35
We
exhaustive enquiry into the consumption of opium in India and its effects. find no evidence of extensive moral or physical degradation from its use. It is extensively used for non-medical and quasi-medical purposes in some cases with benefit, and for the most part without serious consequences." * This verdict refers to the eating of opium, which expert evidence goes to shew is much more potent in its effects than smoking.† Sir William Roberts in his summary § states that proof has been given that smokers might continue the habit for 10, 20, or 30 years with- out detriment to their health. It has been the universal household remedy for centuries,** and is extensively given to children, †† and is a useful digestive to a rice-eating people. It is stated to be a prophylactic against malaria, and though modern research would probably negative this theory, there is no doubt that it affords a means of relief where remedies are not available and is therefore of special value in a country like China where iration is so extensive, and low lying valleys planted with rice fields abound. Dr. Crombie, Superintendent of the Government Hospital at Calcutta, went so far as to state it as his opinion to the Commission that to deprive the people of a malarial district of opium would be "a terrible and wanton cruelty".
Such authoritative opinions as these, based on one of the most exhaustive enquiries ever held into any such subject must arrest the attention, and demand the earnest consideration of those who appoach this subject from no ex-parte point of view. The question at issue is whether looking to the fact that all races at all times have adopted some form of stimulant or sedative, we may not by misdirected zeal substitute a worse for a comparatively harmless habit. Few I think will be found who will oppose efforts for restriction and control, and for ensuring moderation, but for my own part I view with much misgiving the attempt at total abolition of opium smoking, and of the methods by which the habit is at present kept under due control. ‡‡
Professor Giles has demonstrated that in ancient times the Chinese were (3.) Alcohol. addicted to alcohol till it was replaced by opium. || Drunkenness is not considered disgraceful, and the Chiuese are proud of their powers of drinking and are never voluntary abstainers. Mr. Fox Consul General of Canton informs me that a large majority of the officials and gentry are already fond of wines and spirits, and would drink heavily if they did not smoke. The introduction of railways into China will facilitate the supply of alcohol, hitherto restricted by lack of transport, which opium being light and portable does not need. It is also alleged, but I know not whether on good authority, that local manufacture is increasing. There
• Indian Commission Vol. VI p. 97.
· *
+ Dr. Aryres' evidence Ibid Vol. V. p. 193,
§ Ibid Vol. VI. p. 119. The researches of Moissan are referred to by Sir Willian Roberts (Vol. VI p. 119) who summarises the conclusions arrived at after a study of these writings and of the evidence of witnesses as follows:-The experience of Europeans who have tried smoking and "who are very sensitive to the bypaotic action of morphia, seems to show that the enjoyment of the smoker is not due to the absorption of unchanged morphia. That some traces of morphia are conveyed into the lungs of the smoker is bow- ever pretty certain
but as this smoke is forthwith expelled again, there would probably be very little absorption of morphia by the pulmonary tissue. What the gases evolved by heated chandu (prepared opium) consist of we do not accurately know." The determination of the constituents of the smoke inhaled by the opium smoker and the nature of the residue absorbed is being investigated by Mr. Clementi, Assistant Colonial Secretary, and the Government Analyst of the Colony, but the results of the experiments cannot be known for some little time. A similar investigation was being conducted in the Straits, (Report of Commissioners Vol. III p. 102). It appears probable that the smoke first given off contains the most morphine, amounting however only to one-tenth of a 1% of the opium smoked. Even of this mere trace only a part remains in the lungs, the remainder being exhaled. The Government Analyst (Mr. F. Brown) considers that in moderate smoking the system is capable of completely oxydising all the various products and it is therefore harmless. In excess, though the morphia is oxydised the other products. of a tarry and oily nature, are not (see Brit. Pharm. Codex p. 724) and excessive smoking is therefore harmful. Looking to the great variation in the amount of morphia etc, contained in different kinds of opium (Indian + to 8%. Turkish 8 to 124%) the question arises whether by artificial selection &c. a non-toxic opium for smoking could be produced. India is I oelieve experimenting in this direction but with a view to producing an opium containing more morphia, in order to compete with Turkey for the medicinal supply.
** Ibid p. 108,
†† Ibid p. 105.
Ibid Vol. VI. pp. 105-112.
The Straits Commission's Report nowhere refers to the exhaustive Indian Commission from which it seems as though they had not had it before them. They arrive, however, at very similar conclusions viz., thatthe evil results are greatly exaggerated (§96, 334) and that the medical evidence goes to show that they are small (§328) when smoking is done in moderation. That the vast majority smoke in moderation (§271, 225, 117) and the evil effects are confined to "Sots" who are rare, and are ostracised like habitual drunkards (§ 105); and finally that there is no tendency for the moderate smoker to continually increase the dose, till be becomes a “Sot" (§108, 114.271). They recommend restriction with due regard to the liberty of the subject. on the grounds that the habit is Wasteful and seldom beneficial", but emphatically deprecate probibition, which in Australia is understood to have resulted only in organised and successful smug-
gling (§ 136).
| Nineteenth Century December, 1907.