Chapter XVI: Introduction: To Chapter IX

BY ASA CLARK

The influence of example is always a powerful one. With such wide-spread habits as those of tobacco smoking and chewing it is little wonder why so many boys indulge. They see only the pleasureable side of these habits; but it devolves upon us, from our daily experience with “the ills that flesh is heir to” to make known to you young friend the dangers lurking in these seductive vices. We doctors are often consulted by victims of these habits, who are quite surprised upon stopping the use of tobacco to find to what a degree they have become enslaved. That the baneful effect from the use of tobacco is universally recognized is evidenced by the fact of its prohibition in schools and naval academies, and by the laws now in force in several of the States and also in Germany, making it illegal to sell tobacco to any under sixteen years of age.

Tobacco is especially injurious to those subjected to severe mental strain or physical training, and to such as are engaged in delicate manual work. The symptoms are many. Digestion is sometimes greatly impaired. On the heart the effect is very noticeable. My advice to boys is, not to use tobacco in any form.