The bases of the temperance reform: an exposition and appeal./ With replies to numerous objections. By Rev. Dawson Burns.

The IAction of the Body oin Acohol.
F.R.S.; and though, both in France and England, exception has been taken to the conclusions drawn by the
original French experimentalists, because a large part of
the alcohol swallowed was not accounted for, the scientific mind of this country generally accepts the experiments as conclusive against Liebig's theory, which
taught that alcohol is more rapidly burnt off than other
respiratory food, and that all the alcohol imbibed is disposed of in this mode. Seeing that for a period of eight
and ten hours alcohol is eliminated unchanged by the
lungs, the proof of any combustion (oxidation) within the
body rests upon the supporters of Liebig's theory.
Against that theory there are several powerful facts:
first, the catalogue of well-established cases where alcohol has been found in the blood and brains of persons
who have died under its influence, and in such quantity
as to kindle on the application of a flame. Secondly, the
inability to trace any of the derivatives of Alcohol, which
ought to be discernible if alcohol is oxidized as the
theory requires. Thirdly, the incontrovertible lowering
of the animal temperature after the imbibition of alcohol,
a result quite irreconcilable with the doctrine that alcohol, by its rapid combustion, helps sensibly, though
briefly, to warm the human body. The utility of alcohol
as a heat-producer may, therefore, be denied-first, because it is highly probable that it undergoes no decomposition in the animal economy; and, secondly, because,
if it does so to any extent, it is much inferior to other
substances which (I) are also nutritious (while alcohol is
not); (2) do the work of warming more gradually and
permanently; (3) are more cheaply procured; (4) and are
entirely free from those irritant and other injurious
effects of alcohol to which we shall afterwards advert.
2. The use of alcohol as "an arrester of waste " is a plea
which, if founded on fact, would make strongly in favor
of its general disuse. Waste of tissue is necessary to its
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