'm ;/ ■"('*'' y^i INI " iS^T UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WASHINGTON, D. C. GPO 16—67244-1 S^-','-^'-1, ■ "•'•^■.;:;7r I 6' 7 \ B {Qfflft- f# it *%> m 1%: ***, AN EXPERIMENTAL DISSERTATION ON THE CHEMICALAND MEDICAL PROPERTIES OF THE Nicotiana Tabacum OF L I N N JE U S, COMMONLY KNOJVN BY THE NAME OF T0BJCCC.{t7~^ ^c if By EDWARD 3RAILSFORD, --<-' or CHARLESTON, SOUTH-CAlOLINA, MEMBES. OF THE MEDICAL f AND CHEMICAL SOCIETIES OP PHILADELPHIA. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED BY JOHN ORMROD, N9. 41, CHESNUT STREET. 799" f,v AN INAUGURAL DISSERTATION, SUBMITTED TO THE EXAMINATION OF THE REV JOHN EW1NG, S. T. P. PROVOST ; THE TRUSTEES and MEDICAL PROFESSORS OF THE UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA, FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF MEDICINE, On the sixth day of June, 1799. 398>335 TO ALEXANDER BARON, M. D. OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH-CAROLINA. PERMIT me, kind Sir, thus publicly to avow my acknowledgment for the many civilities I have hither- to received from you and your amiable family, when under your tuition: a period that I ever refleft on with the warmeft glow of pleafure: and accept my aflurances, that in every ftage of life, I fhall preferve that friendfhip and grateful remembrance of your judicious council, which you haveinfpired by your attentive concern for my welfare, and which (hall never be erafed from the mind of Your affectionate Friend And Pupil, EDWARD BRAILSFORD. TO SAMUEL WILSON, M. D. OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH-CAROLINA. dear sir, I EMBRACE this opportunity, of avow- ing the lively fenfe I entertain of your amicable difpofition towards me, when under your imme- diate care, and affure you in the language of truth, that a grateful recollection of your friend- ly admonitions will ever warm the bread of Your affectionate Pupil, EDIVARD BRAILSFORD. TO JAMES WOODHOUSE, M. D. Professor of Chemistry in the UNIVERSITY of PENNSYLVANIA. SIR, ALLOW me to adopt this mode of expref- fing my acknowledgment, for the many teftimo- nies of friendfhip I have experienced from you, and fuffer me at the fame time to declare that a grateful remembrance of the many favors you have conferred, will ever be retained by Your affectionate Friend, EDWARD BRAILSFORD. CONTENTS. PAGE. INTRODUCTION, - %9 CHAP. I. The natural hiflory of tobacco, and of its firjl introduclion as an article of luxury. - 14 CHAP. II. A concife account of the influence of tobacco on living fyjlems, illujlrated with a few ex- periments. - - - * *9 CHAP. IIL, Obfervations on the noxious effecls of tobacco on the human, fpecies, when ufed in the form of fmoking,fluffing, and chewing, - 32 CHAP. IV. Of the prejudicial effecls of the ufe of to- bacco on the moral faculty. - 3° CHAP. V. Of the analyfis of tobacco, and the operation rf its conjlituent parts on living fyftems. - 42 CHAP. VI, Obfervations on the experiments. - 55 CHAP. VII. An account of its medical virtues in eradi- cating certain difeafes. - - - J8 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE. A. A branch of the tobacco plant. B. An interior view of its bloflbm. C. A posterior view of its bloflbm. Fig. i. Reprefentsa feed vefTel in a fote of ;r r„;5ry. Fig. a. A tranfverfe fe&ion of a feed veffel, wh^h exhibits the diflribution of the feeds. Fig. 3. A longitudinal feclrion of a feed veflel. Fig. 4. A calix, with the uvc. ftamina and the piftillum. Fig. 5. fl ,ni,"ntsa lo.'.gltudLii! fcftion of a bloil&m, which fliews its internal ftru&ure. Fig. 6. A fpecies of phaloena, or uutterly, very common on the bloflbms of the tobacco. Fig. 7. The tobacco worm. Fig. 8. The root and fome of the.'imcrior leayej. INTRODUCTION. W HEN we explore the extenfive regions of the globe, and contemplate the many plants which the benefi- x cent difpofer of all things has given as ufeful ornaments to the earth, and at the fame time reflect that through the ig- norance or indolence of man, many of thofe valuable fub- jects are permitted to wither in our fields or forefts, without ever attracting the attention of thofe mortals, for the alle- viation of whofe corporeal infirmities they were indubita- bly intended, many unpleafant ideas mult natura1 y intrude themfelves on our minds—Regret is awakened in our breafts at the inactivity of our anceftors, whofe unpardona- ble floth has fuftered difeafes to exift as opprobria medicines for the relief of which many plants inconteftibly flourifh, and which from inattention or fome other omiffion equally culpable, die neglected, and anfwer no valuable purpofe but to fertilize the foil which gave them birth. The free inhabitants of the United States of America, would merit additional cenfure were tney to evince a ftmi- lar fupinenefs. PofRfTed of pre-eminent advantages fofc rendering valuable acquifttions to the Materia Medica, their ncj.le6t of fuch purfuits would prove a national difgrace, and be confidered by their pofterity equally criminal as the mod heinous oiience againft civil government. Inhabiting a vaft extent of territory, it would be arraign- ing divine goodnefs, not to fuppofe, that he has beftowed with a liberal hand, fources of alleviation to thofe miferies, which were incurred by the lofsof our prirr.ewl innocence. ft has been jullly obferved by a very learned author,* thafy lcthe strength of a ftate i-s not to be computed by extent of country, but by the number of its citizens, and the utility of their labour." This fhould actuate us in the purfuit of ufeful knowledge, fo as to render the extent of country which we inhabit more ufeful and more wealthy, whereby, not only our literary character as a nation, but alfo our li- berty and independence will be effectually eftablifhed. That there are plants diffufed all over the great conti- nent of America,, endued with the moft active medical vir- tues, is incontrovertible y but to ufe the words of the poet* w Full many a flower is born toblufh unfeen, K And wafte its fweetnefs on the defert air." The induftry and wifdom of man are now the only re- quifites to develope thofe virtues, and render them benefi- cial to mankind* To the honour of out infant republic, the fcience of me- dicine has been laudably promoted by the invaluable ac- quifitions of the profeflbr of botany and materia medica in the univerfity of Pennfylvania, with a view to cultivate an-in- trmate acquaintance with the indigenous plants of this coun- try.^-The literary fame of this gentleman is too well known to require any eulogy from my pen; he has with as much ingenuity as induftry, paved the way to facilitate the future researches of men of fcfence, and in language peculiarly pleafing and defcriptive, has given an agreeable animation to ufeful facts, fo as to render them not only grateful to the reader, but alfo truly beneficial and interefting- Were candidates for medical honours to purfue this laudable example of their preceptor, they would enrich the * Piollin's Arts ( i* ) Materia Medica with many valuable articles-, but, «nfor- tunately for this branch of fcience,a depraved predilection for the thread worn fubject of difeafes, tempts them to launch their bark into the dangerous fea of controverfy, and frequently without the neceffary implements for tthe effectual execution of fuch an undertaking. Attracted by the oftentatious glare of hypothetical reafoning, they frequently adopt with avidity theories the moft extravagant and fallacious, and without examining the folidity of the opinions they embrace, confide entirely to the judgment of others, and with the greateft temerity rifque their reputation on that unfubftantial bafis. When philofophy fhall be efteemed an indifpenfable appendage to the medical character, then fhall fuch incon- veniences ceafe to exift. The fufceptible mind of man, enlightened by the rays of philofophy, will then diffipate the clouds of ignorance, and experimental enquiries fhall then be cheriftied as the fureft vehicles to truth. I have been prompted to adopt the fubject of Nico- tiana, not from any vain idea of my ability to do ample juf- tice to the medical qualities of this plant, but from an an- xious folicitude to contribute my mite towards the promo- tion of one of the moft ufeful branches of fcience, and I truftthat from this confideration, my experiments and opi- nions will be examined with an eye of lenity, but, at the fame time, with candour and impartiality. I have to regret extremely, that a ferious indifpofition, for near two months, unfortunately precluded my entering as minutely into the analyfis of Tobacco, as I at firft contemplated ; but I have endeavoured to atone for this deficiency, by attending par- ( is ) ticularly to its influence on the fyftem, and alfo to the re- fpective operations of its conftituent parts. The exhibition of Nicotiana, as a medicine, for the mitigation of many difeafes to which mankind are incident, has been unfortunately but little attended to by phyficians. The deleterious effects with which it is endowed, and the fuppofed danger of exhibiting it on this account, have led medical characters to depreciate the worth of a medi- cine, whofe benign influence, by a judicious adminiftration, in eradicating certain difeafes, has, in many inftances, been evidently confirmed. It has been declared, by fome fuperficial obfervers, to be ufelefs, from the repeated proofs of its inefficacy in mi- tigating the violence of thofe difeafes, in which, many more accurate inquirers have afferted it proved beneficial. Others have alledged, that the baneful powers, with which it is re- plete, difluade from an ufe of it. Tn confequence of thefe chimerical affertions, a medicine which would prove a valua- ble acquifition to the Materia Medica, has been almoft en- tirely expunged from modern practice, If we were to admit fuch injudicious opinions to gor vern our reafon, in felecting medical plants, how few would be the number which would engage the attention of the timid and injudicious praditioner ! for in the hands of fuch only are powerful medicines rendered injurious, and in the hands of fuch alfo the moft lenient prove obnoxious. The invaluable aphorifm of Dr. Withering, therefore, merits the attention of every practitioner of medicine ; he juftly obr ferv-S; that, « pbifons in fmall dofes are the beft medicines, and the beft medicines in too large dofes are poifonous." ( 13 ) It would be as inconfiftent to ftigmatize this plant with the appellation of poifon, as it would be to pronounce a crum of bread noxious in its quality, becaufe it has in fome cafes entered the trachea, and occafioned inftantaneous death. The conclufions which I have formed on the fubject which conftitutes the fubfequent pages of this differtation have been founded on experiments, and thofe experiments, though few, have been conducted with accuracy. They have been mutually thefources of much mental difquietude, and the diffidence I now feel in fubmitting them to the fcru- tiny of the learned, tends confiderably to augment the dif- agreeable emotions which, at this time, difturb my tran- quility : however, I fhall confider myfelf richly com pen- fated for every inconvenience, fliould any word or thought contained in thefe pages prove propitious in exciting fome more accurate obferver to a more minute inveftigation of (his copious fubject. NATURAL HISTORY. CHAPTER I. The natural hi/lory of Tobacco, and of its firjl introduction as an article of luxury, VV E have accounts, in different authors of feveral fpecies an3 varieties of this plant, but as an accurate de- fcription of them may be acquired in aimoft every botanical book, it would be altogether ufelefs for me to enter into an elaborate definition of each in particular. I fhall therefore confine myfelf to that fpecies which is thus defignated by the great Linnzeus, uNicotiana Tabacum: foliis lanceolate- ovatis feffilibus decurrentibus, floribus acutis.''' It is termed by Cafpar Bauhin, Nicotiana major lati- folia. According to the natural method of Linnaeus, it be- longs to the 28th order, called Luridcc. Among the abori- gines of the continent of America, it was diftinguifhed by the appellation of pcstum, whilft thofe who inhabited the iflands, called it yoli*. According to Sir Hans Sloanef, its original name was picielt, but was termed tobacco by the Spaniards, from the circumftance of its being brought from the iflandof Tobago Where it grew aimoft fpontaneoufly. Tobacco was firft introduced into Europe in the year I559by JohnNicot, lord of Villemain, who was agent 9 * Encyclopedia. f Sir Hans Sloanc's Na"--1 "^.....