142 CHARLES R. STOCKARD AND GEORGE N. PAPANICOLAOU 



that have inhaled alcohol fumes and the conditions of other ani- 

 mals that have taken alcohol into the stomach, since the latter 

 individuals may be reacting more to a deranged digestion than 

 to alcoholic intoxication. Therefore, there is objection to mak- 

 ing comparisons between the mortality records of animals 

 treated with alcohol by the inhalation method and the reports 

 on the effect of alcoholism in man. 



Yet, on the other hand, it may be possible that the influence 

 of alcohol on the germ cells of an anima' is the same whether 

 the alcohol reaches the reproductive glands by being inhaled 

 into the lungs or swallowed into the stomach. Such a position 

 is not inconsistent with the discussion above if we take into ac- 

 count the possible, though unknown, effects of the deranged 

 metabolism of the parent on the germ cells. 



5. A GENERAL COMPARISON OF THE PROGENY FROM ALCOHOLIC 

 LINES WITH THOSE FROM NORMAL LINES 



The consideration above has brought out the fact that the in- 

 halation of alcohol fumes sufficient to produce partial intoxica- 

 tion six times per week for long periods does not cause any easily 

 recognized disadvantages in the general bodily condition or 

 powers of existence of guinea-pigs. Pearl's experiments demon- 

 strate the same fact in connection with the domestic fowl. This 

 is, o course, leaving out of account the irritating effects of the 

 fumes on the surface of the eye which may result in bl ndness, 

 although even this is no handicap to either feeding or epro- 

 duction under cage conditions. I", then the genera' body 

 tissues are not sufficiently injured to cause an easily noticeable 

 change in their powers of function, why should the germ cells 

 be particularly susceptible to the treatment? The germ cells 

 within the body of a mammal are undifferentiated generalized 

 cells with no known function except to exist and await their 

 time to develop. The soma or body, in respect to the germ 

 cells, is simply a culture medium in which they live. The nour- 

 ishment necessary for their existence is delivered .to them by 

 the body fluids. Any strange chemical substance which may find 

 its way into the body fluids will reach the germ cells, and should 

 this substance be sufficiently active and injurious in its effects 



