SED.] 196 
SEDATIVES. 
These are agents which directly, and without 
evacuation, diminish the muscular actions, cere- 
bral functions, and visceral operations of the hu- 
man system. Ihave already, under the outlines 
of the class of narcotics, stated my belief of the 
existence of such agents. Iam sustained by facts, 
by physiology, by the known effect of certain med- 
_icaments and therapeutic agents, in restoring this 
old class. I do not hesitate to aver, that, without. 
it, those who advocate classification will be sorely 
. where to refer hydrocyanic 
acid and the medicines which operate by this,prin- 
ciple, arsenic, corrosive sublimate and other poi- 
sons of asimilar character ; digitalis, hyocyamus, 
belladonna, &c. These I place here, as also nitre, 
borax, some of the mineral and vegetable acids, 
and other articles usually termed (general re- — 
frigerants.) The leading articles of the assem-  ~ 
blage I refer to this title, are capable, in undue 
quantities, surpassing in any considerable degree 
their proper dose, of producing such a depression 
of the vital powers, as may be incompatible with 
the continuance of their action, and consequently * 
_ producing death. Without this class, those who eS 
advocate systematic arrangement, would in vain 
strive to dispose of the agents already enumerated, 
and others of a similar character. — At all events 
the term will afford a word to eke out the language 
of materia medica, which, without it, would be 
imperfect, 5 ae ” 
Further details and illustrative examples will 
be given in the lectures. See 
