ANP THE LUNGS. 83 



of vital action in the skin and extremities, and a 

 consequent feeling of coldness in the feet and on 

 the surface, and susceptibility of catarrhal affections 

 from apparently inadequate causes, often long before 

 any pressing symptom, directly connected with the 

 lungs, occurs to attract notice. In this state, means 

 systematically directed to restoring the cutaneous 

 > circulation will frequently be successful in warding 

 off consumption ; and even when the disease is 

 formed, the same means will help to prolong life and 

 relieve suffering, while they will go far to effect a 

 cure in those chronic affections of the bronchial 

 membrane which simulate consumption and are 

 sometimes undistinguishable from it, and which, 

 when mismanaged, are equally fatal. 



The two remedies which have the oldest and 

 most general reputation in the successful treatment 

 of pulmonary and consumptive disease have this 

 quality in common, that both owe much of their 

 influence to their exciting the cutaneous functions, 

 and equalizing the circulation. I allude to sailing, 

 and riding on horseback. Many authors speak of 

 both in the highest terms, and Sydenham is well 

 known to have considered the latter as almost a 

 specific. Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, too, extols it 

 with nearly equal force. So far as my observation 

 goes, these exercises are productive of advantage, 

 chiefly in proportion as they determine the blood to 

 the surface, which squeamishness, sea-sickness, and 

 riding all do in a powerful manner. Riding seems 

 to have this effect, partly from the bodily exercise 

 giving general vigour to the circulation, and partly 

 from the continued gentle friction between the skin 

 and the clothes stimulating the cutaneous vessels 

 and nerves. This latter effect is of more import- 

 ance than many believe. Those, accordingly, who 

 are proof against sea-sickness, derive least benefit 

 from the voyage ; while those who suffer under it 

 long are compensated by the amelioration which it 



