Edinburgh.
_Sneezing._--Concerning _sneezing_, it is a curious circumstance that if
any one should sneeze in company in North Germany, those present will say,
"Your good health;" in Vienna, gentlemen in a _cafe_ will take off their
hats, and say, "God be with you" and in Ireland Paddy will say, "God bless
your honour," or "Long life to your honour." I understand that in Italy and
Spain similar expressions are used and I think I remember {367} hearing,
that in Bengal the natives make a "salam" on these occasions.
There is also, I believe, a popular idea among some of sneezing having some
connexion with Satanic agency; and I lately met with a case where a
peculiar odour was invariably distinguishable by two sisters, on a certain
individual violently sneezing.
I shall be very much obliged if any of your readers can furnish me with any
facts, theories, or popular ideas upon this subject.