, a substance capable of
rendering great service to humanity. The injury which it causes is the
result of its misuse. Though unfit for introduction into the human body,
except in the most guarded manner, it is adapted to a great variety of
uses outside of the body. A combustible substance which is readily
convertible into a gas, it may be substituted for gasoline in the cooking
of food, lighting of dwellings, and the running of machinery. As a solvent
for gums, resins, essential oils, etc., it is used in the preparation of
varnishes, extracts, perfumes, medicines, and numerous other substances of
everyday use. Through its chemical interactions, it is used in the
manufacture of ether, chloroform, explosives, collodion, celluloid,
dyestuffs, and artificial silk. In fact, alcohol is stated by one
authority to be, next to water, the most valuable liquid known.(136)

Opposed to an extensive use of alcohol for industrial purposes is the
guard which the government must keep over its manufacture on account of
its use in beverages. Though alcohol may be profitably manufactured and
sold at thirty cents per gallon, the government revenue stamp of $2.08 per
gallon practically prohibits its use for many purposes. A step toward a
wider application to industrial purposes has been taken by the law
permitting the sale of so-called "denatured"(137) alcohol without the tax
for revenue. This law has proved beneficial to some extent, though the
practical solution of the problem is still remote.

*Nicotine and Social Custom.*--The influences which brought about a general
use of tobacco are similar to, though not identical with, those that
engrafted alcohol upon society. The drug nicotine is a habit-forming
substance and the plant producing it is easily cultivated.(138) Its
immediate effect upon the user is generally agreeable, acting as a
stimulant to some, but having a soothing effect upon the nerves of others.
Moreover, a strong deterring factor in its use is lacking, since its
harmful effects are not readily discernible and by many are avoided
through moderation in its use.

As with alcohol, tobacco is conveniently used to promote sociability among
men, a fact which has much to do with its very general use. If it could be
limited to social purposes, it would likely do little harm, but the habit,
once started, is continued without reference to sociability--a matter of
selfish indulgence. In fact, one effect of tobacco is to cause the user