ANNUAL ADDRESS. 
55 
they saved a little fuel ! The subject of ventilation is one of 
momentous consequence, affecting the whole growth and life of 
the nation—ventilation of the school room—the church—the 
court house—the parlor—the bed-chamber and the dwelling of 
every sort. 
AYater is another compound vital force—eight parts of oxy¬ 
gen to one of hydrogen, by weight; in volume one to two, in 
chemical combination. 
Water, the most universal solvent is too well known as neces¬ 
sary to the vitality of vegetables and animals, to be dwelt upon. 
Its hydropathic uses are beginning to be understood, and eclectic 
physicians must introduce it more largely as a remedial agent. 
Its free use externally to stimulate the perspiratory vessels into 
healthful action, and thus avoid all those diseases miscalled 
“cold,” cannot be too highly commended. Its absorbent pow¬ 
ers are also great in proportion to its functions as a solvent.— 
Water, therefore, should not be used after standing long in 
close rooms, either for drinking or washing. And pure cistern 
water is better than spring water, which in its percolation 
through the earth and rocks, takes up in solution so many for¬ 
eign ingredients, vegetable and mineral. 
Heat is the fifth and last force of w r hich I shall treat. Its 
sources are much the same as light, and it is so wide in its 
influence upon life, as to form itself into a science, called 
“ climatology.” 
Climate does not depend solely on latitude, as is generally 
supposed, but upon altitude above and depth below the surface 
of the sea ; upon the seas and sea currents ; electrical currents ; 
upon trade winds, and cardinal mountain currents ; clouds, and 
moisture from rivers, lakes, aud swamps ; radiating powers of 
the soil; the dividing configuration of continents into peninsulas 
and capes ; upon frozen polar seas ; and extent of plains upon 
equatorial latitudes, and many innumerable surroundings. 
On the American continent we gain 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit 
by each degree of latitude, as we approach the equator, till we 
enter the tropics, then we gain four-tenths of a degree, to each 
