Foremost among such influences alcohol claims first place, and unquestionably not only predisposes to all diseases brought on by heat, but lends much greater gravity to an attack--the drunkard rarely recovering from true sunstroke, and frequently dying from the much less dangerous heat-prostration. It is said that the latter condition is particularly prone to occur after freely indulging in beer or other malt liquors. Not only does alcohol predispose to these morbid states, but other influences that depress the general vitality are more or less apt to predispose to the production of both, such as loss of sleep, overwork, worry, excessive eating, and insufficient food. The danger is greater when there is excessive moisture in the air, so that at such times we should particularly avoid excesses of all kinds, and as far as possible, keep out of the direct rays of the sun. _Frost-bite._--In the extreme northern and northwestern portions of the United States frost-bite is not uncommon in winter. The part attacked becomes suddenly bloodless, presenting much the appearance of the skin after death. The victim is usually not aware of the fact as at first there is no pain. As soon as a condition of this kind is observed,--and in cold countries persons are quick to inform the victim when they notice it,--the place should be vigorously rubbed with a piece of ice, or with a handful of snow, and this should be continued until the circulation again returns as evidenced by the parts becoming reddened. A rapid warming of the affected parts is not advisable, the result being not unlike that of a burn. _Chilblains._--Many persons suffer during the winter from chilblains--this being a state in which more or less pain and itching is produced in a part as the result of poor circulation. Such a condition is usually the result of a combination of cold with the affected part being more or less compressed, and as a consequence, we find that troubles of this kind are more frequently in the feet--particularly where tight shoes are worn. The remedy for troubles of this character is to wear loose-fitting shoes, and to thoroughly protect the parts by appropriate woolen socks. It is particularly of importance to change the socks often, since as soon as they become moistened with perspiration a tendency to a recurrence of the trouble is very great. Drugs are of no particular use in conditions of this kind. Chilblains are more commonly suffered in Europe than in America. One young American lady in Paris acquired them one winter, and "knowing no better," as she told the writer, cured herself by "boiling the chilblains"--soaking her feet in the hottest water she could endure. The affliction did not return; and the novel recipe was delightedly followed by all the art-students of the neighborhood.