Antispasmodics
medicines which prevent or allay spasms. Among them may be mentioned valerian, asafœtida, camphor, ammonia, alcohol, ether, chloroform, etc. In all spasmodic diseases, cold baths or sponging, sun-baths, moderate exercise, and a plain but nutritious diet should be employed.
ANTISTHENES (an-tis'the-nēz), a Greek philosopher and the founder of the school of Cynics, born at Athens about B. C. 444. He was first a disciple of Gorgias and then of Socrates. He held virtue to consist in complete self-denial and disregard of riches, honor, or pleasure of every kind. He himself lived as a beggar. He died in Athens at an advanced age.