Early 20th c.
100 Compressed Tablets No. 524 Lead and Opium Wash Opium Extract ‘ Gr. Lead Acetate 5 Grs. To prepare ‘Lead and Opium Wash’ dissolve one tablet in a fluid ounce of warm water. The amount of warm water may be increased if desired. A slight residue will always be noticable, which is due to the use of insoluble diluents in making these tablets. Poison Parke Davis & Co. Detroit, Mich
‘While in my sophomore year in college I read DeQuincey’s Confessions of an English Opium Eater and also his later utterence, Suspira de Profundus. The first essay kindled within me a desire to experience for myself the grand dreams to which the drug gave birth in him. The latter did not warn me-I had not the remotest intention of becoming an opium eater, nor could a special divine revelation have then made me believe that my sighs would ever ascend from the midnight depths. I procured one or two grains of crude opium, and took it ‘just for fun,’ as I should have then said.
‘The effects were delightful indeed! I had plucked the fruit of a forbidden tree, but it was very sweet to the taste, and seemed to open my eyes. I did not know that with the first taste, there was thrown lightly around me a coil of the serpent whose folds were at last to envelop me with rings of terrible strength. From time to time I repeated the experiment, but at considerable intervals. It seemed to me that I had found a new source of mental inspiration, and that I need no longer be dependent on whatever fickle god or goddess it may be who presides over the mind and directs its varying conditions.
‘Simply by swallowing a small lump of opium-or a minute powder of morphia, which I soon came to use generally, instead of gum-I was (or rather I believed that I was) lifted up into high regions of intellectuality and had vivid imaginings. I therefore gradually came to use morphine when pressed by literary work. In time, I had frequently to address public meetings extemporaneously and I found that a small dose of the drug took away the nervous embarrassment, and enabled me to face an audience without physical or mental tremor. I did not percieve, till afterward, that the influence which prevented preliminary trepidation, also prevented that natural, healthy and fruitful excitement which enables a speaker to ‘think on his legs,’ take advantage of the varying moods of his listeners, and to throw into his speech all the weight of his individuality and character. A speaker whose oratory is inspired by morphine may indulge in what are called ‘flights of eloquence’ and thus astonish ‘the ears of groundlings’-but, if not ‘Full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing,’ it will be more ornamental than useful; it will exhibit more display than power and effect.’
From Leslie Keeley, The Morphine Eater; or From Bondage to Freedom, 1881
8 responses to Lead and Opium Wash
Hi – I was wondering if any of this solution is available as it’s been the one and only thing that instantly relives archilles tendon pain, applied externally.
I have emigrated to the UK and not been able to find any. Can you advise if this is available commercially, and if so, where can I purchase it from.
Many thanks
Alyson Todd
Hi Alyson,
My name is Alan. I have used the solution a number of times in South Africa over the last 40 years to reduce swelling associated with a sprained ankle. I know it’s still availale in SA, but would have no idea if it’s obtainable in Australia. Today after about 10 years I’ve done it again, but my concern now is whether it’s safe to use or not. I can’t find anything relevant on the net and don’t think I’ll use it again until I know for certain.
Regards,
Alan.
Hello
Great book. I just want to say what a fantastic thing you are doing! Good luck!
G’night
I was in practice for 42 years as a Dr.and Osteopath and know from years of experience how effective the use of Lotio Plumbi et Opio (Lead and Opium lotion) for reducing the acute inflammation of Rheumatoid Arthritic symptoms of the joints. I prescribed this for many years.
Applied after soaking a cloth with the undiluted liquid and wrapped around the joints – commonly wrist or wrist/thumb joints for a few hours. The beneficial effect was often dramatic.
I too would like to obtain the lotion for my wife`s recent onset of R/A but like most people, find it no longer produced in the UK. The `nanny society` of this country assumes people will drink the fluid inspite of medical advice not to.
If anyone knows where to obtain Lead and Opium lotion, please let me know.
Does anyone know if one is still able to buy lead and opium wash in SA?
Lead and Opium wash
Hi there,
I live if SA and was told that this solution was discontinued about a year ago. Some of the smaller pharmacies might still carry stock but there is no hope of getting any more from suppliers.
If anyone knows of a substitute product, please let me know.
You don’t have to use opium or any other drug to reduce the swelling in a sprained ankle. You can reduce swelling quickly in less than 3 hours using ice and movement.
Once the swelling is down then you need to properly rehab the ankle so you won’t sprain it again.
Combine multiple exercises by using a wobble board so you shorten the rehab time from weeks to days.
i too am looking for relief from ankle pain.
lead and opium soltion.
is this available in south africa
what is a wobble board
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