This country's massive condemnation of the filthie habit of tobacco-smoking is commonly put forth as some kind of public concern for everyone's health. Of course nobody thinks that could be the case, if only because this country eats rotten food and consumes boatloads of unnecessary drugs. More likely it reflects a popular diffidence about thought and meditation. I have noticed, deep in every institution of our lives, an obvious discomfort with things that are difficult to understand. As if to assuage this in their readers, journalists tend to write in a "My Summer Vacation" style. Doesn't every newspaper story sound a bit like the following?

It will be difficult for Murray Fartblast to get to work this week.
That is because his car is broken.
"I'll have to walk to work this week", said Fartblast, 44.
"Although I may take the bus", he added.

As is well-known, however, people who smoke are usually thoughtful and considerate. Very little original work has been accomplished without the help of tobacco, tea or coffee.

"Quite a three-pipe problem!" cried Holmes.

Holmes also used cocaine and morphine, much to the disgust of his friend Dr Watson. But he only did that when there wasn't an exciting case before him.