TOBACCO AND TABLE BEVERAGES 509 



Herein lies the chief biologic argument against the use of to- 

 bacco. Tobacco contains a harmful alkaloid, nicotine, and also 

 produces when burned, carbon monoxid, which is a poisonous gas. 

 In addition if the smoke is inhaled, a substance called acreolin, 

 together with the smoke particles, increases the irritating effect. 



If used by boys who have not attained the full physical ma- 

 turity of twenty years or more, these substances produce numerous 

 and serious results which should at least postpone the use of to- 

 bacco till later life. 



Tobacco is narcotic in effect; narcotics tend to decrease bodily 

 efficiency and hinder growth. The physical effects, while not to 

 be compared with the ravages of alcohol, are nevertheless im- 

 portant and should be noted. 



Irritation to Mucous Membranes. Smoking certainly irritates 

 throat and lungs, especially if the user " inhales." This opens 

 the way for germ attack in addition to the harm done to the tis- 

 sues by smoke and acreolin. The eyes are also irritated especially 

 when one smokes and reads at the same time. 



Effect on Endurance. Any narcotic interferes with nerve con- 

 trol, especially of heart and lungs. That this is the case with 

 tobacco, has been abundantly proven by experiment. For this 

 reason, no trainer permits smoking by members of his team, 

 knowing well that endurance and " wind " cannot be developed 

 when tobacco is used. The United States forbids its use at West 

 Point and Annapolis because of its harmful effects, both physical 

 and mental. Figures obtained from six leading colleges show that 

 of those who " made the team " just twice as many were non- 

 smokers. 



Effect on Growth. In some cases the use of tobacco seriously 

 affects digestive processes and in its early use the stomach usu- 

 ally revolts at its presence. The effect of excessive smoking may 

 even extend to the vital activities of protoplasm and actually 

 " stunt the growth " of various organs. This is common where 

 it is used when very young. 



Effect on Mental Development. Many investigations at dif- 

 ferent schools and colleges have thoroughly proven that the use 



