302 The Soverane Herbe 



way ; at different times it acts in both phases on the 

 same person. Its action is undoubtedly that of a 

 narcotic or sedative, quieting and soothing the mind 

 and nerves. In other persons it rouses the sluggish 

 mind to activity. Purely as a medicine smoking is 

 valuable for correcting nervousness and constipation. 

 Every doctor admits its beneficial action in mental 

 distress and anxiety. Its varied and different effects 

 on different individuals render dogma as to its use 

 impossible. It disarranges and upsets the nerves of 

 some people by the slightest use ; on others excess 

 produces the same effects, while others can smoke to 

 any extent without the slightest ill-effects ; hence 

 the use of tobacco is essentially to be governed by 

 that most uncommon of qualities, common-sense. 



The soothing, calming influence of tobacco upon 

 the nerves is admitted even by anti-smokers. It 

 helps digestion and stimulates the healthy action of 

 the intestines. An after-breakfast pipe is better than 

 a dose of salts. After any heavy meal nothing is 

 more productive of effective digestion than a quiet 

 mind, for producing which a good smoke is without 

 rival. Smoking also preserves the teeth from decay. 

 After thirty years of age tobacco prolongs life and 

 preserves the mind by lessening the bodily functions 

 of waste and repair. 



The effects of an overdose of tobacco are well 

 known — faintness, nausea, giddiness, relaxation of 

 muscles, loss of power in limbs, cold perspiration, 

 and vomiting. Sometimes there is purging, sinking, 

 or depression of the heart. The pupils of the eye 

 are usually dilated, the sight dim, and the pulse weak, 



