TEMPERANCE COLUMN

Evening Star, Issue 21254, 8 November 1932, Page 3

TEMPERANCE COLUMN

[Published by Arrangement with (lie United Temperance Reform Council.] ALCOHOL INJUR I ICS THE BRAIN CELLS. In continuing tins important subject, the effect of alcohol in the highest form of protoplasm that wo know, it is well (o repent “ all the functions of the body are under control of the brain and its dependent system of nerves, and no life can be efficient if this wonderful organ Is depressed by adverse inliucnccs.” All latest investigation “ supports the conclusion that the direct effect of alcohol upon the nervous system is. in all stages and upon all parts of the system, to depress judgment and conspicuous elements of self-control.” It would bo hard to find a greater indictment of alcohol than in the above cautious words. It is because alcohol interferes by (lulling, narcotising, paralysing the brain that it is so full of danger, A man is driving a motor car; another is approaching; a woman with a perambulator sea its to cross the road. Like a flash the driver must sec the danger, realise it, use his judgment, measure the distance, and act appropriately—ncnrincs and synapses all over the brain are called into activity. A very little dulling of the power of prcccption here or the power - of response there means a serious error in judgment and an accident. THE BEST BRAIN IS THE UNDRUGGED BRAIN. The loss of self-control leads to accidents and injury. Alcohol destroys the power (1) to see danger; (2) to avoid danger; and at the same time lessens alertness, spoils judgment, and causes hesitation and unsteadiness. A second’s delay sometimes proves fatal, and terrible disasters on sea and land have often followed the making of a wrong decision at a time of danger or stress, because perhaps only a little alcohol has been taken, which has clouded the judgment and delayed the quickness of thought and action. In these <lays of swift machinery and quick travelling, clear brains and alert senses are essential. Alcohol is the frequent cause of many serious accidents resulting in death. On the Glagow tramways there were seventeen accidents in four hours on November 28, 1016, and in every case the person was under the influence of drink. Remember, then—your best work demands a clear brain; a clear brain demands no alcohol. In these da vs no boy or girl can afford to take anything that might hurt the best of their possessions —a good brain—and so lower the standard of its work and the amount of its output. “ A man who has to do brain work cannot oo his best work if ho takes alcohol.”—Professor Sims Woodhend. The British Government Medical Research Committee, summing up the results of numerous laboratory tests and investigations, says: “ Small doses of alcohol, well within the limits of what would be deemed by all, moderation, gravely depreciate the accuracy of performance. ...” The results emphasise the conclusion that moderate doses of alcohol affect the accuracy of semi-auto-matic work more than a casual observer might suppose. The late Sir Lauder Brunton gave the result of his experience and investigations as “ alcohol paralyses the judgment, and that paralysis begins with the first glass.” One word remains to he said. Bring this whole question of the taking of alcohol to the bar of your judgment, your own reason, and your own cuminonso sense. Think it over quietly, and ask yourself: Is wine, whisky, or beer worth it? Is it worth running such great risks for what is at the best but a deadening of your highest and best faculties?