276 THE ISLAND OF NANTUCKET. 



invalids, on account of the purity of the air; that there 

 is and can be no malaria; and that consumptives are 

 really benefited by a visit to the island. 



In a communication to the compiler by the oldest 

 practising physician on the island, he says: — 



u I have practised medicine on the island of Nan- 

 tucket forty years. The climate is healthy, winter and 

 summer. Being thirty miles from the continent, it is 

 surrounded by ocean air, which is tonic and sedative. 

 Appetite and the inclination to sleep are generally 

 increased with visitors, whether invalids or not. Ma- 

 larial diseases have never been known to originate 

 here. The extremes of heat and cold are from ten to 

 fifteen degrees less here than in Boston. 

 " Yours, etc., 



" J. B. King, M. D.» 



Dr. F. A. Ellis, who has practised medicine here for 

 twenty years, while heartily indorsing what his brother 

 professionals assert, adds that the benefit which invalids 

 derive here is not temporary, but lasting; and cites 

 many instances where persons have come to the island 

 for the benefit of their health, and have not only im 

 proved greatly while here, but have continued to gain 

 long after their return home. 



Not the least of the island's sanatory advantages is 

 the superiority of its sea bathing, generally acknowl- 

 edged by most physicians to be of great advantage i i 

 the treatment and cure of many diseases. With this, 

 and with an abundant supply of pure fresh water, cool 

 breezes during the day, cool nights in which to sleep, 

 and absence of malaria and mosquitoes, Nantucket is 

 certainly a desirable place for those seeking health. 



