THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 259 



82. Hasheesh. Hasheesh, the juice of Indian hemp, is said 

 to be used by millions of the inhabitants of Asia. It is not 

 known much in the western countries. In the East the excite- 

 ment caused by its use takes the form of furious madness, lead- 

 ing its victim to commit acts of violence and murder. Hence 

 the term " hasheeshers " in our language has come to be synony- 

 mous with assassins. (Bead Note 21.) 



83. Cocaine. Cocaine is a drug, derived from the Coca 

 plant, a native of Peru, South America. Its use in medicine 

 is like many of the dangerous drugs of great value. By 

 injection under the skin, we can render parts of % the body 

 entirely insensitive to pain, so that quite extensive operations 

 may be undertaken without producing any pain. It is used 

 also in operations upon the eye, mouth, and nose, where it pro- 

 duces its effect when a solution of it is dropped on the surface. 

 Because of its powerful effect in relieving pain, many persons 

 have become addicted to its use. In many it also produces 

 pleasurable sensations, to repeat which, they have to take 

 larger and larger doses, and very soon become slaves to its 

 use. It rapidly undermines the general health, and soon leads 

 to death if its use is not speedily checked. 



84. Chloroform. Chloroform, another product from alcohol, 

 is used by inhalation when surgical operations are to be per- 

 formed. As it is very powerful and subtile in its action, the 

 unskilful use of it is dangerous in the extreme. The habit of 

 taking chloroform by those who are great physical sufferers, or 

 whose constitutions have been wrecked by the use of other 

 narcotics, should be discouraged. It too often happens that 

 the career of such is short, for the drug may easily be taken 

 in excess and so cause death. 



21. "As everybody knows, the intoxication caused by alcoholic liquors, 

 by hasheesh, by opium, after a first period of excitement, brings about a 

 notable impairment of the will. The individual is more or less con- 

 scious of this ; other persons see it more clearly. Soon especially under 

 the influence of alcohol the weakening of the will becomes excessive. 

 The extravagances, violences, and crimes committed in this state are 

 innumerable." Dr. T. Eibot. 



82. What is hasheesh ? Its use? 88. Cocaine? Its use? 84. Chloroform? Its use? 



