ALCOHOL IN HEALTH AND DISEASE.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 341, 24 July 1878, Page 4

ALCOHOL IN HEALTH AND DISEASE.

A lecture has been delivered by Dr B. W. Richardson at the London Institution before the Hunterian Society, upon the physiological action of alcohol in health and disease. The lecturer pointed out that there were lour physiological stages of the most definite and marked character observable in those who v seel alcohol. In the first stage there was a flush of blood, a nervous action and elevation of the general temperature, quickened motion of the heart, a quickened pulse, full veins and a lively , expression standing out in characteristics so distinct that every person of common observation must read them. In the second stage came the fading flush, falling temperature, slightly quickened motion of the heart, slight failure of muscular direction, lapse ct memory, and restlessness of body and mind. The third stage was remarkable for the reduced temperature, reduced motion of the heart, complete failure of muscular direction, palsied movements, and a stupor which in the fourth stage ended in convulsive twitchings, complete muscular palsy, semi paralysis of the involuntary muscles, irregular and stertorous respiration, intermitting and feeble heart, extremely reduced temperature (indeed he had seen it reduced to 4 degs. Fahr.,) utter insensibility and unconsciousness to all external impressions. There was also the fifth and fatal stage. This general evidence with regard to alcohol was perfect throughout, with the exception that when the heavier alcohols were brought into action they produced a peculiar tremor, which resembled that of delirium tremens. In the action of alcohol upon communities, there were also to be observed some four stages of physiological change. The body became changed, the action of the heart was either too slow or too fast, the man himself was dull and inactive, his body felt cold except when stimulated with the spirit. From this resulted irregularities in mind and body, and then he became temporarily palsied. This last stage was to be most observed in England, where milder alcoholic fluids are generally taken than in the rest of the United Kingdom. The drinkers of strong spirits, such as whisky, formed generally the savage and criminal classes, while the gin ami beer drinkers gave the low and sottish. In health, the total abstainer had the best of it. In cases of illness, he objected to the administration of alcohol, except in feeble action of the heart, when it might be given with advantage if great care was used not to let the patient go beyond the first stage. A vote of thanks having been given to the lecturer, a discussion followed, and the proceedings terminated.