India / China: The 'Examining Hall' in a Patna opium factory with hundreds of opium balls prepared for use in the China trade. Lithograph, W. S. Sherwell, c. 1850

In the 'Examining Hall' of the opium factory, 'the consistency of the crude opium as brought from the country in earthen pans is simply tested, either by the touch, or by thrusting a scoop into the mass. A sample from each pot (the pots being numbered and labelled) is further examined for consistency and purity in the chemical test room'.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History

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OPIUM