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At a meeting of the Medical Society of the County of Oneida, on the 5th of March, 1830, a communication
was received, signed by a number of highly respectable gentlemen from this and other counties of this state,
on the subject of a dissertation delivered before this society, at their late semi-annual meeting, by Dr.
McAllister, "on the properties and effects of tobacco." The communication was referred to a committee.
The committee reported, "That although dissertations so delivered became the properly of the society, yet
believing as we do, that the subject is one of great importance, and the dissertation highly meritorious, and as
we have not funds to defray the expense of publication, we will cheerfully relinquish our claim thereto in
favor of our correspondents, and cordially unite with them in the desire which they have expressed to us, 'that
the dissertation be published in a pamphlet form,' for their gratification and the benefit of the public."
Resolved, That the above report be accepted, and that a copy of the proceedings be delivered to the gentlemen
who presented the communication.
C. B. COVENTRY, Sec'y pro. tem.
PREFACE.
In consenting to the publication of the following pages, the author yielded to the request of gentlemen whose
opinions he did not feel at liberty to disregard; he therefore hopes to avoid the imputation of vanity, with
which he might have been charged, had he obtruded himself on the attention of the public, unsolicited. That
the habitual use of tobacco is a wide spread, and spreading evil, will be acknowledged by all. This has been
felt for years by the most enlightened members of the Faculty. That it causes many diseases, particularly
visceral obstructions, and renders many others exceedingly difficult to cure, is demonstrated in the daily
experience of every practitioner. The conviction that this habit was constantly extending by the advice and
example of physicians, first induced the author to undertake the discussion of this subject before the
respectable Society to which he has the honor to belong. Whether the attempt has been successful, the public
will judge. That it is imperfect, will not be denied; but it is believed to have claims as a candid statement of
facts.
To literary distinction the author makes no pretentions; he therefore craves the indulgence of the learned, as
they can best appreciate the labor of writing well. He has chosen a free, popular style, believing that the best
calculated to do good; and to render it still more familiar, at the suggestion of some friends, the technical
terms have been mostly expunged. Aware that affectation consists no less in studiously avoiding, than in
unnecessarily using technical language, the author submitted to this, in the hope of being better understood by
persons out of the Profession. His medical brethren will, therefore, know how to excuse him, for attempting to
make this essay more plain, though it should be at the expense of technical accuracy.
Should the prevalence of the practice, be a fair index to public sentiment, the author is aware that he wars
against a fearful odds. But many who use this noxious weed, without hesitation acknowledge its deleterious
effects, and urge in extenuation the inveteracy of habit.
One consideration had considerable influence to induce the author to consent to the publication of this
paper the hope that it might aid in putting away the evil of intemperance, by pointing out one grand source of
that desolating scourge. When public attention shall be fully awakened to this subject, innumerable instances
will be found, where drunkenness has followed as the legitimate consequence of using tobacco.
Should that hope be fulfilled should it be found that the labor of the author has exerted any salutary
influence, in restraining young men from falling into those habits which are inevitably followed by much
physical suffering, if not by absolute ruin, such a result would be to him an ample compensation.
UTICA, MAY, 1830.
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 5
DISSERTATION.
MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN:
The confidence of an enlightened community has assigned to you, as guardians of the dearest interests of
society, an elevated and highly responsible rank among those who labor to promote the great cause of human
happiness. Your influence in the medical councils of this great and flourishing State, gives a lasting effect to
your deliberations, and stamps a value on those productions which you are pleased to approve. While the
opinions of other men are often exhibited and forgotten with the occasion which gave them birth, those of the
physician continue not unfrequently to affect at least the physical welfare of the world, after his "dust has
returned to the earth as it was, and his spirit has gone to God who gave it." In view of this momentous truth,
an humble attempt will now be made, in discharge of the duty assigned me, to examine the cause of some of
the "ills which flesh is heir to."
I regard this principle as an axiom, that whatever conduces to augment the sum of human happiness, must be
an object of solicitude to the conscientious and intelligent physician. He will be anxious that his fellow
citizens should be sober, peaceable, and virtuous; that they should be industrious, frugal, and prosperous.
Whatever will produce such results should receive the decided approbation of every benevolent member of
the Faculty. It follows, of course, that whatever has an opposite tendency should meet his frown. Pursuing this
principle, you have condemned the use of ardent spirits, unless sickness demands their application as a
medicine.
