340 WINTER IN THE UPPER ENGADINE. 



The mortality will be seen to be 1.7 per cent only;" * and 

 again, "It is a circumstance worthy of note, that those who 

 suffered from bronchial affections each winter in England, 

 were exempted from them while in these regions." f 



The cause of this immunity from chest affections, 

 which has been so often noted by arctic explorers, 

 is no doubt due to the exceeding dry ness of the at- 

 mosphere. The therapeutic value of dry cold, in the 

 treatment of certain forms of lung affections, is a matter 

 which has been gradually becoming more recognised 

 of late years, and delicate persons are now sometimes 

 advised to try the effects of a winter residence in the 

 Upper Engadine, in Switzerland, where on account of 

 its great elevation (6000 feet over sea level) a regular 

 arctic climate prevails for some months every year. 

 Dr. Tucker Wise, resident physician at Maloja, states 

 that during a recent season, 



" Ordinary catarrh is almost unknown, except in badly ven- 

 tilated houses, where a cold in the head, or sore throat, 

 seems liable to be communicated to others. During the whole 

 winter at Maloja (he says) no person suffered from the for- 

 mer complaint, and but two cases of sore throat occurred, 

 through indiscreet exposure." "It is by no means uncommon 

 (Dr. Tucker Wise goes on to say) for individuals to quit a room, 

 and proceed out of doors, with a difference of 50, and oc- 

 casionally 60 Fahr., without feeling any pressing need of 

 gloves or extra clothing." 



These are day temperatures ; but of course at night 

 the differences are considerably greater ; also on these 

 occasions an absolutely still atmosphere always exists, 



* The Thres hold of the Unknown Regions, by Clements R. Markham, 

 F.R.S., 1878, p. 272. 



f Ibid., p. 276. 



Alpine Winter in its Medical Aspects, by A. Tucker Wise, M.D., 

 3rd Edition, p. 98. 



