Pick Your Poison

A dissertation on the use and abuse of tobacco: wherein the advantages and disadvantages attending the consumption of that entertaining weed are particularly considered: humbly addressed to all tobacco consumers, but especially to those among religious people

This dissertation contains a history of tobacco, and lists its medical properties and adverse effects. Clark wrote his dissertation as a means of discouraging the use of tobacco, particularly amongst non-users or those who have only recently picked up the practice. As early as the 18th century, it was known that tobacco had many harmful effects. This knowledge fuelled early anti-tobacco efforts.