Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 612

590

Opium-smoking in Penang.

Nov.

When a person has once contracted the habit of opium-smoking, he finds it extremely difficult to discontinue the vice; yet there are many instances of its being conquered by resolution of mind. In such attempts it is most dangerous to approach the opium-shops, as the smell of the chandoo produces an irresistible desire to indulge once more in the pernicious habit; neither can opium-smoking be suddenly abandoned without some substitute, as the most serious or even fatal consequences would ensue. The best substitute is a tinc- ture of the tye-chandoo, (which is about one fourth the strength of the chandoo itself), made with samshoo, a spirit made from rice, and taken in gradually diminished doses, till the habit is broken. By a continuance in this destructive practice, the physical constitution and the moral character of the individual, are deteriorated or destroy- ed, especially among the lower classes, who are impelled to the com- mission of crimes, in order to obtain the means of indulging in their dominant vice.

The hospitals and poor-houses are chiefly filled with opium-smok- ers. In one that I had charge of, the inmates averaged sixty daily, five-sixths of whom were smokers of chandoo. The baneful effects of this habit on the human constitution are conspicuously displayed by stupor, forgetfulness, general deterioration of all the mental facul- ties, emaciation, debility, shallow complexion, lividness of lips and eyelids, languor and lack-lustre of eye, appetite either destroyed or depraved, sweetmeats or sugar-cane being the articles that are most relished. In the morning, these creatures have a most wretched ap- pearance, evincing no symptoms of being refreshed or invigorated by sleep, however profound. There is a remarkable dryness or burning in the throat, which urges them to repeat the opium-smoking. If the dose be not taken at the usual time, there is great prostration, vertigo, torpor, discharge of water from the eyes, and in some an involuntary discharge of semen, even when wide awake. privation be complete, a still more formidable train of phenomena take place. Coldness is felt over the whole body, with aching pains in all parts. Diarrhea occurs—the most horrid feelings of wretched- ness come on; and if the poison be withheld, death terminates the victim's existence.

If the

It is generally remarked, as might, à priori, be expected, that the offspring of opium-smokers are weak, stunted, and decrepit. It does not appear, however, that the Chinese, in easy circumstances, and who have the comforts of life about them, are materially affected, in respect to longevity, by private addiction to this vice, so destrue-