128-5 
Nicotinic Acid.—C, H, N, CO.OH, was first discovered by Huber, who sub- 
sequently recognized it as carbopyridenic acid. Weidel afterward separated this 
principle from nicotia by the use of nitric acid, and deemed his product identical 
with that of Huber; he gave it the formula C,,H,N,O,.* Laiblin, however, 
(1879)+ after successive tests favors the formula of Huber. This acid forms 
colorless, sublimable crystals, possessing a strongly acid taste. 
Oil of Nicotiana Tabacum.—The fixed oil of the seeds, according to Witt- 
stein, is golden-yellow, mild and inodorous, having a density of 0.917. A corre- 
sponding or identical oil, C,, H,, O,, is found (Zeise) in Oleum Tabact. 
Tabacose.—The presence of this tobacco sugar has been determined by Prof. 
Attfield= in amounts varying in different samples, from about 5-10 per cent. 
The precise nature of this saccharose body is not yet known. 
Besides the above the plant contains gum, mucilage, tannin, and from 15 to 
30 per cent. of inorganic matters, salts of potassium, calcium and magnesium, as 
sulphates, phosphates, malates, nitrates and probably citrates, these latter differing 
in quantity according to the nature of the soil in which the individual grows, and 
showing it to be a very exhaustive crop. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The important question of whether the use of 
tobacco in moderation is harmful or not, has been decided in the negative by 
many of the highest authorities. It would seem that he who can use it at all, 
and who notes no symptoms from its moderate exhibition, is not particularly in- 
jured. In this as with all other drugs, it must be remembered, that what is 
moderation in one individual is often excess in another, and that, therefore, the 
dose, whether taken as a remedy or otherwise, must in all cases be suited to the 
particular individual under consideration. Concerning the many essays that are 
written upon this subject, the fact that all of them show to a careful reader 
whether the writer is a user or not, renders them very unsatisfactory and more or 
less faulty through partisanship. : 
Chronic effects.—It is almost an impossibility to gain a systematic knowledge 
of the chronic effects of tobacco poisoning, though the sources of information — 
upon this subject would seem at first to be excellent. “The effects produced upon 
smokers are almost useless in the study of the drug itself, and itis only in that 
class of chewers who swallow the juice, that positive data could be looked for; still 
here, as well, we are at a loss to determine facts, for in manufacturing the narcotic 
processes are used which alter the product greatly ; nevertheless some few symp- 
toms seem to be more or less common to all who have been for protracted 
periods subjected to the drug. Mental anxiety and irritability, with at times con- 
fusion of ideas; dilation of the pupils; ringing in the ears; increased secretion of 
saliva; uncertainty of speech; dryness of the throat; at times weakness of the 
stomach and nausea ; increased secretion of urine; dry cough especially at night ; 
precordial oppression with palpitation of the heart and at times an irregular : 
pulse; trembling of the extremities when held long in one position; genergl 
* Laiblin, Four. Chem. Soc., October, 1879, quoted from Liebig’s Annalen. 2 : - f Ibid. - Z 
ie harm. Four, Trans., Jan. 12, quoted in Am. Four. Phar., 1884, p- 147- ? : cee 
