From the celerity with which narcotics produce their effects, it is reasonable to suppose that they act upon the nervous system through the sympathetic relations of the stomach, although in some instances it is highly probable that these bodies are actually absorbed into the circulation; I am inclined to think that this occurs with opium, as death is accelerated in cases of persons poisoned by it, by the adoption of those measures which are best calculated to promote its absorption: (_see Opium_.) A still more striking proof is furnished by the fact of opium, when externally applied to ulcers, producing all its constitutional effects, such as costiveness, head-ache, nausea, &c. Whether the effects of spirituous potations are to be attributed to the introduction of alcohol into the blood, or to the sympathies existing between the stomach and brain, is still a question of doubt. Dr. Cooke[140] relates a case, on the authority of Sir A. Carlisle, of a person who was brought dead into the Westminster Hospital, in consequence of having drank a quart of gin for a wager, and that upon examination, a considerable quantity of a limpid fluid was found within the lateral ventricles of the brain, _distinctly impregnated with gin_. I very well remember the case, for it occurred during the period that I held the situation of Physician to that hospital, but it is very doubtful whether such an absorption occurs under ordinary circumstances. We well know the facility with which certain odorous bodies enter the circulation, and are developed in distant organs; it is therefore very possible that the apparent odour of the gin, which has been sometimes recognized in the secretions, may depend upon the presence of the flavouring ingredients, independent of the alcohol? At one period, substances supposed to possess narcotic virtues were placed about the bed to obviate watchfulness; the plant _Anethum_, or _Dill_, was very commonly suspended over the head for such a purpose, while in modern times the _Hop_ has been introduced into the pillow. In concluding the history of Narcotics, it may be observed, that there is, perhaps, no class of medicinal bodies, the individuals of which are less disposed to bend and conform to an artificial arrangement; each would seem to have its own particular mode of operation, and to affect sensibility in its own peculiar manner; and hence the practitioner will often find that, after the failure of one narcotic, the administration of another will induce sleep. ANTISPASMODICS. Substances which have the power of allaying the inordinate action of muscular structures, and of assuaging pain, without occasioning that state of insensibility which characterises the operation of narcotics.