'IN SINGAPORE. 
33 
it. The paper that has been used in straining contains a small quan¬ 
tity of opium, — it is carefully dried and used medicinally by the Chi¬ 
nese in Haemorrhoids, Prolapsus Ani, and a few other complaints. 
The third operation. The dissolved opium being reduced to the 
consistence of treacle is seethed over a fire of charcoal of a strong and 
steady, but not fierce temperature, during which time it is most care¬ 
fully worked, then spread out, then worked up again and again by 
the superintending workman so as to expel the water, and at the 
same time avoid burning it. When it is brought to the proper con¬ 
sistence, it is divided into half a dozen lots, each of which is spread like 
a plaster on a nearly fiat iron pot to the depth of from ^ to 4 - of an 
inch, and then scored in all manner of directions to allow the heat to 
be applied equally to every part. One pot after another is then placed 
over the fire, turned rapidly round, then reversed, so as to.exposethe 
opium itself to the full heat of the red fire. This is repeated three 
times, the length of time requisite and the proper heat are judged of 
by the workman from the effluvium and the colour, and here the 
greatest dexterity is requisite, for a little more fire, or a little less 
would destroy the mornings work, or 300 or more dollars worth of 
opium. The head workmen are men who have learned their trade 
in China, and, from their great experience, receive high wages. 
The fourth operation consists in again dissolving this fired opium 
in a large quantity of water and boiling it in copper vessels, till it is 
reduced to the consistence of the Chandu used in the shops the 
degree of tenacity being the index of its complete preparation, which 
is judged of by drawing it out with slips of bamboo. 
By this long process many of the impurities in the Opium are got 
rid of, and are left in the refuse thrown out, such as vegetable matter, 
a part of the resin and oil, with the extractive matter and a little nar¬ 
cotine. By the seething process the oil and resin are almost entirely 
dissipated, so that the Chandu or extract, as compared with the crude 
opium, is less irritating and more soporific. The quantity of Chandu 
obtained from the soft opium is about 75 per cent; but from the gross 
opium, that is including the opium and the husk, the proportion is 
not more than from 50 to 54 per cent, from 20 to 22 taels being the 
