The April 1996 Scientific American article ("Alcohol in American History")
mentioned by Thayne I. Andersen is by David E. Musto.  By the way, the editors
gave the short piece this subtitle: "national binges have alternated with
enforced abstinence for 200 years, but there may be hope for moderation."
 
David Fahey (Miami Univ., Ohio)  [log in to unmask]