Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-03-25
CONCERNING INTOXICATION.
Effects of the Alcoholic Poison UpOT
the Human system.

To the Editor of TIE EVENING STAR.
The word intOXicatiOn is used to designate
that condition of the human body which is the
result OF the effect of drinking alcoholic COM
pounds. 1t is derived from the Latin language,
an and too'icum; literally meaning in a condition
of being poisoned. Therefore drunkenness is
an example of variety of poisoning, and when
an individual is drunk he is simply poisoned by
alcohol and his recovery from the effects of such
poisoning depends in the first place. upon the
quantity Of alcohol which he has imbibed, and
secondly, upon his personal constitution.
Nature is not always adequate to resist or out
live the poison consequent upon the state of
being drunk; for often drunkards fall insensible
to the earth and die in a few hours, or sink into
stupor from which they never awake.
SIGNS OF INTOxICATION.
When alcohol is swallowed. its absorption by
the stomach commences at once; and its imme-
diate effect is to increase the force and rapidity
OF the hearts action, producing an unnatural,
full, frequent and strong pulse. With this excl
tatiOn, is temporary increase Of the appetite,
which frequently induces not only over-eating,
but the act Of gluttOny, and this fact, no doubt,
explains the reason why guttony and drunken
ness are SO often associated in the Bible. The
skin becomes warm and persDiring, and the kid
neys increase their functions. Soon the brain
gives evidence Of excited action. The spirits be-
talkative, and while in company usually insists
upon doing all the talking. His features are
lively, and his thoughts rapid and varied. His
gestures are animated, and he frequently shows
his disposition in manner that excites the mer-
riment of those around him. His face is flushed.
and his eyes Redeemed, and, if not too drunk, will
make himself very ridiculous.
IN VINO vERrTAs.
This characteristic Of the effect of alcohol to
cause an individual to indicate his real DISPOSE
ton, gave rise to the Latin maxim, in zinc Ger
itas. which means, there is truth in wine" for
it has long ago been observed that the influence
Of wine develops the true character of an indi-
vidual. Thus the irritable and captious become
contentious, dsagreeable and annoying, often
get into brols with their associates, produce
quarrels in drinking places, and are aften
thrown headlong from the bar-rooms. to be
carried home. bruised and bleeding, to their dis
tressed families. The weak minded become
most disgusting and insuferable fools, and are
. boisterous with laughter and mirth. They are
indscriminate and profnse in their generosity
Every one must take drink with them, and
they are 80 full Of love that they want to hug
| everybody. They will offer to do any act of
kindness, and are most lavish In their promises OF
what they are ready to bestow. They imagine
that they possess the world. and under this
delusiOn are very DESTROYS Of making most &C
commodating business transactions.
The low spirited weep bitterly and talk in a
sad manner on melancholy subjects All the
sorrows Of their lives come crowding
back upon their recOllectiOns, to break their
hearts, they say, and they tell how wicked they
have been, and appear the very personifcation
Of humility: and deplOring their condition. de-
clare. If their friends will forgive them, and
they live to get over ''this," they will not only
take the pledge to drink no more, but will join
the church; for all the world is sad to them, and
everywhere they go they cannot find anyone
kind enough to pray for them. but are met by
the rebuff 'Oh, go off, you are drunk"
If no more drink Is taken than is sufficient to
produce moderate intoxication it gradually
passes off. and as the effect subsidies, is followed
by opposite signs OR symptoms Relaxation
takes the place of exhileration, and the skin is
hot and dry. The tongue is furred, and the
appetite is gone. The kidneys act slowly, and
the spirits are depressed. A capacity for bust
ness is completely impaired, and many days
elapse before the mind and body regain their
accustomed vigOr.
REPEATED INTOXICATION.
Such are the physical effects of moderate
intOxication which has been allowed to subside
without an immediate repetition; but if intoxi
cation be repeated after the first effects have
already been manifested severe symptoms are
excited which plainly show that not merely the
intellectual powers are disturbed, but that the
faculties of the brain are much disordered; its
functions become seriously impaired, and ideas
are confounded and confused; the thoughts are
uncontrolled, and imaginary objects and impress
siOns are supposed to be seen. felt and heard.
The head aches and swin,s. The vis<en j. dou-
Bile, and the ears buzz roar and ring. Muscular
movements of the body become tremnious and
unsteady. the eyes are vacant, and the voice
thick. The face is commonly PALE and the
brain is so much excited that 1t shows delirium,
and the mind Is without reason to control It.
Sensation. feeling and perception are almost en-
tirely suspended, and the stomach becomes sick
and vomiting occurs. This vomiting is poisoned
natures desperate effort to rid itself of the
effect of throwing of some of the al
cohol, thereby lessenng It's poisonous power,
which may not be more serious, and the intaxi-
Gated passes into a deep sleep During this
sleep there passes out through the pores OF his
skin, and Ereathes out through his lungs, the
alccaol, which is depressing him with it's
paiaeneuspoNree,an end fiomA this sleep he usually