158 EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL UPON THE HUMAN BODY. 



their presence may account for the harmful influence of these bev- 

 erages in gout, and for some of the pathologic changes which 

 occur in chronic alcoholism. In claret, sherry, and port no trace 

 of purin-bodies is found. The following table gives the per- 

 centages of alcohol and solid matter or extract in some of the 

 common beers and ales (Allen) : 



Value of Alcoholic Beverages as Food. It will be seen that by 

 virtue of the carbohydrates and salts which wines and beers con- 

 tain they certainly have a food-value entirely irrespective of the 

 alcohol, which is also one of their constituents. The compound 

 ethers are regarded as assisting digestion by promoting the secre- 

 tion of the digestive fluids, while the bitter principles are well- 

 recognized stomachic tonics. Used in moderation they are there- 

 fore not injurious, but used to excess there is danger of their 

 producing fat in excess, imperfect oxidation, and a resulting 

 plethoric and perhaps gouty diathesis. 



EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL UPON THE HUMAN BODY. 



We come now to consider a subject about which volumes have 

 been written, and one which has, perhaps, excited more discussion 

 in both scientific and lay organizations than any other i. e., the 

 eifects of alcohol upon the human body. The warfare has raged 

 long and fierce around the question, "Is alcohol a food?" In 

 a discussion of any subject it is very important that there should 

 be no misunderstanding about the meaning of the terms employed, 

 and, therefore, before entering upon this discussion we must have 

 a distinct understanding as to what is meant by a food. For this 

 purpose we quote the following definitions : 



Definitions of Food. " That which is eaten or drunk for 

 nourishment; aliment; nutriment in the scientific sense; any 

 substance that, being taken into the body of animal or plant, 

 serves, through organic action, to build up normal structure or 

 supply the waste of tissue ; nutriment, as distinguished from 

 condi ment." Standard Dictionary. 



" Anything which, when taken into the body, serves to nourish 

 or build up the tissues or to supply heat." Borland's Illustrated 

 Medical Dictionary. 



" Any substance, inorganic or organic, solid or liquid, that will 



