42 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 63 



Maximum Minimum Average 



Humidity Humidity 



8 a. m. 8 p. m. 8 a. m. 8 p. m. 8 a. m. 8 p. m. 



New York 100 95 62 50 81.3 74-i 



Denver 90 90 4i I3 66.1 . 37-1 



North Star Bay 72 71 56 39 63.1 54- 



Etah, Greenland 81 70 40 35 57-6 S2.4 



The relative humidity was much lower while at anchor in the 

 harbors of Northern Greenland than while en route through the 

 Strait of Belle Isle and off Labrador and in Davis Strait and Smith's 

 Sound. 



We have given some attention to this subject on account of the 

 very enthusiastic claims made on behalf of the atmosphere of the 

 Arctic regions during summer treatment of tuberculosis. Although 

 the plans for sending a ship with tuberculous passengers on this 

 voyage failed to be carried out owing to inability to get the neces- 

 sary permission from the Danish Government to land at the north- 

 ern ports of Greenland, it is possible that at some future time the 

 attempt will again be made. 



The fact that Icelanders and Greenlanders may contract tubercu- 

 losis in numbers and may die from it is not to be overlooked ; but 

 the filth of winter quarters in the far North and the foul air of 

 these huts is responsible for much of the illness of the native inhabi- 

 tants. The Eskimo survives the dangers of the winter because he 

 leads a totally different life in summer. It is difficult for those who 

 have never been to the Polar regions to realize what a change is 

 wrought by the advent of constant sunlight. This unique feature 

 of the summer climate contributes to health and energy. The at- 

 mosphere, free from all germs and dust, bracing in its quality, is 

 a strong stimulant to bodily functions as gain in weight testifies. 



As a practical measure for the treatment of tuberculosis Arctic 

 voyages have not yet been proved to be beneficial, although there is 

 some presumptive evidence in their favor and, in view of the abund- 

 ance of proof that the disease can be successfully combated at 

 numberless places on the continent, such expeditions will scarcely 

 meet with favor. 



FLOATING SANATORIA 



In 1896, Mr. M. O. Motschoutkovsky ^ advocated floating sanatoria 

 for patients with incipient tuberculosis. These specially fitted ves- 

 sels were to be shifted from port to port according to the season 

 so as to get the most favorable climatic conditions. 



^The Lancet, April 4, 1906, p. 939. 



