Health Hints.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 54

Health Hints.

What quantity of alcohol can an adult take daily without harmful results? The question has been often asked, and as variously answered. Dr Parkes, one of the greatest authorities on the subject, fixes the amount at one ounce and a-half of pure alcohol daily. This is equal to three ounces of whisky, or one pint of claret, or three hah-pints of ale. Other doctors who have given the subject their attention differ with Mr Parkes, believing that he has fixed the amount too high. To ascertain the state of the lungs, a person should draw in as much breath as can be done conveniently. Then count as long as possible in a slow and audible voice without drawing in more breath. Note .carefully tlit number of seconds. In consumptives the time does not exceed ten and frequently is less than six seconds. In pneumonia and pleurisy it ranges from four to nine seconds. If the lungs are sound the time will range from 20 to 35 -seconds.

If you have a sensitive eye and brain, and .Bleep lightly, it, is not at all a good plan to screen your window with red blinds or curtains. Brain specialists report that a good many cases of weakening of intellect arise from this cause every year, and for some natures and constitutions ifc is certainly a very bad thing to do. The scarlet light, reflected on the face of the .sleeper in the morning, and allowed to rest there for some time, has a bad effect on the eyes and brain. Sensitive people have often- been known to positively lose their

season from this cause, and many Uh&c* plained cases of lunacy have been traced to the same reason. The best ' and healthiest' colour for bedroom blinds iff dark green. Ift is always recommended by both brain doctors and oculists. Dark blue is next -best,, but not nearly so good as green. To induce tlie soundest and most- restful kind of sleep, however, apart from brain sensitiveness, make the room absolutely pitch dart by means of a thick black blind over the window.