EFFECTS OF TOBACCO SMOKING ON 
THE HUMAN SYSTEM 
It is a matter of very great importance for 
the user of tobacco that he should have clear 
information regarding the beneficial and harm- 
ful effects of tobacco on the human mind and 
body. There are very few matters which have 
been the subject of such varied opinions; such 
exaggeration and misconception. Those who 
are opposed to the use of tobacco have not 
hesitated to ascribe to it every form of evil, 
physical, mental and moral. Insanity, epilepsy, 
cancer, malignant throat disease, blindness, 
heart disease and a host of other diseased con- 
ditions are traced to tobacco smoking by its 
enemies. On the other hand the users of to- 
bacco are scarcely less vehement in holding that 
no harmful effects follow, but ascribing all 
kinds of virtue as resulting from its use. It is 
not our object in this chapter to justify or 
recommend the use, or to advise the avoidance 
of tobacco; we think it is a matter that the in- 
dividual should decide for himself. Moreover, 
we think that no general rules governing all 
cases can be laid down, but that each individual 
must judge for himself whether the use of to- 
bacco is justified in his own particular case or 
not, taking into consideration all the circum- 
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