THE OPIUM HABIT. 359 



gins to shirk that which is irksome; energy gives place to 

 indifference, truthfulness to lying, integrity to dishonesty; 

 for even with the best intentions in making promises or 

 pledges there is no strength of Will to keep them. In for- 

 feiting the respect of others respect for self is lost and 

 character is overthrown. Meanwhile the passion for drink 

 grows absorbing: no sacrifice is too costly which secures it. 

 Swift and swifter is now the downward progress. A mere 

 sot, the man becomes regardless of every duty, and even in- 

 capacitated for any which momentary shame may make 

 him desire to perform. 



For such a one there is but one hope confinement in 

 an asylum where, if not too late, the diseased craving for 

 drink may be gradually overcome, the prostrated Will re- 

 gain its ascendency, and the man at last gain the victory 

 over the "brute. 



Opium and Morphia. Opium is a gummy mixture con- 

 taining several active principles, of which the most impor- 

 tant is morphia. The forms in which it is most frequently 

 employed are (1) gum opium, the crude substance, often 

 put up in the form of pills; (2) laudanum, an alcoholic 

 extract of the gum; (3) paregoric, a liquid containing sev- 

 eral substances, of which opium is the most important; 

 (4) morphia and its compounds. 



The Opium Habit. Opium is perhaps the most valuable 

 drug at the disposal of the physician. On the other hand, 

 it is one of the most in jurious substances used by mankind. 

 It may be that it does not do so much harm in the United 

 States as alcoholic drinks, but only because not so many 



What is the confirmed drunkard's only hope for cure? 

 What is opium ? In what forms is it most often used? 

 Compare the damage done in. the United States by indulgence in 

 alcohol and opium. 



