(seq. 295)

286

Materia Medica

Stimulants

affecting the sanguiferous system and in this case it generally
acts as a stimulant. I know a gentleman it always purged,
but if at any time he was affected with Diarrhea opium would
stop it. Opium is a carminative. Physicians entertain different
opinions with respect to its diuretic effect, some have given it
in dropsy, but I shall speak freely on this subject in treating
of diuretics. Donald Monroe Mason gave it in dropsy, Hunnis
observed its diuretic effects, when giving it to venerial patients,
Dr Haller did not think it diuretic = I have sometimes seen
it act thus not always, I think it rather increases the effect
of henbane, digitalis &c. It is often said to act as a sialogogue.
Dr McKinnis says he has known it produce and increase a flow
of saliva, there are however other medicines (mercury) that
produce this effect, it has rarely acted as a sialogogue
except in Syphilis, opium increases the perspiration but
without lessening the pulse this effect of it is generally
accompanied with itching of the skin, which often continues for two or
three days, and which may be removed by drinking warm
wine whey, this medicine often occasions a milliary eruption
on the body. Dr Haller informs us the smell of it is perceptable