The cigarette industry began in the 1870s with the development of the cigarette manufacturing machine. This made it possible to

The cigarette industry began in the 1870s with the development of the cigarette manufacturing machine. This made it possible to produce great numbers of cigarettes very quickly, and it reduced the price.
   Today cigarette smoking is a widespread habit. About 43 percent of the adult men and 31 percent of the adult women in the United States smoke cigarettes regularly. It is encouraging to note, however, that millions of people have given up the smoking habit. 75 percent of the male population have smoked cigarettes at some time during their lives, but the number of persons who have given up smoking is increasing.
   Men as a group smoke more than women. Among both men and women the age group with the highest proportion of smokers is the age group of 24--44 .