256 THE NERVOUS SYSTEM 



and smoking tobacco, and snuff, which are extensively used 

 throughout the civilized world 



72. Tobacco as a Poison. Tobacco is a poison to the young, 

 and is far more hurtful to the adult than is generally supposed, 

 It may be stated, as a rule, that there are few persons who use 

 it habitually that do not suffer injury from it. The injury is 

 mainly caused by what is known as " nicotine," one of the nar- 

 cotic poisons, and particularly prominent in tobacco. Some of 

 the effects of its limited use are nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and 

 weakness ; and its prolonged use, by those who are sensitive 

 to it, often results in convulsions and other like symptoms, 

 together with an irritability^ and weakened condition of the 

 heart, known to physicians as the "tobacco-heart." 



73. Effects on the Young. Of the pernicious influence of 

 the use of tobacco upon the young, the testimony of the Naval 

 and Military Academies of the country is very decided. It 

 has at times been allowed in both institutions, but at present 

 it is forbidden, on the ground that its use is attended with 

 serious damage to health. It is stated that its prohibition 

 at the Naval Academy in 1881 was received with unanimous 

 approval by the officers in charge, and with "great joy by 

 many of the cadets." Tremor of the muscles, caused by smok- 

 ing, was very noticeable in the drawings that form so impor- 

 tant a part of the cadets' work. A teacher of drawing of 

 fourteen years' experience has said that he can always tell 

 from the character of the lines in the drawings, whether or 

 not the pupils use tobacco. Its avoidance has resulted in the 

 reduced number of minor ailments that swelled the sick-list in 

 years when its use was unrestricted. Athletes and other per- 

 sons who engage in running matches and the like, are com- 

 monly not allowed to use either alcohol or tobacco while they 

 are " in training " ; their use interferes with the fullest devel- 

 opment of muscular strength. (Read Note 19.) 



19. " The end of all science is to secure long life and good health to 

 the individual arid the race, and it ought to be a part of the rational 

 creed of every good man and woman to abjure the use of tobacco, and 

 keep others from falling into the vice." Dr. C. E. Drysdale. 



" Tobacco is certainly not a food for man, nor has it much value as a 



72. Tobacco as a poison ? 73. The effects of tobacco on the young f 



