Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1841-05-13
BATH MAINE, THURSDAY MORNING, MAY 10, 1871.


ny Others, has not been fully explained. Various
opinions have been advanced in support of theo-
ries more or less inaccurate, as will appear obvi-
GUS to those who may take the trouble of inve sti
eating subject so highly interesting. We have
only to say that the statement of Messrs. Allen
and Pc pys seems very near the truth in relation
to the quantity of oxygen withdrawn from the at
mosphere, and carbonic acid disengaged 1t is esti
mated by these gentlemen, that the quantity is
variable in different individuals, and in the same
individual at different times,-That in every
minute during calm respiration Of healthy
man of ordinary stature, &c cubic inches ofcar-
bonic acid of the temperature of fifty degrees are
emitted, and an equal volume of oxygen with
drawn from the atmosphere. Calculations found
ed upon this demonstrate, that in an interval of
twenty -four hours not less than eleven ounces of
carbon given off from the lungs alone-an es-
timate probably inaccurate, the quantity being
so great as sometimes TO exceed tie weight Of
carbon contained in the food
DR.. Prout seems to think from some observa-
tons of his own, that carbonc acid emitted from
the lungs is more abundant du ring the day than
the night; about day-break it begins to increase,
continues to do so till about noon, and decreases
until sunset During the night il seems to re-
main uniformly at minimum and the maxim
quantity given off at noon exceeds the minimum
by about one-fourth of the whole. The quantity
of carbonc acid is diminished by any facilitating
causes, such as low diet, depressing passions, and
the like. This diminished quantity is of course
retained within the animal economy, and oper-
ates as powerful agent in the developement of
various morbid phenomena, The experiments of
Dr. Fyie are confirmatory of those Just mentioned.
When wood or carbon (coa) is burned, oxygen
is thereby converted into carbonc acid gas This
in some measure accounts for the impurity of the
atmosphere in large cities, where numerous fires
are constantly in operation. 1t also exhibits the
injurious results from large fires in the chamber
of sickness, and the urgent necessity of free ven
tlation Moreover, how detrimental to life and
health must it be to those who strictly confne
themselves within doors, sitting in close rooms
and breathing continually the vtiated emanations
| from their own bodies, when it would seemingly
| require the lungs and skin of a salamander to
Withstand the searching heat poured out from n
half cord Of fuel at time undergoing a rapid
process of combustion
These hints thrown out, We think may give
some idea to those who think them unworthy of
consideration, that pure atmospheric air of which
oxygen is the portion absorbed into the system, is
the sole supporter of life and health the necessa-
ry auxlliares TO a good old age,-that carbonic
acid gas is the destroyer of lifc-being IA viruent
poison, as We could show be enumeratinr expert
ments made upon animals, as well as many un-
fortunate accidents which have befallen the hu-
man speces.-That the lungs are continually
emitting this acid in respiration-the skin like
wise very probably in the performance of its
functions,-that the burning of wood and carbon,
(coaD produce it as also The decomposition of
vegetable and woody substances. Trees situated
near dwelling houses though desirable orna-
| ment, are in summer evenings productive of evil
consequences oftentimes, from caressness of the
occupant in leaving the windows and doors open,
by which the different apartments are in short
time filled with large quantities of this deleteri-
| Gus gas, We could name other sources of its orr
gen, and speak more at length of its injurious
results, but have already said enough for
present purposes; and more perhaps, than will
receive attentive perusal and reflection from
those chiefly and directly interested.
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