How Colds Are Taken

Aperson in good health, with fair play, says the Lanoet, easily resista cold. But when the health dags a little, and liberties are taken with the stomach, or the nervous system, a chili is easily taken, and according to the weak spot of the individual, assumes the forni of a ;old, or pneumonía, or, itniay be, jaunïice. Of all causes of ' "cold, ' ' probably fatigue is the most efficiënt. A jacled man coming home at night from a long days work a growing youth losing two hours1 sleep over eveniug parties two or three times a week, a young lady heavily "doing the season," young children over-fed and with a short allowance of sleep, are common instances of the vietims of "cold." Luxury is favorable to taking; very hot rooms, soft chairs, feather beds, creates a sensitiveness that leads to catarrhs. It is not, after all. the "cold" that is so much to be feared as the antecedent conditions that give the attack a chance of doing harm. Some of the worst "colds" hap pen to those who do not leave their house or even their bed, and those who are most invulnerable are often those who are most exposed to changes of temperature, and who by good sleep, cold bathing, and regular habits preserve the tone of their nerveus system and circulation. Probably many chills are contracted at night or at the fag end of the day, when tiredpeople getthe equilibrium of their circulation disturbed by either overheated sitting-rooms or underheated bedrooms and beds. This is specially the case with elderly people. Ín such cases the mischl f is not always done instantaneously, or in a single night. It often takes place insidiousiy, extending over days or even weeks. It thus appears that "taking cold" is not by any means a simple result of a lower temperature, but depends largely on personal conditions and habite, effecting espeeially the nervous and muscular energy of the body.