224 PHYSIOLOGY. 



1. Alcohol is not needed in health. 



2. While technically it may be called a food, practically 

 it is a poison, and its use is dangerous. 



The danger is especially great where there is a latent 

 hereditary tendency to inebriety or insanity. The danger 

 is also very great when the disease for which alcohol is 

 prescribed is accompanied by melancholy and depression. 

 Many individuals, on finding a drug which exhilarates and 

 banishes the weight of oppression by which they are borne 

 down are tempted beyond their power of resistance, even 

 though the reaction brings them into a worse condition 

 than the one from which they sought relief. 



The Danger of using Alcohol. The pressure of modern 

 life, and the intensity of the struggle for a living, brings 

 about a condition of nervous strain that is fraught with 

 great danger. Every thinking man should see that to use 

 alcoholic drink for the relief of such a condition is like 

 venturing out in a boat above the Falls of Niagara, he 

 knows not when the rushing, mighty power will gain the 

 mastery and dash him to destruction. 



READING. The Temperance Teachings of Science, Pal- 

 mer; The Foundation of Death, a Study of the Drink 

 Question, Gustafson. 



Summary. i. Alcohol is a very dangerous drug and should be 

 used only when prescribed by a physician. 



2. Athletes avoid alcohol when training. 



3. A large per cent of crime is due to alcohol. 



4. On account of its rapid absorption alcohol is a quick recupera- 

 tive after collapse. 



5. In small amounts alcohol is oxidized in the body, producing 

 energy. 



