364 THE HUMAN BODY. 



the Eustachian tubes (p. 330) and impair the hearing. 

 Cigarettes are especially apt to cause these symptoms. 

 Cure is impossible unless smoking be given up, Those 

 who draw the smoke into their lungs often suffer from 

 chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes inconsequence. 

 The General Action of Tobacco. The more common 

 effects of absorption of tobacco products are to interfere with 

 development of the red blood-corpuscles, leading to pallor 

 and feebleness; to impair the appetite and weaken digestion; 

 to affect the eyes, rendering the retina less sensitive; to 

 cause palpitation of the heart and enfeeblement of that 

 organ; to induce a lassitude and indisposition to exer- 

 tion that, in view of the heavy odds man has to contend 

 with in the life-struggle, may prove the handicap that 

 causes his failure. If success in life be an aim worth striv- 

 ing for, it is surely unwise to shackle one's self with a habit 

 which cannot promote and may seriously jeopardize it. 



Describe the general action of tobacco on the body. 



