Alcohol / by C.R. Francis.

  • Francis, C. R. (Charles Richard), 1821-1901
Date:
1889
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Alcohol / by C.R. Francis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    (the ventricles*) may be, otherwise, so modified in texture, as to be unable to contract effectually; or degenerative changes may ensue,—the muscular fibres being converted into fat, or fat may be interposed between the fibres. In all such cases the heart becomes more or less embarrassed; but any attempt to bring about a conservative hypertrophy willf be unsuccessful unless the alcohol be given up. In some of these cases, how- ever, the mischief may have advanced too far. Remedies then, including total abstinence, will be useless. The Blood-vessels.—As already stated, the blood-vessels are liable to become dilated and distended under the influence of alcohol;—the more, if the influence be prolonged. The more minute vessels are the first to suffer, but the larger also may become involved, as seen in the varicose veins of those who, addicted to alcoholic excess, stand or sit much. Omnibus drivers, who often remain seated for long periods and who are apt to indulge freely in alcoholic potations, are apt to suffer from ulcerated legs,—congestion being the first step in the diseased process. Sometimes, the slowly flowing —almost stagnant—blood may coagulate in a vessel, which, thenceforth, becomes impervious. Or, there may be a cal- careous deposit on the surface of the inner J coat,—-a “fur,” resembling that so often seen in -a tea - kettle: or, the deposit may be atheromatous §, or fatty: or, the vessel affected may become a stony, or bony, tube :—any of these changes causing more or less occlusion, and weakening of the vessel, with some arrest of the circulation;—thus favouring the forma- tion of an aneurism or the occurrence of haemorrhage. In any case the nourishment of the organ, or tissue, which is, or ought to be, supplied through the affected vessel, is diminished, or altogether cut off. It is in this way the brain is softened in those cases where this condition is found. It is possible that * The ventricles, of which there are two, are the strong muscular cavities. By contracting, which they do powerfully, the blood is driven out of them into its appointed channels. Alcohol tends to thin, and weaken, the ventricles. t Hypertrophy is derived from two Greek words signifying excessive nourishment. If the heart becomes embarrassed in any way and unable to propel the blood onwards with sufficient force, Nature, by supplying the ventricles with more nourishment, makes them thicker—more muscular— and stronger, by which they are enabled to overcome the difficulty. Alcohol neutralizes the effort to promote hypertrophy. 1 Arteries are composed of three coats,—an outer fibrous coat, a middle or elastic coat, and an inner serous coat. The first gives strength, the second elasticity, and the third furnishes a smooth surface for the passage of the blood. § Atheromatous is derived from a Greek word signifying pap. The deposit, of a somewhat pappy, or fatty, consistence, is the result of degen- erative changes within the artery. 2
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