Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-05-23

ton takes place, which terminates in a soften
ling of its substance. This mischief may pro-
Iceed for considerable period without being
suspected, but sudden deliyuns trensens may
tsupervene, which viii terminate, perhaps, in
paralysis-perhaps deathp
To what Doctor inquired the Clergy
man, do you attribute the mental pleasures
of intoxication2 Can this be explained up
on physiological principles 2"
Easily, l think answered the Doctor
All inebriating agents have two-fold ac-
tion-as have already pointed out--first,
on the circulation; and, secondly, on the
nervous system. There can be no doubt that
the mind becomes endowed with increased
energy when the circulation through the
brain is moderately quickened. This has
been proved by observation. The case has
been reported of person who having lost
by disease a part of the skull and its invest
ments, corresponding portion Of brain was
open to inspection. In state Of dreamless
: sleep the brain lay motionless within the
skull but when dreams occurred, as repor-
ted by the patient, then the quantity Of blood
was observed to flow with increased rapidity,
causing the brain to move and protrude out
. Of the skull. When perfectly awake, and
} engaged in active thought, then the blood a.
gain was sent with increased force to the
!, brain, and the protrusion was still greater
: Under all circumstances, increased circulation
t through the brain gives rise to-Inental ex-
l citement, and sometimes to an unusual lucid
: it, ideas. 1t is observed in the early sta
It ges Of fever, and even in the dying and this
IS accounts for the clearing up Of the mind
: which sometimes occurs in the last moments
' of life-what is called fainiiarly the light
d ming before DEATH
'r That observed the Clergyman, 8 is very
st curious circumstance, which firmly believe
d and you account for this, if understand your
as meaning, by explaining that the blood which
ID no longer eirculates in the extremities, which
ks may have become cold, flows with increased
ID impetus through the BRAIN
ne Exactly so,' replied the Doctor; and
upon this very principle, the rapidity o
ideas, and the pleasurabie mental excitemen
attending that temporary state Of intellectu
al exaltation, depends on the increased ra
pidity Of the flow Of blood through th'
brain; but when this becomes carried to to-
ba great an extent, and the rapidity of the cur
on on rent disturbs the healthy condition of th
"a "a brain, then the manifestations Of the min
tor necessarily become impaired, the ideas ar
nd no longer under the control Of the reason
on ling faculty, and the bodily organs, usual
Il, under the doTnion Of tho viii, no longer ODE
M its mandates. This | believe to be the tru
al theory of mental intoxication.'
of But there are many circumstances ol
he served the host, which may accelerate or +,
ms tard this excitement
CO. Certainly continued the Doctor; pc
of sons who join the social board already elate
oo with some good news, or cause of unusu
as happiness; persons who talk much, and e
, Of cite themselves in argument, are apt to b
.ie- come affected more speedily than those WI
tba hold themselves in the midst of the eonvivi
scene sedate and tacituIn. The mind,
nea fact, may exercise considerable power
az resistance against inebriation; for which re
e,ra son, persons IN the society Of their superior
ooq, under circumstances which render it necess
tor ~ they should maintain the appearance
an being always well conducted, drink with il
! Of Ipunity more than they otherwise could,
mas they did not impose upon themselves Il
M consciousness Of selfgoyernment We al
observe the influence of the mind, in &C
oh trolling, and, indeed, putting an end to
nre- of intoxication, by making, doubtless, an i
and preston on the heart and causation, when
,ous sense of danger, or a piece Of good or b
i'm news, suddenly communicated, sobcrs p
the son on sudden
1lns i have heard observed the merry fac
hicb guest, that moving about-changing FRI
,ntre one seat into another-will check the eff.
xe of lof liquor; and have known persons "
eous. have left a social party perfectly sober,
svs- come suddenly tipsy in the open air. HoV
j, by this to be explained9'
o be Precisely on the same principle ansN
etion ed the Doctor, upon leaving an overhea
ryous room, on your returning homewards, YOU
olent pose yourself to an atmosphere many
mend grees below that you have Just left. :
slant cold checks the circulation on the surfac,
,ohol the body; the blood is driven inwards
f the accumulates, consequently, in the internal
med tgans; and sometimes its pressure is such
teady the brain, as to produce on a sudden
allow. very last state Of intoxication. The Ii
npair- refuse to support their burthen, and the
son falls down in state of profund ifsC
Merry biity'
reun- Il have recently, said the host, rea
ng its the Police Reports several cases of this
in the scription; and imagined that some mar
dog drug must have been mixed with the Ii
drank by such persons. Adulteration
law Of some sort mast go on to a frightful exte
tori tgm-palaees.'
cor Not by any means answered the
when, tor, to the extent you suppose. Il is
n over that the spirit dealer makes his whisk
mount gin bead by adding a little turpentine