The "poisonous preparation of spirit distillation" was a serious fear in nineteenth century Scotland. It was associated with the corruption of morals and the creation of social ills. The Scottish Chapbook Collection contains several chapbooks discussing alcohol as a poison both physically and socially. Oration on Teetotalization  “A Night Frae Hame, Oration on Teetotalization, and Parody of the Last Rose of Summer,” written in 1842, cites alcohol as a serious problem. Alcohol is depicted as a source of degradation, ruination, and desolation. It is also portrayed as an enemy of religion. In opposition to rest and refection on the Sabbath, it was blamed for inciting  “desecration of Sabbath ordination.”

A serious call is made to “ensure the preservation of future generation(s)” of Scots from the ills of alcohol through teetotalization; complete abstinence from alcohol. This oration is significant in that religion and even unborn children were seen as victims. According to the Oration, alcohol was a very real and active threat to Scottish society, both current and future.

Written in 1842, the Dialogue Between John and Thomas, The Corn Laws, The Charter, Teetotalism, and the Probable Remedy for the Present Distresses, discusses alcohol’s prominent place in the social life, as well as its place in the current political debate over the hardships of high grain prices. In these “fearful looking times”, a remedy was sought. Within this dialogue, teetotalism is suggested as the alternative solution. John notes that the Corn Bill has hurt their “trade.” These characters were most likely tradesmen or working class men. 

The “Corn Bill” mentioned is clearly a reference to the Corn Laws of Great Britain. These laws were implemented to protect British farmers from dramatic falls in grain prices, and to allow grain to be at all times available. However, this ideology began to face serious opposition. Between 1811 and 1841, the population of Britain increased from 12.6 million to 18 million. Coupled with this population increase was a decrease of economic prosperity and poor harvests beginning in 1836. Economic hardship followed in 1839 and 1842. Two movements grew in response to the lack of available grain, grain prices, and the apparent preferential treatment that farmers and landowners were receiving. In 1836, the Anti-Corn Law League began, seeking to open trade barriers and allow a free market system to ensue, thus lowering grain prices. During this time period, the Chartist movement also began. The Chartists sought widespread reform of the British constitution and advocated such things as male suffrage to those over 21, and the secret ballot system of voting. Chartists also sought to repeal the Corn Laws, but it was not the focus of its political agenda.

An apologetic sentiment is seen when Thomas bemoans the taking of "the hair o' comfort us puir bodies hae left." Even those sympathetic to arguments that alcohol was a reason behind social and political problems, still saw alcohol consumption as a way to either counteract those same ills or alleviate others.

Since grain was expensive and valuable, many discouraged its use for alcohol. It was, and still is, a luxury item. Thomas notes that “there is as much destroyed in one distillery every morning as would breakfast the hale town o’ Paisley.” Regardless of the accuracy of this statement, a considerable amount of grain was utilized in its production and alcohol was not seen as a practical commodity. Instead it was seen as a cause of misery, madness, woes, and wretchedness in Scottish society. In this dialogue, arguments for teetotalization are not limited to social or domestic ills, but transcend into the realm of politics and legislation. Alcohol is simultaneously viewed as a problem and solution.