POISONOUS DRUGS 



181 



poison. The resin of Indian hemp (Fig. 171) is obtained 

 (.'hiefly from the pistillate flower-clusters and fruits. Under 

 the name of " hashish " resinous parts of the plant are smoked 

 as an intoxicant by Eastern peoples. Medicinally the drug 

 is used for its quieting effect upon the nerves in certain dis- 

 eased conditions. It is highly injurious when taken in over- 

 doses, and terrible effects follows its habitual use as an in- 

 toxicant. 



Fig. 171, II. — Indian Hemp. Staminatc and 

 Staminate flower. Pistillate flower. PLstil. 

 tically. (Baillon.) 



pistillate flower-clusters. 

 Seed, entire and cut ver- 



Alkaloids, as we have seen, are vegetable substances which 

 contain nitrogen, as well as carbon, hydrogen, and sometimes 

 oxygen, and like alkalis form salts with acids. While certain 

 of the alkaloids, as for example theobromine, which was 

 referred to in the last chapter, are comparatively harmless in 

 their action upon the human system, others, which are now 

 to be considered, include some of the most powerful of poisons. 