The physical evils resulting from intemperance were eloquently exhibited in the address, presented by your
committee, during the last year. That address, with its accompanying resolutions, now exerts a beneficial
influence through a widely extended community. We are cheered by the kind wishes and prayers of the
friends of good order, in our efforts to destroy that vice which has not only "walked" through our country "in
darkness," but "wasted at noon-day." But while we exult in the triumph of correct principles on this subject,
do not other vicious indulgences demand our attention? Should we slumber over the mischiefs resulting from
such indulgences, while the public look to us as pioneers who should trace out the pathway to health and
happiness, and demand from us both precepts and examples of sobriety and virtue? Unfortunately, in all our
attempts to abolish practices prejudicial to the best interests of man, we are compelled, in the outset, to
encounter our own inveterate habits habits which rise up in mutiny against reformation, and with clamorous
note forbid us to proceed. Are we so fortunate as to be free from their influence ourselves, we look around and
see our friends bound in chains, from which we should rejoice to deliver them; but we fear, perhaps, to make
an experiment which may rouse their passions, rather than convince their understandings.
Who can count the multitudes yearly consigned to the tomb, by the indulgence of a fastidious and unnatural
appetite? Headaches, flatulencies, cholics, dyspepsias, palsies, apoplexies, and death, pursue the Epicurean
train, as ravens follow the march of an armed host, to prey on those who fall in the "battle of the warrior, with
their garments rolled in blood." The truth of this statement will not be questioned. Yet where is the physician,
possessing sufficient moral courage to raise his voice against the system of modern cookery? Should it be
thought, that, as medical men have given no more encouragement to that system than any other class in
society, they are not bound to use any extraordinary exertions to produce a change; still a wide field is left
open to benevolent action in reference to those things, the influence of which is injurious to mankind.
Gentlemen there is a baneful habit, diffused, like the atmosphere, through all classes, and affecting all the
ramifications of society. And this habit owes much of its prevalence to the advice and example of respectable
physicians. We indulge the hope, from the great increase of medical knowledge, that the time will soon arrive,
when persons disposed to vicious indulgence will be unable to entrench themselves behind our professional
advice. I am aware that I tread on dangerous ground, in attempting to investigate the propriety of a practice
which has been introduced and approved by a large portion of the members of this respectable Society. You
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 6
may start at the suggestion, and regard it as unworthy of your notice. Let me hope, however, that you will
suspend your opinions, while I endeavor to present the natural history, chemical composition, and medical
properties of one of our most deadly narcotics the Tabaci Folia, Nicotiana Tabacum, i. e. tobacco. If in the
prosecution of this inquiry, we shall be able to discover the great and injurious effects which the use of this
poisonous plant produces on the constitution, I shall be excused, if I urge this subject on your consideration
with more than ordinary importunity.
I. NATURAL HISTORY.
"This plant was unknown in Europe until after the discovery of America by the Spaniards, and was first
carried to England by Sir Francis Drake, A. D. 1560. The natives of this continent call it petun; those of the
islands, yoli. The Spaniards, who gave it the name of tobacco, took that name from Tabaco, a province in
Yucatan, where they first found it, and first learned its use. Some contend that it derives its name from
Tobago, one of the Caribbee Islands, discovered by Columbus, in 1498."[A] It received the name tobacco
from Hernandez de Toledo, who first sent it to Spain and Portugal.
The botanic description of this plant may be found in most works on the science of botany: and therefore I
shall not detain you with it at this time. The plant, while growing exhibits a very beautiful appearance, but is
so extremely nauseous, that in all the variety of insects, only one is found to feed upon it. This is a worm "sui
generis," the mode of its propagation being entirely unknown; and from its being the only living creature
(man excepted) that will devour this plant,[B] it is called "tobacco worm."
[Footnote A: See Rees' Cyclopedia.]
[Footnote B: Dictionary of Arts and Sciences.]
II. SENSIBLE QUALITIES.
It is of a yellowish green color; it has a strong, narcotic, and foetid odor, with a bitter and extremely acrid
taste.
III. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION.
"Mucilage, albumen, or gluten, extractive, a bitter principle, an essential oil, nitrate of potass, which occasions
its deflagration, muriate of potass, and a peculiar proximate principle, upon which the virtues of the plant are
supposed to depend, and which has therefore been named Nicotin. This peculiar principle is considered by
some, as approaching the essential oil in its properties. It is colorless, has an acrid taste, and the peculiar smell
of tobacco; and occasions violent sneezing. With alcohol and water it forms a colorless solution, from which it
is precipitated by a tincture of galls. Tobacco yields its active matter to water and proof spirit, but most
perfectly to the latter; long boiling weakens its powers. A most powerful oil may be obtained by distillation,
and separating it from the surface of the water on which it floats."
