4132
Opinion alcohol is much the greater evil in its results on those who take it to excess.
It is quite a mistaken idea that Chinese do not drink. I have had many cases of alcoholism pure and simple under treatment in the Government Civil Hospital during the past six years, and they have proved much more unmanageable and difficult to cure than the few cases of inveterate opium eaters whom I have had to treat.
Effect of the habit when consumed in moderation is certainly not injurious and in many cases my opinion is decidedly beneficial. See Appendix A in my report.
I cannot help thinking that there is in the Chinese a toleration, if not a hereditary craving, for opium. It is not necessary for Europeans to take opium to withstand the ill effects of climate, as for one reason we are not so much exposed to the climate as the Chinese from our manner of living, occupations, and alcohol in moderation fulfils the purpose.
9.
(a) The habit of consuming rum to excess is considered by healthy men to be reprehensible and injurious.