Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. A few months ago I resolved to prepare a lecture on the Opium Question, and I found when I began to read and to compile for the undertaking that on some of my headings there was very little to be found, while under other headings the matter Was very considerable. After placing these Collections and fragments side by side, the thought occurred to me that in this form-they might possibly be of use to others beside myself The Opium Question I have dealt with under all its principal aspects, saying little on the historical phase, presuming as I do that that is tolerably well known to most persons. On such a subject originality is quite impossible. I have only attempted to bring together facts, hoping in this way greatly to increase their significance and encourage further inquiry. In the index is stated the author or source from which the extracts are taken, thus enabling the reader to judge for himself the value of any statement.