IV. MEDICAL PROPERTIES.
These are considered to be those of a powerful narcotic, antispasmodic, emetic, cathartic, sudorific, and
diuretic.
"As a narcotic, it is endued with the most energetic, poisonous properties, producing, when administered even
in small doses, severe nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, universal tremors, with extreme muscular debility."
From its exerting a peculiar action on the nervous system, as ascertained by the well directed experiments of
Mr. Brodie, it powerfully controls the action of the heart and arteries, producing invariably a weak, tremulous
pulse, with all the apparent symptoms of approaching death. And so different is its operation from that of
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 7
other narcotics, that it actually operates with more destructive efficacy, when used by way of injection, than
when applied either to the skin, or when taken into the stomach.
From what has been said of its narcotic powers, you, Gentlemen, will readily infer its virtue as an article of
medicine. If we wish, at any time, to prostrate the powers of life in the most sudden and awful manner, we
have but to administer a dose of tobacco, and our object is accomplished. Hence its use in obstinate
constipation, in cholic, in the iliac passion, and in stranguary.
As it is conceded that its efficacy as an antispasmodic depends upon its power to prostrate every vestige of
tone and elasticity in the muscular fibre, prudence would dictate that it should be used with the utmost
circumspection, when the system had been previously exhausted by the disease, or by the antecedent method
of cure. Melancholy instances are on record, of the fatal effects of this medicine when administered without
this caution, both as an internal remedy, and as an external application in cutaneous diseases. Two instances
will suffice.
"A medical practitioner," says Paris, "after repeated trials to reduce a strangulated hernia, injected an infusion
of tobacco, and shortly after sent the patient in a carriage to the Westminster Hospital, for the purpose of
undergoing the operation; but the unfortunate man arrived only a few minutes before he expired."
"I knew a woman," says the same learned author, "who applied to the heads of three of her children, afflicted
with scald-head, an ointment composed of snuff and butter; but what was the poor woman's surprise, to find
them immediately seized with vertigo, violent vomiting, fainting, and convulsions."
We next come to its effects as an emetic. "As such," says Professor Chapman, "tobacco claims our attention.
Cullen and many others opposed its use, on account of the harshness of its operation. Certainly it exceeds all
others in the promptness, violence, and permanence of its impressions. But these very qualities, unpleasant as
they are, enhance its value in many cases."
"Tobacco seems especially to be adapted to the evacuation of some poisons; and it has this advantage, that it
acts with equal certainty and expedition, when applied to the region of the stomach in the form of a poultice,
as when internally administered." Professor Barton says, he had recourse to an application of the moistened
leaves of this plant to the region of the stomach, with complete success, to expel an inordinate quantity of
laudanum, in a case where the most active emetics, in the largest doses, were resorted to in vain. But most
poisons, particularly the corrosive, are attended with so much exhaustion, that it would seem perilous to
administer tobacco, lest by its own depressing effects, the powers of vitality might be irrecoverably
extinguished. In many instances, however, it appears that it may be administered in small doses with safety
and advantage.
We are informed by a respectable writer, that while at the Cape of Good Hope, he had a number of Hottentots,
with intermittent fever, under his care. Having few medicines, he resorted to tobacco, and found six grains of
snuff as effectual in exciting vomiting, as two of Tartar emetic.
By many it is preferred in minute doses, as a nauseating medicine. Thus administered, it has succeeded in
subduing some of the most violent symptoms of the most furious cases of mania; and where it cannot be given
by the mouth, from the obstinacy of the patient, it may with equal benefit be applied in the form of a poultice.
As a cathartic, tobacco is entitled to notice. "Some physicians have been in the habit of prescribing this
powerful substance not only for the more dangerous cases of incarcerated hernia, but in all cases of obstinate
constipation, from whatever cause produced. To relieve these painful diseases, it has been usually given in the
form of a clyster, regulating the dose to the age, circumstances, and strength of the patient; and it is affirmed
to have proved, in many instances, very effectual, and to possess the confidence of practitioners."
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 8
I was informed by a learned and ingenious friend, that, having an obstinate case of ascaris lumbricoides in his
own family, after repeated unsuccessful efforts to dislodge the worms, he at last had recourse to this potent
remedy, a poultice of which he applied to the region of the stomach. The worms were almost instantaneously
expelled, but with very alarming symptoms, and a complete prostration of the patient. From these
circumstances, we should be led to conclude, that its efficacy as a vermifuge defends either upon its narcotic
properties, or upon its sudden and powerful effect as a cathartic.
