CEREBRAL DEPRESSANTS. 137 



GodeincB Phosphas, phosphate of codeine. Is giv- 

 en in the same doses as the preceding, but is much 

 more soluble (1 : 30 of water). 



Tests for Morphine. — Nitric acid produces a blood- 

 red, turning orange, then yellow, then disappearing. 

 Ferric chloride gives a rich blue with morphine; a 

 dark-brown with meconic acid or any preparation of 

 opium. Iodic acid liberates iodine, which may be 

 tested for with starch. 



Physiological Action. — Opium and its prepar- 

 ations are stimulant to the heart and brain, hypnotic, 

 antispasmodic, deliriant, narcotic, sedative, myotic, 

 and diaphoretic. These last two are not so prominent 

 in the lower animals as in man. Small doses in- 

 crease the heart's action, raise arterial tension, stim- 

 ulate respiration, contract the pupils, and while at 

 first slightly stimulating the glandular intestinal ap- 

 paratus, soon check all secretions except sweat and 

 milk. Full doses intensify the heart's action, cause 

 more or less stertorous and shallow respiration, itchi- 

 ness of the nose, retention of urine, pulse becoming 

 gradually irregular; some diaphoresis. In some ani- 

 mals a deep sleep, in others delirium and excitement. 

 Larger doses cause a weak and slow pulse, very ir- 

 regular and stertorous respirations, a cold clammy 

 sweat, and coma. 



Toxicology. — Death takes place from paralysis of 

 the respiratory centre. Experiments on the lower 

 animals by the writer showed that they are relatively 

 not as much affected by opium and its preparations 

 as man. The horse more usually becomes restless 



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