HISTORY OF THE OPIUM HABIT AND OPIUM-POPPY CULTURE. By Surgeon-Captain Patrick
Hehir, m,d., F.R.S.E., (CAMB.), Lecturer on Medicine, Hyderabad Medical School, Origin of Important Medical Questions.? In Jill civilised and advancing couutries in which the JEsculapian Art is practised on a rational as distinguished from an Empirical basis every now and then in the course of a century, questions of a most momentous nature spring up more or less suddenly in every branch of its F.R.O.S.E.,
D.P.H.
Feb.
1894.]
HEHIR ON THE OPIUM HABIT AND OPIUM-POPPY CULTURE.
49
wide field. Questions affecting what were consi- or conceptions of new theories prove to be o dered to be established principles, and indisputable unlimited importance and interest, having widepractices, arise, and, for the time being, threaten spreading effects, often marking the eras of new to overthow or revolutionize phenomena which departures, or introducing new epochs into that had long since been looked upon us parts of the branch of the iEscul apian Art to which they fixed, permanent, irrefutable, and inviolable appertain. This Such for instance was the discovery of the tenets of the Science and Art of Medicine. use of the has been part icularly the case during the last fifty stethoscope by Laennec in the year 1816; the commencement of the registration of years; for in that time it may be stated that vital statistics in 1837 by the great philosopher there has been a greater metamorphosis in the William Farr; the discovery of the anavarious divisions of the science of medicine than there had been during several preceding logy between the animal and vegetable cells centuries; and even during the last, twenty-five by Schwann in 1842; and the enunciation by VlRCHOW of the law of reproduction in cellyears discoveries have been made, principles and practices modified, and new methods of in- life,?omnia cellula e cellulo; the discovery of vestigation brought into use, which could scarcely the anaesthetic properties of chloroform by Sir have been conceived in the earlier part of the J. Y. Simpson in the year 1847 ; the publicapresent century. Within that period questions tion by CoHNHEIM of his Researches on Inflamof almost immeasurable importance, with far- mation in 1868; the enunciation of the Theory reaching consequences, have arisen, some of of Fermentation as caused by different forms of which it is even still impossible to determine the vegetable micro-organisms by Louis Pasteur in 1871, his Studies on Fermentation ultimate effects. Some of these questions for the time being justifying what Professor Dumas had said of strike us with consternation, and naturally re- him many years previously, that "Pasteur was ceive a great deal of attention; whilst others destined to leave his mark on the sands of having been proved to be valueless or insignifi- time;" Davaine's discovery of the Bacillus cant, after a momentary existence, pass out of Anthracis in the blood in 1876; the discovery recollection, their significance having had its and announcement of new methods of cultivabirth only in the imagination of their creators. tion of bacilli by Robert Koch in 1878, and the discovery of the Bacillus tuberculosis by the The origin of such problems as we have mentioned is easily explained. Some great savant, same author in 1882. But notwithstanding the genius or distinguished worker, suddenly ex- the vast significance of all these questions, and pounds a new theory purporting to subvert old of the many hundreds that have arisen in Materia principles or doctrines, principles which were Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics in the looked upon as fixed data of the medical ritual. present century, there is none to compare in Some new discovery in physiology, pathology significance and possible consequences with that before the profession at the present, moment? or chemistry is announced quite disturbing all The physical, moral, and social effects of OPIUM former conceptions on the subject, and throwing At the present crisis the whole the profession for the time being into a state of used habitually. commotion. For a brief period the new theory or of the medical professors in this vast empire discovery is the maiu topic of the hour in medical have a duty to perform to the country, to the periodicals; it is discussed amongst the members people, and to the Government, that of recording of the learned societies; and is criticised from their experience as to the effects of opium taken every point of view ; a large field is suddenly habitually upon the human economy. opened to the host of ardent and earnest workers