64 MEDICINAL HEKBS AND POISONOUS PLANTS 



Tliere is no need to enter into a detailed description 

 of the various officinal pre^mrations — the patent medi- 

 cines, soothing syrups, and various cordials Avhich con- 

 tain opium — the risk attendant on the abuse of such 



>'ig. 33. -Opium Poppy {Papaver somm'fennn) 

 I, Capsule showing horizoutal incisions. 2, Seed. 3, Section of seed 



fluids is well known. One drop of laudanum (tincture 

 of opium) has on many occasions proved fatal to infants, 

 the motive for its administration having been the ease 

 of the mother rather than the well-beino; of the infant. 

 Deaths from overdoses of opium are very common. 



Prop 



In experienced hands opium 



