558 THE MOUNTAIN. 



diseased mucous membranes of lungs connected with vicious 

 conditions of other mucous surfaces, may be benefited by 

 change of water through sympathetic action of allied or- 

 gans, there is no doubt, but not as specific agents. Bron- 

 chial diseases, with grave, morbid complications in the 

 abdominal cavity, especially the upper part of the digestive 

 tube, may undoubtedly be benefited by a change in the great 

 menstruum, or mixing material from which the streams of 

 blood are made. Here, again, pure water is the desider- 

 atum, mingled with what science says is required by particu- 

 lar cases in particular conditions. Of asthma, rheumatism, 

 gout, and nervous derangements, there are stories connected 

 with particular springs and their powers, unassisted by any 

 other great sanitary force, all of which come in an apocry- 

 phal shape. Pure water, mineralized for the case by an 

 intelligent and wise physician, is the great agent, of course, 

 all the more efficient when accompanied by the sanitary 

 powers of change of scenery, locality, climate, etc. 



THE AIR WE BREATHE. 



Volumes have been written on the " use and abuse of air," 

 the " powers of fresh air to prevent disease," the necessity 

 of pure air to health, the preventive and curative powers 

 of air, etc., from which it is obvious that pure air is the 

 greatest prophylactic power of the world, and, therefore, one 

 of the favorite agents of Hygeia in the preservation of health. 



HOW, WHEN, AND WHERE WE SLEEP. 



" How -wonderful is death, 

 Death and his brother sleep ! 

 One, pale as yonder waning moon, 

 With lips of lurid blue ; 

 The other, rosy as the morn 

 When, throned on ocean's wave, 

 It blushes o'er the world ; 

 Yet both so passing wonderful !" 



The range between rosy red and lurid blue is the scale of 

 life and death. One of the most powerful agencies in the 



