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Black and white botanical drawing of tobacco, with its large wormy leaves and small flowers.
A tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) drawing (1905).

Addictive properties of tobacco are determined through the chemical isolation of nicotine.

1828

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HISS
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A tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) drawing (1905).

Whereas tobacco has been used previously as a medicinal herb, its addictive properties (from nicotine) begin to shape the discourse and debate among medical practitioners. During the next three decades, doctors will debate whether or not smoking tobacco is an unhealthy habit, given the addictive properties of nicotine.