THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 235 



all consciousness and sensation are lost, and all power over 

 the voluntary movements is gone. The heart still beats, 

 the blood circulates, and the breathing still goes on; but 

 these are the sole remnants of vitality, the slender 

 threads by which a hold is retained upon life. 



317. Progressive Changes in Character caused by Strong 

 Drink. The person who habitually, or even occasionally, 

 stupefies his faculties or paralyzes his judgment and reason 

 with alcoholic drinks disqualifies himself by this action for 

 responsible duties. In family and social relations he is 

 often irritable, unjust in his judgments, careless 'sometimes 



FIG. 147. The Main Nerve Trunks of the Right Forearm, showing the 

 Accompanying Radial and Ulnar Arteries. (Anterior view.) 



to the extent of absolute cruelty in his responsibilities to 

 those related to him by the tenderest ties. In business he 

 becomes incapable of continued application, loses the sense 

 of responsibility, and may become actually dishonest. 



Most railroads now demand total abstinence of their 

 employees. From a strictly business point of view it does 

 not pay great corporations to employ engineers, switchmen, 

 telegraph operators, or men in any responsible position who 

 use alcoholic liquors. The directors know too well that the 

 risk of life, limb, and property is thereby greatly increased. 



Other industries are rapidly adopting the same meas- 

 ures as a protection against loss and accidents. Insurance 



