Spirit, Breath, and Air

Authors

Chloe Crawford

Print Reference

pp. 28-32

Abstract

Early settler views toward wilderness differed from Natives encountered in the New World. While Native Americans advocated balance and respect for their wilderness surroundings, European immigrants felt fear and repulsion toward it. However, their views on wilderness changed so much by the late 1800s that sanitariums were built in remote climates promoting outdoor air as a cure for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Just as the concept of wilderness emerged in opposition to civilization, fresh or pure air cannot be defined or appreciated until pollution takes hold. The success of climatic cures for respiratory disorders was pushed aside as western medicine advanced into sophisticated pharmacology and surgery.

Recommended Citation

Chloe Crawford (2015) "Spirit, Breath, and Air," Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education: Vol. 24: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.cortland.edu/taproot/vol24/iss1/6