86 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



"As might naturally be expected, the seasons exercised a very- 

 marked influence upon the deaths from consumption. During the 

 mild months of autumn, succeeding the warm season of summer, the 

 deaths attributed to consumption amounted to only 23,010 ; with the 

 cold of winter the mortality from this cause increased, so as to pre- 

 sent a return of 38,956 ; but with the harsh, trying weather of spring 

 it rose to 51,334, and in summer fell again to 39,798." 



This statement represents a very important truth. It is certainly 

 best for the patient if the temperature, while equal, be also temper- 

 ate ; but a mean temperature of 35° on one side, or 75° on the other, 

 is preferable to one varying constantly, to-day at 60° Fahr., to-mor- 

 row at 40°, and a few days later at 80°. 



From the experience gained in taking charge of a large number 

 of consumptive patients it becomes a remarkable and highly-instruc- 

 tive task to learn the influence of climatic changes on the symptoms 

 of the disease. I can usually predict, almost with certainty, the his- 

 tory I am to hear from the consumptives who are coming before me. 

 If for some days there has been uniformity of temperature, and the 

 weather has been mild and dry, so that an airing each day out-of- 

 doors has been effected, the visit is quite a cheery one ; all seems bet- 

 ter ; the medicines are said to agree. The cough is less troublesome, 

 the body is warmer, and hope, diffusing an inward sunshine, lights up 

 each face with brightness and activity. In frosty days, too, when the 

 air is dry and the temperature continues even, the symptoms are often 

 equally favorable ; but during periods, so common in this country in 

 the spring and in the beginning of winter, when the atmospheric 

 variations are sudden, marked, and often repeated in the course of a 

 few weeks, the general aspect of affairs is widely different. I have 

 heard on these occasions almost every patient complaining ; the symp- 

 toms are all exaggerated, the mind discontented. There is a general 

 request for a change in the medicine. Something is asked for that 

 will soothe, for the nights are passed indifferently. It is useless to 

 comply always with these demands, since the exaggerated train of 

 complaints has a general and common cause ; but now and then the 

 modification of symptoms is so great as to call for a modification of 

 treatment. During these variations of season, deaths from consump- 

 tion are most prevalent. 



Thus an equable temperature is of great moment, and should al- 

 ways be sought after by the phthisical sufferer. If he can not remove 

 from his own locality, and if the variations in it are considerable, he 

 must take the best precautions at his command. In-doors it is not 

 difficult to sustain a pretty even temperature, varying from 55° to 60° 

 Fahr. Out-of-doors, something must be done by attention to clothing, 

 and by the use of the respirator. The most marked variations, how- 

 ever, occur in the night, and hence the importance of keeping up an 

 equality of warmth in the bedroom, in the manner already described. 



