of the Mediterranean. ^X^^ 



The previous winds for some days had been moist, and from the 

 northward, when they were interrupted for two hours by a strong 

 Sirocco, accompanied by a great rise of temperature ; and so arid 

 was the wii\d, that any thing moist or damp dried in it as quick- 

 ly as if it had been exposed to the fire. The marked attacks of 

 fever were simultaneous almost with the Sirocco, and they dis- 

 appeared in a short time, from the use of gentle depletion, and 

 with the quickly succeeding change of weather. 



Towards the east point of the northern coast of Africa, the 

 sand from the desert often reaches the Mediterranean, and gives 

 a light yellowish hazy tint to the atmosphere. At Alexandria, 

 with the breeze at SW. by S., warm and dry, I have seen the 

 finely pulverulent sands create a complete haze, and partially 

 obscure the sun. I first supposed the haze arose from the hu- 

 midity evaporated from the small extent of sea, and the course 

 of the Nile ; but finding portions of yellow sand collected on se- 

 veral exposed places of the ship, I was soon convinced of the true 

 nature of the phenomenon. A change of wind, at Alexandria, in 

 February 1825, from the NE. to SW. by S., produced an in- 

 crease of the temperature from 56° to 76°, being 20 degrees in 

 one day. * * * 



Conclusion hy Dr B. . 



To give a complete history and estimate of the climate of the 

 Mediterranean, as connected with health and the developement 

 of disease, it would be necessary to refer to an extensive set of 

 good registers, and to bring forward an outline of the diseases 

 which affect the various nations inhabiting its shores, as well as 

 those which seafaring people and strangers experience. But as 

 this was an extent of inquiry beyond the opportunities of the late 

 author, the preceding sketch professes only to detail the simple 

 meteorological phenomena which came under his observation ; 

 and the few inductions which he has drawn, may serve to illus- 

 trate the more obvious connections between health and climate. 

 In giving the sketch to the pubUc, the editor has thought to 

 contribute some facts to meteorological science, as well as to ful- 

 fil the supposed wishes of one, of whom affection might truly 

 say 



** Nee cams seque, nee superstes 



" Int^er." 



