Insanity: Its Causes and Prevention

by Henry Putnam Stearns

Views of an opposite character as to its use have long prevailed. Much has been written in relation to its baneful effects upon the human system, the active poisons it is known to contain, and its demoralizing tendencies in general. It has been accused of being the cause of numerous diseases of a grave nature, such as cancer, chronic bronchitis, insanity, diseases of the throat and the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, etc., etc.

It bears the blame of causing filthy, and ofttimes disgusting, habits, and of being not only a useless but a pernicious and expensive luxury.

On the other hand, much has been and continues to be said as to its comforting and soothing effects, and the sense of enjoyment and luxury resulting from it, when used in the form of smoke and with moderation. And if an opinion as to its excellencies and value to the human race could be formed from the amount yearly consumed, or the vast sums of capital invested in its culture, manufacture, and sales in the United States alone, it would take rank as an article possessed of the highest value to mankind.

This, however, cannot be considered as a fair criterion by which to judge of its virtues or its vices; neither can we look for an impartial judgment as to its influence upon individuals or society, from those who may form opinions founded on impressions or prejudices only. It becomes necessary, therefore, to study its physiological effects as accurately and impartially as possible, and accept such results as this course may lead to.

For my present purpose it does not become necessary to go into details as to the effects of all the elements of tobacco, or of the effects of any of these elements, except as observed in their action upon the nervous system. I shall not, therefore, enter upon any minute analysis of the substance, preferring to leave this for those who write with a view of covering a more extended field of research.

When tobacco, in substance, or in the form of smoke, comes in contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat, and nose, there results a more or less distinct biting sensation on the tongue and in the throat, unless these parts have already become accustomed to its effects. This increases in the case of the beginner, until in a few minutes a feeling of warmth and faintness comes on, often attended with nausea, vomiting, and headache. If the dose has been sufficient, the person becomes faint and unable to stand, the skin becomes cool, a perspiration appears on the forehead, the heart acts feebly, the respiration is short and hurried, and life itself is in danger.[19]

One of the elements of tobacco, nicotine (which is itself composed of several bases), passes into the blood, and is conveyed in it to the brain. As this is one of the most active poisons of which we have any knowledge, and, as such, acts directly on the brain, rapidly inducing the conditions mentioned, and overpowering the functions of the nervous system, it will readily be comprehended how profound its influence must be upon the nervous filaments and brain-cells. This influence is one of paralysis—a deadening of the functional activity of certain portions of the brain, and, if continued long enough, is radiated through the nerves to the heart and other organs.

If, however, a small quantity only has been absorbed into the circulation, the effect upon the brain is less permanent than would be expected from its profound influence. It soon becomes eliminated from the system through the agency of the lungs, the skin, and the kidneys,[20] and the nervous system resumes its normal activity.

Subsequent experiences after the first few are widely different. The brain becomes tolerant of the poison, so far as relates to its more manifest and paralyzing effect, and in the process of time the smoker realizes very little, if any, other than a sense of soothing, and, therefore, grateful influence upon the system. The brain even comes, in the process of time and experience, to crave its influence. A condition, abnormal as to experiences and cravings, has resulted, which will demand the frequent and continued repetition of those pleasing sensations which result from its use. When this influence passes off, there comes again into operation a more acute activity of nerve function, and a consequent sensation bordering upon or akin to pain as the brain begins to act under the freedom and force of a vitality not blunted or partially paralyzed by the presence of the poison. To relieve this there must be a repetition of its use, and this process continues until there becomes developed a true diathesis of the nervous system, as in the case of alcohol and opium, though one not, in general, so difficult to overcome.

Moreover, the influence of tobacco upon the brain is essentially different from that of alcohol. From the effect of the latter there results a vast increase of functional activity of the heart, and, in the primary stage of its influence, of that portion of the brain which is concerned in mentality, while no such increase of functional activity of any portion of the nervous system results from the physiological effects of tobacco. On the contrary, these are of a paralyzing nature while they continue. The field of consciousness is less broad, the imagination and reason less keen and active.