THE 
INFLUENCE 
OF THE 
Climate of Colorado 
ON THE 
NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
BY 
CHARLES DENISON, M.D., 
Denver, Colorado. 
RBPKtNTKB FBOM THE "ARCHIVES OP BLECTROLOOY ANT) NEUROLOGY* FOR NOVEMBER. 1874. 
DENVER, COL.; 
RICHARDS, PUBLISHER. 
1875. THE ARCHIVES 
OF 
Electrology and Neurology, 
A JOURNAL 
OF 
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS AND NERVOUS DISEASES. 
EDITED BY 
GEORGE M. BEARD, A.M., M.D. 
THIS JOURNAL IS NOW THOROUGHLY AND PERMANENTLY ESTABLISHED. 
$2.50 a Year, in advance. $3 a Year, after January 1,1875. 
The second number of the first volume, for November, 1874, is now ready, with the following 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
I. Disorders of Nutrition and Displacements of the Womb, and their 
Treatment by Faradization. By Dr. A. Tripier, of Paris. 
11. The Elements of Electro-Therapeutics. A Series of Letters addressed 
to Inquiring Practitioners. By George M. Beard, M.D. 
HI. The Effects of Lightning-Stroke on the Nervous System. By Byron 
W. Munson, M.D., of Amity, Ct. 
IV. Cases of Hydrocele. Recovery under Electrolytic and Galvano-Caustic 
Treatment. By T. F. Frank, M.D., Titusville, Pa. 
V. Municipal Law, and its Relations to the Constitution of Man. By R. 
S. Guernsey, Counselor-at-Law, New-York City. 
VI. The Influence of the Climate of Colorado on the Nervous System. 
By Charles Denison, M.D., Denver, Col. 
VII. On the Treatment of Vomiting hy Electricity. By Frederick D. 
Lente, M.D., of Cold Spring. Member of the Council of the New-York Neuro- 
logical Society. 
VIII. Description of a Portable Medical Battery devised by Prof. George 
W. Rains, M.D., of the Medical Department of the University of Georgia. 
IX. Galvanism in Ocular and Aural Affections. By W. W. Seely, M.D., 
Cincinnati. 
X. Chronic Alcoholism. By George M. Beard, M.D. 
XL The Relations of the Nervous System to Diseases of the Skin. By 
L. Duncan Bulkley, A.M., M.D., New-York. 
Miscellaneous Editorial Notes : 
The Duty of Vivisection—Camp-Life for the Nervous—Additions to the 
Cod-Liver Oil Emulsion—Cold Powder—lodoform in Nervous Diseases—Hay 
Fever Researches—“ Mind Reading”—The Nervous System and Skin-Diseases 
—ln Memoriam of Prof. Jeffries Wyman and Dr. Anstie. THE 
INFLUENCE 
OF THE 
Climate of Colorado 
ON THE 
NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
BY 
CHARLES DENISON, M.D., 
Denver, Colorado. 
Reprinted prom the “Archives op Elbctrology and Neurology” for November. 1874 
DENVER, COL. : 
RICHARDS, PUBLISHER. 
1875. THE 
Influence of the Climate of Colorado 
ON THE 
NEKYOUS SYSTEM. 
To the Editor of the Archives of Electrology and 
Neurology : In attempting to comply with your request, only 
lately received, I must explain that the field of investigation 
you propose for me is so new, and also, from a seeming conflict 
of data, so difficult, that the time to which I am limited is too 
short, even had I nothing else to engage my attention. 
Besides, I confess to an ignorance of the' subtle forces to be 
considered, which, perhaps, ought to preclude my attempting 
such an article as you desire for your estimable journal. 
You have elsewhere very pertinently asked, u Shall we wait 
until our knowledge becomes absolute before we reveal it ? 
Does it not rather become those of us who are seeking truth, as 
often as may be, to take account of stock of our discoveries ? 
Is it not well now and then to take an inventory of our igno- 
rance, and see how little we know?”* 
As I would answer these questions in the affirmative, I will 
gladly try to contribute the little I can in answer to your 
queries, hoping at a later date to furnish the profession, and a 
* " Atmospheric Electricity and Ozone.” Popular Science Monthly, Feb. 
1, 1874. 4 
INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE OP COLORADO 
large class of their patients (consumptives), more valuable infor- 
mation of this climate and its peculiar adaptation to the needs 
of special classes of invalids. 
GENERAL NATURE OF THE CLIMATE OF COLORADO. 
Colorado covers such a large and various area, including an 
unexplored region to the west, the Rocky Mountain range, 
about a hundred miles wide, running through the centre, and 
the broad plains to the east, that we wish to be understood as 
referring in this paper to a belt of land, say thirty miles wide, 
lying north and south, along the eastern base of the Rocky 
Mountains, and including the foot-hills, unless some other 
locality is specified. 
