RECR
0.0.
2956
141
M39
IRE 19 94
to Questions regarding Opium Consumption
Ad. 1. I know only the Chinese but I could not say that opium is "commonly" consumed by "the people."
Ad. 2. I believe all conjectures on this point are not only futile but mischievous because misleading. Generally speaking, consumption of opium to any great extent is the act of adult individuals exceptionally weak in will-power - very rare indeed.
Ad. 3. Women and Children never.
Ad. 4. The terms "Chinese Consumer" are misleading. Chinese consume opium... is too vague a rule; they smoke opium or take it in the form of so-called pernicious pills or injections.
Ad. 5. The answer depends entirely on what is meant by "Consumer". If "daily consumption" is aimed at by the term, I do not know what "moderate Consumer" is unless he be one who has not the craving... every such consumer is in eminent danger of becoming a sot.