Compliments of the Author. 
SYNOPSIS OP OBSERVATIONS 
ON SOME OF THE 
RELATIONS OF METEOROLOGY 
And DISEASE. 
BY 
E, A. HILDRETH, M. D., 
OF WHEELING west va. 
Reprint from the Transactions of the 
Iftebiatl *<oeietg of % Statt of ©test ©a. 
1 879. SYNOPSIS OF OBSERVATIONS 
ON SOME OF THE 
Relations of Meteorology 
AND 
DISEASE. 
BY 
E. A. HILDRETH, M.D.J/ 
OP WHEELING, WEST VA. 
[Reprint from Transactions of the Medical Society of the State of Weet Virginia, 1879.] 
WHEELING: 
DAILY INTELLIGENCER STEAM BOOK & JOB PRESS. 
1879. SYNOPSIS OF OBSERVATIONS 
ON SOME OF THE 
Relations of Meteorology and Disease 
E. A. HILDRETH, M. D., WHEELING, WEST VA. 
“Climatic influences control health, and mental and physical energy, and 
upon these depend industry, success and happiness.” B. C. B. 
Before proceeding in this enquiry, it is proper to draw an out- 
line of the geological formations upon which this city is built, 
together with a statement of its sanitary surroundings. 
The City of Wheeling is situated on the left bank of the 
Ohio river. Lat: 40°7' N. Long: 80°42' West, 640 feet above 
sea level, and is about four miles long, with an average width 
of one-third of a mile. Beginning at its northern end is a ter- 
race of gravel, elevated about 100 feet above the level of the 
river, and near the base of the river-hill curving south and 
east and widening in its course, until it terminates on the 
north bank of Wheeling creek, immediately south of, and one- 
fourth of a mile from the “ point ” of Wheeling hill. This al- 
luvium comprises about two-thirds of the area north of the 
creek; the remaining third, being forty or fifty feet below it, 
and at the ordinary height of the river bottoms. The south- 
ern extremity of this alluvium rests on the south bank of the 
creek, and was evidently cut through by the latter, in its pas- 
sage to the Ohio river. The remaining section south of the 
creek, is river bottom about two miles long, and about one- 
half mile wide; about one half of this section was originally 
covered by swamps and ponds; it is flanked on the east by the 
river hill. The sides and bases of Wheeling and adjacent hills 
are covered by a stratum of yellow clay, which dips under the 
alluvium before described, and emerging from the base of the 
latter, forms the upper stratum of the river bottom, and varies 4 
Relations of Meteorology and Disease. 
in thickness from five to forty feet; hence, the rain-fall upon 
the neighboring hills is largely filtered through and under the 
gravel bank to the surface of the sub-stratum of clay to form 
the swamps, and ponds before described; although the latter, 
have long since been filled up from openings and cuts through 
the great gravel-bed, yet the underlying clay being impervious 
to water, must still allow its accumulation at the lowest levels. 
Zane’s Island is the 7th Ward of the city, contains about 350 
acres, and one-eighth of the whole population of 28,000. The 
elevations of the adjoining hills are from 500 to 700 feet above 
the Ohio river. The streets are sixty-six feet wide, laid out at 
right angles, and about one half their number paved with 
boulders, having gutters on both sides; the waters of which are 
at a number of points relieved from over-flow by under-ground 
sewers discharging into the river and creek. 
Having made a daily record of the temperature, rain-fall, 
state of the sky, winds, moisture and other elements of mete- 
orology for the last thirty-four years, and engaged in active 
practice; I have at the same time noted the character and 
prevalence of diseases, as they have occurred in my own expe- 
rience, and that of my colleagues; the purpose of this paper 
being to discuss and analyze this record, with a hope of elicit- 
ing something useful, or at least presenting such a generaliza- 
tion of facts as may assist us in determining the relationship 
of meteorological changes and disease. The atmosphere, com- 
posed of oxygen, nitrogen and carbonic acid in definite vol- 
umes, pervaded by light, heat, and electricity; either two of 
which will generate a third; with an interchange of affinities 
greatly beyond our present knowledge, highly elastic, and very 
movable; extending to the supposed height of forty-five miles, 
and pressing with a weight of fifteen pounds to each square 
inch (varying with the height above sea-level); always con- 
taining water in irregular and uncertain quantities, absorbing 
and diffusing all kinds of gases; teeming with microscopic 
life, and a thousand other unknown forces and elements meet 
us at the threshhold of our inquiries. That portion in which 
we live, say within 6,000 or 7,000 feet of the earth’s surface, is 
made up of strata in a state of continual change in tempera- 
ture, and electrical conditions, and beyond this is the region of 
“ eternal snow.” Light penetrates the sub-stratum to reach us 
—of its essence, I am utterly ignorant, and can only speak of 
sunshine, meaning clear weather; and its influences upon the By Dr. E. A. Hildreth. 
