he composition of the tissue along
with the food elements under the action of special organic
ferments brought into play by nervous impulses received from the
central ganglia.

"The molecules of these residual tissues which form the
storehouse of energy in the body are rearranged in simpler
forms, thereby giving up a portion of the energy which holds
them together in the state in which they exist in the tissues,
and this energy thus set free appears as muscle force, mental
activity, glandular work and various other forms of functional
activity."

CHAPTER VII.

ALCOHOL IN PHARMACY.

In the _Journal of the American Medical Association_ for November 13,
1897, Dr. T. D. Crothers, editor of the _Journal of Inebriety_, says in
a paper upon "Concealed Alcohol in Drugs":--

"A very important question has been repeatedly raised, and
answered differently by persons who claim to have some expert
knowledge. The question is, can strong tinctures of common drugs
be given in all cases with safety; tinctures of the various
bitters which contain from 10 to 40 per cent. of alcohol, and
are used very freely by neurotic and debilitated persons? It is
asserted with the most positive convictions that such tinctures
are more sought for the narcotic effect of the alcohol than for
the drugs themselves.

"In my experience a large number of inebriates who are restored,
relapse from the use of these tinctures given for their
medicinal effects. * * * * *

"The question is asked, how much alcohol can be used as a
solvent in drugs without adding a new force more potent than
that which is brought out by the alcohol? Opinions of experts
differ. One writer thinks 10 per cent. of alcohol in any drug
will, if given any length of time, develop the physiologic
effect of alcohol in addition to that of the drug. An English
writer says that in some cases a 5 per cent. tincture is
dangerous from the alcohol which it contains.

"There is some doubt expressed by many authorities as to the
potency of a drug which is covered up in a strong tincture. It
is clear that the value of a drug is not enhanced, and it is
certain that a new force-producing, or exploding agency, has
been added to the body.

"In experience, any drug which contains alcohol can not be given
to persons who have previously used it