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7 answers

Alas, another mighty innovation whose author is lost in time!

2006-08-17 17:06:49 · answer #1 · answered by dragonwych 5 · 0 0

A cigarette is a tobacco product manufactured out of cured and finely cut tobacco leaves, which are rolled or stuffed into a paper-wrapped cylinder (generally less than 120 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter). The cigarette is ignited at one end and allowed to smoulder for the purpose of inhalation of its smoke from the other (usually filtered) end, which is inserted in the mouth. They are sometimes smoked with a cigarette holder. The term cigarette, as commonly used, refers to a tobacco cigarette but can apply to similar devices containing other herbs, such as cannabis.

A cigarette is distinguished from a cigar by its smaller size (hence the name), use of processed leaf, and paper wrapping; cigars are typically composed entirely of whole leaf tobacco. Cigarettes were largely unknown in the English-speaking world before the Crimean War, when British soldiers began emulating their Ottoman Turkish comrades, who resorted to rolling their tobacco with newsprint.

The cigarette was born some time in the 18th century: beggars in Seville began to pick from the ground the cigar ends left by the señoritos (rich young men), wrapped the tobacco remains with paper and smoked them. The first attested use of this habit can be seen in three 18th century paintings by Francisco de Goya: La cometa (The kite), La merienda en el Manzanares (Picnic by the river Manzanares) and El juego de la pelota a pala (The ball and paddle game).

The use of tobacco in cigarette form became increasingly popular after the Crimean War. This was helped by the development of tobaccos that are suitable for cigarette use. During World War I and World War II, cigarettes were rationed to soldiers. During the second half of the 20th century, the adverse health effects of cigarettes started to become widely known and severe health warnings became commonplace on cigarette packets.

2006-08-17 17:12:40 · answer #2 · answered by poobear 3 · 0 0

Sir Walter Raleigh?

2006-08-17 17:04:04 · answer #3 · answered by YedidNefesh 4 · 0 0

I think it evolved from rolling it up in tobacco leaves (like they still do with cigars) into something more easily controlled.

2006-08-17 17:06:59 · answer #4 · answered by lee m 5 · 0 0

If you dig a little deeper, you may find the name 'reynolds' involved...i believe they were involved with the brand 'export' from many years ago.

2006-08-17 17:07:06 · answer #5 · answered by pea.cole 2 · 0 0

john lennon

2006-08-17 17:04:10 · answer #6 · answered by lem 2 · 0 1

God

2006-08-17 17:08:12 · answer #7 · answered by brophy123 2 · 0 0

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