<• - ( *5 ) fn Portugal for the King of France, from whence he brought the plant, and prefented it to the Queen : from this circumftance it was called Herba Regina, and in honor of him Nicotiana*. Lobel and others accounted this, as well as the other fpecies of Nicotiana, an Hyofciamusf, and called it Hyofcia- mus luteus and dubius, in confequence of which fome have given it the Englifh name of yellow Henbane. It is arranged by Linnaeus in his fifth clafs, Pentandria Monogynia the fta- mina confifting of five fubulatedfilaments, topped with ob- long anthem ; the Jfyle rifes from the rudiment of the fruit fingle. The flowers are large and of a beautiful red, and annexed to long and (lender foot-ftalks : they are of a tnonopetalous tubelous form, and grow on the tops of the branches, and of the main ftalk ; the tube is longer than the cup, and the limb which fpreads open is divided into five acute-pointed fegments. The capfule which fucceeds the flower is bivalved and bilocular, is alfo large, and of an oval form : it opens longitudinally, and fheds extremely minute feeds, but very numerous. The root is divided into many parts, grows very thick and long, and is furnifhed with an infinity of fmall fibres. The growth of this plant is generally from five to fix feet in height, but fometimes more, depending upon the feafon, and fecundity of the foil. The ftalk is fubftantial, round, very erect, and divided into branches. The leaves are large, numerous, and diftributed in an alternate manner : * Theatrum Botanicurn, page 711. f Theatrum Botanicurn. ( 16 ) they are of a deep green, and have petioli, or foot-ftalks, but furround the common ftalk, in great part at their bafe. Tobacco is a native of America, and was firft fent to Spain and different parts of Europe, for the purpofe of or- namenting their gardenSj but fo great was the demand for the dried leaves, that it at length became an article of com- merce, and is at this prefent period aimoft univerfally re- torted to as a luxury. The Indians formerly made ufe of it as a vulnerary, and afcribed many virtues to it as a medicine. They entertain an idea, that tobacco was brought them down from the hea- vens by the Great Spirit, who defcended for the exprefs purpofe of prefenting them with this plant, in order that it might be fpread throughout the land for the benefit of their fpecies. Hence many nations of that tribej make ufe of it in certain forms of their religion.—«It is called by them Ecbet Travellers aflert, that they often refort to the great mountain, where the angel appeared, and do homage to that fpot, on which their anceftors firft received fo divine a plant. It is alledged by Sir Hans Sloane,* " that the priefts of Efpaniola, called Bohitis, who are medical characters as well as theologifts, make a practice of chewing and fmoking to- bacco, until they become perfectly inebriated, and in this fituation they perform many gefticulations, pretending like- wife to recount for the will of God, what they have feen." They feign alfo to perfect radical cures among many of the difeafed, and fo prejudiced are the people in their favour, as to imagine themfelves perfectly relieved. The form * Sir Hans Sloanc's natural hiftory of Jamaica. ( 17 ) which they obferve on this occafion, as related by Sir Hans Sloane, is in the following fingular manner; "when they attempt to cure, they (hut themfelves up with the fick, fur- round him, fmoking him with the fame; fuck out of his ftioulders what they fay was his difeafe, (hewing a ftone or bone they kept in their mouths, which the women keep as relicks, thinking they facilitate birth." Thevet affirms that the women among the Aborigines of America were led away with an idea, that indulging in the ufe of tobacco was not only injurious to the body, but that it alfo prevented conception, and tended greatly to diminifh the venereal appetite-, in confequence of which, they for- bore the ufe of it in any form whatever. The Portuguefe attributed many virtues to this plant, and pronounced it a powerful counterpoifon; hence they have given it the appellation of Herba Santa. Sir Richard Greenfield, on his difcovery of Virginia in 1585, obferved that the Indians made great ufe of tobac- co in clay pipes, for the prefervation of their health. Pleaf- ed with the novelty of the circumftance, he took feveral of the pipes with him on his return to England, which were introduced into court: others were made agreeable to their conftruaion, and from that period the ufe of fmoking fooa became general. It was firft introduced among the Oriental nations by the Dutch* feamen, who ufed to carry pipes about them made of palm leaves, in which they fmoked to eafe their wearinefs, as well as fufpend a difpofition for food. * Sir Hans Sloane. c ( 18 ) The Indians after having gathered their crop of to- bacco, hano- it up in their houfes for the purpofe of curing, after this is perfe&ed, they take four or five leaves, and wrap them up in the great leaf of a tree, in the form of a funnel; they then apply fire to the extremity, and inhale the fmoke, which being frequently repeated, caufes them to fub- fift three or four days*, without partaking of any aliment. They praaifethis more particularly, when they contemplate going to war, or are about topredia the termination of fu- ture important events. It is confidered by them as the moft valuable offering that can be made to the beings that they worftiip. They ufe it in all their civil and religious ceremonies. When once the fpiral wreaths of its fmoke afcend from the feathered pipe of peace, the compaa that has been juft made, is confidered as facred and inviolable. Likewife when they addrefs their Great Father, or his guardian fpirits, refiding, as they believe, in every extraor- dinary produaion of nature, they make liberal offerings to them of this valuable plant, not doubting but that they are thus fecured of proteaiont. * It is univerfally acknowledged that tobacco does not impart any degree of nourifhrnent to the body, but on the contrary tends greatly to reduce obecity ; yet fuch is its ftimulating quality, that it fupports the fyftem forfeveral daysfucceflively, above what may be termed iht hungry point. This is taken notice of by Mr. K.errf, with refpeft to opium. " The eaftern nations," fays this author, "are fo well convinced, by experience, of its powers in dimini/hing the appetite, that in the famine which prevailed in the Eaft-Indies, in th* year 1770, the wretched fufferers purchafed it at exhorbitant prices, to allay the cravings of hunger, and fmooth the approach te death." f Kerr. Land. Med. Objer. vol. v. ait. 2$. \ See Encyclopedia. ( 19 ) CHAPTER II. A concife account of the influence of Tobacco, on living fyf- tems, illuflrated by a few experiments. That tobacco is both a powerful emetic and cathartic, when exhibited in any form whatever, is generally admit- ted : we find that all authors, who have written on its effeas, have unanimoufly concurred in this opinion; fome have alfo fubfcribed to its being efficacious "in promoting the re- nal difcharge ; but with refpea to its fedative or Jlimula- ting effeas on the living fyftem, various opinions have hi- therto exifted. Notwithftanding the fagacity and experience of Doc- tor Fowler in many refpeas, the influence of Nicotiana on the human fyftem, in regard to its ftimulating quality, en- tirely efcaped his attention. After drawing feveral inferences, relative to the opera- tion of this medicine, in a concluding part of his work*, he obferves, that it poffeffes a fedative qualityf, and fre- quently proves laxative : on this account he fuppofes that * Fowler on Dropfy. f A fimilar opinion was formerly entertained of opium; but the ingenious experiments of Dodtor Crumpe, muft fufficiently de- monftrate, to every unprejudiced mind, the ftimulating quality of that medicine; and that its f'fpoftJ fedative ,/rffc, are folely to be at- tributed to a fecondary operation, or indhetl debility induced by its immenfe ftimulating property, when difproportioned to the acciu- fility of the fyftem. ( *° ) it may prove falutary in many painful cafes, where coftive- nefs may render opiates exceptionable, That it is a laxative, I have aimoft uniformly obferved, but with refpea to its being endued with a fedative quality the fubfequent experiments will greatly invalidate. It is not my intention or wifh to enter into the field of controverfy on this head, and therefore I have attempted to define by experiments, the unequivocal operation of this plant. It is unqueftionably the moft fubftantial bafis on which we can found our arguments, and to fuch we muft ultimately appeal for the attainment of truth. The ftimulating effeas of tobacco did not efcape the difcerning eye of Doaor Cullen, whofe opinions fhould eyer be viewed with veneration and refpea. In treating of this plant,he obferves, that " the infufion of tobacco when it is carried into the blood veffels, has fometimes fhewn its ftimulating powers exerted in the kid- neys; and very lately we have had it recommended to us as a powerful diuretic of great fervice in dropfyj." That tobacco promotes the renal difcharge, is beyond a point of controverfy. Every praaitioner of medicine who has ever had occafion to adminifter it, either in the form of infufion or fubftance, muft have obferved its diu- retic influence on the fyftem. \ Cullen\Materia Medica, page 191. ( 21 ) This is fufficiently exemplified in the work of Doaqr Fowler*, to whom we are greatly indebted for the feries of experiments enumerated by him. He has clearly demon- flrated the influence of tobacco in promoting the urinary fecretion, and has as perfpicuoufly evinced the utility of its exhibition in violent cafes of Afcites, Anafarca, and Dyfury. Without a further difquifition relative to the operation of tobacco on the human fyftem, I fhall proceed with enu- merating my experiments, and will leave it to the candid reader to judge how far they may merit his attention j they deferve atleaft the credit of being faithfully related. Experiment i. In order to afcertain the particular operation of tobacco, with refpea to its influence on the pulfe,I took three hours after breakfafting on toaft and coffee, forty drops of a ftrong decoaion of tobaccof in a little water. My pulfe beat feventy ftrokes in a minute. The following table mani- fefts the ftimulating quality of this plant, as I have particu- larly fpecified the number of pulfations at the expiration of every 5th. minute. In P. beat 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 35 | 30 |35 | 40 45 1 5° 1 55 1 6o 71 | -< | 7< 1 77 1 80 | 84 | 84 I 81 76 | 72 | 70 | 70 Min. * See Fowler on Dropfy, page 72, where he obferves that out oi one'hundred and fifteen cafes in which he adminiftered tobacco, in ninety-three of them it proved diuretic. f Two drachms of the dried leaves of tobacco were put into tvur ounces of v»ater, and boiled down to two. ( 22 ) For the firft five minutes there was an aromatic warmth diffufed all over my throat, which foon extended itfelf to my ftomach, and continued thus for the firft quarter of an hour. In fifteen minutes I experienced a little naufea, which was promoted on the twenty-fifth minute; on the thirtieth mi- nute my pulfe was greatly increafed, both in tenfion and frequency; a confiderable moifture appeared on my fore- head, and a flight degree of dizzinefs attended, which con- tinued until near the fortieth minute. On the forty-fifth minute, thefymptoms abated, and my pulfe was diminifhed both in fulnefs and frequency. At the expiration of the hour, I felt a kind of languor, and my pulfe was reduced to its natural ftandard. Soon after every inconvenience difappeared, and I dined with my ufual appetite. Experiment 2. On the fame evening, two hours after eating a little bread and milk, I took forty drops of a ftrong infufion* of the dried leaves of tobacco; my pulfe beating fixty-eight ftrokes in a minute, its