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Sample dish containing examples of dried coca leaves. Coca is the dried leaves of the erythroxylum coca or the erythroxylum truxillense (erythroxilaceae). Coca was formerly used for its stimulant action and for the relief of gastric, nausea and but it has no place in modern medicine (Martindale 34th ed 2005). The derivative is cocaine which has local anesthetic properties but is no longer used due to issues with abuse. Dish is sealed.

specimen dish; controlled drug; cocaine

1901-1940
Sample dish containing examples of dried hemp leaves. Hemp, otherwise known as indian hemp or cannabis, and is the tips of the pistillate plant of cannabis sativa (cannabinaceae) and was formerly employed as a sedative or narcotic. Cannabis has muscle relaxant and appetite stimulant effects and reduces intra-ocular pressure. Dish is sealed.

specimen dish; controlled drug; cannabis

1901-1940
Sample dish containing examples of mescal buttons a narcotic produced from the tips of the leaves of a spineless cacti, Echinocactus of the Mammalaria family. The drug is also said to have benefits in the following areas, cardiac, tonic, narcotic as an emetic. The value of the drug in practice is uncertain, but it is stated to be useful in neurasthenia, hysteria, and asthma, and has been recommended in gout, neuralgia and rheumatism (www.botanical.com). Dish is sealed.

Sample dish containing mescal

1901-1940
Small circular clear plastic dish with lid, sealed with cellotape. Containing hemp seeds.

specimen dish; controlled drug; cannabis

1870-1930
Glass sample dish with opium sample. Sealed, no provenance.

specimen dish; controlled drug; opium

1850-1940
Seeds used by Bushmen for making arrow poison, South African, collected 1892

Seeds used by Bushmen for making arrow poison