Algerian Tobacco (a) 8.813% 



French Grown Tobacco 8.711% 



Algerian Tobacco (b) 8.90 % 



The average of a number of samples of 

 Syrian tobacco showed 1 to 2% nicotine. 

 Manila and Havana 1 to 3%, Virginia and Ken- 

 tucky from 2 to 7%, and French tobaccos about 

 9%. 



Most of the nicotine in tobacco becomes 

 volatilized and decomposed during combustion; 

 a small part, however, may form a solution with 

 the water which is also one of the combustion 

 products. One of the decomposition products 

 of nicotine is 



Pyridine 



Pyridine is usually found in tobacco smoke. 

 When condensed it is a colorless non-oily liquid 

 and is considerably less toxic than nicotine. 



Reference will be made later on to the effects 

 of nicotine and pyridine on the human system. 



Potash 



Potash is important as on its amount depends 

 the burning qualities of the tobacco. It is 

 sometimes present in the ash to the extent of 

 30%, being converted into potassium carbonate 

 by burning. Not only for free burning is the 

 potash valuable, but also for the better volatili- 

 zation of the nicotine and other substances. 

 59 



