110 FOOD AND DRINK 



Numerous Arctic explorers testify that not only is the tem- 

 porary indulgence liable to result in most serious consequences, 

 but that strong, able-bodied men in the habit of using alcoholic 

 drinks are entirely unfitted to resist the cold to which they 

 must be exposed. The natives and travelers alike rely upon 

 fresh animal food, especially fatty food, and avoid alcohol as a 

 danger to life.* 



50. Alcohol Destructive to Life. Instead of being a pro- 

 moter of life, as the early alchemists who produced it hoped 

 it would be, alcohol is hostile to life; it is a poison. Plant 

 life is speedily destroyed when brought into close contact with 

 it. The lower animals are poisoned by it. When applied 

 directly to small insects and reptiles, death commonly occurs 

 in a few seconds or minutes. It is hurtful to the larger ani- 

 mals, and the more intelligent of them appear to resent its 

 use instinctively. This is seen when dogs have been forced to 

 take brandy in small doses for some time. Instead of learn- 

 ing to like it, they gradually show a greater and greater dis- 

 like to it. 



51. The Proper Use of Alcohol. Like opium, chloral, 

 arsenic, and many other poisons, alcohol may be rightly 

 used, and that is as a medicine. For the relief of sickness 

 and feebleness of body, or conditions of unusual fatigue, 

 alcohol can be beneficially used under the advice of a physi- 

 cian. Like the other poisons, it should be definitely pre- 

 scribed and the size and number of the doses precisely ordered 

 by the physician. 



52. Errors in the Use of Alcohol. If this view of the ques- 

 tion is the correct one, how utterly foolish is the practice of 

 those who are continually prescribing for themselves doses of 

 this poisonous substance for any trifling disturbance of their 



* " Alcohol is not the warming cordial and invigorating stimulant that 

 it is reputed to be, but there is a world-full of preconceived opinions in 

 its favor that must be met and overcome before the true view can make 

 its way. But the truth must prevail at last. Its true place is not along 



50. What is the effect of alcohol upon life ? 



51. What is the proper use of alcohol ? 



52. What three errors mentioned ? 



