Narcotics are those substances having the property of diminishing the action of the nervous and vascular systems, and of inducing sleep.
Rubefacients are remedies which excite the vessels of the skin and increase its heat and redness.
Sedatives are medicines which have the power of allaying the actions of the systems generally, or of lessening the exercise of some particular function.
Sialagogues are medicines which increase the flow of the saliva.
Stimulants are medicines capable of exciting the vital energy, whether as exerted in sensation or motion.
Tonics are those medicines which increase the tone or healthy action, or strength of the living system.
RULES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH.
Pure atmospheric air is composed of nitrogen, oxygen and a very small proportion of carbonic acid gas. Air once breathed has lost the chief part of its oxygen, and acquired a proportionate increase of carbonic acid gas. Therefore, health requires that we breathe the same air once only.
The solid part of our bodies is continually wasting and requires to be repaired by fresh substances. Therefore, food, which is to repair the loss, should be taken with due regard to the exercise and waste of the body.
The fluid part of our bodies also wastes constantly; there is but one fluid in animals, which is water. Therefore, water only is necessary, and no artifice can produce a better drink.