Physiological Effects of Alcohol.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 81, 30 May 1871, Page 7

Physiological Effects of Alcohol.

An important niemoir upon the effects of alcohol upon the human body was lately read before the Royal Society of London, giving the results of experiments prosecuted by two eminent army surgeons upon an intelligent British soldier. This man was perfectly heathly, and entirely unaccustomed to the use of spirits or tobacco in anv form ; so that the effects produced were direct,"and could be readily appreciated. It was ascertained that small quantities of absolute alcohol—Say one or two fluid ounces—given in divided doses, seemed to increase his appetite, while four fluid ounces lessened it considerably,, and larger quantities almost destroyed it. While this particular effect may have been the result of peculiarities of constitution in the individual experimented upon, it is also possible that, in case of disease, much Smaller quantities of alcohol might affect the appetite; The number of beats of the heart in 24 hours was increased very largely—to an average of at least 13 per cent, —and the actual work done by the heart, in excess of the normal task, was found to be equal to that of lifting 15 tons one foot ; and, indeed, during the last two days of the experiment the. extra work amounted to 24 tons. The general conclusions, from this experiment and others which we have no time to mention, are very decided that, incase of ordinary health, the use of alcohol, even in small closes, is very much to bo reprehended ; but that, when the system is run down and enfeobled, it may be given as a stimulant, and for the purpose of causing the organs of the baiy to act with greater vigour.