Nasal Snuff |
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Nasal snuff is one of the oldest forms of smokeless tobacco, tracing it’s origins back to the Native Indians of what is now Haiti. During Columbus’ second trip to the Americas between 1493 and 1496, a monk who accompanied him named Ramon Pane observed the natives inhaling powdered tobacco thru their nose. While Pane did bring this form of tobacco back to Spain, it was Jean Nicot, French ambassador to Portugal who made nasal snuff popular. He brought the tobacco back to France and introduced it to the French court where it became an instant hit. He even sent the powdered tobacco to Queen Catherine Di Medici of Italy as a cure for her son’s persistent migraine headaches. By the 1600’s, nasal snuff was the most popular way to take tobacco by the society elite but, not everyone was convinced. |