Meeting of the H. T. A. L.

A fair-sized audience gathered in Sever 11 last evening to hear Prof. William James' lecture on the Effects of Alcohol. "Alcohol," said the lecturer, "has the effect of stimulating the pulsation and dilating the superficial blood-vessels in all parts of the body and of the face. The latter is peculiarly noticeable in confirmed drunkards. The effects of this dilation is perspiration followed, if exposed to cold, by rapid cooling, if to heat, by rapid heating. Alcohol thus makes a man feel warm, but in reality, cools him. There is no stimulating effect on the nerves by alcohol, as is supposed, but the influence is anaesthetic; indeed this is its charm and attraction. All the senses and organs are dulled, and pain vanishes. But the action of the brain also is impaired by it, so that no good work can be accomplished after taking alcohol. Its effect on sick people is often beneficial; and affords a stimulating tone to the nerves of the mouth and stomach. This, however, can as well be gained by such drinks as milk or effervescent waters. One and a half fluid ounces of alcohol, the equivalent of a half glass of sherry, in twenty-four hours is the limit of its useful effect. The craving for alcohol is a disease brought about by exposure to hurtful influences or by excessive drinking. All statistics go to show the superior strength of the abstainer from alcohol. In our rapid American life especially, we should put ourselves on the safe side and endeavor to gain strength and longevity by abstinence from alcoholic drink."