ON THE INFLUENCE OF WEATHER UPON MORTALITY. 331 



Average Mortality of the^ ^^ ^^ ^ gg g g^ 



1 ears in which the num- 

 ber of days of each Wind V 2295 235'8 2358 233-0 222-0 220-1 218-9 2274 221-9 

 was above the Mean ofl 

 the Six J 



Average Mortality of the-\ 

 Years in which the num- 

 ber of days of each Wind V 223-7 220 6 220-6 2183 227-4 236-7 232-4 223-8 2294 

 was below the Mean of 

 the Six I 



If this be a true guide to the relationship existing between the prevalence of 

 certain winds and mortality from all causes, then it is manifest that all winds 

 between N.W. and S.E. (north about) are directly related to the death-rate, whilst 

 those winds blowing from points between S.E. and W. (south about) have an in- 

 verse relationship. It would seem, moreover, that calms, or light shifting winds, 

 are less frequent when the mortality is high than when it is low. 



Fo)'ce of Winds. — There is nothing in Table A. to lead us to a decision as to 

 the influence of the relative force of wind upon mortality from all causes. The 

 force is there given in lbs., and, according to the several sections, stands related 

 to the death-rate in the following manner : — 



Section. Mortality. Force of Wind in lbs. 



Maximum, 269-49 1-654 



Major, 233-25 1630 



Minor, 21426 1-737 



Minimum, 185-85 1346 



Means, 225-71 1592 



Two factitious years, constituted of the months which show the greatest wind 

 force of the six, and those which show the least, respectively, afford the follow- 

 ing comparison : — 



Mortality of each Month ^ •^^°- ^^^- ^^'"^ ^^"^ ^^^ "^"^^ ^^^^ ^"-- ^^P*' ^'^- ^°^- ^'^'=- 



of the Greatest Wind I 243-4 330-6 232-0 222-7 219-3 215-0 192-3 173-1 177-7 210-4 224-5 215-7 

 ForcG . J 



Do. do. Least do. 253-2 251-3 256-7 223-5 193-5 196-4 214-8 168-4 195-9 204-4 230-0 241-4 



From this table it is evident, that our data do not furnish us with determinate 

 information regarding the influence of the pressure of the wind upon mortality. 

 There can be no doubt, however, and perhaps, if the data prove anything at all, 

 they prove this, that whatever be the exact pressure of the wind, it acts in a two- 

 fold manner upon the death-rate, each separate influence compensating the other. 

 If we have high winds, and stormy weather on that account, the death-rate will 

 be increased not only by the fatal exhaustion caused to debilitated persons, but 

 also by the casualties which invariably occur both afloat and on shore during 

 gales of wind. On the other hand, when the pressure of wind is low, the atmo- 

 sphere is stagnant, becomes loaded in many localities with pestilent effluvia, and 

 sickness, usually of the zymotic class, prevails. A breeze of wind on land sweeps 



