gS THE VITAL PROCESSES 



While applying artificial respiration, the heat of the body should not 

 be allowed to escape any more than can possibly be helped. In case 

 of drowning, the patient should be wrapped in dry blankets or clothing, 

 while bottles of hot water may be placed in contact with the body. 

 The circulation should be stimulated, as may be done by rubbing the 

 hands, feet, or limbs in the direction of the flow of the blood in the 

 veins. 



Tobacco Smoke and the Air Passages. Smoke consists 

 of minute particles of unburnt carbon, or soot, such as 

 collect in the chimneys of fireplaces and furnaces. If much 

 smoke is taken into the lungs, it irritates the delicate linings 

 and tends to clog them up. Tobacco smoke also contains 

 the poison nicotine, which is absorbed into the blood. For 

 these reasons the cigarette user who inhales the smoke does 

 himself great harm, injuring his nervous system and laying 

 the foundation for diseases of the air passages. The prac- 

 tice of smoking indoors is likewise objectionable, since 

 every one in a room containing the smoke is compelled to 

 breathe it. 



Alcohol and Diseases of the Lungs. Pneumonia is a 

 serious disease of the lungs caused by germs. The attacks 

 occur as a result of exposure, especially when the body is 

 in a weakened condition. A noted authority states that 

 "alcoholism is perhaps the most potent predisposing 

 cause" of pneumonia. 1 A person addicted to the use of 

 alcohol is also less likely to recover from the disease than 

 one who has avoided its use, a result due in part to the 

 weakening effect of alcohol upon the heart. The conges- 

 tion of the lungs in pneumonia makes it very difficult for 

 the heart to force the blood through them. The weakened 

 heart of the drunkard gives way under the task. 



The statement sometimes made that alcohol is beneficial 



1 Osier, The Principles and Practice of Medicine. 



