The stimulating balsams and gums are also proper in this stage. They have been highly recommended by Morton; and myrrh in particular is prescribed with great confidence by Simmons. They are objected to by Fothergill, on the ground, that by their stimulating properties, they increase the inflammation of the lungs. His objection appears well founded, while symptoms of acute inflammation still exist; but after they have subsided, the cough and other distressing symptoms of the last stage of Phthisis, may be much alleviated by these medicines. By their stimulating effects upon the whole system, also, they may be useful at a time when the patient is sinking under great debility. As stimulating applications are frequently found necessary and useful to indolent ulcers on the surface of the body, it naturally occurred that similar applications might be made with advantage to ulcers of the lungs. With this view, the steam of tar water, and the vapour of sulphuric æther inhaled in respiration, have been used in the treatment of Consumption.[9] With the same restrictions as are necessary with the stimulating gums and balsams, these remedies may be beneficial. It is not probable, however, that any permanent relief can be derived from them; they can only mitigate symptoms. To check the profuse sweats, which occur at this period, and add materially to the debility of the patient, the elixir of vitriol is an useful medicine. As a general tonic it acts beneficially also upon the whole system. With the view of quietting the cough and procuring rest at night, opiates are necessary; and fortunate are we that we have in our possession, a remedy, which although it will not permanently cure the disease, palliates the symptoms, at least for a time; and makes more smooth the path to death. It is true that opium produces some ill effects. It debilitates the stomach, and injures the appetite; but when the symptoms are urgent, it cannot for these reasons be dispensed with. By lulling pain, and giving rest to the watchful patient, it more than counterbalances these disadvantages. The humulus lupulus or common hops, does not possess the objectionable properties of opium, but with its anodyne combines some tonic powers, and promises to be an excellent substitute for that medicine. The large and frequent use of syrups in the form of expectorant mixtures and linctuses, to alleviate cough, is very injurious. They cloy the appetite, destroy the tone of the stomach, and prevent the taking of nutritious aliment, which is now so necessary; and frequently without producing any material relief of the symptom for which they are prescribed. The use of opiates is necessary also, to check the profuse diarrhœas, which now alternate with costiveness, and reduce the already debilitated patient. With the same view, the chalk mixture may be used with advantage, and the astringent medicines, Kino and Catechu, with others of the same class.