646 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



its so-called elasticity or bracing properties is yet undetermined. That 

 it is continually fluctuating, and that it varies considerably at different 

 places, is known. When instruments shall have been devised by which 

 this element can be accurately recorded, we may then discover that 

 those climates which are termed bracing possess special peculiarities 

 as to electrical distribution. 



We then estimate the climate of Eastern Florida to be mild in 

 winter temperature, moist, sunshiny, relaxing, and for an American 

 climate equable, though not to be compared in this respect with the 

 Genoese Riviera. 



What is the value of this climate in the treatment of disease ? 



We will first consider that scourge of overcrowded populations 

 consumption a disease which is limited to no zone, and for which the 

 benefit of change of climate is most frequently sought. The discov- 

 eries of Koch, of Berlin, in his researches on the cause of this disease, 

 may, if they are satisfactorily confirmed, enable us in the future to in- 

 terpose barriers to its invasion. They may also enable us to eliminate 

 "taking cold" as one of the causes of consumption. But they will 

 not change the nature of the bacillus tuberculosis, the habits of which, 

 although itself unknown, have been familiar to the world for many 

 centuries. Persons of feeble constitution, whether hereditary or ac- 

 quired, will still be the subjects of its incursion, and the disease en- 

 gendered by its presence will require the same treatment as heretofore, 

 unless happily we find a remedy which will destroy these morbific 

 germs in situ, and thus, by relieving the patient of the exciting cause, 

 lead to immediate recovery. 



It is not necessary to cite authorities to show that the prime need 

 of a consumptive is that he shall be a great deal out-of-doors, that he 

 shall breathe pure air, that he shall exercise, that his entire physical 

 organization shall be invigorated. Is the climate of Florida fitted to 

 do this ? I answer, No ! The climate is simply and delightfully 

 soothing. Being so being moist and relaxing it will cause tubercu- 

 lous deposits to disintegrate rapidly. Expectoration will be increased, 

 and there will be no rally of the system to oppose this new call upon 

 the strength. Instead of exercising freely and expanding his lungs as 

 he should, the consumptive invalid will sit listlessly on the piazzas of 

 the hotels, awaiting his fate. Hundreds are seen, wherever you go, so 

 doing. Seldom do you see one attempting to exercise, and, if one is 

 seen, he is moving in that sluggish and apathetic manner so character- 

 istic of every one living there. 



It is unfortunate that, of the thousands of consumptives who go to 

 Florida, we can get no reliable statistics of the result. The people of 

 Florida, the owners of the soil, the railroad and steamboat owners and 

 agents, the hotel-keepers, the physicians residing there, are all so much 

 interested personally in the prosperity of the State, which, since the 

 close of the war, has been opened up like a newly-discovered country, 



