pass some test by which true foods
are measured. Apart from its effect on the nervous system, among which
must be figured its action on the blood vessels which causes a _loss of
body heat_, Mendel has shown that in moderate doses (96 cc. daily) it
increases the output of uric acid and allied (purin) bodies derived from
the tissues, a fact which distinguishes it from all other foods. These
poisonous or drug effects must always be considered, together with any
alleged nourishing effects. Alcohol is still used by some as a rapidly
available fuel-food in fevers, and when ordinary foods cannot be readily
digested and made available. But this is done to a much less degree than
formerly, now that its narcotic and poisonous effects are more fully
understood. Sugar and water often serve quite as useful a purpose.

It seems reasonable, on the evidence herein presented, to class alcohol
among the narcotic or "deadening" drugs, such as ether or chloroform.
Indeed, Aschaffenburg[31] has recently called attention to the growth of
the ether habit in eastern Germany, where this drug is used as a
so-called stimulant, while in reality the effects are well known to be
narcotic, or deadening.

The laboratory and the life insurance records simply give exact
expression to what has long been a matter of common knowledge to the
employer of labor and to leaders and commanders of men; to wit, that the
influence of alcohol on any large group of men, whether they be artisans
or soldiers, is harmful and lowers the efficiency of the group.
Individual susceptibility varies, but the man who thinks he is an
exception and can indulge with safety may find that he is mistaken only
after serious damage to the body has been done and perhaps a definite
loss sustained in happiness and achievement.

[Sidenote: Effect on Offspring]

Stockard,[32] in his experiments on animals, has demonstrated
conclusively that the germ cells of males can be so injured by allowing
the subjects to inhale the fumes of alcohol that they give rise to
defective offspring, although mated with vigorous untreated females. The
offspring of those so treated when reaching maturity are usually nervous
and slightly undersize. These effects are apparently conveyed through
the descendants for at least three generations. Such evidence
establishes at least the probability of the transmission of serious ill
effects to human offspring through alcoholic indulgence of the male
parent.

Much o