AND ANIMAL LIFE. 241 



CHAP. XT. 



The Influence of Narcotics on the Generation of 

 Animal Heat and the Digestive Powers. 



CCLIX. IN undertaking the present subject, 

 it is not my intention to investigate the indi- 

 vidual properties of the different narcotics, the 

 consideration of which would occupy considerable 

 time, and would necessarily exclude from this 

 book other topics more directly bearing on the 

 general principles expounded. Opium, whether 

 regarded as a medicine or poison, is more im- 

 portant and interesting than any included in the 

 general class of these substances, and, on this ac- 

 count, I shall select it for careful but general ex- 

 amination. 



CCLX. From the variety of effects conse- 

 sequent on the exhibition of opium, much di- 

 versity of opinion exists concerning its true 

 action. Some are disposed to consider it as a 

 sedative, others as a stimulant. Those who sup- 

 port the former quality adduce the well known 

 symptoms of somnolence, prostration of muscular 

 power, insensibility to external and internal 

 agents, and the occasionally weak or slow con- 

 tractions of the heart. But, on the other hand, 



Q 



