Although Tobacco has been only comparatively recently introduced amongst
the inhabitants of the Old World, it is more extensively employed than
any other narcotic. It is the produce of various species of the genus
_Nicotiana_. The practice of smoking the leaves of these plants was
introduced from the New World. The species, which is a native of
America, and which supplies the greater proportion of the Tobacco smoked
in Europe, is the _Nicotiana Tabacum_. The leaves of these plants
contain an active and highly poisonous principle called _Nicotine_, which
is the agent that produces the narcotic effect experienced in smoking.
This narcotic effect resembles in some measure that of alcohol. Tobacco
has, however, a less stimulant effect than alcohol, and produces,
especially at first, a greater derangement of the general nervous system.
The chemical analysis of one pound of Tobacco is exhibited in Case 98.
Cases 93 to 97 contain a series of specimens of the leaves of species and
varieties of Tobacco cultivated in various parts of the world, with
samples also of the Cigars and Tobaccos manufactured from them.
Examples of varieties of Snuffs used in this and other countries will be
seen in Case 97. Snuffs are usually made from the stalks and ribs of
tobacco leaves. Tobacco is liable to be adulterated with the leaves of
other plants; these, however, can be detected under the microscope.
Specimens of Tobacco adulterated with other leaves are illustrated in the
diagram near the cases.
Opium is used extensively as a medicine, on account of its power of
alleviating pain and inducing sleep. It is a very powerful, and
consequently dangerous narcotic poison, and should never be taken except
under medical advice. In small doses it acts as a stimulant. On account
of this latter property and its subsequent soothing influence, it has
been indulged in by man, and is consumed largely in China and other parts
of the world as a dietetical luxury. When taken for this purpose it is
smoked, and is generally consumed with tobacco or some other leaf in a
pipe. Pipes used for this purpose in China are exhibited in the cases
containing Chinese food, with a collection of Chinese tobaccos, most of
which appear to contain Opium.
The practice of “opium eating,” as it is called, exerts a most
prejudicial effect upon the system; and although not rapidly destroying
life, the victim of this habit is after a time rendered perfectly
miserable if not able to procure this indulgence. As is the case with
alcohol and tobacco, the system becomes accustomed to the use of this
narcotic, and prodigious quantities have been consumed by those who have
addicted themselves to the practice of taking it for the sake of its
effect on the system.
A series of preparations from Opium, presented by the Society of
Apothecaries, Apothecaries Hall, and specimens of other narcotic agents
are exhibited in Case 92. The fruits of narcotic plants are sometimes
consumed in this country in mistake for other plants, producing fatal
effects. Examples of some of these poisonous plants are exhibited in the
Collection, as well as diagrams of others.
* * * * *
Before closing this necessarily brief Guide to the Food Collection, it
may be as well to notice some illustrations which may be deemed
exceptional to the Classification.
_Fungi_.—The group of Fungi contains a number of plants which are eaten
as food, whilst many of them act as virulent poisons. Those which are
edible contain varying quantities of starch, sugar, woody fibre, and
albumen, together with an acid called _fungic_ acid. A large number of
species are eaten on the continent of Europe, which are not used in this
country at all. Models of the common Mushroom, the Morel, and the
Truffle, are shown, as well as preserved specimens.
The visitor should notice the large Truffle from Australia called “Native
Bread.” It is in Case 34.
A series of coloured diagrams or drawings of British Fungi taken from
living specimens, both edible and poisonous, are also exhibited, having
been purchased from the artist, H. Worthington Smith, Esq., F.L.S.
_National Foods_.—Various food products of foreign nations are included
in the Collection, and for the sake of illustrating _National Food_ have
been kept separate. It is hoped that other collections of the same kind,
illustrating _national peculiarities of diet_ may be formed and presented
to the Museum.
In Cases 72 to 78 is an important collection of Chinese Food, which was
received in 1859. The collection was procured from two districts,
Shanghae and Foo-Chow-Foo, and contains many curious and interesting
edible substances and preparations, some of them new to this country.
Descriptive labels are attached to every specimen.
Japanese, Siamese, and East Indian food products are shown in Cases 81 to
86.
In Case 79 will be noticed a series of _edible birds’ nests_ from China,
Siam, Java, Borneo, and other countries. These nests are formed by
swallows, two specimen of which are shown in the case.