ALCOHOL

is a drug potent for good or evil according to the way it is used. As a food its value is very inferior to the sugar from which it is prepared, but as a stimulant ite value is great. There are times when a stimulant of some kind is e ential to life. There is no evidence that the daily use of alcohol with the meals in moderate quantity is harmful. On the other hand there is ample proof that it is unnece ary. Whilst the exce ive use of tea or coffee is injurious to health, the evil cffects of alcoholic exce aro incomparably greater. Morcover, it must never be forgotten that alcohol often begets such a craying for itself as to deprive its victims of all self-control. Its use as a beverage, therefore, is always more or k dangerous and requires the greatest watchfulno . In short, we regard alcohol as an excellent stimulant, but we hold a stimulant should be used either scldom, or, if constantly, only in very moderate doses. The abuse of alcohol consists in using it (1) too concentrated; (2) in too large amounts; (3) between meals; (4) a3 a substitute for a meal; &) to “ kcep out the cold.” Instead of keeping out the cold it increases the lo of heat by bringing the blood to the surface. Nansen was aware of this, and in bis Polar explorations allowed his men no [s. 330]