1. Opium is “reddish brown or deep fawn—when pulverized, a Yellow-brown powder. Opium is a stimulant narcotic; it increases the force, fullness, and frequency of the pulse, animates the spirits, and gives new energy to the intellectual faculties. Its operation is directed with peculiar force to the brain, the functions of which it excites even to intoxication or delirium.
After this comes the reaction in the form of sleep, then “nausea, headache, tremors—all the secretions, with the exception of that from the skin, are either suspended or diminished; the peristaltic action of the bowels is lessened,” etc.
- Saffron (Crocus)
Has a rich deep orange color. “In small doses it exhilarates the spirits and produces sleep; in large doses it gives rise to headache, intoxication, delirium, etc.
- Valerian (Valeriana)
The powder is yellowish gray. It is gently stimulant with an especial direction to the nervous system. In large doses it produces a sense of heaviness, pain in the head,” etc.
- Ether
Is a colorless fluid, but strong in the yellow principle of carbon and the red principle of hydrogen (C4H10O). “Ether is a powerful diffusible stimulant, possessed also of expectorant, antispasmodic, and narcotic properties.” “Its effects are increased arterial action with delirium and diminished sensibility, followed by unconsciousness,” etc.
- Water, charged with yellow and some red light through a yellow chromo lens, is stimulating to the brain and nerves, as signified in IX of this chapter, and leaves no bad after effects, as is the case with drugs.