76 PHYSIOLOGY AND TEMPERANCE. 



this by the use of stimulants, no matter whether the dose be 

 in the form of some "well-known bitters," a "glass of beer," 

 a " taste " of sherry, or a " plain " whiskey and water. Many 

 drugs may be, and are, taken, which probably do little or no 

 harm to the system. But this 3-innot be said of alcoholic 

 stimulants. Their irritating action on any of the tissues is 

 injurious, but more especially so on , tender part, like the 

 lining membrane of the stomach. Derangements of digestion 

 are sure to follow the continued use of alcohol. 



27. Natural and Prepared Drinks. Water is the 

 universal drink. Its necessity is perfectly clear. The weight 

 and bulk of the body are largely due to the presence of water. 

 It is the great vehicle by which food is taken into the system, 

 and through its agency the various functions of the body are 

 carried on. It makes -up the bulk of the blood, and is the 

 great dissolving fluid of the system. It is not in itself a 

 food, but it forms a part of all food taken into the mouth. 

 It dissolves solid material, and keeps it in solution. Its use 

 and necessity are obvious. 



In milk we have a standard article of diet. It is both food 

 and drink for the infant during many months. It will alone 

 sustain the body at any period of life for an indefinite time. 

 Frequently in old age it is the sole article of diet. Water 

 and milk are the two great natural drinks. The human 

 system needs no other. In health any other is likely to 

 prove injurious. It is true that tea and coffee are largely 

 used, and, as a rule, seemingly without any injury. The 

 taste for these, however, is not natural. It is acquired. 

 Constant use brings the system into such a condition that it 

 tolerates them without any apparent ill effects. If either be 

 taken in excess, or drunk freely between meals, it will injure 

 the stomach. But these, and kindred beverages, bear no 

 comparison to alcohol, an agent alike destructive to the health 

 of the body as to the individual tissues and organs. 



