A GLIMPSE OF SOCIAL LIFE IN JAPAN 127 



called tabako, with which all classes of Japanese regale 

 themselves. It is said to be a cure for all diseases ; but, 

 notwithstanding this, some people have got sick through 

 drinking the smoke. Now, since no medical work contains 

 directions for the treatment of such patients, no medicine for 

 their relief could be offered them.' 



The distinguished writer, Kaibard, protested loudly against 

 the barbarian novelty ; he compares it with tea and with sake 

 a beer made from rice and roundly condemns tobacco 

 smoking, saying, that far from yielding benefit to anyone it 

 injures the consumer in many ways. It is not worth while, 

 he considers, to chide the common people for smoking, but 

 he expresses surprise and indignation that gentlemen and 

 superior persons should take pleasure in a custom imported 

 from over the seas and taught them by strangers. On the 

 other hand, a learned treatise called ' Ensauki,' translated by 

 Sir Ernest Satow, enumerates some of the excellences dis- 

 covered in the weed. These are : 



(1) It dispels the vapours and increases the energies. 



(2) It is good to produce at the beginning of a feast. 



(3) It is a companion in solitude. 



(4) It affords an excuse for resting now and then from 

 work, as if in order to take breath. 



(5) It is a storehouse of reflection, and gives time for 

 the fumes of wrath to disperse. 



But on the other hand are objections to its use such as 

 the following : 



(1) There is a natural tendency to hit people over the 

 head with one's pipe in a fit of anger. 



(2) The pipe comes sometimes to be used for arranging 

 the burning charcoal in the hibacki. 



(3) An inveterate smoker has been known to walk 



