This book contains descriptions of the various alkaloids found in the poppy (papaver somniferrum) plant and how these can be abstracted. also has descriptions of semi-synthetic derivatives of the major alkaloids (morphine, codeine, thebaine) and the general process to produce them. There are some descriptions of the effects of these various alkaloids and therapeutic application, but as I recall the book for the most part describes the alkaloids present, extraction and synthesis.