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A brief history of the pipe

 
     
   2000 BC Remains of tobacco leaves and pipes are found in Egyptian mummies. This is yet to be explained scientifically.  
   1500 BC Pipes are used by North American indians for ceremonial purposes and as a symbol of reconciliation.  
   300 AC The Greek doctor Hypocrites used smoke inhalation from herbs as a remedy 
for certain female diseases.
 
   1000 The herb "Angelikarot" is smoked in pipes in Norway.  
   1492 Columbus discovers (or maybe rediscovers) America and the use of tobacco.  
   1519 The tobacco plant reaches Europe.  
   1559 Jean Nicot launches the tobacco plant as a multiremedy; among the french royalties it becomes fashionable to "sneeze away the headache".  
   1580 Chalk pipes are mass produced - mostly for mariners.  
   1586 A ban on smoking is included in the ten revised commandments in Switzerland.  
   1600 Iron pipes are used in Norway, also among the laps.  
   1604 The first anti tobacco campaign is launched by Jacob the 1th of England.  
   1618-1648 During the 30 years war, pipe smoking gains recognition throughout Europe.  
   1619-1630 Christian the IVth of  Denmark & Norway punishes smoking on ships by keel-hauling.  
   1630 The death penalty is introduced for smoking in Turkey, Russia and China. These punishments seem to disappear when the regents discover the enormous amount of income tax tobacco can generate.  
   1720 Meerschaum is discovered and becomes the highest regarded pipe material.   
   1820 The cigar becomes fashionable in western Europe.  
   1840 From its birthplace in Jura, France, the briar pipe gains world popularity.
Bigger and longer pipes are however in use until about 1920.
 
   1853-1856 The war at Crime introduces the cigarette to the west from Turkey.  

 
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