Many such tales are recounted, and all told by the sufferers with the firmest belief, and the most earnest conviction of their truth; each, by his own delusion, strengthening and confirming others. All those who had seen visions had their minds diseased through the use of haschisch, while those who did not indulge in the habit were free from these extraordinary illusions. These hallucinations seem to be manifested independently of any then existing affection of the brain, and the individual appears, under other circumstances, fitted for the usual avocations of life. They may be only symptoms of a previously disordered intellect, but they may also be the starting point, from which insanity is developed. In all instances in which these hallucinations occur, watchfulness is necessary, since, in the majority of cases they terminate finally in derangement of the brain to the extent generally denominated _madness_. Other curious results from the use of this narcotic are detailed by Dr. O’Shaughnessy, as exhibited by patients in India, to whom he had prescribed it, in his capacity of medical practitioner, and other experiments he made. A dog, to whom some _churrus_ was given, in half an hour became stupid and sleepy, dozing at intervals, starting up, wagging his tail as if extremely contented; he ate food greedily, on being called he staggered to and fro, and his countenance assumed the appearance of utter and helpless drunkenness. In six hours these symptoms had passed away, and he was perfectly well and lively. A patient to whom hemp had been administered, on a sudden uttered a loud peal of laughter, and exclaimed, that four spirits were springing with his bed into the air. Attempts to pacify him were in vain, his laughter became momentarily more and more uncontrollable. In a short time he exhibited symptoms of that peculiar nervous condition, which mesmerists have of late years made us more acquainted with, under the name of _catalepsy_. In whatever imaginable attitude his arms and legs were placed, they became rigid and remained. A waxen figure could not be more pliant or stationary in each position, no matter how contrary to the natural influence of gravity on the part. A strong stimulant drink was given to him, and his intoxication led to such noisy exclamations, that he had to be removed to a separate room, where he soon became tranquil, in less than an hour his limbs had gained their natural condition, and in two hours he said he was perfectly well, and very hungry.