1290
ELEMENTS OP MATERIA MEDICA.
ated-
dorsal muscles are affected, and hence the head and tail arc ei , eS .These differences obviously depend on the disposition of the m ^/s,Proceeding in the ascending order, we observe in birds and i aabesides the paralysis and convulsions, stupor. The last-symptom, however, is principally manifested in the highestmammals,—man,—that is, in that animal which has the most 1developed brain, while, in some of the lower mammals, as the ^nants, it is scarcely observed ; and even in the carnivora, as < ^ 0 ^ S ^ 1 jfestvery slight. It is somewhat remarkable that the stupor is more IU‘ 0 fin birds than in the lower mammals. Moreover it is not undese ^ ^ 0 tnotice, that the operation of opium on the different races of manuniform, as already noticed (see p. 39). On the Negro, the ^ a * a ^ r j oU sthe Javanese , it more frequently acts as an excitant, causingmadness, or delirium and convulsions. Are we to ascribe the te-^quent occurrence of these symptoms in the Caucasian variety;greater development of his brain ? In conclusion, then, it a PP eal j e grt? ethe effects of opium on the animal kingdom have a relation to theof development and influence of the nervous system. t j,je e
(c.) On man. —I propose to examine the effects of opium unde jheads or subdivisions -.—first, the effects of one or a few doses em} (I)medicinally ; secondly, the effects of the habitual employment °|,°P cl iteither by chewing or smoking it; and thirdly, its effects on the disystems of organs.
1. Effects of one or a few doses. —We may consider these undedegrees of operation. ^-aiu
First degree of operation. —In small doses, as from a quarter of fC tto one grain, opium generally acts as a stimulant, though in this r
the symptoms are not uniform. Usually the vascular system is so p*.
excited, and a sensation of fulness is experienced about the hea • ^Crumpe {Inq. into the Nat. and Prop, of Opium, p. 33, 1793) too^grain of opium when his pulse was at 70, and the alterationnumber of beats was as follows :—
In. 2
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
Pulse beat 70
74
76
76
74
74
74
72
72
70
70
70
• d W
The excitement in the cerebral vascular system is accompany ^alterations in the condition of the nervous functions. The inlD c0 ni'usually exhilarated; the ideas flow more quickly; a pleasurable jg-fortabie condition of the whole system is experienced, difficultscribe; there is a capability of greater exertion than usual. ^symptoms are followed by a diminution of muscular power, and 0 pceptibility to the impression of external objects; a desire ofexperienced, with a tendency to sleep. While these effects are ‘place, the mouth and throat become dry, and hunger is diuunjthough the thirst is increased ; and slight constipation usually *° ulJll c'Such are the ordinary effects of a small dose of opium on persons ^customed to its use. By repetition, however, its influence b® $0considerably diminished; and those, therefore, who resort to itpurpose of producing a pleasurable excitement, are obliged to au 0the dose to keep up an equal effect (see pp. 36-37).