Introduction - Uppsala Monitoring Centre

memory, dead look of the eyes, imperfect speech, drowsiness, slow
and full pulse, short and quick breathing, nausea, and an extreme
florid complexion,…. The more violent and extreme effects are
itching of skin, madness, vertigoes, vomitings, hiccups, heavy and
dead sleeps, unequal pulse, contraction of jaw, convulsions, profuse
sweats, universal relaxation, faintings, coldness of the extreme parts
and lastly a cold breath, a certain indication of death.’ (Awsiter,
1763).
In 1763 appeared ‘The Medical Museum or a repository of cases,
experiments, researches, and discoveries; collected at home and
abroad whether in: anatomy, botany, medicine, chemistry, pharmacy,
surgery, physiology, etc’. By Gentlemen of the Faculty; this consisted
of the three volumes with a total of 1,835 pages. The first volume
contained 53 separate monographs, e.g. Jones, John, (1645–1709).
The mysteries of Opium reveal’d by Dr. John Jones ... who:
Gives an account of the name, make, choice, effects, &c. of
opium.
Proves all former opinions of its operation to be meer chimera’s.
Demonstrates what its true cause is, by which he easily, and
mechanically explains all (even its most mysterious) effects. Shows
its noxious principle, and how to separate it, thereby rendering it a
safe, and noble panacea, whereof. He shews the palliative, and
curative use. 1700.
Usual and frequent (tho’ not constant) Effects of Opium, used
internally in a moderate dose. (Those in ‘Side Effects of Drugs’ have
an *).
‘Sleep*, which is so far from being a constant effect of opium, that
it will in me, and many other persons, prevent sleeping, even when
otherwise inclin’d to it; causing meat to stay long at stomach; sweat*;
deadness of the eyes, as you see in drunkenness; dilatation of the
pupil.’ (actually causes constriction) ‘itchings in the skin*; much urine;
nausea*; swimmings in the head; a kind of dubious state, between
sleeping and waking.’
The rare Effects of Opium, taken in a moderate dose.
‘Temporary palsies, as of the bladder*, and sometimes of other
parts, tho’ (although) very rarely; faltering of the tongue; looseness of
the lower jaw, as in the drowsy, drunkards, &c.; prevention of sweat, in
such as sweat too much for want of perspiration; abortion;
intumescence of the lips; anxieties and distresses; vomitings* and