Narcotine, and Sulphate of Morphine. 53 
ed with an increase of the vital energies generally, and an augmenta- 
tion of the strength of the arterial action. A highly distinguished 
physician of the present day, in our own country, considers it a 
strange misnomer to call Opium a stimulant. If the name of this 
operation must be changed, and the Sulphate of Morphine not allow- 
ed to be a stimulant, Opium itself must share the same fate. Dr. 
Bally’s notions in respect to the stimulant operation of Morphine seem 
to be only a revival of the exploded theory of Cullen, in regard to 
the stimulant operation of Opium. Whether the Sulphate of Mor- 
phine proves at one and at the same time both stimulant and sedative, 
or whether it proves sedative only, depends, according to my obser- 
vations, as much upon the manner in which it is administered and 
managed, as it does whether Opium operates in one or both of these 
ways. 
Dr. Bally declares that Morphine will not produce headache, nor 
any other of the symptons of eweitement (!) which follow the use of 
Opium. Now Ihave as often known headache produced by the 
Sulphate of Morphine, as by Opium, in proportion to the number of 
times that I have used each. It seems to me extraordinary that the 
headache, which sometimes results from Opium, even when given in an 
appropriate case, should be considered as:a symptom of excitement. 
". Bally concludes that Morphine occasions no thirst, no loss of 
appetite, and no disorder of the digestive organs. Now, in certain 
cases, I have repeatedly witnessed each and all these effects, from 
Sulphate of Morphine ; and, in certain cases, where they previously 
existed, Ihave known them obviated by it. Whether it occasions 
these effects or not, depends, according to my observations, upon the 
disease, the general condition of the system for the time being, the 
temperament of the patient, and above all, the manner in which it is 
managed. In a very great majority. of the cases in which I have 
employed the Sulphate of Morphine, certainly no such effects have 
occurred, 
ont administered in full doses, the Sulphate of Morphine is 
especie lable to produce nausea and vomiting. Dr. Bally insists 
‘a a upon this; but he adds that by beginning with small doses, 
ra : ually and slowly increasing their size, a full dose may, at 
»€ taken without these effects. The first dose that I ever took 
Pie Consisted of only a quarter of a grain, and in about six hours, 
uced a very disagreeable vertigo and nausea, and it would 
tless have produced vomiting, had I not confined myself to my 
» till the whole effect of the article entirely passed by. Even 