Useful and useless evidence.?Were we to be who engage in either verifying or refuting such obliged to point out the limits within which the discoveries as fast as they are made. As just whole aspect of this question should be settled, stated, some of the theories and discoveries aris- we would venture to state that the only eviing in this way, having been subjected to every dence that should carry any weight is that form of investigation, experimental or otherwise, which can be given by people of unimpeachable are eventually proved to deserve no abiding integrity who have seen opium-eaters and opiumplace in either the literature or practice of medi- smokers practise their habits for years, and have cine, like the tiny particles of amoeba that built personally watched the effects of the practice the coral reef, their existence is ephemeral; on these people over a similar period. The having attained to the zenith of their importance questions at issue affect a habit which has been in a day, they perish, leaving nothing but the adopted by almost half the population of the faintest trace of their short-lived significance to globe, and are of such vital significance that be recorded of historian the that by department they should not be dealt with in an off-hand or to which they belong ; but, more frequently, to casual manner. Further, all aspects of these pass out of recollection and never again to be questions should be considered from scientific, mentioned or heard of. On the other baud, logical, rational, administrative, political, relisome epoch-making discoveries of new methods gious, social, economical, financial, commercial, ^
13
50
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
and common-sense standpoints. All bias or prejudice, one way or the other, can only militate against a rational and accurate conclusion being arrived at. All sensational exhortation, sentimental harangue, and enthusiastic argument, unless supported by the most unequivocal testimony, should be excluded. And, lastly, all argument against opium and the opium habit, founded on religious principles and hysterical fanaticism should be discountenanced in weighing the pros and cons of the evidence. I say this with all due respect and deference to those who minister to our spiritual wants. No scientific question can be definitely settled by such data and arguments, and an exception to this principle should not to be made in the case No country in the world of the opium habit. be governed successfully by sentiment or can religion, and as the whole is greater than its part, we might infer that the opium administration of this country or that of China should be regulated by neither of these considerations. It is the duty of everyone who is interested in the progress of this empire, and in the health and welfare of the general community, to give such evidence in this matter as his experience justifies, whether it be antagonistic to, or in favour of, the habitual use of opium. Of the before the that come medical many problems man in this country there is perhaps not one of such vital and practical importance as that of the opium question, and the moral, physical, and social effects of the opium habit. Nor is there one upon which more general misconception and diversity of opinion exist. Much of this is due to the different points of view from which the question is considered. As we have stated, the subject under consideration is one surrounded To officers of with comprehensive influences. the Indian Medical Service, who have elected to serve tlie best years of their life in this vast territory. it is a subject of special interest, for upon the manner in which it is settled may hinge many weightier considerations. The decision arrived at, if it be contrary to that which we anticipate, may involve us in difficulties from which there may not be facilities for speedy extrication, whilst it may be embroidered with potentialities for trouble, the nature of which we cannot clearly
national,
prognosticate.
A terrible disaster threatens the -people of India.? A good deal has been said and written for and against the habitual use of opium, but it was never considered by the pro-opiumists that such a question as the suppression of opium, except, for medical purposes, in India, would ever arise, or they, 110 doubt, would have safeguarded the people of this empire from even an attempt to subject them to such a terrible disasIn recent ter as that which now threatens them. limes the literature in connection with the subect of the opium habit has been somewhat
abused some
by
rancorous
cases, have been
[Feb
1894.
