conquerable, hopeless and deadly form of intoxication,
with which science struggles and to which it often succumbs; which
eludes the restrictive grasp of legislation; lurks behind lace
curtains, hides in luxurious boudoirs, haunts the solitude of the
study, and with waxen 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 extra-ordinary 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