Chamberss Edinburgh Journal, No. 455 | Page 8

miasma are destroyed by
atmospheric ozone, they, in turn, cause the latter to disappear, and we
have seen that it is itself a miasm. This is doubtless the reason why
ozone does not accumulate in the atmosphere in greater proportion than
the oxidizable miasma, notwithstanding the constant formation of one
and the other.
'In all times, the idea has been held, that storms purify the air, and I do
not think that this opinion is ill-founded. We know, in fact, that storms
give rise to a more abundant production of ozone. It is possible, and
even probable, that sometimes, in particular localities, there may not be
a just relation between the ozone and the oxidizable miasma in the air,
and that the latter cannot be completely destroyed. Hence, in
accordance with the chemical nature and physiological influence of
these miasma, they would exert a marked action on the animal
economy, and cause diseases among the greater number of those who
breathe the infected air. But numerous experiments prove that, as a rule,
the air contains free ozone, though in very variable proportions; from
which we may conclude that no oxidizable miasm--sulphuretted
hydrogen, for example--can exist in such an atmosphere, any more than
it could exist in air containing but a trace of chlorine.
'I do not know if it be true, as has been advanced by Mr Hunt and other
persons, that ozone is deficient in the atmospheric air when some
wide-spread malady, such as cholera, is raging. In any case, it would be
easy, by means of the prepared paper, to determine the truth or fallacy
of this opinion.
'There is one fact which should particularly engage the attention of
physicians and physiologists, which is, that, of all seasons, the winter is
distinguished by the greatest proportion of ozone; whence it follows,
that during that season the air contains least of oxidizable miasma. We
can say, therefore, with respect to this class of miasma, that the air is
purer in winter than in summer.
'All my observations agree in shewing, that the proportion of ozone in
the air increases with the height; if this fact be general, as I am disposed

to believe, we must consider the upper regions of the atmosphere as
purer, with regard to oxidizable miasma, than the lower.
'The appearance of certain maladies--intermittent fever, for
example--appears to be connected with certain seasons and particular
geographical conditions. It would be worth while to ascertain, by
ozonometric observations, whether these physiological phenomena
have any relation whatever with the proportion of ozone contained in
the air in which they occur.
'Considering the obscurity which prevails as to the cause of the greater
part of diseases, and the great probability that many among them owe
their origin to the presence of chemical agents dispersed in the
atmosphere, it becomes the duty of medical men and physiologists,
who interest themselves in the progress of their science, to seize
earnestly all the means by which they may hope to arrive at more exact
notions upon the relations which exist between abnormal physiological
phenomena and external circumstances.'
Such is a summary of M. Schoenbein's views as communicated to the
Medical Society of Basel; and we the more readily accord them the
publicity of our columns, as, apart from the intrinsic value of the
subject, it is one which has for some time excited the interest of
scientific inquirers in this country. During the late visitation of cholera,
reports were frequently spread that the atmosphere was deficient in
ozone.

ENGLISH SISTERS OF CHARITY.
How much real good could yet be done in this old, full, struggling
world of ours, where so many among us have need of help, if each in
his or her small circle could manage just not to leave undone some of
the things that should be done. Little more is wanting to effect this than
the will, or perhaps the mere suggestion. A high influence may at a
time confer a considerable benefit; but very humble means,
systematically exerted, even during a comparatively short season, will

certainly relieve a load of misery.
In a small village towards the west of England, there dwelt, some years
ago, two maiden gentlewomen, sisters, the daughters of the deceased
rector of the parish. Their father had early in life entered upon his
duties in this retired locality, contentedly abiding there where fate had
placed him, each passing year increasing his interest in the charge
which engrossed all his energies. His moderate stipend, assisted by a
small private fortune, sufficed for his quiet tastes, and for the few
charities required by his flock; it also enabled him to rear a large family
respectably, and to start them creditably on their working way.
There was no railway near this village--even the Queen's highway was
at some