CHAPTER XVII 

 DRUGS AND POISONS 



250. Nature of disease. Disease is due to some de- 

 rangement of the action of the cells of the body. The 

 derangement is almost always produced by overwork of 

 some kind, for the cells are able to protect the body 

 against all ordinary causes of disease. Few people who 

 are exposed to epidemic diseases take them, because the 

 cells are able to destroy the germs as fast as they enter 

 the body. If men would eat, breathe, and in all things 

 live as physiology and hygiene show that nature intended 

 them to live, the cells would be strong enough to resist 

 almost any disease. The diseases caused by germs are 

 discussed on pages 382-432 ; only those produced by drugs 

 and poisons are discussed in this chapter. 



251. Action of drugs. Each drug has a special influ- 

 ence upon certain cells of the body, and is able either to 

 stimulate or to restrain their action. Under the influence 

 of the proper drug, each deranged cell takes in nourishment 

 and performs its duties more perfectly, and soon overcomes 

 the sickness. Thus the cells themselves, and not the drug, 

 cure the disease. 



252. Action of a few common drugs. When the liver is 



deranged, calomel or podophyllin will usually stimulate it to action. In 

 stomach indigestion muriatic acid and pepsin supply the missing diges- 

 tive agents. When the heart is weak, digitalis or strychnine cause it 

 to act more strongly, while if it is excited, aconite will quiet it. A fever 

 is often lowered by aconite or phenacetine. When there is pain, opium 

 will generally relieve it. When the brain is excited and the person is 



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