5 
growth, vitality, perfection, and well-being of animal and veg- 
etable life. Electricity is a force pervading all things; it trav- 
erses the air in persistent currents on this part of the northern 
hemisphere, from South to North, and at this city at a dip of 
84° 2' to the earth’s surface; this was proven by an observation 
of Prof. John Locke, of Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wheeling Hill in 
May, 1845—a bar of iron held in this current immediately be- 
comes magnetic; again, I know a room in this city, where, fif- 
teen minutes after entering it your body becomes charged with 
electricity like a Leyden Jar; by touching an iron mantle-piece, 
visible and audible sparks pass off from the ends of your fin- 
gers, and this may be repeated indefinitely.* We propose to 
deal with heat only as to its thermometric measurements, and 
as associated with humidity, to study their clinical importance. 
For some of the facts herein discussed I beg to refer you to an 
abstract of the climatology of this city for twenty-eight years 
to January, 1876, published in your Transactions for 1876. 
SUMMER 
in this place does not differ materially from other cities lying 
at or near the same latitude, and altitude, in the belt of coun- 
try between the Mississippi river and Atlantic ocean; in fact, 
our maximum heat does not exceed that of New York city, 
lying several degrees north; neither are we excelled by Louis- 
ville on the south; but variations of temperature are probably 
greater; i. e., in June there are six or eight days, in which, on the 
same day, the difference in temperature between 7 o’clock, a. m., 
and 2 o’clock, p. m., will be from 30° to 37°; this sudden rise 
and fall of the mercury, is one of the factors in the generation 
and type of our diseases. The mean variation for June (for 28 
years) is, max: 91° 81—min: 50° 90, difference 40° 91; although 
for more than half the month, the range between morning and 
afternoon is about 15°.f 
The relative humidity of June is 65 per cent, and the range 
of dew-point is between 48° and 56°—mean temperature (for 28 
years) 71° 05. July is our hottest month, the greatest heat oc- 
curring between the 9th and 15th days. The difference of ex- 
*Since writing the above, the brick house alluded to was struck by lightning. The bolt 
impinging upon the chimney passing down the corner to the foundation (stone), was 
deflected at a right angle, cutting off a large limb of an apple-tree forty feet distant. 
f “Heat is the great motive power. 10 per cent of the radiated heat of the earth is inter- 
cepted within ten feet of its surface.”—Keamtz. 6 
Relations of Meteorology and Disease. 
tremes falls 2° or 3° below June, the usual range of the day be- 
ing from 10° to 20°. Relative humidity 52 per cent. Dew- 
point 55° to 65°. Mean temperature (for 28 years) 75° 08. 
August, during the first, or at farthest the second week of this 
month, the nights begin to grow cooler; the precipitation of 
dew, and occurrence of fogs more frequent; the rain-fall is less, 
with seasons of drougth—old meteorologists ascribed the pecu- 
liarities of the weather to the reign of Sirius—the dog-star, 
hence they are called the dog-days. Relative humidity 54 per 
cent. Mean temperature (for 28 years) 72° 71. 
In the distribution of storms, those especially attended with 
thunder and lightning, June has from two to five, July from 
four to seven, and August from two to five. The mean annual 
rain-fall from 1848 to 1868, is 31.17 inches; but the increased 
precipitation of summer during the last ten years (1868 to 
1878) has increased the average to 41.22 inches. The great- 
storm-centres lie in the upper Lake region above 43 degrees 
north latitude. Let us enquire into the antecedents and ac- 
companiments of a summer-storm: For from three to ten days, 
the maximum heat is from 85 to 98 degrees; the earth’s surface 
becoming super-heated, radiates powerfully into the adjacent 
atmosphere; this produces a strong upward current of rarified 
air; this partial vacuum being rapidly filled by a colder current, 
condenses the hygrometric moisture into vapor, forming a cu- 
mulus—this limits the earth’s radiation, and renders the air 
sultry and oppressive. In the change of hygrometric moisture 
to the liquid state, latent heat is evolved, and a high state of 
electric tension induced, its intensity being proportioned to the 
volume and rapidity of the transition ;* at the same time, that 
allotrophic state of oxygen we call ozone, is largely generated. 
