Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-07-09
For THE Vino.
ANTI SEPTIC,


"Ihe Noisome Pestilence that in epep ,nnr t.rr;6.
Marches Through mid day AIR, and Scatters DEATH"
PRIon.
Thus has the Poet so beautifully and philosophi.
cally described the medium through which the va
rious epldenics IN all ages and seasons, have be-
come the scourge OF mankind To the science of
chymisty, are indebted for the system of
pneumatics, or theory of the gases, for discover
les SO essential to our vital existence The atmos
Phere we breathe, formerly described as a simple
element, tho doctrine OF which has long been ex-
poded) is found to be chiefly composed of two OBJ
posite principles, viz: azote and oxygen so termed
as tho destroyer and supporter of animal and vege
table life and combustion. The proportions are
nearly as three OF the former, to of the latter;
ana what strongly indicates the wisdom and econo-
my OF nature, or natures God, is that which proves
iatal TO animal life, nourshes and sustans the We
getable; whilst the one inhaies through the lungs
where 1t Is decomposed, retaining and dfusing
through the animal system, the vital part or oxy-
gen, and returns by respiration the delete1ious or
azote-so the leaves of plants operating as the
lungs OF animals retain azote and emit oxygen
thus restoring the equilibrium by which nature is
sustained. 1t thus this medium of our existence
becomes SO important an agent in what suffer
or enjoy of health disease, and therefore SO es-
sentlally necessary to preserve in that state of
purity In which nature framed and designed it. but
winch may be rendered dcleterious, by neglecting
the means IN our power. Experiment has tested,
that In all epdemical cndemical diseases the at
mosphere Is affected to a certain extent so as to
cause putrescence to inert animal or vegetable mat
ter. AS all general causes made up of local or
particular py removing the latter, the former
would cease to exist. strict adherence to clean
liness, both public and private, may either prevent
ePidemics, or if existing, shorten their duration
Ihls may be effected, by enforcing the measures
recommended, by the wisdom of council,
woula feign add liberality) by thorough cleansing
and publication of houses, lanes, and alleys
draining OF marshes, and stagnant pools--a speedy
removal OF animal or vegetable matter, which,
from their decomposition, at this season. poison the
atmosphere by putrid exhalations productive of in
lection or contagion, to counteract which freouent
use should be made of dsinfectng substances or
gases, such as chloride of lime, &C. and instead
OF combustion by burning of tar rosin, &C. as
practlsed IN other place., and which must have n
Porniclous tendency in eyhausting the oxygen or
vital principle, and increasing calorc or heat IN
duce our dcfiUe FIRE Companies to a frequent erer
ctse OF their Engines-in this way thew might
prove as eectual in the preservation of our heaihs
ana iiVes, as properties, by mixing a small portion
OF chloride of lime in the water, and diffusng it
through the atmosphere, particularly in those pla-
ces most exposed from their localities TO infection
such as the viclnities of the docks and stagnant
waters, whIch emit miasma-this would have the
Denehcial effect of purifying and cooling the at
inosphere, as also allaying the dust, and cleansing
the streets, by repetition two or three times a
week, during the hot and sickly season. and as pro-
ducing a public benefit, they should be remunera-
ted by public expense, which on this occasion
should not be spared.
The writer would also suggest the necessity of
awaiting ourselves of the precedent set by other
cities, In adopting precautionary measures. This
city is the more exposed, the tide of emigration
will no doubt flow through it towards our health be-
slowing Springs A Board of Health should there
fore be established, Committees of Vigilance and
Inspection appointed in each Ward and Dispen
sary for supplying the poor with medicine and adj
vice, and also furnishing them Nth the means of
cleansing and purifying their Dwellings,, as being
all important to the general interest and toeLfare
rigld adherence to temperance and regimen should
be observed by totally abstaining from crude or in
digestlble food ardent or fcrmented lquors-bear-
ing In mind the greatest number of victims to tho
fell disease were amongst the moderate or TEMPER
ate drinkcrs-who might, in all probability haye
escaped, had they have substituted the pure ele
mcnt which Nature intended, or as still preferable.
That oil Nature and Art combined, in the exhilora-
ting and henltb-preserving draughts from the Foun
taIns OF Hygeia. Her carbinated waters afford
The most powerful antiseptic, and with the
addition OF Alkalis, neutral Salts, by neutral
izng the septic Acid, may prove specific, both as
preventive and cure of contagious diseases. Where
the FOUNTAINS are not accessible, substitute NAV be
found IN the Soda and Sedlitz Powders, &c.
10 this source, the writer refers with pleasing
rehecuons, as having been Instrumental in first
introducing the artificial Mineral Waters into the
U. States, and can, with the more confidence. re-
commend them as having realized all ne anticipated
or predicted, relative to their beneficial properties
and effects, whether in moral physical point of
view.
In most OF tho above remarks, the writer dis
CLAIMS originality, which may render them more en-
'iued to attention, as adduced from sources so SUI
perior to his own.
what nc may claim, WILL he trusts be received
with That Indulgence due the motive by which thew
are ohered-having no other object in view, than
contributing his humble mite towards the general
welfare, by suggesting measures conducive to the
promotion and preservation Of the health Of the
city. Independent Of any cause Of alarm from a
threatened or distant danger, wo may happilv es.
cape, and thus discharging the duty of fellow
CITIZEN.
BOTETOURT SPRINGS.
To the Editors of The Lynchburg Vireinian
(.p..r rr.rr. Il l.nr. l. -