natural ftandard. In 5 I xo I *5 I »° I »5 I 3d | 35 I 4° P. beat | 70 | 73 ; 74 | 76 | 80 | 83 | 83 | 81 Mia. In P. beat I 45_|5® I 55 I 60 | 65 I 7° I 75 I 79 I 75 I 71 I 7° I 7» I 68 | 68 I Min. * Two drachms of the dried leaves of tobacco were infufed is two ounces of water, for 34 hours, and then (bained off. ( *3 >■ Immediately after fwallowing the draught,I felt an evi- dent fenfation of warmth throughout my throat, which was foon communicated to my ftomach, and continued to in- creafe for fifteen minutes, but gradually diminifhed at the expiration of the twentieth minute: I now experienced fome degree of naufea, which continued to increafe until the twenty-fifth minute ; it produced a confiderable moif- ture on my forehead, and in the palms of my hands, but no vomiting attended. On the thirtieth minute, my pulfe be- came tenfe, frequent and quick, but the perfpiration and naufea began to fubfide on the thirty-fifth min ute; through- out the remaining part of the hour, my pulfe was diminifh- ed confiderably in regard to fulnefs, and when one hour and fifteen minutes had elapfed, it reforted to its former ftate; I difcharged that night an unufual quantity of urine, and had two copious difcharges downwards. Experiment 3. I gave 'to Peter Vallet, a robuft healthy lad of about nineteen years of age, thirty drops of the tobacco infufion,* in a little water; he was not accuftomed to the ufe of tobacco in any form whatever. His pulfe beat feventy, previous to his taking the draught. In r.beat 5 | 10 | 15 | ao | 25 | 30 | 35 I 40 | 45 I 50 1 5S I 60 7a | 76 | 78 | 79 I 80 | 78 | 74 I 73 I 68 1 70 I 7^ 1 7° | ♦Similar to that exhibited in the rfeccding'experim ( 24 ) When ten minutes had elapfed, he complained of a confiderable warmth in his ftomach. In fifteen minutes he faid that he was a little giddy and fomewhat exhilarated. In twenty he obferved that he felt a little fick, and that the room appeared to him to be turning round, as he expreffed himfelf; his face was much flufhed, and on the thirtieth minute, he complained of a tremor in his hands. In forty- five minutes the affection of his head and naufea abated,but the tremulous motion ft ill exifted. At the expiration of an hour he felt as ufual, excepting a (light degree of naufea^ and a kind of langour throughout his frame. In one hour and a half, he ejected the contents of his ftomach, and had two large evacuations downwards. Experiment 4; About two hours after partaking of a light fupper, I finifhed, for the firft time, the fmoking of a fegar; my pulfe beat feventy ftrokes in a minute, and I felt uncom- monly difpofed to fleep. Recollecting the powerful effects of fmoking, but a few minutes, on a former occafion, I wifhed now to afcertain its operation on the fyftem, and its particular influence over the pulfe, the refults of this ex- periment were as follow: 5 ,0 | 15 | 20 | 25 13° 135 1 |4° 75 77 | 81 | 85 | 90 | 100 I i°4 | 102 45 I 5° I 55 I 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 Min. 93 I 85 | 77 | 70 | 67 | 70 | ?o For the firft five minutes, I experienced no evident ef- fects ; the pulfe raifed only five. At the tenth and fifteenth minutes I had frequent eructations, and all inclination for m P. beat ( 25 ) fleep was totally difpelled. At the twentieth minute my head felt light, my fpirits were much elated*, and my pulfe more full, frequent, and quick. I continued fmoking without cefTation, until the twen- ty-fifth minute, when I perceived a confiderable naufea at my ftomach, and an evident moifture on my forehead, ac- companied with repeated eructations. I now vomited very profufely, and on the thirtieth minute my pulfe became frequent and low. Every thing appeared in a circuitous motion, and I was compelled to feek relief from my pillow for a few moments, un.il relieved of this dizzinefs. On the thirty-fifth minute the vomiting was repeated, and I took a draught of cold water, which mitigated every fymptom. I felt fo much relieved, that I got up and walked acrofs the room. I experienced at the fortieth minute a tremulous affection of my hands, and a giddinefs and pain in my head ; fo much fo, that I was com- pelled to lie down again: the former of thefe affections continued for near two hours, but the latter was fomewhat abated, after beiqg in a recumbent pofture for a few mo- ments. My pulfe ftill continued deprefled, frequent, and quick ; at the fixty-fifth minute my thirft was urgent, my pulfe diminifhed three, ftill languid, and head-ach increafed. I then drank a glafs of water, and in fevenry-five minutes, my pulfe was reftored to its natural ftate, but the pain in my head ftill continued. From the preceding experiments we may infer, that the primary effects of tobacco,' are to accelerate the pulfe, * Doctor Crumce obferved this to be theconftant effeft of opium. D ( * ) and elevate the fpirits ; and that its fecondary operation is to deprefs the former, and fubdue the latter : for it is to be uniformly obferved in the preceding, as well as many of the fubfequent experiments, that, after the firft half hour had elapfed, the number of pulfations, in a given time, continu- ed todiminifh, until reduced to, and frequently b:lowf, the natural ftandard of health. Doctor Cullen|, in fpeaking of the commotion generated in the fyftem, from the exhibition of narcotics, obferves, that to explain this operation, " it feems necefTary to aftign fome other caufe than the direct ftimulant power of the fubftance applied ; and it appears to be that refiftance and confequent activity, which the ani- mal ceconomy is fuited tooppofe to every application that has a tendency to hurt it. This power is well known in the fchoolsof phyfic, under the title of the Vis Confervatrix et Medicatrix natures ; which however difficult to explain, muft, as a general law of the animal ceconomy, be admitted as a matter of fact." In contemplating the fentiments of Doctor Cullen on this head, we muft pay homage to his great ingenuity, but at the fame time, muft not allow our veneration for the abili- ties of this illuftrious phyfician, to operate as a barrier to the admiflion of truth. We know that the fyftem appears perfectly tranquil when in the enjoyment of health, and that this depends up- f This gave origin to the fupfmfcd fedative effeas of opium. Phy- ficians were not aware of its injlantuneous operation on the fyftem, and on this account attended folely to the effeils produced, after its primary influence had fubfided. J Cullen's Materia Medica, vol. a. page 151. ( 27 ) on a juft ratio of excitement and excitability, but when either predominate, difeafe is invariably the confequence. As this is admitted, would it not be more juft to fuppofe, tha> this diforcianization of the human frame, depends upon th*. ft..rmli applied, being difproportioned to the excitability of the fyftem ? Do we not fee fimilar commotions generated in perfons, on the immediate application of heat, after expofing them- felves to intenfe cold, and thereby rendering their fyftems extremely excitable ? And may not the fame be extended to narcotics, when difproportioned to the excitability of the fyftem ? With refpect to the operation of tobacco on the mind, in producing hilarity, we fee it fufficiently exemplified in many who have recourfe to it in a certain degree.* Moft of the ancient authors who have written on this fubject, avail themfelves of an opportunity to mention the exhilarating effects of tobacco; and Sir Hans Sloane in particular obferves, that, " in all places where it has come, " it has very much bewitched the inhabitants, from the " more polite Europeans, to the barbaroas Hottentots." We find alfo that the like effects of this noxious plant, are fpecified in Cortes's conqueft of Mexico, where this * A gentleman of this city informed me, that the fmoking of two or three fegars, feldom failed of occafioning an evident degree of a- lertnefs for a few moments after; but if he carried the fmoking to a greater extent, it generally produced a naufea, and agiddincfs in his head. ( *8 ) author affirms, that Montezumo, or the Emperor, drank feveral forts of liquor, richly perfumed with falutiferous herbs; after his meals, he took a kind of chocolate, and fmoked tobacco perfumed with liquid amber. The juice of this plant was one of the ingredients with which the priefts intoxicated themfelves, whenever they were obliged to de- liver an oracular anfwer. Three or four buffoons generally attended at the table) for the purpofe of diverting the Emperor, with their ludi- crous talents.* Thefe were the cuftoms of the Indian tribes, and thefe alfo were the amufements of many civilized nations.—It is to be much lamented, that even at this prefent enlightened period, the manners of the moft civilized nations, in this refpect, partake of thofe of the favage. But to ufe the words of a much celebrated and efteemed author, f « it would feem as if liberty and indolence were the higheft purfuits of man; and thefe are enjoyed in their greateft perfection by favages, or in the practice of cuftoms which refemble thofe of fava- ges." We find that its indifcriminate ufe as a luxury not un- frequently proves injurious. « Jts narcotic fumes," fays Dr. Leake, " will ftupify the brain, and deaden the invi- gorating power of the nerves upon the whole bodily fyftem. The propenfity of pcrfons to the ufe of this noxious plant, after being once habituated to the impreffion of its ftimu- lus, is equally prevalent with that of dram-drinkers to fpi- * Hernando Oortes's conqueft of Mexico, page 274. f Rufh. See his medical obfervations, vol. \, p. ( 29 ) rituous liquors, without which, however pernicious, they become languid, and debilitated, and are affected with ner- vous tremor."* As I fhall have occafion to fpeak more particularly ofits baneful influence in a fubfequent part of this work, when treating of its noxious effects in fmoking, fnuffing, and chewing, I fhall for the prefent fufpend my opinions on this head. Notwithftanding the deleterious effects of tobacco hi- therto enumerated, its operation as a medicine frequently proves falutary; this has been clearly demonftrated in many violent cafes of obftinate difeafe, and as fuch it is to be held in the higheft eftimation. Its influence on the fyftem is immenfe. It is beneficial in fome difeafes from its diuretic quality; in others as zfudorific, and it proves in proper do- fes, a gentle emetic, and a lenient purgative: hence the pro- priety of its ufe in many other difeafes. But more of this hereafter. Having now enumerated its refpe&ive operations on the human fyftem, I fhall proceed with relating fome experi- ments which were made on living fyftems, both internally as well as externally.— Experiment 5. I dropped a fmall portion of the expreffed juice into my right eye, which immediately imparted an excruciating pain, attended with a burning diffufible heat, fomewhat analogous to the introduction of an aqueous folutionof opi- * See Leake's practical Eflayson difeafes of the vifcera, p. 72. ( 3° ) urn :* This fenfation continued to increafe for the fpace of thirty minutes, but gradually diminifhed after this time; and totally fubfided at the expiration of one hour, leaving the part extremely fore and difagreeable, and fomewhat blood-fliot, for the remaining part of that day.— Experiment 6. After boiling a large quantity of the leaves,in order to procure an extract, I frequently exprefTed with my hands the liquor which the leaves abforbed, which occafioned fuch a degree of naufea at my ftomach, as aimoft to induce vomit- ing :f the fenfation continued for fome time, but gradually diminifhed, as the application was not again renewed.—- This was fucceeded by a flufhing of my face, a considera- ble pain in my head, a throbbing of my temples, a languor with diminution of appetite, and a difpofition to fleep. In order to fatisfy my readers that this effect on my- felf was produced by no particular idiofyncrafy, I will relate a corroborating experiment communicated to me by my friend Mr. Dart. " April the 20th, 1799. About 12 o'clock at noon, I applied to the internal parts of my thighs, and alfo the foles * Crumpe, on opium, pa^e 24. f I am credibly informed, that many of the Dutch inhabitants of New-Jerfcy, apply the leaves of tobacco, fleeped in water, to th mini .