STIMULANTS, NARCOTICS, AND POISONS 67 



in the functions of any organ. That alcohol is such a sub- 

 stance cannot be doubted. ... It is when introduced into 

 the blood oxidized, like a nutriment, to carbon dioxid and 

 water, and this oxidization must, of course, like the oxidiza- 

 tion of albumen, fat, or sugar, produce heat. . . . Although 

 the relations of the oxidization of alcohol to that of the true 

 nutriments in the animal economy have not yet received a 

 complete physiological explanation, it is certain that alcohol, 

 even when taken in moderation, cannot be classed among 

 the useful nutriments." "Die Alkoholf rage, " 2d ed., 

 Dresden, 1895, pp. 2-6. 



G. Bunge: "We know that alcohol is mostly oxidized 

 in our body. . . . Alcohol is therefore, without doubt, 

 a source of living energy in our body. But it does not 

 follow from this that it is also a nutriment. To justify this 

 assumption proof must be furnished that the living energy 

 set free by its oxidization is utilized for the performance 

 of a normal function. It is not enough that potential 

 energy is transformed into living energy. The trans- 

 formation must take place at the right time and place, and 

 at definite points in definite elements of the tissues. These 

 elements are not adapted to be fed with every sort of 

 oxidizable material. We do not know whether alcohol can 

 furnish to the muscles and nerves a source of energy for 

 the performance of their functions. ... In general, alco- 

 hol has only paralyzing properties, etc." "Lehrbuch der 

 Physiologischen und Pathologischen Chemie," Leipzig, 

 1894, p. 124. 



T. Lauder-Brunton : "The conclusion to which all evi- 

 dence points is that alcohol is a food, and in certain circum- 

 stances, such as febrile conditions, it may be a very useful 

 food; but in health, when other kinds of foods are abundant, 

 it is unnecessary, and, as it interferes with oxidization, it is 

 an inconvenient kind of food." "Text-book of Pharma- 

 cology, Therapeutics, and Materia Medica," London, 1887, 

 p. 768. 



