1. _Patna Garden Opium_; and 2. _Malwa Opium._—The former, prepared exclusively for medicinal purposes, occurs in square packages of from two to four pounds weight, covered with layers of talc, and further defended by a case of brown wax about half an inch in thickness. It is solid, brittle in the cold season, of a brown colour, and fine smell; it yields a large proportion (7 to 8, or even 10 per cent.) of Morphia. Of Malwa Opium there are many varieties; of these the two principal are, first, that in flat circular cakes, of about a pound and a half in weight, without any exterior covering; dull opaque, blackish brown, externally; internally somewhat darker and soft; odour resembling that of Smyrna Opium, but less powerful, and combined with a slight smoky smell; taste, intensely and permanently bitter: it yields only from 3 to 5 per cent. of Morphia. The other, a superior kind of Malwa Opium, occurs in balls or cakes of smaller size, about ten ounces in weight, covered with a coarse dust composed of broken poppy petals; colour internally, dark brown; texture, homogeneous; odour and taste similar to the other variety; it yields from 7 to 8 per cent. of Morphia. The other varieties of Indian Opium, the Himalayan or "Hill Opium," the Kandeish, the Kutch, &c., are less applicable than the preceding for medicinal purposes, on account of their varying strength. (_Pharm. of India._) 282. There are some points connected with the use of Opium which should always be kept in mind: _a._ Some persons are very intolerant to the action of Opium; in these even the smallest dose produces great nervous excitement, violent headache, and vomiting. When this peculiarity is known to exist, the drug should be avoided. _b._ Infants and young children bear Opium badly; cases are on record in which _three drops of Laudanum have proved fatal to infants_. Still, there are diseases of childhood in which it proves valuable, but in these it _should not be given except under professional advice or superintendence_. _c._ It should be avoided as far as possible during pregnancy. Recent experience seems to show that its frequent or habitual use exercises a prejudicial effect on the fœtus. _d._ The previous habits of the patient materially influence the effects of this medicine. A confirmed Opium-taker requires a far larger dose to produce a given effect, than one not habituated to it. _e._ When the use of Opium is clearly indicated, and the patient from any cause is unable to swallow, it may be given in an enema; in this case a larger dose, a third or even a half larger, is required than when given by mouth. _f._ Whenever in doubt as to the advisability of giving Opium, _take the safer course and—avoid it_! For treatment of poisoning by Opium, see Index.