ABSTRACT
When statistical links between smoking and cancer first began to appear in the 1950s, two opposing groups of data pushers immediately formed. When it was seen that smokers had a great deal more lung cancer than nonsmokers had, one group of analysts wanted to jump immediately to the conclusion that smoking caused the cancer. The opposing group pointed out that smokers and nonsmokers are not otherwise equal-nonsmokers have different personalities to begin with, demonstrably so because they are able to withstand the blandishments oftobacco companies. Their environments are also not otherwise equal-people under stress have a tendency to become smokers, and smokers are more prevalent in cities, where pollution confuses the issue. All these factors, and others, could possibly account for the extra amount of cancer seen in the smoking populatipn.
