nes have been divided into four grand classes

1. General stimulants;
2. Local stimulants;
3. Chemical remedies;
4. Mechanical remedies.

691. General Stimulants.

General stimulants are subdivided into two classes, diffusible and
permanent stimulants: the first comprising narcotics and
antispasmodics, and the second tonics and astringents.

692. Narcotics.

Narcotics are medicines which stupefy and diminish the activity of the
nervous system. Given in small doses, they generally act as
stimulants, but an increased dose produces a sedative effect. Under
this head are included alcohol, camphor, ether, the hop, and opium.

693. Alcohol.

Alcohol, or rectified spirit, is a very powerful stimulant, and is
never used as a remedy without being diluted to the degree called
proof spirit; and even then it is seldom used internally. It is _used
externally_ in restraining bleeding, when there is not any vessel of
importance wounded. It is also used as a lotion to burns, and is
applied by dipping a piece of lint into the spirit, and laying it over
the part. Freely diluted (one part to eighteen) with water, it forms a
useful eye-wash in the last stage of ophthalmia.

_Used internally_, it acts as a very useful stimulant when diluted and
taken moderately, increasing the general excitement, and giving energy
to the muscular fibres; hence it becomes very useful in certain cases
of debility, especially in habits disposed to create acidity; and in
the low stage of typhus fevers.

_Dose_.--It is impossible to fix anything like a dose for this remedy,
as much will depend upon the individual; but diluted with water and
sweetened with sugar, from half an ounce to two ounces may be given
three or four times a day. In cases of extreme debility, however, much
will depend upon the disease.

_Caution_.--Remember that alcohol is an irritant _poison_, and that
daily indulgence in its use originates dyspepsia, or indigestion, and
many other serious complaints. Of all kinds of spirits the best as a
tonic and stomachic is _brandy_.

[TO-MORROW, SINKS INTO THE SILENT TOMB.]

694. Camphor.

Camphor is not a very steady stimulant, as its effect is transitory;
but in large doses it acts as a narcotic, abating pain and inducing
sleep. In moderate doses it operates as a diaphoretic, diuretic,
antispasmodic, increasing the heat