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animals themselves, and that the plant molecule was active because
it was similar in molecular structure.

This led to a search for such a substance, and it was eventually
located, purified, and the amino acid sequence identified. The
substance was considered to be endogenous, that is, produced by the
organism itself, and to have properties similar to morphine. Thus, it
was named endorphin. Since then, scientists have been working to
define the functions of the endorphin molecules.

Even though the several compounds that have been found to be a part
of the family of endorphins are quite small, only a approximately
thirty amino acids in length, there has been a growing realization that
they play a very important part in enabling our species to successfully
inhabit this planet. If a species is to survive, there are certain
functions that it must continue to perform, such as eating and
procreation. If these functions result in a positive experience, it will
benefit not only the individual organism, but also the species as a
whole.

On the other hand, survival also entails avoiding those phenomena that
are likely to impair the ability to successfully remain on the planet
eating and procreating. Pain, or more accurately, the anticipation of
pain, is a very powerful signal which will cause the organism to avoid
being damaged or destroyed. From the discussions above, it is clear
that the opiate receptors, and the endorphins are critical components of
the neurologic systems that deal with pain and pleasure, so critical to
our survival.

Beyond the more mundane pleasures of eating, are the responses to
certain experiences and events that can better described as evoking a
thrill; a rapturous sense of well being, accompanied by physical
sensations such as gooseflesh, or a sudden chill. These can be evoked
by a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the first cries of a new-born offspring,
the sound of certain music, standing in the Sistine Chapel and seeing
Michaelangelo's frescoes. These "epiphanies" are the jewels in the
crown of our existence, and at the center of them is the neurobiologic
network that includes the opiate receptors and the endorphins.