To consider Opium in a true Light, respecting the primary Action of it in the Stomach, is, in my Opinion, to suppose it similar in Corrosivity to any other succulent vegetable Poison, with a peculiar _stupefactive Power, that characterizes it_. The Effect then is to be counteracted, _by disengaging the Stomach from the Poison as fast as possible, by every Means of Secretion, checking the Virus of it, and exciting and supporting Nature with warm nervous Stimulants_, untill she has freed herself entirely from the dangerous Effects of this powerful Drug. These Circumstances considered, the ensuing Process is what I should recommend.—In the first State, before the Poison has had Power to act, and only Symptoms common to Ebriety appear (which is generally very soon after it has been taken) let a Vomit be administered, to provoke the Discharge of it; as soon as possible; for Instance; Take of simple Spearmint-Water, Oxymel of Squills; each one Ounce; Powder of Ipecacuanha-Root, half a Scruple; mix them for a Vomiting Potion. The Person should, if possible, be diverted from immediate Sitting, or lying down, and frequent Draughts of a Water-Gruel; not too thin, be given to assist the Operation; which, if repeated, so as to procure four or five Vomitings, will bring with it the major Part of the Opium. This happy Effect may be presently guessed by the Smell of what is discharged from the Stomach, and will be sufficient for the Time, if the Poison taken was in a liquid State; but if in a Solid, the Vomiting should be continued, by giving fresh Gruel, even to six or seven Times; for by the compact Form, and through the stupefying Power of Opium, it will be the last Thing disengaged from the Stomach. The Strength of the vomiting Potion, if not deemed sufficient, may be encreased, according to the Strength of the Patient, with an Addition of the Powder of Ipecacuanha-Root. This Operation may soon be over, as it depends upon the Assiduity of administering the Gruel; nor need there be much Time spent in making it, an Handful of Oatmeal being sufficient, mixing it in cold Water, and pouring warm to it, without standing to settle, or straining; Broth, Beer-Wort, or even Water alone might do; but the Gruel being easily and quickly attainable by every one, I would recommend that, as the most proper; if the Patient's Stomach had been charged with Food, but a short Time before taking the Poison, this Vomiting may be found sufficient to perform the Cure; yet is, in my Opinion, too precarious to be solely depended on. I mention this chiefly as a favourable Symptom, since the Power of Opium is to be much feared, when alone, in an empty Stomach, or one, at most, charged with Fluids. The next Thing requisite, is to place the Patient in a Bed, or Chair, not in a lying, but sitting Posture, his Head supported, and Body covered very warm, to promote a Sweat, but not so as to incumber him with their Weight.