The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1897-04-22
THE TRUTH ABOUT ALCOHOL.
1t Is Neither Food Nor "A Promoter
of Energy.

1t Is Neither n Food Nor n Promoter
of Energy.
The once popular idea that alcohol is
both Il stimulant and food has of late
years been pointed out by both clinical
experience and scientific research to be
erroneous. On the contrary, if we en-
anime carefully the results of the expe-
riences and Investigations of the many
able scientific men who have made this
subject careful study, we must come
to the conclusion that alcohol is neither
u stimulant nor a food. 1t is true that
it has slightly stimulating effect when
first administered, but its subsequent
narcotic effect is 80 much greater that
it cannot be called true stimulant, any
more than can chloroform or ether.
Shortly after alcohol is taken into the
system feeling of warmth is expert
enced; this sensation is not, however,
due to any increase in the body temper
allure, but rather to a decrease, due to
the fact that the peripheral blood-ves-
sells become dilated, more blood flowing
to the surface, where it rapidly cools,
thereby causing a diminution of the
the blood vessels is due to the par
aylzing effect of the alcohol upon the
nerves supplying these vessels. There
is also a diminution of mental activity
due to the alcohol which is brought
to the brain by the dilated arterioles,
and weakens the action of the BRAIN
cells. A similar effect is produced on
the spinal cord. The reflex action of
the cord is reduced, and the power of
coordination impaired, which accounts
for the staggering gait noticed in those
who have taken an intoxicating
draught.
The opinions of several prominent sci
entific men on this subjectwere recently
| broughtoutin trial in which DR. Hirsch-
| field of Magdeburg, Germany, was the
| defendant. The court charge was ac-
celebration of death, or homicide by neg
| ligence in not using spirits freely. DR..
| Hirschfeld asserted that he had neverin
his long practice used any form of aIco-
| hol in the treatment of his cases. He
| considered it dangerous, and that it
never gave strength, but always de-
| tracted from the power and vigor of the
| patient. In this trial Prof. Bins, of Bonn;
] Prof. Steumpel, of Erlangen; Prof. Hair
make, of Halle, and DR.. Smithe, presi-
| dent of the German Medical society,
also the Medical Council of SaXony, con-
sisting of five physicians, with the pres
| ident, made q series of statements, all
confirming the following general facts:
''The idea that alcohol gives strength
is deceptive. While any form of alcohol
may produce an apparent form of slim
ulation, there is always a reaction in a
profoundly marked diminuton of en-
ergy. The special paralyzing action of
alcohol ON the brain and spinal cord is
no longer a theory, but a fact, which
can be measured and proved. We are
confident that experience will fully sus-
tain our belief that no single human life
which would have fallen a prey to death
without alcohol, has ever been saved by
| alcohol"
The prominence of the source from
which this statement comes should GER
tainly cause it TO carry a great deal of
weight
The theory that alcohol increases
vital resistance is also erroneous, the
vital resistance being really greatly di-
unfinished thereby. This has been abun-
dainty demonstrated in the cases of
those suffering from the cold. Alcohol,
instead of stimulating the heart-regu-
lating centers of the body, paralyzes
them, in reality fastening death from
cold rather than preventing it.
In a number of experiments carried
out with the idea of ascertaining the
effect of alcohol upon muscular force,
it was found that in every case where
alcohol was taken muscular force was
| diminished, even when so small an
amount as one-half dram of alcohol was
| used. In these experiments it was
found that non-abstainers We're affected
as we'll as abstainers. The deceptive
| nature of alcohol was manifested in
every case. each individual feeling sure
that he could accomplish more than he
| could before taking the alcohol.
The alcohol renders the brain-cells
incapable of performing their normal
functions; consequently the individual
feels confident that he is capable Of do
ing more than he really can; he is
fooled" so TO speak, and alcohol might
indeed be properly termed mind
fooler."
1t has also been ascertained by eX-
perimcnIs that alcohol, even in very
small quantities, retards digestion. Al
cohol diminishes the e,crction of pro-
ted substances from the body in the
cxcretions, ard it was from this fact
that the conclusion was drawn that
alcohol acted as a food; but instead
of diminishing the amount of tissue dis
{ indignation, it simply prevents the elm
| ination of the waste products. These,
being retained in the body, are reab-
sorbcd, and more work is thus thrown
upon the liver and kidneys. AS a result,
these organs become diseased, and we
have "hob-nailed liver" and chronic
Bright's disease.
These facts certainly show conclu-
sivcly that alcohol is neither food nor
a promoter of energy. - Charles e.
Stewart, NJ. D., in Good Health.
Barred Because n Smoker.