recriminations, which, in personal, and the time has
arrived when the question sliould be settled for all. Nature of present-day opium literature.?That the argument against the use of opium is exhausted may be seen from the nature of the tracts that are now being circulated and scattered broadcast by a certain section of well-meaning but mistaken class of writers. When correspondents abuse the privilege of journalistic conmistake troversy, malignant and rancorous personalities for argument, and introduce invective as a form of logical force and as a means of arrivat a reasonable conclusion upon a subject, ing which should he dealt with impartially, there are indications that the interest in the case is exhausted, and that further argument in periodicals, at > least, should come to a close. During the last year this form of argument has been specially noticed. Strong feelings aud prejudices are now brought out in discussions upnn the subject, and, indeed, it may he at once stated that unless those taking part in the argument can keep within the bounds of decent journalistic controversy, it is better that they should quit the field in favour of men of calmer deliberation. Anti-Opiumists are not aware of the appalling misery to millions which compliance with their demands would entail.?Those who oppose the use of opium in India and China, ami who are now endeavouring to cause its absolute suppression, cannot have the remotest conception of the incalculable amount of human misery and suffering they are lending support to. Indeed, if they succeed, many of them will be among the first to endeavour to remedy the great evil they There will have been instrumental in creating. are others, however, a class we designate pseudophilanthropists, who, no matter what the result may be upon the unfortunate pauper or ryot de-. prived of his small and harmless opium pill, will persist in their work of suppression or extinction until they have literally achieved the ryot's annihilation. The sufferings of the ryot and pauper are not the primum mobile and sentiment which stimulate their ambition. To these unfortunates, the agricultural daily labourers, this is the sole source of comfort aud consolation, the one thing that lightens the burden of their slaThe bigots agitating against opium, under very. the guise of philanthropy, would even deprive the Indian pauper of this harmless tiny pill of two grains of opium, and think that by doing so they are paving the way for themselves to a better world, and living the ryots a better chance I of redemption and salvation I Author's Opinionon Opium Habit.?Theopium habit is so universal in the East that we are all but morally certain'it will not be conquered by the efforts of the anti-opium party or by reams now
once
?
?
'
Feb.
1894.]
HICHIR ON THE OPIUM HABIT AND OPIUM-POPPY CULTURE.
51
of dogma. Medicinal Value of Opium undoubted.?There This declaration of' opinion leads ns can be no two views in to consider that an intelligent and comprehensive regard to the medicinal description of the action of opium upon the human uses of opium. The question of'its habitual use is on a different basis. Now, opium is either a economy may have some influence with thoughtful, reasonable, and unprejudiced people, and blessing or a curse ; useful or useless, beneficial help tliem in arriving at si truthful conclusion on or harmful, and of advantage or otherwise. We the subject. It. is, we need scarcely remark, a are, however, able to show that although it may not be most severe task to rectify many of the erroneous altogether an unmixed blessing, it is capon man great comfort and relief, ? ? impressions that have gone abroad and gained able of bestowing and of a source of of the last, as a result being twenty years' enjoyment, and even a currency, work of those who entertain an antipathy to the luxury. Anti- Opiumists' Literature.?Such societies as habitual use of opium. Indeed, the anti-opiumthe Anglo-Oriental Society for suppression of ists have, in a certain sense, imitated the total the Opium Trade, with its organ, the Friend of abstinence enthusiasts; they have acted on the fact that opium is a poison and therefore in all China, has worked up the enthusiasm of philanthat there because are a few harmful ; thropists against opium; and the influence of this, quantities the primary Society to suppress opium and its who abuse opium by indulging in excessive quantities of it, and (in a comparatively few in- exponent, has caused other periodicals to be stances perhaps) thereby do themselves harm, published, together with a legion of tracts, opium-eating and opium-smoking, whether in brochures, pamphlets, etc. As we shall have occasion to refer to many of these, we may here small or large quantities, must be absolutely and enumerate the more important. abolished. Amongst the permanently Opium compared with Alcohol.?Indeed, the more influential of the anti-opium magazines are The Friend of India, the organ of the Anti-Opium same may be said of the abuse and also of the moderate use of opium as is said of alcohol, Society, and many tracts of that Society, such as The Opium-Smokers; the Opium Revenue of Such a universal and overmutatis mutandis. of that India evil as is alcoholic abuse ; What the Chinese think about Opium ;? whelming Trade with China ; England's Injusto be conquered by a dogma. Our NeverOpium scarcely theless, an intelligent comprehension of the tice towards the Chinese; Abhari; with the many action of alcohol on the system has some influ- leaflets and tracts by the contributors to that ence with thoughtful people in promoting tempaper; the Banner of Asia, with the long list of perance, and materially strengthens the social leaflets, tracts, brochures, &
Hehir, m,d., F.R.S.E., (CAMB.), Lecturer on Medicine, Hyderabad Medical School, Origin of Important Medical Questions.? In Jill civilised and advancing couutries in which the JEsculapian Art is practised on a rational as distinguished from an Empirical basis every now and then in the course of a century, questions of a most momentous nature spring up more or less suddenly in every branch of its F.R.O.S.E.,
D.P.H.
