Year: 1879

Assistant Sanitary Superintendent
james, of New York, being applied to
for some information on the subject of
prostration by the heat, said the term
sunstroke, or insolation, was commonly
applied to all cases where persons were
seriously overcome by heat Of the
weather, which sometimes occurred at
night, but that it was especially likely
to take place when one was exposed to
the direct rays of the sun, unless there
was something to cool the system by oc-
casioning rapid evaporation from the
body. The dryer the air was, the more
free was this evaporation, and therefore
the danger of prostration was greatest
on sultry days, when the air was filled
with moisture. Sunstroke was often
sudden, its effects being a congestion of
the brain, and perhaps of other internal
organs, together with general nervous ex-
hsustion. The more strength and vigor
a person possessed, the less likely he was
to be Frustrated in this manner, and
therefore old people, children and persons





especially liable to be affected by sun
stroke. Persons who had been drinking
much alcoholic liquor of any sort, or were
in the habit of doing 50, were also par
ticularly exposed to this danger.


'As to the precautions TO be observed in
very hot weather, DIR. James said that the
principal safeguard against injurious
effects from the heat was moderation in
all things-in eating, in drinking and in
exercise. OF course it was desirable to
keep in the shade as much as possible,
and men who had to work in the sun
should keep cabbage leaf or wet cloth
on the head, inside the hat. As to diet,
there wereno particular rules, except that
persons should eat what agreed with them
and was easily digested. The appetite
was usually not so keen in summer as in
winter, and there was less need of meat
or fat. Ice-water could be taken moder-
ately, without danger, but. when drunk
in large quantities it was very injurious,
as it was likely to check Precipitation too
suddenly and cause too sudden reduc-
tion in the temperature of the stomach.
Cold tea was an excellent summer drink,
as it was stimulating and readily
quenched thirst. If a person was in tho
habitof taking alcoholic beverages, claret
was cooling and healthful as any.


In regard to the treatment of persons
overcome by the heat, DIR. james referred
TO the following circular, which was pre-
pared by the Sanitary Committee of the
Board of Health several years ago:


Sunstroke is caused by the excessive
heat, and especially if the weather is
"muggy." Itismore apt to occur on the
second, third fourth day of heated
term than on the first. Loss of sleep,
worry, excitement, close sleeping rooms
debility, abuse of stimulants, predispose
to it. 1t is more apt to attack those
working in the sun, and especially be-
tween the hours of eleven o'clock in the
morning and four o'clock in the after
noon. On hot days wear thin clothing.
Have as cool sleeping-rooms as spossible.
Avoid loss of sleep and all unnecessary
fatigue. If working indoors, and where
there is artificial heat-laundries, etc.
see that the room is well ventilated.


If working in the sun, wear a light hat
fnot black, as it absorbss heat !, straw,
etc., and put inside of it, on the head, a
wet. cloth, or a large green leaf; fire.
4 quently lift the hat from the head, and
see that the cloth is wet. Do not check
perspiration, but drink what water YOU
need to keep it up, as perspiration pre-
vents the body from being overheated.
Have, when possible, an additional shade,
1 as a thin umbrella when walking, a
canvas or board cover when working in
the sun. When much fatigued, do not
go to work, but be excused from work,
especially after eleven O'Clock in the
morning, onlvery hot days, if the work is
IN the sun. If Affecting of fatigue, dizzi,
ness, headache or exhaustion, occurs,
cease work immediately, lie down in q
shady and cool place; apply cold. cloths
toand pour cold water over the head and
neck. If any one is overcome by the
heat, send Immediately for. the nearest
physician While waiting for the physi
cian give the person cold drinks of water
or cold black tea, or cold coffee, If able
to swallow. II the skin is hot and dry
sponge with or pour cold water over the
body and limbs, and apply to the head
pounded ice wrapped in towel or other
cloth. III there is. no ice at hand, keep 8
cool cloth on the head, and pour colo
water on it as well AZ on the body.


If the person is pale, very faint, and
pulse feeble, let him inhale ammonia fol
a few seconds, or give him teaspoonfu
OF aromatic spirits of ammonia in two
tablespoonfulss of water with -littl,
sugar ---.----.-