HO USE- V EN TIL A TION. 60 3 



As we have already indicated, this statement in reference to "the 

 last new thing " in ventilation is, to say the least, puzzling. It vir- 

 tually asserts the instantaneous and complete mixture of cold air with 

 air heated by and with the gaseous products of combustion, and a 

 simultaneous and necessarily rajjid diffusion throughout the entire 

 space of the ward in !St. George's Hospital; and that this rapid min- 

 gling, mixing movement of particles is done without any perceptible 

 mingling, mixing process, or movement whatever ! It thus virtually 

 states that the rapid change of air which alone constitutes perfect ven- 

 tilation is effected without any ascertainable movement of such air. 

 If such concurrent phenomena be really, as stated, " matters of fact," 

 and not, as we take them to be, the honest but erroneous belief of 

 persons not accustomed to scientific and chemical research, we can 

 only ejaculate like Dominie Sampson " Pro-di-gi-ous ! " 



We have so far played the part of critic. We have stated the 

 abstract requirements of perfect ventilation, and have assumed that 

 such requirements are inapplicable to most modern houses. We have 

 condemned the general ignorance and indifference to the proj^er supply 

 of one of the essentials to existence, and have ridiculed the miserable 

 expedients which jjass current under false pretenses. We have further 

 discussed the theory and practice of ventilation mainly distinct from 

 its almost inseparable connection with house-warming. But, unless 

 we are prepared to supply our houses by mechanical contrivances, 

 such as fans, etc., it is impossible pi-actically to consider the thing to 

 be done apart from the obvious means to carry it out ; and it is in 

 heat that we find the ever-present and most applicable motive force. 

 If we can give to our houses an average temperature of 55 with local 

 exceptions somewhat in excess of this average, w^e make them, and 

 particularly the lofty slip of building forming the common London 

 street-house, into a warm air-shaft, having an upward draught. If 

 we can properly arrange and control the entrances and exits of the 

 necessary air, and secure that the supply be ample and the conditions 

 of its motion innocuous, we have solved the problem of practical ven- 

 tilation. 



Any one who can effect this solution will be fairly entitled to the 

 gratitude of all ranks and classes of society excepting, perhaps, that 

 of the medical profession ! And whoever does this by a simple 

 method without using any scientific complications, and requiring no 

 surrender of the average comprehension to the keeping of mechanical 

 experts who can reconcile sentiment with common-sense, and econ- 

 omy with the Epicureanism of our present civilization, and who yields 

 no vantage-ground to servantgalism to demand higher wages, nor 

 otherwise trenches upon the time-lionored privileges of the servants' 

 hall (to do little in the easiest way) will have established a claim to 

 social gratitude. The danger he will incur will be in the shape of a 

 testimonial, which will most likely make Ai't shiver, and the descend- 



