= 
40 ‘arcotine, and Sulphate of Morphine. 
much as eighteen per centum of the Morphine is lost, in the process 
for its separation from Opium, and therefore it is altogether probable 
a priori, that there is another principle, upon which its virtues may 
‘in part depend, more especially as the Strychnos Nux-Vomica, and 
several species of Cinchona are now well known to contain two 
principles, possessing medicinal powers, similar in kind, and differing 
mainly in degree. Nothing else beside Narcotine, and another very 
doubtful substance called extractive matter, having, as is said, an 
é 
For the purpose of, ascertaining the precise powers of Narcotine, 
I have recently instituted a course of experiments, fourteen in num- 
intensely bitter taste, has yet been obtained from Opium, which can 
reasonably be suspected of contributing to its remedial effects. & 
b, 
ber, upon healthy subjects it is true ;* but they have afforded re- 
sults much more satisfactory, and without doubt much more anala-- 
gous to what will be its effects in disease, than could possibly be.ob- 
tained from experiments upon brute animals, and especially on those 
which have suffered the lesion of a ligature upon the esophagus, im- 
mediately after being forced to swallow the agent, whose powers are 
to be ascertained. As a detail of the experiments themselves would 
probably be incompatible with the general plan of this Journal of 
Science, it will. be reserved for some journal exclusively medical, 
and this communication will contain only a summary of the results 
obtained by the experiments in question, preceded by a few defini- 
tions, which are necessary to show the precise acceptations in which 
{ employ the terms, that will be applied to the several operations of 
the Narcotine. 
In regard to the subjects of my experiments, it is not necessary {0 
make any further statements, than barely to say that one was a young 
physician belonging to the State of Massachusetts,—that another be- 
longed to the State of New York,—that two others belonged to 
“assistance in this business, entering into it with a degree of interest 
and zeal, which fully evinced that with them, their profession is not 
ee 
* It is altogether probable that the state of health may be taken as a medium state 
of Susceptibility to the influence of this article. Under certain circumstances, much 
more may be required, and under certain other cire umstances, much less, in ordef 
‘o produce given effects. . 
