20 PHYSIOLOGY AND TEMPERANCE. 



excess, is a lack of physical development. In many cases the 

 liquor habit dates from childhood. Continuing in this habit, 

 the child's growth is frequently slow and imperfect, and he 

 reaches manhood small in stature and stunted in body and 

 limb. 



In France, amongst the peasants regularly drafted for the 

 army, it is noticed that those who drink from childhood fall 

 below the military standard, while those who do not drink 

 develop normally. It is observed that rejections from mili- 

 tary service increase as drunkenness increases. 



9. Effects of Alcohol on Broken Bone. A fracture 

 seldom heals as rapidly and as firmly in a drunkard as in a 

 sober person. Nature tries to do her work as faithfully in 

 the one as in the other ; but in the one case she has healthy 

 material to build from, and is not likely to fail. In the 

 other case, the material is poisoned with alcohol ; perhaps 

 the general system is in an irritable condition or is greatly 

 reduced, and it is not surprising that a faulty union some- 

 times takes place. The continued uneasiness met with in 

 cases of delirium tremens, and in inebriates generally, is suffi- 

 cient to overcome all efforts of nature to keep the broken 

 ends of bone steady and in close contact. As a result, union 

 is often very much delayed, and when it does take place it 

 will very likely be faulty. This is not all. Union some- 

 times fails to take place; further operation becomes necessary, 

 the patient runs down rapidly, and the result is often most 

 disastrous. 



The careful surgeon now recognizes the necessity for re- 

 stricting the use of stimulants in cases of fractured bones, 

 especially in persons of full habit. A moderate diet, with- 

 out stimulants, promotes a restful condition of the system, 

 and avoids disturbances of digestion which are apt to arise 

 from want of exercise. 



