398 RESPIRATION AND EXCRETION 



of smoke and irritating gases. So, if oxygen goes to the alcohol and too 

 little reaches the cells, instead of carbonic acid gas, and water, and urea 

 being formed, there are other products, some of which are exceedingly 

 poisonous and which the kidneys handle with difficulty. The poisons 

 retained in the 'circulation never fail to produce then* poisonous effects, 

 as shown by headaches, clouded brain, pain, and weakness of the body. 

 The word "intoxication" means 'in a state of poisoning.' These poisons 

 gradually accumulate as the alcohol takes oxygen from the cells. The 

 worst effects come last, when the brain is too benumbed to judge fairly 

 of their harm. It is not true that alcohol in a small amount is beneficial. 

 A little is too much, if it takes oxygen which would otherwise be available 

 to oxidize wholesome food. 



