Drug Abuse

REPORT BY SURGEON-CAPTAIN J. F. EVANS, CHEMICAL EXAMINER TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BENGAL, REGARDING PHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS CONCERNING HEMP DRUGS.

I have the honour to submit herewith the report asked for in your letter No. 48, dated 18th August 1893, as amended by demi-official letter dated ist November 1893, from Surgeon-Major Warden, to the Officiating Chemical Examiner to Government, Bengal, directing that the chemical analysis should be carried out by Mr. Hooper, Quinologist to the Government of Madras, and the physiological investigation in this laboratory.

A.—SPECIMENS OF HEMP DRUGS SENT FOR EXAMINATION CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THE LOCALITY WHENCE DERIVED.

The following samples of hemp drugs were received from you from time to time

B.—SPECIMENS SELECTED AS STANDARD HEMP DRUGS.

Bengal round ganja of the season 1892-93, which had been carefully packed in a perforated deal-box and brought down to Calcutta from Nowgaon by Surgeon-Captain Praia in May 1893, was selected as the "standard ganja" with which the samples received from you were to be compared.

Bhagalpur imported siddhi of the season 1893, which was received from the Board of Revenue, Lower Provinces, Bengal, in April 1894, was utilised as the standard bhang with which the samples received from the Commission were to be compared.

C.—PREPARATION AND PERCENTAGE YIELD OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT.

1. Alcoholic extracts of the eighteen specimens of hemp drugs were prepared as follows :

The coarser stalks were removed, and the leaves, flowering stalks and finer stalks reduced in a mortar to a powder, which was passed through a sieve having fifty meshes to the inch. Twenty grammes of the fine powder thus prepared were macerated during a period exceeding one week in rectified spirit to form a tincture. One hundred cubic centimetres of the tincture evaporated over a water-bath to syrupy consistence, and subsequently dried in a hot oven till the weight became constant, gave the alcoholic extract.

D.—PHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION.

As directed in your letter above quoted, the first object of the physiological investigation was to ascertain the snaallest dose of the alcoholic extract of the standard ganja which could be relied on to produce definite physiological effects. This having been learnt, the next part of the enquirylvas to test the other samples by means of the knowledge thus acquired. Definite physiological action is understood to mean the production of such effects as are capable of clear recognition and definite description. In an investigation of this kind the drug must necessarily be administered to many animals of different weights ; consequently if the results produced are to be of any comparative value, the doses given must always bear a proportion to the animal's weight.

It became evident, as the enquiry proceeded, that the same proportional dose could not be relied on to produce absolutely similar symptoms in different animals even of the same species. In different animals, even of the same species, the symptoms varied, not only in character, but also in degree. Further, the occurrence of symptoms of one kind either masked the occurrence or prevented the development of those of another.

Accordingly, the object aimed at was the discovery of the smallest proportional dose constantly attended by some definite physiological effect as opposed to marked physiological effect, and without desirine. to produce effects of a constant type in every instance. 'The first duty was evidently to obtain by experiment some definite conception of the physiological action of the drug in small doses that may be termed minimal, and the need for this will become more apparent when the somewhat varying character of its action is described. The account of the physiological investigation is therefore naturally divided into-

1. The description of the physiological action of the drug as tested by means of the alcoholic extract of the standard ganja in minimal doses.

2. Adoption of a certain quantity of this substance proportional to the body weight as a standard minimum dose.

3. The physiological testing of the other samples of ganja as compared with the standard ganja.

Twenty-three administrations of the standard alcoholic extract were made before satisfactory minimum dose could be arrived at. One hundred and sixty-one administrations of the extract of the other hemp drugs were required in the work of testing their relative physiological properties. The animals utilised throughout were cats.

The weights of the cats and of the required doses of the extracts were taken according to the Avoirdupois scale. The method of administration was as follows:—

The animal was first carefully weighed in a bag of known weight, and then the required dose calculated from its body weight. The dose of the alcoholic extract was weighed out in a tared capsule, dissolved in a little alcohol and made into an emulsion with starch, the spirit being subsequently driven off by heating the emulsion thus formed on the water-bath. The emulsion was introduced into the stomach by means of a syringe and a small cesophageal tube.

Control experiments were made to test whether any portion of the effect produced might be due to alcohol retained in the emulsion. It will be seen from the record of the experiments that the amount of alcohol used produced no result when administered to cats.

A limited number only of cats was obtainable, that is, of cats suitable for experiments of the kind required; for it was important that they should be fairly tame and docile, well nourished and, if females, not pregnant : pregnancy would interfere with the correct body weight. The same animals were in consequence repeatedly utilised, a sufficient interval being allowed to elapse between consecutive doses.

1. PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF THE DRUG AS TESTED BY MEANS OF THE ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF THE STANDARD GANJA IN MINIMAL* DOSES.

It will be better to describe, first, the nature of the effects produced by the drug, and then, give in detail the experiments upon which this account is based. The symptoms observed roughly resolve themselves into three types' and subject to variation induced by idiosyncrasy, it may be said that the smallest dose of the drug capable of producing any appreciable effect will produce symptoms belonging to the first two types, or the dose being increased will induce symptoms of the first and third type, with a passing manifestation of those of the second. I have given the three types the following definition :—

(a) Symptoms of distress.

(b) Phenomena indicating disturbance of the sensory-motor mechanism.

(c) Soporific or narcotic effects.

• Note.— The term minimal doses as opposed to the minimum dose is adopted in order to indicate that all the doses-given were small, the largest being c, o of the body weight. The investigation is consequently restricted to the observation of the phenomena induced by such doses, and not by larger doses.

(a) Symptoms of distress.—Symptoms of distress or discomfort, as evinced by constant or peculiar cries usually preceded the development of the symptoms of the other types, the animal later on either displaying disturbance of the sensory-motor mechanism or falling gradually asleep. Symptoms of distress were in some instances the only effect induced. But such conditions are obviously so liable to misinterpretation, that to class them as definite physiological effects would be hardly admissible. Accordingly, where a condition to be described as one of distress was the sole effect, the dose administered is recorded as having failed to produce definite symp. toms. As already stated, however, such symptoms, varying in the degree of their manifes- tation, almost invariably preceded those of the other types. It is difficult to describe the vocal sounds that may be emitted by a distressed cat, but one cry was occasionally heard from animals in this condition, which deserves a passing notice. It may be described as a high-pitched, prolonged wailing cry, and was particularly objected to by the laboratory staff, who informed me that the cry was unusual—and considered a sign of ill-luck in Bengali households.

(b) Disturbance of the sensory-motor apparatus.—Disturbance of the sensory-motor apparatus was manifested by the occurrence of unusual movements on the part of the animal, or by some apparent difficulty in maintaining its equilibrium on standing, or by the partial loss of motor power. The reference of all these manifestations to some effect produced by the drug on tbe sensory-motor apparatus may be objected to as arbitrary, especially as in the case of animals it is not possible to put the matter to the test in the same way as in man. But as the most important of the symptoms to be described under the above heading indicate interference with those muscular actions which go on for the most part independently of the will or reflexly, and as the other symptoms may be explained on the same hypothesis, though possibly incorrectly, it seems permissible to class these manifestations altogether.

Rocking movements.—It will be seen that the drug in minimum or larger doses constantly induced at some period of its action a peculiar and unusual rocking movement of the body upon its supports. These movements were very constant, not only in their character, but also in their occurrence. Their occurrence to a marked extent came to be regarded as the least admissible evidence of definite physiological effect. Coming on at a period subsequent to the administration of the drug, which varied with the amount of the dose and lasting a variable period, they were usually followed by either more marked sensory-motor disturbance or by sleep. Occasionally, though not usually, the production of these movements was almost the only effect induced by certain doses of the drug. The movements were apparently quite involuntary, and were best displayed when the animal was in the sitting or standing posture, disappearing when it lay down. They consist in a rhythmical side-to-side or backward and forward movement of the head, fore-quarters' and those Portions of the body not in contact with the ground. In character they are regular, somewhat pendulum-like, the body moving as a whole ; they last for a quarter to half a minute to intermit and be repeated again at irregulär intervals, until the animal either recovers or passes into a condition of more marked sensory-motor disturbance or of sleep. They were observed to cease on voluntary movement or when the animal's attention was attracted, to begin again when the disturbance was withdrawn. The retention of the body in the semi-erect position assumed in the sitting posture is maintained by muscular action, which when once initiated by an effort of the will is continued unconsciously until the sensation of fatigue is experienced. Such actions require not only sufficient power in the muscular apparatus concerned, but depend also for their proper maintenance upon the stimulus derived from the muscular sense.

