Narcotine, and Sulphate of Morphine. 43 
A stimulant operation consists exclusively in a quickly diffused, and 
transient increase of the vital energies generally, and a similar in- 
crease of the strength of arterial action. ‘Stimulants usually dimin- 
ish atonic morbid frequency of the pulse, but, in perfect health, they 
usually (though not invariably) increase the frequency a few beats. 
Stimulants also commonly diminish in a slight degree, both morbid 
irritability and irritation, and irritative action generally ;—morbid sen- 
sibility and sensation ;—morbid mobility, restlessness, and jactitation ; 
but, they do this, in a less degree, even than the nervines, and still 
Jess than the efficient narcotics, and, as I think, doubtless in a man- 
ner different from either. Pure stimulants never produce the least 
trace of the last three states or stages of a nervine operation, nor a 
single symptom of what constitutes ultimate narcosis, with the occa- 
sional exception of nausea and vomiting, and perhaps headache, from 
the mere irritation of excessive doses or quantities ; nor do they ever 
produce any condition at all analogous to the secondary and rather 
remote sort of prostration, which, I have already mentioned, as 
sometimes the sequel of too large a single dose of certain narcotics. 
These circumstances afford absolute tests of pure stimulant powers. 
It must be remarked that narcotic and nervine powers are princt- 
pally exerted upon the nervous system, while stimulant powers are 
mainly exerted upon the sanguiferous system ; and, particularly that 
c. ae 4 ae e 
first three states or stages of a narcotic operation—the 
States or stages of a nervine operation,—and a perfect stimulant 
°peration, are by no means incompatible with each other. Thus for 
example, a full and complete antirritant operation, as produced by 
pium,—a perfect anodyne, and a prominent soporific effect, may 
take Place, at one and at the same time with a most decided increase 
of the vital energies generally, and of the strength of arterial action ; 
and either, or both of these operations may, or may not be accompa- 
nied, at one and the same time, with all the states or stages of a ner- 
"ine Operation. Sedative effects then, are by no means incompatible 
with stimulant effects. What is called ultimate narcosis, at least in 
any prominent degree, does in fact seem to be incompatible, either 
With positive nervine, or stimulant effects. ee 
_ the Conjunction, at one and the same time, of full stimulant effects, 
with the three first states or stages of a narcotic operation, may be 
Witnessed jn 4’prominent degree, by the use of moderate and uni- 
form doses of Opium and Alcohol, at regular and short intervals, for 
a Certain length of time, in any case to which both are appropriate 
remedies, 
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