396 Beck on Salt Storms ^ 4^c, 



Such are some of the facts on this subject ; but the conclu- 

 sioa does not appear to be warranted, that these pulmonary 

 affections arise from the irritating quality of the air. In Hol- 

 land, the West Indies, as well as in other countries and islands, 

 exposed to the sea air, consumption is of rare occurrence. In 

 Syria, Volney even states that the air of the coast is particu- 

 larly favourable to those labouring under this malady. Ac- 

 cordingly they are in the habit of sending such patients from 

 Aleppo to Latakia, or Saide, where they may enjoy the benefit 

 of sea air.* 



Again, we know that many persons suffering from this affec- 

 tion, have been completely cured by a voyage, after all the 

 resources of medicine had been exhausted upon them in Vciin. 



It is evident then, that a pure sea air is not detrimental ia. 

 cases of consumption. Dr. Rush, with his usual ingenuity, ex- 

 plains the prevalence of this complaint in our sea-ports, by at- 

 tributing it to the mixture of land and sea air ; and in confir- 

 mation observes, that " those situations which are in the neigh- 

 bourhood of bays and rivers, where the fresh and- salt waters 

 mix their streams together, are more unfavourable to consump- 

 tive patients than the seashore, and therefore should be more 

 carefully avoided by them in exchanging city for country air."t 



Independently, however, of these causes, I think the fre- 

 quent and sudden vicissitudes of temperature, which we suffer 

 on the coast, are alone sufficient to account for the prevalence 

 of catarrhal and pneumonic affections, which most commonly 

 are the precursors of consumption. 



I trust the foregoing observations have not been considered 

 too medical to comport with the objects of this Society. Na- 

 tural history is only useful in its practical applications ; and if 

 it can be shown to throw any light upon an art, which contri- 

 butes so much to the comfort and happiness of man, we have 

 established one of the strongest considerations, which can re- 

 commend it to general patronage and investigation. Physicians 

 ought in an especial manner to set a high value upon the 

 researches of naturalists. The aid they have already given 



* Volney's Travels, Vol I. p. 226. 



T Rnsh's Observations and Inquiries, Vol. II. p. 133, 



