Hunner conducted bacteriological research on the
Luray Caverns and
Limair Sanatorium near
Luray, Virginia in 1902, discovering that the air coming from the Luray Caverns was very pure. Despite the scientific evidence, the idea never gained popularity. "But in spite of the bacteriologic purity of the air in Limair Sanitarium, I am sure many will protest against breathing the polluted, moldy emanations from a source never penetrated by the rays of the sun… I must confess this was my first impression, and the same prejudice has been expressed by many friends with whom I have conversed,” wrote Hunner. Arguing the experimental evidence, disinfecting qualities of lime, and pointing to the fact that “we find no organic matter in the caverns undergoing decomposition,” Hunner subsequently confessed himself a convert. == References ==