Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1885-11-06
DARK ROOMS.
Their Unhealthfulness and the Value OF
Light,as u Remedial Agent.

AAAoA Observation-Disclosures anu the value OF
Light7as u Remedial Agent.
The relics of a darker age, even,
seem to crop out in some communities.
but few are more conspicuous than that
OF darkening rooms simply because
some one is sick, supposing this to be a
remedial measure. In certain forms of
disease, as the measles, for example,
n which the light seems unpleasant to
the eyes, there may be some reason for
excluding the bright light, yet its ne
cessity. ever in this case, is not admit
ted, since it is possible to exclude
the light from the eyes by bandaging
them. Indeed, a wet cloth, several
thicknesses. will exclude the light, as
much as may be necessary, at tho
same time reducing the local heat, pro-
noting the comfort of the patient.
AS de from this one idea of avoiding
the local pain in the eyes. from bright
light. I am able 10 see no valid reason
for the exclusion of the light. On the
contrary. there are many reasons in IA
vor Of a plentiful supply of solar light.
Such light is cheering, favorng hope,
vivacity, both directly and indirectly
invigorating. In most forms of sick
ness there is q tendency toward de-
spondency and encouragement. While
the mind exerts a potent influence over
the body. often eXerting a greater in
1uence than medic:ne-as we are as
sured in the Scriptures-the gloom of
a dark room, with the '.long faces and
disheartening words of attendants. ex-
Guiding hope from the bosom of the pa
tient, must depress, diminishing the
chances of recovery.
We shall see that this is a matter of
great Importance. when we remember
that the will-power Is a very important
element in the cure of disease. the
faithless. those impressed with the idea
that recovery is impossible. seldom re-
covering; While those absolutely deter
mined to live. who are hopeful. not
believing their case at all dangerous,
surprise their friends by a prompt re-
covery. Again. light is a purifier of
the cir, which publication is more in
demand in the sick-room than else
where. Indeed, light and air are the
two most important remedial agents
furnished by nature. without which it
is impossible long to survive. Since
disease is but an effort of nature to
throw Oft the diseasing causes and ten
denotes. the ettete matters passing off
freely through the pores and from the
lungs to a far greater extent than is
usually supposed, it is a matter of vital
Importance to admit the light. that the
poisonous exhalations may be allowed
to escape. scattered by the direct in
fluences of the rays Of the sun. 1t is
we'll to have the patient. as far an is
possible, in the direct rays of the sun.
while the clothes and bedding should
be freely exposed to the light and ar,
one in six hours. in case
of especial malignity of the
disease. In this way the
germs of disease are scattered, this
light doing more thorough work than
can be done in washing, during the
same time. Indeed. such light intiu-
ences will readily dispense with one-
half of the ordinary washing.
1t is proper here to add that there is
often a fear in reference to the chang
ing of the bedding and clothing Of the
sick. This is very absurd. the fear re-
lating, more generally than otherwise,
to the danger of taking cold" In
acute forms Of disease, the danger is
very slight, if, indeed, it is possible. in
a high fever, or acute inflammation.
In such cases, if compelled to elect be-
tween the two. 1 would prefer light,
air and good nursing. with no medi-
cine. to good medical treatment, de-
prived OF these useful ads, though it
IS not needful to dispense with either.
The great demand Of the age is more
sunlight, pure air. cleanliness. more in
tellectual light and more moral purity.
DR.. d. II. Hamatord, IN Golden Ruis.