This substance, is regarded by the profession, as a destroyer of 
zymotic diseases, or prophylactic; but, aside from other agen- 
cies, I have never observed its effects. Under these conditions 
of high heat and moisture, the nervous and circulatory sys- 
tems are strongly impressed, enervated, and the vital forces 
weakened—when, in addition to other diseases shortly to be 
named, sun-strolze is one of the results. That high-heat alone 
does not produce it, I quote Dr. Lemen: (Colorado Transac- 
*“For every cubic foot of rain condensed and precipitated from pre-existent vapor, 1110 de- 
gress of latent heat is diffused and rendered sensible enough to raise over 100,000 cubic 
feet of air 48 degrees,” which sudden increment would stifle us, but, for the kindly offices of 
the winds, in diffusing into space the great excess. By Dr. E. A. Hildreth. 
7 
tions, 1878.) “ Although certain valleys and plains in Colo- 
rado, experience a very high degree of heat in summer, yet, 
sunstroke is reported to be wholly unknown. We believe the 
writers on this subject are right in attributing to. the extreme 
dryness of the air, their entire exemption from the fatal effects of 
high temperature.” 
The topography of this city, renders it liable to summer 
storms, yet, they are never attended with the violent winds re- 
ported to accompany them in the open and level country west 
of us. Our attendant rain-fall is often excessive—we have 
known 5.40 inches to be precipitated within two hours, which 
is nearly double the average quantity for a month. The adja- 
cent hill-sides, and steep grades of many of our streets, flood the 
latter, and by this washing out, would appear to be salutary— 
but the same waters traversing yards, filling up, and overflow- 
ing holes and depots of garbage, carry it along, to be deposited 
at some more level point, or obstruction, and thus, rather stir 
up, and disseminate mephetic gases, than correct the existing 
evil. Surely the popular idea of a summer-storm “ purifying 
the atmosphere,” has not been realized. Dr. I. I. Ratton, Prof, 
of Surgery, Medical College at Madras, writing on Tetanus in 
the general Hospital, says: “ and cases frequently occurred after 
a rain-storm.” Evaporation from the earth’s heated surface, 
too rapidly surcharges the air with moisture. High heat and 
moisture, are the necessary conditions inducing the putrifac- 
tive and other fermenting processes, and doubtless essential 
to the generation of those vegetable and animal germs, in the 
lower orders of organic life, which are now considered to be the 
primary causes of many forms of diseases ; below a certain tem- 
perature, they either cease to exist, or become inactive and 
harmless. 
Under this head are noted, Cholera Infantum, Diarrhea, 
Cholera Morbus, and Dysentery, as the regular summer visi- 
tants; averaging the time of their prevalence for twenty-eight 
years fixes June, July, and August, or the summer months as the 
period. The first cases occurring the first week in June, as a 
general rule, exceptionally earlier, if the temperature should 
be above the average; showing the direct influence of high 
heat and its attendants, either in itself, or by predisposing to 
the action of other causes, in producing this class of diseases. 
INTESTINAL DISEASES. 8 
Relations of) Meteorology and Disease. 
As the heat of July exceeds that of June, so is there a propor- 
tionate increase of bowel complaints, declining in frequency 
with the diminished heat of August, until their subsidence, at 
least by the first or second week of September. This effect of 
unusually high temperature to increase the number, violence 
and fatality of our prevalent summer bowel complaints, has 
been so constant and uniform, as to have become the common 
observation and experience of our medical faculty. This was 
well marked in 1872; the means of July and August reached 
77°33, when the number of cases were doubled, and mortality 
increased 30 per cent. 
I have dwelt upon high temperature, and its consequent cli- 
matic conditions as a primary factor in the development of in- 
testinal diseases; other factors, in the form of filth and its 
emanations, and all those surroundings known as a bad sani- 
tary condition should also enter into our calculations. 
