After many years of agitation and controversy, the first instalment of a much-needed reform of the law as to inebriates has been conceded by the Legislature. The aim of the present article is to subject the Inebriates Act, 1898, which came into operation on January 1st, 1899, to a somewhat minute and critical examination, in the hope at once of suggesting points for future amendment, and of throwing light on difficulties that may arise in its practical administration.