254 THE LAWS OP ORGANIC 



rally throughout the system. When the consti- 

 tution is labouring under the effects of opium, 

 we have internal congestion of a similar kind, 

 from a different cause, and to a less extent ; but, 

 if the remedy be beneficial on one occasion, it will 

 on another, if the only difference between the two 

 consist in the degree. 



CCLXXVII. From observations contained in 

 the preceding pages, it is evident that animal heat 

 is diminished from congestion of the lungs and 

 internal organs, agreeably to the principles fully 

 stated in Chapter I. As this is demonstrated by 

 direct experiment, the other views so intimately 

 connected with these principles receive additional 

 support. 



CCLXXVIII. Observing the diminution of 

 temperature and the irregularity in the distribution 

 of the blood, from the narcotic effects of opium, 

 it appeared to me probable that digestion would 

 also be retarded. I attempted to show, in Chapter 

 III., whenever animal heat was much lessened, 

 and the circulation of the blood much disorder- 

 ed, that these states were incompatible with the 

 secretion of gastric juice. The following experi- 

 ments prove that, whenever the same or similar 

 conditions of the sanguineous fluid exist, whether 

 from the division of the par vagum, the applica- 

 tion of cold, or the exhibition of opium, the same 

 or similar consequences succeed. 



