HOW OUR BLOOD IS MADE. 289 
do not all have the same pathological effect. One kind of venom 
will have a specially poisonous effect upon certain groups of 
nerve cells and nerve centres, while another kind of venom will 
exert little or no poisonous, paralyzing influence upon those 
nerve centres, but will act with powerful effect upon some other 
groups. For instance, Cobra venom poisons the nerve centres 
which control the automatic movements of the lungs. Puff 
Adder venom does not have this effect. This venom and that 
of the Boomslang act powerfully on the nerve endings and blood- 
vessel walls, causing more or less extensive hemorrhage into the 
tissues. 
A strong man is far more difficult to overthrow than a weak 
one. So, too, is the nervous system and brain. If you have 
strong, healthy nerve and brain cells, snake venom or disease 
microbes will be far less likely to kill than if the brain and nerve 
cells are weak, sickly, or inflamed. 
The chief cause of this unhealthy condition of the cells of the 
brain and nerves, is the habitual indulgence in alcoholic liquor. 
It has been established as a fact in science, after exhaustive 
experimentation and observation, that alcohol poisons, weakens, 
distorts, inflames, and kills these cells. 
How our Btioop 1s MADE—A MARVELLOUS PROCESS. 
It is blood which builds up the tissues of all living creatures 
upon our world, ourselves included. It is the blood which supplies 
every particle of nourishment required for our bones, muscles, 
brain, nerves, nails, and hair. 
Where does the blood come from, and how is it made? Yes, 
we all know it is made from the food we eat, and the water we 
drink—but how? Has it never struck you that the process 
must be a marvellous one which converts beef, potatoes, 
bread, and all our foods, into blood? It is the digestive 
apparatus which performs this wonderful feat. The lowest 
forms of animal life upon our world are tiny creatures which 
live in the ocean. They are simply living stomachs. We human 
folk, too, are stomachs—with appendages. 
Well, now let us carefully trace the journey taken by our 
dinner, and see what becomes of it. 
