THE USE AND ABUSE OF TOBACCO 87 



inception of the idea of its possessing curative properties it 

 passed through two distinct phases in the medical world. 

 First it was received as a heaven-sent boon to suffering 

 humanity, and was applied with a lavish hand for the cure 

 of every malady. Then followed bitter experiences of pain 

 and even death inflicted in cases where it had been fondly 

 hoped relief would be obtained. We see medical practice 

 struggling in a dim uncertain light towards fuller knowledge, 

 yet baffled at every step. Reluctantly the doctor is driven 

 to forsake his new love, and again we see him turning to 

 the plants of his native soil for the realisation of the great 

 dream of his life, — a panacea, which to him meant all that 

 the philosopher's stone could signify to the alchemist ; and 

 once more we hear of Solar Elixirs, and of occult 

 medicaments prepared from herbs gathered in the glimpses 

 of the moon ; for it was argued that the ruling heavenly 

 bodies from whose energy divine had sprung all life, must 

 assuredly have provided remedies for the evils with which 

 life is burdened. The reaction which followed upon the 

 disappointment was so strong that tobacco became the 

 shibboleth of the profession, whose leading spirits denounced 

 as charlatans all who ventured to remain faithful to the 

 creed of the tobacconist. This second stage reached its 

 culmination half a century ago, when Mr. Lizars, and Mr. 

 Solly, of St Thomas's Hospital, inaugurated a crusade 

 against tobacco, holding forth on the physical and mental 

 misery, leading to insanity, which must inevitably follow 

 its use in any form. One instance among many may 

 suffice to indicate Mr. Solly's method of terrifying smokers- 

 He speaks of a young clergyman of his acquaintance who 

 could only write his sermons under the stimulus of a pipe ; 

 he admits that his discourses were eloquent, even brilliant, 

 and profitable to listen to. Then Mr. Solly, pointing an 



