ALCOHOL IN THE ARMY. ' 293 



by causing your invalid to derive pleasure from some portion at least of his meal, 

 you prevent him from regarding all eating as distasteful. 



But, above all, it must be remembered that the way in which things are 

 served is the most important element in the matter. The trays should be covered 

 with the freshest of cloths, and even be rendered bright by a vase of flowers. 

 You should never set a plate before an invalid containing the exact quantity of 

 meat, fish, or pudding you want him to eat. If you do, he will be sure to leave 

 half, with the complaint that he has no appetite. He should always have every- 

 thing served on small dishes, and should be allowed to assist himself. His vege- 

 tables and sauces should never be heaped on his plate, but should come up in 

 tiny vegetable dishes and pretty sauce-boats. Above all, he should never be told 

 beforehand what he may expect, so that his meals have all the charm of a sur- 

 prise. In short, an invalid's meals should be so managed that he should look 

 forward to them with pleasure as to a break in the day's monotony, instead of 

 turning from them with disgust, as from some disagreeable ordeal to be undergone 

 with all the resolution he can muster. — Boston Journal of Chemistry. 



ALCOHOL IN THE ARMY. 



A careful study of the effect of the "spirit ration" in the British army was 

 lately made by a writer in the British Medical Journal. His conclusions were as 

 follows : 



(t.) Spirits are not an absolute necessity in the field. 



(2.) Given before or during a march, or work of any description, they are 

 nearly always calculated to harm. 



(3.) The only case in which exception need be made to the above rule is 

 when men are near the end of a Jong and fatiguing march, which it is necessary 

 should be accomplished. Then the issue of a spirit ration may probably supply 

 the necessary stimulus for completing the work ; but it must be on the condition 

 that no further work shall be demanded until after a sufficient period of repose. 



(4.) The issue of a ration at night, when work is done, may be useful as a 

 sedative, and in inducing calm and refreshing sleep. 



(5.) Under any of these circumstances, the ration ought not to exceed two 

 ounces and a half (half a gill) of spirits — equal to one ounce and a quarter of 

 alcohol ; and it ought to be given well diluted with water — hot, if possible. 



Even in cases where its utility is, with limitations, admitted, it is still a ques- 

 tion whether extract of meat might not be better, as it certainly would be attended 

 with less chance of evil result, should it not accomplish the immediate end con- 

 templated. Admitting, however, that in cases where rapid stimulus is required 

 alcohol is more useful than any of the proposed substitutes, there seems to be no 

 valid ground for continuing its issue on campaigns as a regular ration. It would 

 be better to carry it as an extra, and issue it only by the advice and with the 

 concurrence of the medical officer. 



