ALCOHOL AND BRAINS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 5 October 1907, Page 4

ALCOHOL AND BRAINS.

"FOOLS' FOOD" FOR MENTAL WORK n A great conflict of opinion regarding [. the use of alcohol, both medicinally and t, sis ;t beverage, was displayed during a 0 debate in the physiological section of t the British Association at Leicester on f August 5. ii i'rolessor Cushny, of the London Uni--1 \eisity, said that no doubt alcohol iinj'laml the taste of food, and thus increased the gastric secretion, and pro(digestion; but there was a mark-rdii.;!on-nee in the action of alcohol on diil'.nnl individuals.

r "hi some persons," he said, "there i can. be no doubt that food is digested j more rapidly when a little alcohol is . used. In many others there is 110 differ- ( ence whatever. As to the cfl'cct of al- • eohol on the brain, it is generally recog , nised that some of the highest function? of the brain are thrown out of action by alcohol administered in quantities, which induce the phase of exhilaration. The idea that alcohol increases the ability to do muscular work is shown

to be incorrect, so far as soldiers march ing are concerned. It acts ns a cerebral depressant, though it may perhaps aid the failing heart. Alcohol is a drug, which may be useful in therapeutics, although it can hardly be considered in dispensable. Us administration has so often given rise to the habit thai it? use must be curtailed to the utmost limit. In some conditions, as in old age and debility, it must be justifiable to neglect its drawbacks exactly as in some forms of malignant disease tlie patient may be allowed to contract the morphine habit. Let us at any rate advise with onr eyes open as to the risk? run._ The public can hardly be blamed for ignoring the evidences of danger

j presented daily in the streets if scientists adopt an ambiguous position." \ Dr. Dixon, of Cambridge, remarked that when alcohol was taken with food the food was absorbed more readily, "Of course," lie said, "the man who wants to do mental work is a fool to take alcohol; but there is no reason why be should not take it at tlie end of a day's work. The theory that alcohol is the cause of insanity cannot be proved. It is insane peopic who indulge in alcohol to excess." Sir Victor Ilorsley, whoee strong temperance views are well known, said that alcohol as a food might be comparable to sugar, but added:— (t lt is different in its effects. Sugar does not make men beat their wives."

Sir Oliver Lodge, speaking on "The Density of the Ether" in the physics section, said that in tho ether there was a tremendous source of energy -which slightest degree.