Its effects as a sternutatory, i. e. as exciting to sneeze, are known to all. If applied to the nostrils, in the form
of a powder or snuff, it produces violent and repeated sneezing, with a slight degree of vertigo. The violent
agitation produced in this way, together with a copious discharge from the nostrils, often relieves catarrh,
headache, and incipient opthalmia or inflammation of the eyes. But habit soon blunts the sensibility of the
organs, and much positive injury follows the habitual use of snuff. It has been a popular remedy in many
places for the cure of scald-head, psora, and most other cutaneous eruptions. It has also been applied for
cleansing ulcers, and for the removal of indolent tumors. But the dreadful effects produced by it when
absorbed into the system, have induced most medical men to abandon it altogether, and prescribe a more safe
application.
Though it is said, by Dr. Brailsford, to be a sudorific of considerable efficacy, I am in possession of no facts
which go to support such a conclusion, unless indeed it be the fact, that it in an eminent degree brings on that
cold perspiration of which we have spoken, and which is, in many instances, the immediate precursor of
death.
But of all others, its diuretic properties have been the most lauded. Dr. Fowler was the first to bring them
extensively into notice. In dropsy, dysury, gravel, and nephritis calculosa or inflammation of the kidneys, the
infusion and tincture were given by him with astonishing success. In spasmodic asthma, the same
distinguished physician found it to afford relief.
Mr. Earle, a surgeon of some eminence, has more recently treated several inveterate cases of retention of urine
on the same plan and with similar effects, and adds his testimony to its efficacy in tetanus, trismus, and other
spasmodic affections. Of its power to relieve spasm there can be no doubt. What has been related of its
sedative qualities, is abundantly sufficient to establish that fact. Cramps, convulsions, and even the vital
principle itself, give way before the exhibition of this deadly narcotic. Hence, to its power of prostrating the
muscular energy, it owes its efficacy in preventing retention of urine.
We have now gone through with an examination of the medicinal properties of tobacco, and have arrived at
the following conclusion, viz. that few substances are capable of exerting effects so sudden and destructive, as
this poisonous plant. Prick the skin of mouse with a needle, the point of which has been dipped in its essential
oil, and immediately it swells and dies. Introduce a piece of common "twist," as large as a kidney bean, into
the mouth of a robust man, unaccustomed to this weed, and soon he is affected with fainting, vertigo, nausea,
vomiting, and loss of vision. At length the surface becomes deadly pale, the cold sweat gathers thick upon his
brow, the pulse flutters or ceases to beat, a universal tremor comes on, with slight spasms and other symptoms
of dissolution. As an emetic, few articles can compare with it for the promptness and efficiency of its
operation; at the same time there are none which produce such universal debility. As a cathartic, it produces
immediate and copious evacuations, with great prostration of strength; but its dose can with difficulty be
regulated.
If such be a fair statement of its effects on the human system; if it requires all the skill of the most experienced
practitioner to guard against those sudden depressions which uniformly follow its use, when administered
with the utmost circumspection; and if, with all this caution, its operation is still followed by the most
alarming, and even fatal consequences what shall we say of those who habitually subject their constitutions
to the destructive influence of this worse than "Bohan Upas?"
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 9
To an individual unacquainted with the fact, it would seem incredible that a weed, possessed of properties so
poisonous, should ever have been sought as an article of luxury. Yet it has not only been sought, but even
credulity startles at the extent to which it has been used. "Like opium, it calms the agitations of our corporeal
frame, and soothes the anxieties and distresses of the mind." Its powers are felt and its fascinations
acknowledged, by all the intermediate grades of society, from the sot who wallows in the mire of your streets,
to the clergyman who stands forth a pattern of moral excellence, and who ministers at the altar of God. For it
the Arab will traverse, unwearied, his burning deserts; and the Icelander risk his life amidst perpetual snows.
Its charms are experienced alike, by the savage who roams the wilds of an American forest, and the courtier
who rolls in luxury and prescribes rules of refinement to the civilized world; by the miscreant who wrings
from the cold hand of charity the pittance that sustains his life, and the monarch who sways his sceptre over
half the globe; by him who is bent with woes and years, and him whose cheek is covered yet with boyhood's
down. Hence we might conclude it capable of giving strength to the weary, vivacity to the stupid, and wisdom
to men void of understanding; capable of soothing the sorrows of the afflicted, of healing the wounds of the
spirit, and assuaging the anguish of a broken heart. But how it fulfils these desirable indications, will be our
next business to inquire.
