Biologic Concomitants of Alcoholism

"THE sway of alcohol over mankind," according to William James, "is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical facilities of human nature."2 But mystical sway represents only one portion of a continuum that may extend to severe biologic and social impairment for certain unfortunate victims. The scientific study of these heterogeneous persons, designated as "alcoholics," is a relatively new undertaking in biomedical science. Until recently, most alcohol-related problems were perceived as a moral issue, and alcoholism was not regarded as an appropriate subject for either laboratory or clinical investigation.Yet, in a curious way, the early investigative work . . .