I would endeavour to explain the production of the peculiar movements already described on the hypothesis that some disturbance takes place in the motor mechanism referred to. Any cause producing inordinate action in one group of muscles or deficient action in another would upset the state of rest maintained by the balanced action of the different groups. and lead to the peculiar rocking movements 'described. There is no reason to suppose that inordinate action of one group of muscles is due to weakness of an opposing group, for the voluntary movements at this period show unimpaired power. Muscular mechanisms correlated in their, action so as to produce a state of balance from their combined efforts, are understood to have the amount of their force largely controlled by impulses received from the muscular sense. Any interference with the muscular sense would account then for undue action on the part of one or other group of muscles and the production of the rocking movements described. The movements are not of the kind that would suggest their causation by irritation of the cerebrospinal centres, and their production on the hypothesis given is, I submit, supported by other manifestations which may reasonably be ascribed to Sensory-motor disturbance. Doses of the drug in quantity equal to, or exceeding that amount adopted as the minimum dose, have been observed to almost invariably produce such movements as have been described. They succeed a period during which the animal usually evinces a degree of distress or uneasiness, and as a rule are followed by more marked sensory-motor disturbance, or by sleep when they cease. Though constant in occurrence and in character, they vary in the degree of their manifestation. The scope duration and recurrence of the movements being more marked under certain conditions which, though not entirely independent of the quantity of the dose, seem largely associated with the idiosyncrasy of the individual.

It appeared if the dose relative to the body weight was such as would produce marked physiological effect short of pronounced sleep or narcotism, and if the individual idiosyncrasy encouraged the development of the sensory-motor disturbance rather than of sleep, that then the involuntary rocking movements became most marked.

Besides the involuntary rocking movements described, other involuntary movements were occasionally observed, which are hardly to be explained on the same hypothesis. These other movements were of two kinds—fine tremor aad spasmodic muscular actions. The tremor involved the whole body and was of intermittent character, an attack of tremor lasting three or four miuutes with an indefinite period of complete freedom. Spasmodic muscular action was very rarely observed, and usually occurred in the muscles of the head and fore part of the body, the head being sometimes suddenly and forcibly moved to one or other side.

Difficulty in maintaining the body equilibrium on standing.---When the rocking movements had lasted a short time, the animals generally lay down in their habitual posture with their legs under them. This position apparently enabled them to obtain some respite from the involuntary movements : and in this position a considerable number fell asleep, the head graelually falling forwards till the nose and the face came in contact with the ground. In those cats not asleep a roll of the body from side to side was sometimes observed. Within a variable period of time, half an hour to an hour or even more, from the development of this condition, those cats which evinced no tendency to sleep, or were only drowsy, were frequently found, on being disturbed and made to stand up, to have apparently some difficulty in maintaining the equilibrium of the body in this position. The body swayed from side to side and backwards and forwards upon the legs, as though too heavy for its supports and likely to fall over. It was frequently difficult to induce animals in this condition to remain standing, but they were never observed to fall. On being induced to walk, it was found that this movement was either perfectly performed, the swaying of the body disappearing entirely, or that the action of the drug had produced an apparent partial loss of motor power.

Apparent loss of motor power.—In this condition the animal walked with 'a slow, tottering and uncertain gait, displaying shakiness and apparent weakness in its movements. It coul& not be induced to run ; nor yet, on the other hand, was the loss of motor power ever complete.
The weakness was generally most evident in the hind limbs, though it never amounted to dragging of the limbs. The animal on walking would sway to one or other side, apparently tending to fall over, and occasionally, en attempting to turn, come down on its hind quarters and side. The fact that the hind limbs were more affected than the fore served sometimes to produce a very curious gait; for on walking the hind quarters fell out of line with the rest of the body, being as it were slued to one side. The peculiar appearance forcibly reminded me of the oharacteristic gait of horses suffering from kumri, many cases of which I saw in Upper Burma during 1887.

In a few instances the apparent loss of power was represented by a peculiar slow, crawling gait ; the animal moving slowly along with its legs doubled up underneath the body and its belly close to the ground, as though to keep its centre of gravity low down. The loss of motor power has been described as apparent, and it is submitted that this is the correct description in the absence of more definite signs of loss of motor power. The phenomena described may, in the absence of definite signs of muscular paralysis, be accounted for by an interference with muscular movement, due to error of co-ordination induced by loss of muscular sense. It frequently happened that in the condition described as one of " difficulty in maintaining the body equilibrium on standing" no loss of motor power occurred. Further, that an effort of the will, as evinced in voluntary movement, was sufficient to restore the mechanism to its normal state, the difficulty, however, appearing again when the temporary excitement was withdrawn. The same observation was made with regard to the rocking movements which were found to cease on excitement or voluntary movement. It is natural, then, to endeavour to explain all these phenomena on the same hypothesis. The same observations as were advanced in explanation of the "rocking movements" apply with even more force to the state described as a" difficulty in maintaining the body equilibrium ; "for somewhat similar conditions occur in disease affecting the muscular sense in man. I would suggest that the rocking movements and altered body equilibrium may be ascribed to the action of the drug upon the spinal cord, but that when apparent loss of motor power occurs, then the ganglionic centres at the base of the brain are also affected. The appearances appear to encourage the conception that the drug acts upon the central nervous structures and not upon the peripheral nerve endings. Those animals which displayed the maximum amount of sensory-motor disturbance evinced no tendency to sleep or loss of their usual instincts.

It has been already stated that the same cats were repeatedly utilised, and it thus came to be observed that, as regards the action of the drug, certain cats had a constant idiosyncrasy; that some cats under the influence of the drug were prone to sleep and others to the development of the phenomena ascribed to the disturbance of the sensory-motor apparatus ; that the same dose relative to the body weight would in some animals induce disturbance of the sensory-motor mechanism and in others a varying degree of narcotism. Apart, however, from individual idiosyncrasy the quantity of the dose was found to play an important part also in determining the character of the effects produced by the drug. For in certain animals who after certain doses had been recognised as prone to develop sensory-motor disturbance, without marked sleep or narcotism, an increased dose, if sufficiently large, could be relied on to produce sleep deep enough to mask or prevent the development of sensory-motor disturbance, with exception of the rocking movements.

It was to this action of the drug that reference was made in the statement that the -" occurrence of symptoms of one kind either masked the occurrence or prevented the development of those of another."

(c) Soporific or vareoticeffecte.—As already said, sleep production depends on the quantity of the dose being influenced also by the individual idiosyncrasy : in some animals sleep was easily and early induced as the result of the minimum dose; in others not so readily. The duration and nature of the sleep depend on the quantity of the dose : it ranged from drowsiness to slight narcotism. At the onset of sleep the cat often strived to maintain the sitting posture, the head falling forwards now and again and the animal awaking with a start. As the tendency deepened it usually lay down and went to sleep, the head gradually falling forwards till the nose and front of the face rasted on the ground.

Time of owlet of symptoms.—Whatever their character might be, symptoms of the action of the drug could generally be recognised within one hour or one hour and a half after its administration. This statement applies only to the quantities given in this investigation, and naturally will not bear too general application. In my experiments the doses were always Small, and hence the use of the term minimal.

RECORD OF THE FIRST SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS WITH THE ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF THE STANDARD GANJA.

