80 FLORA HOMCEOPATHICA. 



it is very slight. It is somewhat remarkable that the stupor is 

 more manifest in birds than in the lower mammals. Moreover, 

 it is not undeserving of notice, that the operation of Opium on 

 the different races of man is not uniform. On the Negro, 

 Malay, and the Javanese it more frequently acts as an excit- 

 ant, causing furious madness or delirium, and convulsions. 

 Are we to ascribe the less frequent occurrence of*these symp- 

 toms in the Caucasian variety to the greater development of 

 his brain? In conclusion, then, it appears that the effects of 

 Opium on the animal kingdom have a relation to the degree 

 of development and influence of the nervous system {Idem). 



On Man. — Its effects may be divided into three degrees of 

 operation. First degree of operation: In small doses, of from a 

 quarter of a grain to one grain, Opium generally acts as a stimu- 

 lant, though in this respect the symptoms are not uniform. 

 Usually the vascular system is somewhat excited, and a sensa- 

 tion of fulness is experienced about the head. The mind is 

 usually exhilarated, the ideas flow more quietly, a pleasurable 

 and comfortable condition of the whole system is experienced, 

 difficult to describe ; there is capability of greater exertion than 

 usual. These symptoms are followed by a diminution of mus- 

 cular power, and of susceptibility to the impression of external 

 objects; a desire of repose is experienced, with a tendency to 

 sleep; while these effects are taking place, the mouth and 

 throat become dry, and hunger is diminished, though the thirst 

 is increased, and slight constipation usually follows. Such 



are 



the ordinary effects of a small dose of Opium on persons unac- 

 customed to its use. By repetition, however, its influence 

 becomes considerably diminished; and those therefore who 

 resort to it for the purpose of producing a pleasurable excite- 

 ment, are obliged to augment the dose to keep up an equal 

 effect. 



Given in a full medicinal dose, from two to four grains, the 

 stage of excitement is soon followed by that of depression. The 

 pulse, which at first is increased to fulness and frequency, is 



