Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-12-06
Physical and Mental Effects of To-
iJ6ccO
by Dr.. F. B. Robinson.

by DR.. F. B. Robinson.I
In this age the physician suggests
prevention. The causes which may be
differentiated into effects producing
disease are gradually being eliminated.
1t is thus hoped that life may live its
whole period young-rid Of all physi-
cal and mental perturbations. Among
certain fashionable habits Of to-day,
said to be luxury, lie causes which
entail on men evil effects. We refer
to the use Of tobacco in its various
forms. These remarks originate from
the Indifference of physicians and
journals relative to such a doubtful
luzury-yea to their often tacit and
sanctioned consent to its use. The
fact that the habit is rapidly spreading
is shown by the reports OF the first
five nations Of earth wherein it appears
that tobacco costs more than bread.
The Internal Revenue casts figures
that tobacco in the u. S. costs a
million dollars more than her bread
Thoughts gathered from little
personal observation and perusaI Of its
literature suffice to show that the to-
bacco trade is rapidly increasing, but
the argument is not that it is wrong
because Of the great expenditure, but
because the expenditure is in the
wrong direction-against humanity.
1t certainly benumbs the progress Of
civilization, because it strikes surely
but insidiously at the very vitality of
the good animals which alone pos
sess the power Of progress. The
opinions of men relative to the effects
Of tobacco on the human economy are
not concurrent. All agree that the
effect on youth is evil, but when the
crucial line between youth and man
hood is crossed silence gives consent
to its usage with impunity-such an
argument is useless. With It's
analogue alcohol It's daily effects on
youth and manhood is too apparent.
It is false to say there is a need in
the human economy for (such) a
stimulant or sedative-as the lives and
health of thousands Of men and
women, who use none, prove it.
Having tested the physiological effect
of the alkaloid of tobocco, by several
large and small doses on myself, Z
can say with certainty that it produces
considerable physical and some men
tai effect. The symptoms were
generally similar and the intensity
was measured by the quantity taken.
They were accompanied by great
general depression, an indescribabIe
burning nausea, vomiting, intense
wretchedness and some giddiness.
The cutaneous vessels relaxed, causing
considerable diaph0resis. The pulse
was weak and r. pid, a very prominent
symptom was muscular relaxation and
trembling -cerebration was undisturb-
ed. Salvation was increased beyond
normal, with corresponding decrease
below normal, &c. The kidneys were
unduly stimulated.
Its action on the mucous mem
branes is the cause Of chronic catarrh
of all the passages leading from the
mouth. This is aggravated by vary
ing temperature and changing
atmosphere-coId climate being the
worst. These membran es become
stimulated to a more congested state
by the irritation OF every smoke.
The capilIaries irritated habitually
remain distended and ultimately as
sumo chronic passive congestion.
In short constant stimulation
becomes constant irritation.
Smokers are deceived in the relief
gained through the pipe, by reason of
temporary flow of saliva (and prob
ably stomachic secretions) caused by
the smoke acting on these various
glands and also stimulating the stag
nant circulation to a quickened action.
The distended capillaries are then
depleted and the mucous cleared off,
but only to revert to a worse stage
The chronic catarrh becomes more
persistent when the smoke IS exbaled
through the nose as then the whole