DISEASES OF THE CHEST. 39 



greater amount of air, and, consequently, a greater amount of 

 oxygen, than at a few hundred feet higher. One great secret, 

 therefore, of the cure of chronic cases at the sea-side, is the 

 being able, without extra exertion or effort, to receive into the 

 lungs an additional amount of oxygen. The effect of this is 

 to rouse and sustain the nervous system, and to expedite and 

 perfect the aeration of the blood in the lungs, by means of 

 the more rapid combustion of carbon, thus creating a greater 

 demand for nourishment, as shown by the vigorous appetite 

 which so generally follows a removal to the sea-side. 



As might be expected from what has been already stated, 

 the climate of Southport is peculiarly adapted to the 

 prevention or relief of consumption. In the earlier stages, 

 particularly, before tubercles have actually formed, the effects 

 are often most surprising. The prolonged residence here of 

 young persons threatened with this fearful malady, has in 

 numerous instances perfectly re-established their health; or 

 in the case of those who possess an hereditary tendency to 

 the disease, has postponed the accession of fatal illness. 

 When the lung has been more or less affected by tubercular 

 deposit, the favourable conditions found in this climate have 

 often, with very little medical interference, arrested the 

 progress of the mischief ; and, by giving every advantage to 

 the great restorer, Nature, have induced a marked diminution 

 of cough and expectoration, the gaining of flesh, and the 

 return of bodily and mental strength. 



The same results follow in many cases of chronic bronchitis, 

 attended by excessive secretion and exalted sensibility of the 

 pulmonary mucous membrane. The relief in these cases, 

 brought about by a change from a cold and moist to a mild 



