The Northern star, and constitutionalist. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1834-1837, 1835-12-19
rFrom .hs Philadelphia Commercial IIsrald.l


the avoidance of sudden changes, the
protection OF the skin, and the dminution
of the susceptibility to be affected. On
the subject ofthe first, il is scarce neces-
snry to add any thing to what has beer
already remarked. The protection Of
the skin belongs to the consideration OF
clothing. BY wearing next the surface
material which conducts heat slowly, the
i'll effects of sudden changes are much di-
minished. Hence the advantage of fan
mel garments, which is the best article for
this purpose of any which can be easily
commanded. Cotton u q better conduct
or tran fiannel, but Tess SO Than linen,
which last substance produces the most
decided sensation of cold particularly if
wet. The effect Of all these substances,
however, Is materially influenced by the
state Of aggregation OF the particles. The
looser the texture, other things being
equal, the warmer an article will be-
The dress should sit well but never tight
ly.upon the person, if the object in wear
ing it is comfort and prote ection.
Next for the means of preventing sus-
ccptbilhy, or hardening The great av-
enues of disease are the lungs and the
feet, and both may be prepared, by judic-
ious training, to endure the ordinary
changes from beat to cold. Circumstan-
ces oblige most sedentary persons to
breath air heated by artificial means, and
therefore more orlless unhealthy during
the day. But at night, every one can
breathe pure air without Inconvenience
and with perfect impunity. "A large room
we'll ventilated, in which no fire IS kept,
but which receives the rays of the sun
during the day, is the best for that pur-
pose. Ii a FIRE be admitted in the sleep
ing apartment, il should be extnguished,
and the room we'll aired before bedtime
This is indispensable. An opon door, or
even a window with small aperture at
top, if at reasonable distance from the
bed is no disadvantage, provided the body
is well covered. BY thus accustoming
the lungs to the external air while in
health, the chances Of diseases are great
ly lessened. AS respects the feet, they
should be ba,hed in fresh cold water eve-
ry night or morning, and then well rub
bed the trouble by which this plan is at
tended is far more rapid by the immunity
which il affords against coldness Of the
feet, Independently Of the great protection
against taking cold. This practice, If
commenced in the summer or autumn,
ma, be continued without the slightest
inconvenience, and even with pleasure,
through all seasons.-Experto crede.
The cure Of catarrhal attacks in their
incipient stage Is best effected by such
measures as tend TO bring back vigor-
Gus action on the surface Of the skin. a
warm bed and the use ofsome hot, stimu-
lating beverage, are the means which ex-
perisnce has pointed out for this purpose,
and which if resorted to in season will oit-
en- prove successful. Whether the effect
of these is improved by the addition OF
some alcoholic ingredient is disputable
point. One thing Is certain that the use
oe whiskey punch, wine whey, &c. for a
cold, if it does not cure, will generally
aggravate the disease: Hot infusions OF
some Of the herbs in common use for teas,
NAV be recommended with more conf
dence. Abstinence, or at least extreme
moderation, is absolutely indispensable.
The popular notion of stufing cold,
though a highly agreeable doctrine,ls any
thing but warranted by experience. In
the severe cases, marked by pains in the
limbs, shivering, &c., little laudanum
NAV be added to the articles already re-
commended. Another remedy, both use
ful and agreeable, will be found in the
following draught Take half scruple
of nilre, drachm Of the compound tinct-
ure ofcamphor, half drachm Of nitrous
ether, and repeat every third, fourth, OF
sixth hour. The use Of the warm bath
when accessible, is always to be recon-
mended.
AN HoNoRApLr PLEDGE. During the
consular sway of Napoleon in France,
and when tho conscriptions were in ful
force, there lived in one ofthe provinces
of the south very aged man, who exer-
cisod the profession Of tailor, and hat
twelve sons, all Of whom served IN the
armies of Napoleon. They having one
day obtained leave Of absence from their
regiments, made use Of the opportunity te
90 and visit their aged parent, but or
their arrival were shocked to find, that ht
was so reduced in circumstances as to bt
| in want of food. {" No bread ~ exclaim
ed one of them" the man who has Civ
en- twelve conscripts to his country W.
must procure him sustenance-yet how
We are ourselves destitute" Is ther'