indulgence in "intoxicants" to any degree whatever. It is well to
remember that (in spite of apparently authoritative modern views to the
contrary) there is not a shadow of proof that the moderate use of any
one of these agents as a stimulant has any definite tendency to lead to
its abuse; it is otherwise with their employment as narcotics, which,
once indulged in, is almost certain to lead to repetition, and to a more
or less rapid process of degradation, though there are many exceptions
to this latter statement. It is interesting to know that a former
English judge, who lived to nearly ninety years of age, believed he had
prolonged his life and added greatly to his comfort by the moderate use
of ether, which he was led to employ because neither wine nor tobacco
agreed with him; while the immoderate use of the same agent has given
rise to a most deleterious form of drunkenness, both in parts of Ireland
and in some of the large industrial centres in Great Britain.

Various modern biologists have discussed, with more or less acceptance
in certain circles, the historical conditions in various races and in
different countries as to the use and abuse of intoxicants, and have
drawn varying conclusions from their theories. It has even been
contended, with much show of learned authority, that since drunkenness
leads to disease and early death, the proneness to strong drink in the
long run causes the elimination of the unfit, and results in a general
sobering of the community, a race being therefore temperate in
proportion to its past sufferings through alcohol. But on this subject
it may be said that, at least, no agreement has been reached.

The effects of intoxicants are variously modified by the temperament of
the individual and the nature of the inebriant. When that is alcohol,
its action on an average individual is first to fill him with a serene
and perfect self-complacency. His feelings and faculties are exalted
into a state of great activity and buoyancy, so that his language
becomes enthusiastic, and his conversation vivacious if not brilliant.
The senses gradually become hazy, a soft humming seems to fill the
pauses of the conversation, and modify the tones of the speaker, a filmy
haze obscures the vision, the head seems lighter than usual, the
equilibrium unstable. By-and-by objects appear double, or flit
confusedly before the eyes; judgment is abolished, secretiveness
annihilated, and the drunkard pours forth all