The Smoke and Mirrors of Tobacco History

This chapter explores the health effects of smoking and vaping, focusing on how cigarette chemicals impact lung function. It takes a historical look at the spread of tobacco from indigenous practices to European adoption, revealing the complexities of nicotine's discovery and its effects on both humans and insects. Additionally, the chapter addresses the medicinal use of tobacco, its addictive properties, and the etymology of related plants, providing a comprehensive view of tobacco's legacy.