For example, Kenneth Silverman, a supporter of the alcoholism theory, wrote that Moran, a senior physician diagnosed Poe with a brain inflammation known as encephalitis (186). While it’s now known that Poe did not drink, he did have a brain inflammation however, it was caused by rabies encephalitis, not alcoholism, in contrast to Dr. Snodgrass’ beliefs. In a letter from the NY Times on September 15, 1996, Dr. Benitez explains that Poe was falsely accused as he didn’t recall becoming sick, and even after four days in the hospital he still didn’t behave in his usual manner, hallucinating even (187). After four days Poe should be thinking more clearly, yet he was confused and would hallucinate. Also written in the NY Times is that Dr. Benitez describes how Poe was belligerent and would grow aggressive (187). The alcohol would make him weak and ill, put him to bed, as he was sensitive to it; he wouldn’t have random spurts of aggressive energy. He would be worn out, instead he was ready to attack; almost like a rabid animal. The most obvious and most plausible cause of Edgar Allan Poe’s death seems to be rabies encephalitis. First, Poe showed many of the same symptoms, such as hydrophobia. A “classic case of rabies,” as Dr. Benitez calls it. Every other argument was refuted for another. The evidence all points to rabies encephalitis for the last and final point. It was a silly debate as it has been stated multiple times, Poe doesn’t drink; nonetheless all the evidence adds up to clearly show that Poe’s tragic death was due to rabies