, Antikamnia, Taylor's
Headache Powders, and various other preparations have all contained this
drug.

The use of cocaine is advancing rapidly in this country.[TN: see Errata
at end of text] The following article is taken from _The Banner of
Gold_, of Feb., 1899:--

"Value of cocaine leaves imported at the port
of New York in 1894 $14,284
Imported in 1897 54,122
Indicated value of imports for 1898 75,000

"In these simple figures are contained the elements of a warning
sermon that would startle all America. We seem to be rapidly
becoming a nation of cocaine fiends. If the number of those
addicted to the use of the dreadful drug continues to increase
at the present rate, the importation of what was originally
regarded as a blessed alleviation of pain, will have to be
classed with opium, and its use prohibited by law, except for
medicinal purposes.

"At present the cocaine fiend can purchase the drug without
trouble, and the ease with which it is taken is a fatal
recommendation to those who crave a nerve-deadener. No laborious
cooking of pills over a lamp, cleaning of implements, or
troublesome necessity for secrecy, as with the use of opium.
Cocaine can be taken at any time, with scarcely any trouble, and
without a soul besides the user being aware of his being in the
toils.

"At first, that is. It will not be long before every intimate
friend will observe a change, a gradual and scarcely perceptible
change, come over the appearance and general conduct of the
cocaine fiend.

"Begun in many cases in a legitimate way, as an anaesthetic, the
surprisingly pleasant effect is sought for again by the one who
has had a glimpse at the portals of the elysium. This is the
beginning of the terrible habit. The effect is a sense of
exhilaration followed by a quiet, dreamy state that causes the
worried man to forget his troubles, and the sufferer his pain.
Once this freedom from physical and mental sickness has been
experienced, the cocaine fiend will rob or kill to get the drug.
Enforced non-use of it will not cure the victim. Sentence him to
a term of imprisonment, and he will go straight from the jail
door to the nearest drug store to secure cocaine before he eats
or sleeps.

"From an occ