This region is interesting, for much of it can be irrigated 
(which is almost a universal necessity out here) by the streams 
which flow down the mountain canons. It is here the bulk of 
Colorado’s population is, and may be expected to be. 
This belt of land is about 6000 feet above sea-level at the 
north, a little more than 5000 at Denver, 8000 on the Divide, 
thirty miles south of Denver, and some less than 5000 at Pueblo, 
in the valley of the Arkansas river, over a hundred miles south 
of Denver, from which point the elevation gradually increases 
to 6000 feet at Trinidad. 
Opening into this belt of land are rugged canons, the only 
passes to parks and points of interest in the mountains. 
These parks are extensive elevated plains, surrounded by 
lofty mountains, and interspersed with hills of no small dimen- 
sions for a less mountainous country. 
The southernmost is the San Louis Park, which includes an 
extensive valley of the Rio Grande, at an average elevation of 
about 7500 feet, in which is the new town of Del Norte. The 
next to the north of this is South Park, with an average eleva- 
tion of 9000 feet, in the west of which, beautifully nestled 
under the mountains, is the little- town of Fairplay and several 
mining towns. Still farther to the north-west is a collection of 
valleys called Middle Park, the streams of which are tributary 
to the Colorado, which finds its way to the Pacific. 
In one of these valleys are some hot sulphur springs, which 
are of a temperature of from 110 to 116 degrees, and I judge 
The average elevation of this “ Park” is 8600 feet. ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
5 
will prove beneficial in eradicating constitutional taints of 
blood. North and east of this are North and Estes Parks, of 
nearly as great altitude, the latter noted for its rugged scenery. 
The average elevation of the whole territory is about 6500 
feet. The Pocky Mountain range, the backbone of the Ame- 
rican continent, reaches its highest elevation in Central Colo- 
rado, the passes over it, both to the north and south of us, being- 
lower and less difficult; while in this part of the territory they 
have an elevation of 11,000 to 13,000 feet, the peaks reaching 
from 13,500 to over 14,000 feet above sea-level. 
The climate of these mountain regions compares unfavorably 
with that of the plains to the east during the colder portion of 
the year ; while in summer, the cooler and bracing atmosphere 
of the mountains is a grateful relief to those who are enervated 
by the continuous warmth of the plains. 
The soil of the plains along these mountain-slopes is a dry, 
sandy loam, the washings for centuries from the mountainous 
regions beyond. It is chiefly of an alkaline nature, and some- 
times the deposit of alkali is considerable, affecting vegetation 
and drinking-water. The products of the soil, especially the 
cereals, are remarkable for their richness. The wheat of Colo- 
rado is unsurpassed. 
The plains are covered with a short, fine, prairie grass, which 
cures as it grows. On this cattle feed all the year round and 
seem to thrive. There are no trees except on the banks of 
streams, on the Divide, or those cultivated by irrigation. The 
pine forests on the Divide are in pleasant contrast with the ap- 
parent barrenness of most of the region east of the mountains. 
In the mountains timber is abundant, especially yellow pine 
and spruce, which grow between the altitudes of eight and 
eleven thousand feet. 
There are four remarkable features of this climate which dis- 
tinguish it from the eastern part of the United States, and make 
it a most desirable change for certain classes of invalids. 
These are its altitude, with the increased amount of atmo- 
spheric electricity and ozone due to the same, a large proportion 
of clear days, a small relative humidity of atmosphere, and a 
small annual rainfall. The wind does not blow here as much 
as one would expect in such a light, airy region. Usually 6 
INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE OF COLORADO 
before a storm, however, the mountain breezes swing down 
upon us in playful gusts, and at times the commotion is quite 
general, constituting a wind, or, more properly, a dust storm, 
which may last from one to five hours. There have been four 
of these (“ right smart ” ones, the Westerners would say) during 
the past year. 
It is generally understood that a rise of about 300 feet in alti- 
tude gives one degree colder temperature. Did this rule hold 
strictly here, this climate would be colder than it is. Among 
other causes of a considerable difference (in our favor for the 
colder portions of the year) is chiefly to be mentioned our inland 
location, and the protection of the mountains on the west.. 
The average temperature of this immediate vicinity is about 
the sarnetfs that of New-York city, Southern Pennsylvania, 
Central Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois; but it does not seem so 
cold, because of the dryness of the air, the small amount of 
snow, and the usually sunny days. The nights, when people 
are indoors, are generally cold in winter, and during the rest of 
the year much cooler than the days. This diurnal variation, 
which is here about 15 degrees between the temperature at 2 
p.m. and that at 7 a.m. or 9 p.m., increases with the altitude; 
as in this rarefied atmosphere the intensity of the sun’s rays in- 
creases with each decided elevation, while the capacity of the 
air to retain the heat thus imparted proportionately decreases. 
