The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-08-22
TEMPERANCE READING.
A SCIENTIFIC VIEW.

of Alcoholic Disease-The Horrors of De-
lirium Trcmens.
In one of series of articles by Prof
A. b. Palmer, NJ. D., LII. D., in gHe
Vide Al0atc, the writer says;
Tie strong resemblance between the
narcosis of alcohol and that of chloro-
form or ether is apparent; but that of
alcohol is much more likely to become
habitual. The essential character of
the condition is so similar that the same
terms may be applied to each. If
chloroform is a narcotic, so is alcohol;
if one is a depressing, lethal agent so
is the other. If chloroform is a poison,
so is alcohol The greatest difference
in their immediate action is, that the
chloroform is more speedy in its effects
and sooner over; and its secondary con-
sequences are less severe.
But in studying the effects of alcohol
on the brain and nervous system we
must 90 beyond the speedy action of a
single or 4 few doses, and consider the
more important because the more
permanent, effects of its continued use.
These effects are varied by the quantity
used, the length of time it is continued.
and by the temperament and power of
endurance of the drinker.
In its habitual use, four stages of al
coholic change are recognized, CORE
spending in many respects with the
four acute stages that have been de-
scribed.
There is a mild first stage where only
small quantities are used, as where an
occasional glass of light wine or beer is
taken with the meals, and where such
limits are not exceeded. In this the
condition of the brain and nerves is but
little changed from the physiological or
natural state.
There is a second stage where a
change from the normal state is more
percept be-whcre the force and regu-
larity OF brain and nerve action is I'M
paired, hut not in any extreme DEGREE;
but where the tone of the intellectual,
and particularly of the moral, character
is lowered, but yet where the subject of
it i not regarded as a druukard.
Their is a Hjrd stage where tsere is
Unquestionablc intcmpcrauce or inc
briety-where the subject is called a
'hard drinkcr' or 'drunkard' accord
ing to the degree of indulgence: and
there is still a more advanced or fourth
stage. where the victim is complete
sot, given up to continued and extreme
indulgence, Whenever the means are
within his reach. where there is the
greatest debasemcnt, physical, mental
and moral, where there is advanced al
coholism or alcoholic disease. where the
Wretchcd victim is tottering on the
verge of destruction. unfit for any useful
occupation or respectable association,
a disgrace to himself and friends, and a
nuisance to all about him These stages
shade of into each other with no alb
rupt line of demarkation. bat are differ
ent degrees of the one general process
of abnormal change
All are ready to admit the very great,
the almost ineXprcssible. evils to the
brain and nerves of individuals, to the
happiness of families. to the interests
Of communities and the country, of the
third and fourth stages of habitual alco-
holic indulgence The changes of the
brain usually discoverable in its struct-
urc, but which more certainly exist in
its functions in its actions and tenden-
cies-are most profound; and are all in
the direction Of physical, mental and
moral degradation.
The structure of the brain is changed
in various ways from its normal state.
1t is sometimes hardened from the in
crease of its connective tissue, and
sometimes softened from a form of fat
ty change; and in both cases the prop
er brain cellS-the seat of cerebral ac-
sion-of physical and mental power
are more or less diminished i'm number,
altered in structure, and impaired in ac-
titity The vessels are often found de-
generated, and are liable to great dis
tention and rupture, constituting conges-
ton and apopleXv. The membranes of
the brain are often found inflamcd and
thickened, their transparency and plia-
bility impaired and, in short, the
whole organ is degenerated, enfccblcd
and perverted.
Under the immediate effect of the
liquor the drunkard is regardless of his
duties and obligations to himself. his
family and to society. He is Inefficient,
improyident, unthrifty, unreliable;
often violent, dangerous and criminal.
When deprived of his accustomed
dram, he is morose, respondent and
often unendurabiy wretched. with cray
ing for the liquor, which in the pervert-
ed state of his brain is irresistible. His
depression and despair sometimes lead
to suicide, preceded, it may he, by the
murder of his family, with the motive
of relieving himself and them from
their living death. Mingled with this
despair are often fits of fury which
the drink cNcites, and his causeless and
| uhreaSoning vengeance may be iniict-
ed indiscriminately on himself, his fam
lily, his friends, or strangers, rs well as
gu imagined or real foes. in many
cases nothing is too absurd or too de.
PRAYED for him to do. and no suffering
is too severe for him to endure.
The drink which for time relieved
his agony, at length fails to do so unless
| carried to the extent of stupefaction
and Inconsistencies. This quantity is
therefore taken, and this increasing in
diligence. if it does not induce sooner
some fatal form of disease brings him
| to the fourth and extreme stage of
habitual drunkenness. which, though
| it sometimes is endured for q consider
| able period, usually soon results in