning ourselves will not be easy. The author urges as the most effective remedy, legal regulation of the sale of all drugs and narcotics, authoritative control of their use, and “pitiless publicity.” The book includes a preface by Dr Richard C. Cabot, and an appendix on The relation of alcohol to disease, by Dr Alexander Lambert. The book covers practically the same ground as the volume of similar title published by the Century company in 1915.
“The new edition is written in a manner even more attractive and vigorous than the first.”
+ Booklist 16:292 My ’20
“Were the moderation of the book’s title reflected in the letterpress, its influence would be strengthened. His denunciations take no account of divergent views, save in so far as he disposes of them on the ground of bias.”
+ − Cath World 112:119 O ’20 220w