Hello everyone,
 
    As a new subscriber to the ATHG list, I would like to take a moment to
introduce my work.  I am at the University of Kentucky, working on a Ph.D. in
Geography.  Although my masters work was in the area of disability studies, I
now find myself increasingly interested in the international work of alcohol
studies.
 
     In the course of studying the history of the medical profession in
the Ohio Valley, I ran across the striking figure of Daniel Drake (1785-1852),
a student of Benjamin Rush and Benjamin Smith Barton in Philadelphia went on
teach at medical schools in Cincinnati, Lexington and Louisville.  For my
dissertation, I would like to use Daniel Drake's medical geographic and
temperance writings as a window into the changing institutional and cultural
environment of Cincinnati, Ohio between 1820 and 1850, and the rising
concerns for the health and temperance of Western body politic.  We know from
W.J. Rorabaugh's work a good deal about the social and economic determinants
of alcohol consumption in the "alcoholic republic" generally, but I am at a
loss when it comes to discriminating regional differences in consumption of
ardent spirits from 1820 to 1850.  I would appreciate any advice that the
subscribers of this list could provide.
 
     Secondly, I noted that ATHG members are active in setting up sessions
at professional meetings throughout the year.  I would appreciate the
opportunity to present my work to such a learned audience.  Towards this end,
I welcome suggestions for upcoming meetings where ATHG members can present, as
well as info on researchers who might be interested in participating in a
session concerning temperance activism in the early nineteenth century and its
relation to the status and gender politics of the 'market revolution.'
 
As I am a medical geographer, I might not find out about these opportunities
through normal channels. Thanks for your help--I am excited to be on this list!
 
 
   Michael L. Dorn
 
Current mailing address and contact information:
   Department of Behavioral Science
   College of Medicine Office Building
   University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY  40536-0086
   e-mail: [log in to unmask]
   tel: (606) 323-6034