The Origin of Tobacco Using

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 10, 1916

The Origin of Tobacco Using

Tobacco using originated with the natives of North America, the Indians. In November, 1492, when Columbus discovered the island of Cuba, he sent two sailors to explore it, who, when they returned, reported, among other strange and curious discoveries, that the natives carried with them lighted firebrands, and puffed smoke from their mouths and noses, which they supposed to be the way the savages had of perfuming themselves. They afterward declared that they “saw the naked savages twist large leaves together, and smoke like devils.” Originating with the wild barbarians of America, the smoking habit, after some years, was introduced into Europe, and was rapidly adopted, not only by the lower classes, but by those in high authority, even princes and nobles participating in the new intoxication. It has since become well-nigh universal.