stomach to the anus. They are six times longer than the whole body, and by Nature destined to receive the chyme, or the aliment, so called after it is converted into a kind of pulp, which they retain for a time; then to mix it with the intestinal juice and bile, to separate and propel the chyle into the milk-vessels, and to eliminate the excrements.
The intestines are extremely irritable. If one of the bowels be slightly cut, the edges of the wound retract equally; and if it be penetrated or cut through, they curl themselves back so as to envelope the upper parts; and the inside is thus completely turned outwards. For an account of the constituent parts and denominations of the intestines, the reader will consult the article Abdomen.—See also Inflammation of the Bowels.
INTOXICATION is a term expressing that depravity of human nature, which requires no farther explanation, as it is but too often practised both by the vulgar, and those whose professions lead us to expect a very different conduct.
Having already exposed the moral turpitude of Drunkenness, under that article, we shall now point out a few of the consequences that necessarily result from the brutal indulgence in that odious vice.
The state of intoxication greatly resembles that of an incipient palsy or apoplexy. Inebriated persons stagger in all directions; they stammer; every thing appears double; their tongue is in a manner paralytic, and they are deprived of the faculty of speech. This imbecility extends to the mind, which is thus rendered totally incapable of reflection. As the brain is overcharged with blood, the vessels pressing on that part are very liable to burst, from the least accidental concussion; and the unfortunate victim of such folly may expire, while he remains insensible of his danger. Hence he ought to be conveyed into a cool rather than warm room, and placed between blankets, with his head considerably raised; but the legs should be in a pendent situaton, and the feet bathed in lukewarm water. Every tight ligature of the shirt, waistband, garter, &c. must be immediately relaxed, and diluent drinks, such as barley or rice-water, plentifully given, though in small portions. Next, a gentle emetic is to be introduced, and the throat stimulated with a feather dipped in oil: after vomiting, the patient generally falls into a profound sleep, from which he awakes weak, trembling, and affected with a violent heart-burn, and acidity of the stomach; especially if wine has been the favourite liquor. To remove the latter complaint, calcined magnesia may be taken with advantage, and afterwards moderate draughts of negus, or coffee. Plethoric individuals, however, will better consult their health, by drinking cold water only, which is one of the most salutary restoratives: and during the fit of intoxication, it will sometimes be necessary to open a vein; an expedient which may rescue such persons from the brink of destruction. But, if they have been inebriated by ardent liquors, so that a vapour or smoke proceeds from their mouths, equal quantities of milk and barley-water ought to be instantly poured in; or, where these liquids could not be easily procured, the fresh urine of a healthy subject has
