danger. If that be so, we reduce alcohol not only
from the position of food medicine, but we reduce it from the
position of a goad; and we say that the supposititious
stimulating or goading influence of alcohol is a mere delusion;
that in fact alcohol always lessens the power of the patients,
and always damages their chance of recovery, when it is a
question of their getting through exhausting diseases."

Many more such quotations might be adduced. Enough are given to show
that the popular use of alcohol, when a stimulant is required, is
considered a grave error by those who have most thoroughly studied the
effects of this drug.

ALCOHOL AS A TONIC.

Dr. J. J. Ridge, of London, says:--

"The action of alcohol in relaxing unstriped muscular fibre,
which entitles it to be called an anti-spasmodic, robs it of all
claim to give tone. The sense of exhilaration which follows
small doses of alcohol has been mistaken for real strength and
increase of vitality. It is well known that relaxation of the
blood-vessels throughout the body is one of the first effects of
alcohol. The arteries of the retina have been observed to dilate
after very small doses of alcohol. The diminution of tone is
well seen in the tracings of the pulse under the influence of
alcohol. If one needs a tonic, therefore, alcohol is one of the
things to be shunned altogether.

"But alcoholic beverages contain other things beside alcohol.
Beer contains infusion of hops, or other bitter stomachics. Some
wines contain tannin. These ingredients, by creating or
stimulating the appetite, increase the strength and vital power
in certain cases. But we have a large number of drugs which
will do the same without the disadvantages arising from the
presence of alcohol, and, if the flavor be objected to, many of
them can be taken in the form of coated pills.

"The external use of cold, either by a dripping sheet, cold
sponging, or a shower-bath, according to the power of reaction,
is a valuable means of giving real tone.

"Wine is frequently prescribed for those young persons who are
growing rapidly, and whose strength does not seem to keep pace
with their growth. It is important to know that alcohol is not
desirable in such circumstances. There is often found in such
cases a defective appetite, perhaps even sub-acute gastric
c