The quantity of the dose of the alcoholic extract usually given to small animals in physiological investigations seems to have been about one or two grains. The first two doses administered in this series of experiments were given without reference so much to the animal's body weight as to serve as a guide by which subsequent experiments might be regulated.

Experiment No. 1.—Well-nourished male cat, weight 4 lb 131 oz.; a dose of the alcoholic extract, weighing -25 grain, or about  3 51. 0 0 part of the body weight, given at 12-2Z P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 2.—Male, weight of cat 4 lb 12 oz. ; a dose of the extract weighing .5 grain, or6- ti -0 0- part of the body weight, given at 11-15 A.M. 12-45 P.m. Rocking movements with slight weakness of the limbs, chiefly of the hind legs, on walking ; condition lasted about one hour.

As a dose equivalent to 1/66.500- of the body weight had induced definite symptoms, a similar
quantity was next administered to two other cats to test whether the experiment was reliable :—

Experiment No. 3.—Yellow and white female cat, weight 7 lb 1 oz. -75 grain of the extract, or a quantity equal to  of the body weight, administered at 11-45 P.M. 12-40 P.M. Nodding of head, drowsiness. 1 P.M., rocking movements, with occasional slight tremor. 1-15 P.M., Lendency to sleep more marked. Animal lying down asleep with the nose and face resting on the ground. 2 P.M., effects of the drug beginning to pass off.

Experiment No. 4.—Black and white cat, weight 3 lb 101 oz. -38 grain of extract, or a quantity equivalent to 8,3"-Doo of the body weight, administered at 12-10 P.M. 1-15 P.m., rocking movements ; cat is sitting up and displays occasional attacks of tottering or irregular movements of the fore quarters and fore limbs, as though endeavouring to save itself from falling forwards ; is slightly drowsy. 2 P.m., cat appears considerably distressed, is constantly mewing and suffering also from slight salivation. 3 P.M., beginning to recover, though still dull.

A dose equivalent to 6-4 of the body weight being able to cause easily recognisable effects, the next step was to find out how far this dose could be diminished and yet definite symptoms induced. In the four following experiments the quantity of the extract given to .each cat was equal to7.-57-,061 part of its body weight:—

Experiment No. 5.—Weight of cat 6 lb 111 oz. Dose of extract -63 grain at 1 P.M. 2-45 P.m., cat asleep with its nose on the ground, and though able to be disturbed by any noise in its neighbourhood, yet it soon went to sleep again. It remained in this sleepy state till 4 P.M. No rocking movements or tremor observed.

Experiment No. 6.—Weight of cat 3 lb 71 oz. Dose of extract -32 grain at 1-25 P.M. 2-50 P.M., displays symptoms of distress and discomfort with slight drowsiness ; is suffering also from slight salivation. 3 P.M., rocking movements. 4 P.M., the rocking movements have lasted with intermission since 3 P.M., being interrupted by occasional periods of sleep. 4-35 P.M., cat is still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 7 Weight of cat 3 lb 91 oz. Dose of extract -31 grain at 1-45 P.M. 3 P.m., sleepy ; displays rocking movements of the body from time to time. Effects lasted for upwards of an hour.

Experiment .No. 8.—Weight of cat 5 lb. 51 oz. Dose of extract .5 grain at 2 P.M. The-action of the drug began to manifest itself about 3-30 P.M., when the cat became sleepy, but was disturbed by occasional spasmodic movements of the fore quarters. Very definitely affected, but less so than the other cats.

The dose was now reduced to 1/90.000 of the body weight and that quantity of the extract administered to three cats.

Experiment No. 9.—Weight of cat 4 lb hij oz. Dose -37 grain at 11-30 A.m. 12-10 P.M., distress and discomfort, pupils slightly dilated and the cat's appearance wild and suspicious ; on being let loose the cat tries to hide itself. 12-30 P.M., displays weakness of the limbs, and can only be induced to walk with great difficulty ; the weakness is more marked in the hind limbs; on walking the cat falls over occasionally its hind quarters, apparently due to the greater weakness of the hind limbs; there on is some tremor also of the whole body. 1-30 P.M., drowsy, but on being disturbed' still showed the weakness of the limbs. 4-30 P.m., cat went to sleep about 2 P.M. with its nose resting on the ground and has continued to sleep with intermission during the last one and a half hours.

Experiment No. 10.—Weight of cat 2 lb l 2/ oz. Dose .2 grain at 11-50 A.m. 12-30 P.M.,. excitement and distress with some slight occasional tremor of the whole body ; slight dilatation of the pupils. 1 P.M., asleep. 3-30 r.i., is still under influence of the drug, and has been asleep with its nose resting on the ground duriug the past one and a half hours with occasional interruptions.

Experiment No. 11.—Weight of cat 3 /b 12i oz. Dose .3 grain at 12-10 p.m. 12-50 rat., rocking movements and drowsiness ; 2 P.M., condition torpid ; has broken periods of sleep. Effect less marked than in experiments Nos. 9 and 10.
Administration of three doses equivalent to 10-*°- part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 12.—Weight of cat 4 lb 71 oz. Dose of extract .3 grain at 11-35 A.M. 12-55 P.M., rocking movements of the body ; appearance of the animal altered by the drug; as it sits up it preserves a fixed look in the same direction as though somewhat dazed or stupefied. 1 P.M., asleep. 3-30 P.M., still asleep, but not deeply so, the-appearance being that presented by natural sleep. This animal displayed no weakness of the limbs.

Experiment No. 13.—Weight of cat 5 lb 71 oz. Dose .38 grain at 11-55 A.M. 1-30 P.M.; animal very torpid and can be induced to move only with difficulty ; when disturbed, it crawls about in a peculiar manner and seeks to hide itself ; it walks in a very peculiar manner, shuffling along with the legs doubled up underneath the body and the belly close to the ground. 3 P.M., still under influence of the drug ; some drowsiness and slight dilatation of the pupils.

Experiment No. 14.—Weight of cat 21b 111 oz. Dose .18 grain at 12-15 P.M. 1-30 P.M., drowsiness ; nodding of the head : the cat, which is a lively, very tame animal is now quite dull and torpid. 3 P.m. cat asleep with its nose on the ground and fully under the influence of the drug.
Three experiments with a dose the quantity of which was equal to nol,. of the body weight.

Experiment N. 15.—Weight of cat 4 lb 1 oz. Dose "25 grain at 11-15 A.M. / 'P.m., asleep with its nose on the ground ; on being disturbed walks with great difficulty, all the limbs being weak, but the hind limbs so weak that the animal tends to fall upon its hind quarters and side. 2.30 P.M., drowsy. 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug, and has slept lightly off and on since 2-30 P.M.

Experiment No. 16.—Weight of cat 4 Th 5f oz. Dose '27 grain at 11-30 s.m. 1-15 expression altered, the eye being glassy and the look fixed in one direction ; rockinp. movements. 4 P.M. has been asleep with intermission for about two hours. While apparently asleep with its eyes closed occasionally emitted a peculiar and unpleasant cry.

Experiment No. 17.—Weight of cat 5 lb 61 oz. Dose •34 grain at 11-50 A.M. 1-15 P.m., no effect apparent. 2-30 P.M. cat sleeping lightly and occasionally starting in its sleep in a peculiar manner. It is apparently only slightly affected by the drug, but on unfastening the string round its neck and inducing it to walk, it shows great weakness of the limbs, specially the hind limbs. It is unwilling to move, and when induced to do so, moves apparently with considerable difficulty. The gait is tottering and unsteady, the hind quarters falling occasionally upon the ground. 4-30 P.M., the weakness of the limbs is still very marked.
In the next two experiments the dose was reduced tod,7-00 part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 18.—Weight of cat 3 lb 11 oz. ; Dose .17 grain at 1-5 P.M. 2-30 on being let loose is very unwilling to move, and when induced to walk moves in a crawling, shuffling manner with its belly close to the ground. There appears tobe slight weakness of the limbs.

Experiment No. 19.—Weight of cat 5 lb 5 oz. Dose .25 grain at 1-25 P.M. 2-30 P.3I., is very slightly affected, the hind limbs being apparently somewhat weak. It walks also in the peculiar crawling manner. But the effects must be described as very slight.

