I have endeavoured, throughout these Pages, to trace the exact Power of this Poison——I began with the natural History of the Plant from which it is collected, in order to reconcile different Opinions, by pointout the most easy and rational Method of gathering it; which likewise contributes to render the Analysis of the Drug more compleat. Thus we discover the Principles whereby Opium acts upon our Bodies, and are consequently enabled more fully to counteract the obnoxious Parts of it. Without enlarging upon the different Effects of Alkalis and Acids, I have recited several Experiments in favour of the latter; and without interfering with Specifics, and Antidotes, have pointed out a regular Method, whereby the different Degrees of Power this Poison may have, when taken into the Body, may be remedied. Thus the Gentlemen of the Faculty have a kind of Rule how to act upon Emergencies of the kind, which the Rareness of the Case may not have given some of them an Opportunity to be acquainted with. That Knowledge which I have attained from my Experience, may undoubtedly be yet much improved by those Practitioners, who have Talents superior to mine; but for the unexperienced and retired, where physical Assistance is not readily attainable, a Method is here laid down, so easily practicable, that a Life, perhaps, may be saved thereby. This Consideration alone, that I may possibly, some Time or other, be serviceable to a Fellow-Creature, I esteem an ample Return for disclosing my Sentiments upon this Subject, and a sufficient Satisfaction for the Trouble I have taken in the foregoing Pages. FINIS. Transcriber's Notes. This Book is 300 years old and the advice given has been superceded and is of historical value only. The original spelling and punctuation has been retained. I have been informed that some of the latin as printed is incorrect, but have retained it as in the original Pamphlet. Italicized words and phrases are presented by surrounding the text with underscores. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of An Essay on the Effects of Opium. Considered as a Poison, by John Awsiter