CLIMATE IN THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE. The relation of climate to health and disease is a definite one and its varying conditions become 'more specifically available in prophylaxis and treatment as knowledge con cerning them becomes more exact. Moreover, the genetic concept which is gaining prevalence, of a developed response of man to his environ ment, which determines his adaptation at all levels of his being psychical as well as physical introduces a very important element into the consideration of this relationship. The more accurate knowledge concerning the fac tors which enter into climate obviates the more genera] classifications of the past which as signed certain groups of diseases to the certain groups of climatic conditions for therapeutic effect. The more specific fitting of very definite and varying individual conditions to certain climatic elements and the avoidance of others as injurious includes also an intelligent utiliza tion of certain climatic conditions available close at hand which in the past were passed over in ignorance of their advantages or of methods of appropriating them. All this has introduced a. new economy into the climatic treatment of disease and is further indicative of more com plete knowledge and control of environment in the light of individual need and capacity for adaptation toward the environment The chief objective features of climate relative to health are the chemical composition of the atmosphere, presence and proportion of gaseous constituents and presence or absence of septic solid particles; the mean or extremes of temperature; humidity; diathermancy or per meability to heat rays; intensity of light; elec trical conditions; density and pressure of at mosphere; prevailing winds, their direction and velocity. The condition of the weather, that is, the particular manifestation of climatic con ditions at certain times or periods, is also of practical importance in determining the avail ability on the part of the patient of the ad vantages of the general climate. The average number of fair, rainy or cloudy days and also the condition of the soil in regard to drainage or retention of the moisture are of such prac tical significance. Artificial conditions, likewise,
must enter into the choice of a suitable climate, living conditions, comfortable accommodations, presence or absence of sanatoria or other facilities for medical attention.
The complexity of the human body and its functions realizes its best health and usefulness in a well-adjusted balance between work and rest It is best suited therefore by a climate of a moderate degree of constant variation. For an invalid, however, special conditions must be sought adapted to hts particular con dition. Certain climates possess certain qual ities. which supply these definite requirements. Marme or ocean climates are characterized by their equability, not only in the daily range of temperature but throughout the seasons as well, the presence of a large body of water tending to equalize temperature, moisture, winds, etc. The temperature varies, however, of course, with the latitude. The humidity of ocean climates acts as a veil, as it were, which miti gates the fierce heat by day and gives up the heat at night to the air. Sea air is also im pregnated with the vapors of salt, and perhaps those of iodine and bromine, and it is free from dust and bacteria. There is always abundance of ozone. The ocean climate has a sedative effect upon the nervous system and a stimulat ing., tonic effect upon appetite and digestion. It increases the body metabolism and conduces to sleep. Sea voyages are of value in .certain conditions of mental exhaustion, also in .cer tain chronic catarrhal and rheumatic conditions. They are of benefit also in scrofula, hay fever and asthma. Island climates, if the islands are not large, afford the advantages of a complete ocean climate. Coast climates are less equable because of the disturbing influences of in creased land heat radiation. They are usually less humid, precipitation being more active. Winds are often an important factor in coast climates, hence a knowledge of the local con ditions is essential to estimate correctly the qualities of any given coast climate in its variation from the perfect ocean climate.