CHAPTER XVI. 

 EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



[Treatise on Hygiene, STEVENSON and MURPHY.] 



" THE physiological effects of alcohol which have been 

 considered are quite subsidiary to its effects on the central 

 nervous system, as there is no doubt that it is for this 

 effect on the brain that alcoholic beverages are so univer- 

 sally taken by mankind. The first effect that alcohol has 

 on the brain is that of a stimulant, and it probably acts as 

 such in two ways ; namely, by increasing the circulation 

 of blood through the brain, which is thus roused to greater 

 vigor, and by directly stimulating the nerve cells of the 

 nerve centers. This stimulating effect is observed chiefly 

 after medium or dietetic doses, and its result is seen in 

 many individuals by an increase of mental and bodily 

 activity, and of acuteness of perception by the special 

 senses. This beneficial physiological effect is, however, 

 soon replaced by poisonous symptoms if the dietetic doses 

 are too often repeated, or a large quantity of alcohol is 

 taken at once ; for alcohol then becomes a depressant and 

 paralyzer of the central nervous system, and symptoms 

 of intoxication appear. This depressant effect is, as Brun- 

 ton points out, one of progressive paralysis. The higher 

 centers of the brain are first affected, then the lower. 

 The perceptive centers are paralyzed, so that correct 

 judgment is no longer possible, while the emotions are 

 uncontrolled and thrown out of working gear, fits of bois- 

 terous hilarity and of emotional depression being common 



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