The Progress of Civilization
Some one has written 'a dialogue between the years as follows:— 1594— What have those men in their mouths? 1894— Tobacco. We have special rooms for its use in public places. 1594— A kind of medicine? Many using it look pale and nervous. 1894— O, no. Instead, it's a delightful poison. It kills many, injures more, but it doesn't seem to hurt. 1594— Probably it takes the place of the liquors we used? 1894— No; it gives an appetite for them. 1594— Do children use it? 1894— Fathers are seldom willing to let children under three years of age use it for themselves, although they often breathe the poisonous smoke from the day of their birth. 1594— Is the smell ever offensive? 1894— Any one with good manners (?) says, “I do not mind the smell,” even if it sickens him. 1594— Is it not rather dirty? 1894— By being very careful, the user can keep himself pretty clean, except his breath and clothes and hair. 1594— Do only rich people use it? 1894— O, no. It is one of the luxuries of the rich and the necessities of the poor. Tobacco first, bread next. 1594— Of course Christians don’t use it?