Personal hygiene and physical training for women

Front matter

I . . n I , nil • ». I ; li < * ' ‘ tu u« ( ii i ) H j tit 11 U Uiii i i .

22101414750

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Preface

The aim of this work has been to present in a clear and concise manner the fundamental physiological laws on which all personal hygiene is based ; together with the practical, detailed directions for the proper development of the body and the training of the physical powers to their highest degree of efficiency by means of fresh air, tonic baths, proper food and clothing, gymnastic and outdoor exercise, so that the tissues will be placed in the best possible condition to resist disease.

The spirit of the times demands nothing less than the most perfect development of body and mind of which youth is capable, and maintaining the highest degree of efficiency of the adult worker for the longest possible term of years. The fiat has gone forth from the American Medical Association for the scientific education of the public in the laws of hygiene and sanitation. And the great civic movement inaugurated by that same Association and the Committee of One Hundred on National Health for the establishment of a National Department of Public Health, promises to be crowned with success in the near future. And so it has been deemed superfluous to expound at length what preventive medicine has already accomplished in the short space of fifty years by the eradication of terrible epidemics and many diseases,

PREFACE and what a general knowledge of a])plied hygiene might reasonably be expected to accomplish in the near future.

It gives the author great pleasure to have this opportunity of expressing her deep indebtedness to Miss Ruth Blankenhorn, Vassar College, A. B., 1909, of Englewood, N. J., a most artistic and graceful dancer who posed for all the illustrations; and to Miss Harriet 1. Ballintine, the able director of the Vassar College Gymnasium, who arranged the poses for the very excellent plates illustrating the free exercises and classic dances. Also to the Vassar College Athletic Association for 1908-09 for the especially arranged dances and field sports which they were so extremely kind as to demonstrate for her benefit.

Anna M. Galbraith.

New York City, January, 1911.

Chapter I F

Description of the Skin: Functions of the Skin, the Physiologic Effects of Water, Hot and Cold; the Chief Varieties of Baths; Ablutions; the Tub Bath; the Alcohol Rub; the Cold Dip; Alkaline and Saline Baths; the Rain Douche or Shower Bath; the Hot Foot-bath; the Sitz Bath; Technic of the Wet Sheet; Wet Hand Rub; the Salt Glow; Salt Ablution; the Turkish Bath; the Electric-light Bath; Indica- ,tions for the Use of Turkish Bath, and Contraindications; the Douche; the Percussion Douche; Application of the Douche; Rationale of the Douche; Contraindications.

The Internal Use of Water; Its Action on the Heart and Blood, on the Digestion; Therapeutic Indications for the Use of Water; Contraindications for Drinking Cold Water; The French Cures of the Vosges.

Enemas; Vaginal Douche; Douching the Ear.

Chapter II

The Complexion; the Action of the Bath in Health; the Proper Time to Bathe; the Care of Wash-cloths; Cleansing the Face; Protection of the Face; the Use of So-^lled ('osmetics forthe Face; Facial Blemishes, Freckles, Liver Spots, Sallow Complexion, Pimples, Acne, Eczema, Wrinkles, and Superfluous Hair and Their Treatment; the Relation of Dis- < eases of the Skin to Internal Disorders.

The Hair; Dandruff; Causes and Treatment of Premature Thinness of the Hair and Baldness; the Care of the Hair; Gray Hair.

The Cosmetic Care and Treatment of the Hands; (.osmetic of the Nails; the Care of the Feet; Painful Affections of the Feet.

CHAPTER III The Digestive System and the Maintenance op Good Digestion

The Digestive Tract; the Care of the Mouth and Teeth; Digestion a Chemical Process; Digestion in the Small Intestine; the Microorganisms of the Alimentary Canal; the

3 CONTENTS

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The Digestive System and the Maintenance of Good Digestion (Continued)

Importance of a Varied Diet; Classification of Food-stufTs;

Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa; the Temperature of Foods and Drinks; Factors which Favor Good Digestion.

Overeating; Dietary in Sedentary Occi^ations; Heart Failure and Other Ills as the Result of Chronic Underfeeding; the Causes of Indigestion; the Symptoms of Indigestion; Intestinal Indigestion; Bihousness and Bilious Attacks; Ptomain Poisoning; Diet in Indigestion; Treatment of Acute Diarrhea; Chronic Intestinal Catarrh; Constipation and Mental Troubles; Treatment of Constipation.

The Physiologic Action of Moderate Doses of Alcohol; the Effect of Alcohol on the Muscular System; the Effect of Alcohol on the Nervous System.

