The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-09-18
TEMPERANCE NOTES.
THE CURSE OF DRUNKENNESS.


distinct classes-frst, occupation that
constantly presents temptation to in
diligence in drink; second, occupation
that is so arduous or monotonous that
it begets a craving for stimulants. To
the first class belong bartenders and
others connected with the manufacture
and sale of liquor. To the second be-
long those who are exposed to the in
clemency of the weather-cabmen, eX-
press agents, etc; arduous callings-
workers in foundries, bakers, etc,
monotonous callings sailors,
ranchmen, etc.
The want of occupation is most po-
tent predisposing cause. Painful or
exciting illness often forms the founda-
ton of the habit Abuse of tobacco
may be considered a predisposing
cause, as may any agent or influence
that depresses the bodily or mental
functions. Habits that may arise from
a thousand and one daily circumstances
lead persons into indulgences, small at
first, but which are increased in almost
geometrical progression. The out
rageous adulteration of alcoholic bev
erages is not only a predisposing and
exciting cause, but the essential oils
and other deleterious drugs used for
this purpose act upon the brain
and nervous system with such force as
to weaken the already weak intellect
and take from the phys the little
help he might otherwise have from his
patient in effecting the cure.
Having roughly stated the predispos-
ing causes of habitual drunkenness, let
us see what the effect of the exciting
cause is upon the human organism, and
we will then be in position to judge
of the effect of treatment. The per-
SiStent abuse of alcohol affects the
human system in a variety of ways
Changes of structure of various tissues
result These changes, as has already
been said, are of adegenerative nature.
They are insidious and progressive,
sooner or later declaring themselves.
The stomach is lnfamed so that the
peptic glands and their orifces are al
most wholly destroyed. The functions
of digestion are no longer properly per-
formed. Ulcers frequently form in the
stomach tissues. The appetite for food
is at first irregular, then lost. Nausea
and vomiting are often symptoms.
The various glands of the body are af-
fected; the liver especially so, for rea-
sons obvious to a physician. At first
this organ is congested and enlarged.
Inflammation may affect it in several
ways, or its tissue may undergo fatty
degeneration, or it may become con-
tracted, giving rise to an appearance
on its surface called "hobnailed," also
named ''gin-drinker's liver" The
larynX undergoes changes that affect
the quality OF the voice. The rasping,
harsh voice of the drunkard is we'll
known. Chronic Inflammation affects
the bronchial tubes, often resulting in
chronic inflammation of the lungs
themselves (ibroid phthisis). Fatty
degeneration of the entire muscu lar
system occurs, and in this the muscles
of the heart are involved, giving rise to
the well known fatty heart" The
blood vessels undergo change that
renders them brittle and liable to
rupture. The blood itself is affected.
Degenerative changes occur in it that
are little understood as yet by ply
sicians. Suffice it to say that the blood
is rendered less alkaline than normal
ly, and that its fluidity is altered. 1t
shows tendency to eXude through the
walls of it's vessels. The Scavengers of
the blood, the phagocites, are not so
active or SO easily produced in the
blood of drunkards. The kidneys are
affected like the liver. Bright believed
and his views are generally accepted
that the kidney disease named after
him was frequently caused by overin-
diligence in drink
But by far the most important
changes wrought by alcohol in the
system are those of the brain. The cir
culation of this organ is at first i'm
paired. The blood vessels, large and
small, are dilated. Often the brittle
condition of the arteries mentioned be-
fore supervenes, and small hemor-
rhages into the brain coverings are like
ly to take place. Usually the size of
the brain undergoes no change. Some
times its consistency is greater. 1t is
more dense, harder. In very advanced
cases areas of the brain soften. This is
due to the advanced arrangement of
the blood vessels supplying the soft
ened parts with nourishment. Other
cha gcs take place in the brain that
are not yet noticed. To these are due
the altered perceptive senses. The
special senses are affected in various
ways The general sensibility is de-
stroyed. Nervous phenomena mani
fest themselves. Insomnia is the
rule. If sleep is obtained it is dis
turbed by distressing dreams. Loss of
muscular power may be SO complete
that palsy or paralysis occurs. Neu-
ralgiaS are common. The naturally
weak will is still more enfeebled. The
sense of shame is lost; this is specially
the case in women. Memory fails.
Acute attacks of delirium, marked by
hallucinatioE and delusion, are frequent..
The final termination is death or in
sanity. The latter may take the form
of melancholia, mania, chronic de-
lirium, dementia, or general paresis.
The drunkard easily succumbs to
acute disease or to the results of bodily
violence. Alcohol would seem to be
one of natures most powerful agents
to effect in man 1.-The survival of the
fittest." Weak moral natures are
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