Among intestinal diseases of summer, none are more con- 
stantly met in our daily visits than Cholera Infantum, popularly 
called “ Summer Complaint,” and in fact, prevailing exclusively 
at this period. Very few children in this city pass their sec- 
ond summer without an attack. It is well known, that during 
this period of dentition, the intestinal glands are undergoing a 
peculiar process of development, to adapt them to the assimila- 
tion of a mixed diet, herein, lies its essential pathology. 
The meteorological characteristics of the season, will deter- 
mine the mildness or severity of the endemic; if it is wet, 
and stormy, with a continuous high temperature, the cases will 
be numerous and violent; if, on the contrary, the summer heat 
is below the usual mean, the disease is mild and easily control- 
led; its complications are similarly modified. In 1877 a major- 
ity of cases terminated in entero-colitis. There is no disease; 
not even Yellow Fever in its periodical visitations; whose out- 
break, duration, and type, is more certainly caused, and gov- 
erned by meteorological conditions than Cholera Infantum. 
Examining my notes for over thirty years, I find it begins the 
first week in June (rarely the last week in May), and contin- 
ues to the first week in September—seldom later. At, and be- 
low a maximum temperature of 65° it ceases. From the valu- 
able reports of our city health officer, Dr. S. L. Jepson, I find 
the mortality of Cholera Infantum compared with the deaths 
from all causes, during the summers of 1873, 20 per cent; of 
1874, 26 per cent; of 1875, 23 per cent; of 1876, 16.1 per cent. By Dr. E. A. Hildreth. 
9 
It is doubtful whether the above statistics indicate the true 
mortality: As ‘ convulsions’ are not the uncommon proximate 
cause of death, it is certain that a large percentage of deaths 
reported from ‘ convulsions,’ strictly belong to this disease. 
Diarrhoea.—This class of cases occurring in adults and young 
persons are quite dissimilar in their etiology and treatment. 
The larger number, arising from the use of crude and improper 
ingesta; the summer heat acting as the predisposing cause; 
yet, there are a considerable number in whom the conditions of 
heat and moisture induce a catarrhal state of the intestinal 
mucous membrane, or mis-secretion known as ‘ biliousness.’ 
Cholera Morbus.—Although sporadic cases occur at all seasons 
of the year, yet during the summer months, it is so much more 
frequent and fatal, as to be fairly classed among the other forms 
of bowel diseases prevailing during hot weather. Sporadic cases 
at other seasons, in their symptoms, course, and termination, 
more usually (not always) agree with the old English defini- 
tion, viz: “a vomiting and purging of bile, with sometimes 
cramps in the abdomen.” The general history of our summer 
Cholera Morbus, is a vomiting, and purging, first, of the con- 
tents of the stomach and bowels, rapidly followed by copious 
serous, or rice-water stools, with cramps of the extremities, 
coldness and lividity of the surface, hoarse or whispering voice, 
and an entire suspension of the secretion of urine and bile. 
Having passed through four epidemics of Asiatic cholera, I am 
unable to discover any difference in the symptomatology of the 
two diseases; nor much inequality in their mortality; yet, my 
convictions are, that they are distinct diseases, arising from 
separate causes ; there is this highly important distinction, that 
our summer cholera or Cholera Morbus is not infectious, nor 
‘portable; whilst Asiatic cholera is. The true pathology of the 
former is held to be “ an extraordinary disturbance of the bal- 
ance of the circulation,” and experience has proven when this is 
restored, reaction and natural heat established, recovery begins. 
The hygienic and sanitary surroundings of both diseases are 
unquestionably of great value, we have no desire to under-rate 
them; but an epidemic of Asiatic Cholera pursues its onward 
course regardless of cold or heat, infecting the human body* and 
making it the carrier and communicator of its peculiar poison. 
The outbreak of endemics of cholera morbus in this city dur- 
ing the last thirty-four years, have been so generally co-inci- 
dent with excessive and continuous heat, and its attendant 10 
Relations to Meteorology and Disease. 
changes, as, in my limited observation, to assign them, as the 
exciting causes. To ascribe it to “ the epidemic constitution 
of the atmosphere;” aside, from the existing meteorological 
conditions, is a subterfuge of ignorance. The sewerage, and 
other sources of contaminated air in this city have for a num- 
ber of years remained about the same; (notwithstanding the 
laudable efforts of our Health officers, who have never been en- 
trusted with power to remove them;) yet, it is a matter of ob- 
servation, that during cool summers this disease occurs sporadi- 
cally, or not at all. 
