108 TOBACCO. 



find that not only has be been fascinated and de- 

 ceived, but that he has literally sold himself into a 

 physical and mental bondage, from which escape 

 is almost impossible." 



CHECKING WASTE OF TISSUE. 



As to anything more in favor of tobacco, justice 

 requires me to admit that I have learned of still 

 one other benefit. It is that w by checking mole- 

 cular waste of tissue, that is. by retarding organic 

 metamorphosis, the adult is able to maintain his 

 physical integrity."' This very effect, however, is 

 admitted to be ?f detrimental to the adolescent, since 

 it retards that progressive cell-change upon which 

 the advanced development of the body depends." 



I am not wise enough to apprehend the rtole 

 force of this argument, though I should have sup- 

 posed that anything which retards nature's pro- 

 cesses would, except in abnormal cases, prove in 

 the end a loss rather than a gain. We learn from 

 physiologists that rapid waste and repair of tissues 

 are a natural result of action, and the best condition 

 of health : while suspension is unnatural and in vio- 

 lation of hygienic laws. It is this fact that renders 

 exercise and open air life so desirable ; that sends 

 invalids and worn-out people in such throngs to 

 the seaside, the mountains and the woods. Except 

 in cases of famine, therefore, any obstruction to the 

 removal of effete matter would seem an injury 

 rather than a benefit. 



The claim of gain on the score of economy, from 



