ect on
highest brain functions, were not measured by Dodge and Benedict) a
power of "autogenic reinforcement," which is well exemplified by the
ability of a half-intoxicated person to sober up under some shock or
strong incentive. When social conditions do not stimulate this
reinforcement, but, on the contrary, dull and retard it, as in convivial
company, there is reinforcement of the lower, more animal mechanisms of
the nervous system, and we have exhibited revolting and foolish
reactions to alcohol, which are consistent with these findings.

[Sidenote: Explanation of Memory Effects]

The slight effect on memory and free association is explained partly by
the methods used in the laboratory (difference in time of recognizing
words suddenly exposed a second time), which are more in the nature of
"short cuts" and perhaps not so accurate a reproduction of normal
memorizing as those employed by Kraepelin and Vogt (memorizing numbers
and verse), and partly by the power of "autogenic reinforcement," which
it is difficult to eliminate in a laboratory test.

This, the latest contribution of science to the study of alcohol, gives
added proof that the higher mortality among so-called moderate users of
alcohol is largely due to the unfavorable effect on the protective
mechanism of the body.

[Sidenote: Lower Resistance]

This has been further emphasized by the studies of Reich[35] at the
University of Munich, who found that the resistance of blood cells to
salt solution and to typhoid bacilli was less among alcohol users than
among total abstainers.

Konradi[36] has found that comparatively few antibodies against cholera
germs develop in persons who consume alcohol daily in fairly large
quantities and who had been inoculated against cholera. Pampoukis[37]
has observed that alcoholics are not favorable subjects for inoculation
against rabies. The Pasteur Institute in Budapest has made similar
observations, based on twenty-five years' experience.

#Additional References#

[34] Benedict, E. C.: _The Psychological Effects of Alcohol_, The
Carnegie Institution, Washington, D. C., 1916.

Benedict, E. C.: _The Psychologic Effect of Alcohol on Man_, The Journal
A. M. A., 1916, lxvi, p. 1424.

[35] Reich, H. W.: _Ueber den Einfluss des Alkoholgenusses auf
Bakterizidie, Phagozytose und Resistenz der Erythrocyten, beim
Menschen_, Arch. f. Hyg., 1916, lxxxiv, 337.

[36] Konradi: _Ueber den Wert der Choleraschutzimpfungen_, Cen