On the same day, at 1-15 P.M., a third cat received a dose of alcohol in quantity equal to that used to dissolve the alcoholic extract. The alcohol was mixed with a little water and administered in the usual manner. No apparent effect was produced. In preparing the emulsion as much alcohol as possible is driven off by heat after adding the starch solution. In this case the experiment heing for purposes of control, no attempt was made to reduce the quantity of alcohol by heating.

The effects produced by a dose equal to 1/110.000 part of the body weight appeared too pronounced, if other samples of hemp drugs were to be physiologically tested by this standard. And on the other hand the effects produced by a dose equal to 1/150.000 part of the body weight appeared too indefinite and slight. It was accordingly determined to try the results produced by a dose equal to 1/125.000 part of the body weight ; and this quantity was given in the four next experiments.

Experiment 20.—Weight of cat 31 3    18 grain at 11-45 A.M. 1 P.M., oi oz. Dose .22    1  2 cat is evidently affected by the drug, rocking movements ; 2-45 P.M., asleep, and on being disturbed displays weakness of the limbs. The sleep is somewhat deep and the cat evidently considerably affected by the dose of the drug.

Experiment N. 2.7.—Weight of cat 3 lb 15 oz. Dose    grain at 2-15 P.M., -15 P•M.,i    •
rocking movements of the body and weakness of the limbs ; 3 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground, and while asleep is apparently unable to maintain the 'recumbent posture, for it is occasionally woke up by a roll of the body to one or other side.

Experiment No. 22.—Weight 4 lb 2i oz. Dose '23 grain at 12.45 p.m. 2-45 P.M., marked rocking movements of the body. 3 P.M., asleep. This animal definitely but not deeply affected by the drug.

Experiment No. 23.—Weight of cat 4 it 144 oz. Dose •27 grain at 1-16 P.M. A portion of the dose was vomited immediately after administration. Notwithstanding rocking movements of the body, weakness of gait, and some torpor were observed as the result of the action of the drug.

2. THE STANDARD MINIMUM DOSE.

The effects produced in cats by a quantity of the alcoholic extract of the standard ganja, equivalent to 1/125,000 part of the body weight of each animal were considered sufficiently definite to warrant the adoption of this quantity as the minimum dose. For convenience of calculation, however, it was determined to take 1/120.000 part of the body weight as the minimum dose, the difference between the two fractions being only 1/5.000.000. Sufficient has been already said in
the remarks preliminary to the record of the experiments regarding the characters of the effects which the minimum dose might be expected to produce. It was then premised that definite effects of some kind or another should be sought, rather than marked effects constant in character in every experiment. The subsequent experiments were conducted on the understanding that if the sample of hemp drugs under examination contained active constituents in quantity equal to that of the standard ganja that then the minimum dose of its alcoholic extract should induce somewhat the following symptoms, i.e., a period of distress or discomfort, followed by the rocking movements of the body, and then either some of the other phenomena indicating sensory-motor disturbance or sleep.

3. PHYSIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE SAMPLES OF HEMP DRUGS RECEIVED TROM THE HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION.

An epitome of the results will be given first, and then the record of experiments given in detail.

Hemp drugs possessing physiological properties equal to those of the standard ganja-

Sholapur ganja.
Kbandesh ganja.
Ahmednagar ganja, No. 1. & No. 3.
Bijapur ganja.
Nimar District ganja, Dhakalgaon seed.
Nimar District ganja, local seed.
Amritsar charas, masbak.

Hemp drugs, the dose of which was increased to 1/110.000 of the body weight of the animal, in order to produce effects equal to those of the minimum dose of the standard ganja-.--

Satara ganja, No. 1. & 2.
Ahmednagar ganja, No. 2.

Bangalore gaup.

Hemp drugs of which the dose had to be increased to 1/100.000 of the body weight

Kistna ganja.

Madras local market ganja.

Amballa bhang.

Amballa charas, maskak, No. 1.

Delhi District charas, mashak.

Gurhwal charas, No. 1. &  2.

Hemp drugs requiring a dose equal to  1/90,000  part of the body weight,---

Amritsar charas, bhara.
Delhi District charas, dust, 2nd class.

Hemp drugs of which a dose equal to 1 /80.000 part of the body weight was found to be sufficient —

Khandesh bhang.

Hemp drugs requiring a dose equal to 1/70.000 part of the body weight in order to manifest action equal to that induced by the minimum dose of the extract of the standard ganja

Ghazipur illicit ganja.

Hemp drugs requiring a dose equal to 1/60.000 of the body weight-

Sholapnr bhang.

Hemp drugs requiring a dose equal to 1/20.000 part of the body weight-

Rajabahi bhang (cultivated).

Satara bhang.

Bombay charas.

Hemp drugs requiring a dose equal to 1/10.000 part of the body weight.

Amballa charas, mashak, No. 2.

Delhi District charas. dust.

Kumaon charas (wild).

Hemp drugs requiring a dose equal to 1/5000 part of the body weight-

Bbagalpur bhang.

Assam bliang (wild).

Gwalior charas.

Kumaon charas (cultivated).

Hemp drugs the dose of which could not be determined—

Nepal charas A.

Nepal charas B.

Nepal charas (Shahjahani).

A tabular statement giving the above information is appended for more ready reference, see table No. II.

The numbers indicate the relation which the samples of ganja, bhang, or charas respectively bear to each other in each group separately. They do not indicate any relation between ganja and bhang or between either of these two and cbaras—thus Kistna ganja is 2-6 times as potent as Ghazipur illicit ganja and Amritsar charas, rnashak, 32 times as potent as Gwalior charas. Amballa bhang is 31 times more powerful than Bhagalpur bhang.
Vide concluding remarks.

RECORD OF THE SECOND SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS.

(a) A dose of the alcoholic extract equal to 1/120.000 part of the body weight was first tried in the case of every sample of the hemp drugs.

Experiment No. 1, Ghazipur illicit ganja.

Female cat, weight 5 lb 131 oz. Dose -31 grains at 1-30 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 2, Sholapur ganja.

Weight of cat. 3 Th1 oz. Dose -18 grain at 12-15 P.M., 1-15 P.M., slight tremor of body and appears uncomfortable. 2 P.M., dull and torpid ; appears to have some difficulty in walk.. ing, though no weakness of the limbs to be made out ; the appearance suggests the idea that the initiation of the act of walking is difficult and that sufficient voluntary impulse is not forthcoming. 3 p.m., asleep with its nose resting on the ground. 3-30 P.M., still asleep in the same position.

Experiment No. 3, Khandesh ganja.

Weight of cat 4 ib 121 oz. Dose -28 grain at 12 noon. 1-30 P.M., rocking movements. 2 P.M., difficulty in walking with uncertainty of action most marked in the hind limbs.
P.M" drowsy ; on walking displays staggering uncertain gait. 4 P.M. walks fairly well now, and is apparently recovering.

Experiment No. 4, Satara gaija, No. 1.
Weight of cat 4 lb 3 oz. Dose •24 grain at 12-30 P.M. Slight rocking movements were observed, but the effects did not appear equal to those of the minimum dose of the standard extract. It was consequently determined to give a slightly larger quantity.

Experiment No. 6, &tiara ganja, No. 2.       
Weight of cat 2 lb 13t oz. Dose .16 grain at 1-15 P.M. Effects produced very slight. A larger dose considered necessary.

Experiment No. 6, Lihmednagar ganja, No. 1.       
Weight of cat 4 lb 13i oz. Dose .28 grain at 12-45 P.M. 1-30 P.M., cat is torpid and dull. 3 P.M., on being made to walk is found to have the characteristic staggering gait, the effect of the drug being more marked, as usual, in the hind limbs : it is distinctly drowsy. 3-30 P.M., the cat, on being disturbed and made to walk, takes a few steps and then passes into a sort of cataleptic condition, maintaining the posture in which it may have happened to be when it stopped moving. The position is not one in which its limbs are all at rest, and is sometimes slightly grotesque. 4 P.M., is still very evidently under the influence of the drug : on standing the rocking movements of the body are well displayed. The minimum dose of this extract produced very well marked effects.

