[4] We must distinguish, as has been already mentioned, betwixt a real abatement of the inflammatory action, and a mere temporary suspension of action, or syncope.
[5] Nausea has often been employed with success, in checking active hemorrhage.
[6] This action is, in this respect, similar to that of blisters.
[7] One grain of emetic tartar may be dissolved in five ounces of saline julep, and a table spoonful given every half hour, as long as may be necessary.
[8] Some of these agents might perhaps only change the nature of the inflammation, and render it specific.
[9] Opiates may indeed abate the smarting, or soreness, which is consequent to the immediate mechanical injury of wounds, or operations; but this relief is commonly only temporary; for the general action is very apt to be afterwards increased, and, consequently, union by adhesion is less likely to take place.
[10] There are two general diseases which are connected with local actions, and which opium is supposed to cure, or prevent from taking place; the inflammatory fever, dependent on an wound, and the febrile state, consequent to a temporary increased action, or exertion of a particular part, or the whole of the system; as, for instance, the effect of parturition. The first of these is always aggravated by opium; the second, if it be not increased, cannot possibly be cured by it.
[11] When applied to the skin of the abdomen, it acts chiefly by exciting action, on the principle of the sympathy of equilibrium.
[12] Were this not the case, we should cure pulmonic inflammation, with the greatest certainty, by covering the whole thorax with a blister.
[13] Like other agents of this kind, they may kill speedily, if drunk in too great quantities; and, after death, the vitality, from the previous great action, is found completely destroyed.