Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 November 1889 — TO CURE ALCOHOLISM. [ARTICLE]

TO CURE ALCOHOLISM.

An nnsl Meeting of the American Association for the Cure of Inebriety. An event in which the medical profession throughout not only this country but the whole civilized world is interested, occurred in Burlington, Thursday, when the American Association for the Cure of Inebriety held its seventeenth annual meeting. This organization, which has done such good work in the reformation of inebriates, was' the first society of the kind ever formed. Dr. Parrish was the first to undertake the organization of such a society. He believed that intemperance was a disease rather than an immorality, and that it should be considered as such and treated as other affections, rather than by good moral counsel. Acting upon this consideration he secured the co-operation of a few medical gentlemen, and on Nov. 29,1870, at the rooms of the Young Men’s Christian Association in New York City, the American Association for the Cure of Inebriates was formed.

The association since then has steadily grown, and its influence has been beneficial and widely felt Since that time inebriety has been regarded as a disease, and now occupies its special section among the various medical and international medioal congresses. In 1872 Dr. Parrish, upon urgent invitation of the British House of Commons, appeared before that body and explained the system and work done by the American Association, with the result that several large hospitals have been established by tbe English government for the treatment of inebriates exclusively . '* The meeting was very enthusiastic. About seventy-five prominent medical men, lawyers and ministers were present, a number of whom delivered addresses. Resolutions were also read from member* In foreign countries, acknowledging the valuable services, persistent efforts and able literary contributions of Dr. Joseph Parrish.