THE USE AND ABUSE OF TOBACCO 87 



inception of the idea of its possessing curative properties it 



passed through two distinct phases in the medical world. 



First it was received as a heaven-sent boon to suffering 



humanity, and was applied with a lavish hand for the cure 



of every malady. Then followed bitter experiences of pain 



and even death inflicted in cases where it had been fondly 



hoped relief would be obtained. We see medical practice 



struggling in a dim uncertain light towards fuller knowledge, 



yet baffled at every step. Reluctantly the doctor is driven 



to forsake his new love, and again we see him turning to 



the plants of his native soil for the realisation of the great 



dream of his life, a panacea, which to him meant all that 



the philosopher's stone could signify to the alchemist ; and 



once more we hear of Solar Elixirs, and of occult 



medicaments prepared from herbs gathered in the glimpses 



of the moon ; for it was argued that the ruling heavenly 



bodies from whose energy divine had sprung all life, must 



assuredly have provided remedies for the evils with which 



life is burdened. The reaction which followed upon the 



disappointment was so strong that tobacco became the 



shibboleth of the profession, whose leading spirits denounced 



as charlatans all who ventured to remain faithful to the 



creed of the tobacconist. This second stage reached its 



culmination half a century ago, when Mr. Lizars, and Mr. 



Solly, of St Thomas's Hospital, inaugurated a crusade 



against tobacco, holding forth on the physical and mental 



misery, leading to insanity, which must inevitably follow 



its use in any form. One instance among many may 



suffice to indicate Mr. Solly's method of terrifying smokers. 



He speaks of a young clergyman of his acquaintance who 



could only write his sermons under the stimulus of a pipe ; 



he admits that his discourses were eloquent, even brilliant, 



and profitable to listen to. Then Mr. Solly, pointing an 



