ve omitted some of its preparations. The best antidote for opium is
camphor.

701. Antispasmodics.

Antispasmodics are medicines which possess the power of overcoming the
spasms of the muscles, or allaying any severe pain which is not
attended by inflammation. The class includes a great many, but the
most safe and serviceable are ammonia, assafoetida, galbanum,
valerian, bark, ether, camphor, opium, and chloroform; with the
minerals, oxide of zinc and calomel.

702. Ammonia.

Ammonia, or Sal Volatile, is an antispasmodic antacid, stimulant and
diaphoretic.

_Used externally_, combined with oil, it forms a cheap and useful
liniment, but it should be dissolved in _proof_ spirit before the oil
is added. One part of this salt, and three parts of extract of
belladonna, mixed and spread upon leather, makes an excellent plaster
for relieving rheumatic pains. As a local stimulant it is well known,
as regards its effects in hysterics, faintness, and lassitude, when
applied to the nose, as common smelling salts.

It is used _internally_ as an adjunct to infusion of gentian in
dyspepsia or indigestion, and in moderate doses in gout.

_Dose_, from five to fifteen grains. _Caution_.--Overdoses act as a
narcotic and irritant poison.

[TO-MORROW, IS HIMSELF A FEAST FOR WORMS.]

703. Bicarbonate of Ammonia

Bicarbonate of Ammonia is used internally the same as _sal volatile_.

_Dose_, from six to twelve grains. It is frequently combined with
Epsom salts.

704. Solution of Sesoquicarbonate of Ammonia,

Solution of Sesoquicarbonate of Ammonia, used the same as _sal
volatile_.

_Dose_, from half a drachm to one drachm, combined with some milky
fluid, like almond emulsion.

705. Asafoetida

Asafoetida is an antispasmodic, expectorant, excitant, and
anthelmintic.

_Used internally_, it is extremely useful in dyspepsia, flatulent
colic, hysteria, and nervous diseases; and where there are no
inflammatory symptoms, it is an excellent remedy in hooping cough and
asthma.

_Used locally_ as an enema, it is useful in flatulent colic, and
convulsions that come on through teething.

_Doses of various preparations_.--_Solid gum_, from five to ten grains
as pills; _mixture_, from half an ounce to one ounce; _tincture_, from
fifteen minims to one drachm; _ammoniated tincture_, from twenty
minims to one drachm