TOBACCO AND ITS EFFECTS. 85 



effects are only transient, that no organic lesions are ever 

 to be obsen-ed which can be certainly traced to its use. 

 In answer to all of which Dr. T. F. Rumbold says : '' It 

 is seen that the system must be in a more or less vigorous 

 condition to allow of the use of tobacco, plainly proving 

 that it is a depressor of the nervous system ; it as plainly 

 follows that it is while the depression process is going on, 

 that the pleasurable feehng is experienced." It does not 

 soothe the nerves, until by its primary effects it has first 

 irritated them ; it would of course be absurd to say that it 

 soothes un-irritated nerves. It cannot clear and sharpen 

 the exhausted intellect until it has first beclouded and 

 dulled the intellect. It cannot fill an indefinable va- 

 cancy, until it has caused this vacancy. It cannot induce 

 a calm and satisfied condition of the mind, except it has 

 first induced a restless and unsatisfied condition, nor can 

 it induce repose until it has caused sleeplessness. Will 

 the lad who has just smoked his first pipe or cigar say 

 that it has soothed his ner\-es, cleared and sharpened his 

 intellect, satisfied and calmed his mind, or induced repose ? 

 Even though his nerves were irritated, his intellect dull 

 and exhausted, his mind restless, and his eyes sleepless, 

 has his cigar given him the least rehef ? What evidence 

 have we, beyond the assertions of the users of tobacco 

 whose nen-es are already perv^erted, that the exhilaration 

 of which they tell us causes any greater enjoyment of life 

 than would have been experienced had tobacco never 

 been known? Is the consumer of a narcotic, who is fully 

 under its influence, in a fit condition to judge whether or 

 not he enjoys Kfe better in consequence of his indulgence? 

 If his sensibilities are perverted, is not his judgment also 

 perverted with respect to those sensibilities ? 



