THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 121 



the mind. The effect upon the brain is such that the person 

 feels "jolly." But he loses his mental balance and says 

 and does things he would not say or do if in his sober senses. 

 The heart's action is quickened, and the blood, charged with, 

 alcohol, is pumped into the brain with increased force. 



If even now he fortunately ceases to drink, the system 

 will struggle back to a natural state. Sturdy efforts will be 

 made to carry the poison out of the system. Corresponding 

 reaction again sets in. The headache becomes a pain, the 

 organs supplied by the cranial nerves are disordered. He 

 has a sick stomach, feels generally out -of -sorts, and very 

 likely ashamed of his intemperance. The dangers mentioned 

 in connection with the first stage attend the second stage in 

 a greater degree. 



THE THIRD STAGE. Continuing to drink after the second 

 stage has been reached will, in due time, produce intoxication, 

 a condition in which the individual ceases to be a rational 

 being. The nervous system no longer controls the vital organs 

 of the body. They are all filled with blood, and are incapable 

 of performing their functions. The mind is obscured, and 

 only the animal part of man remains in action. When thus 

 intoxicated, the person may be silly and full of ridiculous 

 talk, or shout or laugh immoderately. Perhaps he will boast 

 about himself in a most untruthful manner, or he may bewail 

 imaginary griefs and shed tears of supposed sorrow. On the 

 other hand, he may become passionate, cruel and quarrelsome, 

 so as to do serious acts or commit crimes altogether contrary 

 to his nature when sober. If he stands or attempts to walk 

 he has no control over the muscles, and reels or staggers on 

 his way, or falls helpless to the ground. 



He has now lost all the elements of manhood, and is 

 "beastly drunk," and yet is it not a libel on the beast of 

 the field, whose only drink is that provided by the Creator, 

 to have a man, thus degraded, compared to him? In this 



