e, Hunt, and others that the oxidation of
alcohol in the liver is simply one of the defensive activities
of that organ, _i. e._, it is a protective oxidation and belongs
strictly in the same category with the oxidation of uric acid,
xanthin bodies, leucin, tyrosins, and the amido acids.

"The next question which arises is, why does the liver select
alcohol first and oxidize that substance to the exclusion of
other toxic substances up to the oxidation capacity? The answer
is probably to be found in the chemical composition of alcohol.

"It oxidizes very easily, much more so than any of the other
toxic substances which gain access to the liver. Its early
oxidation may be due to this fact alone, or in part to an actual
selection on the part of the liver. Another question of
importance: Is the energy liberated in the oxidation of alcohol
in the liver available for the use of the muscles, nervous
system, or glands?

"If this question is answered affirmatively, then alcohol is a
food. If negatively then alcohol is not a food. Let us reason
together. All body oxidations may be classified in two groups:
(1.) _Active oxidations_ which take place in the active
tissues--muscles, nervous system, or glands--and take place
incident to action. It is under the perfect control of the
nervous system and is proportional to normal activity. (2.)
_Protective oxidations_ which take place in the liver. This
class of oxidation processes is wholly independent of the usual
tissue activity and is proportional to the ingestion of toxic
substances and quite independent of muscle action, brain action,
or gland action, other than liver action.

"If the oxidation of alcohol in the liver belongs to class 1,
the following consequences should be found: (1.) The ingestion
of alcohol would lead to an increase in muscular power and in
the working capacity of the brain or glands. (2.) The ingestion
of alcohol would serve to maintain body temperature in the
healthy individual subjected to low external temperature. (3.)
The accession of muscle, brain, or gland activity would be
proportional to the amount of alcohol ingested, but laboratory
observations and general experience show that none of these
things are true; _i. e._, the ingestion of alcohol decreases
muscle, brain, and gland work, and depresses bod