453
23
stated that the substances, in opium prepared for smoking, which are capable of exercising well-marked physiological action, are morphine, codeine, and narceine. The two latter alkaloids (it is stated) have no sublimates, and therefore cannot possibly affect the smoker. It is a priori extremely unlikely that volatilized morphine should exist in opium smoke as it passes into the mouth of the smoker, both on account of the absence of the bitter taste characteristic of opium, and of the action of the stem of the pipe and condensing tube. It would, consequently, appear probable that the pleasure derived from opium smoking is not due to the inhalation of morphine. To test still further the truth of this presumption of the absence of morphine, Dr. Cayres conducted a series of experiments by administering to old opium smokers a preparation of that drug with morphine artificially added or subtracted. The result of these experiments is summed up as follows: (paragraph 42) The (the opium smoker) hardly