Explanation of Memory Effects
The slight effect on memory and free association is explained partly by the methods used in the laboratory (difference in time of recognizing words suddenly exposed a second time), which are more in the nature of “short cuts” and perhaps not so accurate a reproduction of normal memorizing as those employed by Kraepelin and Vogt (memorizing numbers and verse), and partly by the power of “autogenic reinforcement,” which it is difficult to eliminate in a laboratory test.
This, the latest contribution of science to the study of alcohol, gives added proof that the higher mortality among so-called moderate users of alcohol is largely due to the unfavorable effect on the protective mechanism of the body.
Lower Resistance
This has been further emphasized by the studies of Reich[35] at the University of Munich, who found that the resistance of blood cells to salt solution and to typhoid bacilli was less among alcohol users than among total abstainers.
Konrádi[36] has found that comparatively few antibodies against cholera germs develop in persons who consume alcohol daily in fairly large quantities and who had been inoculated against cholera. Pampoukis[37] has observed that alcoholics are not favorable subjects for inoculation against rabies. The Pasteur Institute in Budapest has made similar observations, based on twenty-five years’ experience.
Additional References
[34] Benedict, E. C.: The Psychological Effects of Alcohol, The Carnegie Institution, Washington, D. C., 1916.
Benedict, E. C.: The Psychologic Effect of Alcohol on Man, The Journal A. M. A., 1916, lxvi, p. 1424.
[35] Reich, H. W.: Ueber den Einfluss des Alkoholgenusses auf Bakterizidie, Phagozytose und Resistenz der Erythrocyten, beim Menschen, Arch. f. Hyg., 1916, lxxxiv, 337.