580 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



brain is the real cause, an analogy being drawn between the 

 blood in its vessels and the mercury of a barometer. 



The most probable theory of seasickness is that held by 

 Dr. Carpenter, Mr. Bain, and other writers, who consider that 

 the mental and bodily prostration, and the other symptoms, 

 arise from the continued action on the brain of a certain set 

 of sensations, more particularly the sensation of want of sup- 

 port. This feeling, arising from the sudden loss of support, 

 as when the footing, or any prop that we lean upon, suddenly 

 gives way, is of'the most disagreeable kind. 



The phenomena of seasickness appear to be due to the con- 

 stant repetition of this feeling of loss of support consequent 

 on the pitching and rolling of the ship, more particularly the 

 former. If, therefore, seasickness arises from certain impres- 

 sions on the senses, the theory of its prevention is to render 

 these impressions as feeble as possible. Application of the 

 mind to an engrossing book will keep it off for a short period; 

 but this answers only a temporary purpose. 



To lessen the impressions as much as possible, the patient 

 should preserve the recumbent position as near the centre of 

 the ship as practicable ; he should lie on a thickly-padded 

 couch, so as to diminish the vibration. Fresh air should be 

 admitted in order to remove bad smells. The eyes should be 

 shaded, and as much noise as possible shut out. As regards 

 drugs, the most rational suggestion is that of Dr. Doring, of 

 Vienna, that a full dose of hydrate of chloral should be tak- 

 en shortly before the vessel starts ; and, even in long voy- 

 ages, the repeated use of this medicine will insure comfortable 

 nights without the disagreeable after-effects of opium and 

 chloroform. 18 A, June 14, 1872, 323. 



APPLICATON OF DISINFECTANTS. 



According to the experiments of a committee of the Acad- 

 emy of Sciences of Paris in reference to disinfectants, it was 

 ascertained that the first place among the agents destructive 

 of infectious germs should be assigned to hyponitrous acid. 

 This, however, being very poisonous, must be used with great 

 precaution. It is said to be especially applicable for the dis- 

 infection of apartments in which cases of small-pox, yellow 

 fever, or other grave diseases have existed. Before using 

 this substance all crevices of the doors, windows, and fire- 