The most notable endemic happened in the summer of 1873. 
The first case on the 27th June, on Zane’s Island, no other case 
occurred in that neighborhood. Second case July 6—in Centre 
Wheeling—about one mile distant from first case. Subse- 
quently, numerous cases in different parts of the city; without 
the good or bad sanitary condition of their location, appearing 
to have any influence whatever over its generation or type. 
The following meteorological states were observed during this 
endemic, viz.: The first twenty-one of June (1873) were 
dry, only .23 rainfall, and cool; the maximum temperature sel- 
dom above 75°, and on the 22d day the mercury rose to 92°, 
and ranged below to 86°—during the remaining eight days, 
were three storms, besides three more rainy days, with a rain- 
fall of 3.22 inches—the mean temperature of this June 75° 33, 
over 5° above the mean of 23 years. July followed with an in- 
creased mean temperature; a maximum of 98°, and seven 
storms. The mean temperature of August was 69° 66—that of 
the preceding 23 years 71° 05. First frost occurred on the 15th 
of September—the average time. We thus state the meteoro- 
logical facts of the endemic of 1873 because of its severity; it is 
however only a type of less violent endemics of previous years, 
since the advent of Asiatic Cholera in this city in 1849. The 
elements of heat and moisture have so constantly preceded and 
attended such outbreaks, as to form the basis of a reasonable 
conclusion, that without them this form of disease will not hap- 
pen ; because the occurrence of cooler weather and diminished 
moisture, is followed by a subsidence of the endemic; as shown 
in the August weather above stated. Frequent observation of 
the type and duration of this class of summer bowel complaints 
have proven, that with a mean temperature of 60° and below, 
they do not occur, or cease to exist. The increase of the aver- 
age summer heat of the last decade, above that of the preceding By Dr. E. A. Hildreth. 
11 
23 years is 1° 04. During the same period the annual rainfall 
has increased 10.05 inches. 
Dysentery follows the other forms of bowel diseases, being 
most prevalent in August and early part of September. This 
period is attended with cool nights, (50° to 60°), in contrast 
with a mid-day temperature of 70° to 86°. It usually disap- 
pears after the first frosts. Why frost should destroy the poison 
of Intermittent, and Yellow Fever, and other forms of disease, 
is an unsolved problem. All experience has proven it to be 
the greatest and only certain disinfectant known. Suffering hu- 
manity has reason to rejoice in the fact—a calm, clear sky at 
night, and a temperature not above 45°, brings it. The deaths 
in this city, from the intestinal diseases named, compared with 
the total mortality, were for 1873, 21.7 per cent; 1875, 13.1 per 
cent; 1875, 12.9 per cent 1876, 14.2 per cent; 1877, 9 per cent.* 
WINTER. 
The meteorological winter months for this latitude, are De- 
cember, January and February. Our winters are characterized 
by sudden and great changes. The average variation (for 28 
years) being, for December, 46° 28, January, 53° 46, and Febru- 
ary, 45° 41. The mean temperature for winter, (for same 
period,) is 32° 64. A comparison of the last ten years, with 
the previous eighteen, will show that December is 0°28colder; 
January, 2° 66 warmer, and February, 1° 17 warmer. 
There are two “cold poles” in our winter; one about the 14th 
January, the other, 9th February. Situated at the foot-hills of 
the Allegheny Mountains, with a comparatively level country 
extending to the Rocky Mountains on the west, and Great Lakes 
on the north, our city participates in the oscillations and per- 
turbations of this extended region. 
The prevailing winds are from the West, North-west and 
North : The course of these winds regulate the temperature and 
precipitations of rain and snow. The North is a cold dry- 
wind, at all seasons, and “clears up” the atmosphere; its hu- 
midity seldom exceeds 45 per cent. The West winds are the great 
moters of our general storms, their humidity from 80 to 100 per ct. 
