356 A PLEA FOR TOBACCO. 



heavy and hurtful particles, and where, while people breathe 

 that atmosphere from above, they feel themselves not less 

 affected from below by the cold, moist, swampy soil the 

 smoking and the chewing of tobacco are the wholesome 

 prophylactics of which we can make use. To the Indians 

 and the Negroes, tobacco is almost the only solace in this 

 transient life. They learn, by means of it, to support nature, 

 and to encounter valiantly, by its help, all the tribulations 

 incidental to the human lot. If they are depressed, they 

 smoke or chew tobacco, and gladden themselves therewith. 

 If they are exhausted, and the sun and their hard and inhu- 

 man masters appear to conspire to destroy them, a little 

 tobacco restores their strength, makes them forget their 

 slavish life, and go vigorously to work again. 



In the Thirty Years' War in Germany, the smoking and 

 chewing of tobacco proved the salvation of many thousands 

 of men, who by its aid guarded themselves against the deadly 

 effects of deficient food and of bad meats and drinks. Noth- 

 ing is so good, nothing so serviceable to human life, as the 

 smoking of tobacco which may well be called a kingly plant, 

 seeing that the monarchs of the earth are not ashamed to use 

 it. While tobacco cultivates sociality, and is of great avail 

 in severe hunger and thirst, it strengthens the body and 

 checks fluxions, and colds, and slimy humors. Nature has 

 willed it that men should make use of plants like tobacco, 

 which, by their heat and sharpness, draw the humors out- 

 ward, and cause a slight salivation. Witness, as confirmation 

 of what has been said, cloves and pepper, which hold sway 

 nearly over the earth ; betel, which to the Hindoos is the 

 remedy for every disease; the onions and leeks of the 

 Egyptians, who while building the pyramids and obelisks, 

 spent their money eagerly on those dainties ; and tobacco, 

 which is adopted by the four quarters of the world. 



The justly celebrated British physician, Cheyne, has 

 remarked that both chewing and smoking of tobacco are 

 exceedingly serviceable for those who suffer from rheumatic 

 and catarrhal affections, have a sluggish digestion, or live a 

 luxurious life. As tobacco has numerous slanderers, so there 

 are many who know not how to turn tobacco to a good 

 purpose. Excess and abuse may be found in the smoking and 

 chewing of tobacco as in other things. Instead of using 

 tobacco in moderation, there are persons who make themselves 

 its slaves, and render themselves incapable of the immense 

 benefit of the enlivening and stimulating effect they would 



