Abstract: A novel smoking composition is provided by treating tobacco with an active agent comprising a mixture of auric oxide, silver nitrate or sulfate, platinum tetrachloride and cerium (III) salts selected from the group of carbonates, sulfates and nitrates in an effective amount to reduce a substantial percentage of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nicotine and raw condensate in the tobacco smoke.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a piercing end on a winding of yarn includes an auxiliary guide for engaging a strand of yarn and retaining the strand of yarn adjacent to one end of a spool core for a predetermined time interval. The auxiliary guide projects from a pivoted arm member, the motion of which is limited in one direction by a magnetic bar which attracts and holds the arm member, and is limited in the other direction by a stop which engages the arm member and rebounds the arm member back to the magnetic bar. In operation, the strand of yarn is entrained around the auxiliary guide and hooked by the spool core. When a predetermined tension is applied to the strand of yarn, the arm member will disengage from the magnetic bar, allowing the strand of yarn to move along the auxiliary guide until the strand leaves the end of the auxiliary guide. Just before the arm disengages from the magnet, a series of overlapping coils will form adjacent to the end of the spool core.