The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-08-22
TEMPERANCE NOTES.
ACTION OF ALCOHOL.
scientifically Considered Inebriety Is =
Dissolution of Brain Functions

Dissolution of Brain Functions.
All clinical study shows that same
state of defective brain and nerve de.
Velopment, or some form of functional OF
organic degeneration, precedes the first
use OF alcohol In certain cases it is
clearly central nerve exhaustion,
functional perversions, organic defects
from injury or disease, or hereditary
predisposition. The first use of al
cohol, either in so-called moderation, OF
IN toxic doses, as in intoxication, seems
to concentrate and organize the forces
OF dissolution, which, from this time,
move on with great uniformity and ac-
celebrating speed. When inebriety is
fully developed, this is very apparent,
and often traceable from stage to stage.
The action of alcohol as a paralyzant
on both cell and nerve fiber, and its
chemical interference with nutrition
and circulation, together with the COM
pick forces of heredity and environ
ment, are all powerful causes readily
explaining the presence and progress of
dissolution.
In the more recent studies of the mind,
three divisions are recognized, the emo
tions, tie volitions and the intellect;
from these the evolutions and dissolu-
tions can be traced. The study of in
ebriety should follow these divisions,
and point out the changes from a
healthy mind. Beginning with the
present trace back the emotional, Volt
tional and intellectual changes, and as
certain how far they have been the re-
suit of alcohol and narcotics; or of
previous degenerations, defects, in
juries or hereditaries. While the facts
are numerous and complex, and often
difficult to substantiate, yet when
grouped and compared they range them
selves into certain outline forms of dis
solution that can not be mistaken. The
following are some of the general facts
seen in all cases of inebriety. The dis
solution of volition is the first promi-
nent symptom. This is loss of self-con-
troll, either local or general. The CO.
ordinating brain Centers are enfeebled,
and the man is unable to direct his
acts or conduct with consistency. The
greater the loss of vital energy, the
weaker the volition, until finally he is a
mere creature of any functional impulse
that may be present. Alcohol not only
produces loss of nerve energy, but dam
age to nutrition, and inability to re-
store this loss, and the desire for relief
becomes more and more intense, de-
handing continuance of spirits for
this end. This dissolution process may
be apparent only in matters controlling
tho functions of the body, and the in
fuenCe of surroundings upon them, or
it may extend to relations of life be-
yond this. Dr. Wright has very aptly
termed this paralysis at first func-
tional, then organic" beginning in
failure to regulate the more simple
acts OF the body, it extends to the com
pleX duties and relations, and finally
ends in dementia. The inebriate has
always more or less pronounced dissolu-
ton of volition, which increases as his
case becomes more chronic.
The next prominent phase of dis
solution is that of the emotions or feel
iEgs. The exhaustion from the palsy
of alcohol and the arrangement which
may have preceded it, manifests itself in
emotional changes, in great exaltations
and depressions. The psychical sem
sofy centcrs are in state of intense ir-
rita ton, and all impressions cause pain,
both psychical and physical. Alcohol
relieves this quickly. States of brain
an8mia, which Meynert thinks are due
to a spasm OF the arterioles and an
arrest Of the blood supply, cause deep
despair and melancholia. In the early
stages an effort is made to escape these
nerve depresSions by the increased use
of spirits Later it deepens into
despair and suicide. The exaltations
and hyperasthesia are followed by a
profound lowering of all the functions
with anesthesia. These emotional ex-
aggerations and depressions are palsies
of the Sensory centers and disslpations
of energy. Manifest in slight changes
at first, then it passes on to mania and
melancholia. The inebriate has always
q pronounced dissolution of the emo
tions. He is subject to every appeal
from both within and without, and the
capacity of discrimination and control
becomes weaker steadily. In the Tenn
perance, political and prayer meeting
these cases are very interesting studies,
and the degree of dissolution can be
very readily seen.
The third diversion is the dissolution
of the intellect and intelligence. This
function is the power of associating
ideas and comparing them with others.
1t has been described as the process of
the formation of new ideas by the union
of one already impressed tract of nerve
tissue with another. Or the process of
utilizing new and unused groups of
-sensory motor cells by uniting them to
those already in use; or of getting into
action organized tracts of thought in
the exercise of memory. Any state or
condition of paralysis which will break
up the complicated sensori-motor
groups, or sever their minute attach
ments, will be manifest in the intelli-
gence.
The decisions, the false beliefs. the
strange unreasonings and credulities of
inebriates are common in all cases. Be-
ginning in simple matters pertaining to
the bodily functions, it grows until it
includes all the relations of matter and
mind. With the decline of nervous en-
ergy, and impairment of the higher
functions Of the brain, the LESSONS of
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