CO129-042 - Sir Bonham - 1853 [1-6] — Page 232

other hand, advice that it should com. mence after a fortnight : to meet this

arrangement,

or vinegar

there is sufficient lime juice on board . The distribution of Opium should be daily, and made by the orders and under the personal super. intendence of the medical officer, who

will need to exercise the utmost care

more

than the

and caution to prevent the smokers of large quantities getting by fraud stated supply, and to him must be left the discretion of increasing and diminishing the allowance, the latter by regular and slow gradation, in conformity with the habit and state of health of the emigrant.

in

We are

2 guided come to respecting

-respecting the Opium, by experience of the evils of a sudden discontinuance of its use, especially under the unfavor. able influence of imprisonment, or confinement on board ship.

the decision we have

מ

229

Diarrhoea, Dysentery, sloughing

phagedaenic ulcers of the legs, too often

supervene

aw

on

the depression occasioned

ioned by

unprepared abstinence. In the present case, we cannot also disregard the gloomy

frame of

mind and vindictive malevolence

which the forcible and sudden deprivation is certain to engender, and the danger

to life and property which we have too much reason to know will ensure

there from.

officer will manage the

The medical officer will

distribution of the Opium with the

precaution above stated, and with the of weaning the viction during

view

passage from indulgence

The following

in this vice .

are

his

the returns

of the sick at present in the Hospitals

on shore.

bases