- ' ^ iu ( 39 ) imitation. Many cuftoms equally odious, have of late be- come fafhionable from the fame caufe, and it is to be regret- ted, that men whofe exalted fituations in life ought to have rendered them fuperior to fuch weakneffes, have been the principle propagators of thefe pernicious practices. The ex- ample of fuch characters is, unfortunately, efteemed by per- fons in the more fubordinate walks of life, as the ftandard of human perfection j hence when vicious cuftoms are brought into ufe by men of this defcription, the impreffion which is made on illiterate minds is more durable, and the profpectof eradicating them more gloomy. This plant was firft introduced into England by Sir Walter Raleigh, about the year 1585; this nobleman ufed it in the form of fegar, and hence the defpicable habit of fmoking was fpeedily contracted by the inhabitants of that kingdom. I prefume, our forefathers, muft have borrowed this cuf- tom from the aborigines of America, as we are informed, thefe Savages ufed it long before it was introduced into the civilized world. Our anceftors then, have entailed one of the moft odious vices on their fons and daughters ; for forry am I to obferve, that this plant is ufed by females, as well as males. Their delicate habits, it was to have been hoped, would have prevented them from the luxurious ufe of fuch a naufeous weed, but fatal experience has taught us, that our expectations were merely the refultsof benevolence ; with exalted notions of female delicacy, blended with a natural affection for the fex, we fondly anticipated, that they would ( 4° ) preferve themfelves aloof from fuch a deteftable cuftom, and therefore expected that a fegar would never find ad- mittance within their ruby lips. How far thefe expectations have been realifed, expe- rience will declare. The ufe of this plant is not folely confined to thofe la- dies, who have paffed the meridian of life, for in fuch a cafe the evil would not be fo great, but the young and the bloom- ing alfo delight in inhaling the fumes of tobacco; from this fource we may expect much mifchief, for as habit will render this weed as eflential to their happinefs, as their daily food ; fo alfo we will naturally fee the rifing generation, fondly allured to a fimilar attachment* It is granted that fmoking, or chewing, univerfally produce thirft, therefore a defirefor ftrong drink is excited; and as thefe, when taken between meals, are generally the forerunners of intemperance and drunkennefs, fo alfo is vice univerfally the confequence. This is proved beyond the poffibility of doubt, by Dr. Rufh* in his obfervations on the ufe of tobacco ; he obferves its influence in pro- moting intemperance, in the following words*—«(< One of the greateft fots," fays the Doctor, " I ever knew, acquir- ed a love for ardent fpirits, by fwallowing cuds of tobacco, which he did, to efcape detection in the ufe of it, for he had contracted the habit of chewing, contrary to the advice and commands of his father. He died of a dropfy under my care in the year 1780." * Ru/h's Effays, page 270. ( 4* ) From this faa we fee, in the moft undifguifed manner, the pernicious effeas of this weed, not only on the morals, but on the health, and ought we not then to endeavour to wean ourfelves from the ufe of a plant, which evidently im- pairs our ability for living as rational beings, and infures for us an early grave ? We daily witnefs the horrid effeas of inebriety, in our intercourfe with the world ; a train of evils are pro- duced, which totally difqualify the flaves of it from living in the polifhed walks of fociety; they become objcas of pity, and contempt, by men of genius and w rth, and be- ing excluded from the fociety of fuch, they fly to the haunts of vice, and frequently end their days, In a tavern or a brothel. •Idlenefs is alfo generated by the ufe of tobacco, and though it cannot be confidered fo immediately deftruaive to health and moral reaitude, as the habit of drunkennefs, yet the effeas are equally extenfive, though flower in their operation. The focial duties of life are neglected, and every thing valuable and interefting is totally difregarded. Our country, our conneaions, and our friends become ob- jeas of but little regard, and finally we attain to fuch per- feaion in indolence, that even the neceffary duties of life, which only extend to ourfelves, are confidered as burthen- fome, and ut laft totally neglefted. Thefe arc generally the effeas of a fervile fondnefs for tobacco ; and I could enumerate many more, if my timc would admit, which are equally difguftingin their na- ture • however, ascuftom has rendered this plant fo effen- . F ( 42 ) tial to the happinefs of many of our fellow citizens, it can- not be expeaed that thefe, or any other remarks, would have a tendency to difcourage the ufe. CHAPTER V. Of the analyfis of tobacco, and the operation of its conjlituent parts on living fyflems. Experiment io. I boiled two pounds of the dried leaves, in fix quarts of water, down to four ; the liquor was then ftrained, and carefully evaporated, over a gentle fire, to the confidence of an extraa, which weighed four ounces. Experiment ii. To two ounces of the above extraa, I' added four ounces of pure alcohol*, and triturated them together, for fome time in a mortar ; after which I poured off the men- ftruum, and by the affufion of diftilled water, precipitated the refin, from the alcohol ; this I evaporated v/ith a gentle heat, and then weighed the refiduum, which proved to be three drachms of pure refin. Experiment 12. Half a pound of the dried leaves of tobacco, put into a crucible, heated red hot, and calcined in the open air * As thefpirits of wine is frequently adulterated by the apo- thecaries, I was at the trouble of diftilling it myfelf, fo as to procure it as concentrated as poflible. ( 43 ) yielded an ounce and an halfkof white afhes; to this I added boiling water feveral times, and filtered the whole. The rciiduum, when dried, weighed one ounce ; fo that the wnrer took up half an ounce of the vegetable alkali, as is fufhciently exemplified in the following experiments. Experiment 13. In order to afcertain whether the fubftance taken up by the water, in the preceding experiment, was of the na- ture of a vegetable alkali, I fubmitted it to the following tefts. ift. To a fmall portion of this mixture, I added an aqueous folution of Corrofive fublimate,which was inftant- ly precipitated of a brick-duft colour. 2d. I added a few drachms of this filtered mixture, to a folution of the fulphate of iron*, which inftantly render- ed it of a black turbid colour, fomewhat tinged with a darkifh green. 4th. It precipitated the fulphate of copperf of a greenifh hue. 5 ih. A piece of paper, ftained yellow with turmeric^, was ftained of a brownifh hue. 6. L itmus paper was changed, to its prifline blue colour, after being turned red by the nitric acid. 7. A piece of paper, ftained red by the brafil wood was changed from its original colour, to a beautiful purple. * Green Vitriol, or Copperas. f Roman, or Blue Vitriol. ( 44 ) All the above tefts, were made individually with an * aqueous folution of pot-afh, and precifely with the fame re- fult, which inconteftibly confirms the analogy of the two«J Experiment 14. The water which was poured on the afhes of the to- bacco, was laid afide to evaporate fpontaneoufly, when it yielded cryftals of the carbonate of pot-afh, and common fait. Experiment 15. To the fubftance which remained after the affufion of hot water, weighing one ounce, I added half an ounce of fulphuric acid, diluted with water, and fuffered the mixture to boil for a few minutes, over a gentle fire; I then poured it off, and when filtered very clear, it was placed in a (hal- low veffel, to evaporate; in a few days, cryftals of the ful- phate of alumine, were obtained. The refidu^um confifted of filicious earth, and weighed fix drachms. Experiment 16. To half an ounce of the extraa, I added four ounces of concentrated nitric acid, which were boiled together over a gentle fire. A large quantity of nitrous gas efcaped, but as foon as the whole was evolved, the mixture was taken off, and it yielded cryftals of the oxalic acid. Experiment 17. Half a pound of the dried leaves were calcined in a red ( 45 ) hot crucible, which emitted a confiderable vapor. I co- vered the veffel clofe, and fuffered the fmoke to pafs through a tube, which was condenfed in a receiver: by this procefs, I procured feveral ounces of the diftilled water, and near half an ounce of an empyreumatic oil, which trickled down the fides of the veffel, and floated on the furface of the wa- ter. In order to afcertain the difference in ftrength between the refin and the gum, I made the following experiments. Experiment 18. To Thomas Howel, aged fifty, whofe pulfe beat 66 ftrokes in a minute, I adminiftered two grains of the refin, obtained by the means particularized in experiment eleventh, fufpended in a little water, about two hours after he had breakfafted on bread and chocolate. The refult of this ex- periment was as follows. 66 10 1 15 66 1 69 20 69 25 70 3o 71 35 75 40 72 45 7i 50 70 55 | 60 66 1 66 -1- He complained of confiderable naufea at his ftomach, but no vomiting. He fhortly after had a paffage, and void- ed a copious flow of urine. Experiment 19. To John Wheelder, a man of the fame temperament, I gave four grains of the extraa, deprived of its refin. His pulfe beat 68 ftrokes in a minute, and the following was the refult. ( 46 ) In P. beat 5 1.0 j i5 1 30 25 1 30 35 4o 1 45 1 5° 1 55 60 7° 73 1 74 1 75 77 1/8 78 76 1 73 | 7° 1 70 68 Min. In [fifteen minutes, he complained of a naufea; in 25, the naufea increafed, attended with a little head-ach. In 30 minutes he perfpired, and felt fomewhat giddy. About the fortieth minute, he had a copious evacuation down- wards, which relieved him confiderably. At the end of the hour, he felt much better, though ftill fome naufea at his ftomach, which wore off in the courfe of two or three hours. I was favoured with the following interefting experi- ment, by my ingenious friend Mr. Lee, aged about twen- ty, an apothecary to the Philadelphia Hofpital. Experiment 20. At 9 o'clock, P. M. three hours after drinking fome tea, and eating bread, I took two grains of the refin, that you gave me, made up into a foft pill, with a fmall portion of flour, and drank water after it, fo that there was no tafte perceived. From feveral previous examinations, my pulfe beat fixty-eight ftrokes in a minute, and the alterations pro- duced in it, are marked, in the following table, viz. In P. beat 1 5 10 »5 3o 4° 1 45 | 55 J 60 65 7° 1 75 j I73 78 90 94 90 afl 90 | 89 -l-i-l- 85 80 | 78 1 III 80 | 85 i 95 I 100 | 105 | no | u5 | iao | 125 | 130 | 135 F.B. | 76 1 74 I 77 I 77 I 77 I 75 I 74 I 74 } 73 I 67 | 66 " In five minutes I felt a good deal of pain at my fto- C 47 ) mach, which continued conftant for two hours. This con- tinuation of thj pa;n, induced me to carry on the experi- ment, as far as I did, to fee more particularly the refult of its operation. In tight minutes, I began to perfpire, and in fifteen and eighteen minutes, the perfpiration increafed moft profufely, particularly on my upper extremities, and fore- head. At ten minutes, I felt giddy, and foon became ver- tiginous, with an evident tremor throughout my frame. Thefe effeas went off at thirty five minutes. I vomited four times, viz. at the aoth, 35th, 50th and 90th minutes. This vomiting was as violent, as 1 have ever experienc- ed from tartar emetic. During the whole time I belched a great deal. After thefe affeaions fubfided, I voided urine, and felt difpofed for a paffage downwards, but being late at night, I did not indulge myfelf. « This laft affection I attributed folely to the purga- tive quality of the medicine, as I had a paffage this forenoon, which generally attends me in the four and twenty hours, when in a healthy ftate; but feldom more, and fometimes,I pafs the whole day without fuch an evacuation. " N. B. I took particular care not to examine my pulfe after vomiting, until the expiration of five minutes; and always before noting it, I remained ftill in one pofture, at leaft two minutes, in order that it might not be increaf- ed