Chess was no exception to moral outrage either: "We answer, chess is a mere amusement of a very inferior character, which robs the mind of valuable time tha

Chess was no exception to moral outrage either: "We answer, chess is a mere amusement of a very inferior character, which robs the mind of valuable time that might be devoted to nobler acquirements, while at the same time it affords no benefit whatsoever to the body" - Scientific American, circa 1859 https://books.google.com/books?id=90hGAQAAIAAJ&dq=%22a+pernicious+excitement+to+learn+and+play%22&pg=PA9&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false https://books.google.com/books?id=90hGAQAAIAAJ&dq=%22a+perni...