on \(he J^ivhlg Si/stciiu 



•J/ 



lant quality to it, and the other which contends 

 that' the effects of Us use prove it-tcxibe^' 

 sedative 



That ii i^ oi much importance to ii^^^ciuun 

 which of these opposing theories approaches 

 to tho truth, is evident from this consideration,, 

 that while the advocate for the stimulant effect 

 of this power, will hesitate in the administration 

 of it, in those states of the body which indicate 

 an encrease of action, the supporter of the 

 sedative effect, will boldly trust to it, as the 

 best and most effective means to remove or 

 diminish that condition of the system. And, 

 indeed, such is the imperfect state of medical 

 science, that neither party will be in want of 

 great and respectable, medical authorities in 

 support of the two opposite modes of practice. 

 .'.To arrive in spme degree at a soliition of this 

 difficulty, and to attempt to establish the ope- 

 ration of opium on a more secure basis, is the 

 design of the following pages. In this pursuit, * 

 I shall confine myself principally to the inves- 

 tigation of the effects of opium by experiments 

 n?ade upon the living and healthy animai. If 

 at anyj time doubtful appearances take place,- 

 which render the e;ffects obscure or not easily 

 referable to either opinion, an explanation 

 will be attempted, by calling in the assistance 

 of that analogy which may be drawn from the 

 d2 



