URINE, AND MALT LIQUORS. 933 



of the heart, and the circulation of blood through 

 the lungs, thus producing a pleasurable glow of 

 warmth throughout the body, a temporary flow 

 of animal spirits, and an accelerated activity of 

 all the functions. In accordance with this view, 

 we are informed by Dr. Paris, that Mr. Spalding 

 consumed the oxygen of the air in his diving bell, 

 much sooner, when he drank spirituous liquors, 

 and employed a diet of animal food, than when 

 he drank only water, and lived on vegetables. 

 On the other hand, it was found by the experi- 

 ments of Dr. Fyfe, and Dr. Prout, that the amount 

 of carbonic acid generated in a given time by 

 respiration, was always materially diminished by 

 the use of spirits, wine, and malt liquors, especi- 

 ally, when taken on an empty stomach. (An. of 

 Philos. Vol. ii. p. 328 Vol. iv. p. 334.)- 



Nor can there be a doubt, that when taken in 

 large quantities, they are absorbed into the blood, 

 and conveyed to the brain, where by their nar- 

 cotic influence, they diminish its voluntary com- 

 mand over the function of respiration, as shown 

 by the coldness of the extremities, languor of the 

 circulation, giddiness, stupor, insensibility, loss of 

 appetite, nausea, tremors, and general prostration 

 of strength, that characterize intoxication, which 

 literally means the action of a poison. It is there- 

 fore not surprising that their habitual use in- 

 duces delirium, paralysis, apoplexy, epilepsy, 

 madness, and a frightful train of physical mala- 



