Night air

Prior to the late 19th century, night air was considered dangerous in most Western cultures. Based on “zymotic” theory, people believed vapors called “miasma” (plural "miasmata") rose from the soil and spread diseases. Miasmata was believed to come from rotting vegetation and foul water—especially in swamps and urban ghettos.

Many people, especially the weak or infirm, avoided breathing night air by going indoors and keeping windows and doors shut.

In addition to ideas associated with zymotic theory, there was also a general fear that cold or cool air spread disease.

The fear of night air gradually disappeared as understanding about disease increased as well as with improvements in home heating and ventilation.

Particularly important was the understanding that the agent spreading malaria was the mosquitoes (active at night) rather than miasmata.

See also

References

Night Air

"Night Air" is a song by British singer-songwriter Jamie Woon released as the lead single from his debut album, Mirrorwriting.

Background

Woon described finishing the song as one of the highlights of the album-making process:

Critical reception

David Drake from Pitchfork Media noted the song for being "impeccably crafted", recreating the nocturnal elements, which render the listener a "lonely midnight victim of fever or desire". He added that the "powerful" track's "exotic sexuality" is highlighted by Woon's vocals and seduction.The Observer reviewer Kitty Empire called the track "otherworldly magic" and "dark".NME described it as "antsily infectious, scratchy and edgy".

Formats and track listings

Credits and personnel