Cocaine is an astringent and a painkiller and people mistake
the temporary lessening of discharge from the nose and disappearance of
pain for curative effects. But there is nothing curative about it. In a
short time the mucous membrane relaxes again and then the discharge is
re-established. The nerves which were put out of commission resume their
function and then the pain reappears.
Opium or one of its derivatives is generally present in the patent
medicines given for coughs. Opium is also an astringent and will
suppress secretions, but this is not a cure. Excessive secretions are an
indication that the body is surcharged with poison and food. Let them
escape and then live so that there will be internal cleanliness and then
there will be no more coughs and colds.
The unfortunate people who get into the habit of using these drugs
degenerate physically, mentally and morally. They need more and more of
their drug to produce the desired effect until they at last take enough
daily to kill several normal men. Sometimes they are able to keep
everybody in ignorance of what they are doing for years. They develop
slyness and secretiveness.
Pages:
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321