So that, on the tops of our highest mountains, as a Signal Ser- 
vice observer on Pike’s Peak informed me, the heat of the sun 
at midday is “ almost scorching,” while the thermometer after 
sundown is in the neighborhood of zero. 
This climate, then, is only “ the most equable of the Western 
Hemisphere ” when compared with others of the same alti- 
tude. Let those who think kn equable temperature is the all- 
important element of a healthy atmosphere, stay near the sea, 
where the air at night can hold fast its heat as well as its moist- 
ure. To such, the results of the experiment made by the own- 
ers of the Mammoth Cave in Kentucky will prove useful. In 
the equable temperature of this dungeon they imagined was the 
panacea for the unfortunate consumptive, and the reputation 
of that health-resort would become world-renowned. 
I shall never forget the dismal aspect of those cold stone ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
7 
houses, erected down in that abyss of darkness. Here, in this 
extremely equable climate, I was informed over a dozen unfor- 
tunate consumptives were domiciled. Of course they all suffer- 
ed for it. One died in the cave, and four more within four 
weeks after they were brought out. It is strange how similarly 
foolish thousands of invalids (or their advisers) are throughout 
our land, who house themselves in dungeons of man’s construc- 
tion, pining away to consumptives' graves, when there is plenty 
of invigorating air and life-giving sunshine “ lying around 
loose,” if they will only go where it is. 
The sunshine of this inland region is one of its greatest boons 
for the consumptive, too little appreciated by many who seek 
health among us. 
ISTo less important, especially to those whose respiratory 
organs are at fault, is altitude, which is here a happy medium 
foT the majority of such patients, while the same may be easily 
varied to any desired elevation. 
A most important element of a healthy climate ’is the rela- 
tive humidity of its atmosphere. Indeed, from a somewhat 
extended study of the subject, my conviction is strengthened 
that this element is the most essential ingredient of the con- 
sumptive’s home, since from a low ratio of humidity a large pro- 
portion of sunny days and a of rainfall can be 
inferred ; for had there been much rain or cloudy weather, the 
air would have been near “ saturation,” and the relative hu- 
midity, which is the percentage of saturation, would have 
been affected thereby. 
In this connection, I must object to the extravagant state- 
ment some have made, that “ the atmosphere is entirely free 
from humidity.” We are not quite so badly off as that. 
Such a report would not seem so ridiculous coming from 
south-western Arizona; but here, if the hydrometer ever 
indicates zero, i.e., if there is not enough evaporation in the 
air to affect it, it is only occasionally for two or three hours in 
the warmest and most enervating part of the day. 
Below is a weather report for the past year, which has been 
kindly prepared for me by P. J, Huneke, U. S. Signal Officer, 
stationed at Denver. 8 
INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE OF COLORADO 
Monthly average.. 
1878, October 
“ November... 
“ December.... 
1874, January 
“ February 
“ March 
“ April 
‘ ‘ May 
“ June 
“ -July 
‘ ‘ August 
“ September... 
. 
05° 
MOStSQOMOSiSMMCCi-iffi 
obtocioooooooo 
Maximum 
temperature. 
bi 
Ol 
OD 
csoia^»KR 
bi 
Minimum 
temperature. 
O 00 Q O W CO Q CJ K to o Ql 
bbbbb’KbHbi^oM 
Average 
daily 
temperature. 
P 
CO 
Average daily 
humidity, 
per cent. 
H-L 
1—*• 
<* 
H-iOOSH^lOi^OOOOOO 
coc5Coto^<j^o(OocaM-^j 
Total rainfall 
or snowfall, 
reduced to 
water. 
m 
Sz5 
; ; ; : ; do* : z z 
' H 
Prevailing di- 
rection of 
wind. 
Clear days, i. 
e., number of 
days on which 
«p® 
6SQ0GPO50<f?0Q0 05^Ot0 
sunshine pre- 
vailed 
throughout. 
This very accurate table speaks for itself. I will only add, 
that during September there were thirteen days in which not a 
cloud was s6en in the sky. There are no regular dews, night- 
dampness, nor fogs in this climate, which fact greatly strength- 
ens its claim as an excellent one for out-door life. This I con- 
sider is its pre-eminence. 
THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF THIS CLIMATE ON THE NERVOUS 
SYSTEM. 
