The quantity of MORPHIA found in opium varies from two to ten per cent. The chief salts of this alkaloid are the _acetate_, the _hydrochlorate_, and the _sulphate_, all being very energetic poisons. They cause symptoms similar to those about to be described as produced by opium. But, in addition, there has been especially noticed great itching of the skin, convulsive twitchings of the muscles of the face and limbs, and occasionally tetanus. Small doses of any of the salts of morphia may cause death. In a delicate woman half a grain is supposed to have proved fatal; in several instances one grain has proved fatal; and certainly a dose of two grains might kill a healthy adult unaccustomed to opiates. Nevertheless, under the influence of custom, large quantities may be taken. A young lady, who has long been under notice, has for the last three years taken daily fifteen grains of the hydrochlorate of morphia, without obtaining more than two or three hours’ sleep from it; while for many days in succession, when suffering much pain, she increases the quantity to one scruple. From attempts to diminish the dose, made without the patient’s knowledge, only mischief has resulted. Others of the opium alkaloids are poisonous; but instances of poisoning by their means have not occurred, except one doubtful instance of poisoning by narcotine, recorded by Sonnenschein. _Symptoms._—When a large dose of opium or its tincture has been taken the symptoms usually manifest themselves in about twenty or thirty minutes. They commence with giddiness, drowsiness, and stupor; then ensues insensibility. The patient appears as if in a sound sleep, from which he can be roused by a loud noise, &c., although he quickly relapses. As the poisoning progresses the breathing becomes slow and stertorous, the pulse weak and feeble, and the countenance livid. The eyes are closed, while the pupils are generally contracted, often almost to the size of a pin’s point, and insensible to the stimulus of light. In some instances the skin is cold and livid, in others it is bathed in sweat. So also the countenance may be either ghastly or placid, the pupils may even be dilated, and the pulse may be unaffected, or so small and frequent as to be scarcely appreciable. Vomiting sometimes occurs, with slight reaction, so that hopes of recovery are entertained. But frequently there is a relapse, the comatose state returns, and death quickly follows, occasionally preceded by convulsions. The possibility of rousing a patient during the earlier portion of the progress of these symptoms will assist in diagnosing the effects of poisoning by opium from those due to apoplexy, epilepsy, &c. The contracted condition of the pupil will also assist; but it must not be forgotten that in lesion of the pons Varolii the pupils are also contracted. When permanent recovery ensues it is complete; but it is usually preceded for a day or two by severe nausea, a sense of weariness, constipation, and headache.