ACTION AND USES OF MEDICINES. 151 



the blood being suddenly driven from the surface of the body to the 

 internal organs. They also relieve the congestion of internal organs by 

 exciting the general circulation. Hence they are employed in many 

 diseases, especially in inflammation of the lungs. 



Diffusible stimulants are of the highest value in febrile affections, in 

 diseases attended with great depression, during convalescence after 

 serious illness, and in all cases of prostration, &c. 

 The ordinary dose consists of 



Spirits of Nitrous ether . . . . 1J oz. 



Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia J z - 



Water .,*- ; * i. ;* . . 1 pint. 



or 



Solution of Acetate of Ammonia . ,, . , 3 to 4 oz. 

 Water . ... . . .. . 1 pint. 



or 

 Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia . . . . 1 oz. 



Tincture of Gentian . . .. . . 1 oz. 



Water . r . -.. . , 1 pint. 



The Carbonate of Ammonia is a very valuable diffusible stimulant, and 

 may be given either in the form of ball or draught in doses of from 1 to 

 2 drachms in a pint of water. 



301. Narcotics. 



Narcotics exert a primary stimulant, but more permanent sedative 

 effect on the brain and nervous system. They are given with the view of 

 relieving pain. Combined with other appropriate remedies, they are 

 useful in alleviating spasms and the pain of some wounds and injuries. 



Opium, Indian hemp, belladonna, camphor, and tobacco smoke are the 

 narcotics in most common use. Belladonna and camphor and opium are 

 especially valuable in relieving pain. 

 An ordinary dose may consist of 



Opium . . . . . * 1 to 2 drachms, 

 with or without Camphor . < 1 to 2 drachms. 



or 



in cases of inflammation of the bowels or liver, the above may be com- 

 bined with half a drachm of Calomel. 



302. Antispasmodics. 



Antispasmodics are medicines which act upon the brain and nerves, and 

 through them on the system generally. By their action they overcome 

 inordinate muscular action, such as spasms. 



They usually consist of a narcotic in combination with a diffusible 

 stimulant and a slight purgative. An antispasmodic draught may be 

 made of 



Spirits of Nitrous ether . . . . 2 oz. 



Tincture of Opium . . . . . 1 oz. 



Solution of Aloes 4 to 5 oz. 