by exertions of any kind." Mr. Lee informed me, that he does not ufe tobacco in any form whatever, to which may be attributed, the vio- lence of the fymptoms, as well as great increafe of pulfe, for we find the fame quantity did not produce fuch violent affeaions in Thomas Howel, who occafionally indulged himfvlf in the taking of a little. C 48 ) Experiment 31. I gave three drops of the diftilled water,* as procured in the 17th experiment, to Thomas Howel, on whom the 18th experiment was made. His pulfe beat 68 ftrokes in a minute, and it affeaed him in the following manner. In f. beat 5 1 10 '5 1 20 1 »5 1 3o | 35 1 40 | 45 jo 55 | 60 69| V 7i 173 1 75 | 78 | 76 | 76 | 74 7* 70 \*7 In fifteen minutes, he faid that his ftomach felt a little warm, as if he had drank brandy and water. At the 25th minute a naufea occurred. In thirty-five minutes, ftill fome ficknefs at his ftomach, but not fo perceptible as be- fore. In 55 and 60 minutes, he experienced no further in- convenience from the dofe. Experiment 22 To afcertain more particularly the operation of the diftilled water, I took three drops in a little cold tea, on an empty ftomach, my pulfe beating 68 ftrokes in a minute, and the following was the effea. In 5 | 10 | 35 I *o | 25 | 30 | 35 P. beat | 7° | 70 I 7* I 73 | 77 I 8o I 8o I Min. In 4<> I 45 I 5° I 55 I 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 j Min. P. beat 80 | 80 | 76 | 72 | 66 | 66 | 68 | 68 • This water was extremely acrid, and fomewhat impregnated with the oi!. ( 49 ) In ten minutes, I felt a warmth throughout my throat and fto uach ; in twenty minutes my head became a little confufed, and the naufea increafed. At the thirtieth, I made feveral efforts to ejea the contents of my ftomach, but without effea, and in forty minutes this difpofition for vo- miting fubfided. There was a confiderable moifture on my forehead, until the forty-fifth minute, but difappeared on the fixtieth. In an hour and fifteen minutes, every fymptom totally vanifhed, and I remained perfeaiy compofed for the remainder of the evening. Experiment 23. Five grains of the extraa were diffolved in water, and given to a cat, which induced vomiting in the courfe of five minutes ; this continued for near half an hour, with inter- vals of fix or eight minutes. After this time the vomiting fubfided, and the animal perfeaiy recovered. Experiment 24. Five grains of the extraa were diffolved in one ounce •f water, and injeaed into the reaum of a fmall dog: in three minutes it began to be extremely reftlefs; in five it ran about the room, and apparently in great diftrefs; it con- tinued thus for feven or eight minutes, when a copious eva- cuation took place, which relieved it confiderably; the ani- mal was divefted of every indication of pain in the fpace of thirty minutes. Experiment 25. I injeaed ten grains of the extraa diffolved in half an ounce of water, into the reaum of a full thrown cat, which ( 50 ) produced flight convulfions in the abdominal mufcies, and a great degree ofdifquietudefor the fpace of thirty minutes; a copious evacuation fucceeded thefe fymptoms,which leffen- ed them confiderably; at the expiration of an ho:ir, they were evidently diminifhed, and, to every appearance, totally fubfided in the courfe of two hours and a half. Experiment 26. Three hours after performing the above experiment, I adminiftered to the fame cat, ten grains of the refin fufpend- ed in water, which produced violent contortions of the abdo- men, in the fhort fpace often minutes: free and repeated difcharges were the refult of this exhibition; and the poor animal difcovered by its mewing, and grimaces, fuch ex- quifite torture, that at the 20th minute, I injeaed the like quantity into its mouth, in order to put an end to its exif- tence. In lefs than thirty minutes, thefe affeaions were greatly increafed, and a violent vomiting enfued, attended with great commotions of the ftomach, and repeated dif- charges of its contents. In forty minutes the convulfions of the abdominal mufcies, were confiderably augmented, and an inceffant tremor pervaded the whole frame. In this de- plorable fituation it continued for fome time, when it fprung up, and hobbled acrofs the room. In an hour and ten mi- nutes, it foamed confiderably at the mouth; the refpiration became quick and extremely laborious, and it affumed, in every refpea, the appearance of a rabid animal; the fpaf- modic contraaions of the ftomach and abdomen were oreat- ly promoted^ and the poor animal appeared for a time, as if it would ejea the very ftomach itfelf.* In this dreadful ftate it remained until near the 2d hour, when death as a benign attendant clofed the lamentable fcene. * Similar f>mptoms took placefrom the exhibition of two rlraclims ( 51 J Experiment 27. I gave to a large dog, thirty grains of the extraa, confuting of the gum and refin, which produced no fenfi- ble effects for the fi.-ft hour; in an hour and fifteen mi- nutes, he difcovered fome commotion in the ftomach, by the faliva which run from the mouth, and alfo by feveral convulfions of the body, as if inclined for vomiting. No- thinrr was ejeaed from the ftomach, but the dog had co- pious and repeated difcharges through the medium of the reaum, for feveral hours after. The enfuing day he had perfeaiy recovered, and fuftained no apparent inconveni- ence from his bolus. Experiment 28. Fifteen grains of the refin were given to a dog of the fame ftrength, which caufed an inclination to vomit in the of camphor, an J as the analogy is fo great, I will give the extract from the London medical obfervations, as related by Mr. Hoffman. " L gave," fays Mr. Hoffman, " to a large grey hound, two drachnas of camphor, in a ball of hogs lard. Three quarters of an hour after, the dog began to look wild and furious, lolled out his tongue, work- ed in his flanks, as ifexceflively fatigued. I found the nervous parts fo violently contrafted, their rigidity fo great, and the dog when at- tempting to walk, inftead of advancing, recoiled backwards, drag- ging hi: forelegs after him, as if he dreaded by going forwards, to fall down a precipice. He then ftll into convulfions. After a little time he got up, began to walk, ftriking his head againft any thing, that happened in his way ; tumbling and tottering as if intoxicated. When I offered him fome water to drink, notwithftandinghe appear- ed very thi.fty, he refufed it. The fymptoms refembled the hydropho- bic. In about twenty-four hours every appearance of maduefs, gra- dually fubiid-;!, and left the dog in a quite weak and feeble condi- tion ; but afterward he recovered gradually. ( 5* ) fpace of half an hour. In three quarters, he threw up the contents of his ftomach, and appeared for fome time in great anxiety. In an hour, he had a large evacuation from his bowels; and the medicine operated various times, both as an emetic and cathartic. For the fucceeding part of the day, he appeared as ufu- al, and no further inconvenience attended this exhibition. Experiment 29. Thirty drops of the diftilled water, as procured in ex- periment 17th, was given to a cat, which occafioned con- vulfions in five minutes. In ten it fprung about, and con- torted its body in a variety of forms; the convulfions, in twelve minutes were fo much augmented, that it was af- feaing to behold the torture of the animal, and in this ex- quifite pain it fuddenly expired. Experiment 30. I applied three drops of the oil of tobacco to the tongue of a cat, which aimoft inftantaneoufly produced convul- fions, and in fix or eight minutes, its breathing was fter- torous, accompanied with tremors, and confiderable pain.* It recovered confiderably in the courfe of an hour, and in about an hour and an half,feemed to enjoy its priftinecom- pofure. Experiment 31. After laying bare feveral mufcies of the leg of a pige- * This is taken notice of in the new Royal Encyclopedia, under 'he head of Nicotiana. ( 53 ) on,* I applied two drops of the oil of tobacco, which ai- moft inftantaneoufly occafioned a fpafmodic affeaion, and fuch a degree of rigidity in the whole of the extremity, as to induce an inability for motion; a quick refpiration ac- companied the whole, attended with a violent palpitation of the heart, and a confiderable tremor, throughout the ex- tremity. Thefe fymptoms continued for twenty minutes, but after the expiration of half an hour, gradually diminifhed and totally fubfided in the courfe of an hour. In attempting to catch it, it walked acrofs the room, but with fome dif- ficulty. In an hour and fifteen minutes, it ejeaedf the con- tents of its ftomach, which relieved it confiderably, and oc- cafioned its affuming a more lively afpea. No difagreeable confequences enfued, and it perfeaiy recovered thefe affeaions. Experiment 32. The mufcies of the lower extremity of a frog, were laidbare, andfour drops of the oil of tobacco applied to them, which occafioned, in five minutes a paralyfis of the limb, * I am confcious of the apparent inhumanity of many of the ex- periments here inferted ; but when wc reflefl: on the neceflity which frequently occurs of our rcforting to them in particular enquiries, re- lative to the various operations of medicines, I flatter myfelf that I fliall be deemed fufRciently cxcuf-.ib'.c for practiling them as often as I have done. + The Indians poifon their arrows, with /«:■ i! of tobacco, which, in- fufed into a frefh wound, occaiions iicknef*; ..nci vomiting, or con- vulfions v -d death. ( 54 ) and fmall tremulous motions throughout the whole body: the limb remained perfeaiy inaaive; the ifchiatic nerve was then pricked, in order to afcertain, whether the part was deprived of its contraaile power, but no vifible effect. was produced: upon touching the ifchiatic nerve of the other extremity, a violent contraaion of the leg inftantane- oufly took place. This experiment was repeated divers times, and with the fame rcfults. Exepriment 33. An opening was made in the teguments on the back part of the neck of a pigeon, and raifed without injuring the flefhy part of it. Four drops of the oil of tobacco were then introduced. In five minutes, it indicated fome degree of pain, by a flapping of its wings, and on the feventh minute, it was attacked with a tremor, when its feet became rigidly extended, and on the tenth, it inftantly expired. Experiment 34, The bread of a pigeon was punaured, and the orifice filled up with feveral drops of the oil of tobacco. In five minutes the legs were feized with an inability for motion. The breaft was now its only fupport, and. it continued in this fituation, for forty minutes. It indicated great pain the whole of this time, and was furprifingly convulfed. It made feveral efforts to vomit, but its ftomach being empty from a long confinement, nothing was ejeaed. At the ex- piration of an hour, it arofe, and walked acrofs the room. ( 55 ) The pigeon fuftained no further injury, and was per- feaiy lively, two days after. Obfervations on the Experiments. /\S I have already taken notice of the particular operation of tobacco, on the human fyftem, in a preceding part of this work, I fhall avoid prolixity by referring to thofe pages,* where an accurate definition has already been offered; the inferences of which are drawn from feveral of the preceding experiments. I fhall, therefore, without further comment pafs them over, and proceed to an exami- nation of the fifth experiment, where we have an opportu- nity of obferving the ftimulating effeas of tobacco, when applied externally to an irritable furface. In reviewing the fixth experiment, we find that Ni- cotiana proves a gentle emetic, when externally applied to the body, which ixSt is alfo corroborated, by an experi- ment of my friend Mr. Dart's, already taken notice of. In cafes where internal emetics may be objeaed to, this appli- cation may be adopted with little or no inconvenience, par- ticularly as its operation is of a very lenient nature. In regard to the experiments made on the mice, it is to be obiJived, that death was aimoft an immediate attendant on each. I diffeaed feveral of thefe animals after the ex- tinaion of life, in order to fee if I could trace any marks * r.!;,es3a and 53. C 56 ) •f inflammation. In two or three that I opened, no vifible effeas were produced ; in others, the minute blood veffels throughout the inteftines, were fomewhat florid, but perhaps this might have proceeded from fome other caufe. Here it may be prefumed, that the exceffive ftimulating quality of this plant, was difproportioned to the excitability of their 'yftems, and confequently death was induced, before any in- flammatory type could poffibly have taken place.