The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1852-06-05

This luxury was introduced into Europe from
the New WorId, in 1859, by Spanish gentle
man, named Hernandez de Toledo who brought
small quantity into Spain and Portugal. From
thu nc by the agency ofthe French ambassador
at Lisbon, it found its way to Paris, where il
was used in the form ola powder by Catherine
de Medicis, the abandoned nstiyator OF the
massacre OF the Professionals on St. Bartholomew's
| night. This woman, therefore, may be consil-
cred the inventor of snuff as well as the contri-
yer ol that most atrocious transaction. 1t was
received with general enthusiasm in the Papal
States, and hardly less iavorably in England,
where il was introduced, by Sir Walter Raleigh
IN 1885. 1t was not without opposition, how
ever, that it gained a footing either in this coun-
Try, or in the rest OF Europe. 1t was opposed
by the Priests, physicians, and sovereign princes;
by The former it was declared sinful, and in 1924
Urban VIII published bull accommodating
all persons found guilty OF taking snuff in church.
This bull was renewed in 1890 by Pope limo
cent; and about twcniy-nine years afterwards.
the Sultan Amurah " made smoking capital
fence, on the ground Ct its producing infer
tilIty. For a long time smoking was forbidden
in Russia under the pain Of having the nose cut
off. The public regulations of the Canton
Bcrp", in 1861, placed the prohibition of smok-
ing in the list oithe ten commandments. And
that British Solomon, James |, did not think il
beneath the royal dignity to take up his pen on
the subject. He accordin ;ly in 1853, published
his famous 'Counter blaste to Tobacco in
which the following passage occurs;--"It is
cnstorn loahsomc to tie eye, hateful to the nose,
harmful to the brain, dangerous TO the lungs,
and, in the black sinking fume thereof, nearest
resembling tie horrid Stygian smoke of the pit
that is botlomlcss.' And, moreover, his maj
esty declares that, ''were he to invite the devil
TO dinner, he should have three Dishes first,
pigs second, poll ofling and mustard; and, third,
a pipe of tobacco for digestion.''
Tobacco may now be considered the most
universal luxury in existence. The effects of
tobacco are considerably different from other
nebriating agents. Instead Of quickenlng it
lowers the pulse, and when used to excess pro-
duces languor, depression OF the system, giddi-
|
is so Intensely powerful, that two or three drops
inserted into raw wound, would prove almost
instantly fatal.
| Mr.. Burrow, in his travels, speaks ofthe use
made by the Holtenlols, of this plant for the pur-
pose Of destroying snakes. GA Hottcntol" says
he ''applied some oft from the. short end of his
wooden tobacco pipe to the mouth of snake
while darling out his tongue. The effect was
as instantaneous as an electric shock; with
, convulsve motion that was momentary, the
snake half UNFINISHED itself, and never stirred
more; and the muscles were so contracted, that
the whole animal felt hard and rigid, as if dried
in the SUM-"
DR.. Macnish, from whose "Anatomy OF Drunk
! enness' these remarks are condensed, speaks
thus of the effects Of tobacco! When used in
moderation, tobacco has a soothing effect upon
the mind, disposing TO placid enjoyment, and
mellowing every passion into repose. It's effects
are therefore, inebriating, and those who habit
ually indulge in it may with proprety be denom-
mated drunkards.
An air ofpccuiar satisfaction beams on the
countenance of the smoker; as he puffs forth
volumes Of fragrance, he seems to dwell in an
atmosphere of conlentcd happiness. His illu-
sions have not the elevated and magnificent
character Of those brought on by opium or wine.
He does not let his imagination run riot in the
clouds, but restraints it to the lower sphere of
earth; and medtates delightfully."- in this les
elevated region If his fancy be unusually bril-
liant, or somewhat heated by previous drinking,
he may see thousands of strange forms floating
in the tobacco smoke. He may people it accord
ing " his temperament, with agreeable or re-