DR. ERASMUS DARWIN'S LIFE. 183 



that the unusual existence of internal stimulus would, 

 in its effects upon the system, counteract the external 

 cold and moisture.' " 



" Then perceiving his companions near him, he 

 nodded, smiled, and waived his hand, as enjoining them 

 silence, thus, without hesitation, addressing the popu- 

 lace : 



" ' Ye men of Nottingham, listen to me. You are 

 ingenious and industrious mechanics. By your industry 

 life's comforts are procured for yourselves and families. 

 If you lose your health the power of being industrious 

 will forsake you. TJiat you know, but you may not 

 know that to breathe fresh and changed air constantly, 

 is not less necessary to preserve health than sobriety 

 itself. Air becomes unwholesome in a few hours if the 

 windows are shut. Open those of your sleeping rooms 

 whenever you quit them to go to your workshops. 

 Keep the windows of your workshops open whenever 

 the weather is not insupportably cold. I have no interest 

 in giving you this advice; remember what I, your 

 countryman and a physician, tell you. If you would 

 not bring infection and disease upon yourselves, and to 

 your wives and little ones, change the air you breathe, 

 change it many times a day, by opening your windows.' 



"So saying, he stepped down from the tub, and, 

 returning with his party to their boat, they pursued 

 their voyage." * 



Could any missionary be more perfectly sober and 

 sensible, or more alive to the immorality of trying to 

 effect too sudden a modification in the organisms 

 * ' Memoirs,' &c., p. 68. 



