现在的衡阳人很少知道,在两百年前的半个世纪内,“衡烟”在全国曾盛极一时。衡烟是怎样兴起的,它的发展情况怎样,后来又是怎样衰落的,这些情况的了解,不仅对湖南明、清时期资本主义发展有所认识,而且对于今后湖南烟草业的生产和经营,也有借鉴意义。 1 烟草原来不产于中国。自17世纪从菲律宾传入,首先在福建、广东等地种植,以后发展到全国。明末名医张介宾说:“此物自古未闻也,近自我万历时始出闽广之间,自后吴楚间皆种植之矣”。他还说:“烟草求其习服之始,则闻以征滇之役,师旅深入瘴地,无不染病,独一营安然无恙,问其所以,则众皆服 Nowadays, Hengyang people seldom know that “half a century ago two hundred years ago,” Hengyan “enjoyed great popularity throughout the country. How does the rise of the cigarette, how is its development, and later how the decline, understanding of these circumstances, not only understand the development of capitalism in Hunan Ming and Qing Dynasties, but also for the future production and operation of Hunan tobacco industry, Also have reference. 1 Tobacco was not originally produced in China. Since the 17th century came from the Philippines, first in Fujian, Guangdong and other places planted, later developed to the country. Zhang Jibin, a Ming physician at the end of the Ming Dynasty, said: ”This thing has never been heard in ancient times. He also said: "At the very beginning of tobacco accustomed to serve, then smell the battle of Yunnan, brigade in-depth, all with the disease, the only camp safe and sound, ask so, then all service