790 BEST METHOD OF TREATING 



flicted with cold extremities and general chilli- 

 ness, even during summer in England, while 

 labouring under asthma or incipient phthisis ; and 

 that in some cases, the chemical function of the 

 lungs was so far diminished, that it was difficult 

 to maintain the temperature of the body at the 

 normal standard, even before a fire that was 

 oppressive to persons in good health. There can- 

 not therefore be a doubt, that the temperature 

 most favourable to individuals of weak lungs, is 

 one from 65 to 70, or even 75, according to the 

 more or less advanced stage of the disease ; and 

 that breathing an atmosphere below 50, inevit- 

 ably tends to aggravate all the symptoms. At the 

 same time, we must admit with Sir James Clark, 

 that many individuals are predisposed to this 

 fatal malady by impure air, an impoverished 

 diet, a sedentary life, the depressing emotions, 

 excessive medication, (especially the use of mer- 

 cury,) chronic disease from any cause, or what- 

 ever diminishes the natural vigour of the consti- 

 tution. (Op. Cit. pp. 47306, 3rd edition.) 



Yet it is evident from all the foregoing facts 

 and observations, that the tuberculous diathesis, 

 as well as all inflammatory affections of the lungs, 

 are generated chiefly by the depressing influence 

 of external cold, and might be prevented in nine 

 cases out of ten, by keeping the system at the 

 natural standard, and maintaining a free circula- 

 tion through the lungs, skin, and extremities. 



