1 r> 
ON THE HABITUAL USE OF OPIUM 
trembling' and his voice quivering, with a sallow cast of counte¬ 
nance and dull unimpressive eye. He who runs might have read 
that he is an opium smoker, and if he could read still deeper and 
dive below appearances, he would have pronounced him an opium 
sufferer. But now with pipe in hand, opium by his side, and a 
lamp before him, his eye already glistens, and his features soften in 
their expression, while he is preparing the coming luxury. At last 
it is ready, and the pipe being applied to the lamp, there is heard a 
soughing noise as, with a full and hearty pull, he draws in all that 
opium and air can give. Slowly is the inspiration relaxed, but not 
till all the opium that is in the pipe is consumed ; then, allowing the 
vapour, impregnated with the narcotic influence, to remain in his 
chest until nature compels him to expire, he gently allows it to es¬ 
cape, seeming to grudge the loss of each successive exit, until all is 
gone, when, exhausted and soothed, he withdraws the pipe, reclines 
his head, and gives himself up to the first calming effect of the drug. 
IIis next attempt confirms the comfort, and now no longer does he 
complain of racking limbs, or aching bones, no longer does the rheum 
run from his eyes, and relaxed is the tightness of his chest as he 
dwells with fond affection on the inspiring pipe. His second pipe 
being finished, he can now look round and has time to g'aze on what 
is going on; but his soul is still wrapt in the bliss that is anticipa¬ 
ted from what remains of his allowance, for not until a third or a 
fourth whiff do the feelings of positive pleasure arise. Then is felt a 
lightness of the head, a tingling in every limb, the eyes seem to be 
enlarged, and the ears sharpened to hearing, an elasticity, an incli¬ 
nation to mount on high is experienced, all pains have gone and 
pleasure now remains. All weariness is left and freshness take its 
place. The loathing of food that was lately experienced is changed 
to a relish for what is piquant, and a great desire is frequently felt for 
some particular food. The tongue is now loosened and tells its tale, 
for whatever is secret becomes open, and what was intended for one 
becomes known to all. Still there is no excitement; but a calmness, 
soft, soothing and sedative. He dreams no dreams, nor thinks of the 
morrow ; but, with a smile in his eye, he fills his pipe with the last 
