1857.] The Narcotics — Their Chemical Constituents. 347 



sand, saltpeter, common salt, sal ammoniac, etc. The tliird form, is 

 snuff, forcing tlie user to make a dust hole of his nose, perverting to 

 an abominable use, that -which was given as an ornament to his face. 

 It prevents the enjoyment of the sense of smell, by thickening the 

 lining membrane of the nose, and also causes loss of appetite, often 

 bringing on dyspepsia. The substance which imparts to tobacco its 

 peculiar qualities is obtained by infusing the leaves in water made 

 slightly sour by sulphuric acid, and distilling the infusion with lime. 



A colorless, oily liquid comes over, which gives a basis reaction 

 with test paper, and is known by the name of nicotina. It has a 

 burning, long continuing, tobacco-like taste, and is but little inferior 

 to prussic acid in its poisonous qualities. Another base exists in 

 tobacco which is obtained by distilling the leaves in a retort. It is 

 formed during the process of smoking, and is of so poisonous a 

 nature that a single drop will occasion death in a very few minutes. 

 The plant is very rich in inorganic salts, as may be seen by the quantity 

 of ashes left after burning. It, therefore, requires a soil rich in salta 

 of potassa, soda and lime, which explains why lands upon which it 

 is cultivated so speedily deteriorate, unless very highly manured. 



Opium stands next upon the list, being used by nearly four 

 hundred millions of the human race.-i^ It acts more directly upon the 

 nerves, making its effect more plainly visible, and the habit of using 

 is much more difficult to abandon than is the use of tobacco. Taken 

 in moderate doses, it stimulates and excites the nerves so as to ren- 

 der both man and animal almost insensible to fatigue. Forbes says 

 that " with a few dates or a lump of coarse bread, the Tartar couriers 

 traverse the trackless desert, amidst privations and hardships 

 which can only be supported under the influence of this drug." 

 When indulged in merely for the sake of the excitement it produces, 

 a larger dose is necessary. While under its influence, the most 

 absurd fancies become realities ; the tales of the genii and fairies are 

 comparatively tame to the scenes through which the opium eater 

 passes. By its means the follower of Mahomet gains a foretaste 

 of his sensual heaven, with its beautiful houri hovering around 

 him. But these exciting influences are almost invariably followed 

 by a corresponding depression of both mind and body. " A total 



*Tobacco is used by 800 Millions, 



Opium " " " 400 " 



Hemp '•■ « 200 to 300 



Betel " " " 100 



Cocas " " " 10 " 



