738 On the preparations of the Indian Hemp, or Gunjah. [Sept. 



now stirred in, and lastly the prepared butter of Hemp is introduced, 

 brisk stirring being continued for a few minutes. A few drops of 

 uttur of roses are then quickly sprinkled in, and the mixture poured 

 from the pipkin on a flat cold dish or slab. The mass concretes im- 

 mediately into a thin cake, which is divided into small lozenge-shaped 

 pieces. A seer thus prepared sells for four rupees : one drachm by weight 

 will intoxicate a beginner ; three drachms one experienced in its use. 

 The taste is sweet, and the odour very agreeable. 

 jk 5 Ameer states that there are seven or eight Majoon makers in 

 Calcutta ; — that sometimes by special order of customers he introduces 

 stramonium seeds, but never nux- vomica ; — that all classes of persons, 

 including the lower Portuguese or " Kala Feringhees," and especially 

 their females, consume the drug; — that it is most fascinating in its 

 effects, producing extatic happiness, a persuasion of high rank, a 

 sensation of flying, voracious appetite, and intense aphrodisiac desire. 

 He denies that its continued use leads to madness, impotence, or to the 

 numerous evil consequences described by the Arabic and Persian 

 physicians. Although I disbelieve Ameer's statements on this point, 

 his description of the immediate effects of Majoon is strictly and ac- 

 curately correct. Q) 



Most carnivorous animals eat it greedily, and very soon experience 

 its narcotic effects, becoming ludicrously drunk, but seldom suffering 

 any worse consequences. 



Section III. 



Historical details — Notices of Hemp, and its popular uses, by the 

 Sanscrit, Arabic, and Persian writers. 



The preceding notice suffices to explain the subsequent historical 

 and medicinal details. I premise the historical, in order to shew the 

 exact state of our knowledge of the subject, when I attempted its 

 investigation. 



Although the most eminent of the Arabic and Persian authors 

 concur in referring the origin of the practice of Hemp intoxication to 

 the natives of Hindoostan, it is remarkable that few traces can be 

 detected of the prevalence of the vice at any early period in India. 



