To the Editor:— In The Problem of Tobacco Habituation ( JAMA 188: 932 [June 8] 1964), Dr. Chessick states that the smoking habit is based on a complex psychopharmacological reaction in which nicotine acts as an ego-alerting drug as well as a sympathetic nervous system stimulant. Nowhere, however, does he mention the relaxing effect so commonly recognized as one of the main attractions. Relaxation is usually attributed to psychological pleasure, but if this is so, why are so many smokers dissatisfied with low-nicotine tobaccos, more effective filters, or puffing on a cigarette without inhaling? Obviously, the nicotinic drug effect is a primary ingredient of smoking pleasure, but could there be a tranquilizing effect as well? Most psychological theories are based on the concept of oral gratification and the deep incorporation (inhalation) of smoke into the lungs. Sucking on an empty pipe or an unlit cigarette may give oral gratification but it