Experiment No. 7, Ahmednagar ganja, No. 2.       
Weight of cat 2 lb 11 oz. Dose •15 grain at 1 P.M. Action not sufficiently marked. A larger dose necessary.

Experiment No. 8, "Ihmednagar ganja, No. 3.       
Weight of cat 3 lb 21 oz. Dose •18 grain at 12-15 P.M. 2-30 P.M., sleepy; cries when disturbed, and walks in an awkward manner. 3 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground, and on being disturbed walks unsteadily. 4-30 P.M., asleep.

Experiment No. 9, Bijapur ganja.       
Weight of cat 3 lb 3/ oz. Dose .18 grain at 140 P.M. 2-10 P.M., very marked tremor of the body. 3-30 P.M., the tremor of the body is the most marked symptom in this case : it has lasted for more than one hour, subject to intermission and is still present. Rocking movements have also been observed with occasional spasm of the body. The cat, on moving, walks with the peculiar crawling gait already described.

Experiment No. 10, Nimar ganja, Dhakalgaon seed.       
Weight of cat 4Th 131 oz. Dose .28 grain at 12-30 P.M. 1-30 P.M., rocking movements. 3 p.m., cat less lively than usual ; has a fixed look and is evidently not comfortable; no weakness of the limbs ; drowsy but not markedly so.

Experiment No. 11, 1Vimar ganja, local seed.       
Weight of cat 5 lb 1 oz. Dose .29 grain at 12-45 P.M. 1.30 P.m., cat sleepy, torpid and cannot be induced to move. 3 P.m., unwillingness to move continues ; when compelled to walk, moves with apparent difficulty, though no weakness of the limbs can be made out : some tremor of the body.

Experiment No. 12, Kistna ganja.       
Grey cat male, weight 3 lb 3i oz. Dose .18 grains at 1-15 P.M. Slight effects produced.

Experiment No. 13, Bangalore ganja.   
Weight of cat 4 lb 11 oz. Dose .23 grain at 12-30 P.M. Insufficient action manifested.

Experiment No. 14, Madras local market ganja.   
Weight of cat 2 lb 13/ oz. Dose •16 grain at 1-15 P.3t. Effect produced very slight.

Experiment No. 15, Khandesh 6/zang.   
Weight of cat 3 lb 51 oz. Dose .19 grain at 12-30 P.M. No appreciable effect.

Experiment No. 16, knballa 6/zang.   
Weight of cat 3 lb 13.1 oz. Dose .22 grain at 1 P.M. No appreciable effect.

Experiment No. 17, Sholapur 1/zang.   
Weight of cat 3 P5 41 oz. Dose .19 grain at 1-10 P.M. No appreciable effect produced.

Experiment No. 18, Bhagalpur 6/zang.   
Yellow and white male eat, weight 3 lbs 14i oz. Dose .22 grain at 12-55 P.M. Effect nill

Experiment No. 19, Rajshahi 6hang (cultivated plant).
Yellow male cat, weight 5 lb lf oz. Dose .3 grain at 12-30 P.r. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 20, Assam bhany (wild).
nil. Black and white male cat, weight 4 /b 81 oz. Dose •26 grain at 12-25 P.M. Effect

Experiment No. 21, Satara bhang.
Weight of cat 3 lb 151 oz. Dose .23 grain at 12-50 P.M. 3 P.M., nil. 4 Pad., nil.

Experiment No. 22, Amballa charas, mashak, No. 1.

Weight of cat 6 lb 41 oz. Dose .36 grain at 1-30 P.M. Effect produced slight and insufficient.

Experiment No. 23, timballa charas, mashak, No. 2. Female cat, weight 6 lb Of oz. Dose .35 grain at 11-30 A.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 24, Amritsar charas, bhara.
Male cat, black and white, weight 4 /b 9i oz. Dose -26 grain at 1140 A.m. Very slight effect produced.

Experiment No. 25, Amritsar charas, mashak.
Male cat, weight 41b. 11 oz. Dose -23 grain at 11-50 A.M. 12-30 P.M., rocking movements of body. 1 P.M. asleep with its nose on the ground. 2-30 P.M., still asleep; when disturbed. displays marked rocking movements; its gait is not affected. 3-30 P.M., -still under influence of the drug. The effect is considered equal to that produced by the minimum dose of the extract of the standard ganja.

Experiment No. 26, Delhi District charms, dust (2nd class).
Female cat, weight 3 lb 01 oz. Dose •17 grain at 1-40 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 27, Delhi District charas, dust.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 3i oz. Dose •18 grain at 1-25 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 28, Delhi District charas, mes/tak.
Male cat, weight 6 lb If oz. Dose .35 grain at 12-45 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 29, Bombay charas.
Male cat, weight 5 lb 61 oz. Dose .31 grain at 12-10 p.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 30, Gwalior charas.
Male cat, weight 6 lb 5 oz. Dose -37 grain at 12-40 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 31, Runtaon charas
Male cat, weight 5 lb 7 oz. Dose .31 grain at 12-25 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 32, Kumaon charas (cultirated).
Female cat, weight 3 lb 91 oz. Dose .2 grain at 12 noon. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 33, Gurhwal charas (No. 1).
White cat, female, weight 3 lb 71 oz. Dose .2 grain at 1-40 P.M. 3 P.M., rocking movements of body fairly well marked. 4 P.M., sleepy ; when disturbed displays rocking movements. Effect of the drug, though evident, not equal to that produced by minimum dose of the extract of the standard ganja.

Experiment No. 34, Gurk wal charas, No. 2 (cultivated).
Female cat, weight 6 lb 2i oz. Dose .36 grain at 12-10 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 35, Nepal charas, A.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 61 oz. Dose .19 grain at 12-20 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 36, Nepal chey.as, B.
Female eat, weight 2 lb 121 oz. Dose -16 grain at 12-40 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 37, Nepal charas, Shahjahani.
Yellow and white female eat, weight 4 lb 61 oz. Dose •25 grain at 2 P.M. Effect nil.
Satisfactory results having been obtained from the standard minimum dose in the ease of eight samples of hemp drugs, the next step was to test what quantity of the other samples was required to produce effects equal to those produced by the minimun dose of the standard gania.

(b) In the following experiments the dose was increased to n0.000 of the body weight

Experiment No. 38, Solaro ganja, No. 1.
Weight of cat 2 lb 11i oz. Dose -17 grain at 12 noon. 1 P.M., rocking movements; on standing up swaying of body from side to side ; is somewhat drowsy. 1-15 P.M., spasmodic attacks of tremor of the head observed; the difficulty in maintaining the body equilibrium on standing is very marked. 1-30 P.M., asleep; 2-30 P.M., still much affected. 3-30 P.m., sleepy and torpid. 4 P.M., still under influence of the drug.

Experiment So. 39, &dam ganja, .No. 2.
Weight of cat 2 lb 12 oz. Dose •17 grain at 12-10 P.M. 2-30 P.M., rocking movements. 3-40 P.M., drops off to sleep now and again while in the sitting posture; has a "drugged " appearance ; is evidently uncomfortable and in distress ; body sways from side to side, displaying the condition termed a difficulty in maintaining the body. equilibrium.

Experiment No. 40, Ahmednagar ganja, No. 2.
Weight of cat 8Th 21 oz. Dose .2 grain at 11-40 A.M. 2 P.M., torpid and sleepy; gait weak. 2-10 P.m., asleep. 2-30 P.M., asleep and when disturbed found to be very unsteady on its legs. 3-30 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground.

Experiment No. 41, Bangalore ganja.
Weight of cat 3 lb 121 oz. Dose .21 grain at 12 noon. 1-10 P.M., vomited a small portion of the dose. 2 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground. 3-30 P.M., on standing up displays groat apparent difficulty in maintaining its equilibrium, the body swaying from side to side; is very definitely under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 42, Madras local market ganja.
Weight of cat 4 lb 11 oz. Dose .29 grain at 12-45 P.M. The effect produced, though recognizable, not equal to that of the minimum dose of the standard.

