it, to give to the body that tone which is compatible with health.
On the contrary, when the heat of the air falls below what we call
temperate, or when cold is applied to the body, from the accustomed
stimulus of heat being diminished, the excitability must accumulate,
or become more liable to be affected by the action of the external
powers.

This, however, very seldom produces bad effects, unless the exciting
powers be improperly or quickly applied; for we can bear a
considerable diminution of heat without any bad consequences; and in
all cases I hope I shall be able to make it appear, that much more
mischief arises from the too great action of heat, than from the
diminution of it. Nature never made any country too cold for its
inhabitants. In cold climates, she has made exercise, and even
fatigue habitual to them, not only from the necessity of their
situation, but from choice; their natural diversions being all of
the athletic or violent kind. But the softness and effeminacy of
modern manners, has both deprived us of our natural defence against
the diseases most incident to our climate, and subjected us to all
the inconveniencies of a warm one.

People are afraid of going out into the cold air; but if they
conduct themselves properly afterwards, they will never be in the
least danger from it. Indeed the action of cold, unless it be
excessive, never produces any bad effects.

Many of you will, no doubt, think me here in an error; but I hope
you will not long entertain that opinion. You will say that you have
had frequent experience to the contrary; that you have often gone
out into the cold air, and have caught dreadful colds. That this is