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6. That rises and falls of temperature are more certain and effectual in their
special operation upon public health, when at the same time the daily range of
temperature is lessened, than they are when the daily range is at the same time
increased; rises of temperature increasing sickness more certainly and markedly,
and falls of temperature decreasing it more certainly and markedly.
7. That a fall of rain lessens sickness generally, sometimes immediately, sometimes
after a short interval, and that as a rule the reduction of general sickness is
greater when the fall of rain is heavy than when it is light.
8. That drought on the other hand, tends to augment general sickness.
9. That wet weather in the summer season operates more certainly in improving
public health than it does in the winter season.
The influence of atmospheric humidity I have not yet had time completely to
make out. The task is one of immense labour, involving a very large amount of
calculation. At present, therefore, I prefer to say nothing about it. My impression,
however, is that on the whole it will be found that atmospheric humidity exercises a
regulating influence upon the operation of temperature, something allied to that
which it is known by scientific men to exert upon the temperature of the earth itself.
The value of these deductions may be estimated in some degree, when I tell you that
they are based upon the record of more than 217,000 cases of sickness, which I have
gathered during the past years from the books of your district Medical Officers, and
of the institutions for the relief of the sick in our Parish. I must, however, give one
other warning, namely, that what I here say about sickness is not at once applicable
to mortality. Weather that lessens sickness amongst the healthy, may, and under
certain circumstanccs does, tend to hasten the death of those who are sick, and
vice-versd.
I have the honour to remain,
Gentlemen,
Your very obedient servant,
EDWARD BALLARD.
April 28th, 1868.