CHAPTER IV The Respiratory and Circulatory Systems: the Kidneys. . 125

The Mechanics of Circulation and Respiration; the Circulatory Apparatus; the Lungs; Hygiene of the Lungs and Its Illation to the General Health; Relation of Respiration to Body Heat; the Respiratory Functions of the Abdominal Muscles; the Importance of Good Chest Development, Proper Relation Between the Height, Weight, and Chest Measurements; Chemical Properties of Air; Town and Country Air; Dust and Its Relations to Disease; Role Played by Bacteria; Ventilation; the Injurious Effects of Overheated Air; the Proper Degree of Moisture for the Air of the House; Ventilation of Bed-rooms.

Care of the Nose, Throat, and Ears; Impediments to Respiration; Ventilation of the Lungs and Breathing Exercises; Cure of Chronic Bronchitis by Deep Breathing Exercises; Relation of Colds to Pneumonia and Tuberculosis, and Their Prevention.

The Kidneys and Their Functions; the Physiology of the Female Pelvic Organs.

CHAPTER V The Nervous System as the Balance of Power in the

Body 172

The Brain the Master Organ of the Body; the Functions of the Brain; Habit and Automatism; the Physiologv of the Brain and Nervous System; the Hygiene of Work; the Toxins of Fatigue; Overwork; Signs of Overwork; Nature’s Restoratives; Avocation; and Physiologic Necessity for Laughter; Vacations and Health; Sleep; Insomnia.

The Eyes; Eye-strain; Description of the Visual Apparatus; Optical Defects and Their Correction; the Mechanism of Eye-strain; Local Symptoms of Eye-strain; Arti-

CONTENTS ficial Lighting; Hygienic Precautions in Reading and Sew- Injuries to the Eyes; Symptoms and Treatment of

Headache; Neurasthenia,

PAGE

CHa\PTER VI

The Hygiene of the Mind and its Relation to the Physical

Health •.

Heredity; Temperament; Social Instincts; Fear.

Mental Development; Self-control, the Moral feease, the Reli<^ious Instincts; the Advantages of <^ollege Life, Balance°of the Mental Faculties; the Effects of the Higher Education of Women. _ . , .... ,

The Environment; the Choice of Friends; Literature.

The Power of the WiU or Inhibition; theEffect oi the Mental Attitude on the Physical Health; A Definite Occupation a Physical Necessity; the Psychology of Success.

CHAPTER VII Dress the Fundamental Cause of Woman’s Physical

Deterioration u-

The History of Woman’s Dress; the Corset in History; the Crusade Against the Corset; the In^ence of the Corset on the Female Body; the Curved Front Corset; the Relation of Corsets to Abdominal and Pelvic Disorders, the Effects of Corsets on the Muscles; the Straight Front Corset; the Abdominal Conset; the Wearing of Corsets by Young Girls, What Style of Corset is the Least Injunous; the Shoe , the Stockings; the Essential Qualities for Winter UndercloBung;

Se Len|th of the Walking Skirt; the Winter Street Dress.

CHAPTER VIII Physical Training the Key to Health and Beauty 271

The Ancient Greeks the Most Perfect Type of Beauty; the Cause of the Inferior Physique of American Women; the Physical Training of the Japanese Women; Improved Physique as the Result of Physical Training; Increasing Stature and Improved Physique of America,n Men, Report of the Royal Commission of Great Britain on Physical Training; Physical Training Among the Ancients; the Influence of Physical Training on the Health pd Life of the Individual; the Effect of Exercise on Brmn Development and Character; the Physiolo^ and Pathology of Exercise; the Relative Proportions of a Perfect Female Form- Tkble of Standard Weights for Women; the Muscular System; the Benefits of Exercise; Passive Exercise; Massage; the Balance and Carriage of the Body; Common

CONTENTS

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Physical Training the Key to Health and Beauty (Continued)

Defects in the Carriage of the iiody; the Heart’s Need of Exercise; the Gymnasium in the Campaign Against Disease; Gymnastic versus Atldetic Training; Exercise After Eating; Effect of Brain Fatigue on Body Fatigue, and vice versa; Marks for Pliysical Efficiency; Advantages Derived from Athletic Sports; Ethical Value of Sports for Women; Forms of Athletic Games Best Suited to Women.

CHAPTER IX Symmetric Development: Good Carriage and Grace of

Motion Through Gymnastics and Athletics 311

Gymnasiums, Baths, and Athletic Associations: a P’undamental Part of a Woman’s College and a Model M'oman’s Club; the Vassar College Gymnasium; the New York Colony Club; the Yomig Women’s Christian Association; Self-made Good Physique through Physical Training Rules for Taking Exercise; Gymnastic Dress; the Configuration of tlie Foot; Correct Attitude in Standing.

