Consumption and the breath rebreathed : being a sequel to the authors [sic] treatise on consumption / by Henry Mac Cormac.

  • M'Cormac, Henry, 1800-1886.
Date:
1872
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Consumption and the breath rebreathed : being a sequel to the authors [sic] treatise on consumption / by Henry Mac Cormac. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

    14/186 (page 6)
    G the advances of consumption when the exciting causes are otherwise at hand. Cold air therefore, contrary to some peoples pre- possessions, does not induce consumption, did never once induce it since the worlds beginning until now. I found it not less safe and agreeable, when long years since I began the practice, to respire the open air in my chamber than I do now. Provided only that the person shall be sufficiently protected, there is really no greater danger in inhaling, from the first, the coolest dampest air imaginable, than in partaking for the first time of some wholesome, but else unwonted luxury. The respiration of unpolluted air by night will even go some way to neutralise the evil influence of any vile pernicious atmospheric environment when we are constrained, as we too often are constrained, to breathe it by day. It is doubtless desirable to respire pure air at all times, but at night it is indispens- able absolutely, otherwise the protracted inhalation of a pent up stagnant frousy atmosphere eventually brings destruction sure and certain along with it. Some in truth go almost crazed in respect of the possible risks which, they allege, attend the possible introduction of damps and draughts and chills by night. The mists and fogs, they exclaim, will destroy you, and the night air, as if all air by night were not night air, will do your business in a short time. Never were averments more illusory. Those alone who run counter to natures dictates incur risk, while they who obey her injunctions, if they do not quite avoid, at least incur fewest dangers. How