* With refpea to the conftituent parts of tobacco, we find, agreeable to the eleventh experiment, that it pofTeffes an extraa confifting of a gum and refin, two ounces of which afforded three drachms of pure refin. From the fe- veral experiments that I have made, the moft aaive proper- ty of this plant confifts in the refinous portion. The afhes obtained from the twelfth experiment, yield- ed a large portion of vegetable alkali, as is fufficiently con- firmed from the tefts enumerated. The fourteenth expe- riment afforded cryftals of the carbonate of pot-afh and common fait; from the fifteenth was obtained the fulphate of alumine. Cryftals of the oxalic acid, were procured from the fixteenth experiment. The feventeenth afforded a water ex- tremely pungent when applied to the tongue, and the oil which floated on its furface was very acrid, when in contaa with a denuded furface of the body. We may perceive from * Dr. Rufh remarks that the fame frequently occurred, with per- fons who died fuddenly of the ycJlow fever. " It is owing," fays this acute phyfiologift,IC to afuddenproftration of the fyftem, before the •xiftence of morbid ailion, without which no inflammation can take place." ( 57 ) the refults of the 18th and 19th experiments, the' difference exifting between the gum and refin, for both of the men on whom thefe experiments were performed, were of the fame temperament, and occafionally praaifed the chewing of to- bacco. From the twentieth experiment, which was per- formed by Mr. Lee, we fee clearly manifefted the immenfe power of the refinous portion of the extract, and its virtue as a medicine, occafioning naufea, a profufe perfpiration,and at length vomiting. Tobacco appears to be unequivocally a powerful dia- phoretic, and as fuch it has proved efficacious in a variety of difeafes. It is to be regretted that its exhibition is not oftener repeated ; for there are teftimonies of its falutary in- fluence in many obftinate fevers, which predominated over the moft powerful remedies which are efteemed valuable for exciting afpeedy and profufe perfpiration. The twenty-firft and twenty fecond experiments, evince the immenfe power which the diftilled water poffef- fes : phyficians formerly made ufe of it with advantage,and I entertain not the fmalleft doubt, but that, with a proper dilution, it may now be adminiftered with much efficacy. The twenty-third, twenty-fourth, and twenty-fifth ex- periments, clearly demonftrate the emetic and purgative qualities of this plant; and the twenty-fixth, twenty-fe- venth, and twenty-eighth, again elucidate the difference ex- ifting between the gum and refin; for, agreeable to thtfe ex- p^ri.rents, we fiV.d that one half of the latter, operated more powei fully thun twice the quantity of the former. The immenf- acrimonv of the diftilled water, is evi- H I 58 ) dently depiaed in the twenty-ninth experiment, for the fmall quantity of thirty drops produced convulfions and death in a cat, in the fhort fpace of twelve minutes. The thirtieth, and the fucceeding experiments fufRciently evince the power with which the oil of tobacco is endued, occa- fioning a univerfal tremor throughout the whole frame, and a paralyfis of the parts to which it was applied. An account of its medical virtues, in eradicating certain difeafes. JL HE medical powers of tobacco were generally known among phyficians, at an early period, who afcribed many virtues to it in certain obftinate difeafes. With refpea to its operation as a general evacuant, I may, from my expe- riments, and the corroborating affertions of various authors, pronounce this medicine a valuable acquifition to the mate- ria medica; and that its evident operation on the fyftem, is that of afudorific,zn emetic, a cathartic,and a diuretic. Hence the propriety of its ufe, in a variety of difeafes. In cafes of afcites and other dropfical affeaions, it ap- pears to be an invaluable remedy. As a diuretic, I would venture to affert, that it is ex, celled by few, if any of our indigenous plants. The digi- talis purpurea,* which grows luxuriantly in South-Caroli- * Purple Fox-glove. ( 59 ) na, has been much celebrated for its diuretic quality, by medical charaaers ; but I have feen inftances where the to- bacco has eradicated feveral violent cafes of afcites, where this had proved but of little effea. " Diuretics," fays a much celebrated charaaer,f " have fo long been employed with benefit in the treatment of dropfies, that it becomes a matter of confequence, to increafe the number of the medi- cines of this clafs, and to learn how to exhibit, with more advantage, thofe which are already known." In how great eftimation then fhould we hold that plant, which is evident- ly endowed with a power of evacuating the accumulated water by a natural difcharge, for the relief of afcites and other dropfical affeaions, in lieu of reforting to a furgical operation, which is painful and difagreeable to the affliaed patient; that nicotiana poffeffes this quality, no one will pretend to deny. Every praaitioner of medicine, who has attentively perufed the publication of the ingenious Doaor Fowler, on the effeas of Tobacco, with refpea to its diuretic quality, muft candidly acknowledge its falutary effeas, in cafes of dropfy and dyfury. The uniform refult atten- dant on his experiments, together with the many proofs of its virtues which have come under my cognizance, clearly evince the indefinite worth of this plant, and the neceflity of adminiftering it in thofe cafes of dropfy, which feem to triumph over medicines oflefs efficacy, although held in the greateft repute. To illuftrate this ftill further, I have been informed by feveral perfons of unqueftionable veracity, that a variety + See profeffbr Barton's efiay towards a matvi* medita of the United Slates, page 34' ( 6o ) o^" the moft violent cafes of dropfy, many of which had baffled the (kill of the moft eminent pbyficians, were per- feaiy eradicated by an old r.e~;~ fellow. His remedy w~?\ for a time, unknown to any but himfelf, until, by fojre accidental occurrence, it was difcovered to be a fimple decoction of tobacco, difguifed with f.xr.e odoriferous Icrb. As an additional proof of the efficacy of this plant in the various fpecies of dropfy, I fhall take the liberty of introducing the.opinion of Dr. Cullen, when confidering the effeas of vomiting, in promoting abforption, and there- by relieving patients affeaed with dropfy. " Spontaneous vo: -itirg," >'\\ s the Dr. l^i fometimes excited an abforption in '•ydrop'c parts, end thereby drawn off the waters lodged in them, it is rc-afonable to fuppofe, that vomiting excited by art, may h-,-v? the fame effea; and accordingly it has been often prael'LJ with ?x\vantage*." The doaor then proceeds with obferving, " il:rtt there are no means we can employ to procure a copious r-vacuatiof of ferous fluids, with greater certainty than ibe operati::i of purgatives, and it ■<; upon thefe accounts, th?t purging is the evacua- tion which has been :"oil fix que ' ', and perhaps with moft fuccefs, employed i-\ dropfyt." He fui titer remarks " that the kidneys an" ■.:■} a nature outlet for ar e t part of the watery fui>-, contained in the blood veffcls; and the increafing tl-e sxcretlems by the kidneys^ to a confiderabl: degree, is a meai c, as likely, as any other of exciting an abforption in dropfica! parts, It is upon this account that * Cullen's Firft linci Vol. II. page 497. ■j- Cullen's Practice of Phyfic. Vol. II. page 408. f It is remarked by Dr. Sydenham, " :rn treating of diuretic* :r. drcp- lical cafes, "■■ that where the waters are not to be difcharged by v«- ( 61 ) diuretic medicines have been always properly employe! in th' cure of dropfy. It happens however, unluckily, that none of them are of a very certain operation*". He then precede by announcing the utility of fudorifics, in many calls of dropfical affeak;n~, pud affirnts, that they have proved falutary in many infta.-xs. As I rnve had fome opportunities of witne.Tm? the happy effeas of tobacco,'and its various, oper 'ions on the fyftem, I would beg lerve to obferve that all thefe virtues hitherto enumerated by Doaor Cullen, appear to be, under certain circumftancc?, concentrated in this plant; from my experience, I may venture to affert, with fome degree of confidence, that it has proved of ineftimable worth for the relief of patients afiliaed with dropfy. Li reviewing what I have written on th? medical pro- perties of this plant, 1 perceive that my limited information i:a prevented me fi\j:n doing ample juftice to the fubjea: in order, therefore, to extenuate- my deficiencies, I mall r.' ;i-^cr purging; far intlmucc in weak canftiuitians, and hyfleric fubjeeis, tiiey cannot be evicuaud by pur^-.t-uei, and much lefs by vmi.'rrc, but are to be carried off by di^era. Several of this kind are extolled in the writings of phyficians, but the moft, if not the onlj efficacious ones, in my opinion, are thofe prepared from lixvuialfaitt, from whatever plant the -flies be obtained1'. Docloi Vvallis i.'cftrves t'iat the afiiei of tobacco, has ofteniimes proved efficacious in the re— h.f of dropfy. Wal.is's Sydenhar.i. Vol. II. page 289. * DoAor Fowler obferves on this head, tliat fuch confederation! £.ft induced him to make t.lal of a j;-tatrr variety «f diuretic Medicines in dropfical cafes, than I ..v.- generally been ufed; in ho, es of finding fome one, more tifcacious than the reft: and he falters hnnfelf, he may recommend, ~> fuch, the cekhrated Indian pla;:i c m uoi'.'y c.dled 1 obacce. ( 63 ) apply to the learned pages of Doaor Fowler* for aid, in accomplifhing the defign of this undertaking. In this work fo replete with medical information, many interefting faas may be colleaed ; and I truft that it will be found on an impaffioned examination of our experiments, that I have not departed from truth, nor built my opinions •n conjeaure. Doaor Fowler obferves that a paragraph, in the third volume of Dr. Duncan's very valuable medical commen- taries, firft induced him to adminifter tobacco. It was part of a letter, from Dr. Garden of Charlefton South-Carolina, to Dr. Hope of Edinburgh ; wherein he fays—" Here we ufe with furprizingly great efficacy, in dropfical cafes, the alkaline fixed fait of tobacco, &c. Doaor Fowler remarks that a variety of operations, in different authors, have been afcribed to this plant, and that he was led from this circumftance to afcertain more particularly its virtues; being folicitous of eftablifhing his opinions on a more fubftantial bafis than the affertions of others, he refolved on entering into a minute inveftigation of the fubjea, and confequently founded the pofitions there ftated, on his own experience and obfervation. The refult of this enquiry, has afforded him very fa- vourable ideas upon the fubjea, and from the number of faas enumerated by him, we may infer,that tobacco, under proper regulations, may be adminiftered internally, not only as a fafe, but as an efficacious, and valuable remedy ; efpeci- * See Doftor Th»mas Fowler's I/Iedical reports of the ErTcfts of Tobacee. ( «3 ) ally as a powerful diuretic in cafes of dropfies and dyfuries*. » To illuftrate the manner of its exhibition, and alfo its falu- tary effeas in many cafes, 1 will take the liberty ofinferting a fevr extracts from Dr. Fowler, as related by him, and which were the re- fultsof his own obfervations. It appears from many experiments, fays the Doctor, that the average dofe for an adult, fufficient to produce the defired effeft, will be about eighty drops of the infufion ; or to fpeak with fome latitude, from fixty drops to one hundred, and to be repeated twice a day. The propereft times for adminiftering the medicine, are two hours before dinner, and at bed-time ; it being obferved lodifagrec Ihemoft with the ftomach, in a morning falling. And fuch is the difference between morning and night, that aimoft every patient will require to take one fourth, and fome even one third lefs, in the forenoon, than in the evening ; in order to enable them to bear the dofes, with equal convenience. The infufion fhould always be ad- miniftered in fome vehicle ; which may either be water, or any other fimple drink. The common dofc juft mentioned, relate only to adults of an ordinary conftitution; for it deferves particular notice, that be-* tweeu conftitutions, which are very nervous and irritable, and thofe which are very robuft, or torpid, or long accuftomed to the ufe of tobacco, the dofes will admit of very great, and Airpriling varia- tions. As an illuftration of this point, I fhall here annexa comparative view of the dofes of the infufion, adminiftered in ninety four cafes of adults ; taking the medium-dofe of each cafe, and reducing the Whole into four claffes, according to the number of drops. Firft Cl-ifs. Medium dofes. 