The first object is the evacuation of the stomach by vomiting; for which purpose, the patient should be made to swallow from fifteen grains to a scruple of _sulphate of zinc_; or, from five to ten grains of _sulphate of copper_ dissolved in water; and the vomiting should be kept up for a considerable time, and urged by irritation of the fauces. Where the act of vomiting cannot be established, in consequence of the paralysed state of the nervous system, cold affusion, applied by means of a shower bath, has been said to restore the energy of the brain, and thus to render the patient susceptible of the stimulus of an emetic.[424] Venesection has also, under the same circumstances, been greatly extolled; and, as vascular congestion in the brain is one of the effects of this poison, it is reasonable to conclude that, by unloading the vessels of this organ, we may restore its lost sensibility. _Tissot_ has strongly recommended the practice,[425] and the experiments of _Orfila_ have shewn that it never aggravated the symptoms of poisoning by opium, nor accelerated the moment of death; but on the contrary, that in some instances he found that it restored the animals which would have died, if it had not been put in practice. Where the operation is performed, the blood should be drawn from the jugular vein, in preference to any other. Should these means prove insufficient to provoke vomiting, _M. Orfila_ asks, whether one or two grains of _tartarized antimony_, dissolved in one or two ounces of water, might not be injected into the veins? It was formerly proposed by _Boerhaave_ to empty the stomach of its poisonous contents, by the introduction of a syringe; an operation which, it is said, has been lately performed with success.[426] Vinegar and vegetable acids were long considered as _antidotes_ to opium; but the experiments of _M. Orfila_ have clearly established that, as long as any portion of the opium remains in the stomach, these potations, so far from relieving, aggravate the symptoms of poisoning by this narcotic, in consequence of the power which they possess of dissolving it. Where, however, the opium has been expelled by vomiting, these acid drinks possess the property of _diminishing the consecutive symptoms_, and of thus realising the expectations which _Virgil_[427] has so poetically raised, ----“_quo non præsentius ullum Auxilium venit, ac membris agit atra venena_.” The powers of the habit should, at the same time, be supported by brandy, strong coffee, and cordials. The sufferer should be kept awake; and, if possible, in a continued gentle motion. _Dr. Currie_[428] has recommended the affusion of warm water at 106°, or 108°, for removing the stupor.