INTRODUCTION
(Haschisch).
INFORMATION
Berthault divides the physiological effects of Haschisch into three periods:
“The first is a period of excitement; it is characterized by the predominance of the physical over the intellectual excitement. Symptoms: at first, flushes of heat towards the head; constriction of the temples, ringing in the ears, bursts of laughter, diminution of all the secretions, principally of the salivary; feeling of happiness, of self-satisfaction, closure of the eye-lids; speech and movement are easy; general excitability, errors as to time and place, tendency to materialize and exaggerate all ideas, all sensations; pulse frequent, rising sometimes to one hundred and upwards. We have had it rise on one occasion to one hundred and eighty-four and one hundred and eighty-eight.
“The second period is characterised by a diminution of the physical excitement; a desire is felt to lie down and be at rest; physical repose is sought while the intellectual excitement still exists; it is then especially that there exists a confusion of ideas; the patient closes his eyes; all kinds of hallucinations assail him, he experiences fixed ideas and delirious convictions; the pulse is almost normal.
“Finally, the third period is one of reaction. To this physical and intellectual excitement succeeds an urgent desire for repose. The desire to sleep becomes irresistible; and, indeed, a few
hours sleep will suffice to dissipate all unpleasant symptoms.” See N.A. Journal, Vol. IV., page 121.
