[92] This very important Consideration, on which I have treated pretty largely, in the _Analysis_, seems not to be attended to in Practice, as frequently as it ought. _K._ 3, The over early, and too considerable Use of Opiates, either not properly indicated, or continued too long, such as Venice Treacle, Mithridate, Syrup of Poppies (and it is very easy to run upon some of these Sholes) are also attended with the most embarrassing Events, in Regard to Convulsions; and it may be affirmed they are improper, for nine Tenths of those they are advised to. It is true they often produce an apparent Ease and Tranquillity for some Minutes, and sometimes for some Hours too; but the Disorder returns even with greater Violence for this Suspension, by Reason they have augmented all the Causes producing it; they impair the Stomach; they bind up the Belly; they lessen the usual Quantity of Urine; and besides, by their abating the Sensibility of the Nerves, which ought to be considered as one of the chief Centinels appointed by Nature, for the Discovery of any approaching Danger, they dispose the Patient insensibly to such Infarctions and Obstructions, as tend speedily to produce some violent and mortal Event, or which generate a Disposition to languid and tedious Diseases: and I do again repeat it, that notwithstanding there are some Cases, in which they are absolutely necessary, they ought in general to be employed with great Precaution and and Prudence. To mention the principal Indications for them in convulsive Cases, they are proper, 1, When the Convulsions still continue, after the original Cause of them is removed. 2, When they are so extremely violent, as to threaten a great and very speedy Danger of Life; and when they prove an Obstacle to the taking Remedies calculated to extinguish their Cause; and, 3, When the Cause producing them is of such a Nature, as is apt to yield to the Force of Anodynes; as when, for Instance, they have been the immediate Consequence of a Fright.