2i Cafes (3 men, and 18 women), from 35 to 60 drops. Second Oafs, Cafes, (19 men, and a8 women), from 60 to 100 drops. ( 64 ) A medicine poffeffing this quality in an emiment de- gree, has long been acknowledged to be a defideratum in phyfic; and let it be confidered as a further recommenda- tion, that it is found in a vegetable. Becaufe the produc- tions of nature are generally conftant and uniform ; while thofe of art, are too often variable and uncertain ; which is the cafe ia fome of our moft powerful chemical remedies. In Fever. /\„S it is not my intention to enter into a particular tfifquifition relative to the nature of fever, I fhall only ob- ferve that fuch medicines as promote a profufe diaphorefis are frequently reforted to by phyficians, and I have no doubt but that the infufion of tobacco, in naufeating dofes, fo as to iaduce copious f.veating, would be attended w.th very falutary effeas. Third Clafs, j3 Cafes, (9 men, and 4 women), from 100 to 150. Fourth Clafs. 3 Cafes, ( 3 men), from 150 to 300. 94 Seeii\~ the diverfity of dofes is fo great, I would lay it down as a rule, by way of caution, to begin with fixty drops, or three fourths «f the medium-dofe, in a cafe of a delicate conftitution ; and to in- e-eafe the number of drops, by five, eight or ten at a time, till by Iheir obvious effects oa the fyftem, the proper dofe fhall be afcer- tained. Eut if the r«':ent fbould be a male, and the constitution rohufr, torpid, or a-rtuftomed to the ufe of tobacco, we may fafely venture to begin with eighty, ninety, or one hundred drops ; and thus, witk mors expedition, regu.ate the future dofes according to the eCcftt. ( «5 ) In the cure of fever, various means are reforted to by medical charaaers; fome appear to be more particu- larly attached to the ufe of the lancet, others to vomiting, fome to fweating, and many prefer the ufe of purgatives, but their objeas, it may be prefumed, are ultimately the fame, viz. depletion. Is it not probable then that the com- plicated operation of tobacco would render its exhibition beneficial in many cafes of fever ? And would it not, on this confideration, be expedient for phyficians to praaife the ufe of it more often than they do ? In teftimony of its efficacy, I have a well authenticated faa, where the external application of the leaves to the wrifts of a child, produced confiderable naufea, a profufe diaphorefis, and at length vomiting, with repeated evacu- ations downwards. This child had been for fome time affliaed with an obftinate fever, and the ufual remedies were made ufe of without any benefit attending them ; but by the virtues of tobacco, in the manner above fpecified, the difeafe was totally fubdued, and the child was happily refcued from impending death. Doaor Shannon remarks,«that the Africans make ufe of a fort of poultice of wild tobacco chopped up green, with green capficum*, applied to the wrifts for the cure of fever, with a decoaion of herbs that promote a copious fweatf." * A fpecies of Pepper. f R. Shannon, M. D. on Medicine, pag« j8», I C 6& ) In Nephritis. IN cafes of nephritis calculofa, or gravel, the infufion of tobacco has been given with very good effea; and Dr. Fowler affirms, that he has feen many cafes where it proved of infinite utility, and in fome inftances perfeaed radical cures. Phyficians many years back, were not ignorant of its virtues in fuch affeaions, for they have afferted that it has proved " profitable for thofe who are troubled with a ftone in the kidney, both to eafe pain, and by provoking urine to expel gravel and the ftone engendered therein.f" Afcarides. A SPECIES of worms, thus termed from their inceffant troublefome motion, which excites an itching. They are fmall and white, with ifharp pointed heads, and generally exift in the reaum. They oftentimes occafion fuch uneafinefs in fome peo- ple as to induce fainting, and frequently prove fo trouble- fome throughout the night, as to deprive them of fleep. They are fo completely enveloped in mucus, that it is with difficulty they can be eradicated, and frequently they refift the moft powerful anthelmintics ; but practical authors ob- ferve, " that the fumes of burning tobacco injeaed clyfter- wife into the reaum, is of fingular efficacy." Farriers are aware of its immenfe virtues in fuch affec- tions, for they generally pronounce it to be infallible in expelling thofe fmall worms, commonly called bots, which fo frequently prove mortal to many horfes. \ Theatrum Botannicnm, p. 711. ( <7 ) In Aflhma. IN afthmatic cafes, this medicine has frequently afforded relief, by its expeaorant quality ;* for agreeable to the difcharge of mucous, we find the remiflion of cough- ■ more or lefs confiderable: but fhould an inflammatory type t 'evail, which generally occurs in the recent ftage of this dile.i , its ufe fhould be protraaed, until proper deple- u\ e u medics have had the effea of reducing the fyftem to that ftate, which would render its exhibition the more effi- cacious. In Odontalgia or Tooth-ach. IN fuch affeaions, the fmoking of a fegar, has im- parted confiderable relief. A piece of lint, impregnated with the expreffed juice of tobacco, has often, in fome in- ftances, aaed as a charm, in mitigating the violence of the tooth-ach. The oil of tobacco,^ dropped on a piece of cot- ton, of fufficient magnitude to occupy the concavity of the affeaed tooth, has proved aimoft inftantaneous in its relief. In thefe various forms, tobacco aas by its ftimulating quality, deftroying the fenfibility of the nerve, and thereby encountering pain. Opium oftentimes aas in like man- ner, but neither perfea permanent cures ; for the pains frequently recur, and the only radical remedy to which we muft ultimately refort, is the extraaion of the affeaed tooth. * Dr. Fowler obferves, that he has tried the infufion in many cafes of afthma, where it proved expectorant, and procured reliefs f It muft here be remarked that this remedy fhould not be ( 68 ) In Colic. THE decoaion of tobacco, exhibited in the form of an injeaion, has afforded aimoft inftantaneous relief, after other medicines had proved ineffeaual. Particularly as Dr. Sydenham obferves, " when the violence of the vomit- ing do not yield to mild purgatives; for it avails not to ex- hibit a gentle cathartic, unlefs perhaps, the patient be eafy to work upon, which fhould be carefully inquired into, be- caufe fuch a medicine, being too weak to make its way through the inteftinal tube, does more m'fchief: the vo- miting and pain being increafed by its languid and ineffec- tual motion.*" There was a violent cafe of this difeafe, which came under the immediate infpeaion of Dr. Peas, in South-Carolina; where the beneficial influence of to- bacco was very demonftrative. Several powerful cathar- tics were adminiftered without the fmalleft effea ; and the diforder was degenerating faft into an iliac paffion. Re- courfe was then had, as the laft refource, to a ftrong de- coaion of the dried leaves of tobacco; immediately after the exhibition of it, through the medium of the reaum, a violent commotion pervaded the whole abdominal vifcera ; the patient became extremely reftlefsf, and it was with adopted by perfons unaccuftomed to the ufe of tobacco, as the oil is extremely naufeons, and will oftentimes induce vomiting. * Wallis?s Sydenham, p. 177. f Dr. Fowler remaiks, that by a proper adminiftration, thrfe violent effects may be avoided. An ounce of the infufion he ob- ferves, will be found a medium dofe, in the form of an injection, for an adult of an ordinary conftitution ; and the general rule by which he was.guided, is as follows : Suppofing a common injeftioa to have been adminiftered without effeft, I would order one of an ( 69 ) the greateft difficulty that two perfons could keep him in his bed. At length a profufe difcharge enfued, and relief Was afforded in a very fhort time. In the Iliac Passion. " IT is highly proper," f*ys Dr. Sydenham, " to give a ftrong purging glyfter, an hour or two after bleeding*." In fuch cafes, I have feen the tobacco infufion made ufe of with confiderable advantage. The Doaor hin fcif re- marks the falutary effeas of tobacco in this difeafe. " The fmoke of tobacco," he obferves, " forced up thro' a blad- der into the bowels by an inverted pipe, has been attended with very beneficial confequences." It is afferted in the Royal Encyclopoedia, that a ftrong decoaion of tobacco thrown up the reaurn, has proved of good eff'ea in what is ufually culled iheJlone-colicjlandAfo in the iliac paffion. ounce of the infufion, agreeable to the preceding obfervation, in half a pint of milk, or common gruel, to be immediately injected. If this procured no relief, or excited no ^idainufs, or naufea, con- tinuing for the fpace of thirty, forty, or iixty minutes; theic ikft effects in obftinate conftipations, moft frequently preceding its lax- ative operation, then I would gradually increafe the ftrength of the future injeaions, till one or other of thefe effects fhould take place. By this mode of proceeding, the powers of the medicines, whe- ther fuecefsfi.1 or not, will be fully tried in the i>ce of a few hours; a matter of feneus confequence, where fufpeafeis dif.^Lnj, and delay dangerous. * Walhs's S;Jcnh.u», p. 442- ( 70 ) In Hernia. IT generally occurs that coftivenefs is one of the moft alarming fymptoms attendant on this difeafe, for the relief of which, ftimulating purgatives are generally adminifter- ed ; but it not unfrequently happens that they do much injury, for when they have not the defired effba, they pro- duce a confiderable naufea at the ftomach, and fometimes vomiting, which promotes the pain and tenfion of the tumour. " In fuch affeaions," fays Mr. Bell, « I would re- commend tobacco fmoke thrown up in the form of injec- tions, as preferable to every other remedy.*" In Tympanites Intejiinalis. This is termed a flatulent dropfy, the abdomen fre- quently becomes confiderably diftended, and in fuch cafes the chief intention is to difcharge the flatulencies: various remedies have been indicated for this purpofe, and there have been inftances where the infufion of tobacco has prov- ed efficacious after the failure of many of them. " A cafe of two years continuance," fays Doaor Fowler, " after the trial of various remedies, has been fur- prifingly relieved by glyfters of tobacco prepared in a very ftrong manner. Their operation was moderately pur- gative, accompanied with naufea, vertigo, a copious per- foration, and much difcharge of wind." * Bell's Surgery, vol. I. p. 162. ( 7* ) In obftinate Ulcers. The dried leaves of tobacco, fteeped in water and ap- plied to the parts affeaed, have fometimes been attended with beneficial effeas. Mr. William Bartram informed me, that he knew of feveral long'ftanding ulcers, after having refifted the ufu- al remedies, that were entirely cured by the ufe of tobacco, in the manner above fpecified. Doaor Earle, of Maryland, communicated to me the cafe of a child, who had been for feveral months affliaed with an obftinate eruption on its head, which evaded the fkill of feveral eminent phyficians, that was ultimately cured by an old woman, who dailydref- fed it with an ointment of tobacco, previoufly wafhing the part with a decoaion of the fame. In the Itch. This fulfome diforder has frequently been cured by the application of tobacco to the affeaed parts. Mr. Jacobs, a gentleman from Paris, informed me, that the French phy- ficians, make great ufe of the tobacco wafh * in obftinate * The wafh is prepared in the following manner. To one pound of the dried tobacco leaves, add four quarts of water- let thef-boil Aowly over a gentle fire, f>r the oare of half an hour then pour off the liquor, and add to it one ounce of foda or mineral alkali. The parts affecTxd are to be well rubbed with a fuf- ficient portion of this mixture, and to be continued from one to three weeks according to the virulency of the cafe. Though it muft be remarked, that, in confequence of the irritability of ir..my conftitu- tions great caution is requiiite, with refpect to its ufe, as it has, in fome inftances, occafioned vomiting, and fcir.curaes convulfions. ( 7* ) cafes of cutaneous eruption'. The fame, he avers, feldom fails of curing the itch: the eruptive parts are to be wafhed three or four times a day, 'intil every appearance fubfides; in this way radical cures have been effeae:', even after the difeafe had refifted the moft powerful medicines. A ftrong decoaion of the ftalks with fharp-pointed dock and alum is faid to be of good fcrvice, uf.d extrr^ally, in cuticular diftempers: this is aifo faid to be infallible in cur- ing the mange in dogs.