284 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



poses these two into one or the other of the two elements, and the result is 

 action. 



Now, then, the north wind finds the animal and vegetable economy 

 charged with negative and positive electricities in a neutral state, and the 

 friction of the wind decomposes the two elements, producing a marked 

 disturbance of electricity, and this disturbance is quite sufficient to account 

 for all these effects of the north wind that are not accounted for by the 

 simple dryness of the air. 



But we must add the further fact that there exists an electric 'current in 

 all animals and vegetables; that there is a current perpetually circulating 

 between the internal and external portion of the muscles of the animal. 

 This animal electricity, no doubt, derives its source from chemical action, 

 constantly in progress, in connection with the vital processes. But this 

 chemical process must, more or less, be interfered with by the disturb- 

 ances produced by the north wind. 



This fact alone will account for very many of the evil results of the north 

 wind, both in the vegetable and animal economy. To say the least, this 

 hypothesis accounts for the intense heat and the nervousness felt by those 

 who are susceptible to this malady. It will also account for the exhilara- 

 tion felt by others. 



Seventh — We venture still another hypothesis: The science of chemistry 

 has demonstrated the existence, in the air, of chemical elements, such as 

 oxygen, nitrogen, aqueous vapor, carbonic acid, ammonia, iodine, and 

 ozone, elements that are perfectly harmless in their normal combinations. 



But the north wind may enforce different combinations, productive of 

 great temporary discomfort to man. Future and more thorough investi- 

 gation may find in this hypothesis a suggestion of considerable value. 

 The discoloration of the sulphur-colored rose is suggestive of some chemical 

 action in the north wind. Several other hypotheses might be offered, but 

 those already named are sufficient for our present purpose. 



ECONOMIC VALUE OF THE NORTH WIND. 



Heretofore, in this discussion, we have assumed only the harmfulness of 

 the north winds. But are they wholly valueless? Have we a right to 

 assume that these natural currents are only evil, and evil continually? 

 The constant circulation going on in the atmosphere renders impossible 

 the entire consumption of any substances necessary to maintain the life of 

 organized matter — such as oxygen, aqueous vapors, etc. — and it aleo pre- 

 vents any dangerous accumulation of deleterious matter — such as carbonic 

 acid. The existence of animated nature is intimately connected with this 

 circulation. Thorough investigation will establish the fact beyond a ques- 

 tion that the north winds are of inestimable value to the great central val- 

 ley of California. And I am confident that the ordinary estimate of the 

 north wind by the people of this valley is an exaggeration of its disagree- 

 able qualities. The majority of well people cannot tell by their own feel- 

 ings, without external observation, whether the wind, at a particular time, 

 is from the north or the south. I have often heard men of well disciplined 

 minds, who considered themselves particular victims of the north wind, 

 complain bitterly of a north wind when the wind was directly from the 

 south. Fully one half of the misery attributed to the north wind is purely 

 imaginary, or the result of indigestion or indolence, or the simple result 

 that follows all atmospheric disturbances. The people of this great valley 

 have, in an unconscious and imitative manner, agreed to consider them- 

 selves miserable during a north wind. The psychology of this morbid 



