PRIMARY EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL. 349 



209) to right ventricle, lungs, left auricle, left ventricle, 

 aorta, and by branches of the aorta to the body in general: 

 to the heart-muscle (by the coronary arteries, p. 202), to the 

 brain and spinal cord, to the muscles, to the kidneys, to 

 the skin. We have to study its action on all these organs. 



The Primary Effects of a Moderate Dose of Diluted Alco- 

 hol, as a glass of whiskey and water, on one unaccustomed 

 to it, are to cause temporary congestion of the stomach; 

 dilatation of blood-vessels of the skin, indicated by the 

 flushed face; a more rapid and forcible beat of the heart;* 

 nervous excitement, exhibited by restlessness and talkative- 

 ness. Then some incoherence of ideas, and often giddi- 

 ness. Finally there is a tendency to sleep. On awaking 

 the- person has some feeling of depression, not much ap- 

 petite, and is in general a little out of sorts for a day. 



If the dose be larger the stage of giddiness is accompanied 

 by diminution of the sensibility of the skin; and imperfect 

 control over the voluntary muscles, indicated by defective 

 articulation and a staggering gait. The muscles moving 

 the eyeballs cease to work in harmony. Normally they 

 act unconsciously, turning the eyes so that images of 

 objects looked at are focussed on corresponding points 

 of the retinas; and objects are seen single. Soon after 

 the voluntary movements are affected the involuntary 

 regulation of the eye-muscles is impaired, and objects are 

 seen double; the eyeballs being no longer so turned as to 

 bring images on corresponding retinal points. The stom- 



Name important organs to which the alcohol is ultimately carried 

 in the blood. 



Describe the primary effects of a moderate dose of dilute alcohol. 

 Of a larger but not fatal dose. 



*It is doubtful if chemically pure alcohol diluted with water quickens the 

 pulse; "lost ordinary alcoholic beverages, however, undoubtedly do. 



