MANUFACTURE. 73 



an exit from the den of three of these ruffians 

 who would take advantage of a smoker's pro- 

 pensity. 



The adulterations of snuff are unfortunately 

 well attested. Dr. Hassall examined forty-three 

 samples, involving all the most celebrated and 

 popular compositions, from Prince's-mixture to 

 Grimstone's eye-snuff. He detected oxide of 

 iron, red and yellow ochre, umber, chromate of 

 lead, red lead, bichromate of potash, silica, and 

 what appeared to him powdered glass. The 

 silica, no doubt, existed in the tobacco originally ; 

 but the other powerful chemical agents must 

 have been added — if not " with felonious intent," 

 at all events for some trade purpose, and cer- 

 tainly with the possibility of poisoning the con- 

 sumer. In the ' Tricks of Trade,' from which I 

 give the above, will be found a deplorable case 

 of such poisoning, recorded by Professor Erich- 

 son. It appears also that " Mr. Fosbroke, a 

 surgeon, was very nearly falling a victim to this 

 shameful and poisonous adulteration. Paralysis 

 had coinmenced, but the lead in the snuff was 

 fortunately detected in time." Dr. Letheby has 



