ANODYNES, are substances used in me dicine for alleviating pain. They appear to be productive of benefit in two ways: first, by rendering the nerves of the part less sensible ; and, secondly, by diminishing the violence with which the large vessels propel the blood, when the anodynes are given in sufficient quantity to influence the brain, and through it, by a process extremely complex, which we need not explain here, the contractile power of the heart and arteries. As most of the articles termed anodynes have a powerful in fluence over the brain, they generally produce sleep, if given in a large dose : hence they are also denominated hypnotics ; and, from causing insensibility, they are also denomi nated narcotics. The Anodyne necklaces (which partake a good deal of quackery) are formed of the roots of hyosciamus, Job's-tears, allspice steeped in brandy, jumble heads, or elk's hoof, to suit the fancies of the prescribers ; they are worn with the hope of procuring easy denti tion in children, and sleep in fevers.
The substances which are used as anodynes are, with one exception, derived from the vegetable kingdom; they comprise Opium, Henbane, Woody Nightshade, Deadly Night shade, Prussic Acid, and Carbonic Acid Gas. ANONA'CEJE, is the botanical name for an order of plants, different species of which yield the Ethiopian pepper, the custard apple, bark fit for cordage, &c. The trees and shrubs of this order abound in a powerful aromatic secretion, which renders the flowers of some highly fragrant, the leaves of others a grateful perfume, and the dried fruits of many so highly aromatic as to vie with the spices of commerce.