The Affect of Opium upon the Nerves, being by Stupefaction, and a subsequent Relaxation, what Principle can so readily restore them, as light fermented Acids, and so soon promote, by their gentle Pungency, a Disposition to Sweat? The crude Acids of Fruits and Herbs are more sharp and contracting, than those by Fermentation; nor can they be used with Safety in such Quantities, though they stand particularly recommended. I prefer, therefore, the Acetum Stillatitium, or distilled Vinegar, it being an Acid of sufficient Strength, and of a pure Nature, which, joined with nervous and cordial Medicines, has fully answered my Expectations.
Doctor _Jones_ mentions Acids in a secondary Degree, recommending the fixed and unfermented to be used, "when the Resin is not at Stomach," as he phrases it. That is, in other Words (as he places the whole noxious Power inherent in the Resin) when the Patient is not in Danger.
Nervous and cardiac Medicines have a known Property of comforting the Stomach; the former, by a soft balsamic Power, sheathing the Acrimony, such are Valerian and Castor; and the other, by a warm stimulating Nature, including Volatiles and Aromatics——The Antients were very industrious in the Use of Simples, and attributed many Cures to certain specific Properties of Individuals, which saved them much Trouble in Ratiocination of Time, Place, and other accidental Circumstances, that might arise; of these there are numerous Instances, and among the Number, some are distinguished as _Specifics_, for the Cure of those poisoned with Opium; the best of which, are Camphire, Castor, and Coffee; the former two are recommended by many Authors; the latter, by Doctor _Willis_, as is the Semen Elephantiasis by _Pliny_.
I think, according to what has been said of the Action of Opium on the Stomach and nervous System, that the Evacuations by Vomit, Sweat, and Stool, with the Use of Acids and Cardiacs, become indispensably necessary to expel the Virus, and prevent an after Relaxation. Can any one nervous Principle produce all these combined Effects? I think neither of the abovementioned can; Nor do I know of any other that is singly capable of it. The strong Power of Castor upon the Womb is so well known, especially where the Party is pregnant, (which is generally, I presume, the Case, when Women take this Poison) that the Use of it ought to be rejected; and I may almost venture to affirm, that, where a person recovers by taking one kind of Medicine only, the Cure cannot rationally be accounted for, but through the native Strength of the Constitution; and, whoever depends upon that alone, must often fail of Success.