12 



On May 16, 1994, Brown & Williamson released results of re- 

 search conducted more than 30 years ago. The first report known 

 as Project Hippo I, discussed the effects of nicotine in the body, in- 

 cluding its effect on the central nervous system. Let me quote from 

 the final report on Project Hippo II, which focused on the newly 

 evolving field of tranquilizers: "The aim of the whole research 

 'Hippo' was to understand some of the activities of nicotine, those 

 activities that could explain why cigarette smokers are so fond of 

 their habit." 



The document goes on: "It was also our purpose to compare these 

 effects with those of the new drugs called tranquilizers which 

 might supersede tobacco habits in the near future." 



These studies represent a serious commitment by a tobacco com- 

 pany to a scientific examination of nicotine's pharmacologic prop- 

 erties. The comparison of the drug-like effects of nicotine and tran- 

 quilizers was not exactly a well-kept secret. Even in the 1940's, Mr. 

 Chairman, you could pick up a magazine and see an advertisement 

 like this: "If upset by a 5 year old, why be irritated? Light an Old 

 Gold." 



Another report released with Hippo called "the Fate of Nicotine 

 in the Body" presents the results of studies on nicotine metabolism 

 in a group of smokers. The report states, 'The numerous effects of 

 nicotine in the body may, at first, be conveniently measured by var- 

 ious physiological and pharmacological experiments." Such re- 

 search is inconsistent with the industry's representation that it is 

 only interested in nicotine's flavor and taste. 



Mr. Chairman, we believe that the studies released by Brown & 

 Williamson are relevant to the determination of whether nicotine- 

 containing cigarettes are drugs for purposes of the Federal Food, 

 Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 



And thanks to this subcommittee's work, we now know that Phil- 

 ip Morris also studied the pharmacological and reinforcing effects 

 of nicotine. 



We are also aware of research utilizing electroencephalographic 

 measurements to monitor the biological effects of nicotine on brain 

 function at both R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris. 



Let me also quote some of the recently reported statements in 

 the media of officials from one company that reveal a recognition 

 of nicotine's drug-like effects: "Nicotine is not only a very fine drug, 

 but the techniques of administration by smoking has considerable 

 psychological advantages." Nicotine is a very remarkable beneficent 

 drug that both helps the body to resist external stress and also can, 

 as a result, show a pronounced tranquilizing effect." 



These statements were apparently made by Sir Charles Ellis, 

 who served as science advisor to the board of Brown & 

 Williamson's sister company, British-American Tobacco Company. 

 Dr. Ellis made another statement in 1962: "Smoking is a habit of 

 addiction." But perhaps the most striking statement attributed to 

 him is one from a meeting of company scientists in 1967: "Sir 

 Charles Ellis states that this company is in the nicotine rather 

 than the tobacco industry." 



These statements are echoed by those made in an internal com- 

 pany document of another senior scientist at a British tobacco com- 

 pany. "There is now no doubt that nicotine plays a large part in 



