roused_ by external stimuli. This, as already observed, is often,
although certainly not always, practicable in cases of poisoning with
narcotics. Sometimes, too, in the epileptic fit a partial restoration of
consciousness may be effected by loud speaking, so that in reply to
questions the patient will roll his eyes or move his lips. It is
therefore to be understood in applying the present criterion, that it is
only a safe guide when, as in many cases of poisoning with opium, the
individual can be roused to a state of tolerably perfect consciousness.