as the abstainers from
alcohol were not separated from the abstainers from tobacco in this
analysis a perfect comparison can not be made; but our knowledge of the
toxic effects of both these narcotics and the preceding statistics of
Doctor Pack justify us in assigning to tobacco a positively unfavorable
effect.

[Sidenote: Poisonous Effects]

Experiments on animals with nicotin extracts from tobacco and inhalation
of tobacco smoke have produced hardening of the large arteries. Clinical
observation by some of the world's best authorities indicates that the
same conditions are brought about in man by heavy smoking.[51]

Disturbance of the blood pressure, rapid heart action, shortness of
breath, palpitation of the heart, pain in the region of the heart, are
important effects. Tobacco heart is often lightly spoken of because the
abandonment of the habit will often restore the heart to its normal
condition, but tobacco heart sometimes causes death, especially under
severe physical strain or in the course of acute disease, such as
typhoid or pneumonia. Surgeons[52] have noted failure to rally after
operation in tobacco users, who are, of course, deprived of their
accustomed indulgence immediately before and after operation. It is
probable that many such cases pass unrecognized, although the alcoholic
is usually supplied the narcotic his system demands.

Cannon, Aub, and Binger[53] have also shown that nicotin stimulates the
adrenal glands, small organs adjacent to the kidneys, which secrete a
substance that in excess powerfully affects the blood vessels,
constricting them and temporarily increasing the blood pressure. This
influence may be partly responsible for the change in the blood vessels
noted in heavy smokers.

Excessive smoking is often an important factor in causing insomnia.

Blindness or tobacco amblyopia, a form of neuritis, is not an uncommon
affection among smokers. There is also often an irritant effect on the
mucous membranes of eyes from the direct effect of the smoke.

Catarrhal conditions of the nose, throat and ear have also been noted.

Acid dyspepsia is a common affection among smokers.

Few people realize that so many ingredients in tobacco and tobacco smoke
are deadly poisons. Few people know that one drop of nicotin on the
unbroken skin of a rabbit will produce death.[54] Two drops on the
tongue of a dog or cat will prove fatal; moreover, fatal poisonings
have occurred in man from swallowin