So various and complicated with organic disease are the 
nervous symptoms and idiosyncrasies of those who seek health 
in this, resort, that the immediate influence of the climate on 
simply “ nervous patients” can not be very positively stated. 
Much, however, may be inferred from the average experience 
of new-comers. This, of course, depends on the elevation 
first gained. 
Suppose we take that of this vicinity, between five and six 
thousand feet above sea-level, and ask, How would a dose of 
this atmosphere affect the inhabitants of your city ? Let us 
compound the prescription. 
Our air is about a fifth lighter than yours. Your pressure 
to the square inch is 15 lbs.; ours about 12 lbs. Your nitrogen, 
at sea-level, weighs 114 grs. to the cubic foot of air, and ours 
831 grs. at 5900 feet above sea-level. Say that oxygen here ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
9 
bears the same relation to nitrogen as with yon (if our future 
experiments corroborate the analyses of our air made by Prof. 
Mallett, of the School of Mines at Golden, a small dif- 
ference in our favor will be shown, i.e., a little larger pro- 
portion of oxygen to nitrogen), then we are under the neces- 
sity of breathing one fifth more air here than you do, to get 
the same amount of oxygen. But this is not all. Scientists 
agree that the proportion of electricity in the atmosphere in- 
creases with altitude. Dr. Jarvis, of Portland, Ct., suspects 
it stands relatively to oxygen in something like an inverse 
ratio. However this may be, we shall most gladly receive any 
positive knowledge about this and that other poorly under- 
stood element of our atmosphere, “ ozone,” scientists or our 
government will furnish us. Any way, we must add one fifth 
more atmospheric electricity, on account of the increased 
amount of air to be breathed ; and then there is the excess 
(“ positive electricity”) which prevails in these dry regions. 
We ought, perhaps, to make some allowance for that. We 
must now attach some importance to that something in our 
atmosphere, call it ozone if you will, which is especially stimu- 
lating to the heart, brain, and nerves, on a bracing, cool morn- 
ing, which, I fancy, in winter is irritant to mucous membranes, 
and perhaps wi|l account for much of the catarrh our army 
surgeons have remarked as prevailing in cold weather at great 
elevations. Then lessen your relative humidity by about one 
third, and increase your proportion of sunny days by about 
the same amount, and you have our atmosphere at the base of 
the Rocky Mountains. 
Now let every body in yonr city commence to breathe this 
atmospheric stimulant, and would you not expect a various as 
well as a remarkable effect ? 
You would conceive that the atmospheric pressure, lessened 
by one fifth, would ease the imperative necessity to breathe a 
fifth more air to get a requisite of oxygen. You would expect 
this great change to call upon the heart for increased action. 
Respirations would be first faster and then fuller. The ner- 
vous system, alike stimulated, would sympathize in this general 
activity, unless a bewildered or dreamy state of mind should 
ensue, as is sometimes the case. With all this quickening of 10 
INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE OF COLORADO 
the processes of life, the calling of the blood into new parts, 
and the active capillary circulation resulting from the lessened 
atmospheric pressure, waste and repair of tissue would be both 
quickened and made more complete. The appetite and diges- 
tion would respond to this new call, and a fresher, quicker life 
be inaugurated. Then, with the electric influences combined, 
there would be an exhilaration akin to intoxication. Such, 
indeed, is often the first effect of this stimulating atmosphere. 
As a friend queerly expressed it, when we were out riding on 
a bracing and sunny December morning, “ This light air makes 
me feel just as religion does a young convert.” But all are 
not alike happily affected. While asthmatics rejoice in a 
liberty to breathe freely again, and incipient consumptives 
delight to expand their lungs with a soft and bracing air 
which gives them hope of a renewal of their tenure of life, the 
sudden change would prove too great for not a few. Among 
these are to be inentioned, those -having any organic disease of 
the heart; those having advanced phthisis, after the stage of 
softening, or when the patient is deprived of more than a 
fourth of his breathing capacity ; and patients with pulmonary 
lesions who are of a decided hemorrhagic diathesis. 
These classes are mentioned here because the accompanying 
nervous symptoms are usually aggravated by decided and sud- 
den change in elevation. For many, not enumerated above, 
a gradual rise should be recommended. 
c 5 
The most marked effect of this climate on the nervous sys- 
tem is the relief from asthma, which, I conceive, often takes 
place immediately through the mechanical influence of the 
lessened atmospheric pressure on the respiratory apparatus. 
I think this is due to the mechanical effect of altitude, 
because, though this dry inland air, containing little vegetable 
matter, may have much to do with it, yet there seems to be a cer- 
tain elevation for each individual sufferer where he experiences 
marked relief from his distress. To the majority it is on the 
plains, while some first experience relief two to four thousand 
feet higher, in the mountains, and where there is more moisture 
and vegetation quite as abundant, the growth of forests being 
much more so. To illustrate, a young lady came to Denver, 
last summer, who had had asthma since she was two years old. ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
11 
but did not get relief here. Her parents thought to try the 
mountains, and on the way to Idaho her dyspnoea disappeared. 
