Note 10 — Chapter XLVII · NIKOLAEFSK.
Reading edition
The Starovers object to smoking upon the literal meaning of the text, “That which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” According to Dr. Pinkerton, an ukase was issued in 1634 condemning those who took snuff, or sold or even possessed tobacco, to be knouted, to have their nostrils torn open, or ears cut off, and to be sent into exile.