CHAPTER VIII.

De Quincey's Life rather than his Writings the Best Evidence of the Effect of Opium upon Him.--Disapproval of his Manner of Treatment of the Subject in His "Confessions."--From First to Last the Effect of Opium is to Produce Unhappiness.--The Difference between the Effect of the Drug taken Hypodermically and Otherwise, Explained.--The various Effects of Opium, Stimulative and Narcotic, Described.--The Effect of my First Dose at the beginning of Habit.--Remarks of De Quincey on his First Dose.--My own Remarks as to First Dose.--Difference between Opium and Liquor.--Stimulation is followed by Collapse.-- Melancholy from the Beginning.--Nervousness and Distraction of the Intellectual Powers.--Sleeplessness.--Different and Peculiar Influences of the Drug Detailed.--Pressure upon the Brain from Excessive Use of Opium.--Distress in the Epigastrium.--The Working of the Brain Impeded 70