Tobacco, as a luxury, has been used for the two last centuries over all the civilized, and the greater portion of
the uncivilized world. The modes have been snuffing, smoking, and chewing. Its effects, when habitually used
in each of these modes, will now be examined. As far as my observations extend, few, if any, of all the
devotees to this stupefying substance, ever resort to its use without some supposed necessity; and often, alas
too often, by the advice of physicians.
The benefit to be derived from the exhibition of a medicine in the cure of disease, should not alone induce us
to prescribe it, without due regard to the injury which may result to the constitution. Had this rule been
observed relative to the subject under consideration, I apprehend the use of this baneful drug would have been
less extensive.
Snuff has been prescribed for a variety of complaints, among which are headache, catarrh, and some species
of opthalmia, and no doubt sometimes with very good effect; as I have, in a very few instances, witnessed.
But the fact seems to have been overlooked, that its only power to relieve these complaints arises from the
copious discharge of mucus from the nostrils, during the violent paroxysm of sneezing which invariably
attends its first application; and that its salutary influence ceases, whenever these peculiar effects cease to
accompany its exhibition. Hence in all cases where it is continued an indefinite time, or until the schneiderian
membrane loses its sensibility, it not only fails of its medicinal effect, but actually becomes pernicious;
aggravating the very disease it was intended to cure. It not only does this, but goes on committing great
ravages on the whole nervous system, superinducing hypocondria, tremors, and premature decay of all the
intellectual powers. A thickening of the voice, is also the unavoidable result of habitual snuff-taking. This
disagreeable consequence is produced, either by partially filling up the nasal avenues, or by destroying the
sensibility of the parts. Be that as it may, we would say of the change, in the forcible language of Cowper: "O!
it is fulsome, and offends me more than the nasal twang, heard at conventicle from the pent nostril, spectacle
bestrid."
It also occasions loss of appetite, frequent sickness at the stomach, with many other disagreeable symptoms. A
case in point, is related by Dr. Cullen, of a woman who had been in the habit for twenty years. At length she
found on taking a pinch before dinner, she had no appetite. This having frequently occurred, she was induced
to postpone her pinch till after dinner, when she ate her meal with her accustomed relish, and went on
snuff-taking in the afternoon without inconvenience.
Another instance is related by the same author, of the injurious effects of this habit. A lady, who had been
accustomed to take snuff freely, was seized with a severe pain in her stomach, which continued unabated
notwithstanding many remedies were applied; until accidentally her snuff was omitted for a few days, when
the pain was found to subside, and did not return until she again had recourse to her snuff. Then, to her utter
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 10
astonishment, it immediately came with all its former severity, and would yield to no treatment without a
relinquishment of the snuff-box, which (strange to tell) the woman laid aside, and recovered her health.
Most persons in the constant habit of taking snuff, are led on insensibly, until they consume enormous
quantities. But as they are accustomed both to its stimulant and narcotic effects, they are not aware of the
pernicious consequences. In the midst of interesting conversation, they frequently transcend the bounds
assigned them by habit, and the consequence is, sickness, faintness, and trembling, with some vertigo and
confusion of head. During this paroxysm of snuffing, particles of the powdered tobacco are carried back into
the fauces, and thence into the stomach; which occasions not only sickness at the time, but is long after
followed with dyspepsia and other symptoms of disordered abdominal viscera.
The second mode of habitually using this drug, is smoking. This, too, has been prescribed by reputable
members of the faculty. And for what purpose has this disgusting practice been recommended? "For weakness
of the stomach," to be sure. Persons who have a craving appetite, and consume more food, particularly at
dinner, than their stomach will readily digest, experience considerable uneasiness for some time after eating.
The mouth and fauces sympathize with the overloaded organ, and an increased quantity of fluid is poured
from the mucous follicles and salivary glands, to aid in the process of digestion. Under these accumulating
difficulties, the man calls on the "Doctor," who very wisely imagines these symptoms are sufficient evidence
that he has a "weak and watery stomach," and the pipe and cigar are recommended to carry off the
superabundant humors, which still are unable to assimilate the enormous load with which, from time to time,
the stomach is crowded. But as the application of the burnt oil of tobacco to the mouth and fauces, from its
stimulant and narcotic qualities, benumbs the senses and renders the individual less conscious of his distress,
he takes it for granted that he is materially relieved, and knows not, poor man, that it is all delusion. Thus,
instead of taking the only rational method, that of adapting the quantity of food to the powers of digestion, he
pursues a course which continues to weaken the organs of digestion and assimilation, and at length plunges
him into all the accumulated horrors of dyspepsia, with a complete prostration of the nervous system.
