sorry for the copy paste Snuff has been prescribed for a variety of complaints, among which are headache, catarrh, and some species of opthalmia, and no doubt sometimes with very good effect; as I have, in a very few instances, witnessed. But the fact seems to have been overlooked, that its only power to relieve these complaints arises from the copious discharge of mucus from the nostrils, during the violent paroxysm of sneezing which invariably attends its first application; and that its salutary influence ceases, whenever these peculiar effects cease to accompany its exhibition. Hence in all cases where it is continued an indefinite time, or until the schneiderian membrane loses its sensibility, it not only fails of its medicinal effect, but actually becomes pernicious; aggravating the very disease it was intended to cure. It not only does this, but goes on committing great ravages on the whole nervous system, superinducing hypocondria, tremors, and premature decay of all the intellectual powers. A thickening of the voice, is also the unavoidable result of habitual snuff-taking. This disagreeable consequence is produced, either by partially filling up the nasal avenues, or by destroying the sensibility of the parts. Be that as it may, we would say of the change, in the forcible language of Cowper: “O! it is fulsome, and offends me more than the nasal twang, heard at conventicle from the pent nostril, spectacle bestrid.”
What is the book this came from?
Thank you, Filek.
slightly off topic but i found this the other day, while reading Dostoevsky ‘House of the Dead’, didn’t seem worthy of starting a new thread beginning of Chapter IV …His listener was sitting sullen and quite unconcerned in his bed, ocassionally growling in answer or in token of sympathy with the speaker, more as it seemed out of politeness than from real feeling, and at every moment stuffing his nose with snuff…
Well me and my Schneiderean membrane are very happy but I have to admit my whole nervous system is ravaged. Still, you’ve got to have a little fun in life…