A LECTURE ON TOBACCO. 55 



Now if the qualities of tobacco were innocent, it might 

 be questioned how far the dishke of those who think it 

 disagreeable ought to be regarded. We must not forbid 

 the doctors to prescribe assafaetida because of its nauseous 

 smell ; gourmands would not hke to be deprived of their 

 high game and mouldy cheese ; nor would the lovers 

 of onions consent that their ill odor should condemn 

 them. It is not wise to be too squeamish. If a Httle 

 sickness or faintness was an insuperable evil, we should 

 never cross the sea or get seamen for our ships ; nor 

 would medical students pass the dissecting-room. But if 

 you have gone with me thus far, you will agree that those 

 who object to get accustomed to tobacco-fumes have the 

 right on their side ; since smoking is not such a beneficial 

 custom that those who dislike it are bound to become 

 parties to it. When a well-bred gentleman smokes, he 

 aims to do it where it will not cause annoyance (though 

 this will not be always as easy as he hopes), and is careful 

 not to sacrifice the health and comfort of others to his 

 own pleasure. No doubt there are gentlemen of high 

 breeding who are not thus particular. It is said that good 

 breeding considers what is due to others, — high breeding, 

 what is due to one's self. Each has its uses ; both should 

 be combined ; for high breeding, when it is not good, is 

 apt — like high game — to be offensive ; and the high- 

 bred nobleman, who is the slave of tobacco, is, in that 

 respect, not above the smoker who blacks his boots. 



Tvly opinion of the tobacco- tyranny is confirmed by a 

 leading article in "The Times " of Sept. 13, 1879 : — 



"There is a reason against pubhc smoking — perhaps, 

 in effect, against all smoking — which has scarcely received 

 sufficient recognition. It is the absolute indifference to 



