APPENDIX E 273 



Administration, failed to appreciate the importance of this factor. 

 There is a distinct difference, however, between the conservation of 

 coal arising from the healthful practice of keeping the temperature 

 down to about 64°, and the somewhat increased consumption of coal 

 arising from the much more healthful practice of keeping the tem- 

 perature down to 64° and at the same time giving it the most favor- 

 able conditions of humidity. Yet this matter of humidity is so vital 

 to human health that it seems wise to insert Appendix F. Directions 

 are there given whereby the householder who cannot afford a patented 

 humidifier can, at very slight expense, improvise a system that will give 

 him a close approach to the right conditions. As time goes on, far 

 better methods will be developed. The author would be most grateful 

 if his readers would send him suggestions along these lines. 



Finally, there is need of constant variety of temperature. This, as 

 we have seen, can perhaps be brought about by direct window ventila- 

 tion. In addition to that, however, the air in the ordinary house should 

 be kept moving so that the temperature on the floor and at the ceiling 

 is the same. This is now done in theaters and other public buildings, 

 but it ought also to be the rule in dwellings. Some day our heating 

 arrangements will be so far perfected that the air will always be right 

 in both temperature and humidity; it will automatically be warmed 

 and cooled so that we may enjoy due variety; and it will be kept 

 constantly but gently in motion. When that day comes we may expect 

 that our health and ability in winter will be almost as great as is now 

 the case in the best days of the autumn. 



