94 FLORA HOMCEOPATHICA. 



transpiration through the skin and lungs ( Werth der Horn. 

 Heilk., neue Ed., p. 96). The fundamental character of most 

 of the physiological effects of Opium bears the impress of 

 excitation, of the erethismus nervosus in the cerebro-spinal 

 nervous system, with simultaneous raising of the arterial vas- 

 cular action, and in particular, raising and elevation of the 

 cerebral life in its entire totality; whilst, on the contrary, 

 in its effects on the splanchnic nerves and on the venous 

 system, and more especially the abdominal venous system, the 

 character of torpor and of neuro-paralysis is most significantly 

 expressed. 



" Only large doses of Opium act at the same time narcotically 

 oppressing cerebral life and paralysing and deadening the vital 

 power of the entire cerebro-spinal nervous system. Among the 

 striking physiological effects of Opium, we meet with very 

 many reactions and also many secondary effects. These ap- 

 parently opposite states are therefore to be considered phy- 

 siological and therapeutical, as just so many indications for the 

 curing of similar natural morbid states : thus, to mention only 

 some, the stupor produced by Opium, the comatose, stupified 

 state, is just as important an indication as the exalted state of 

 the fancy excited by it; the drowsiness just as important as 

 the sleeplessness ; the retention of the stools as the diarrhoea ; 

 the spasms as the paralysis ; and even the absence of pain 

 and of sensibility mentioned by Hahnemann, which Opium 

 produces, seems to be one of its most frequent reactions, 

 which gives occasion to presume that Opium is capable of 

 producing pains, which is altogether negatived by Hah- 

 nemann, but which is confirmed by more recent obser- 

 vations, and raised above all doubt by the practical experience 

 of credible authorities; for there are actually nervous pains of 

 the worst and most obstinate kind (neuralgia of the sensitive 

 nerves and also of the splanchnic nerves) cured by the sole use 

 of Opium, just as by Stramonium and Conium, to which sub- 

 dances the capability of producing pains, consequently of curing 



