" In India opium (as well as cannabis indica) has long
been a not uncommon aphrodisiac; it is specially used to diminish
local sensibility, delaying the orgasm and thus prolonging the
sexual act. (W.D. Sutherland, "De Impotentia," _Indian Medical
Gazette_, January, 1900). Its more direct and stimulating
influence on the sexual emotions seems indicated by the statement
that prostitutes are found standing outside the opium-smoking
dens of Bombay, but not outside the neighboring liquor shops.
(G.C. Lucas, _Lancet_, February 2, 1884.) Like alcohol, opium
seems to have a marked aphrodisiacal effect on women. The case is
recorded of a mentally deranged girl, with no nymphomania though
she masturbated, who on taking small doses of opium at once
showed signs of nymphomania, following men about, etc. (_American
Journal Obstetrics_, May, 1901, p. 74.) It may well be believed
that opium acts beneficially in men when the ejaculatory centers
are weak but irritable; but its actions are too widespread over
the organism to make it in any degree a valuable aphrodisiac.
Various other drugs have more or less reputation as aphrodisiacs;
thus bromide of gold, a nervous and glandular stimulant, is said
to have as one of its effects a heightening of sexual feeling.
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