The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1885-07-29
TORPID TEMPERATURE.
One Of the Longest Periods Of COntin.
uOus and Extreme Heat in Years
.--H0w to Avoid Sunstroke.

AS hot spell, the present is entitled
to all the distinction due to its enterprise
and unusual effort. For two weeks al
most: the temperature has ranged on an
average in the nelghborhood of the ninety
notch, and lately this has been exceeded
several degrees. A few days of this tors
rid temperature can be endured without
more than the usual complaint, but when
it is kept up for fortnight and over>
heated humanity gaps like sick chicken
it is time for the chief stoker to shut off
the draft and bank the fire. Not only
does mankind suffer and sweat aud fume
and fuss, but the poor animals and es>
pecially the beasts of burden are made
almost crazy by thoughtless and unmer-
ciful drivers, who imagine they alone are
the sufferers. The hard working mechan>
les and laoorers who brave the fierce rays
of the sun, keep the water boys busy and
great quantities of water are swallowed,
to appear in pearls and rivulets of hon est
sweat upon brow and body. Their coarse
clothing is wet with the perspUed fluid
and if the water is rot too cold they
work the day through without injury.
Some of them stop occasionally to con-
salt small tin bucket, the contents of
which will likewise Quench the constant
thirst il not too freely used. Others, like
ARGUS printers, chip in their nickels and
buy huge can of delicious buttermik
which serves the double purpose of Civ
ing nourisbmeut aud allaying the thirst.
1t is pleasing to note that there have
been no sunstrokes in this vicinity this
season; ii is an unusual fact, too, when the
extremity of the heat is considered sans
stroke is caused by excessive heat, and
especially if the weather is muggy. 1t is
more apt to occur on the second, third or
fourth days of the heated term than on
the first Loss of sleep, worry, excite>
ment, close sleeping rooms, debility and
abuse Of stimulants predispose to It. 1t
Is more apt to attack those working in the
sun, especially between the hours of II a.
m. and / p. m On hot days wear thin
clothing, have as cool sleeping rooms as
possible, avoid loss of sleep and all un>
necessary fatigue. If working in
doors, and where there is artificial
heat-laundrys, etcs-see that the
room Is well ventilated. If work
ing in the sun wear light hat
not black as black absorbs heat-straw,
etc, and put inside of it wet cloth or a
large green leaf, frequently lift the hat
from the head to see that the cloth is wet.
Do not check perspirstion, but drink
what water you need to keep it up, as
perspiration prevents the body from be
ing overheated. Have, whenever posi-
ble, an additional shade, as a thin I'm.
brella. when walking, canvas or board
covering when working in the sun. When
much fatigued do not 60 to work, espec>
tally after II a m. If feeling of IA
tigue, dizziness, head ache or exhaustion
occurs, cease work Immediately. Lie
down IN shady or cool place; apply cold
cloths and pour cold water over the head
and neck In answer to question as to
the proper treatment of person over
come with heat, physician SAID to an
ARGUS reporter this morning: IF any
one is overcome by heat seEd Immediately
for good physician. While waiting for
the physician give the person cool drinks
of water, cold black tea or cold coffee
If the skin is hot and dry sponge with or
pour cold water over the body AMI limbs
and apply to the head pounded ice
wrapped in a towel or other cloth. If
there is no ice at hand keep cold cloth
on the head and pour cold water on it, as
well as on the body. If the person is pale,
very faint and pulse feeble, let him in
hale ammonia for a few seconds, or give
him teaspoonful Of aromatic spirits of
ammonia in two tAblespoonfuls of water
with little sugar,