diluted with water.
In taking acids, they should be sucked through a straw, and not allowed
to come in contact with the teeth, as otherwise the latter organs will
be injured by their effects; or should the acid come in contact with the
teeth, the mouth should be immediately rinsed with a solution of
saleratus or soda, to neutralize the acid.
ANODYNES.
Anodynes are those medicines which relieve pain by blunting the
sensibility of the nerves, or of the brain, so that it does not
appreciate the morbid sensation. An anodyne may be a stimulant in one
dose, and a narcotic in a larger one. The properties of different
anodyne agents vary, consequently they produce unlike effects. The size
of the dose required, differs according to circumstances and condition.
An adult, suffering acute pain, requires a much larger dose to produce
an anodyne effect than one who is a chronic sufferer. An individual
accustomed to the use of anodynes, requires a much larger dose to
procure relief than one who is not. Doses may be repeated, until their
characteristic effects are produced, after an interval of thirty or
forty minutes. When the stomach is very sensitive and will not tolerate
their internal administration, one-sixth of a grain of Morphia can be
inserted beneath the skin, by means of a hypodermic syringe. Relief is
more quickly experienced, and the anodyne effect is much more lasting
than when taken into the stomach.
OPIUM (_Papaver Somniferum)._ Opium is a stimulant, anodyne, or
narcotic, according to the size of the dose administered. _Dose_--Of the
dry powder, one-fourth to one grain; of tincture (Laudanum), five to
fifteen drops; of camphorated tincture (Paregoric), one-half to one
teaspoonful; of
Morphine, one-eighth to one-fourth grain; of Dover's Powder three to
five grains.
HYOSCYAMUS (_Hyoscyamus Niger_), commonly known as Henbane. The herb is
used. It is a powerful narcotic, and unlike Opium, does not constipate
the bowels, but possesses a laxative tendency. Therefore, it may be
employed as an anodyne for allaying pain, calming the mind, inducing
sleep and arresting spasms, when opiates are inadmissible. _Dose_--Of
alcoholic extract, one-half to two grains; of fluid extract, five to ten
drops; of the concentrated principle, Hyoscyamin, one-twelfth to
one-fourth of a grain.
[Illustration: Fig. 116.
Poison Hemlock. ]
POISON HEMLOCK (_Conium Maculatum_). The leaves are the parts used.
Poison Parsley, as it
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