Page:Book of health.pdf/13

Rh A. They ought frequently to open their doors and windows, in order to dissipate corrupted air, and admit the cooling, healthful breezes.

Q. What other method can be devised to prevent the depravation of air in a room?

A. By making two holes, one through the outer wall of the house, that will open into the room near floor of it; the other near the ceiling, through the opposite inner wall or partition: the external atmosphere will enter at the hole near the floor, and dissipate the foul air through the aperture above.

Q. What else ought people to do, to obtain so desirable an end?

A. They ought to keep their rooms clean, and in proper order; nothing superfluous, or that can possibly corrupt the air, ought to be suffered in them.

Q. What are the signs by which you may know whether rooms be clean and contain wholesome air?

A. When there are no cob-webs in the corners, or on the ceiling, of the room, nor dust, nor straw, nor filth of any kind; when the windows are clean and clear, and no offensive smell, or unpleasant sensation, is experienced by a person who enters it that has been just breathing the open air, we conclude that it is as it ought to be.

Q. Is it necessary for man to breathe fresh air when asleep?

A. Yes; it is necessary that he breathe good wholesome air, whether awake or asleep; curtains encompassing a bed, and narrow bedsteads, are therefore very unwholesome.

Observation, to cover children’s faces when they are asleep is a bad custom, for they are thereby deprived of fresh air.

Q. If people that are much confined to their rooms, were careful to live always in fresh air, what would be the natural consequence?

A. Instead of being unhealthy, weak, and