An Essay on the Effects of Opium. Considered as a Poison

An Essay on the Effects of Opium. Considered as a Poison

I Was induced to write this Essay, from a Desire of throwing a Light upon a Subject, hitherto but triflingly, and, at best, obscurely treated. As I had no beaten Path to direct me, many perhaps are the Errors that may be traced through every Page. I do not boast an Ability to enforce my Sentiments with that energic and expressive Beauty of Style some are so happy to possess. I am no Author, and can therefore only rely on your Candour, in Behalf of a simple Recital of such Facts as I have experienced. viWhen I consider the Novelty of the Subject, and the Rareness of Patients poisoned with Opium, I am inclined to flatter myself, you will not discourage, but be rather inclined to cherish under your Wings, every Effort (however weak) that tends to elucidate so extensive a Branch of Science, as Physic. I beg the Honour of subscribing myself, Among People who are unacquainted with the Nature of Opium, it is a received Opinion,That as it will, when taken in proper Doses, lull Pain, and procure Rest; so, in large Quantities, that it will terminate a Life of Cares, by an easy and quiet Death; but it is not so: this argument is directly contrary to the Nature of our Existence, the animal Oeconomy being so formed, as not to bear a total Solution, without some Agonies. Thus, when this Drug is received into the Stomach, in Quality of a Poison, easy Rest is denied, the Senses, roused by their threatened Solution, force the animal Powers into immediate Conflict with the noxious Body, which produces Convulsions, and other dreadful Symptoms, the Forerunners of Death.The Drug is besides of so strong a Nature, that, though taken only into the Stomach, it can change the Colour of the Skin, and even of the Linen wore next it; a Body also, many Hours after Death, will smell so strongly of it, as to determine whether it was the Instrument of Destruction used. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 52541
Author: Awsiter, John
Release Date: Jul 9, 2016
Format: eBook
Language: English