FOOD AND WATER, STIMULANTS, ETC. 91 



and he ends his work before his time. The business-man 

 who has gone beyond his natural powers, with the aid of 

 tobacco, finally breaks down entirely. 



9, It is evident that the effects of tobacco on the young 

 are especially evil. Boys who use it are dwarfing their 

 minds and bodies. They are so changing the system 

 from its natural healthy condition, that it is preparing 

 for disease, and acquiring tendencies that lead to dissi- 

 pation and worthlessness. They have no possible excuse 

 for its use. 



10, Whatever satisfaction it may give, is purchased at 

 the expense of slavery to it, often of personal neatness, and 

 at the constant risk of offending companions unused to it. 

 In some occupations it is a serious hinderance to success. 



OPIUM. 



11, "Opium" said the great physician Boerhaave, " is the 

 finger of God" Whoever has seen or felt the cessation of 

 pain that seemed unendurable, under its power, can re- 

 spond to his sentiment. Rightly used, it is a boon: per- 

 verted to purposes of sensual gratification, it is the cause 

 of untold misery. 



12, Opium not only relieves pain, but, in small doses, 

 gently stimulates the brain and nerves, making the taker 

 able to endure and accomplish more than he otherwise 

 could. In larger doses, it induces a dreamy state, in 

 which he is released from the annoyances of life, and 

 wanders freely on the wings of imagination. In poison- 

 ous doses, a stupor comes on, in which the breathing 

 becomes slow, sometimes not more than two or three 

 breaths being taken in a minute. The pulse is also slow 

 and full. When this point is reached, the slumber is likely 



