Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ...is augmented by the previous heat and foul air of crowded assemblies. All such irregularities and every kind of overfatigue are more than enough to counterbalance the supposed good effects of climate. Hence places of quietude, offering no temptations to gaiety, and possessing only natural advantages of scenery, and the gentle stimulus of a clear atmosphere, mild temperature, and cheerful society are the best. Another fallacy is the idea that warmth is the agent which, in such cases does good; and people talk of a warm climate as synonymous with a healthy climate. But unaccustomed warmth is most relaxing, and tends, instead of checking, to occasion increased development of the tubercular exudation. Nothing is more common to observe in this country how phthisical patients get worse on the approach of sultry weather in summer, and how comparatively better they are in winter, so long as they avoid exposure to cold winds. In fact, it is not a warm climate which is sought for by the invalid, but a temperate climate during the winter, and a steady climate during the spring. As summer approaches many parts of the British isles are infinitely preferable. It follows, from all the information I have been able to collect, that that climate is best which will enable the phthisical patient to pass a few hours every day in the open air, without exposure to cold or vicissitudes of temperature on the one hand, or excessive heat on the other. Wherever such a favoured locality may be found during the winter and spring months, its advantages should be considered as dependent on exercise, and on the stimulus given to the nutritive functions, rather than to its influence on the lungs directly. It is a matter E also of great importance to remember, that the...
