NOTE UPON INDIA OPIUM. 
203 
tency to the mass, just as the shells of a quantity of eggs 
would do. For when the opium is rubbed smartly in a 
mortar, the fictitious consistence disappears, and it is reduced 
to the proportion which it properly bears to standard opium. 
When opium thus retains the original configuration of the 
irregular drops, it is said to be kasha or raw. When these 
are broken down into the minute grain mentioned in de- 
scription of standard opium, it is said to be pakka, or 
matured, whether the spissitude be 50 or 70 per cent." It 
is better to reduce this granular arrangement, and form a 
homogeneous mass, because the inspissation goes on much 
better; this, according to Dr. Butter, is against the prevailing 
opinion. In bringing opium to the standard spissitude, 
shallow vessels, and the removal of the top thickened crust 
are necessary. If opium is kept with much water, for the 
purpose of increasing its weight, or kept in a damp place, 
it becomes mouldy, ferments from the gluten in it, and its 
quality is impaired. If an attempt be made to draw off the 
water by boiling, the blackened and charred condition 
detects the operation. 
To adulterate India opium sand, soft clayey mud, sugar 
molasses and cow dung, the pulp of the datura, and the 
mucilage of the quince are used. The last two are difficult 
of detection, if not added in quantity to affect the consistence 
and smell of the opium. Pounded poppy seeds are some- 
times used. Oil was at one time largely mixed with Malwa 
opium. 
I have liberally extracted from the paper of Dr. But- 
ter, because it contains a larger amount of information upon 
the subject of India Opium, than any other published, and 
because it explains many facts in connection with the inhe- 
rent nature and causes of difference in the qualities of the 
article which are obscure, and difficult of comprehension, 
except to one who has watched the process of making it 
from the first oozing of the juice to the assumption of the 
commercial form. 
