APOPLEXY. 



705 



Such publications ought to be without a trace of exaggeration, and 

 furnish only data on which the mariner may with perfect confidence 

 rely. My object in extending these observations over so long a period 

 was to make evident to all how fallacious it would be, and how mis- 

 chievous it might be, to draw general conclusions from observations 

 made in weather of great acoustic transparency. 



Thus ends, for the present at all events, an inquiry which I trust 

 will prove of some importance, scientific as well as practical. In con- 

 ducting it I have had to congratulate myself on the unfailing aid and 

 cooperation of the Elder Brethren of the Trinity House. Captain 

 Drew, Captain Close, Captain Were, Captain Atkins, and the deputy- 

 master, have all, from time to time, taken part in the inquiry. To 

 the eminent arctic navigator, Admiral Collinson, who showed through- 

 out unflagging, and, I would add, philosophic interest in the investiga- 

 tion, I am indebted for most important practical aid ; he was almost 

 always at my side, comparing opinions with me, placing the steamer 

 in the required positions, and making, with consummate skill and 

 promptness, the necessary sextant observations. I am also deeply 

 sensible of the important services rendered by Mr. Douglas, the able 

 and indefatigable engineer ; of Mr. Ayres, the assistant engineer ; and 

 of Mr. Price Edwards, the private secretary of the deputy-master of 

 the Trinity House. 



The officers and gunners at the South Foreland also merit my best 

 thanks, as also Mr. Holmes and Mr. Laidlaw, who had charge of the 

 trumpets, whistles, and siren. 



In the subsequent experimental treatment of the subject I have 

 been most ably aided by my excellent assistant, Mr. John Cottrell. 



APOPLEXY. 



By J. K. BLACK, M. D. 



IF there is any one disease that the diligent brain-worker, a little 

 past middle life, has reason to fear, it is apoplexy. Although sta- 

 tistical evidence is wanting, the experience of the physician con- 

 firms the popular belief that more of our distinguished men are car- 

 ried off" by this disease, or by one of its sequels, paralysis, than by 

 any other cause. The influences which tend to produce such a result, 

 and the best means of avoiding them, are the objects we propose briefly 

 to discuss. 



A middle-aged physician said one day to the writer : " As I was 

 walking down the street after dinner I felt a shock in the back of my 

 head, as if some one had struck me ; I have not felt well since. I fear 

 I shall die, just as all my ancestors have, of paralysis. What shall I 



VOL. VI. 45 