But it has been said, that smoking will cure the tooth-ache; and we should have recourse to any means for the
removal of so painful a disease. That it will, as a powerful sedative, lessen the pain, and sometimes even
altogether remove tooth-ache, is probably true; but why continue the practice after the occasion has ceased?
Opium and calomel, judiciously administered, will relieve cholera morbus; but whoever thought of making
them an article of diet, because from their application he had experienced relief in that dangerous complaint?
Or whoever dreamed of using them constantly, lest he might again be attacked with it? Would not prudence
dictate to lay them aside, that they might not lose their influence on the system, and consequently their
medicinal virtues?
But smoking sometimes diminishes the secretions of the mouth, producing dryness and thirst, instead of
moisture; still it is used with the same perseverance as in the former case, and to obviate the same difficulty,
an overburdened stomach. And such is the united influence of its stimulant and narcotic qualities, that the
thirst it occasions is not to be allayed by ordinary drinks, but wine, ale, and brandy must be taken, to satisfy
this unnatural demand. Hence, smoking has, in many instances, been the sad precursor to the whiskey-jug and
brandy-bottle, which together have plunged their unfortunate victims into the lowest depths of wretchedness
and woe.
I am well acquainted with a man in a neighboring county, whose intellectual endowments would do honor to
any station, and who has accumulated a handsome estate; but whose habits, of late, give unerring premonition
to his friends of a mournful result. This man informed me that it was the fatal thirst occasioned by smoking
his cigar, in fashionable society, that had brought him into his present wretched and miserable condition.
Without any desire for ardent spirit, he first sipped a little gin and water, to allay the disagreeable sensations
brought on by smoking, as water was altogether too insipid to answer the purpose. Thus he went on from year
to year, increasing his stimulus from one degree to another, until he lost all control over himself; and now he
stands as a beacon, warning others to avoid the same road to destruction.
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 11
Smoking has been prescribed for spasmodic asthma, and undoubtedly with some success; and the manner in
which it affords relief in this distressing disease has been pointed out, when speaking of the narcotic and
antispasmodic effects of this drug. But suppose it capable of relieving the paroxysm, when administered to a
person unaccustomed to its deadly stimulus, it will by no means be followed by the same happy effect, when
once its use becomes habitual.
But smoking has been the grand resort to secure the system from the influence of contagion; and perhaps no
power ascribed to it, has ever been so universally acknowledged. But upon what series of experiments are
these pretensions founded? From all the attention which I have bestowed on this investigation, I have been
unable to discover any evidence of its utility in this respect, except what arose from the prejudices of the
ignorant, or the obstinacy of those who are slaves to the practice of it. The bare assertion of Deimerbroek,
"that it kept off the plague," without a single corroborative fact, would hardly be sufficient authority on which
to establish a conclusion so important; especially when we have the united experience of Rivernus, Chemot,
and Cullen, to prove the opposite of this position. Hence we conclude, that its properties in keeping off
contagion, depend on its sedative powers, which it possesses in common with other narcotics, wine, brandy,
and opium. As these lessen sensibility, and sometimes allay anxiety of the mind, it is not impossible that in a
very few instances they may have prevented the exciting causes of disease from taking effect. But what are
these few, when compared with the multitudes whose nervous systems have been destroyed by this pernicious
habit, and thus exposed to all the horrors of malignant disease.
Smoking also assuages the tedium of life. Here is the grand secret. Man fears to be alone; and when left to his
own solitary reflections, he dreads the result of self-examination. He flies for relief to his pipe, his cigar, his
quid, or his bottle, with the vain hope of escaping from himself. To accomplish an object so desirable, he
hesitates not to stupify those noble faculties which he cannot hope to extinguish, and with which he has been
endowed by the God of nature, for wise and benevolent purposes. And will you, gentlemen, by precept and
example, longer sanction such a course of conduct, conduct so degrading to us as intelligent beings, and as
conservators of the public health?
The third mode of habitually using tobacco, is chewing. In this manner all its deadly powers are speedily
manifest, in the commencement of the practice, as has been already shown. In this mode, too, its nauseous
taste and stimulant property excite and keep up a profuse discharge from the mucous follicles and salivary
glands. Probably to this circumstance alone, is owing the superior efficacy of this mode of using this drug in
the cure of tooth-ache. But whether this enormous waste of the secretions of the mouth and fauces can be
borne by the constitution with impunity, you, Gentlemen, are abundantly competent to judge. Physiologists
agree that these secretions are intended to assist in preparing the aliments for deglutition, by rendering them
sufficiently fluid, and afterwards, by their peculiar properties, to promote digestion and assimilation. The great
increase of these just before and after eating, and the large quantities swallowed about that time, are
unequivocal evidence of their importance to the digestive economy. Then what must be the state of that man's
digestion, who, until seated at table, keeps his quid in his mouth, and immediately returns it thither, after
rising from his meal? And when we reflect, that large quantities of saliva strongly impregnated with this
poison, and even particles of the substance itself, are frequently swallowed, what, again I ask, is the probable
condition of such a person's digestive organs?
