Did Sir William Osler Have Carcinoma of the Lung?

A rumor that Sir William Osler was a heavy smoker and died from carcinoma of the lung has been traced to its source. An analysis of Sir William's respiratory illnesses, with the autopsy findings, published for the first time, shows that there was no substance to the rumor and though Sir William did smoke cigarettes, he was only a moderate smoker. Sir William regarded smoking as an enjoyable indulgence, harmless in moderation, but deleterious in excess. Osler felt that the adverse effects of heavy smoking were more commonly moral than physical, though he recognized the cardiovascular but not the respiratory consequences of smoking.