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CLASS I.—NARCOTICS. 
Tus first division of the preceding classification, is that compre- — 
nding, those stimulants, the action of which is general over the — 
ystem. The first class of this division comprises those which are 
y diffusible, and at the same time transient in their operation. — 
This co: onds with the common class of narcotics or sedatives, 
usually defined. Such substances as diminish the action and powers ; 
of the system, without occasioning any sensible evacuation. The — 
definition is imperfect, as it does not include that stimulant operation — 
which it is acknowledged they equally produce. = omg 
_ When given in a moderate dose, narcotics excite the functions — 
both of body and mind: the force and frequency of the pulse are — 
_ Anereased, muscular action is more vigorous, and hilarity or ey 
tion are induced. These symptoms, after continuing for some time, — 
are succeeded by those of diminished action: the pulse becomes — 
slower, is full and sofi, the body is less sensible to impressions, and 
Jess capable of yoluotary exertion, and the mind is inactive. This — 
_ state terminates in sleep. When it ceases, there remains a degree 
of general debility, marked by sickness, tremor, and oppression. 
By a large dose, debility, without previous exitement, is occasioned, 
_and the consequences of an immoderate quantity are delirium, paraly- 
$18, Coma, and convulsions, sometimes terminating in death. | TI va 
are the general effects, considerably diversified, however, as arisiBg 
from different narcotics, and varied by other circumstances. 
bitual use considerably diminishes that power. pe? ae 
_ These medicines act primarily on the stomach, hence See 
tion is conveyed by nervous communication to the general syste! 
Externally applied, they exert their usual action, hoaak with less 
force. Directly applied to the muscles of animals, they first stimu 
‘ate-them to contraction, but ultimately exhaust their irritability. of 
_ As the medicines belonging to this class diminish the actions 
the system, when given even in small doses, their primary opera®™ 
