with reference to their Counter-Poismis. 1ST j 
dwindled to a mathematical point, and was insensible to the sti- 
mulus of light, the head fell to the floor, and the breathing was 
difficult and loud, and there supervened a fatal prostration of 
strength. Acetic acid was then administered through a quill, 
and applied to the mouth on a sponge repeatedly. The head 
was also bathed with acetic acid, and it was also applied to the 
extremities, and in the direction of the spine. The whole quan- 
tity of the acetic acid used was about a fluid ounce. The ani- 
mal was also frequently roused, and finally kept warm. The 
animal effectually recovered. 
These experiments were repeated with uniform success on 
other rabbits. Several days have elapsed, and they continue in 
the most healthy condition. 
I much regret that these experiments have been so painful 
to me, as to cause for some time an interruption of my researches 
on Hyoscyamus niger^ Atropa Belladonna^ Cicuta virosa^ and 
other vegetable poisons ; and nothing but the high importance 
which might attach to the discovery of an antidote to their fata- 
lity, could have induced me to commence the inquiry. 
I have no hesitation to pronounce, with positive certainty, that 
in ammonia will be found a complete antidote to hydrocyanic 
acid, and in acetic acid an effectual counter-poison to opium. 
The agency of voltaic excitement holds out a method to dis- 
cover the comparative sedative or narcotic properties of vegetable 
juices, as well as their counter-agents. It unfolds also those 
that are stimulating and those that are not, with their relative 
correctives. By this means, we are prepared by well grounded 
anticipation for the successful application of an antidote. 
Aet. XX . — Report on the Cultivation of Sjnces at Bencoolen^ 
one of the British Settlements in the Island qf Sumatra ; ad- 
dressed to W. R. Jennings y Esq., Secretary to Government, 
Fort Marlborough. By J. Lumsdatne, Esq. ^ 
TDhE geographical position of the Island, its local adapta- 
tions, and the genuine influence of its sky and climate on the 
* Abridged from a Memoir in the proceedings of the Agricultural Society of 
Sumatra, printed at Bencoolen in 1821. 