The North-west wind partakes somewhat of a mixed charac- 
ter of the two former—its “'piercing” effect is sensibly felt by 
the human body. We have frequent snows, varying in depth 
Officer’s Reports by Dr, S. L. Jepson. 12 
Relations of Meteorology and Disease. 
from one-half inch to 12 or 15 inches, the lighter ones are soon 
melted, the heavier often lie for two or three weeks. Our cold- 
est days succeed the heavy snows. The lowest temperature re- 
corded in thirty years is—15°; we seldom pass a winter without 
several days as low as zero. In studying the causes of disease 
in winter we find low temperature, hygrometric and visible 
moisture, in their modified forms of fogs, frosts, and vapors, 
electrical and azonic conditions, acting upon the skin and respir- 
atory apparatus inducing pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, ca- 
tarrhal affections, and rheumatism, as the prevailing diseases 
of the season. It has been said we have an “outside skin and 
an inside skin” and that the two are in profound sympathy 
with each other. We have found the high heat of summer pre- 
disposed the intestinal membrane to a variety of irritations 
and fluxes; in like manner the low temperature and sudden 
changes of winter, expend their force upon the lungs and air 
passages; often producing inflammation of one or more of their 
tissues. Although the diseases named are by no means limited 
to this season, yet the number and aggravation of cases are so 
uniform, as to be fairly ascribable to its climatic influences 
Achings and pains, neuralgic and rheumatic, mental depress- 
ion and hebetude, are in the popular mind, the prophetic data 
of atmospheric changes. The rainy, snowy, dull, dark days 
of winter, and their attendant sharp piercing winds, make a 
profound and sensible impression upon animal life. As the air 
of expiration carries off a large volume of vapor, now, if the 
inspired air be already near the point of saturation, its capacity 
for further absorption must be greatly diminished or lost, hence, 
the number of inspirations in a given time must be increased, 
to enable the lungs to throw off the requisite amount of vapor, 
or else there is an undue accumulation of fluid in the bronchia 
or air vesicles, giving rise to oppressive and labored breath- 
ing; and if sound lungs, are sensible of such influences, it 
is 'certain, that weak and diseased ones, suffer proportionate 
distress and dyspnea. We may illustrate this further on. 
A high per centage of hygro-metric moisture always pre- 
cedes precipitations of rain or snow; should the attendant va- 
riations of temperature be considerable they occur; but if only 
a few degrees, no precipitation, but a condensation in the form 
of fog, vapor, etc., will happem 
The cold of winter suspends chemical affinities, fermentative 
and putrefactive changes. Below a certain degree, malaira By Dr. E. A. Hildreth. 
13 
either ceases to affect the human body, or to exist; or if its es- 
sence be an organic germ, as is maintained by good authority, 
then cold destroys it. 
The air of winter is more condensed, hence an equal volume 
contains more oxygen; the pulmonary organs are stimulated, 
aeration of the blood more active, “ ubi irritatio ibi humorum af- 
fluxus,” is the Hyppocratic aphorism, and may serve to explain 
some of the inflammatory affections of the respiratory appa- 
ratus, especially prevailing in winter. The direct effect of 
cold upon the surface of the human body, is to contract the ca- 
pillary and smaller vessels, expelling the blood, and inducing 
internal engorgements and congestion. 
RESPIRATORY DISEASES. 
The prevailing diseases of this class, are Pneumonia, (often 
complicated with Pleurisy), Influenza, Bronchitis, Catarrh and 
Coryza. As before stated, they are not confined exclusively to 
this season, but the observation of many years will prove that 
nearly double the number of cases occur in the winter. This 
refers more particularly to where they do not happen as a com- 
plication of other diseases. 
That the character of the weather, its sudden and violent 
changes is a primary factor, in exciting this class of diseases, 
is a matter of such constant observation and experience as 
probably to require no further argument or demonstration. In 
this neighborhood, during the prevalence of the northerly and 
westerly winds, which are loaded with moisture, keen and 
piercing, I have seen many cases of Pneumonia, and Pleuro- 
pneumonia rapidly follow exposure, and as opposed to periods 
of low temperature, which are calm and dry. The testimony 
of Physicians within the belt or zone of this latitude, confirm 
this statement. A recent writer, (Dr. E. F. Wells, Minitie, 0.,), 
states, “ of 100 cases of Pnumonia, 70 occurred in December, 
January, February and March—a sudden temporary fall of the 
mercury caused many cases.” In the annual reports of the 
mortality of this city for the five year’s ending December 31, 
1877> are 167 deaths from Pneumonia, as follows : For Decem- 
ber, January, February and March, 71; April, May, June, July 
and August, 42; September, October and November, 54—of this 
latter number, 15 occurred in November. During endemics of 
whooping cough and measles, Pneumonia is the complication 
especially feared in winter. 
