Wind, is a perceptible agitation or commotion of the atmosphere, occasioned by a strong current of air from one region to another.

The temperature of climates being greatly modified, by the winds; and navigation depending almost entirely on their influence, the origin of this powerful agent has naturally engaged the attention of many inquisitive naturalists: hence different theories have been framed, with a view to account for the cause of these changes ; but, as none of the conjectures appear to us conclusive, or satisfactory, we shall briefly state the effects produced on the human frame, by this airy meteor. - Thus, a south wind debilitates and relaxes the whole system; and disposes the body to catarrhal diseases : on the contrary, the north wind invigorates the animal fibre, and remarkably contributes to health ; because it dissipates noxious vapours, while it purifies the air, and renders it serene. - Winds blowing in the earlier part of the day, are of a drying nature; and, consequently, walking in the forenoon is more salutary than at any other period; whereas the evening breezes, being generally damp and cool, are less beneficial both to the healthy and infirm : besides, the latter are frequently accompanied with rain. - The relative salubrity of these various winds, however, greatly depends on local circumstances: for, if they blow across the sea, over mountains, or continents, they necessarily convey, and communicate to the atmosphere, a greater or less degree of cold or humidity. - See also Anemoscope ; Climate ; and Weather.