Experiment No. 43, Khandesh bhang.
Weight of cat 3 lb 31 oz. Dose .2 grain at 12-55 P.M. No appreciable effect.

Experiment No. 44, Amballa bhang.
Weight of cat 4 lb 21 oz. Dose .26 grain at 12-10 P.M. No appreciable effect.

.Experiment No. 45, Sholapur Nang.
Weight of cat 3 lb 111 oz. Dose .2.3 grain at 11-45 A.M. No appreciable effect.

Experiment No. 46, &dam blang.
Weight of cat 4 lb 111 oz. Dose •29 grain at 12-25 P.M. Effects not appreciable.

Experiment No. 47, zImballa. charas, No. 1.
Weight of cat 4 lb 104 oz. Dose •29 grain at 1-5 P.M. In this case insufficient effects were produced.

(c) The twenty-five following experiments were conducted with a dose equivalent to 100.1000 of the body weight :—

Experiment No. 48, Ghazipur illicit ganja. Female cat, weight 2 lb 14 oz. Dose .2 grain at 1-45 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 49, Kistna ganja.
Female white eat, weight 3 lb 7i oz. Dose .24 grain at 1-15 P.M. Slight vomiting occurred after the dose. 3 P.M., asleep with its nose resting on the ground, and on being disturbed is found to be considerably affected ; the rocking movements of the body are well marked, and on walking the animal staggers from side to side, the bind limbs being most affected. 4 P.M., is still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 50, Madras local market ganja.
Weight of cat 2 lb 11 oz. Dose •19 grain at 1-15 P.M. 3-30 P.M., sleepy; but on being disturbed displays rocking movements and very marked swaying of body from side to side.

Experiment No. 51, Khandesh Nang.
Weight of cat 4 lb 1 oz. Dose -28 grain at 1-10 r.m. Effect almost nil.

Experiment NO. 52, Aniballa bhong.
Weight of cat 3 lb 1 oz. Dose .21 grain at 1-30 P.M. 2-45 P.M., distinctly sleepy and evinces great unwillingness to move on being disturbed ; when compelled to move, walks in a shuffling, crawling manner. 1 P.M., still sleepy and torpid, but will come when called, though it moves as though with effort in a slow, crawling manner. The effect therefore appears to be passing off.

Experiment N. 53, 8holapur bhang.
Weight of cat 6 lb 21 oz. Dose .43 grain at 12-25 P.M. Effect almost nil.

Experiment No. 54, Bhagalpur Nang.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 115 oz. Dose -33 grain at 1-10 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No 55, Rajshahi bhang (cultivated). Male cat, weight 4 lb 2 oz. Dose .28 grain at 12-45 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 56, Assam bhang (wild).
Female cat, weight 4 lb 12 oz. Dose •33 grain at 1 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 57, &tiara bhang.
Weight of cat 3 lb 34 oz. Dose .22 grain at 12-35 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 58, Ant balla charas, max/tak, No. 1.
Weight of cat 2 lb 9 oz. Dose -17 grain at 2 P.M. 3 P.M., rocking movements of the body. .3-30 P.M., animal is distinctly under the influence of the drug, manifested by the swaying of the body from side to side. 4 P.M., the cat comes when called and walks well and strongly without tottering, but when allowed to stand or sit undisturbed displays marked swaying of the body from side to side and baokwards and forwards upon its supports.

Experiment No. 59, Amballa charas, mashak No. 2.
Female cat, weight 6 lb 51 oz. Dose .44 grain at 11-45 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 60, Amritsar charas,bhara.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 141 oz. Dose .34 grain at 11-55 A.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 61, Delhi District charas, dust (2nd class).
Tortoise-shell female cat, weight 5 lb 135 oz. Dose .4 grain at 1-15 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 62, Delhi District charas, dust.
Yellow and white male cat, weight 4 lb 21 oz. pose .29 grain at 12-45 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 63, Delhi District charas, tnashak.
Grey and white female cat, weight 4 lb. 10 oz. Dose •32 grain at 12-35 P.M. 1-30 P.m., much rocking of the body, but can walk well. 2 P.U., swaying of body from side to side on standing, so long as its attention is not attracted ; the hind quarters chiefly affected. 3 P.M., rocking and swaying of body continues, the animal walks stiffly but fairly well ; 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 64, Bombay charas.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 1 oz. Dose .21 grain at 12-20 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 65, Gwalior charas.
Female cat, weight 2 lb 12/ oz. Dose •19 grain at 1-40 P.H. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 66, Kumaon charas (wild).
Female cat, weight 3 lb 7/ oz. Dose .24 grain at 1-5 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 67, Kumaon dams (cultivated.). Male cat, weight 3 Ib 5a oz. Dose .23 grain at 12-15 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 68, Gurh wal charas, No. 1.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 21 oz. Dose .22 grain at 2 P.M. 3 P.M., cat is very evidently affected, displaying the rocking movements of the body and the staggering gait on walking. 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 69, Gurliwal charas, No. 2 (cultivated). •
Male cat, weight 3 lb 21 oz. Dose .22 grain at 1-30 P.M. 3 P.M., animal very much affected, is very unwilling to walk, and on being induced to move after a few steps falls over on its side, the hind quarters, as usual, being most affected ; rocking and swaying of the body from side to side on standing ; is apparently unable to stand long ; torpid, but not sleepy. 3-30 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground. 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment Eo. 70, Nepal charas, A.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 10i oz. Dose .25 grain at 12-22 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment Eo. 71, Nepal charas, B.
Yellow male cat; weight 5 tb 21 oz. Dose •36 grain at 12-20 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 72, Nepal charas, 8hahjahani. Female cat, weight 3 lb 5i oz. Dose .23 grain at 1-10 P.M. Effect nil.

(d) The following experiments were conducted with a dose equivalent to 1/90.000 part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 73, G hazipur illicit ganja.
White female cat, weight 3 lb 8/ oz. Dose .27 grain at 1-45 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 74, Khandesh bhang.
Weight of cat, 7 lb 81 oz. Dose .58 grain at 12 noon. Effects not sufficiently definite.

Experiment No. 75, Sholapur Mang.
Weight of cat 6 lb 31 oz. Dose -18 grain at 11-30 A.M. Effect practically nil.

Experiment No. 76, Bhagalpur thang.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 13/ oz. Dcse -37 grain at 1-55 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 77, Rajshahi bhang.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 4/ oz. Dose 12 grain at 2 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 78, Assam bhang.
Male cat, weight 5 lb 81 oz. Dose .43 grain at 2-15 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 79, &tam bhang.
Weight of cat 4 lb 11 oz. Dose 12 grain at 11-45 A.M. Effect practically nil.

Experiment No. 80, .4mballa charas, mashak, No. 2. Female cat, weight 5 lb 151 oz. Dose '46 grain at 2-30 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 81, Amritsar chart-is, bhara.
Female cat, weight 4 lb 111; oz. Dose 16 grain at 2-30 P.M. 4 P.M., very marked rocking of the body and swaying from side to side on standing ; walks very fairly well. 4-30 P.M., still much under the influence of the drug ; walk slightly affected.

Experiment No. 82, Delhi District charas, dust (2nd class).
Female cat, weight 2 1h 31 oz. Dose •17 grain at 2-35 P.M. 4 P.M., displays rocking and swaying of the body; on walking tends to fall upon its side.; 4-30 P.M., walks with difficulty.

