on (he Living System. Q9 



From the^e foregoing experiments, no con- 

 clusions appear admissible, which can assist the 

 elucidation of the question. ,. ,• .; , 



In experiments 1st, 2d, 3d, and; 9th, th^ 

 action of the heart was indeed instantaneously 

 diminished, notwithstanding this, they are in,- 

 competent to establish an opinion, that opium 

 is sedative, because the same effect followed, 

 and in greater degree, the application of aether 

 and spirits of wine. The 4ftli experinient 

 exhibits somewhat the appearJmce of ?i,,stim% 

 lant operation, from the application of,Opi^m> 

 and if the encreased number of pulsations of 

 the heart could be fairly referable to the opi^fH 

 alone, the fact would have great force. .AVhen 

 the sternum of a frog is first raised, the Jieart 

 generally suffers a temporary diminution in the 

 number of j pulsations in a minute, and it not 

 unfrequently happens likewise, that. t,hq strug- 

 gles of the animal occasion a momentary sus- 

 pension of the pulsation ; when exposed to the 

 air for a few minutes, or after being at rest, the 

 heart generally recovers a greater force and 

 frequency of pulsations. 



To this, cause, as we)} asj to the, effect pro 

 duced by opium, may the encreased action of 

 the heart be attributed. The same effect also 

 followed tlie application of water, but this 

 favours somewhat the supposition, tliat the 



