OPIUM AND MORPHINE 345 



general excitement and muscular activity following the use 

 of the drug. 



Skin. — Opium induces mild diarphoresis in man; occa- 

 sionally sweating occurs in horses, but not at all in dogs. 



Temperature. — The bodily temperature may be slightly 

 increased by large medicinal doses of opium, but is dimin- 

 ished by toxic quantities. 



Toxicology. — The symptoms of poisoning have already 

 been sufficiently described in previous sections. The treat- 

 ment embraces irrigation of the stomach, or the use of 

 emetics, as apomorphine hydrochlorate under the skin, and 

 the subcutaneous injection of strychnine and atropine sul- 

 phate in the first stages, and enemata of hot, strong, black 

 coffee; leading the animal about, slapping him, or using the 

 faradic current. Dr. Moor, of New York, has apparently 

 found in potassium permanganate the most efficient antidote 

 for opium and morphine. Ten to fifteen grains, dissolved 

 in eight ounces of water, should be given by the mouth, to 

 large dogs. One to two drachms of potassium perman- 

 ganate may be administered to horses in two or three pints 

 of water. Permanganate solution oxidizes and destroys 

 morphine, and should be acidulated- with a little vinegar or 

 diluted sulphuric acid, after the ingestion of morphine ealts. 

 The antidote has been recommended to be given subcutan- 

 eously after absorption, or hypodermic injection of morphine, 

 but this is not of the slightest use. 



Morphine Contrasted ivitJi Opium. — Opium is more con- 

 stipating, more sudorific, and more apt to disturb the 

 digestion than morphine. Morphine is more anodyne and 

 soporific ; more readily absorbed and more suitable for use 

 under the skin. 



Synergists. — Belladonna aids the action of opium and 

 yet is antagonistic to it. It assists opium in its anodyne 

 action and lessens nausea, indigestion, and constipation 

 following the action of the latter drug. Belladonna and 

 atropine are antagonistic to opium in stimulating the brain 

 and respiration, and increasing peristalsis. Small doses of 



