136 TOBACCO; ITS HISTORY. 



that it might preserve them from that disease, 

 and even cure those who might be already af- 

 fected. What are we to admit between such 

 opposite assertions and facts? asts Dr. Levy, 

 author of the ' Traite d'Hygiene Publique et 

 Privee,' " Consulting Physician " of the Emperor, 

 Inspector of the Board of Health of the Army, 

 &c., in the present year 1857. This author then 

 enumerates the various steps of the manufacture, 

 calling attention to the point when — 



" a considerable quantity of gas is given off, "uhicli has 

 never yet been analj^sed, but which is supposed to be, from 

 its smell, that of ammonia, acetic acid, and probably 

 nicotin. These gases impregnate the air with an acrid 

 odour, and render it difficult to breathe at a certain stage 



of the fermentation At the end of six months the 



heat of the masses becomes stationary : then they proceed 

 to break down the masses, when a thick and fuming vapour 

 comes forth. This operation can only be performed by 

 robust and acclimatised workmen." 



Other operations ensue, attended with great 

 rise of temperature ; the tobacco must be changed 

 from one place to another to prevent carbonisa- 

 tion ; — 



" These transfers are the most painful and dangerous 

 labour of the workmen : they must remove a burning 

 powder, smelling of ammonia, and fill the sacks with it, 



