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On the Effect of Alcohol on the Human Body [May 19, 



were produced by four fluid ounces daily, and in a still higher degree 

 by the larger quantities of alcohol, proved that narcotism was produced. 

 There was no exhilaration, but a degree of heaviness, indisposition to 

 exertion, and loss of cheerfulness and alacrity ; there was slight headache, 

 and even some torpor and sleepiness. All these effects were more marked 

 with brandy. The commencement of narcotism was therefore produced 

 in this man by some quantity much less than 4 fluid ounces, and probably 

 nearer 2. It was nearly this amount which also commenced to destroy the 

 appetite ; and it may also be observed that a considerable rise in the fre- 

 quency of the pulse occurred on the third day of alcohol, when 4 ounces 

 were taken, whereas on the days with one or two ounces the pulse, though 

 quickened, was so in a much less degree. 



Putting therefore these points together, viz. that the obvious effect on 

 the nervous system (*. e. narcotism), the loss of appetite, and a great rise 

 in the quickness and frequency of the heart's beats occurred at the same 

 time, it seems fair to conclude that there must be a relation between the 

 phenomena, or, in other words, that all were owing to nervous implication. 



It appears, then, clear that any quantity over two ounces of abso- 

 lute alcohol daily would certainly do harm to this man ; but whether 

 this, or even a smaller quantity, might not be hurtful if it were con- 

 tinued day after day, the experiments do not show. It is quite obvious 

 that alcohol is not necessary for him ; that is, that every function was 

 perfectly performed without alcohol, and that even one ounce in twenty- 

 four hours produced a decided effect on his heart, which was not necessary 

 for his health, and perhaps, if the effect continued, would eventually lead 

 to alterations in circulation, and to degeneration of tissues. It is not diffi- 

 cult to say what would be excess for him ; but it is not easy to decide what 

 would be moderation ; it is only certain that it would be something under 

 two fluid ounces of absolute alcohol in twenty-four hours. 



It will be seen that the general result of our experiments is to confirm 

 the opinions held by physicians as to what must be the indications of alcohol 

 both in health and disease. The effects on appetite and on circulation are 

 the practic t il points to seize ; and if we are correct in our inferences, the 

 commencement of narcotism marks the point when both appetite and circula- 

 tion will begin to be damaged. As to the metamorphosis of nitrogenous 

 tissues or to animal heat, it seems improbable that alcohol in quantities that 

 can be properly used in diet has any effect ; it appears to us unlikely (in the 

 face of the chemical results) that it can enable the body to perform more 

 work on less food, though by quickening a failing heart it may enable 

 work to be done which otherwise could not be so. It may then act like the 

 spur in the side of a horse, eliciting force, though not supplying it. 



The employment of alcohol in health and disease is so great a subject 

 that we should have felt tempted to extend these remarks to some points 

 of medical practice, had it been desirable to do so in this place. We will 

 only say that while we recognize in these experiments the great practical 



