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the summer of 1880 , in which the mortality approached that of cholera, was 
seasonable as far as the temperature was concerned. I should like also to 
have Ur. Gordon’s opinion on another point, upon which we have had no 
very definite or authoritative information as yet ; and that is, as to whether 
the Eucalyptus globulus really does exercise the sanitary properties that 
have been attributed to it ? 
Mr. A. E. T. Longhurst, M.D. — The subject of the paper read to-night 
is one in which for some years past I have felt great interest, and we 
must all be deeply indebted to Dr. Gordon for having brought it 
before us. Atmospheric conditions must undoubtedly affect both animal 
and vegetable life ; there can be no question upon that point, for we 
see the evidences before us in every walk of life. The last speaker 
remarked that seasonable weather is not always healthy. I think we may 
take it that seasonable weather is healthy, but that there may be 
certain local conditions in and around us, in certain seasons, which prevent 
those naturally healthy atmospheric states from exerting their full sanitary 
influence upon us — e.g ., the living in a crowded atmosphere in smoky 
cities, undue brain work, insufficient bodily exercise in the open air, &c. ; 
causing an enfeebled state of the nervous and vascular systems, which 
make us unable to withstand the degree of cold which, as a rule, is 
no doubt beneficial to healthy people. I think the experience we had of 
the winter of two years ago will bear out this remark. Then, with regard 
to the changes that are produced by climatic and atmospheric effects 
upon the vegetable world these are, I think, if possible, more marked 
than the changes produced on ourselves. We need not go far to see 
this very forcibly illustrated at the present moment. If we look at 
our parks, we find the chestnuts are in many instances in leaf, and in one or 
two cases in actual flower. This is a state of things we are not accustomed 
to in the month of March. Certain it is that the existing atmospheric 
conditions may be considered to be the cause of these phenomena. But, 
allowing this, I think we must also allow that this weather is due to 
natural operations, and, I hope, as a rule, it will be found to be beneficial 
rather than otherwise. As it is now so late, I will not trespass long upon 
your patience, especially as I find the paper to contain so many points that 
might be discussed. There is, however, one question I should like to ask, 
and that is as to the assertion that cholera is localised at Murree and Simla 
in the Himalayas. It would appear to me, from my memory of service in 
that part of the world, that cholera could scarcely be said to be localised 
there. That it occurs there I am sorry to admit, but I am disposed to think 
it is not indigenous, — at any rate, I hope not. I should like to ask Dr. 
Gordon whether there is any positive proof of the assertion that cholera may 
be considered as localised at a great elevation ? 
The Chairman. — As the hour is getting late, and as Dr. Gordon has been 
asked a good many questions, I will not burden him with many more. Still, 
I suppose that, being in the chair, I am expected to say something. 
First of all, let me say how much I admire and value this paper, which 
