244: POPPY. 



clearly traced back to Diagoras, who was nearly his contempo- 

 rary, did its importance has ever since been gradually advanced 

 by succeeding physicians of different nations *. To enter cir- 

 cumstantially into the patronage which it received at the hands 

 of many able foreigners we do not deem requisite, but suffice it 

 to say, that its extensive practical utility was not known in 

 this country until the time of Sydenham. Since that period it 

 has continued to be the most popular as well as the most 

 powerful narcotic used in medicine. 



The modus operandi of opium has been a favourite subject of 

 controversy, but without entering into the merits of the differ- 

 ent theories, we shall content ourselves by first giving a plain 

 statement of its action on the human frame, and then pass to a 

 few general remarks on some of the many diseases in which it 

 is reputed beneficial or hurtful. 



When taken in small doses opium augments the action of the 

 stomach and heart, renders the pulse stronger, full, and more 

 frequent, increases the general heat of the body, renders cu- 

 taneous transpiration more abundant, and respiration more 

 active, produces an elevation of the mind, even to intoxication 

 and delirium, and the different functions of the mind and body 

 are invigorated. To these exciting effects, however, symptoms 

 of a contrary nature soon supervene, the circulation becomes 

 less active, languor and drowsiness come on, sensibility to ex- 

 ternal impressions is impaired, the sense of pain is lost, and 

 sleep ultimately induced ; the skin becomes moist and warm, 

 all the secretions are decreased, except perspiration and the 

 flow of milk, which are increased ; — indeed, the stimulating 

 operation of opium generally continues about an hour, while 

 the sedative effects usually last six or eight hours. Such are 

 the primitive and secondary effects of this medicine ; but whe- 

 ther the sedative effects are the result of the previous ex- 

 citation, we shall leave for disputants to determine. 



From the power which this valuable drug possesses of re- 

 lieving pain and allaying inordinate restlessness, it has na- 

 turally been employed in a variety of diseases. In some 

 diseases of debility opium is very efficacious. In fevers both 



* Woodville's Medical Botany, vol. ii. p. 380. 