I know it may be said in reply, that such persons often consume large quantities of food, without experiencing
any perceptible inconvenience; and I also know that they are often emaciated, notwithstanding the enormous
portion of aliment they daily consume. Under these circumstances the emaciation arises, either from the
profuse discharge of saliva, or an imperfect digestion, or the combined influence of both. Hence, when a man
of a corpulent habit, with a keen appetite, who is unwilling to forego his wine and to use moderation in his
roast beef, applies for professional advice to prevent corpulence, medical men very naturally and
philosophically direct him, if he persists in his excess, to the use of tobacco, as a temporary relief, against the
direful effects of his gluttony and intemperance.
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 12
A clergyman of high standing informed me, that he acquired the habit of using tobacco in college, and had
continued the practice for a number of years; but he found, by experience, his health materially impaired,
being often affected with sickness, lassitude, and faintness. His muscles also became flabby and lost their
tone, and his speaking was seriously interrupted by an elongation of the uvula. His brother, an intelligent
physician, advised the discontinuance of his tobacco. He laid it aside. Nature, freed from its depressing
influence, soon gave signs of returning vigor. His stomach resumed its wonted tone, his muscles acquired
their former elasticity, and his speaking was no more annoyed by a relaxation of them.
A respectable man of my acquaintance, about forty years of age, who commenced chewing tobacco at the age
of eighteen, was for a long time annoyed by depression of spirits, which increased until it became a settled
melancholy, with great emaciation, and the usual symptoms of that miserable disease. All attempts to relieve
him proved unavailing, until he was persuaded to dispense with his quid. Immediately his spirits revived, his
countenance lost its dejection, his flesh increased, and he soon regained his health. Another man, who used
tobacco very sparingly, became affected with loss of appetite, sickness at stomach, emaciation, and
melancholy. From a conviction that even the small quantity he chewed was the source of his trouble, he
entirely left it off, and very soon recovered.
I was once acquainted with a learned, respectable, and intelligent physician, who informed me, that from his
youth he had been accustomed to the use of this baneful plant, both by smoking and chewing. At length, after
using it very freely while indisposed, he was suddenly seized with an alarming vertigo, which, without doubt,
was the result of this destructive habit. This afflicting complaint was preceded by the usual symptoms which
accompany a disordered stomach, and a relaxation of nerves, with which, Gentlemen, you are too familiar to
need a description here. After the application of a variety of remedies to little or no purpose, he quit the
deleterious practice, and though his vertigo continued long and obstinate, he has nearly or quite recovered his
former health. And he has never doubted but that the use of tobacco was the cause of all his suffering in this
disagreeable disease. Many more cases might be cited, but sufficient has been said to establish the doctrine
here laid down.[C]
[Footnote C: And here I am happy in having permission to give the opinion of one of the ablest physicians in
Massachusetts, as to the use of tobacco. "The chewing of tobacco," says he, "is not necessary or useful in any
case that I know of: and I have abundant evidence to satisfy me that its use may be discontinued without
pernicious consequences. The common belief, that it is beneficial to the teeth, is, I apprehend, entirely
erroneous. On the contrary, by poisoning and relaxing the vessels of the gums, it may impair the healthy
condition of the vessels belonging to the membranes of the socket, with the condition of which, the state of
the tooth is closely connected."]
Having gone through with an examination of the physical influence of tobacco, let us now, for a few
moments, attend to its political and moral influence.
