348 The Narcotics — Their Chemical Constituents. [August, 



attenuation of body," says Oppenhim; "a withered, yellow counten- 

 ance, a lame gait, a bending of the spine, and glassy, deep sunken 

 eyes, betray the opium cater at the first glance. The usual form 

 of taking it is to smoke it, and for this purpose a pipe, with its nee- 

 dles and lamp, is furnished at the bazaars where it is sold. It ia 

 also taken in the shape of small pills, or in a liquid form, as in 

 laudanum. The approximate chemical constituents are morphine, 

 narcotina, codrine, narceine, thebaina, opianine, meconine, pseudo- 

 morphine, porphyroxina, papaverine and meconic acid, besides the 

 well-known substances, such as gum, resin, fat, caoutchouc, volatile 

 oil, etc. Of its peculiar components morphine is thebest known and is 

 frequently used in medicine. 



The extract of Hemp comes next under notice. It is a greenish- 

 colored resin contained in the hemp plant, which, in warm coun- 

 tries, is found upon the leaves and stalks as a natural exuda- 

 tion. It is known among the eastern nations under the name 

 of haschisch. To produce the required eifect, it is either smoked or 

 chewed, and produces in some, great mental cheerfulness, and others 

 it incites to deeds most terrible, rendering them at the same time 

 totally regardless of all consequences ensuing to themselves. Taken 

 in excess, it causes catalepsy, that most extraordinary of all nervous 

 conditions, as well as the most unaccountable. When under its 

 influence, minutes seem hours, and hours lengthen into ages ; the 

 slightest sound becomes thunder to the ear and ordinary noises are 

 like the uninterrupted roll of artillery, and during the whole time 

 the mind experiences the most pleasurable sensation. Moreau says : 

 "it is really happiness which is produced by the haschisch, and an 

 enjoymententirely moral." Its approximate or ultimate elements are 

 not known, but from its action we may judge that, like opium, it is 

 very complex in its composition. The analysis of it would, no doubt, 

 be attended with interesting results, and it oifers to the chemist the 

 promise of a rich harvest. 



The Betel-nut claims notice next. It is the fruit of a Palm 

 tree, known to botanists by the name of the " Areca catechu." 

 In order to prepare it for consumption, the nut is cut into strips 

 and rolled up in the leaves of the betel pepper, previously dusted on 

 one side with the quick lime of calcined shells. It is powerfully 

 astringent, and the lime generally removes the skin from the mouth, 

 when first used. Upon the inhabitants of India it seems to exert a 

 healthful influence, counteracting the fevers bred by their miserable 



