186 REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. [CH. X.
accessory, or as a stimulant in hard work, does not seem to be prone to
excess. Apparently also the tendency is much less towards that occasional
excess which in the case of alcohol so frequently becomes habitual. The
working man, for example, does not seem to have the same temptation to a
debauch with ganja as with alcohol.
Hereditary tendency.
481. Another question of some interest that has arisen in connection with
the hemp drug habit, whether moderate or excessive,
is the question whether it is hereditary. No evid-
ence of the smallest value is forthcoming to show that it is. There are, no
doubt, witnesses who state this as their belief; but the basis of that belief is
merely the undoubted fact that in many cases the sons of ganja smokers also
themselves smoke ganja. This fact is sufficiently explained in the first instance
by the universal tendency of sons to imitate their fathers. It has also to be
borne in mind that it is an acknowledged fact that the neurotic diathesis which
is hereditary frequently exhibits itself in a tendency to indulge in stimulants.
The weakness which may have led the father to indulgence in ganja may be
inherited by the son, and produce in him the same tendency to use this drug;
but there is no such evidence as would justify the opinion that the indulgence is
itself hereditary.
Physiological action of the drugs.
482. In proceeding to deal more directly with the effects induced by the
moderate use of the drugs, the Commission con-
sider it desirable to preface the general analysis
of information obtained from ordinary witnesses by a résumé of the known
physiological action of the drugs as determined by competent observers. The
earliest experiments of which we possess any record were instituted on ani-
mals by Sir William B. O'Shaughnessy. Ten grains of Nepalese charas were given
to a middling sized dog; in half an hour the dog was stupid and sleepy, dozing at
intervals, starting up, wagging his tail as if extremely contented, and ate food greed-
ily. On being called to, he staggered to and fro, and his face assumed a look of
utter and helpless drunkenness. These symptoms lasted two hours and then gra-
dually passed away, and in six hours the dog was perfectly well and lively. In another
experiment twenty grains of alcoholic extract of ganja were given to a very small
dog. In fifteen minutes he was intoxicated: in half an hour he had great difficulty
of movement: in an hour he had lost all power over the hinder extremities, which
were rather stiff, but flexible: sensibility did not seem to be impaired, and the
circulation was natural. He readily acknowledged calls by an attempt to rise up.
In four hours he was quite well. O'Shaughnessy conducted experiments on
carnivorous as well as graminivorous animals, and found that the former invariably
and speedily exhibited the intoxicating influence of the drug, while the latter
experienced but trivial effects from any dose administered. As a result of several
experiments on pupils at the Medical College, Calcutta, O'Shaughnessy ob-
serves: "The result of several trials was that in as small doses as 1/4 of a grain the
pulse was increased in fulness and frequency; the surface of the body glowed; the
appetite became extraordinary; vivid ideas crowded the brain; unusual loquacity
occurred; and, with scarcely any exception, great aphrodisia was experienced."
Lauder Brunton states: "Its chief effect is on the brain, and is of a twofold
nature; it excites a form of delirium and hallucinations, usually followed by deep
sleep. Small doses give rise to delirium with hallucinations generally of a gay
character causing much merriment, accompanied by a great inclination to mus-