Des Arc citizen., 1860-05-05

decomposing and purifying it through tn,
 large supply of oxygen they are known tc
 furnish, but they are also radiators of heat
 and it is probable that, presenting tempsra'
 ture below that of the surrounding atmos- phere, they attract and condense its moisture
 as the passing breeze sweeps through the
 multiplied and vast surface their leaves pre-
 sent. In this way malaria is not only de-
 tained, but being deprived of it's connection
 With aqueous vapor is rendered inert. More
 over, there is strong attractive relation be-
 tween the leaves of trees and electricity, by
 which the latter is condensed and absorbed
 from the atmosphere; and this possibly ope- rates to change or mitigate the character of | ma aria.
 THIRD.-On the principle that malaria may be chemically changed and decomposed va | DOTS and gases of various kinds have been used as preventives. Camphor, chlorine, acetic, sulphuric and nitric acids, etc., are powerful chemical solvents, and in the subtle state in which their particles are generally distributed when exposed to the atmosphere are probably disinfectors, and may possiblby operate as powerful and effective agents in decomposing the still more subtle matter of malaria. The principle on which they are used implies that it is only necessary to know the precise chemical nature of any poison to be able to find some counter chemical sub stance which would be certain preventive of
 it's effects.
 FOURTH .- Gauge curtains, though used chiefly to prevent annoyance and suffering from musquetoes, are thought to be also sifters of the atmosphere and interceptors and de- composers of malaria. The reputed eff ciency of this simple means of prevention, lends slight support to the idea that malaria is volatile oil. Perfumers and pharmaceu- lists, in collecting the volatile oils which ny st in uua nd are accustomed to place the flowers contain ing them in alternate layers within thin cot ton fleece or woollen cloth wadding, by which the oil is distracted and absorbed, and from which it can be afterwards separated by dis tillation in quantities that, otherwise, would Be unattainable.
 In the same way, whatever power fbrous gauge possesses of neutralzing malaria, must be attributed to the absorbent prop critics of the material for moisture, and with it, the peculiar matter of malaria.
 Malaria, regarded as an emanation from de- cayng organic products of marshy or moist ground, it must be conceded that the best means Of preventing the effects of malaria is to change the character of the surface and soil, by refhoving these organic remains, draining off or covering them with ater, and filling depressed grounds with pure earth.
 Besides the means of prevention here sug gested, it is still absolutely necessary that the exciting causes of disease should be avoided. In paludlal localities. or in cities. during the prevalence of malignant epidemics, the lia- bility to disease is often increased by mental, moral and physical causes, that ought to be avoided. The depressing or exciting passions, in the. indulgence of diet and drink. exposure to the sun, dews or rain, or anything that depresses the physical and men, tai powers, are sufficient to predispose the system to be attacked by prevailing. disease. The injurious influence of night is found to extend to the early part of day, and therefore a principle of personal discipline should be to avoid exposure to the external atmosphere, before the sun, in his diurna progress, has dispersed its vapors, as we'll as after his set ting has allowed them to condense and accn- mulate gear the surface of the earth.
 DEs ARC, ARK, April, 1860.