86 FOOD ACCESSOEIES 



for moderate drinkers and absolutely refuse to insure 

 habitual topers. 



It is a very expensive form of fuel food, and all the energy 

 which its use supplies can be secured with less expense and 

 no danger from recognized foods. 



Finally, its transition from a food in small amounts 

 to a poison in larger amounts is due to its action as a 

 narcotic drug. 



Narcotics. 



In the paragraphs on alcohol we have mentioned the fact 

 that alcohol in large amounts is a narcotic. Whether it is 

 a stimulant or a narcotic in small amounts is at present a 

 disputed point (see p. 426). Narcotics is the class name 

 applied to substances which in small doses relieve pain 

 and produce a state of rest or sleep, but in larger amoimts 

 may produce stupor, convulsions, and even death. The 

 sense of fatigue and pain is the method employed by the 

 cells of our bodies to inform us of their need for rest, or 

 relief from disturbing influences. Sometimes, as in cases 

 of surgical operations or painful diseases, it becomes neces- 

 sary to use narcotics to lessen this sensation of pain. In 

 such cases, however, the use is purely temporary and to 

 avoid greater evils. In cases of fatigue the best remedy 

 and the only one which will completely restore the tired 

 cells is natural sleep, or such change of occupation as will 

 give the overworked cells a chance to recover. While 

 the ordinary person never thinks of using chloroform or 

 chloral for overcoming the sense of fatigue, there are two 

 narcotics whose use is frequently resorted to ; these, like 

 alcoholj soon result in the formation of habits which, if 



