Secret Passions, Secret Remedies: Narcotic Drugs in British Society, 1820-1930

An engaging account of the economic, social, and political history of the British experience with addictive drugs. The major orientation is to opium, with two chapters on its alkaloid, morphine, occasional references to cocaine, and a mention of heroin. There is an enlightening discussion of reasons for the initial acceptance and then rejection of such drugs by Victorian Britain. Opium was a cheap and readily available antidote for the harsh life of the time and more effective than the traditional massive dosing by physicians. Its addictive nature gradually became apparent, and nonaddictive pain relievers such as aspirin became available.