172 DEPRESSANTS TO CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM 



then followed by a slow fall in pressure, that there was no rise in 

 pressure when the alcohol was placed in the stomach through a 

 gastric fistula, even in strengths up to 50 and 60 per cent. It is, 

 therefore, probable that the reflex comes from the mouth. 



Respiratory System. Alcohol stimulates the respirations in 

 some animals. This is probably due to an indirect effect of aJcohol 

 through its action in the stomach and not to stimulation of the res- 

 piratory center. There is no stimulation in dogs and in other ani- 

 mals the stimulation is so slight and uncertain as to make alcohol of 

 no therapeutic value in the treatment of respiratory diseases. 



Skin. Slight diaphoretic. 



Nervous System. The action of alcohol upon the nervous sys- 

 tem is similar to that of ether, but it is modified by its lessened 

 volatility and slower action. Alcohol depresses first the highest cere- 

 bral centers, the intellectual, then the lower, motor, etc., then the 

 cerebellum, and the vital medullary centers. There may be a pri- 

 mary stimulation, but this is but momentary and alcohol cannot be 

 considered as a cerebral stimulant. It is a triie narcotic, standing in 

 this series between the anesthetics and hypnotics. 



Food and Endurance. Bastido summarizes the action as fol- 

 lows : " Alcohol cannot build up tissue, but can spare or replace the 

 fats and carbohydrates for a time, and can prevent excessive protein 

 destruction (tissue waste) for a time. It may, therefore, serve as a 

 useful food in some conditions of great exhaustion or waste, where 

 the tissues would otherwise be broken down to furnish the energy to 

 maintain life. But in any case alcohol cannot be a profitable food 

 for any length of time, because of its central nervous effects, and 

 because it causes too marked wear and tear on the body structures. 

 It is probable that in most conditions, sugar will be a better food." 



Therapeutics. Externally and locally as an antiseptic for 

 wounds or hands, as a refrigerant for bruises, swelling, etc. (spirits 

 of camphor). To harden the skin and prevent bed sores in man. As 

 a preventive of burns by phenol, it is the best remedy, as it prevents 

 penetration of the phenol; but when phenol has been swallowed, al- 

 cohol may be given in the form of whiskey, biit should be washed out 

 because it only prevents the local action and at the same time increases 

 absorption of it. As an antiseptic, see external and local action. 



Internally : 



1. Stimulant in collapse, either alone or combined with others. 



2. In septicemia, snake bites, and pyemia, and infectious dis- 

 eases. 



3. Antipyretic. Increase dose given above and give every few 

 hours. May be of service as food and narcotic but lowers resistance. 