During the several weeks she remained there, she was free 
from her trouble. On returning to this city, however, the old 
disease came hack, and she suffered here as before. More 
instances might he given in illustration, especially of those 
who, having obtained relief here, undertake to return East only 
to get asthma again at the Missouri River. 
Another immediate effect of the altitude in a few new- 
comers may he a slight congestive headache, on account of the 
increased rapidity of the circulation ; though headaches gene- 
rally are not so frequent here as in the East, especially “ sick 
headaches.” By thes.B temporary headaches the mountain 
fever is not meant, though they are sometimes improperly so 
called. The true mountain fever is a later effect, and not so 
frequently met with. It is a continued fever, unless aborted 
in the beginning, having regular stages, but slow in its pro- 
gress. There are chills and remissions, and generally associated 
with it some hepatic congestion. The headache and shock to 
the nervous system are sometimes considerable, though the 
prognosis is very much more favorable than in the typhoid of 
the East. 
Generally speaking, I do not think the influence of this 
climate on nervous patients is salutary, unless their symptoms 
are associated with other dyscrasia which such a climate would 
benefit. 
Those to whom an electrified atmosphere would be useful, 
who would he helped by the use of the positive electrode in 
the East, might look for benefit here; but nervous symptoms 
alone, due to an abnormal irritability, or over-excitation of any 
set of nerves, generally might be expected to be aggravated in 
this electric air. The case is different when those symptoms 
are dependent on some malnutrition which the change to this 
invigorating climate will rectify. A marked change in eleva- 
tion, as from the East to this country, has generally a salutary 
influence on that class of over-worked brains which, in the 
intensity of political, professional, and business life, is quite 
numerous nowadays. 
Especially does this appear to me the case where, from too 12 
INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE OF COLORADO 
severe mental activity,’the circular fibres of vessels within the 
cranium seem to have been overtaxed, and in consequence 
a passive congestion ensues. In these the influence of 
a lessened atmospheric pressure, gradually increased, is 
in such marked contrast with the effect of a much greater 
atmospheric pressure, as shown in the congestion of cerebro- 
spinal tissue, quite evident in the “ caisson disease,” that re- 
lief might be confidently expected. In this improvement, 
the lessened tension on the cerebral circulation is, of course, 
greatly aided by new scenes, out-door life, and absence 
as well as distance from harassing cares. From what has 
been written of the stimulating or electric nature of this 
atmosphere, it would be apparent in what manner some sensi- 
tive organizations might be influenced by this, for them, too 
stimulating atmosphere, among whom neuralgias and conges- 
tive headaches would prevail. I have in mind half a dozen 
ladies living in town, whose nervous systems were well ba- 
lanced before coming to this country, who have here occasion- 
ally suffered with ill-defined neuralgia, mental distress, 
nervous headaches, etc. 
THE PERMANENT EFFECTS. 
The permanent effects of this climate on the nerves are 
usually salutary. With the exceptions already stated, no 
unusual abnormal conditions of the nervous system are to be 
noted in the average of those who have become acclimated ; 
for then the influence of elevation is not very apparent. 
As might be expected, with the generally quickened pro- 
cesses of life, the nervous system is in harmony. 
Diseases generally are more prone to assume an acute 
character. The action of remedial agents is also more marked, 
and the physician really has much less to do with his patients, 
among the same number of people, than in a denser atmo- 
sphere. (Not an extra lucrative field for doctors.) 
In this connection it is to be mentioned that the injurious 
effects on the brain and nervous system of alcoholic stimula- 
tion are sooner felt, and with more intensity, than on the sea- 
coast. Quite a marked effect, too, is on the sexual passions. 
Though the first comers in this far West, who, when crossing 
the plains, drank the alkaline water, and worked off their ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
surplus vitality in their active out-door life, thought differently, 
it is concluded (especially among those who live luxuriously in 
the city) that this passion is generally stronger than where 
most of our people formerly lived. The remarkable number 
of little children, and the financial prosperity of prostitution 
in this young city, would seem to have some bearing on this 
statement. . 
Quite generally, I believe, females are more affected by these 
climatic influences than males. 
Uterine dissorders are not infrequent, especially at greater 
elevations, where menorrhagia and abortions are apt to occur. 
A peculiar result, probably of the dryness of this atmo- 
sphere, is some falling out of the hair, which is quite generally 
complained of; too generally, at least, to be ascribed to any 
personal idiosyncrasy. 
