[ 4*3 ] 



their ufe, farther than to determine the proper dofe*, 

 but the operation of this remedy is not (o fimple, 

 but requires attention to regulate, and, in fome in- 

 fiances, to counteract fome of its effects. Opium 

 may be fafely and properly adminiftered in mod 

 cafes of violent pain, attended with none, or but 

 little fever or inflammation. Thus it is the prin- 

 cipal, and indeed almoft the only remedy to be 

 depended on, in thofe dreadful fits of pain which 

 often attend the paflage of a (lone or gravel thro' 

 the urinary paflages. In fuch circumftances, opi- 

 ates may be given with confiderable freedom, in 

 proportion to the excefs of pain which is neceflary 

 to be alleviated, not only for the purpofe of procu- 

 ring eafe to the patient, but alfo to allow the ftone 

 to pafs, which feldom happens unlefs the pain and 

 confequent fpafm can be abated. Twenty, forty, 

 or fixty drops, or any intermediate quantity of the 

 tincture of opium, or of liquid laudanum, may be 

 taken in twenty-four hours, according to the ur- 

 gency of the fymptoms. Larger dofes have, been 

 given, but they are not without hazard, fince as the 

 pain is from the nature of the complaint liable, 

 and indeed often does ceafe fuddenly, from the 

 paflage of the irritating fubftance, the opium then 

 is left to exert its full effect, unchecked by the fti- 

 cnulus of the pain, and aided by the difpofition to 

 E e 3 fleep* 



