THE GENERAL PROBLEM OF KEEPING WELL 415 



by the law permitting the sale of so-called "denatured " 1 alcohol with- 

 out the tax for revenue. This law has proved beneficial to some extent, 

 though the practical solution of the problem is still remote. 



Nicotine and Social Custom. The influences which 

 brought about a general use of tobacco are similar to, 

 though not identical with, those that engrafted alcohol 

 upon society. The drug nicotine is a habit-forming sub- 

 stance and the plant producing it is easily cultivated. 2 Its 

 immediate effect upon the user is generally agreeable, 

 acting as a stimulant to some, but having a soothing effect 

 upon the nerves of others. Moreover, a strong deterring 

 factor in its use is lacking, since its harmful effects are not 

 readily discernible and by many are avoided through 

 moderation in its use. 



As with alcohol, tobaQco is conveniently used to promote 

 sociability among men, a fact which has much to do with 

 its very general use. If it could be limited to social pur- 

 poses, it would likely do little harm, but the habit, once 

 started, is continued without reference to sociability a 

 matter of selfish indulgence. In fact, one effect of tobacco 

 is to cause the user to become less sensitive to the rights 

 of others, this being evidenced by smokers who do not 

 hesitate to make rooms and public halls almost unbearable 

 to those unaccustomed to tobacco. 



Counts against Nicotine. The physiological objections 

 to the use of tobacco, as already stated (pages 56, 92, 326, 

 333, 336), are the following: 



i. The use of tobacco before one reaches maturity 



1 Alcohol is "denatured" by adding substances to it such as wood alcohol, 

 which render its use as a beverage impossible. 



2 The tobacco plant, Nicotiana tobacum, is a native of America, and the use of 

 tobacco began with the American Indians. It was taken back to Europe by the 

 early explorers, Sir Walter Raleigh being credited with introducing it to the nobility 

 of England. 



