390 O N O r I U M. 



given by Mr. Kerr, as prattlfed in the province of Ba- 

 bar*. 



The purefl kind of opium is chiefly retained for the 

 ufe of the inhabitants of thofe countries in which it is 

 pi-epared ; who being debarred by their reh'gion, from 

 wine or ardent fpirits ; accuftom themfelves to a ftill more 

 pernicious luxury, by raifmg their enfeebled ideas with 

 the ftimulus of opium. 



The quantity taken by fome in the fpace of twenty- 

 four hours is truly furprifing. It is true, that the ufe of 

 it in the commencement is veiy moderate ; but like dram- 

 drinking becomes more neceflary each day, to the ex- 

 iftence of thofe who are accuftomed to its influence. 



According to Mr. Baume opium confifts of an extrac- 

 tive matter foluble in water ; a rejin ; a volatile concrete 

 oil ; and a peculiar fait ; exifting in the follo^ving propor- 

 tions. 



4 lb of common opium yielded tb- ^- 3. 



Of Infoluble matter, - - i i o 



Extrusive matter, - - i 15 o 



Refin, - - - -0120 



Oil, - - - - 037 



Saline matter, - - -001 



Equal to 64 |. or - - ft. 4 



In the hifloiy above referred to, of the cultivation of 

 the poppy, previoufly to obtaining from it this invaluable 

 drug, may be remarked the extreme labour and attention 

 requifite to its produdion. If then this time and labour 

 can be faved, it mufl: certainly prove beneficial to man- 

 kind, by diminifhing the price of this ufeful remedy. Nor 



is 



* See Woodville's Medical Botany. Vol. III. p. 505. 



