Those who advise the use of liquors containing alcohol claim, first, that it is a stimulant. This is an erroneous idea, as although alcohol does at first slightly increase the blood pressure, there is soon a lowering of the same with symptoms of depression. Second, that it prevents one from catching cold. As a matter of fact, alcohol dilates the blood vessels under the skin, which results in a large amount of blood being brought to the surface, with a subsequent loss of heat and chilling of the body. Many cases of pneumonia are due to this cause. Arctic explorers and those exposed to severe cold find that the ingestion of alcohol is harmful and prefer hot tea or coffee. Third, that alcohol is a food. It is true that in persons accustomed to its use about an ounce of alcohol, which is the amount contained in a bottle of beer, may be used up in the body in a day. Any excess of this amount is excreted by the lungs or the kidneys. It is questionable whether the amount that is not excreted is itself a source of heat and energy, as the effects apparently due to it may be due to its action upon starches and foods. In any event its food value is small and not to be compared to other substances which are much better suited to the purpose. Fourth, that it is a medicine. It is seldom necessary to use alcohol for its medicinal effect. In such conditions as tuberculosis, heart disease, and shock, where it was formerly extensively employed, it is now considered to be harmful. It is true it has a certain value in the prostration of acute fevers, where food can not be administered, but even here other measures are preferable. In Guy's Hospital, London, the cost of alcohol administered to patients has been reduced from $7,660 to $734 per annum. In the United States Public Health Service during the fiscal year 1917 only 891 gallons of alcoholic liquor were issued to the 20 marine hospitals, in which 11,325 patients were treated.

The use of light wines and beer, the former of which contains from 5 to 10 per cent and the latter from 2 to 8 per cent of alcohol, is less harmful than the distilled liquors, such as brandy, whisky, gin, rum, etc. The majority of the people of Germany drink beer and of Italy wine. It must be remembered, however, that the death rate of even moderate drinkers is much higher than that of abstainers. Some insurance companies estimate it to be nearly 20 per cent more. In order to increase the efficiency of the population during the present great war in Europe the English Government has had to greatly curtail the sale of alcoholic liquors, and in Russia their sale has been entirely prohibited. The following appeal was made by the Academy of Medicine in Paris to soldiers, warning them with regard to alcoholic beverages:

SOLDIERS, BEWARE OF ALCOHOL.

Those who, like you, are exposed to exhausting labor, to perilous enterprises, and to strong emotions, are ever inclined to look to alcohol as a stimulant and a comforter, and to seek for it in the tavern as a distraction from the monotony of cantonment and garrison life.

It is therefore well that you should know what use you may make of alcohol without impairing your health.

Certain errors about alcohol are widespread.

1. It is said to give strength. This is not exact. The truth is it gives a false spurt of short duration, but a grave diminution of strength never fails to follow this excitement. Thus alcohol takes away more strength than it gives.

2. It is also said that alcohol gives warmth. This is true for a few minutes, but the feeling of warmth which spreads over the limbs after a nip of brandy is delusive and is soon followed by a lessening of warmth and strength. Men who take nips are far more subject to chills and to diseases to which men at the front are liable.

3. It is further asserted that in the form of a "pick-me-up " alcohol stimulates the appetite. This is quite wrong. It would be difficult to produce any man whose appetite had ever been really stimulated by a "pick-me-up." These aperitifs, habitually taken, lead without fail to disease of the stomach, liver, and mind.

4. Lastly, it is maintained that alcohol taken during meals as wine, beer, or cider aids digestion. An important distinction must be drawn between "distilled" liquors like brandy and "fermented liquors such as wine, cider, and beer. Alcohol is altogether noxious. The petit verre after meals should only be taken on rare occasions. Fermented liquors, on the other hand, may be drunk subject to two conditions: they must be consumed in great moderation, which, as regards wine, should never exceed 1 liter (1 pints) in 24 hours and only at meals.

Exercise.

In order to feel well it is necessary to take a certain amount of exercise, preferably in the open air. This is especially important if the person is a student, clerk, or engaged in some other sedentary occupation. The physical condition of the body is as important as the intellectual, for if the former breaks down the mental activities are greatly interfered with or rendered altogether impossible. Exercise should never be carried to the extent of fatigue or breathlessness. When these conditions arise a rest should be taken until they have entirely passed away. If exercise is persisted in under these circumstances serious injury may be done to the heart. In young persons the usual outdoor games and sports, such as tennis, baseball, swimming, and boating, are the best. Women and girls should take part in these recreations as well as men and boys. Setting-up exercises are especially beneficial for young persons, inasmuch as an all-round development is more nearly possible with this method than any other. These consist in alternately lowering and raising the body, moving it forward and backward and from side to side, and in swinging the arms and moving the legs in all possible directions.

A full description of them is given in books upon physical training. They are best taken as a drill by a number of people at the same time. Persons over 50 years old should not exercise violently. Their outdoor recreation should consist chiefly of riding, walking, and playing golf, where a sudden strenuous effort is not required.

Fatigue.

This condition is a sign that the body forces are strained and that if work is continued injury may result. This injury may not be apparent immediately, but will show itself in a weakened heart or nervous prostration later on. It results from two causes: The using up of organic force or energy, and the wear and tear of the organs which are overworked, so that matter and energy are consumed, while restitution does not keep pace with the work. It has been found that accidents are more liable to happen if employees are overworked, and that a person can not do efficient work if he is fatigued. Hours of labor depend upon the character of the work, but where it is possible to do so the days should be divided into eight hours of work, eight hours of sleep, and eight hours of recreation, with one full day's rest once a week. In some cases, where the work is more than usually laborious or the nervous strain greater than ordinary, more hours of rest will be required. During the hours of recreation the mind should be free from the problems with which it is occupied during the hours of labor, so that the person may start in again fresh and invigorated.