Influenza (epidemic catarrh), Bronchial Catarrh, Coryza, and 14 
Relations of Meteorology and Disease. 
Catarrh. Dr. Thomas Watson says : “ Catarrh is the common- 
est of all disorders. Not one man in ten thousand passes 
a winter without having a cold of some sort, and this name points 
to its ordinary cause; cold somehow applied to the body.” 
For more than thirty years I have noticed and recorded the 
epidemics, and endemics of the various types, and grades of 
catarrh. Winter is the great period of their prevalence, al- 
though not unfrequent in the first fall and spring months. 
In this city when after several days of drizzling, rainy weath- 
er, it becomes foggy, and the coal smoke settles down on the 
face of the earth, endemic catarrh to a greater or less extent, 
is almost sure to happen. I have recorded this fact so often as 
to be able at such times to predict its occurrence. The mercu- 
ry will usually average about 35° with a variation seldom ex- 
ceeding 5° or 10°. After our general snow storms, if there 
should be a sudden rise of temperature attended with a thaw, 
catarrhs are very common. In the above instances the rela- 
tive humidity will be above 85 per cent, although there has 
been more or less uniformity in the advent of our endemics of 
catarrh in connection with the atmospheric conditions above 
stated; it is only partly true of the sudden and wide-spread 
epidemics of influenza. The antecedents and consequents of 
heat, cold, moisture, pressure, electrical states, etc., are some- 
times so dissimilar as to make one doubt their agency alone; 
the inference is, that new factors are added (at present un- 
known), to bring about the results. The most noted epidemics 
here of influenza was in the winter of 1840. One-half our 
population were attacked within twenty-four hours; it was 
called the “Tyler Grippe.” Soon after the outbreak, I embarked 
on a steamer for St. Louis, when fully two-thirds of the persons 
on board were affected; many so enfeebled as to confine them 
to bed. Our boat appeared to infect every point at which she 
landed. At Cincinnati this was notably the case. Previous 
to our arrival it had not existed, and twenty-four hours after- 
wards thousands were attacked. The same thing happened a 
few hours after our arrival at St. Louis. These facts would 
point to infection, or a portable materies morbi as the chief cause. 
That “a particular state of the atmosphere” is the assigned 
cause of such epidemics, is the testimony of many accurate ob- 
servers, i. e. Short, in his Chronological History of the weath- 
er, says “that thick, ill-smelling fogs, preceded some days the 
terrible epidemic catarrh of 1557. Iussien states, it appeared By Dr. E. A. Hildreth. 
15 
in France in 1733, “ immediately after offensive fogs, more 
dense than the darkness of Egypt.’' “It was preceded by a 
dark fog in London, 1837” (Watson). “Crews of separate ves- 
sels have been attacked at sea in 1833” (Watson). In the epi- 
demics named more than one-half the population were attacked 
within a few hours. The climatic conditions were peculiar 
and strongly marked. On the 13th of November, 1872, “ the 
epizootic” or horse disease (epidemic influenza) broke out in 
this city and neighborhood. By the 18th inst. nine-tenths of 
our stock of horses were attacked, ten deaths were reported. 
Cases continued to occur until the 8th of December. This out- 
break was preceded by three days of fog, rain and snow. The 
weather during the 26 days of its prevalence, showed 23 rainy, 
murky and snowy days, and three clear days. Lowest tempera- 
ture, 14°; highest, 56°; daily average, 35°. Before the subsi- 
dence of the “epizootic” and for 25 days afterwards, our citi- 
zens suffered the same form of catarrh most severely. During 
this period the dew-point varied between 29° and 43°—average 
relative humidity .852. About the same state of weather be- 
ing present in February, 1873, was followed by a similar out- 
break. 
The mortality of Respiratory Diseases in this city, (except 
consumption) compared with the deaths from all causes is for 
1873, 9.7 per cent; 1874, 9.4 per cent; 1875, 15.3 per cent; 
1876, 14.4 per cent; 1877, 9.8 per cent; 1878, 15 per cent.* 
I have endeavored to draw an outline of summer and winter 
with their most prevalent diseases. The limits of this paper 
will not permit an examination of spring and fall; nor of that 
large class of diseases which are known to happen during the 
entire year; I hope to present this at some future period. 
* Reports of Drs. Jepson and Ward, Health Officers.