Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-06-17

from the state of the surrounding atmosphere
when he knew none, enlarging to an equal de-
gree the pleasures derivable from atmospheric
temperature. And this is only the commence
ment of the process. When he is two years old
he will be able to enjoy life, as dependent upon
the surrounding atmosphere, in the opposite e1-
tremes of zone, where life is supportable under
ordinary circumstances only by means of cloth
ing. The necessity of clothing after certain
age will not interfere with the process, as dur
ing the night, when the temperature is lowest
and no caloric is envolved by action, the body
can be exposed. Ii he were exposed to cold
only, he might then suffer from heat, but he Is
equally armed against both.
.sThe experiment, in regard to temperature
includes that other experiment which has hith-
erto been the extreme point contemplated 10y
ipnovators-the free admission of oxygen. tits
not merely the affording scope to the skin to
take life from the air, but the hardening of the
muscles to increase life. Perhaps, after all, the
Bear-sarkers were no myth. Perhaps the en-
ergy of the Romans may be traced to the cloth
inc or want of it of the children recorded in the
ceremony of the induction Of the virile garb. In
the tombs of their masters, the Eduscans, as in
those of Asia Minor, children are represented
absolutely naked until twelve years. We refer
the character of nations to climate. and forget
clothing, by which we can get every climate
This child may be killed by brickbat, but he
has no more to fear from disease than calf or
fool for this is life according to nature, using
the elements for health and strength which
when misused, are those of destruction; and yet
the experiment will be barren, for judgments
cannot be conveyed by results
dec. 28.-Last night he slept under the
clothes in the ordinary way. In the morning
his color was gone. Contrasted with the usual
appearance, he was like lantern without the
light. On two occasions of nights particularly
cold. when he was in his naked state longer than
usual, the brilliancy of his color and the lveli-
ness of his action was remarked by those who
saw him."
In reference to the foregoing, the following
extract from letter addressed to the father OF
the child by gentleman in the medical profess
sion will be read with interest: 81 concur with
DR.. B. that if you were obliged to practise as a
physician, you would be another Davey or Lie
big. | am reminded of Abraham's submission
and obedience to the Divine will by your phil
anthropic spirit in experimenting upon your own
child for the good of mankind. Your success is
the greater reward. You have given much mat
ter for the consideration of medical men in the
facts set forth. can now understand the wise
motive in the custom of northern nations, among
whom there is vapor path in every house.
Nurses know that children who from their birth
get daily cold bath, are stronger and healthier
than those who do not. Water, whether at high
or low temperature, gives greater shock to
sensibility than air. Many tenderly reared OF
ficer, who succumbed to the inclemency of the
weather in the huts before Sebastopol, might
have been living now had his mother acted more
upon your plan. Dr. Dods, an American, says
he who cannot reason is fool; he who dares
not is coward, he who will not is bigot; but
he who can, dares, and will reason, is man.
But | say that he who has confidence in his rea
sonings, faith in himself, and courage to act up
on his conclusions, is man of strong mind and
noble soul, fearless and firm. Yon prove to be
all that, and more; YOU are prudent and eau.
tous, for if the child should suffer from cold or
Group you have remedy in bath at lls de-
greeS.