In this quickened life which pervades every part of the 
human system, the demand to supply the waste of tissue 
would seem to be increased, and so it is. Generally speak- 
ing, people who live here enjoy a continuous good appe- 
tite ; especially is this the case among hard workers, who thus 
are able to keep up their accustomed vigor of body or mind. 
Mountaineers, and excursionists who are much in the moun- 
tains, acquire the habit of naturally conserving their forces on 
account of the thinness of the air, and instinctively move 
slowly, while an ability for continuous motion has seemed to be 
greatly due to the large amount of food consumed. This 
increase of appetite, together with the greater activity of the 
respiratory apparatus necessitated in climbing among the 
mountains, accounts for much of the benefit to the general 
health obtained by those who journey mountainward in the 
summer. If the nerves are easily tried in this country, they 
are as easily refreshed; for nowhere is sleep so sound and 
restful. 
This is greatly insured by the usually cool nights, and the 
freedom with which windows may be kept open, which is more 
essential in an atmosphere so thin as ours. Consumptives and 
convalescents from debilitating diseases are generally able here 
to get the tranquil sleep which is so essential for restoration to 
health. 
As to the capacity for muscular toil in the ordinary daily 14 
INFLUENCE OF THE CLIMATE OF COLORADO 
routine of business life, not much difference is noticed between 
the lowlands and our highlands, because, I suppose, the inter- 
vals of rest are fully equal to the needs of the system. 
Until the lungs become sufficiently expanded, and one is 
used to this light air, walking may be somewhat difficult, but 
afterward it is rendered quite as easy and more invigorating 
than at a less altitude, qxcept, as before intimated, one natural- 
ly graduates his speed to the capacity of hisfS^spiration. 
But for continued muscular exertion, I can not think the ca- 
pacity here is as great as it would be in a denser atmosphere. 
It is said that horses can not be made to trot quite as fast here as 
in the East. A better illustration of this opinion, however, 
was presented to me last July. I was called up at night to see 
a professional walker, whom I found utterly prostrated, having 
symptoms of threatened congestion of the brain. He was 
trying to walk sixty-four consecutive hours without food, and 
though they fed him beef-tea “on the sly,” and much of his 
walking was a fraud (he never paid his doctor’s bill), he com- 
pletely gave out the fifty-fifth hour. It is my opinion that, 
with the aid of his faithful friends, he could have made a bet- 
ter speculation of it “ down East.” 
How is the capacity for “cerebral** toil affected by this 
climate?” This is a more difficult, and, I consider it at least, 
ah open question. Opinions differ so much, and you know it 
is rather hard to get us to acknowledge we are not as smart 
mentally as we used to be. Besides, the solution of the ques- 
tion is greatly influenced by the fact that so many of us came 
here for considerations of health, in nearly all of whom an im- 
provement in the mental capacity would be expected with the 
restoration of health. 
I thought to settle this question by the opinions of the cleri- 
cal profession, and therefore called on ten of the principal 
clergymen in Denver, and wrote to four in the mountain towns, 
propounding the following questions : 
Ist. Former residence, and time they had lived in Colorado ? 
2d. Does their' capacity for mental toil differ from what it 
was before coming here ? 
3d. Is concentration of mind as easy here as near the sea? 
4th. Any nervous symptoms they could attribute to this cli- 
mate ? ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 
15 
The result of this investigation may be summed up as fol- 
lows, though it should be noted that the inquiry was quite new 
to all. Three had noticed, especially at first, that the results 
of their mental efforts in the same time were less satisfactory 
to themselves than formerly. Four could accomplish more 
mental work here in the same length of time, one of whom 
had lived in Mobile, Ala., and-thinks the difference is marked- 
ly in favor of this country, this climate being more like New- 
England in this respect. 
Five thought their minds were more active here than where 
they formerly lived. Three, to make a fine distinction, thought, 
ceteris paribus, concentration of mind would be a little easier 
in a denser atmosphere. Four thought they were more ner- 
vous here, two of whom were somewhat troubled with sleep- 
lessness during their early sojourn in Colorado. 
Two noticed their wives were more nervous (prone to head- 
aches and neuralgias) than in the East. 
With these exceptions, the answers to the questions indicated 
that the capacity for mental toil was unchanged ; concentra- 
tion of mind was as easy here as near the sea ; and they could 
not attribute any nervous symptoms to climatic causes. 
Appended is a synopsis of four answers received from moun- 
tain towns which are two to four thousand feet higher than 
Den ver. 
