PAPAVKR SOMNIFERUM. 81 



afterwards reduced below the natural standard. The skin be- 

 comes hot, the mouth and throat dry, the appetite diminished, 

 the thirst increases, and frequently nausea or even vomiting are 

 induced. The symptoms of excitement soon pass away, and a 

 state of torpor succeeds; the individual seems indisposed to 

 exertion, the muscular system appears enfeebled, the force of 

 external impressions on the organs of sense is diminished, and 

 the ideas become confused. This state is followed by an almost 

 irresistible desire to sleep, which is frequently attended by 

 dreams, sometimes of a pleasing, at others of a frightful nature. 

 These effects are usually succeeded by constipation, nausea, 







Poisonous Effects of 



(T> 



Poisons, p. 529) says, "The symptoms of poisoning with 

 Opium, when it is administered at once in a dangerous dose, 

 begin with giddiness and stupor, generally without any previous 

 stimulus. The stupor rapidly increasing, the person soon be- 

 comes motionless and insensible to external impressions; he 

 breathes very slowly, generally lies quite still, with the eyes 

 shut and the pupils contracted ; and the whole expression of 

 the countenance is that of deep and perfect repose. As the 

 poisoning advances, the features become ghastly, the pulse 

 feeble and imperceptible, the muscles excessively relaxed, and, 

 unless assistance is speedily procured, death ensues. If the 

 person recovers, the sopor is succeeded by prolonged sleep, 

 which commonly ends in twenty -four or thirty- six hours, and is 

 followed by nausea, vomiting, giddiness, and loathing of food. 



The most remarkable symptom in the generality of cases of 

 poisoning with Opium, is the peculiar sopor. This state differs 

 from coma, in the patient continuing long capable of being 

 roused. It may be difficult to arouse him, but, unless death is 

 very near, this may always be accomplished by brisk agitation, 

 tickling the nostrils, loud speaking, or injection of water in the 

 ear. The state of restored consciousness is always imperfect, 



and is speedily followed again by lethargy, when the exciting 



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