Charles G. Pease, DDS, MD: anti-tobacco crusader and clean life advocate

Dr. Charles Giffin Pease, a colorful, feisty, New York City reformer practiced both dentistry and medicine and lectured in various dental and medical schools. At several New York dental institutions, he taught oral surgery, materia medica, therapeutics and pathology. From the age of 12 until his death (a 75 year span) Pease waged an unrelenting war against "everything that harms the human race." He wrote and lectured unceasingly railing against what he believed to be life damaging behaviors. These included: tobacco use; alcohol, coffee, tea and ginger ale consumption; corset wearing; vinegar, meat, cocoa, chocolate and condiment intake, and even the licking of artificially flavored lollipops. While he was adamantly opposed to all of these practices, he invested his strongest efforts campaigning against the manufacture, sale and use of tobacco products; and he emphatically supported clean living causes. His anti-tobacco stance was based chiefly on moral, ethical and religious precepts. Additionally, he expected community role models (public health officials, clergymen, physicians and dentists) to become involved in this vital health issue. When publicly presenting his cause, he used a moralistic, judgmental approach. Almost single handedly, Pease spear-headed legislation that prohibited smoking in subways, elevated trains, hotels and restaurants.