The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1889-10-09

cells, and the more delicate nerve
fibers which run from them. This
effect after a time becomes degenera-
ton. or alteration OF structure, and the
natural function or use is changed and
broken up There is another fact
about which we know but little, but
the fact itself is wonderful. Nearly
all the alcoholic series OF compounds
that we are practically acquainted
with have chemical affinity with
nerve and nerve tissue. 1t is this &C
ton which is seen in ether and chloro-
form, giving it such wonderful ability
to suspend all sensation and conscious
life; certain nerve centers are para
lyzed and the person is really dead
mentally, only the lowest form OF AMI
NAL life goes on. This same condition
is present, only less prominent, wher'
ever alcohol is used. 1t is always and
ever condition of paralysis of the
higher brain centers, suspension OF
the finer operations for the reception
of knowledge OF the world without by
the senses, and power to disseminate
and apply this knowledge to the rela-
tions of life. et b
When once the person begins to use
spirits TO int0xicatioE, or less freely
for its transient, benumbng effects,
an almost infinite variety of brain and
nerve palsies begins. AS in the case
of ether and chloroform. the higher
brain centers are the first affected.
Sensation, reason and judgment 60
down first. and when the action is pro-
longed, the heart stops, and death
takes place. The good feeling which
follows the use of any form of spirits
is only palsy or suspension OF brain
and nerve action in certain directions,
and an exultation of nerve force in
other parts. 1t is literally taking
away or suspending the governing or
controlling centers of the brain, end.
ing in depression and lowered activity.
The suppressed brilliancy of mind
reused by spirits is nothing but a
transient delirium. always follow ed by
reaction and depression as far the
other way. All the alcohols, from the
first formations in grape juice, up to
the most complex old brandies OF
wines, are an9sthetics and paralyz.
ants. They all lessen and depress
nerve and brain force, and have an
exactly opposite action from that pop
ularly attributed to stimulants.
Last year the London Pathological
Society discussed the action of alcohol
on the brain and nerve tissue in three
meetings. Their conclusions repre-
sent the most advanced knowledge we
have on this subject from the obser
vations OF many of the most distin
guished physicians living. One fac
seemed to be settled by all the evil
dence, namely, that the anasthetic &C
ton of alcohol very early caused
structural degeneration of the nerve
fibers and extended to the brain cells
always attended with disturbance o
function and capacity to act RATIONAL!
and normally. Another fact came
out, that every poisoning or attack o
intoxication was more or less per
manent injury to the brain; also tina
every use ofspirits favored the lower
ing and breaking up of natural brazil
force.
Alcohol may be compared to opium
in many cases. 1t is good. to stol
pain, deaden sensibilities, suspend
functional activities. There are time
and conditions when alcohol and it
others are of great value; there ar
also many occasions when opium an
its compounds are most excellent rem
edies, but the reckless use of either o
these drugs is most disastrous.
Alcohol is still largely unknown
but every new fact which comes from
its scientific study brings additions
evidence of its danger as a beverage
when sold under the various names G
wines, brandies, WHISTLES. etc. TIL
: most advanced physicians to-day us
pure alcohol or its ethers- chlorC
form ether choral or amyle. whe
they think it of value. 1t is a sourc
: of satisfaction to feel that ''scentiti
3 inquiry is on the track" and the rea
, value and nature of alcohol will b
l discovered and made clear in the fut
, ure with absolute certainty. II. l
g Crothers, M. d., in Union Signal.