ANTISPASMODICS, are medicines proper for the cure of spasms and convulsions. Opium, balsam of Peru, and the essential oils of many vegetables, are the principal in this class of medicines. Opium excels, for its immediate effects. Peruvian balsam, in many instances, produces more lasting benefit than opi-
Antithesis—dearly, on the other impudence; on one fidelity, on the other deceit; here piety, there sacrilege; here continency, there lust, &c." Such also is that of Augustus to some seditious young men: Audite, juvenes, senem, quem juvenem senes audire. Such again is that of Seneca: Cura laevos loquuntur, ingentes flupent. And that of Virgil:
Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.
St Augustine, Seneca, Salvian, and many other ancient writers, seem greatly to effect antithesis; but among the moderns they are generally despised. Desmaretz represents them as the favourites of young writers. The following is an example of modern antithesis:
———Though gentle, yet not dull;
Strong, without rage; without overflowing, full.