168 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



more equable, and less irritant air diminish the chances of 

 excitement and increase of distressing local inflammation, 

 and those bronchial attacks so apt to break up old, and cause 

 the deposition of new tubercles. Now if we can imitate na- 

 ture's operations, and, by increasing the tempera tu re of a 

 sick-room or ward in the temperate climate of England, can 

 convert it into a local subtropical or tropical climate, we 

 withdraw no inconsiderable amount of blood from the lungs 

 to the skin and liver, thus relieving its overloaded capillaries, 

 permitting freer access of air, and so aiding the respiratory- 

 process a safe and sure mode, both of relieving dyspnoea 

 and cough, and aiding the vis medicatrix." 



This law, according to the author, is suggestive in relation 

 to the nature of food and to hygiene in the tropics. He cal- 

 culates that, in a tropical climate, the lungs eliminate less 

 carbon to the extent of above an ounce in the twenty-four 

 hours than in England. Hence he infers that in hot countries 

 the diet should be less carbonaceous than at home, and that, 

 independently of the diet, especial attention should be paid 

 to the condition of the skin. 20 A, May 27, 613. 



EATTEAY OX CHANGE OF CLIMATE. 



We have - already noticed an essay by Dr. Rattray upon the 

 effect of change of climate upon the human economy, and in 

 a concluding article of his series we find some remarks upon 

 the influence of warm latitudes upon the weight and strength. 

 Repeated observations have shown a decided reduction in the 

 weight, the cause of this being threefold : first, a diminished 

 necessity for surplus fat, which becomes absorbed ; secondly, 

 that peculiar effect of heat which causes the tissues to decay 

 faster in a warm climate than in a cold one ; and, thirdly, di- 

 minished lung-work and blood oxygenation, and thereby an 

 imperfect renewal of the tissue. As the general conclusions 

 from the entire investigation conducted by Dr. Rattray, we 

 have the following summary : 1st. That the tropics, especially 

 during the rainy season, should be avoided by natives of 

 colder latitudes ; 2d. That the young, the debilitated, and the 

 diseased should especially shun warm regions ; 3d. That none 

 but full-grown, healthy adults should go there; 4th. That 

 with all, even the latter, a speedy exit should be made there- 

 from when great loss of flesh and strength gives warning of 