Experiment No. 83, _Delhi District charas, dust.
Male cat, weight 5 Tb 10 oz. Dose .43 grain at 11-45 A.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 84, Bombay charas.
Female cat,iv. eight 5 / 151 oz. Dose .46 grain at 11-50 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 85, Gwalior charas.
Male cat, weight 5 lb. oz. Dose .39 grain at 11-55 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 86, Kumaon charas (wild).
Female cat, weight 3 lb 61 oz. Dose .26 grain at 12-15 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 87, .Kumaon charms (cultivated).
Female cat, weight 3 lb 11 oz. Dose •23 grain at 12-25 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 88, Nepal charas,
Female cat, weight 3 lb 10i oz. Dose .28 grain at 12-30 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 89, Nepal charas, B.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 81 oz. Dose .35 grain at 12-55 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 90, Nepal charas, Shahjahani.
Female cat, weight 4 lb 12i oz. Dose •37 grain at 1 P.M. Effect nil.

(e) Four experiments in which the dose was increased toio.,±ou of the body weight.

Experiment No. 91, Khan desh bhang.
Weight of cat 3 lb. 1 oz. Dose •26 grain at 1-15 P.M. 1-40 P.M., nil. 3 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground ; on being disturbed displays swaying of body from side to side on standing. 3-30 P.M., asleep with its head on the ground ; is, however, easily disturbed. 4 P.M., asleep ; when disturbed and induced to walk its gait is tottering and unsteady.

Experiment No. 92, Sholapur bhang.
Weight of cat 3 lb 41 oz. Dose •28 grain at 12-40 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 93, Satara bhang.
Weight of cat 6 lb 5f oz. Dose .55 grain at 1 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 94, Kumaon charas (cultivated).
Female cat, weight 3 lb 81 oz. Dose .31 grain at 12 noon. Effect nil.

(f) The following experiments were conducted with a dose equivalent to .0_!0_0_0 of the body weight.

Experiment No. 97, Bhagalpar bhang. Female cat, weight 6 lb. Dose .6 grain at 11-30 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 98, Bajshahi bhaiig.
Female cat, weight 4 lb 14 07. Dose .48 grain at 11-35 A.M. Effect tal.

Experiment No. 99, Assam bhang.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 51 oz. Dose .33 grain at 11-40 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 100, Satara bhang.
Weight of cat 3 /b 51 oz. Dose '33 grain at 11-35 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 101, Amballa chants, mashask, No. 2. Female cat, weight 3 lb 2 oz. Dose *31 grain at 12-5 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 102, _Delhi District charas, dust. Female eat, weight 3 lb 81 oz. Dose -35 grain at 12-10 P.M. Effect stir.

Experiment No. 95, Ghazipur illicit ganja.
Male cat, weight 5 lb 14 oz. Dose -5S grain at 11-10 A M. 2-30 p.m., animal distinctly affected, pupils somewhat dilated, rocking of body on sitting up; walks slowly and with apparent difficulty, but without staggering ; on standing body sways from side to side. 3 P.M., effect persists. 4 P.M., animal almost recovered.

Experiment No. 96, Sh °tapir bhang.
Weight of cat 6 Th 31 oz. Dose .62 grain at 11 A.M. 12-30 P.m., nil. 1-45 P.M., slight rocking movements. 2-30 P.m., slight rocking movements of body. Effect not sufficiently marked.

Experiment No. 103, Bombay charms.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 8 oz. Dose .45 grain at 12-15 p.m. Effect nil.

Experiment .No. 104, Gwalior charms.
Male cat, weight 5 1-5_2 oz. Dose .51 grain at 12-50 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment .No. 105, Kumaon charms (wild). Female cat, weight 3 lb 11 oz. Dose .37 grain at 1 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 106, Nepal eh eras, 4.
Male eat, weight 5 lb 31 oz. Dose .52 grain at 12-10 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 107, Nepal charas, B.
Female cat, weight 5 lb 151 oz. Dose -6 grain at 12-20 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 108, Nepal éharas, Shahjahani. Male cat, weight 5 lb 71 oz. Dose .54 grain at 12-45 P.M. Effect nil.

(g) Six experiments with a dose equivalent to 60,1. part of the body weight —

Experiment .No. 109, Sholapur
Weight of cat 3 lb 131 oz. Dose -44 grain at 11-15 A.M. 12-30 P.M., sleepy, and on being disturbed and made to stand, manifests swaying of the body from side to side. 1-45 P.M., asleep with its face resting on the ground; when disturbed walks well, but cannot maintain a steady equilibrium on standing; the weakness is more marked in the hind limbs, the fore limbs appearing to be steady; the body sways from side to side on the hind supports rather than on the fore. 2-30 P.M., still under influence of drug, but can walk well.

Experiment No. 110, Rajshahi 1h eng.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 91 oz. .Dose '4 grain at 1-15 p.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 111, Assam bhang.
Female cat, weight 2 lb 51 oz. Dose .27 grain at 1-20 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 112, Satara bhang.
Weight of cat 4 lb 31 oz. Dose .49 grain at 11-55 A.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 113, Amballa charas, mashak, No. 2. Female cat, weight 3 lb 01 oz. Dose •35 grain at 1-35 P.ir. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 114, Kumaon charas (cultivated). Female cat, weight 3 lb 10 oz. Dose .42 grain at 12-10 P.M. Effect nil.
(h) Thirteen experiments with a dose equivalent to5- -, –00 part of the body weight--

Experiment No. 115, Bhagalpur bhang.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 3f oz. Dose .45 grain at 12-55 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 116, Rajshahi bhang.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 91 oz. Dose .65 grain at 12-20 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 117, Assam bhang.
Male cat, weight 5 /b 2 oz. Dose •71 grain at 1-25 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 118, Satara bhang.
Weight of the cat, 4 lb 21 oz. Dose .58 grain at 11-50 A.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 119, Amballa charms., mashak, No. 2. Female cat, weight 6 lb 25 oz. Dose •56 grain at 1-30 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 120, Delhi District charas, dust. Female cat, weight 4 lb 10 oz. Dose •64 grain at 1-40 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 121, Bombay chants.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 71 oz. Dose .62 grain at 1-45 rit. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 122, Gwalior charas.
Male cat, weight 5 lb 14 oz. Dose .82 grain at 1-33 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 123, Kumaon chants (wild).
Female cat, weight 4 lb 135 oz. Dose .67 grain at 1-55 P.M. Effect nit.

Experiment No. 124, Kumaon charas (cultivated). Male cat, weight 3 lb 105 oz. Dose .51 grain at 12-15 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 125, Nepal eharas, g.
Male cat, weight 5 lb 7 oz. Dose •76 grain at 11-30 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 126, Nepal charm', B.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 8 oz. Dose .49 grain at 12 noon. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 127, Nepal charms, Shahjahani.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 85 oz. Dose .63 grain at 12-5 P.M. Effect nil.

(1) One experiment with a dose equivalent to a.50- part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 128, Mara ()hang.
Weight of the eat, 4 lb 115 oz. Dose •82 grain at 12-5 P.M. Effect very slight.

(i) One experiment with a dose equivalent to s.77,6 part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 129, Seam bhang.
Weight 3 lb 15 oz. Dose •72 grain at 12-15 P.M. 2 P.M., dull and torpid ; walks slowly and with apparent effort. Effect soon passed off and was not sufficient.

(k) Twelve experiments with a dose equivalent to 7,10_00 part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 130, Bhagalpur bhang.
Female cat, weight 5 lb 12 oz. Dose 2 grains at 12-10 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 131, .Raishahi bhang.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 71 oz. Dose 1.2 grains at 12-45 P.M. 1-20 P.m., asleep with nose on the ground ; when disturbed displays marked rocking and swaying of the body. 3 P.M., asleep and on being aroused shows evidence of effect of the drug in the swaying and rocking of the body ; it walks also with some little difficulty. 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 132, Assam bhang.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 10 oz. Dose 1-6 grains at 1 P. M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 133, Satara bhang.
Weight of cat 3 lb 125 oz. Dose 1.32 grains at 12-30 P.M. on standing up sways from side to side ; gait somewhat unsteady. steady gait ; tends to fall on turning round. 4 P.M., still under can walk steadily and well, but on standing, if undisturbed, rocks manner so often described.

