2 1 6 Physiology. 



It is well known that most persons eat more than is 

 needed ; in fact, some of the best authorities state that the 

 larger part of the ills of the body, especially in later life, 

 come from overeating. Now when, in addition to a sur- 

 plus of food, alcohol is also taken, the ready oxidation of 

 the latter prevents the complete oxidation of food, and 

 favors the accumulation of incompletely oxidized waste 

 products, which are very harmful in the system. They 

 clog the excretory organs, especially tending to over- 

 work, and consequently to break down, the liver and the 

 kidneys. 



The Danger of Moderate Use of Alcohol. Thus far we 

 have mainly considered the question whether alcohol is or 

 is not useful in supporting the energies of the body. It 

 is time to ask another question, What effect does the con- 

 tinued use of alcohol have upon the body ? 



No one denies that the use of alcohol may, and often 

 does, create an appetite for more, and that this appetite 

 frequently becomes uncontrollable. If one eats a sufficient 

 amount of bread to-day, he does not, in consequence, 

 crave a larger amount to-morrow. But the appetite for 

 alcohol grows. The law of its use is the law of increase, 

 until the terrible alcohol habit is formed. History is full 

 of accounts of men who thought they could stop it when 

 they chose. The man who says that he can take it or let 

 it alone usually takes it. The grip of the alcohol habit is 

 well nigh as relentless as the grip of death. 



There is one safe rule : Touch not, taste not> handle not. 



Alcohol as a Poisonous Drug. Alcohol should be 

 classed with the poisonous drugs (e.g. opium, arsenic, chlo- 

 roform, belladonna, strychnine, etc.). We know that they 

 are very dangerous substances. 



