42 JVarcoiine, 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 narcotic 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. 



1st. A moderate antirritant stage, indicated by more or less rehef 

 of the same symptoms, that are obviated by the first degree of a nar- 

 cotic operation. I 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 ; 



3d. The production of ai 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 lest always adequate to the perfect distinction of pure nervines 

 from pure narcotics, and pure stimulants. 



It is 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 I have just said) may be produced without any increase 

 of the vital energies, and without any increase of the strength of ar- 

 terial action. Indeed, I have very often seen the fullest nervine 

 operation connected with an extreme reduction of all the vital ener- 

 gies, and with such a diminution of the strength of arterial action, 

 that tlie pulse could scarcely be felt. 



