A humorous picaresque set in 16th century Spain, Thrown Into Nature tells the story of Dr Nichol£s Monardes, whose medical treatise 'Of the Tobaco and His Great Verutes' was partially responsible for introducing tobacco to Europe. His Portuguese assistant, Da Silva, narrates the absurd adventures of the wealthy and influential doctor, who steadfastly believed that tobacco was an infallible cure for every physical and mental ailment known to man.