Feb.
1894.]
HEHIR ON THE OPIUM HABIT AND OPIUM-POPPY CULTURE.
49
wide field. Questions affecting what were consi- or conceptions of new theories prove to be o dered to be established principles, and indisputable unlimited importance and interest, having widepractices, arise, and, for the time being, threaten spreading effects, often marking the eras of new to overthow or revolutionize phenomena which departures, or introducing new epochs into that had long since been looked upon us parts of the branch of the iEscul apian Art to which they fixed, permanent, irrefutable, and inviolable appertain. This Such for instance was the discovery of the tenets of the Science and Art of Medicine. use of the has been part icularly the case during the last fifty stethoscope by Laennec in the year 1816; the commencement of the registration of years; for in that time it may be stated that vital statistics in 1837 by the great philosopher there has been a greater metamorphosis in the William Farr; the discovery of the anavarious divisions of the science of medicine than there had been during several preceding logy between the animal and vegetable cells centuries; and even during the last, twenty-five by Schwann in 1842; and the enunciation by VlRCHOW of the law of reproduction in cellyears discoveries have been made, principles and practices modified, and new methods of in- life,?omnia cellula e cellulo; the discovery of vestigation brought into use, which could scarcely the anaesthetic properties of chloroform by Sir have been conceived in the earlier part of the J. Y. Simpson in the year 1847 ; the publicapresent century. Within that period questions tion by CoHNHEIM of his Researches on Inflamof almost immeasurable importance, with far- mation in 1868; the enunciation of the Theory reaching consequences, have arisen, some of of Fermentation as caused by different forms of which it is even still impossible to determine the vegetable micro-organisms by Louis Pasteur in 1871, his Studies on Fermentation ultimate effects. Some of these questions for the time being justifying what Professor Dumas had said of strike us with consternation, and naturally re- him many years previously, that "Pasteur was ceive a great deal of attention; whilst others destined to leave his mark on the sands of having been proved to be valueless or insignifi- time;" Davaine's discovery of the Bacillus cant, after a momentary existence, pass out of Anthracis in the blood in 1876; the discovery recollection, their significance having had its and announcement of new methods of cultivabirth only in the imagination of their creators. tion of bacilli by Robert Koch in 1878, and the discovery of the Bacillus tuberculosis by the The origin of such problems as we have mentioned is easily explained. Some great savant, same author in 1882. But notwithstanding the genius or distinguished worker, suddenly ex- the vast significance of all these questions, and pounds a new theory purporting to subvert old of the many hundreds that have arisen in Materia principles or doctrines, principles which were Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics in the looked upon as fixed data of the medical ritual. present century, there is none to compare in Some new discovery in physiology, pathology significance and possible consequences with that before the profession at the present, moment? or chemistry is announced quite disturbing all The physical, moral, and social effects of OPIUM former conceptions on the subject, and throwing At the present crisis the whole the profession for the time being into a state of used habitually. commotion. For a brief period the new theory or of the medical professors in this vast empire discovery is the maiu topic of the hour in medical have a duty to perform to the country, to the periodicals; it is discussed amongst the members people, and to the Government, that of recording of the learned societies; and is criticised from their experience as to the effects of opium taken every point of view ; a large field is suddenly habitually upon the human economy. opened to the host of ardent and earnest workers Useful and useless evidence.?Were we to be who engage in either verifying or refuting such obliged to point out the limits within which the discoveries as fast as they are made. As just whole aspect of this question should be settled, stated, some