THE MUSCLES. 47 



take place in muscular tissue from the use of alcohol. We 

 have observed that if a muscle is not exercised it will gradu- 

 ally lose its natural character, and if not used at all it will 

 finally lose its power to contract. Another important change 

 which now and then occurs is a gradual alteration by which 

 oily matter finds a place in the fibres of the muscle. The 

 muscle loses the power to contract, becomes soft and flabby, 

 and is easily torn across. This disease most commonly affects 

 the heart, and is known as fatty degeneration. It is only 

 one of the many evil effects of alcoholic drinks. The daily 

 and oft-repeated use of beer is likely to cause this disease, 

 especially when little or no exercise is taken. 



9. Action of Alcohol and Tobacco on Muscular 



Sense. The sensation by which we know the position of our 

 limbs, also the force and the extent to which they have been 

 moved, is called muscular sense. We use this sense in judging 

 of weights. By experience we know how much force to use 

 to lift an object, or how to balance ourselves against an out- 

 side force. In walking we throw ourselves forward, and to 

 prevent falling we carry one leg in front of the other. From 

 constant habit we do this without thought. Muscular sense 

 enables us to do so. The muscles are educated. But this 

 training, this education,- is all upset by indulgence in alcohol. 

 The fingers fail to do work they have been trained to do 

 almost without mind influence. The voice fails, and the lips 

 and tongue fail to utter words clearly ; even walking, the life- 

 long habit, is imperfect, and the drunken man staggers. 



Only in a less degree does tobacco weaken the nerve con- 

 trol over muscles, causing unsteadiness of hand, relaxation 

 of muscles generally, and want of firmness in gait. 



