National Republican., 1884-06-14

agency of the sunbeam; and hence, tho
proposition advanced by an eminent authority
on this subject, that well lighted building
is always q we'll ventilated one; while, vice
versa, the air cannot be kept pure and
breathablo in any apartment from which the
sunbeam's wondrous influence is excluded.
DIR. Forbes Winslow, in his work on Light
and its Influences on Lifo and Health" says:
ut may be enuncated rs an indisputabe
axiom that all who live and pursue their
calling in situations wbero only the minimum
of light is permitted to penetrate,
suffer seriously in bodily and mental
hoalth, and that whore light is not permitted
to penetrate, there are found in the highest
state of manifestation, bodily deformities,
intellectual deterioration, crime, disease
early and often sudden death. A material
as we'll rs a moral otiolation or blanching
occurs when the vital stimulus Of the light
is withdrawn.
In regard to the treatment Of invslids, ho
says: Apart altogether from the cheerfulness
and mental serenity Important auxilinries
in the eradication of disease) which the
bright rays of the sun invariably engender,
light has thermic influence on the mind
and body when prostrated by serious all
ments, and certainly acts benefcially by
chemically purifying the blood of the patient
as we'll rs the apartment ho occupies"
DIR. Hammond, in his treatise ON hygiene,
describes the appearance of tho sick of u
regiment, who were confined in dark room,
as pale and ensanguinoous, ghostlike look
ing forms, seeming scarcely mortal" Sir
David Brewster, in one of his addresses, says:
'If the light of day contributes to the do
velopment of the human form, and lends its
aid to art and nature in the cure of disease,
1t becomes a personal and national duty
to construct our dwelling houses, schools,
workshops, factories. churches, Villages,
towns, and cities upon such principles and In
such styles of architecture as will allow the
life giving element to have tho fullest and
freest entrance, and to chase from every
crypt, nook, and corner tho elements Of
uncleanness and corruption which have O
vested interest in darkness.
With such evidences before us Of the dis
sstrous effects of the LIBERALIZATION of the air
caused by tho absence of the sunlight and in
contact with dampness, darkness and filth,
suporadded by the admission of ground air,
II becomes absolutely criminal for men who
aro intrusted with the sanitary arrangements
in public and private structures to let matters
remain as they are, wheather this is caused
by Indifference, ignorance, or any other
causes.
If the incurson of the delotorious ground
air into our abodes and other inhabited
structures is avoided, and tho air used for
respiratory purposes is taken from the highest
strata practicable (whero tho air is purest)
instead of the lowest (where it is impure)
and If tho fresh air is admitted
into the rooms at or near tho cell
ing and drawn out at or near
the foor and further, if the ceilings are made
high, the windows ample and the glass clear
to admit the rays ofsthe sun freely, the bene.
fits resulting from these suggestions will soon
manifest themselves. Lot the motto be Nc
ground air, but plenty of sunlight and fresh
air from above j. l.. SMrTHMEYER.