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One of thirty regions or zones, parallel to the equator, into which the surface of the earth from the equator to the pole was divided, according to the successive increase of the length of the midsummer day.

The condition of a place in relation to various phenomena of the atmosphere, as temperature, moisture, etc., especially as they affect animal or vegetable life.

One of thirty regions or zones, parallel to the equator, into which the surface of the earth from the equator to the pole was divided, according to the successive increase of the length of the midsummer day.

The condition of a place in relation to various phenomena of the atmosphere, as temperature, moisture, etc., especially as they affect animal or vegetable life.

The weather conditions of a place, especially as regards temperature, moisture, etc.

The condition of a country or place with regard to temperature, moisture, etc.

Temperature and atmospheric conditions of a country; region of country distinguished by a certain temperature, &c.

The temperature and atmospheric conditions of a locality.

A region; clime.

The condition of a region of the earth's surface as regards temperature and atmospheric changes in their relation to or effects upon plants and animals; anciently one of the thirty zones into which the space between the equator and the pole was divided agreeably to the obliquity of the sun's course to the horizon, as causing the inequality of day and night.

The condition of a place or country with respect to the weather that prevails; a region or district of country.

In geography, the word climate is applied to a space on the terrestrial globe, comprised between two circles parallel to the equator, and arbitrarily measured according to the length of the days. In a hygienic point of view, we understand by climate, since Hippocrates, a country or region, which may differ from another in respect to season, qualities of the soil, heat of atmosphere, &c. Climate, indeed, embraces, in a general manner, all the physical circumstances belonging to each region,-circumstances which exert considerable influence on living beings. The dark complexion of the inhabitants of the torrid zone is easily distinguishable from the paleness of those of the frigid,-so are the diseases. They are all modified, more or less, by climate or locality. Hot climates predispose to abdominal complications in febrile affections; cold climates to thoracic, &c. One of the most important considerations with regard to climates is their comparative fitness for the residence of invalids, and especially of those who are liable to, or suffering under, catarrhal or consumptive affections. The great object, in such cases, is to select a climate which will admit of regular and daily exercise in the open air, so that the invalid may derive every advantage which this form of revulsion is capable of effecting. To an inhabitant of the northern and middle portions of the United States-and the same applies to Great Britain, France, and the northern parts of the old world-a more southern climate alone affords these advantages in an eminent degree. During the summer months there are few, if any, diseases, which require a milder climate than that of the United States, or of the milder districts of Europe. The temperature of the winter months is, consequently, the most important object of attention. Equability of temperature is essential, inasmuch as all sudden changes interfere with the great desideratum-exercise in the open air. In the whole continent of North America the changes are very sudden and extensive. It is not uncommon for the range to be 40, between two successive days. So far, therefore, as this applies, the American climate is not well adapted to the invalid. In the southern portions, however, of the Union, this objection is counterbalanced by many advantages. The following tables exhibit the mean temperature of the year, and of the different seasons with the mean temperature of the warmest and coldest months at different places in America, Europe, Africa, &c., as deduced from the excellent paper of Von Humboldt on Isothermal Lines, the Meteorological Registers kept by the surgeons of the United States army, under the direction of Surgeon-generals Lovell and Lawson, 1822 to 1854, inclusive, the work of Sir James Clark on Climate, &c. Certain of the tables show the mean monthly temperature, maximum, minimum and range, as well as the greatest daily, and mean daily range during the corresponding months -but of different years-at some of the prominent retreats for the valetudinarian in Great Britain, on the continent of Europe, and in the African islands. It is proper, however, to remark, that in no situations, except in those to which an asterisk is affixed, was the register thermometer used. In the others, the observations were made during the day only, and consequently the numbers given are far below the real range throughout the twenty-four hours. The places are ranged in the order of their mean temperature. In the United States, the most favourable region for the phthisical invalid is that of Florida, -especially of Pensacola. St. Augustine is frequently chosen, but it is liable to north-east storms, which interfere with the out-door movements of the valetudinarian, and are the source of much discomfort. Still, great benefit has often been derived from it as a winter retreat. Of the Atlantic Isles, Madeira appears to be best adapted for the consumptive, and those affected with chronic bronchitis. In Italy, Rome, and Pisa,-and in England, Torquay and Undercliff, are to be preferred. Chronic rheumatism and gout are benefited by a warm climate, which, again, is unfavourable to those who are predisposed to cerebral diseases, especially to such as are characterized by debility and mobility of the nervous system-as paralysis, epilepsy, mania, &c. Hypochondriasis and dyspepsia require rather change of climate and travelling exercise than a sojourn in any one. (See the Author's Human Health, Philad., 1844). For the mortality of different countries and cities, see Mortality.

The meteorological conditions that generally prevail in a given region of the earth's surface. [Gr.]

n. [Greek] One of thirty regions or zones of the earth parallel to the equator; —condition of a place in relation to temperature, moisture, &c.

A space upon the surface of the earth, measured from the equator to the polar circles; in each of which spaces the longest day is half an hour lorger. From the polar circles to the poles climates are measured by the in create of a month ; a region or tract of land differing from another by the temperature of the air.