Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-08-16
From the Nev FORK Evening Post.


The following communication appears in the
Courier and Enquirer Of this morning 1t is
worth reading, as containing some curious specu-
latons on the cause Of the reigning epidemic.-
The phenomena, however, which the writer pro.
fesses to have observed, must, if general, if at
all connected with the prevalence Of the disease,
have been witnessed by others.
New YORK, August 6, 1882.
At period when the attention of scientific
men is directed an3iously, but hitherto unsatis-
factoriy. to the discovery of some certain cure
or preventive Of the pestilence which is desolat-
ing the earth, it becomes the duty Of every one,
who may observe any unusual appearance or
phenomena, to report them, with the hope that
in so doing they may assist philosophers in in
vestisatons so important to the human race.
1t is with this view that proceed to give the
following narrative:
NV residence Is an airy and pleasant situation
near this city. where, for considerable period,
have enjoyed the best of health, until about
three weeks ago, when felt an oppression of the
stomach, attended with occasional nausea anil
purgins;-bu' have for ten days past, entirely
recovered frum the last of these aings: since
that time, however. n,V sleep has been much dis
tutUeu, DS''S iiCuuCu'i1 u"uNSESu VIII oldt
of the muscles Of the feet and hands. sometimes
with feeling Of GOODNESS aud nun5pess of my
arms or legs, and with cold, cammv feeling.
and scky smelling perspration, attended with
weakness and some nausea. generally go to
bed at ten O'Clock, and it is remarkable, that
have been awakened with some Of the feelings
above described. for many nights following at
nearly the same time. say about half past twelve
o'clock, and again about fuur O'Clock in the
morning.
The rain water in my bed room, though perfect
~ pure and sweet at night. had become tainted
by morning-and pure spring water, which
have also tried, has imbibed during the night a
similar sickly odour, with slight gassy appear
ance on the surface, ferposed, uncovered; while.
from that in covered vessel, no disagreeabIe
smell was perceptible
Having awakened this morning about past
I2, with very disagreeabe feelings and great
pros,ration Of strength lighted candle and
was much surprized on observing it surrounded
BY bright and strongly defined halo, of about
three inches radius or six inches diameter. having
the outer edge of the circle bright orange, shad
ed of, inwsrds towards the flame, to pale haze;
this circle was surrounded by a ring Of about
three or four inches IN width, Of purplish hue
next the orange, and shaded of to pale blue
tint at It's outer edge.
lat first thought it might be some optical illu-
sion; but on putting,he candle in various posi-
tons in the room, and still observing the same
appearance. went and awakened friend to wit.
ness it: it gradually became less distinct, and
was invisible in a few minutes. We tried the
light in two adjoining rooms, in each Of which
the same phenomenon presented itself and CONT
nued for similar time.
Having retired to bed and fallen asleep. about
4 o'clock again awoke with sensations Of numb
ness and nausea, and upon lighting the candle,
the flame was again surrounded by the same ap.