234 OUR BODIES AND HOW WE LIVE 



are more quickly injured by alcohol or whose conditions 

 in life are less favorable for resisting its effects. 1 



315. The Next Step. Smaller quantities of alcohol than 

 those usually considered moderate can be shown, by fine 

 tests, to weaken self-control. If more is taken, there grad- 

 ually follows loss of power over some of the muscles, and 

 the energy of the whole muscular system is lessened. The 

 muscles of the lower lip and the legs are the first to feel 

 this unnatural torpor. The speech is thick and the gait 

 uncertain. 



The nerve cells of the higher, or controlling, part of the 

 brain may soon be brought within the grasp of the alcoholic 

 influence, and the faculties of the mind are still more 

 impaired. Reason is off duty, and the lower, or animal, 

 impulses begin to manifest themselves. First, the control 

 of judgment and the will disappears, and the emotional, 

 the impulsive, and the purely instinctive part of our nature 

 is laid bare. 2 



316. The Last Stage. In the last stage which may result 

 even from drinking a single large amount of alcohol, the 

 paralysis of the nerve centers and of the brain is carried to 

 a greater extent. All the inlets of the senses are closed, 



1 Men following intellectual pursuits are apt to be victims of mental 

 and bodily degradation through alcohol, for once they come under its 

 subtle control, the craving for it in men of educated brains is perhaps 

 stronger than in men of uneducated brains. T. S. CLOUSTON, M.D. 



Alcohol destroys the individuality of man and paralyzes his body and 

 his will power. A. BAER, M.D. 



2 The stimulating action which alcohol appears to exert on the func- 

 tions of the brain is only a paralytic action. The cerebral functions which 

 are first interfered with are the power of clear judgment and reason. The 

 lively gesticulations and useless exertions of intoxicated people are due to 

 a kind of paralysis, the restraining influences being removed which pre- 

 vent a sober man from uselessly expending his strength. G. VON BUNGE, 

 Professor of Physiological Chemistry, University of Basel. 



