370 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY 



doubts that in large quantities they act injuriously upon the sys- 

 tem. Alcohol deranges the action of the muscles by its influence 

 upon the nervous system, causing defective regulation of the 

 supply of nervous force to the several muscles. As to whether 

 it is possible to use alcohol in small amounts without impairing 

 the perfection and vigor of muscular action, there is one very 

 significant fact : that men in training for severe muscular exertion 

 in athletic contests are strictly forbidden the use of alcohol 

 in any form and in any quantity, whether or not they have been 

 previously accustomed to such indulgence. As the rules for such 

 training are the result of long and wide experience and most care- 

 ful study, it is safe to conclude that alcohol at least does not pro- 

 mote strength, endurance, or precision of muscular movement. '^ 

 — Macy, Physiology. 



Effect of Tobacco on Muscles. — The stunting effect of tobacco 

 on the growth and development of the muscles is well known. 

 Every teacher of gymnastics knows this; hence tobacco is not 

 allowed to the athlete. Another reason why the man in training 

 is not allowed tobacco, is because of its paralyzing effect upon the 

 nerve cells controlling the movement of muscles, this diminishing 

 or inhibiting the nervous energy which a man uses in the exercise 

 of his muscles. 



'^ Tobacco and other narcotics also affect muscular activity 

 through their effect upon the nerves. All narcotics have as their 

 natural, characteristic influence the paralyzing of some of the 

 nerve centers. As medicines they may give relief from pain and 

 so act beneficently under skillful application. Tobacco has a 

 special effect upon the nerve centers regulating the action of the 

 muscles of the heart, making that action irregular and less vigor- 

 ous. This is particularly true of the young, and it is not very 

 uncommon for boys addicted to excessive cigarette smoking to 

 develop serious disease of the heart, or even to die suddenly from 

 'heart failure.''' — MacY; Physiology, 



