In order to understand the importance of the invention of the Electronic Cigarette or E-Cig, I think that it is good to know the history of tobacco and smoking. I do have to admit that all this knowledge that I have found, has definitely made me happy to with my decision to buy electronic cigarettes. In part one of this two part history, we are going to find out how tobacco has become a part of our culture, and how tobacco and smoking use has grown over the centuries.

Tobacco began being used by South American Cultures over 2,000 years ago. The Brazilian people invented cigarettes by rolling tobacco leaves in paper.

In 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba, and they noted the strange practice of the natives to put thin rolls of dried leaves (tobacco) into their nostrils or mouths, lighting them, and blowing out smoke. Christopher Columbus took tobacco leaves back to Queen Isabella of Spain.

People used to believe tobacco had medicinal value. There was a French Ambassador named Jean Nicot, who brought tobacco plants to Portugal in 1559. He had informed his friends that the tobacco was useful in treating wounds, asthma and cancer. The words nicotine and nicotiana are derived from Jean Nicot’s last name.

During the time of the American Colonies tobacco was a major crop and became so valuable that it could be used as money. The residents of Virginia planted it in every square of soil they could find. In fact, the Virginia Company, which sponsored the early colony, had to pass a law requiring people to grow food, and not just tobacco.

Until the 1700′s, pipe smoking was the preferred method of tobacco use. Then people began using dry snuff or chewing tobacco instead. By the 1800′s, cigarettes became more fashionable but had to be rolled by hand and were extremely expensive.

The next posting we will begin to understand when tobacco was first considered to be harmful, which may come as a big surprise.

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