CONTROL OF THE CIRCULATION. /I 



Similar congestion occurs in the mucous membrane of 

 the stomach from the presence of alcohol, which may 

 become a permanent inflammation followed in time by 

 very extensive changes in appearance and function. It 

 is said that most of the alcohol swallowed is absorbed 

 directly from the stomach, and hence the intestines are 

 not so directly affected. 



Good authorities state that alcohol arrests the develop- 

 ment of the corpuscles. It diminishes the size, alters the 

 form, and reduces the number of the corpuscles. Since 

 the work of the blood corpuscles is so important this 

 reduction in their number and efficiency must very 

 appreciably affect the nutrition of the body as a whole. 

 When the blood is " out of order" the body is out of order. 



The Blood. The blood is composed of a clear liquid, 

 the plasma, and the blood cells, or corpuscles. In a drop 

 of blood under the microscope the plasma occupies the 

 clear spaces between the corpuscles. The corpuscles 

 make up one third of the bulk of the blood, and the 

 plasma two thirds. 



Microscopic Examination of the Blood. To get a drop of blood 

 from the finger, wind a cord around the finger, beginning at the base, 

 drawing the cord moderately tight, until the last joint is reached. By 

 this time the end of the finger is usually well distended with blood. 

 With a clean needle make a quick, sharp, light puncture near the base 

 of the nail ; this ordinarily brings a small amount of biood. Put a 

 small drop on each of several slides and quickly cover with coverslips. 

 Examine with a high power. 



The Colored Corpuscles. These are often called the 

 red corpuscles. But while in the mass they give the 

 blood a red appearance, individually they are faint yellow- 

 ish red. In shape they are seen to be circular disks, hol- 

 lowed on each side like a sunken biscuit. As they are 



