Algerian Tobacco (a) ............ 8.813% 
French Grown Tobacco ........... 8.711% 
Algerian Tobacco (b) ............ 8.90 % 
The average of a number of samples of 
Syrian tobacco showed 1 to 2% nicotine. 
Manila and Havana 1 to 3%, Virginia and Ken- 
tucky from 2 to '7%, and French tobaccos about 
9%. 
Most of the nicotine in tobacco becomes 
volatilized and decomposed during combustion ; 
a small part, however, may form a solution with 
the water which is also one of the combustion 
products. One of the decomposition products 
of nicotine is 
Pyridine 
Pyridine is usually found in tobacco smoke. 
When condensed it is a colorless non-oily liquid 
and is considerably less toxic than nicotine. 
Reference will be made later on to the effects 
of nicotine and pyridine on the human system. 
Potash 
Potash is important as on its amount depends 
the burning qualities of the tobacco. It is 
sometimes present in the ash to the extent of 
30%, being converted into potassium carbonate 
by burning. Not only for free burning is the 
potash valuable, but also for the better volatili- 
zation of the nicotine and other substances. 
59 
