The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-04-22
A HUMAN BAROMETER.
The Real Relation Between the Human
Body and the Weather Scien-
tifically Explained.


One of the most valuable developments of
modern science along the line of human ne
cessity is the National Weather Bureau at
Washington. Experience has shown that
eighty-six per cent. of the predictions of the
signal service are accurate; and these predic-
tions are unQuestionably of the greatest adj
vantage to the seaman, the agriculturist and
the entire commercial world. The service has
proven its necessity by its usefulness, for in
past times the facilities for foreteing atmos-
pherc changes were meager indeed. The only
indications our fathers had of coming changes
in the weather were aching limbs twinging
joints or painful corns. These indications"
though crude, were usually correct. and hence
naturally suggest the inquiry as to the rela-
ton between the human system and the
weather. The body is unquestionably an ex-
cellent barometer. 1t foretells changes in the
atmosphere long before they occur, and this
fact has been taken advantage of by ply
sicans who, when all other agencies fail, pre-
scribe a change of air, thus hoping the body
may find an atmospheric condition better
suited to its needs. And yet the real relation
between the human body and the weather has
never been fully understood nor has there
ever been, until now, a correct explanation Of
what rheumatism (Which seems in league
with the atmospheric really is. 1t WAS
originally thought by many to be trouble
III bIt JOlHlb. anu us sllCu WAS treated IN DUc
most strange, not to say ridiculous manner.
This theory became dispeled when the same
trouble attacked the muscles, and the feeling
then prevailed thatit was purely muscular dis
order But this idea was found to be too mar
row, and now 1t is universally conceded that
rheumatism is blood disease. And what a
terrible disease it is 1t often comes withou
warning and prostrates the system with
agony. Again its beginning is gradual, and
its growth slow. In its acute form it mani
tests itself in every conceivable shape and al
ways accompanied by intense pain. AT one
time it is intlammatory, at another neuralgia.
Sometimes it assumes the form of govt, and
again that of pleurisy or lumbago; but in
whatever manner it appears it is terribly
painful and always to be dreaded. The
pain and annoyance of rheumatism are
increased by its great danger, for it is
liable to attack the brain or heart at
any moment thereby causing instant death.
Indeed, nearly every case of heart dis
ease, with all its dreadful suddenness
which has ever occurred can be traced more
or less directly to rheumatic causes. In its
chronic form it stifTens the Joints, contracts
the muscles, undermnes the health and ruins
the life. 1t frequently attacks men and
women who are apparently in perfect health.
Indeed, it is as greatly to be dreaded as any
possible form of physical woe.
But, however severe its effects may be- the
exact cause of this blood trouble has been an
undecided question, and it is only within the
past year that any decision upon the subject
has been reached. In order to fully determine
what the cause of rheumatic disorders really
was, certain authorities sent letters of INQUIRY
from Washington to the leading prscticing
physicians OF the land, and these INQUIRIES
were responded to quite generally thus fur
nishlng data of great value to science and
mankind. The views held by the doctors are
OF a varied nature, but so overwhelming a
proportion holds to one belief as to leave but
little doubt that it is the correct one. This
belief briefly stated, is that uric acid in the
blood causes rheumatism, and that IL is only
by removing this poisonous acid that rheu-
matte or neuralgia troubles in all their terrible
forms can be cured. This being true, the i'm
portant question arises: "How does this
poisonous uric acid get into the blood, and
how can it best be removedi" Uric acid is a
waste material of the body which the kidneys
should carry out but because they are weak
ened they cannot throw it from the system.
Restore the kidneys and you restore the power
that Will force the uric acid from the system
and thus Danish the rheumatic agonics which
1t causes This is reason; it is science. No
one whose kidneys are in perfect condition
was ever troubled with rheumatism, and no
rheumatic sufferer, however slight the pain
may be, has perfect kidneys. The conclusion
OF this truth is inevitable; perfect kidneys
mean freedom from rheumatism.