OPIUM. 187 



d. Trochisci Morphise. ^ gr. in each. 



e. Trochisci Morphia et Ipecacuanhas. A gr. with ^ gr. 



Ipecacuanha in each. 



From Morphia Hydrochloras is made : 



Acetas. Acetate of Morphia. C 17 H l9 N0 3 . 



(J 2 .H 4 U 2 . 



Source. Made by precipitating morphia from a 

 solution of the hydrochlorate by means of ammonia, dis- 

 solving in acetic acid and water, and evaporating. 



Characters. A white powder, soluble in water and 

 in spirit. 



Dose. | to gr. 



a. Inlectio Morphia Hypodermica. Hypodermic Injection of 

 Morphia. 1 gr. acetate in 12 min.. made by freshly pre- 

 paring the acetate as above, but without evaporating. 

 Dose, hypodermically, 1 to 6 min. 



/3. Liquor Morphias Acetatis. Solution of Acetate of Morphia. 

 4 gr. in 1 fl.oz. of Spirit, Water, and Diluted Acetic 

 Acid. Dose, 10 to 60 min. 



ACTION AND USES. 

 1. IMMEDIATE LOCAL ACTION AND USES. 



Externally. Opium is very generally believed to be 

 anaesthetic and anodyne when applied to the unbroken skin, 

 and the emplastrum, linimentum, fomentations, and other pre- 

 parations are used to relieve the pains of neuralgia, lumbago, 

 abscess, etc. It is doubtful, however, whether morphia can be 

 absorbed by the unbroken skin, and the benefit derived from 

 these applications may be referable to the spirit, resins, and heat. 

 "Wounds, ulcers, and exposed mucous surfaces readily absorb 

 opium, which is used in painful ulcers, conjunctivitis, and 

 similar diseases. It is occasionally given by the endermic 

 method, especially in the epigastric region. Hypodermic in- 

 jection is a most valuable means of administering morphia, 

 when a specially rapid or local effect is desired, or when the 

 stomach is irritable or inaccessible. 



Internally. Opium has a peculiar taste, is quickly ab- 

 sorbed by the mucous membrane, and exerts an action upon the 

 mouth, which, although in part specific and in part remote, is 

 chiefly an immediate local one. A full medicinal dose renders 

 the mouth dry and the tongue foul, from diminution of the 

 secretions, with thickness of the voice and some thirst. On 

 entering the stomach opium may cause sickness, from brief 



