suffered from nausea, vomiting, head-ache, anorexia, constipation, and heaviness.[418] This case is sufficient to shew, that although _morphia_ possesses the characteristic powers of opium, its strength is by no means commensurate with its supposed state of concentration. When uncombined, it exerts little or no action, in consequence of its insolubility in water, and in the fluids of the stomach. When, however, it is combined with an acid, particularly the acetic, or the _meconic_, with the latter of which we have before stated that it exists in opium, it displays its properties in a very eminent degree. It is also very soluble in oil; and, according to the experiments of _M. Majendie_, the compound acts with great intensity. The _meconic acid_, when separated from the residuum of the magnesian salt, as described in the process for the preparation of morphia (_note p._ 386) does not appear to possess any medicinal activity. Its distinguishing _chemical_ character is, that it produces an intensely red colour in solutions of iron, oxidized _ad maximum_; and a deep blue, with solutions of the salts of gold. _Narcotine_ is the salt originally obtained by _Derosne_, and is supposed by _MM. Majendie_ and _Robiquet_ to be the peculiar principle which produces the excitement experienced by those who take small doses of opium. It may be entirely removed by macerating the extract of opium in sulphuric æther. _Symptoms of poisoning by Opium._ In considerable doses, the primary action of this substance, as a powerful and diffusible stimulant, is not apparent; for the powers of life are immediately depressed, drowsiness and stupor succeed, and these are followed by delirium, stertorous breathing, cold sweats, convulsions, and apoplectic death.