“The use of opium as a medicine can be clearly traced back to Diagoras, who was nearly contemporary with Hippocrates; and it was likely employed before this time and is at present, prescribedthan perhaps any other article of the materia medica. Opium is a stimulant narcotic. Taken in a moderate dose it increases the force, fullness, and frequency of the pulse, invigorates the muscular system, quickens the senses, animates the spirits, and gives new energy to the intellectual faculties. Its operation is directed, with peculiar force to the brain, the functions of which it excites sometimes even to intoxication or delirium.”   -1858 USD