(seq. 299)

290

Materia Medica

Stimulants

some measure to resemble tetanus, some authors have doubted
whether opium produces exhilarating effect, but to me it is
verry obvious it does. Dr Ramsy wishing one night to study
and feeling sleepy took a dose of Laudanum which made him
lively untill the approach of morning, when he began to feel
sleepy he took ninety drops of the same which again caused
hilliarity and in a short time caused him to leap and dance,
and finally a mist appeared to be before his eyes and he became
drousy again. I have often used it myself and am convinced
of the veracity of the assertion, its effects are similar to those of
the best wine, on infants its effects are similar to those of
adults. I have seen infants at the breast in a pleasing state of
intoxication by it when it was exhibitted in the smallest portions.
It is much used among the Eastern Nations to inspire them
with courage, and to heighten their immagination and its
effects are so well known by them that they would laugh at
a Physician if he doubted whether it produced these states
of the mind, they take it in Battle, and upon the occurrance
of misfortune, so prevalent amongst mankind, which together with a
want of fortitude induce the use of this article, and the immoderate