12 PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL. 



solved this fundamental technical difficulty. We believe, however, 

 that in our selection of definitely related groups of measurable phe- 

 nomena we have not only secured accurate data concerning the action 

 of alcohol on definite neuro-muscular processes, but that we have 

 positively contributed to the knowledge of the conditions of the more 

 complex psycho-physiological effects. 



In addition to the theoretical and technical considerations which we 

 outlined in the psychological program, a number of accidental condi- 

 tions combined to determine the particular series of measurements 

 that could be undertaken in the single academic year which Dodge 

 could devote to the alcohol program. These were chiefly matters of 

 expediency. They concerned the economical use of the time, energy, 

 and laboratory equipment which were available. Two different reac- 

 tions to these practical limitations suggested themselves. The first 

 was to cover as much of the program as practicable with one or two 

 subjects. One could thus eliminate by trial such technique as seemed 

 likely to yield least consistent data and elaborate those that seemed 

 more promising. The second possibility was to limit the year's work 

 to relatively few lines of research, investigating the neuro-muscular 

 system at various levels by techniques for which we were peculiarly well 

 equipped, and endeavoring to make the data from those particular 

 lines of investigation as exhaustive and definitive as possible. After 

 consideration, the second reaction was adopted as on the whole the 

 more expedient. Under these circumstances it was inevitable that the 

 year's work should raise many questions to which there was no oppor- 

 tunity for obtaining experimental answers. This explains also why a 

 considerable part of our original psychological program is apparently 

 neglected, and why we were unable to put into practice the many valu- 

 able suggestions which were kindly sent in reply to our request for 

 suggestions and criticisms on the original program. The Nutrition 

 Laboratory is continuing this part of its plan under the direction of 

 Professor W. R. Miles. It is a pleasure to acknowledge our grateful 

 obligation to Professor Miles for his kindness in supplying several of 

 the photographs used in this report and for his counsel in many ways. 

 The preparation of the report has had the editorial supervision of 

 Miss A. N. Darling, whose careful scrutiny of the tabular presentation 

 of the material has been a valued service. 



Before beginning experimentation on the effects of alcohol upon the 

 neuro-muscular processes, the special laboratory devoted to this pur- 

 pose had been partially equipped for nearly a year and the main appa- 

 ratus had been tested in a systematic research with several subjects on 

 the neuro-muscular effects accompanying the metabolic disturbances 

 which were provoked by an acidosis resulting from the use of a carbo- 

 hydrate-free diet. Thus we were able to secure valuable experience 

 prior to the undertaking of this more elaborate research. 



