Natural and Synthetic Drugs with Morphine-like Effects Considered from a Pharmacognostic1 Point of View

Ph.D. Arnold Nordal Professor of Pharmacognosy. Director of the Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Oslo, Norway

In the present article reference is made to the all-important part which the study of drugs and natural substances has played in the development of synthetic substances, including synthetic drugs with morphine-like effects. Advantages and disadvantages in the use of natural and synthetic drugs are discussed from the point of view of therapeutics, economics, and production technique. The subsequent section refers to the predominant role of the poppy plant in the world's production of morphine and morphine derivatives. Then follows a critical examination of the various drugs.