of the theories and discoveries aris- we would venture to state that the only eviing in this way, having been subjected to every dence that should carry any weight is that form of investigation, experimental or otherwise, which can be given by people of unimpeachable are eventually proved to deserve no abiding integrity who have seen opium-eaters and opiumplace in either the literature or practice of medi- smokers practise their habits for years, and have cine, like the tiny particles of amoeba that built personally watched the effects of the practice the coral reef, their existence is ephemeral; on these people over a similar period. The having attained to the zenith of their importance questions at issue affect a habit which has been in a day, they perish, leaving nothing but the adopted by almost half the population of the faintest trace of their short-lived significance to globe, and are of such vital significance that be recorded of historian the that by department they should not be dealt with in an off-hand or to which they belong ; but, more frequently, to casual manner. Further, all aspects of these pass out of recollection and never again to be questions should be considered from scientific, mentioned or heard of. On the other baud, logical, rational, administrative, political, relisome epoch-making discoveries of new methods gious, social, economical, financial, commercial, ^
13
50
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
and common-sense standpoints. All bias or prejudice, one way or the other, can only militate against a rational and accurate conclusion being arrived at. All sensational exhortation, sentimental harangue, and enthusiastic argument, unless supported by the most unequivocal testimony, should be excluded. And, lastly, all argument against opium and the opium habit, founded on religious principles and hysterical fanaticism should be discountenanced in weighing the pros and cons of the evidence. I say this with all due respect and deference to those who minister to our spiritual wants. No scientific question can be definitely settled by such data and arguments, and an exception to this principle should not to be made in the case No country in the world of the opium habit. be governed successfully by sentiment or can religion, and as the whole is greater than its part, we might infer that the opium administration of this country or that of China should be regulated by neither of these considerations. It is the duty of everyone who is interested in the progress of this empire, and in the health and welfare of the general community, to give such evidence in this matter as his experience justifies, whether it be antagonistic to, or in favour of, the habitual use of opium. Of the before the that come medical many problems man in this country there is perhaps not one of such vital and practical importance as that of the opium question, and the moral, physical, and social effects of the opium habit. Nor is there one upon which more general misconception and diversity of opinion exist. Much of this is due to the different points of view from which the question is considered. As we have stated, the subject under consideration is one surrounded To officers of with comprehensive influences. the Indian Medical Service, who have elected to serve tlie best years of their life in this vast territory. it is a subject of special interest, for upon the manner in which it is settled may hinge many weightier considerations. The decision arrived at, if it be contrary to that which we anticipate, may involve us in difficulties from which there may not be facilities for speedy extrication, whilst it may be embroidered with potentialities for trouble, the nature of which we cannot clearly
national,
prognosticate.
A terrible disaster threatens the -people of India.? A good deal has been said and written for and against the habitual use of opium, but it was never considered by the pro-opiumists that such a question as the suppression of opium, except, for medical purposes, in India, would ever arise, or they, 110 doubt, would have safeguarded the people of this empire from even an attempt to subject them to such a terrible disasIn recent ter as that which now threatens them. limes the literature in connection with the subect of the opium habit has been somewhat
abused some
by
rancorous
cases, have been
[Feb
1894.
