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.
DISSERTATION.
Mr. President and Gentlemen: