THE RELATION OF SMOKE TO SICKNESS.

In connection with certain statements recently made in these columns concerning the relation of wind to sickness¹ it may be well to call attention to the rôle that smoke plays in producing sickness, especially, of course, of the respiratory tract. As is largely the case with dust in general, the particles of carbon and other matter contained in the smoke with which the atmosphere of our large cities is polluted so extensively, do not produce disease directly, but rather prepare the lungs for tuberculous and other infections. That the inhalation of smoke (and dust in general) is unhealthy can not well be questioned. Statistics show an increase in the mortality from acute pulmonary diseases in manufacturing districts where much smoke is generated and also in mining districts. Tuberculosis is said to run a more rapid course in smoky than in smoke-free districts. While the factors that must be considered