1. It is a costly practice. The whole adult population in the United States is estimated at six millions, one half
of which are males. Allowing but one half of these to use tobacco in some form, we shall have one and a half
millions to be taxed with this consumption. If we take into the account all who are in its use before they arrive
at the period of adult age, it would swell the amount to two millions. Lest we should be accused of
exaggeration, we will estimate the whole number of devotees at one million, who pay their daily homage at
the shrine of this stupifying idol. The expense to the consumers of this drug varies, according to the quantity
and mode of using. Those who are in the habit of smoking freely, and use none but the best Spanish cigars,
pay a tax, I am informed by good judges, of not less than fifty dollars a year. While the moderate consumer of
Scotch snuff pays from one to two dollars. Somewhere between these wide extremes, may be found the fair
estimate of an average cost. If one fifth of the whole number of consumers should pay the highest estimate, it
would amount to ten millions annually. Then if three-fifths pay but ten dollars apiece, it will amount to six
millions; and if the remaining one-fifth pay but one dollar each, we shall have two hundred thousand dollars
more. These added together will make an aggregate of sixteen millions two hundred thousand dollars. In this
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 13
estimate nothing has been said of another class of consumers, which delicacy forbids me to mention, (and I
hope I shall receive their forgiveness for my neglect;) nor of the time wasted in procuring and devouring this
precious morsel. But lest even this very moderate calculation should be considered extravagant, which is by
many competent judges believed to be far too low, we will reckon the consumers at one million, and the
average cost at ten dollars each a year, for the whole; and then we have the enormous tax of three millions of
dollars, to be annually paid in these United States for the useless consumption of this loathsome drug.
2. This practice paves the way to drunkenness. A few reasons have already been given, why smoking tends
strongly to favor the introduction of ardent spirits. The dryness of mouth induced in some, is not the only case
where a thirst for strong drink is produced. The great waste of saliva, occasioned both by smoking and
chewing, has the same dangerous tendency. The fact that few of all the consumers of this plant are fond of
those simple beverages so grateful to the unvitiated taste, and that most are inordinately attached to ale, wine,
and brandy, is sufficient evidence of the dreadful truth, that it is the faithful pioneer to intemperance. What
though there are some few and honorable exceptions; and what though there are many, who for a long time
have used the poisonous plant, and have escaped the yawning gulf; still, a sufficient number have been
swallowed up, to warrant the general conclusion. The few specifications already made above, might easily be
increased a hundred fold.
Though every lover of tobacco is not a slave to rum, yet almost every drunkard is a slave to tobacco; and this
is indirect evidence that the habits are in a manner associated, or have a sort of natural affinity. If such be its
tendency, what moral responsibility rests upon the man who shall recommend it, either by professional advice,
or by his own example! What an infinitude of moral evil must follow in its train, if drunkenness be its
legitimate effect! What woes, what sorrows, what wounds without cause, may spring into existence at your
bidding, when you prescribe the habitual use of this baneful plant! By such a prescription you incautiously
open a fountain from which may issue streams, disturbing the peace of private families, pouring the waters of
contention into peaceful and harmonious neighborhoods, embittering every condition of life, and poisoning
every department of human society.[D]
[Footnote D: An eminent writer in favor of Temperance, has given it as his opinion, that at least one tenth of
all the drunkards were made such by the use of Tobacco.]
3. It is an indecent practice. To say nothing of the disagreeable contortions of countenance assumed by the
great variety of snuffers, smokers, and chewers; to say nothing of the pollution, inseparable from these habits,
to the mouth, breath, and apparel, to the house and its furniture, (all which are too familiar to require
description;) I ask, where is the man making any pretensions to refinement, who would not blush to offend the
delicate sensibilities of the fair, by smoking his pipe or cigar in their presence? True politeness would seem to
require, moreover, that even the feelings of gentlemen should be respected. But all sense of propriety seems to
have fled before the indulgence of this foolish habit. To such an extent has it obtained, that we meet it in the
kitchen, in the dining-room, and in the parlor; in every gathering of men of business; in every party of
pleasure; in our halls of legislation; in our courts of justice; and even the sanctuary of God is sometimes
polluted by this loathsome practice. It is impossible to walk the street without being constantly assailed by this
noxious vapor, as it is breathed from the mouths of all classes in community, from the sooty chimney-sweep,
to the parson in his sacerdotal robe. You can scarcely meet a man in the street, with whom you have business,
but he pours a stream of smoke into your face, exceedingly disgusting. And this he does too, without
imagining that he transgresses the rules of politeness, or gives you any cause of offence.
In these habits we resemble the Aborigines of our country. They load their huge pipes with the dried leaves of
this plant, and when lighted, they breathe the dark cloud of smoke from their mouth and nostrils, and as it
curls around their head, ascending towards heaven, they present it as an offering to appease the anger of the
Great Spirit. A mutual influence has resulted from our intercourse with the Indian. We have taught him how to
debase himself below the brute, and destroy the quiet of savage life by the use of our whiskey; and he, in
return, has taught us to destroy our constitutions, and interrupt the harmony of civilized society, by the
A Dissertation on the Medical Properties by A. McAllister 14