AND ANIMAL LIFE. 243 



theories proposed to solve the difficulties of the 

 present subject. 



CCLXIL If the above definitions were consi- 

 dered correct, they would be fatal to the views of 

 those who assert that opium is a sedative or sti- 

 mulant, for, in the greater number of instances 

 in which the former property is exhibited, the 

 action of the heart is augmented; and when the 

 latter is supposed to be present, from the great 

 vigour exhibited by the heart and arterial system, 

 the faculties of the mind are depressed or incapa- 

 citated from performing their ordinary functions. 

 It is, therefore, manifest that contradictions and 

 inconsistencies exist in the various opinions 

 brought forward, 



CCLXIII. Experiments and observations will 

 probably enable me to explain the action of nar- 

 cotics on the animal economy, or, at least, to pre- 

 sent views that apply more generally to the ef- 

 fects which succeed their exhibition. The dif- 

 ferent organs of the body are variously consti- 

 tuted, and the functions which they have to dis- 

 charge possess neither the same delicacy nor ob- 

 ject. We have organs whose office it is to con- 

 tract, secrete, or to develope the intellectual 

 powers ; and as these are in every respect so dif- 

 ferently formed, can we for a moment imagine, 

 although parts composing one great system, thai 

 they will be equally influenced by the same ge- 

 neral agent ? It is as reasonable to suppose that 



Q 2 



