A period of several consecutive days of clouded, overcast weather is promptly followed by reports of restlessness, greater depression, and a general disposition to be disorderly, and even violent, on the part of those who are disposed that way.
On the other hand, dry, sunshiny weather coming on after such a period, is soon followed by quieter, gentler and generally more comfortable moods.
The insane, unless materially demented, react more fully to outside influences, due in part, in some forms, to greater emotional mobility, and more particularly to a lack of restraint by the will; and also, in part, to the fact that they have their attention less occupied with the matters and affairs of every day life, than do the sane. Still, I take it, that the sane, judging by myself, are subconsciously influenced by weather conditions. I notice in myself, on observation and analysis, that the shades that haunt me during gloomy weather, fade with the coming of the sun.
I have no doubt that the climatic conditions that permanently manifest themselves, the clearness or cloudiness of the sky, have impressed the peoples, say for instance of Europe, in the course of ages, with certain national racial characteristics; and I have no doubt that the murky, smoky atmosphere of your city exerts an influence to a greater or lesser degree upon the morals and disposition of the young people who dwell habitually in your climate.
I do not recall ever having seen any study, or more extensive investigation of this interesting topic.”
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Figures placed within parenthesis refer to the corresponding references in the bibliography at the close of the paper.
[2] The writer has confirmed this statement in inquiries made among a number of recent professional arrivals in Pittsburgh, who say they are more fatigued by their work here than in other cities where they have labored.
II. The Aesthetic Aspects of Smoke Pollution
“The smoke nuisance is the greatest hindrance to the highest development of civic beauty and refinement” (Holdsworth, [33]). Historically the first anti-smoke propagandas were waged against the nuisance on aesthetic grounds. In London the use of “Sea cole” was legally prohibited during a portion of the middle ages because the smoke palls marred the beauty of buildings, which were at that time painted in whitewash, with colored decorations in front ([34]). Violations of the smoke statute were considered so serious that a citizen of London was executed in 1306 for burning “Sea cole” ([22]). With the lapse of the anti-smoke ordinance in the middle of the sixteenth century the use of lime white and colored effects on the exterior of buildings was abandoned, and in their place appeared an unsightly, discolored, mottled, greasy coat of tarry soot on the outside of buildings.