Rev. Francis Byrne, Nevada.—Former residence, Mississip- 
pi; Boston, thirteen years; West-Indies, twenty ; Rocky Moun- 
tains, seven; capacity for mental toil much better than in de- 
bilitating climate of the West-Indies; concentration of mind 
easier here than in Boston or West-Indies; has no peculiar 
symptoms of nervousness attributable to this climate; noticed 
that “ females suffer from nervous debility, owing, in a great 
measure, to home confinement and domestic duties ;” health, 
during residence in Colorado, always excellent, so is always 
prepared for any official duty. 
Rev. D. E. Finks, Fair play.—Former residence,. New-York 
State; lived here fifteen months; capacity for mental toil not 
materially changed ; health good, and so can do more mental 
work here; concentration of mind unchanged; no nervous 
symptoms. 16 
THE CLIMATE OF COLORADO. 
Rev. H. B. Gage, Central City.—Former residence, Ohio; 
lived in Colorado four years; here “ mainly on account of 
health noticed no difference in ability for mental application, 
except “ am more often nervousexercise, if at all violent, 
causes increased respiration and pulsation, and consequently 
a lassitude incompatible with mental toil. 
Rev. Albert Miles, Caribou.—Been in this country two and 
a half years ; came here “ most dead ” with chronic pneumo- 
nia ; right lung half hepatized; has improved all the time; 
can accomplish more mental as well as physical- work than be- 
fore coming to Colorado. 
I called on Prof. Chalfaut, Principal of the Denver Acade- 
my. He has been here two years; was failing in health East; 
“ lung trouble friends thought lie would not get through the 
winter ; has considered himself well since coming ; vigor of 
mind good, and can accomplish more mental work than East; 
the children in his school are remarkably well developed phy- 
sically and mentally. They are capable of as much mental 
work as are children near the sea, but “ more restless under re- 
straint.” 
How, as to this question of the relative capacity for cerebral 
toil, the improvement of health accounts for much increased 
mental vigor. (Most of our residents look well, and of ruddy 
complexion.) I prefer to express my opinion as follows ; With 
the same good health, I think I could do difficult and protract- 
ed mental work easier in a denser atmosphere. I do not ex- 
pect to see very profound logical treatises emanate from much 
greater -elevations than this. Please consider the above state- 
ment an apology for any imperfections in this communication. 
In closing, the following question suggests itself: What will 
be the influence of this stimulating (more than “ tonic”) cli- 
mate on the average longevity of permanent residents ? 
Although the processes of life are more rapid here, they may 
also be said to be more perfect, and consequently the destructive 
tendencies of the over-civilization of our age are more surely 
counteracted. Therefore, while the average lifetime of our peo- 
ple would be increased, we might expect to meet fewer per- 
sons here who had passed the Biblical limit of “three score 
years and ten.” 
Denver, October 9, 1873. Dr. Vtiter on General Electrization and Central Galvanization, etc., etc..-— 
Reviews of Hitzig, Lincoln, Buzzard, Clymer, etc. 
Gleanings from other Journals : 
Tlie next number, for May, 1875, will contain an article on Hysterical 
Symptoms in Organic Nervous Affections ; a case of Stricture of the Oesopha- 
gus treated hy Electricity; a paper on Hallucinations, and one on Muscular 
Reactions in Paralysis; Remarks on tlie Psychological Lessons of the 
Beecher Case ; the Phenomena of Trance, etc., etc. 
The ablest living authorities in the various branches of Electrology and 
Neurology in America and Europe are already engaged to contribute to this 
Journal. 
The first number, for May, 1874, contains sixteen original articles, by 
Althaus, of London ; Benedikt, of Vienna ; Tripier, of Paris, and a number of 
well-known Avriters in America. 
Books for review, and manuscripts, may be sent to the editor. 
GEO. M. BEARD, M.D., 
53 WEST 33(1 STREET, NEW-TORK. 
Subscriptions may be sent to the editor, or to the publisher, 
THOS. JL. CLACHEK, 
107 East 28th Street, New-York. 
The Archives will hereafter appear in tlie latter part of the months of 
May and November. 
NOTICES OF THE PRESS. 
“ In all respects seems to fulfill the promise of its founder.”—Chicago Journal of Nerv- 
ous and Mental Diseases. • 
“Under the editorship of so able an investigator and so accomplished a teacher as Dr. 
Beard, we have a right to expect a journal of a high order of merit. The present one justi- 
fies our expectations.”—Chicago Medical Journal. 
“ The progress of electrology, and its application to the treatment of many hitherto 
Intractable diseases, has won for it the recognition of being a special branch of medical 
science, and among the foremost of those who have raised it to tills place is Dr. Geo. M. 
Beard, whose name as editor of a journal devoted to its special cultivation is a sufficient 
guarantee that the Archives will be conducted on scientific principles.”—Sanitarian. 
