92 THE HUMAN BODY. 



to become deeper until death ensues. To avoid this, it is 

 necessary to do every thing to keep the drowsy person 

 awake, to heat and pinch him, to keep him on his feet, 

 and walking, to throw cold water on him. 



13. Those who acquire the opium habit become en- 

 slaved to it. Its chains are even stronger than those of 

 alcohol. The misery which the attempt to go without 

 occasions, overcomes the strongest will. The victim be- 

 lieves that he will die, that he is dying, and that only 

 opium will save him; and, in these circumstances, those 

 apparently most conscientious will lie and deceive to obtain 

 it. The practice tends to kill truthfulness in the soul, 

 and to undermine the whole character. 



14. Opium has a paralyzing effect on the digestive appara- 

 tus. It checks the flow of digestive juices, and the action 

 of the muscular walls of the bowels. It takes away the 

 appetite for food. In those not habituated to it, it com- 

 monly causes nausea. When not under its influence, the 

 opium-taker suffers from headache and depression. His 

 nerves are relaxed, his mind dull, and his will feeble. He 

 is unfitted for the work of life, and his only object is to 

 gratify his craving. 



15. Opium should never be taken, except under the direc- 

 tion of a physician. Those who are suffering from pains 

 which are likely to return and visit them frequently, 

 should avoid it. It is better to endure pain than to 

 become a victim of the opium habit. 



ALCOHOL. 



16. Alcohol can be made out of any thing that contains 

 sugar. It is only necessary to add yeast, or to allow it to 

 stand uncovered in a warm place. In raising bread, the 



