196 A.VSWE&S TO PRACTICAL QUESTIONS 



They lose their nervous control, because of the enfeebling of 

 the nervous stimulus. The muscles of the lower lip usually 

 fail first ; then the muscles of the lower limbs, the extensor 

 muscles giving way earlier than the flexors. As they come 

 still more under the depressing influence of the paralyzing 

 agent, their structure becomes temporarily deranged, and their 

 contractile power reduced. 



53. Does alcohol have any effect on the bones ? The 

 skin ? 



As the bones are nourished by tho blood, whatever materi- 

 ally impoverishes the blood must affect the bones. 



The oft-repeated temporary relaxations of the vessels of the 

 skin, resulting from alcoholic potations, ultimately become 

 chronic, and certain parts, such as the nose and cheek, assume 

 a distinctive appearance of confirmed vascular relaxation. From 

 this deficient tonicity of the skin-vessels, the cutaneous secre- 

 tion becomes irregular ; perspiration becomes abnormally pro- 

 fuse, and sometimes is extremely acid ; and, finally, swollen 

 eruptions and scaly blotches ensue. 



54. What is the cause of the alcoholic chill ? 



(See Physiology, p. 210.) 



55. Show how alcohol tends to develop man's lower 

 rather than his higher nature. 



(See answer to Question 50.) 



56. When we wisli really to strengthen the brain, should 

 we use alcohol ? 



(See Physiology, p. 210 ; also, answer to Question 50.) 

 Never. 



57. Wliy is alcohol used to preserve anatomical speci- 

 mens ? 



Because of its antiseptic properties. These were well known 

 in ancient times, and palm wine was used by the Egyptians in 

 their most costly processes of embalming the dead. 



