Dr. Weddell is in error, however, in stating that pulmonary diseases are quite prevalent in La Paz, if among pulmonary diseases he includes consumption. As already stated, cases of pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs, consequent upon undue exposure to the night air, are of frequent occurrence, and are apt to be speedily fatal, while cases of consumption are rare. On the contrary, La Paz is the chief resort for pulmonary patients from the south Pacific coast, but, on account of its great attitude, is not a desirable point, if the disease has reached an advanced stage, or if there is any coëxistent organic heart trouble or nervous affection.
The only other record of temperature for any part of Bolivia, kept for a continuous period, is that for the city of Oruro, situated in latitude 18° 62' and longitude 67° 12', and, according to the map just issued by the Antofagasta and Oruro Railway Company, at an elevation of 3,694.49 meters (12,122 feet), but according to all previously published measurements, about 13,000 feet above the sea.
This record, which was kept by Señor Carlos Petot, vice-consul of France resident in that city, is as follows:
A table should appear at this position in the text. See Help:Table for formatting instructions. |