6t . The Caufes dnd Cure trom the 5th of December , to the 1 2th 243 From the 12th of December, to the 19th 281 I T feems a Point yet in Difpute^ whe- ther great Fires at ftich a Time are of Service or hurtful, which to me is fomewhat wonder- ful, becaufe whofoever confiders the Necef- fity for Air in Refpiration, and by what Quality it becomes of fuch real Service to the Prefervation of Life, cannot think fuch Fires proper, becaufe they deflroy that very Property in the Air-, which is demonstrable by innumerable Experiments. As to the D : ili- pation indeed of peftilential Vapours, or their Deflru&idn in any Manner, they un- doubtedly may do Service, in fome particu- lar Circumftances. And what Fires common Occaiions require at fuch Times, are rather to be made with fuch Subftances as abound with, and yield a nitrous Salt, becaufe that feems to be the chief Support of the vital Property inthe Air, and fuch are our common Coals j for every one knows how much more all Wood-Fires are fuifocating, and give a • Languor, and Flatnefs to the Spirits. PRESERVATIVE Fumigations are largely talked of by all, on thefe Occafions> and they with good Reafon defer ve to be pra&ifed.,'
