Again, we know that many persons suffering from this affection, have been completely cured by a voyage, after all the resources of medicine had been exhausted upon them in vain.
It is evident then, that a pure sea air is not detrimental in cases of consumption. Dr. Rush, with his usual ingenuity, explains the prevalence of this complaint in our sea-ports, by attributing it to the mixture of land and sea air; and in confirmation observes, that "those situations which are in the neighbourhood of bays and rivers, where the fresh and salt waters mix their streams together, are more unfavourable to consumptive patients than the seashore, and therefore should be more carefully avoided by them in exchanging city for country air."[71]
Independently, however, of these causes, I think the frequent and sudden vicissitudes of temperature, which we suffer on the coast, are alone sufficient to account for the prevalence of catarrhal and pneumonic affections, which most commonly are the precursors of consumption.
I trust the foregoing observations have not been considered too medical to comport with the objects of this Society. Natural history is only useful in its practical applications; and if it can be shown to throw any light upon an art, which contributes so much to the comfort and happiness of man, we have established one of the strongest considerations, which can recommend it to general patronage and investigation. Physicians ought in an especial manner to set a high value upon the researches of naturalists. The aid they have already given is sufficient to entitle them to the lasting gratitude of our profession. It was one of the merits of that illustrious physician of our own time and country, Dr. Rush, that he seized with avidity every fact, from whatever quarter it might be drawn, to elucidate his favourite science. If ever medicine shall attain to the elevation of a truly philosophical science, it must be accomplished, in part at least, by imitating his example, and by developing the infinite and diversified associations which exist between it and the other sciences.
Art. XIV. Thoughts on Atmospheric Dust.
Art. XIV. Thoughts on Atmospheric Dust. By C. S. Rafinesque, Esq.
1. "When we find the ruins of ancient cities buried under ground; when the plough uncovers the front of palaces and the summit of old temples, we are astonished: but we seldom reflect why they are hidden in the earth. A sort of imperceptible dust falls at all times from the atmosphere, and it has covered them during ages."
2. These are the words of the worthy and eloquent philosopher Virey, in his article Nature, Vol. XV. p. 373, of the French Dictionary of Natural History. Even before reading them I had observed the same phenomenon, and I have since studied their effects in various places. I could quote one thousand instances of the extensive and multifarious operations of this meteoric dust: but I mean to give the results merely of those that fall daily under notice, and are yet totally neglected; wishing to draw on them the attention of chemists, philosophers, and geologists.