He who so regards himself is resting in a most dangerous delusion.

So gradually does it increase, that few observe its steady accessions of strength until it has acquired the power of a master.

Dr.George M.Burr, in a paper on the pathology of drunkenness, read before the "American Association for the Cure of Inebriates," says, in referring to the first indications of an appetite, which he considers one of the symptoms of a forming disease, says: "This early stage is marked by an occasional desire to drink, which recurs at shorter and shorter intervals, and a propensity, likewise, gradually increasing for a greater quantity at each time.

This stage has long been believed to be one of voluntary indulgence, for which the subject of it was morally responsible.

The drinker has been held as criminal for his occasional indulgence, and his example has been most severely censured.
This habit, however, must be regarded as the first intimation of the approaching disease--the stage of invasion, precisely as sensations of _mal-aise_ and chills usher in a febrile attack.
"It is by no means claimed that in this stage the subject is free from responsibility as regards the consequences of his acts, or that his case is to be looked upon as beyond all attempts at reclamation.