Clothing.

Clothing worn in the house in winter should not be thick and heavy, as the body is then kept too warm, perspiration forms, and chilling occurs when going outdoors. It is much better to wear thinner clothing and put on thick wraps when going outside. In summer the clothing should be of a light color, as white absorbs the least heat. Woolen material is best in winter, as it is a poor conductor of heat. It also absorbs moisture and checks the evaporation of perspiration. Several thin, loosely-woven garments are warmer than a thick one. The advantage results from the layers of warm air inclosed between the meshes of the material. Undergarments, when made of wool, frequently irritate the skin, so merino, which is a mixture of wool and cotton, is generally used in its place for this purpose. Underclothes should be frequently washed, as it is necessary that they should be kept clean as possible. Woolen garments are liable to shrink unless the washing is carefully done. Such garments should be plunged one at a time in tepid soapsuds; they should be gently squeezed, but should not be subjected to hard rubbing. The soap should be rinsed out carefully with tepid water, after which

they should be hung up to dry without wringing. If there is a tendency to shrink they should be stretched into shape while drying.

Baths.

A bath should be taken at least once a day by everybody. The temperature of the water is of minor importance, except that a warm bath is more cleansing than a cold one. Old people, children, and weak persons should not take cold baths, as they are too depressing for such persons; nor should they be taken by anyone except in the morning and unless they are followed by a feeling of exhilaration. In order to bring about this condition after a bath the body should be rubbed briskly with a dry towel. A warm bath at night frequently induces sleep and is often beneficial to persons of a nervous temperament. In order to avoid catching cold, care should be taken not to sit in a draft after a warm bath. Shower baths are better than tub baths, as the water runs off the body and is not used again.

Care of the Mouth and Teeth.

It is important to take good care of the teeth. If they are allowed to decay, the food can not be masticated, indigestion results, and the body is not properly nourished. The bony processes of the jaws which hold the teeth in place are absorbed after the teeth fall out, allowing the cheeks to sink in, which makes the face look long and thin.

Dental decay is caused by fermentation of small particles of food which are permitted to remain in the crevices between the teeth. This fermentation is due to bacteria and results in the formation of acids which dissolve the lime salts of the teeth. The hard white outside coating of the teeth, known as the enamel, is first attacked. This is destroyed at spots where the food is lodged and the softer interior substance of the tooth is exposed; this is rapidly eaten away, and a cavity is formed which increases in size until only a hollow shell of enamel remains. The nerves of the teeth are extremely sensitive, and severe pain or toothache is produced when dental decay extends into a tooth. An abscess or gumboil may form at the root of a tooth. This causes a throbbing pain, swelling, and fever. It usually breaks through the gum, discharging pus, with relief of the symptoms; sometimes, however, the inflammation extends to the bone, ending in its necrosis or death. Occasionally pus organisms are absorbed into the blood and blood poisoning ensues.

An unclean mouth makes an ideal home for small organisms known as endameba buccalis, which many believe are the cause of pyorrhea dentalis or Rigg's disease. In this disease there is inflammation of the gums, which become soft, swollen, and bleed easily. The disease extends around the roots of the teeth, pus exudes from 129054°-19-7+8

their sockets, they are loosened, and ultimately fall out. The process may take a number of years, but more than half of the permanent teeth are lost in this way.

An unclean condition of the mouth renders the person more liable to catch cold, to attacks of influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Headaches and neuralgic pains are often due to bad teeth. Many cases of so-called rheumatism result from the absorption of poison from the mouth and disappear when the disease conditions in the mouth are remedied. The same poisons often lead to sore throat, inflammation of the tonsils, disease of the eye and ear, and disordered digestion.

The teeth should be cleaned with a toothbrush at least twice a day, and care should be taken that all particles of food are removed. Wooden and metal toothpicks should not be used, as the gums are liable to be injured, which may be followed by inflammation and absorption of septic products. Quill toothpicks are less objectionable, but should be employed with care. When brushing the teeth, a small quantity of tooth powder should be placed upon the brush. The formula of one of the best tooth powders is as follows: Magnesium peroxide__

Sodium perborate.

Powdered Castile soap and flavoring--.

60 parts

30 parts

10 parts

When a tooth powder is not available Castile soap can be used for cleansing the teeth.

Every person should visit a dentist at least twice a year to have his teeth examined, cleaned, and necessary repair work performed. A dentist should also be consulted whenever there is toothache or a gumboil. If it is impossible to obtain the services of one, temporary relief from toothache can be obtained by cleaning out the cavity and putting in two or three drops of oil of cloves on a small piece of cotton. For toothache without the presence of a decayed tooth to cause it, the application of heat to the seat of the pain will often give relief. A gumboil should be opened by inserting a sharp-pointed knife along the side of the tooth down to the abscess cavity and cutting forward and outward. Before doing this operation the mouth should be rinsed out with a solution containing one part of hydrogen peroxide and three parts of water or some other antiseptic wash. The knife should be boiled before it is used, and the hands of the operator should be carefully cleansed with soap and water before performing the operation.

The treatment for Rigg's disease requires that the tartar and yellowish matter which has accumulated along the edges of the teeth and between the teeth be removed by a dentist, who should be consulted as to further treatment.