Corrective Exercises: Exercises for Developing the

Various Regions of the Body; Shoulder-blade Exercises; Respiratory Exercises; Exercise for Forward Projection of Chest and Retraction of Abdomen; Shoulder and Back Exercises; Leg Exercises; Squatting Exercises for Muscles of Spine and Abdomen; Alternate Kneeling; Abdominal Exercises; Balancing Exercises for Poise and Carriage; Balancing Exercises for Extending Depth of Chest; Lateral Trunk and Waist Exercises; Exercises for Muscles of Back; Exercises for Muscles of Abdomen; Swimming Exercises, for Back, Thighs, and Abdomen; Rope-pulling Exercises for Back, Chest, Waist, Legs, and Arms; Exercises in Trunk Flexions for Back, Abdomen, and Legs; Exercises with Chest Weights for Chest, Shoulders, and Arms; Boxing and Fencing; Classic and .Esthetic Dancing an Essential Feature in Physical Ti’aining.

Outdoor Exercises: Effect of Walking on the Heart and Lungs; Running; Mountain Climbing; Swimming; Horseback Riding as an Exercise; Rowing.

Athletic Sports: Croquet; Lawn-tennis; Golf; Hockey; Basket-ball.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

AND

PHYSICAL TRAINING FOR WOMEN

Chapter I

Description of the Skin; Functions of the Skin; Eff?rof"wTte°, Hot and cold; tig CUof Var^ iSne^^ancI tions; the Tub Bath; the Alcohol Rub; ^old Di^

SaUne Baths; the Rain Douche or Shower Bath, the Hot ^oot bat n the Sitz Bath; Technic of the Wet Sheet; Wet Hand Rub the Salt rinw- Salt Ablution' the Turkish Bath; the Electric-hght Bat , Sdicktions for the Use of Turkish Bath, and Contramdi^a^^^^ the Douche; the Percussion Douche; Application of the Douche, Rationale of the Douche; Contraindications. , ,

The Internal Use of Water; Its Action on the Heart and Blood, on the Digestion; Therapeutic Indications for the Use ot water. Contraindications for Drinking Cold Water; the French Cures o

the Vosges. . ,

Enemas; Vaginal Douche; Douching the Ear.

The term hydrotherapy will be used here in its broadest sense, and may be defined as the hygienic and systematic use of water, both externally and internally, for the preservation and restoration of health and the prevention of disease.

The hygienic and therapeutic value of the systematic use of water is just beginning to be appreciated by the medical profession. When this newly acquired knowledge is put to practical use by the great masses of the people, there will be a greatly diminished necessity for the use^ of drugs. Indeed, water has been pronounced by a high medical authority to be, and probably is, more nearly a panacea for all human ills than an}^ other known agent.

The bath is generally considered merely as a cleansing procedure, whereas this is only one of its beneficial effects. There is, in addition, the stimulation of all the functions and organs of the body obtained through the temperature of the water, and the mechanical stimulation which is obtained by the mode of application.

Fig. 1. — Vertical section of skin, sbg, Sebaceous glands; ep, epidermis; h, hair; d, derma (Fox).

Again, the skin is not a mere covering for the body, but one of its most important organs, with well-defined functions ; so that, in order to obtain a clear understanding of the subject, it is necessary first to consider briefly the functions of the skin; and, secondly, the physiologic action of water.

Description of the Skin. — The skin is a very sensitive and complex organ, and upon the condition of the skin and the vicissitudes to which it is exposed the health of the individual is dependent to a very great degree.

The skin is composed of three distinct layers — the epidermis, the corium or true skin, and the subcutaneous connective tissue. The appendages of the skin are the hair, nails, the sebaceous and sweat-glands. This complicated structure is supplied with blood-vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

The Epidermis. — The outer layer of this is the horny layer; when a blister is formed, its fluid raises the entire epidermis from the true skin. The flat scales forming the homy layer are continually being thrown off ; this process of desquamation is increased by the friction of the clothes, of bathing, massage, and so forth, and is as constantly being replaced by new cells from underneath.

The corium, or true skin, is the most important part of the integument. This is a thick, felt-like tissue which is pierced in all directions for the passage of the blood-vessels, lymphatics, sweat-ducts, and nerves, and affords lodgment for the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The tension of the skin is produced by its muscular stmcture and elastic network, and is subject to temperature changes. This power of contractility is known as the tone of the skin.

The skin has two kinds of glands, the sebaceous and sweat-glands. The sebaceous glands consist of a gland stmcture, with a short excretory duct, which opens upon the epidermis or into the hair follicles. These glands secrete an oily substance, which keeps the hair and skin soft and protects them from the sweat.

There exists in the sebaceous glands of the skin an infinite number of vulnerable points for infection, and the greater part of the process of cleanliness is directed toward their protection. If in any part of the skin there is an accumulation of bacilli, their toxins, or excretions, and, at the same point, a collection of sebum, the friction of the clothes, caused by the movements of the body, becomes an active agent in effecting their absorption by the skin. Hence, the scientific basis for the necessity of the daily bath.

