It is impossible to associate in the same prescription a Stimulant and a Sedative medicine; for their actions are directly contrary, and tend to counteract one another. But it is often desirable to prescribe an Inebriant Narcotic with a Stimulant, for their actions resemble each other so much, that they are able to work together. And Deliriants, which stand at the other end of the Narcotic scale, may often advantageously be given with Sedatives, which they very much resemble in their nervous operation. Thus, on the one head, Brandy may be given with Ammonia; on the other hand, Hyoscyamus may be prescribed with Digitalis or Hydrocyanic acid. ORD. I. GENERAL SEDATIVES. (Hydrocyanic acid. Creosote. Aconite. Conium. Colchicum. Tea and Coffee.) These are medicines which pass into the stomach, and are capable of absorption; which are absorbed, and are proved to act after passage into the blood. From the blood they pass to the nerves and nerve-centres, and on all of them alike exert a depressing influence. Some of them are much more powerful than others. They do not exert any primary stimulant effect, or any action on the intellectual part of the brain. Most of them have special actions and tendencies. Hydrocyanic acid is a powerful and dangerous medicine. In large doses it very rapidly takes effect, producing convulsions, syncope, and death. In small doses it is anodyne, and antispasmodic. It is considered especially to influence the reflex spinal system, and by this means may allay convulsive cough, and quiet spasmodic movement. It is very useful in Gastrodynia, and appears then to act locally upon the painful and irritable nerves of the stomach. Creosote stands, as a medicine, between Hydrocyanic acid and Turpentine. It has a double action; being anodyne, like the former; and a mucous stimulant, like the latter. Moreover, it is a true Astringent, which cannot be said of Turpentine. It is not powerful as a Sedative, but its peculiarity of action often renders it useful in Gastrodynia. It is particularly applicable when pain in the stomach is accompanied with a tendency to hæmorrhage, or with a probable relaxation of the mucous coat.