67 

 " Colds " and Cold. 



By Robert Hessler. 



It is often said that on account of variable weatlier conditions, that is, 

 sudden and violent atmospheric changes, the climate of Indiana is an 

 unhealthy one and that this is the reason why "colds" are so common 

 among us. Now is this true, especially the deduction? 



Most of us, I believe, will admit that changes in temperature are 

 rather sudden at times and that the daily weather conditions are quite 

 variable, but that our climate— that is, the sum total of all weather condi- 

 tions for long periods of time— is one conducive to the production of 

 "colds," per se, may be denied by some. 



Now when I speak of a "cold" I am assuming that everj^body knows 

 what that means. A cold— why, yes, of course. Everybody knows what 

 a cold is. 



As a matter of fact many think they know— which is something 

 entirely different. We all know the dictionary definition: "Cold.— An 

 indisposition commonly ascribed to exposure to cold; especially, a 

 catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx, 

 larynx, trachea, bronchi, or bronchal tubes." (Century.) 



Physicians use the term very freely in conversation or consultation 

 with their patients. There is good reason for this. When the patient 

 comes to the physician he not only wants a medicine or a prescription but 

 he also wants to know about his disease or affection; he will want to 

 know the name at least, and very likely also the cause. We all want an 

 explanation of what is wrong when we are sick, and the simpler the 

 explanation the better. If the physician wants to be exact and gives the 

 explanation in technical terms that have a definite meaning, then he must 

 explain the terms themselves, all of which takes a lot of time— and so the 

 busy practitioner has recourse to a number of terms and phrases which 

 have long been in use and with wliicli the laity are familiar. When, there- 

 fore, the anxious patient asks for the common name of his disease or for 

 its cause, and the knowing physician answers assuringly and perhaps 

 authoritatively the magic word "cold," all is serene. Such words as 



