What is laudanum made from?

Laudanum is traditionally made as a tincture of opium, which contains a blend of opium alkaloids, including morphine. Specifically, the tincture of morphine referenced in the correct answer highlights how laudanum is distilled from opium, where morphine is one of the primary active components. This preparation allows for the medicinal properties of opium, namely its analgesic and sedative effects, to be harnessed for therapeutic use.

While laudanum does contain alcohol as a solvent, its fundamental composition revolves around the alkaloids derived from opium, with morphine being a significant contributor. Therefore, defining laudanum as a tincture of morphine accurately captures its origin and primary ingredients, aligning with historical usage and pharmacology. Other choices may reference different compositions or formulations but do not encapsulate the specific nature of laudanum itself as effectively.