POPPY.
The drug, morphine, is extracted from the dried juice, called opium, of the poppy, cultivated extensively in eastern countries. The pod that contains the seeds is pierced while still green, and the milky juice that exudes is allowed to dry over night, when it is collected. Hand labor makes poppy culture a slow, primitive business. But the Indian government has built up a vast industry through its monopoly of the growing of this plant and the export of opium to China. The Chinese are opium-eaters (or smokers) to such a degree that their rulers have become frightened, and have tried to stop the importation of the drug, in hope of checking the habit. The British and the local officials have worked against the success of this wise plan, causing repeated failures, until recent years. Now the importation of opium is lessened, and China is throwing off the deadly drug.
The effect of opium is first exciting, then drowsi ness ensues. Small doses ease pain, and give a sense of comfort. Big doses produce deep sleep, then coma and death. Opium-eaters are slaves to a terrible habit they cannot break. They are useless to themselves and to their fellows.
Morphine is used by physicians to allay acute suffering and to bring sleep when natural sleep is impossible. They use it with extreme caution and sparingly, as a last resort, knowing the danger. It is administered through the mouth or by means of the hypodermic needle directly into the blood.
Codein is another drug derived from opium. It produces effects like those of morphine, but it is not so powerful.