OPIUM. 



29 



Fig. 2. 



There are two kinds of Turkey 

 opium found in the markets, — 

 Smyrna and the Constantinople 

 opium. 



Smyrna opium is, on the 

 whole, the best ; it comes in irre- 

 gular rounded, or flattened cakes, 

 covered with the capsules of some 

 species of runiex, and enveloped 

 in leaves ; has a reddish -brown 

 colour; a softish consistence in 

 the centre ; becomes darker and 

 harder on exposure ; has a strong 

 narcotic odour. 



Constantinople opium is sel- 



curs in irregular flattened cakes, 

 presenting the remains of a leaf 

 on the exterior. 



JEgypjtian opium comes in flat 

 cakes about three inches in dia- 

 meter, free from capsules ; of a 

 darker colour, and more mucila- 

 ginous than the Smyrna variety. 



Marks of good opium are a strong narcotic odour, a bitter acrid 

 taste, when long chewed, exciting irritation of the fauces and mouth ; 

 a reddish-brown colour; when drawn across white paper should 

 leave an interrupted stain. 



Opium is inflammable ; it imparts its virtues to water and alcohol. 

 Chemical composition very complex ; most important ingredient is 

 morphia ; — contains also narcotina and codeia, which are alkaline 

 principles, and narceine, which is neutral ; also, meconin, meconic 

 acid, thebain or paramorphia, gum, extractive, and a volatile prin- 

 ciple. 



Physiological Effects. — Those of a stimulant narcotic ; it excites 

 the circulatory and nervous systems, and in full doses affects the 

 brain. 



Its first impression is to stimulate the heart and arteries, as evi- 

 denced by an increased frequency of the pulse, and greater heat 

 of skin. This is soon followed by diminished sensibility, calmness, 

 and sleep, with abatement of pain, and suspension of mucous secre- 

 tions, except that of the skin. This, is succeeded by a degree of 

 prostration, evidenced by a feeble pulse, cool, moist skin, languor, 

 and depression. In large doses it is a narcotic poison, the symptoms 

 being stertorous breathing, a slow full pulse, great insensibility, and 

 a livid countenance ; followed by a feeble and threadhke pulse, re- 



3* 



