There is still another class of drugs often carelessly used, whose effect, while less directly serious than those mentioned, is yet far from harmless.  These drugs, which have sprung into popular use since the disease la grippe began its dreaded career, include phenacetine, antipyrine, antifebrine, and other similar preparations.  These drugs have been seized by the public and taken freely and carelessly for all sorts and conditions of trouble.  The random arrow may yet do serious harm.  These drugs, products of coal-oil distillation, are powerful depressants.  They lower the action of the heart and the tone of the nervous centers.  Thus the effect of their continued use is to so diminish the vigor of the system as to aggravate the very disorder they are taken to relieve.

305.  Effect of Tobacco on the Nervous System.  That the use of tobacco produces a pernicious effect upon the nervous system is obvious from the indignant protest of the entire body against it when it is first used.  Its poisonous character is amply shown by the distressing prostration and pallor, the dizziness and faintness, with extreme nausea and vomiting, which follow its employment by a novice.

The morbid effects of tobacco upon the nervous system of those who habitually use it are shown in the irregular and enfeebled action of the heart, with dizziness and muscular tremor.  The character of the pulse shows plainly the unsteady heart action, caused by partial paralysis of the nerves controlling this organ.  Old, habitual smokers often show an irritable and nervous condition, with sleeplessness, due doubtless to lack of proper brain nutrition.

All these results tend to prove that tobacco is really a nerve poison, and there is reason to suspect that the nervous breakdown of many men in mature life is often due to the continued use of this depressing agent.  This is shown more especially in men of sedentary life and habits, as men of active habits and out-door life, experience less of the ill effects of tobacco.

Few, if any, habitual users of tobacco ever themselves approve of it.  They all regret the habit, and many lament they are so enslaved to it that they cannot throw it off.  They very rarely advise any one to follow their example.

306.  Effects of Tobacco on the Mind.  With this continuously depressing effect of tobacco upon the brain, it is little wonder that the mind may become enfeebled and lose its capacity for study or successful effort.  This is especially true of the young.  The growth and development of the brain having been once retarded, the youthful user of tobacco (especially the foolish cigarette-smoker) has established a permanent drawback which may hamper him all his life.