I've been reading and rereading Juan Marconin's article "The Concept of Alcoholism" J. S. Alcohol, 20(2) 1959. I find it hard to read, and am wondering. Part of Marconi's critique of 19th century medical ideas on chronic drunkenness is that alcoholic drinking bouts are thought always to be preceded by depression, rendering "craving" derivative rather than an etiological, explanatory construct in its own right (as it is with Jellinek to whom Marconi is sympathetic). Am I right? Has anyone written up on this article? Thanks, Peter