182 NICOTIANA TABACUM. 
it is probably inferior to many other ss oad 
for both these purposes. mit dads 
As, to its effeets upon longevity, the great 
frequeney of its use and the facts and observations 
of Sir John Sinclair render it. improbable that 
when moderately taken, it has any influence in 
Wearing out the constitution, or abridging the usu- 
al period of life. . But like all other narcotics its 
excessive use or abuse must impair the health 
and engender disease. Of the different modes of 
using ‘Tobacco, I imagine that smoking is the 
most injurious, and the most capable of abuse, 
since in. this process the active principles of the 
Tobaceo are yolatilized with the smoke, and are 
extensively applied to the: wes as well as the 
inouth and nose and fauces. 
As a medicine, this plant: has: ‘been cenit 
iain variety of ways for the alleviation and cure 
of diseases. Externally it has been applied with 
benefit in tinea’ capitis and in complaints occa- 
sioned by the presence of insects, In the form 
of a cataplasm applied to the pit'of the stomach 
it occasions severe vomiting, |The prostration of 
strength and other distressin g symptom 8 which 
attend this application, must prevent its general 
employment. Still-it may be remembered as an 
auxiliary in cases where other emetics have failed 