Experiment No. 134, gmballa charas, mashak, No.2.
Female cat, weight 4 lb 8 oz. Dose F5 grains at 1-10 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment 1Vo. 135, Delhi district charas, dust.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 41 oz. Dose 1.1 grains at 1-30 P.M. Slight effect produced.

Experiment No. 136, Bombay charms.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 31 oz. Dose F13 grains at 1-40 P.M. 2-30 P.M., rocking and swaying of body. 3 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground ; on being disturbed displays rocking and swaying of the body from side to side with the characteristic gait. Soon went to sleep when allowed 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 137, Gwaliar eharas.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 71 oz. Dose 1•2 grains at 1-10 Pal. Effect nil..

Experiment No. 138, Kumaon charas (cultivated).
Female cat, weight 4 .1h 8 oz. Dose F57 grains at 1-40 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 139, Nepal charas, A.
Male cat, weight 5 lb 7 oz. Dose 1.9 grains at 11-55 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment .Aro. 140, Nepal charas, B.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 8 oz. Dose 1-22 grains at 12 noon. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 141, Nepal charas, Shahjahani.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 81 oz. Dose 1-58 grains at 1 P.M. Effect nil.
(l) Ten experiments with a dose equivalent to 1-1700 part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 142, Bhagalpur b hang.
Female cat, weight 5 Tb 12 oz. Dose 4 grains at 11-50 A.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 143, Assam bhang.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 10 oz. Dose 3-23 grains at 1-30 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 144, timballa charas, mashak, No. 2.
Male cat, weight 5 lb 5i oz. Dose 3.74 grains at 11-40 A.m. 1-10 P.M., rocking of body ; on walking characteristic gait. 2 P.M., is very considerably affected ; on walking tends to fall upon in side. 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 145, Delhi District charas, dust.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 8 oz. Dose 2.45 grains at 11-50 A.M. 2-30 P.M., asleep ; when disturbed displays rocking of the body and the characteristic gait. 4 P.n., still under the influence of the drug, remaining asleep unless disturbed.

Experiment No. 146, Gwalior charas.
Male cat, weight 41 8i oz. Dose 3.17 grains at 12-30 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 147, Kumaon charas (wild).
Female cat, weight 3 lb 5 oz. Dose 2.31 grains at 12-25 P.M. 1-35 P.m., animal is sleepy ; from time to time suffers from rocking of the body. 2 P.M., rocking of the body continues. 4 P.M., still slightly affected by the drug.

Experiment No. 148, Kumaon charas (cultivated).
Male cat, weight 4 Tb 9i oz. Dose 3.21 grains at 1-5 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 149, Nepal charas, A.
Female cat, weight 3 Tb 3 oz. Dose 2.33 grains at 1-10 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 150, Nepal charas, B.
Female cat, weight 4 lb 91 oz. Dose 3.21 grains at 1-35 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 151, Nepal charas, Shahjahani.
Female cat, weight 2 lb 15 oz. Dose 2-05 grains at 1-55 P.M. Very slight effect indeed produced.
(vi) Seven experiments with a dose equivalent to 4_00 part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 152, Bhagalpur bhang.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 2.1- oz. Dose 4.4 grains at 12-45 P.M. 2-40 P.M., rocking of body and some tendency to sleep; walks well. 4 r M., still displays effect of drug.

Experiment No. 153, Assam bhang.
Male eat, weight 3 lb 5 oz. Dose 4.63 grains at 1-30 P.M. 2-30 P.M., great difficulty in walking; staggering, unsteady gait ; marked rocking of body. 3 P.M., asleep with its nose on the ground. 4 P.M., torpid and very definitely under the influence of the drug ; characteristic gait.

Experiment No. 154, Gwalior chants.
Male cat, weight 4 1 21 oz. ; Dose 5.81 grains at 1-40 P.M. 2-15 P.m., rocking of body and staggering, unsteady gait. 3 P.M., very definite symptoms displayed. 4 P.M., still under the influence of the drug.

Experiment No. 155, Kumaon charas (cultivated).
Male eat, weight 4 lb 71 oz. Dose 6.25 grains at 2-15 P.M. 3 P.M., no apparent effect. 4 P.M., animal ip excited and constantly on the move ; no tendency to sleep; on running or walking it frequently falls on its side especially on turning round.

Experiment No. 156, Nepal charas, A.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 6 oz. Dose 4.72 grains at 2-20 p.m. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 157, Nepal charas, B.
Female cat, weight 4 lb 6i oz. Dose 6.16 grains at 2-40 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 158, Nepal charas, Shahjahani. Male cat, weight 5 lb 2i oz. Dose 7.21 grains at 12 noon. Effect nil.
(n) Three experiments with a dose equivalent to 2.1500 part of the body weight.

Experiment No. 159, Nepal charms, A.
Female cat, weight 3 lb 2 oz. Dose 815 grains at 12-45 P.11. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 160, Nepal charms, B.
Male cat, weight 3 lb 31 oz. Dose 8-96 grains at 1-35 P.M. Effect nil.

Experiment No. 161, Nepal charas, Shahjahani.
Male cat, weight 4 lb 4i oz. Dose 1016 grains at 1-30 P.M. Effect nil.

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

The method of testing samples of hemp drums by ascertaining their physiological value may be regarded as much ° more satisfactory in the case of ganja and bhang than in the case of charas. For it is submitted that ganja and bhang do not lend themselves so readily to successful adulteration as charas. Consequently, while the results of the physiological tests may be assumed to have a definite comparative value in the case of the various samples of ganja and bhang, no such reliable result can be claimed from the experiments with the samples of charas.

There are three samples of charas of which the physiological value has not been determined, i.e., the three samples of Nepal charas. For vhen a dose of more than ten grains administered to a cat weighing less than 41 lb produced no effects, it did not appear worth while to pursue the investigation further. Whether, however, these three samples are without physiological value due to successful adulteration, or to the absence of active principle in the ganja from which they were prepared, I am not in a position to say. To a varying degree the same remark applies to all those samples of charas in which the physiological value of the extract is much below that of the extract of the standard ganja. Alcohol is able to extract all the active principles present in any sample of hemp drugs. It will be seen on reference to table No. 1 that the quantity of the alcoholic extract varies greatly, and that it bears no relation to the physiological activity of the sample. As already stated this may be due in the case of charas to successful adulteration, but this is by no means to the same extent true in the case of gauja and bhang.

In order, therefore to obtain a true conception of the comparative value of any number of samples of ganja and llang, they should be grouped, not according to the quantity of the alcoholic extract, nor yet according to the dose required to produce minimal effects, but according to the quantity of their alcoholic extracts which may be regarded as physiologically active. This has been roughly calculated and the results are given in table No. III. The samples of bhang yield a smaller percentage quantity of alcoholic extract than the samples of ganja. Their alcoholic extract is, in the majority of instances, much less active physiologically than the extracts of the samples of ganja. A point of considerable importance appears to be the great difference in physiological activity presented by the different samples of bhang. The doses of the bhang extracts range from 1/5000 to 1/100000 part of the body weight, a very much wider range than is presented by the ganja extracts.

The bhaug obtained from cultivated plants is at least four times as active as that obtained from wild plants.

The Assam bhang from wild plants possesses equal activity with the sample of Bhagalpur bhang obtained from the Board of Revenue and utilised as a standard.

I would suggest that the other samples of bhang examined, i.e., Khandesh, Amballa, Sholapur, and Satara bhang were obtained either from cultivated plants or contained an accidental admixture of ganja. This would serve to account for their possessing greater physiological activity than the standard bhang.

In conclusion, I have nothing to add to the foregoing remarks except that the experiments recorded, together with the necessary observations, occupied the greater part of each day during two months, apart altogether from the preparation of the alcoholic extracts half of which were prepared by Baba Ram Chandra Datta, Ist Assistant to the Chemical Examiner to Government.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of Mr. Hooper's report giving the results of his chemical analysis.

I have, &,c.,

J. F. EVANS, N.B., Surgeon-Captain,

Chemical Examiner to Government of Bengal.