The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-23

no more injured by much larger doses
than IL they had drunk the same 'qusndty
Of grain alcohol. ",l
= Among the conclusions arrived at by
Drs. Butler and Wood are the following:
That the prevention Of poisoning by this
inadious drug can be brought about only
by prohibiting the sale OF deodorized wood
alcohol In all its forms. The number Of
deaths may In the meantime be limited by
putting all methylated preparations on the
list OF poisons and prosecuting all persons
adulteratng foods and drinks with II.
Labelling preparations containing wood
alcohol with the notice, "This fluid taken
internally is likely TO produce blindness"
would certainly have deterrent effect.
Poisoning by inhalation Of the fumes Of
wood alcohol generally OCCURS when the
exhalations are mixed with rebreathed air,
as In vanishing the interior OF beer watts,
small rooms, etc. 1t Is highly probable
that In susceptible subjects repeated, or
even single, methylated alcohol rubs may
produce poisonous symptoms through alb
sorptlon Of the spirit by the skin.
Chronic or partial poisoning from wood
alcohol taken In the shape OF nips OF methyl-
ated Jamaica ginger, bay rum, punch,
DO, Is the most insidious and probably
not an uncommon form Of intoxication.
It's symptoms are not so pronounced nor
so easy Of recognition al in the acute FORM
but the eyes, digestive apparatus and
nervous systems undoubtedly suffer
The adulteration Of whiskey or other
spirits with wood alcohol Is q grave evil,
and one that should be stopped promptly.
these physicians say. But the manufac-
ture or adulteration Of havoring essences,
internal remedies and preparations for ex-
ternal use with wood alcohol Is an even
worse form Of poisoning
person may buy a medicinal remedy
with the hope that it will do him good, and
may be either killed or blinded. Again,
in the case Of individuals susceptible to the
effects Of the poison, the application of
witch hazel or bay rum containing wood
alcohol after shaving, the rubbing In OF
liniment or, Of alcohol. may, by means OF
absorption or by its fumes, result in grave
injury to health.
The cheapness Of wood alcohol has
tempted certain interruptions or ignorant
manufacturers to substitute 1t for grain
alcohol, and this circumstance constitutes
grave menace to the public health Until
laws are enforced to restrict the use of wood
alcohol to its proper limits, some physicians
think. it would be prudent not to buy cheap
liquors, cheap unidentified proprietary
articles and unidentified grades OF witch
hazel and bay rum which have no standard
OF strength or quality or to use any remedy,
internal or external, in which there is even
the suspicion that it may contain wood
alcohol
. This may seem an exaggerated view to
take of the matter, but in consideration Of
the happenings recently in Tenth avenue,
and the belief that in the neighborhood
of 400 deaths and cases OF total blindness
have been the outcome Of persons I'M
suspiciously taking wood alcohol in one
form or another, it must be admitted that
the situation calls for prudence. A person
who buys a preparation for internal use
or for external USE like witch hazel or bay
rum does 30 In the faith that the stuff will
at least do him no harm. Unfortunately
he is to great extent at the mercy OF the
manufacturers and retailers.
Finally, it may be said that the treat
ment of severe wood alcohol intoxication
is unsatisfactory. This condition usually
ends in death or blindness. The treatment
of the blindness in particular is of little |
avail. ... -, VA. >,a,.- o., IA. ...-..v. -,. |
As evidence OF the great concern mani |
tested in the question by the medical pro-
fession at large of this country, resolutions
were adopted by the section Of ophthal-
mology, at the last meeting Of the American
Medical Association. held in June Of this
year, to the effect that the employment of
wood alcohol in spirituous liquors, or In
preparations for internal or external use,
was a very dangerous practice, and should
be prevented by law, and that it was adj
visable to have wood alcohol placed on |
the list of poisons. The resolutions were
placed in charge OF the committee on
legislation Of the American Medical Asso-
citation, who were instructed to urge the |
proper Federal and State authorities to
take action in the matter.