The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-05-12
BY L. J. FIsLRR, NJ. D.

, BY L. J. FISLRR, NJ. d.
The term consumption was originally
applied to variety of diseases, having
: no character in common, except emacia.
ton. 1t is aa10 understood to be thai
affection, in which there is general was
ting away of the body, arising from dis
4 eased condition of the lungs. The term
Pulmonary Consumption is derived from
two Latin words, the former signifying
the lungs, the latter consuming or was
ting away, and when conjoined they not
only express the character of the disease.
but also designate its locality. five con-
slider the extremely delicate nature of the
organ in which the complaint is seated,
and the many causes which are constant
Ily operating OF its structure, it is not a
matter of surprise that it should prevail
SO universally.
The lungs are composed of a very light,
spOngy mass and it is owing in part to
this fact, why any arrangement of the or
gan is so difficult to restore. Another
reason is, that the affected part is con-
stantly in motion; dilating at every in
spiration, and contracting at every expi-
ration.
The third reason is, it must necessari-
| ly be exposed to a constant current of air:
these, and endless variety of external
causes continually acting upon a struc-
ture SO delicate is it to be wondered that
| it should be accompanied with so much
mortality
Among the leading causes which pre-
dispose to this disease, may first be ran
ked constitutional predispositon also,
climate, country, and the varied customs
of society. The passions of the mind not
unfrequently determine its formation
Such as excessive grief, disappointment
pflong cherished hopes, sighted affections,
loss of relatives, and the reverses of for
tune these exert a powerful influence on
persons in delicate health, and more par
.ticularly in the female sex.
In looking ever the statistics of our own
country, it is found, that in the city of
New York, in 1851, 1875 fell victims to
this disease. In Philadelphia, during the
same year, 1125; and in Baltimore, 76S.
In Great Britain and Ireland, the NOR
tality has evenexceeded this Five thou
sand, it is stated, die annually in the great
British Metropolis and sixty thousand
British subjees fall every year by this
widespread scurge.
This is frghtful representation, yet
it is true and if the statements given by
some eminent writer's are to be credited,
the disease is Iapidly on the Increase
Ought not the alarming progress it is ev-
cry where making, serve as warning to
every one, to avoid those causes by which
it is produced,
Where is The family that has not been
called upon to mourn over the desolating
blight of this great destroyer! Where
is the individual, if We look down the
long catalogue of victims to this merci-
less scourge tLat does not find registered
there, the name of some friend, some kim
dred, some lo7ed and lost one! If then,
this disease be 50 subtle and 50 fatal, how
important, how all important is it, to
guard against those influences which orig
mate it. l have not one single soord to
say to you tonight, concerning the treat
ment of this complaint. Unfortunately,
| have no remedy to recommend, and but
little encouragement to offer. But there
are some precautionary measures and
some valuable suggestions, which | con-
ceive to be my duty to impress on your
consideration
Improprieties in dress have ever been
ranked among the most prolific causes of
this disease, and they ever will be, until
the plain and simple dictates of nature
shall triumph over the tyr0's5c laws Of
fashion.
How often are styles of dress formed and
followed, without consulting for moment
their adaptation to climate, or to the va
rious changes of season, which are con-
tinually varying from one extreme to the
otherl
Fashion exerts her power over us in the
earliest stages of our infancy, in child
hood up to manhood, and to the end of
life; and even farther-it controls the fu-
neral obsequies of the dead.
Fashion is an unfeeling, unrelenting ty-
rant, her mandates must be obeyed, though
thousands fal. She as a goddess, her
s0ofShtp2'erS are countless, and her alter
smokes unceasingly with the blood of hu-
man sacrifices. She is an encltantreSS,
and at the waving of her magic wand, she
leads her wiling yotaries step, by step
down to premature and early grave.
Much has been said, and much written, |
relative to dress. 1t is my purpose to
make some few observations, which the
subject seems to demand. Its to be
feared that in many instances, the present
style of dress has been highly injurious
to the health and hUes Of many, Diseas-
es of various kinds are often contracted
in this way and most generally, Pulmo-
nary Consumption figures in the foremost
rank. If greater number Of females
fall by this disease, "a truth which can
not be disputed, may it not unfrequent-
ly arise, nat from peculiar delicacy of
constitution, but from the dress being Of |