"The perfect loss of self that resulted immediately, in an instant, after swallowing the juice of the fungous fruit, so that you could not distinguish between the real guide at your side and the phantom that sprung into existence, is incredible. [See [p. 234.]] An element of time is a factor in the operation of nerve impressions."[12]
[12] It is well that reference was made to this point. Few readers would probably notice that Chapter XXXVI. [began] a narcotic hallucination.—J. U. L.
"Have you investigated all possible anæsthetics?" he asked.
"Of course not."
"Or all possible narcotics?"
"No."
"How long does it require for pure prussic acid to produce its physiological action?"
"I do not know."
He ignored my reply, and continued:
"Since there exists a relative difference between the time that is required for ether and chloroform to produce insensibility, and between the actions and resultant effects of all known anæsthetics, intoxicants, and narcotics, I think you are hypercritical. Some nerve excitants known to you act slowly, others quickly; why not others still instantaneously? If you can rest your assertion on any good basis, I will gladly meet your questions, but I do not accept such evidence as you now introduce, and I do not care to argue for both parties."