ACTIONS AND USES 355 



the oily layer, distilling, and collecting the portion which 

 distils between 257 and 289 Fahr. Fusel oil is present in 

 all crude ethyl alcohols, is obtained from the distillation of 

 potatoes, and is distinguished by its offensive flavour. It is 

 sparingly soluble in water, but readily soluble in other 

 alcohols, ether, and essential oils. Amy lie alcohol, when 

 oxidised, yields valerianic acid. It is used for the manufac- 

 ture of amyl-nitrite. 



ACTIONS AND USES. Ethyl-alcohol, commonly known 

 simply as alcohol, according to dose and concentration, is a 

 local irritant, refrigerant, mild astringent, and antiseptic. 

 It is diffusible, and readily absorbed, and its effects are pro- 

 duced on a wide range of organs. Large doses paralyse the 

 nerve-centres, and kill by respiratory arrest. Medicinal 

 doses are diffusible stimulants, and are prescribed as 

 carminatives, antispasmodics, and cardiac excitants. 

 Diluted ethylic-alcohol is a readily assimilable food, and 

 hence a restorative and tonic ; it is antiseptic, diaphoretic, 

 and antipyretic. Causing a fuller stream of blood to 

 circulate through the glands, it increases their secretions, 

 notably that of the kidneys, by which the unassimilated 

 portions of the drug are chiefly excreted. Both ethylic and 

 methylic alcohols are used as preservatives of vegetable 

 substances, and pharmaceutically as solvents. 



GENERAL ACTIONS. Alcohol in tolerably concentrated 

 solution withdraws water from albuminoid solutions, and 

 precipitates them. Applied to a mucous surface, it precipi- 

 tates a thin white pellicle of albumin, thus exerting irritant 

 and slight astringent effects. Owing to its rapid evapora- 

 tion, alcohol, when applied to the skin, causes a sensation 

 of cold ; but if applied with friction, or if evaporation be 

 prevented by a covering of oiled silk, it passes into the skin, 

 inducing a sensation of warmth. It is also used as an 

 antiseptic, both for the surgeon's hands, instruments, and 

 the operation area. When swallowed, a similar warming 

 effect is produced in the stomach. Moderate doses dilate 

 the vessels, redden the mucous membrane, and increase 

 the secretion of gastric juice. If not too concentrated, 

 alcohol is readily absorbed through any of the ordinary 

 channels of administration. Orfila poisoned dogs by 



