[Eol]

NN10: ( almost like writing NIN{nine inch nails}, Heh)coca cola once had cocaine in it. That is why it was called coca cola.

There are many items that we take for granted during an age of so much knowledge( maybe too much for our own good). The concept of bactria or "the germ" did not come into thought until the later 1800's when there was microscopes and research.

Instead of science to explain sickness, Myths and beliefs were used to explain the unknown. Example: there are bad spirits in the water, that is why people who drink it die.

During Tolkien's time, many things were thought to be good for your health: charcole, Opium in alchohol, known as Laundium, the belief that only "loose" women bathed. Smoking adn drink was a social event. It was fashionable and very acceptable.

Tolkien included this because it was something he knew and added character to his stories. I cannot see Gandolf or Bilbo without their pipes. It would be like taking the pubs out of Great Britain.

[ September 04, 2002: Message edited by: Eol ]