haunts the solitude of the study, and with waxen {442} face,
furtive eyes and palsied step totters to the secret recesses of its
self-indulgence? It is the drunkenness of drugs, and woe be unto him that
crosseth the threshold of its dream-curtained portal, for though gifted
with the strength of Samson, the courage of Richard and the genius of
Archimedes, he shall never return, and of him it is written that forever he
leaves hope behind.

2. THE MATERIAL SATAN.--The material Satan in this sensuous syndicate of
soul and body-destroying drugs is opium, and next in order of hellish
potency come cocaine and chloral.

3. GUM OPIUM.--Gum opium, from which the sulphate of morphine is made, is
the dried juice of the poppy, and is obtained principally in the orient.
Taken in moderate doses it acts specially upon the nervous system, deadens
sensibility, and the mind becomes inactive. When used habitually and
excessively it becomes a tonic, which stimulates the whole nervous system,
producing intense mental exaltation and delusive visions. When the effects
wear off, proportionate lassitude follows, which begets an insatiate and
insane craving for the drug. Under the repeated strain of the continually
increasing doses, which have to be taken to renew the desired effect, the
nervous system finally becomes exhausted, and mind and body are utterly and
hopelessly wrecked.

4. COCAINE.--Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of the Peruvian cocoa
tree, and exerts a decided influence upon the nervous system, somewhat akin
to that of coffee. It increases the heart action and is said to be such an
exhilarant that the natives of the Andes are enabled to make extraordinary
forced marches by chewing the leaves containing it. Its after effects are
more depressing even than those of opium, and insanity more frequently
results from its use.

5. CHLORAL.--The name which is derived from the first two syllables of
chlorine and alcohol, is made by passing dry chlorine gas in a continuous
stream through absolute alcohol for six or eight weeks. It is a hypnotic or
sleep-producing drug, and in moderate doses acts on the caliber of the
blood vessels of the brain, producing a soothing effect, especially in
cases of passive congestion. Some patent medicines contain chloral, bromide
and hyoscymus, and they have a large sale, being bought by persons of
wealth, who do not know what they are composed of and recklessly take them
for the effect they produce.