CHANGE OF AIR, OR THE PHILOSOPHY OF TRAVELLING; BEING AUTUMNAL EXCURSIONS THROUGH FRANCE, SWITZERLAND, ITALY, GERMANY, AND BELGIUM; WITH OBSERVATIONS AND REFLECTIONS ON THE MORAL, PHYSICAL, TRAVELLING-EXERCISE, CHANGE OF SCENE, FOREIGN SKIES, AND VOLUNTARY EXPATRIATION. TO WHICH IS PREFIXED, Wear and Tear of Modern Babylon. BY JAMES JOHNSON, M. D. PHYSICIAN EXTRAORDINARY TO THE KING. LONDON: S. HIGHLEY, 174, FLEET STREET, MDCCCXXXI. PREFACE. As the title-page fully expresses the nature of this little volume, a few words only of Preface will be necessary. The Work consists of three Parts, united by the thread of the subject. The FIRST contains some observations on that WEAR and TEAR of mind and body, which we particularly remark in civilized life, and especially in large cities; together with some suggestions as to the antidote or remedy. The SECOND Part consists of reflections and observations made during excursions through France, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany, in the years 1823 and 1829; partly for recreation-but principally for renovation of health. The THIRD division contains some remarks and speculations on the moral, physical, and medicinal influence of foreign, and especially of an Italian climate and residence, in sickness and in health. In each of these divisions, the author hopes that he has been able to combine utility with some portion of amusement, for those (and they are many) who, like himself, seek an occasional renovation of health, in a temporary relaxation from the toils and cares of avocation. Novelty in description is now quite out of the question -and from description he has generally abstained. Impressions and reflections will continue to be varied, till the |