Opium and the opium-appetite: with notices of alcoholic beverages, cannabis indica, tobacco and coca, and tea and coffee, in their hygeienic aspects and pathologic relations

Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1871. FIRST EDITION. Publisher’s cloth, author and title in gilt on spine; fly-leaf torn on the top right corner. Ownership signature and stamp. First edition. The author explores the history, effects, and consequences of opium use and addiction, as well as the use of other (evil) substances such as alcoholic beverages, weed, tobacco, coca, tea, and coffee. The hygienic aspects and pathologic relations of these substances are treated, exploring their impact on physical and mental health. Many of the substances are compared and contrasted, such as opium and alcohol, opium and tobacco, and tobacco and cocaine. The book provides a detailed analysis of the opium trade and its effects on society, including the rise of opium addiction and the social, economic, and political implications. The author also provides recommendations for the treatment of opium addiction and the prevention of substance abuse. Of particular interest is Calkins’ suggestions for legislation against the collective stimuli of these substances.

Calkins described addiction as “a power subtle in its contrivings, stealthy in its approaches, dangerous as it is insidious, mischievous as it is plausible and seductive.” This statement, made not only in the book but by his declarations in various lectures he gave, basically initiated the country’s ongoing “war on drugs” which of course still continues to this day

Calkins (1804-1878) was a medical doctor who took great interest in the relationship between poverty, family environment, substance abuse and crime, often commenting in various publications on the topic of addiction as a result of heredity or environmental causes.

Cordasco 70-0545.