n investigations have given good
ground for the belief that these degenerations are the result of
the influence of ptomaines, leucomaines and other poisons
produced within the body, upon the tissues. It is well known
that many of these toxic agents, even in very small quantity
give rise to degenerations of the kidney. It is this fact which
explains the occurrence of nephritis in connection with
diphtheria, scarlet fever and other infectious maladies. Dana
has called attention to the probable role played by ptomaines
produced in the alimentary canal in the development of organic
disease of the central nervous system.

"It is thus apparent that the integrity of the renal functions
is a matter of as great importance in chronic as in acute
disease, hence any agent which diminishes the efficiency of
these organs in ridding the system of poisons, either those
normally and regularly produced, or those of an accidental or
unusual character, must be pernicious and dangerous in use."

Among the more recent findings of science in regard to the effects of
alcohol are the action of this drug upon the leucocytes or "guardian
cells" of the body. Leucocytes are defined to be "minute, nucleated,
colorless masses of protoplasm, capable of ameboid movements, found
swimming freely in blood and lymph, in the reticulum of lymphatic
glands, and in bone-marrow and other connective tissue." The white
corpuscles of the blood are leucocytes. "The work of these cells is to
prey upon and take into their substance bacteria and other
micro-organisms within the blood and tissues. This destruction of
bacteria, and other noxious organisms, has the biological name of
phagocytosis."

Dr. Alonzo Brown in _Physician and Surgeon_ says of phagocytosis:--

"Recently a brilliant theory has been projected into the
histological world. It is the principle of phagocytosis. The
beauty of it is so great that we are attracted by it, and its
reasonings have riveted general attention. It is said that
certain cells have the power to absorb and so destroy other
cells. This is phagocytosis. It is said that 'the cells which
are known to possess phagocytocic properties are the leucocytes,
mucous corpuscles, connective tissue cells, endothelia of blood
vessels and lymphatic vessels, alveolar eypithelium of the
lungs, and the cells of the spleen, bone, marrow and lympha