recriminations, which, in personal, and the time has
arrived when the question sliould be settled for all. Nature of present-day opium literature.?That the argument against the use of opium is exhausted may be seen from the nature of the tracts that are now being circulated and scattered broadcast by a certain section of well-meaning but mistaken class of writers. When correspondents abuse the privilege of journalistic conmistake troversy, malignant and rancorous personalities for argument, and introduce invective as a form of logical force and as a means of arrivat a reasonable conclusion upon a subject, ing which should he dealt with impartially, there are indications that the interest in the case is exhausted, and that further argument in periodicals, at > least, should come to a close. During the last year this form of argument has been specially noticed. Strong feelings aud prejudices are now brought out in discussions upnn the subject, and, indeed, it may he at once stated that unless those taking part in the argument can keep within the bounds of decent journalistic controversy, it is better that they should quit the field in favour of men of calmer deliberation. Anti-Opiumists are not aware of the appalling misery to millions which compliance with their demands would entail.?Those who oppose the use of opium in India and China, ami who are now endeavouring to cause its absolute suppression, cannot have the remotest conception of the incalculable amount of human misery and suffering they are lending support to. Indeed, if they succeed, many of them will be among the first to endeavour to remedy the great evil they There will have been instrumental in creating. are others, however, a class we designate pseudophilanthropists, who, no matter what the result may be upon the unfortunate pauper or ryot de-. prived of his small and harmless opium pill, will persist in their work of suppression or extinction until they have literally achieved the ryot's annihilation. The sufferings of the ryot and pauper are not the primum mobile and sentiment which stimulate their ambition. To these unfortunates, the agricultural daily labourers, this is the sole source of comfort aud consolation, the one thing that lightens the burden of their slaThe bigots agitating against opium, under very. the guise of philanthropy, would even deprive the Indian pauper of this harmless tiny pill of two grains of opium, and think that by doing so they are paving the way for themselves to a better world, and living the ryots a better chance I of redemption and salvation I Author's Opinionon Opium Habit.?Theopium habit is so universal in the East that we are all but morally certain'it will not be conquered by the efforts of the anti-opium party or by reams now
once
?
?
'
Feb.
1894.]
HICHIR ON THE OPIUM HABIT AND OPIUM-POPPY CULTURE.
51
of dogma. Medicinal Value of Opium undoubted.?There This declaration of' opinion leads ns can be no two views in to consider that an intelligent and comprehensive regard to the medicinal description of the action of opium upon the human uses of opium. The question of'its habitual use is on a different basis. Now, opium is either a economy may have some influence with thoughtful, reasonable, and unprejudiced people, and blessing or a curse ; useful or useless, beneficial help tliem in arriving at si truthful conclusion on or harmful, and of advantage or otherwise. We the subject. It. is, we need scarcely remark, a are, however, able to show that although it may not be most severe task to rectify many of the erroneous altogether an unmixed blessing, it is capon man great comfort and relief, ? ? impressions that have gone abroad and gained able of bestowing and of a source of of the last, as a result being twenty years' enjoyment, and even a currency, work of those who entertain an antipathy to the luxury. Anti- Opiumists' Literature.?Such societies as habitual use of opium. Indeed, the anti-opiumthe Anglo-Oriental Society for suppression of ists have, in a certain sense, imitated the total the Opium Trade, with its organ, the Friend of abstinence enthusiasts; they have acted on the fact that opium is a poison and therefore in all China, has worked up the enthusiasm of philanthat there because are a few harmful ; thropists against opium; and the influence of this, quantities the primary Society to suppress opium and its who abuse opium by indulging in excessive quantities of it, and (in a comparatively few in- exponent, has caused other periodicals to be stances perhaps) thereby do themselves harm, published, together with a legion of tracts, opium-eating and opium-smoking, whether in brochures, pamphlets, etc. As we shall have occasion to refer to many of these, we may here small or large quantities, must be absolutely and enumerate the more important. abolished. Amongst the permanently Opium compared with Alcohol.?Indeed, the more influential of the anti-opium magazines are The Friend of India, the organ of the Anti-Opium same may be said of the abuse and also of the moderate use of opium as is said of alcohol, Society, and many tracts of that Society, such as The Opium-Smokers; the Opium Revenue of Such a universal and overmutatis mutandis. of that India evil as is alcoholic abuse ; What the Chinese think about Opium ;? whelming Trade with China ; England's Injusto be conquered by a dogma. Our NeverOpium scarcely theless, an intelligent comprehension of the tice towards the Chinese; Abhari; with the many action of alcohol on the system has some influ- leaflets and tracts by the contributors to that ence with thoughtful people in promoting tempaper; the Banner of Asia, with the long list of perance, and materially strengthens the social leaflets, tracts, brochures, &
