Debauch

The serum concentration of ethanol and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GT) in 40 male chronic alcoholics were determined on admission to hospital. The serum activities of the enzymes were highest in patients with established alcoholism for less than 5 years. The serum concentration of ethanol, however, was lowest among these patients and gradually increased with the duration of alcoholism. No correlation was found between the serum ethanol level and the activity of any of the enzymes. The duration of the current debauch, which was shortest in cases of long-standing alcoholism, showed a positive correlation with the S-GT activity.

debauch

These examples illustrate how debauching someone or something can have negative consequences. In the first example, the young man was led astray from his responsibilities and ended up getting into trouble. In the second example, the businessman's indulgent lifestyle led to addiction and self-destruction. In the third example, the painting was spoiled due to the carelessness of others. Overall, debauching someone or something can have harmful effects and should be avoided.

Finally I found the source of the dictum "debauches of indices". It is most often used in singular ""debauch", as in Spivaks's Vol.II p.211. The original is from the first preface in E. Cartan's "Lecons sur la Geometrie des Espaces de Riemann". Alas I don't understand enough French. Can somebody please translate it? (Google translator is worthless.)

"The best way to destroy the capitalist system is to debauch the currency. By a continuing process of inflation, governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens." ---John Maynard Keynes

The record does not include any details of the offense other than the charge, as identified in the indictment, that Stubbs "did engage in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child under the age of sixteen, to wit: [child's initials], date of birth [date omitted]." 041b061a72