“ Every physician will find it instructive and valuable.”—American Practitioner. 
“ It is to be expected that the Archives of Electrology and Neurology will bean 
organ in which experts from all parts of the world can make known their experiments and 
opinions. The undertaking deserves general support, and we herewith give it our cordial 
recommendation.”—Allgemeine Wiener Zeitung.' 
“ The first number of this Journal contains a number of excellent articles. It is 
edited with care, and presents a capital typographical appearance.”—Psychological and 
Medico-Legal Journal. 
“ Its contents will interest and profit both specialist and general practitioner. The con- 
tributions made to our study of nervous diseases alone arc worth many times its subscrip- 
tion price.”-—Detroit lievieiv of Medicine and Pharmacy. 
“ We hold that no specialist in electrology or neurology, no medical man who is specially 
in e.;eated in these themes, finally, no man who aspires to occupy any worthy position in his 
profession, whether as physician or surgeon, can afford to be without these Archives.”— 
Physician, and Pharmaceutist. CONTENTS FOB MAT, 1874. 
Original Communications: pages 
I. Electrolysis and Croton Chloral. By Julius Alt.hans, M.D., of London, I—4 
11. A Case of Complete Paralysis of one Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve. 
By F. I. Knight, M.D,,. of Boston, 4—lo 
In. Cataleptiform Paraplegia. By Professor Moritz Beneclikt, M.D., of 
Vienna, 10—12 
IV. The Nature of Electricity. By Professor Henry T. Eddy, of Princeton 
College 12—IS . 
V. Electrolysis in the Treatment of Strictures of the Urethra. By Robert 
Newman, M.D., of New-York, . 18—40 
VI. A Case of Hysterical Hemiplegia. By Professor J, L. Cabell, M.D., 
University of Virginia 49—54 
VII. Tinnitus Aurium treated by the Galvanic Current. By Thomas F, Rum- 
bold, M.D., of St. Louis, 54—58 
VIII. Medical Jurisprudence and the Medico-Legal Society of New-York. By 
Clark Bell, Esq., of New-York, 58-61 
IX. Hysteria and Spinal Irritation treated by Central Galvanization. By 
W. P. Hutchinson, M.D., of Providence, R. 1., . . . . . 61—64 
X. Some Recent Investigations into the Functions of the Human Brain. 
By Professor Roberts Bartholow, M.D., of Cincinnati, . . . 68—78 
XI. A New Method of Treating Malignant Tumors by Electrolyzing the 
Base. By George M. Beard, M.D., of New-York, .... 74—89 
XII. Experimental Researches in the Physiology of the Brain. By George 
M. Beard, M.D., . 89—98 
XIII. Case of Scirrhus of the Rectum treated by Electrolysis, with Remarks. 
By Professor A. B. Crosby, M.D., of New-York, .... 98—103 
XIV. The Cabinet Battery. By George M. Beard, M.D., .... 103—108 
XV. Complete Hemiplegia followed by Rapid Recovery—Probable Embolus. 
By Pi’ofessor Samuel G. Armor, M.D., of Brooklyn, . . . . 108—109 
XVI. Faradic Anaesthesia. By Dr. A. Tripier, of Paris, 109—115 
Miscellaneous Notes: 
New-York Society of Neurology and Electrology—New-York Neurological 
Society—Chromated Lead as an Electro-negative Element—Latest Modi- 
fication of Cod-Liver Oil Emulsion—Tickets to American Medical Asso- 
ciation, 116—123 
Gleanings from Foreign Journals; 
Illtzig, Further Observations on the Physiology of the Brain —Carville, 
Buret, and Bupuy, On the Physiology of the Brain—Hitzig, Electrical Irri- 
tation of the Brain of a Monkey Gerhardt, Icterus Catarrhalis treated 
by Faradization of the Gall-Bladder—Bruns, Electrolytic Treatment of 
Naso-pharyngeal Polypus—Leidesdorf, A Case of Saturnine Epilepsy 
and Mania —Qustman, On the Action of some New Remedies—Kohts, 
The Influence of Fright on the Origin of Disease—Schuppel, A Case of 
Universal Anaesthesia—Meyer, Reduction of Glandular Tumors by Electri- 
city—Beard, The Treatment of Insanity by Electricity, , 134—134 
Notices of Books : 
AUhaus, On Medical Electricity—Byrne, On Electro-Cantery in Uterine Sur- 
gery—Arthius, On Statical Electricity—Chicago Journal of Nervous and 
Mental Disease—The Sanitarian—American Journal of Insanity —Tripier, 
Monographs, . 135-140 
Editorial, . . .... . , . . . , . , 141—143