BACKGROUND NOTE: This 1972 Philip Morris internal
memo, Electromyographic Studies of
Muscle Relaxation in Smokers, establishes that PM knew in 1972 that
cigarettes were addicting (22 years prior to the congressional hearings
wherein the CEOs testified that they didn't believe nicotine was
addicting). Note the sentence that states 'the reaction of the
inveterate cigaret smoker is like that of any drug addict.' Also note
how the last paragrpah indicates the PM scientist's understanding that
his company lacked a reputation for 'intellectual honesty and integrity'
when it comes to scientific research.
Quotes
Brudny and Levy [of Bellevue Hospital] had noticed in their treatment of
patients whom they were trying to train to relax voluntary muscles that
smokers were not able to relax unless they were allowed to smoke. The
number of people tested who demonstrated this activity was small.
To pursue the phenomenon of muscle relaxation under the influence os
smoking, the group at Bellevue would like to be subsidized. What they
want is the establishment of an independent research institute to be
staffed and equipped to study about 200 people. Complete neurologic,
psychologic and electromyographic study will try to elucidate the
reasons for continuation of the smoking habit and the basis for the
obvious muscular (and by implication the psychologic) reaction that
takes place after smoking a few puffs on a cigaret. Off the cuff
estimates for organizing, equipping and staffing the institute and doing
the indicated study in a year - year and a half is 200-150 thousand
dollars.
In my opinion the request is premature...There is no evidence that one
is dealing with the action of cigarets rather than relieving a sense of
deprivation....What it sounds like at the moment is that cigarets are
addicting and the reaction of the inveterate cigaret smoker is like that
of any drug addict. I should like to see some preliminary work to
validate the initial observation....
The market promotion value of this work, assuming it is valid, may be
negated by the fact that it was done in an independent institute
financed by a cigaret manufacturer or by the tobacco industry. Only if
the work were done under the auspices of an institution with a
well-established reputation for intellectual honesty and integrity would
this be worthwhile.
Anne Landman
American Lung Association of Colorado, West Region Office
Grand Junction
Title: Electromyographic Studies of Muscle Relaxation in Smokers
Date: November 1, 1972
From: R. Fagan
To: Dr. H. Wakeham
Site: Philip Morris http://www.pmdocs.com
No. of Pages: 2
URL:
http://www.pmdocs.com/getallimg.asp?DOCID=1001801446/1447