* In Phtheiriafis. This is a loufy diftemper, to which moft children are generally fubjea, adults alfo at times, are affliaed with it. Moift and warm fituations promote the increafe of thefe de- teftable vermin ; but a cold and dry one very foon exter- minate them. Four fpecies are peculiar to the human body, viz. ift. The pediculi,f fo called from their being more troublefome with their feet, than from their bite. They ge- nerally infeft the head, particularly if fore. 3d. Morpiones or Crab-lice. They are thus called from the analogy which they bear to a crab-fifh. 3d. Body-lice. Thefe are generated in the apparel of the filthy. 4th. A fpe- cies which breed under the cuticle, and are called by fome • The New Royal Encyclopedia, by George Selby Howard. t A gentleman informed m«, that when young, he was neglected by his attendants, and for a time was rruch afflicted with the firft and third fpecies of thefe fulfome vermin, which occafioned obfti- ■atc eruptiens, in his head, and on various parts of bis body. Many ( 73 ) authors, cyrione s. They are of a round form, extremely mi- nute, and are generally found in the hands and feet. By creeping under the fcarf-fkin they induce an intolerable itching, and when the fkin burfts where they lodge, cluf- tei s of them are found depofited in a fmall concavity. A good diet, and attention to cleanlinefs contribute much to the deftruaion of thefe fulfome vermin. Mercurial ointment, and a folution of corrofive fublimateare held in the greateft eftimation; but I have heard of inftances, where thefe have failed, and an infufion of tobacco,* perfeaed a radical cure. K medicines were tried for his relief, but without any benefit whatever. Recourfe was then had to a ftrong decoction of tobacco, which was applied three or four times aday,to the parts affected, and in a fort- night or three weeks he was radically cured. * It may here be neceffary to remark that, I have ofien heard it afferted that, the tobacco decoction proves very deftructive to flies, when fprinkled about a room. The fame is corroborated in theTheatrumBotanicam, where the author obferves, that a decoc- tion of tobacco was frequently made ufe of for the purpofe of de- stroying; flies. Doctor Shannon afferts that, there is a large fly in fome parts of Africa, that produces often a dreadful difeafe, by depofiting its ova in the mouth or nofe. It happens frequently to negroes, and there are feveral exam- ples of it among the eommon foldicrs. While they are fleeping in the open air, the fly depofits its ova moft commonly in the nofe, but fometimes in the mouth. The pain, fwelling, and inflamma- tion about the face, after the maggots are formed and ready to break forth, are very great, and the poor fufferers are aimoft de- tracted The number of living maggots that come away, is often confiderable, aad they arc of a large lize, being nearly half an inch long. The ufual remedy in fuch cafes is, inhaling the (learn of a ftrong decoftion of tobacco through the mouth and nofe, according to the feat of the difeafe ; it procures relief: perhaps warning the mouth and fyringing the nofe, might be equally or more effectual. See Shannon on medio re. p. 382- ( 74 ) Errhines. Thefe are medicines which excite a preternatural difr charge from the mucous follicles of the Schneiderian mem- brane upon the internal furface of the nofe, and adjacent con- cavities ; by which they frequently relieve rheumatic con- geftioiis, and particularly violent tooth-ach. As anerrhinc, the tobacco powder, commonly called fnuff, has been long in great repute: its ufe is frequently praaifed, and has been ftrongly recommendeu for the relief of head-ach, pains of the ear, and opthalmias. Its falutary influence in fuch affec- tions is fufficiently confirmed by the pains again recurring as often as its ufe was fufpended for a day or two. How far the effeas of errhines may extend, fays Dr. Cullen, cannot be exaaiy determined; but it is probable, that they may operate more or lefs on the whole veffels of the head, as even a branch of the internal carotid paffes into the nofe: and independent of this, it is not improbable that our errhines may have been of ufe in preventing apoplexy,* and palfy; which at leaft is to be attended to fo far, that whenever any approach to thefe difeafes is fufpeaed, the drying up of the mucous difcharge fhould be attended to, and, if poffible reftored. As much virtue has been attributed to nicotiana, in expelling worms, 1 made the fubfequent experiments^ with a view to elucidate an interefting fubjea, and to afcertain the foundation for fuch an opinion. Thefe experiments were made with accuracy; and in my opinion fubftantiate the anthelmintic powers of this plant. * Cullen's materia medica, vol. ». page 295 ( 75 ) Exp. i. I immerfed a common worm,* taken out of the earth, into a fmall quantity of the tobacco infufion,f and in three minutes it became convulfed, which continued for the fpace of twelve minutes, but at the expiration of fifteen minutes, no fymptoms of life were difcernible. Exp. 2. Ten grains of calomel were fufpended in a fmall quantity of water. Another worm of the fiime px-cies was introduced into this mixture, which w:is confiderably affeaed in three minutes, in ten ftill more fo, in fifteen be- gan tofubfide; in thirty it remained perfeaiy dormant. At the expiration of an hour, ftill alive,but continued in- aaive, unlefs difturbed. Exp. 3. In a folution of white fugar I introduced another worm, as above; it was convulfed in five minutes; in ten thefe fymptoms were fomewhat diminiflied; in fifteen remained quiet at the bottom of the veffel, and in forty it appeared perfeaiy inanimate. Exp. 4. In the diftilled water of tobacco, which was extremely pungent, I immeifed another worm, which aimoft inftantaneoufly contorted itfelf into a variety of forms, ex- hibiting ftrong marks of violent pain, and in the fliort lapfe of three minutes it expired. Exp. 5. Five grains of corrofive fublimate, diffolved in water, produced convulfions in two mini'.r.s, and a torpor in twelve. * I f-Vcled this fpecies of woiin for my experiments, in con- f-rticnceof the ana'o^y which cxilU between it and that ge- i.^ aud in the human fyftem. + One drachm of the dried tobacco leaves was iiifufed in an p'.r-.ce of water, for the fv.ice cf t\> c.:ty-!ou. h'u 1, *:'ter which ;. v,. . fl!'.red off. ( 7* ) Exp. 6. Molaffes produced convulfions in five mi- nutes, and inaaivity in twenty-five. Exp. 7. A ftrong decoaion of pink root, brought on convulfions in feven minutes, and a torpor in thirty. We find, from the feveral preceding experiments, that tobacco, as an anthelmintic, is deferving of being held in high repute. Several of the moft powerful medicines, whofe virtues as a vermifuge, are in the greateft eftimation, appear to be but feeble in their operation, when compared with the great influence of tobacco in the expulfion of worms. The celebrated Spigelia Marylandica of Linnaeus, it muft be acknowledged, is very generally dcftruclive to worms ; but, agreeable to the firft aud feventh experi- ments, under the head of anthelmintics, we find that to- bacco appears to be more inftantaneous in its operation, though, perhaps ultimately, not more effeaual. Yet, from its more immediate effea on thofe animals, I fhould rather prefume, that it merits the particular attention of phyfi- cians, as a valuable medicine, and that, on this confidera- tion, it would, unqueftionably be expedient to give it re- peated trials in thofe cafes, which may refift the more fee- ble operation of other anthelmintics.* * Dr. Shannon,f after enumerating feveral difeafes peculiar to the Africans, obferves, that the Guinea-worm is another evil atten- dant on the negroes in Africa, and is generally cured by anthelmin- tics. It may he juft, therefore, to infer, that the tobacco infufion may Ik? sdminiftered with very good effect. f Shannon on medicine, p. 380. ( 77 ) As a Cathartic. In cafes of conftipations of the abdominal vifcera, the mfufion of tobacco has fometimes been adminiftered, and of- ten with immediate relief by occafioning a fpeedy expul- fion of the obftnaing indurated faeces. The fmoke,* fays Dr. Cullen, thrown up the reaum, will operate in like manner, and has proved beneficial, after the failure of many violent cathartics; it enters much further into the inteftines than injeaions commonly do, and is thereby applied to a larger furface, by which means it may be rendered much more powerful than the infufion. It is to be regretted, fays Dr. Fowler, that injeaions of tobacco are not in more general ufe, for I am thorough- ly perfuaded, that in cafes of the colic, they would prove more fuccefsful than any other kind with which we are ac- quainted. From the many faas and obfervations which I have hi- therto adduced, relative to the medicinal influence of tobac- co, it is, doubtlefs, reafonable to infer, that it may prove efficacious in many difeafes. * A gentleman of my particular acquaintance informed me, that he was not in the habit of fmoking much, but whenever he was trou- bled with any degree of coftivenefs, it was only reforting to a fegar to obviate this inconvenience, which never failed of acting as a leni- ent purgative, and imparted immediate relief. This method he pre- ferred to the taking of phyfic, as it was mild in its effects, and left his body rgreeably compofed. If the generality of perfons were to relinquish the perpetual ufe of this plant, and only to have recourfe to it for its medicinal virtues when neceffity demanded, is it not more than probable, that many difeafes may be eradicated, or at leaft their violence mitigated by its falutary influence ? ( 7» ) That it is of great fervice in dropfical affeaions, has been clearly demonftrated; and, in cafes of dyfury, it has, in many inftances, proved falutary, by fuccefsfully promot- ing a copious difcharge of urine. In fhort, much may be faid of its virtues as a medicine, but as it is not my wifh to prove prolix, by profufely extending encomiums on an in- digenous plant, fo univerfally known, I fhall conclude by obferving, that ths errors and imperfeaions of this effay, are, no doubt, eafily difcernible : but, at the fame time,I am buoyed up, with the flattering idea, that the candid reader will readily excufe a juvenile attempt. As an expanded field lies open before us, for inveftiga- tion, I would wifh, that the fubjea might be hereafter taken up, by fome more adequate experimentalift, as I am perfuad- ed that the complicated operative effeas of tobacco on the human fyftem, would render it an invaluable medicine in many obftinate difeafes. ERRATA. In f age 8, line a, for interior, read anterior. 18, z, from the bottom, for exhorbitant, read exorbitant. 2|j n, for langour, read languor. 34, 6, for ftimuly, read ftimulus. 38, 6, for cuds, read ends. in the bottom, for pages 32 and 33, read 2j and 26. 77/ 4,& *£f£h*u+*f, 1^} /^W • * ★ * ARMY * * MEDICAL LIBRARY Cleveland Branch M - '*« :<*'« ' A^*:*lJ^l