Philadelphia, 1811 Spruce Street. 
Dear Sir : 
In July last, I sent copies of a circular containing questions on Climatology to a number 
of leading physicians in the different sections of the country. Many replies have been sent to 
me, and I shall, on another occasion, have much pleasure in expressing my appreciation of their 
great value. At the last meeting of the American Medical Association a Committee was 
appointed to report on the health resorts and mineral springs of America. After consultation, 
it has been decided that the materials collected by myself shall serve as the basis of the report 
of this Committee. The following memorandum from the Chairman states this intention : 
11 The Committee of the American Medical Association, finding that Dr. William Pepper was engaged 
in the preparation of a work on American Climatology, and that the circular he proposed to distribute would 
cover much important information needed by the resolution under which they were appointed, have thought 
it best to combine their efforts with his, and thereby accomplish in a more thorough manner the end which 
they and Dr. Pepper seek to attain. In behalf of the Committee, I earnestly request that answers may 
be sent to Dr. Pepper, more or less in detail, in reference to the questions contained in his circular. If, 
throughout the country, each one will help us, even to a small extent, a great fund of valuable and reliable 
information may be secured. 
HENRY I. BOWDITCH, 
Chairman of the Committee of the American Medical Association.” 
This second circular has accordingly been prepared, and is nowT distributed, with the earnest 
hope that it will receive the attention deserved by the importance of the subject. In reference 
to the mode of replying, I would state that the answers may be written on separate slips of 
paper, marked with the number of the question treated of. It is highly important that the 
replies should be received as promptly as con venient, in order that the information may be used 
in the preparation of the report to be submitted to the next meeting of the American Medical 
Association in May. 
Very respectfully yours, 
WILLIAM PEPPEE. i. What are the recognized and, in your judgment, deserving places of resort for invalids in your State? 
2. What special forms of disease are most benefited by residence in those localities? 
And, in particular, are there any places in your State said to be peculiarly beneficial to con- 
sumptive patients? 
3. What are the peculiarities of these localities, so far as you may be acquainted with them, in regard to 
climate, and to the following special points:— 
a. Altitudes? 
b. Soil—sandy, clay, alluvial, etc. ? 
c. Wind? Is there any regular or prevalent wind? At what hours or seasons does it 
blow? Are sudden gusts, cold or warm, frequent? Is there much dust? 
d. Temperature, annual mean; daily extremes at different seasons; variations between day 
and night, etc.? 
e. Average readings of hygrometer and barometer? 
f. Amount and distribution of rain-fall? Average number of rainy days? Does ground 
dry quickly after rain? 
g. Water supply and drainage? Bodies of water near? Philadelphia, iBii Spruce Street. 
N. B.—lt is intended to prepare a complete Bibliography on American 
Climatology, and it is also important that all publications on the subject 
should be consulted. You are particularly requested to send a copy of 
any publication you have yourself made, and of any references to reports, 
articles, etc., with which you may be acquainted. h. Vegetation, woods, etc.? Does malaria exist? 
i. General aspect of country—rolling, mountainous, flat, etc.? 
4. What are the prevalent diseases of the regions at different seasons, and what precautions would you 
recommend, as to dress, diet, exercise, etc., for the observance of visitors? (This question 
is intended to include not only the acute affections, but also the most prevalent disease as found 
on the mortality lists.) 
5. What is the general character and the principal occupation of the inhabitants? What is the usual 
- cost of living? What are the accommodations for visitors, and what inducements for exercise 
can be offered them? What opportunities for sport? 
6. What mineral springs or baths of established value exist in your State, what is their chemical nature, 
and in what diseases have you known their use to be of service? 
7. Can you refer me to any reliable reports or analyses relating to the meteorology, sanitary statistics, 
health resorts, or mineral springs of your State?