Excerpts from the book : "To Think Of Tea"

page 168, Chapter XII
A discussion in the English parliament over reducing the import
duty on tea :
Sentimental advocates affirmed that tea ' tamed the rude strength
of men, and ennobled the graceful weakness of women'. (This was
before the days of female athleticism.)

page 153, Chapter XI
Compared with alchohol, ' laments Mr. Lucas, 'tea has done nothing
for the humorist.' This is true, but why the challenge? Compared with
alcohol, tea has done nothing for the poet. Compared with alcohol, tea
has done nothing for the dramatist.
....
but if we ask, 'Compared with alcohol, what has tea done for man?'
There is an answer ready.