Page:The Anatomy of Tobacco.pdf/195

 ity that it will be possible to light any given pipe the conclusion that, it being so uncertain a matter, it is better not to smoke at all. And when he proceeds, on these grounds, to recommend the taking of snuff and the chewing of quids as a substitute for smoking, I do not hesitate to pronounce him a gross materialist. For though he affirms that a quid contains the quidditas or whole essence of the Schoolmen, he seems to me but to equivocate and play the sophist, and I do therefore warn such of my readers as are inclined to materialism against these Posterior Fumifics, as being in some places little better than plain acapnism, and evidently contrary to the teaching of Pythagoras. And let all such would-be materialists remember that, though metaphysically the possibility of smoking may seem doubtful, yet to all rational intents and purposes it is possible, and may therefore be believed in and practised with an easy conscience. And all doubters on this question I refer to the or Smoke-offering of Perfection by Proclus