ViXVES OP HEAT AXD WAVES OP DEATH. 
191 
The stucly of the physiological influence of the wave of low 
heat^ and of its relation to the wave of mortality suggests two 
series of thoughts. 
In the first place, it leads us to ask what are the best means 
of meeting the wave of low temperature ? Necessarily all 
rules will be but imperfect_, even though they be carried out 
perfectly ; but there are a few which are. simple^ easy to be 
remembered^ and of value. 
(a.) Clothing is the first thing- to attend to ; to have the 
body_, during variable weather_, such as now obtains_, well en- 
veloped from head to foot in non-conducting woollen substance 
is essential : who neglects this precaution is guilty of a 
grievous error_, and who helps the poor to clothe in flannel 
does more for them than can readily be conceived without 
careful attention to the subject we have discussed in all its 
details. 
{h.) In sitting-rooms or in bed-rooms it is equally essential 
to maintain an equable temperature ; a fire in a bed-room is 
of first value at this season^ and he who could invent an ap- 
paratus that would sustain a small bed-room fire in an open 
grate all night would be a true benefactor to his race^ and soon 
a rich benefactor to boot. The fire sustains the external 
warmth^ encourages ventilation_, and gives health not less than 
comfort. 
(c.) In going from awarm into a cold atmosphere^ in breasting 
the wave of low temperature_, no one can harm by starting 
forth thoroughly warm. A cup to heej) out the cold may be 
added also with advantage. But in returning- from the cold 
into the warm the act should always be accomplished gradually^ 
and the cup to relieve the cold should be scrupulously avoided. 
This important rule may readily be borne in mind by con- 
necting- it with the recollection of the fact that the only safe 
mode of curing a frozen nose is to rub it with ice_, and to restore 
the temperature as slowly as possible. 
{d.) The wave of low temperature requires to be met by good, 
nutritious, warm food. Heat-forming foods, such as bread, 
sugar, butter, and potatoes, are, in moderation, of special use 
now’. It would be against science and instinct alike to omit 
such foods when the body requires waste heat urgently and 
abundantly. 
(e.) It is an entire mistake to suppose that the wave of cold 
is neutralized in any sense by the use of alcoholics. When a 
glass of hot brandy-and- water w’arms the cold man, the credit 
belongs to the hot water, and any discredit that may follow to 
the brandy. So far from alcohol meeting* the cold in action, it 
goes with it : alcohol stops oxidation, and acts as an anti- 
septic, so does cold ; alcohol stops generation of heat, and there- 
