cohol, some of
which are known by terms that do not convey to the mind what
really has been the cause of the diseases." They are:

(a) Diseases of the brain and nervous system: indicated by such names
as apoplexy, epilepsy, paralysis, vertigo, softening of the brain,
delirium tremens, loss of memory and that general failure of the mental
power called dementia. (b) Diseases of the lungs: one form of
consumption, congestion and subsequent bronchitis. (c) Diseases of the
heart: irregular beat, feebleness of the muscular walls, dilation,
disease of the valves. (d) Diseases of the blood: scurvy, dropsy,
separation of fibrine. (e) Diseases of the stomach: feebleness of the
stomach and indigestion, flatulency, irritation and sometimes
inflammation. (f) Diseases of the bowels: relaxation or purging,
irritation. (g) Diseases of the liver: congestion, hardening and
shrinking cirrhosis. (h) Diseases of the kidneys: change of structure
into fatty or waxy-like condition and other changes leading to dropsy.
(i) Diseases of the muscles: fatty changes in the muscles, by which
they lose their power for proper active contraction. (j) Diseases of
the membranes of the body: thickening and loss of elasticity, by which
the parts wrapped up in the membrane are impaired for use, and premature
decay is induced.

But it constantly happens that when deaths from these diseases are
recorded and alcohol has been the primary cause, some other cause is
believed to have been at work.

While drinking parents by virtue of a strong constitution sometimes
escape the penalty of their bibulous habit, it is not uncommon to see
their children suffering from some disease or nervous weakness such as
is caused by alcohol, "the sins of the father being visited upon the
children."

Erasmus Darwin says upon this point:--

"It is remarkable that all the diseases from drinking spirituous
or fermented liquors are liable to become hereditary, even to
the third generation, gradually increasing, if the cause be
continued, till the family become extinct."

Prof. Christison, of Edinburgh, in answer to inquiries from the
Massachusetts State Board of Health, says of general diseases due to
alcohol:--

"I recognize certain diseases which originate in the vice of
drunkenness alone, which are _delirium tremens_, cirrhosis of
the liver, many cases of Bright's disease of the kidneys, and
dipsomania, or insane drunkenness.

"T