The Tobacco Delusion

Despite the fact that the average physician in the 17th century considered tobacco a 'holy herb,' tobacco's rise in popularity should have caused more people to question its credibility. Only eight years after the first tobacco seed was planted by colonist John Rolf 60,000 pounds of tobacco was shipped to England. Demand for tobacco quickly rocketed from 60 thousand pounds in 1620 to 35 million pounds by the year 1700. Citizens of England described the joyous intoxication caused when they inhaled the smoke of tobacco, but there were a few skeptics. King James I rightfully slammed the use of Tobacco in England stating almost by divine revelation the it was "dangerous to the lungs" and harmful to the brain. We know now that this statement is true, but why did not more experts agree with the king? The answer is obvious as it is the same answer to the reason why tobacco manufacturers of today tried to hide the causes of smoking tobacco for so long, acceptance of the public and money. By the 18th century smoking had taken over nearly all of England, it was the thing to do. Spittoons, pipes, tobacco containers could be found laying around any and every tavern, dinner tables, even next to the beds of England residents. The English finally had a hold in the new world and prospects were promising for increasing its territory to accommodate the rapidly overflowing population of England. What good what it do any medical expert to announce the dangers of tobacco to a generation so caught up in this wonder drug? None at all, and acceptance is everything. Tobacco was so popular that even the king didn't have a say in whether or not the culture should accept it or not. Not to mention the addictive feelings of rejuvenation and joyous intoxication sailors reported upon inhaling the drug. What does this say about the human race? A rush and a high is more important than the feeling of accomplishment achieved after a long life worked out by pure strength and determination. Why question the credibility of a perfectly good rush? The answer to to that question could save many from a lot pain, but so many don't want the answer. Momentary pleasures are enough for them, even if it cost their lives.