42 Narcotine, and Sulphate of Morphine. 
takes place, while a patient is under the fullest operation of the nar- 
cotic agent, and this sort of prostration takes place only after all the 
direct effects of the narcotic agent have passed off, and it is rather a 
sequel, than a direct effect of such an agent. 
_ Different narcotics vary very much, in the relative degree of each 
of these states or stages of a narcotie operation, which they respec- 
tively produce. Each state or stage of a pure narcotic operation, 
_ may be considered as a strictly sedative operation. 
A nervine operation consists exclusively of four states, stages, or 
degrees, viz. 
Ist. A moderate antirritant stage, indicated by more or less relief 
of the same symptoms, that are obviated by the first degree of a nar- 
cotic operation. 1 do not suppose that the antirritant effects of a 
nervine are identical with the antirritant effects of a narcotic ;—they 
appear to constitute distinct sorts of antirritant effects ; 
2d, The production of a peculiar calm, placid, and pleasurable 
sensation ;__ ibs 
~ 3d. ‘The production of a peculiar preternatural wakefulness : and 
4th. The production of more or less positive exhilaration, some- 
times amounting even to delirium. 
Different nervines also vary very much, in the different relative 
degree of each of these states or stages of a nervine operation, which 
they respectively produce; and many are altogether incapable of 
producing the fourth state, or stage, in any appreciable degree. 
Pure nervines may be pushed to any extent whatever, within the 
capacity of the stomach to contain, without producing a single indi- 
vidual of those symptoms, which I have detailed under the denomi 
nation of ultimate narcosis, and without the least increase of the 
vital energies generally, or of the strength of arterial action, which 
is a test always adequate to the perfect distinction of pure nervines 
from pure narcotics, and pure stimulants. 
« tis very common to confound a nervine operation with a stimu 
lant one; but, they are perfectly distinct. All the parts of a nervine 
operation, (as 1 have just said) may be produced without any increase 
of the vital energies, and without any increase of the strength of at 
terial action. Indeed, I have very often seen the fullest nervine 
operation connected with an extreme reduction of all the vital enet 
gies, and with such a diminution of the strength of arterial actio?, 
that the pulse could scarcely be felt. 
