A weak solution of opium forms a valuable collyrium in ophthalmia.

Two drops of the wine of opium dropped into the eye, acts as an excellent stimulant in bloodshot eye; or after long-continued inflammation, it is useful in strengthening the eye.

Applied as a liniment, in combination with ammonia and oil, or with camphorated spirit, it relieves muscular pain.

When combined with oil of turpentine, it is useful as a liniment in spasmodic colic.

Used internally it acts as a very powerful stimulant; then as a sedative, and finally as an anodyne and narcotic, allaying pain in the most extraordinary manner, by acting directly upon the nervous system

In acute rheumatism it is a most ex celient medicine, when combined with calomel and tartrate of antimony; but its exhibition requires the judicious care of a medical man.

Doses of the various preparations: -Confection of opium, from five grains to half a drachm; extract of opium, from one to five grains (this is a valuable form, as it does not produce so much after-derangement of the nervous system as solid opium); pills of soap and opium, from five to ten grains; compound ipecacuanha pouder ("Do vers powders "J, from five to twenty grains: compound kino powder, from five to twenty grains; wine of opium, from ten minims to one drachm.

Caution. Opium is a powerful poison when taken in too large a quantity (See Poisons), and therefore should be used with extreme caution. It is on this account that we have omitted 6ome of its preparations.

2697. Anti-spasmodics are medicines which possess the power of overcoming spasms of the muscles, or allaying any severe pain which is not attended by inflammation. The class includes a great many, but the most safe and serviceable you will find to be ammonia, assafoetida, galbanum, valerian, bark, aether, camphor, opium, and chloroform; with the minerals, oxide of zinc and calomel.

2698. Ammonia or "Volatile salt," is an anti-spasmodic, antacid, stimulant, and diaphoretic.

Used externally, combined with oil, it forms a cheap and useful liniment, but it should be dissolved in proof spirit before the oil is added.

One part of this salt, and three parts of extract of belladonna, mixed and spread upon leather, makes an excellent plaster for relieving rheumatic pains.

As a local stimulant it is well known, as regards its effects in hysterics, faint-ness and lassitude, when applied to the nose as common smelling salts.

It is used internally as an adjunct to infusion of gentian in dyspepsia, in digestion, and in moderate doses in gout.

Dose, from five to twenty grains.

Caution. Over-doses act as a narcotic and irritant poison.

2699. Bicarbonate of Ammonia, used internally the same as the "Volatile salt."

Dose, from six to twenty four grains.

It is frequently combined with Epsom salts.

2G99.* Solution of Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia, used the same as the "Volatile salt."

Dose, from half a drachm to one drachm, combined with some milky fluid, like almond emulsion.