reflex arcs, at the higher levels of the
cord, were next investigated: (1) eye-reaction to suddenly appearing
stimulus, and (2) speech reaction to visual word stimuli. Dose A
(30 cubic centimeters), accelerated the eye-reaction, while dose B
(45 cubic centimeters) positively depressed it, agreeing with the simple
reaction experiments of Kraepelin. This was the only instance of
acceleration of movement of the voluntary muscles through alcohol, all
the other tests showing it to be a consistent depressant. The speech
reaction showed a positive depressant effect of 3 per cent.

[Sidenote: Memory]

Free association of ideas and memory tests were also made, and showed
practically no effect from alcohol, but, unfortunately, the smaller dose
only was used in these tests.

The sensitiveness to electrical stimulation was decreased 14 per cent.

Motor co-ordination, as evidenced by eye-movements in fixating seen
objects, was next investigated. The velocity of these movements was
decreased 11 per cent. Finger-movements, measured in an exceedingly
delicate way, were reduced in speed 9 per cent.

[Sidenote: Heart and Pulse]

The effect on the pulse while these tests were made was observed, and
electrocardiograms taken. The pulse was found to be accelerated, but not
increased in force, that is, the "brake" was taken off the heart, but no
driving force supplied by alcohol. The condition of the circulation was
impaired by the narcotic effect of alcohol on the cardio-inhibitory
center which holds the heart action in check.

[Sidenote: Decreases Organic Efficiency]

According to the investigators, the effect is to "decrease organic
efficiency." This should shut off such little debate as still persists
with respect to alcohol having any value as a heart stimulant.

[Sidenote: Always a Depressant]

While these investigations only confirm in part the contention of the
Kraepelin school that alcohol first acts by depressing the higher
centers, and tend to show that its first and most profound effect is on
the lower levels of the spinal cord and the simpler nervous mechanisms,
it confirms the view of these and other investigators, that the total
effect of alcohol is that of a narcotic, depressing drug, even in the
smallest doses usually taken as a beverage.

[Sidenote: Resistance of Higher Brain Function]

The possible reactions are more complex than those supposed by
Kraepelin, and there is evident in the higher centers (the eff