In the subcutaneous tissue we find the fat ; it is this part of the skin that contributes to the roundness and beauty of the body. It is increased by abundant fatty food, sedentary habits, and freedom from care.

Functions of the Skin. — The skin exercises three distinct functions: first, as an organ of sense; second, as an organ of excretion ; and third, as an organ of heat regulation.

Next to sight, the sense of touch is the most important of all the senses. Through this sense the human organism is made conscious of its contact with the outer world. The cutaneous nerve-endings stand guard, as it were, over most of the functions of the human body.

The importance of the action of the skin as an organ of excretion will be better understood from the weU-known fact that the skin is one of the most important aids to the kidneys. That the perspiration and the urine are to a certain extent vicarious excretions has been proved.

The blood is the circulating medium w’hich not only serves to convey nutritive materials from the stomach to the tissues, and the excrementitious materials from the tissues to the excretory glands, but also to equalize the body temperature. It conveys the surplus heat from the interior of the body to the surface, where it may be dissipated by conduction, radiation, and evaporation. Nearly nine-tenths of the daily heat-loss takes place through the skin; and of this, one-seventh is due to evaporation, which is enormously increased by perspiration.

The amount of perspiration produced daily is about two pints, or in the neighborhood of of the body weight. This is double the amount of water thrown off by the lungs. The watery portions of the perspiration are readily evaporated, and the solid constituents are deposited upon the skin. Urea and uric acid, together with more subtle poisons, are found in the sweat.

Animal Heat. — The heat of the body is wholly derived from foods, which, when completely oxidized within the body, produce practically the same amount of heat and energy that would be generated by their combustion outside the body.

But it is essential, in order to keep the body of warmblooded animals at a constant or normal temperature, that an increase in the heat-production should be accompanied by a corresponding increase in the heat dissipation; the functions are reciprocal, and this equilibrium is regulated and maintained by a special nervous and functional mechanism.

The automatic protective measures against the effects of heat are:

First. — Dilatation of the cutaneous vessels and an acceleration of the circulation through the skin and the subcutaneous tissue. By this means the dissipation of heat is increased; the sweat at the temperature of the blood, deposited upon the surface of the body, evaporates under favorable circumstances, and in this way considerable amounts of heat are abstracted from the body. In consequence of sweating and its evaporation, the blood circulating through the skin is cooled, and returning to the internal organs at a lowered temperature, prevents their overheating.

Second. — Should the action of heat be continued for a greater length of time, a large amount of blood will be retained in the skin in consequence of the loss of tonicity of the cutaneous vessels ; the cutaneous circulation will be slowed, and thereby the blood, heated at the surface of the body, is prevented from returning to the internal organs and so overheating them.

Third. — In consequence of the accumulated amount of blood in the skin, a diminished amount of blood will remain in the internal organs; thus their activity, and thereby also the production of heat, will be lessened.

In these processes will be found a safeguard against the excessively rapid penetration of heat to the internal organs, and against the unduly rapid elevation of the body temperature through thermic influences.

As a result of the stimulating influence of cold, there first occurs contraction of the skin and its vessels. This, by restricting the dissipation of heat, brings about perfect compensation if the abstraction of heat be but slight; and but partial compensation, if the abstraction of heat is more marked. In the latter event the body temperature will continue to decline, to a greater or less degree; in the former it will remain constant.

The role played by the skin in maintenance of the normal temperature of the body is indispensable.

The normal temperature of the adult human body is 98.6° F. in the axilla; the temperature in the mouth is five-tenths of a degree higher than that of the axilla, and that of the rectum and vagina is one degree higher than that of the mouth.

Fasting, sleep, and short applications of heat all decrease heat-production ; during sleep the temperature of the body falls half a degree or more.

Respiration by the skin varies from ^ to 1 per cent, of the total amount of oxygen taken into the body, and a somewhat lower percentage of carbonic acid is thrown off through this channel.

The skin absorbs substances in watery solutions with difficulty, on account of the oil lying upon and in the epidermis; substances dissolved in oil and mbbed in are more rapidly absorbed ; absorption takes place rapidly after the skin has been washed with ether, chloroform, or alcohol.

The Physiologic Effects of Water. — These depend on whether the water is taken internally or applied externally. If applied externally, the effects will depend upon the temperature, whether hot, tepid, or cold; also on the manner of application, but, most of all, on the length of time which it is applied and the state of health of the individual.

The temperature of water is classified as very cold, from 32° to 55° F.; as cold, from 55° to 65° F.; cool, from 65° to 80° F.; tepid, 80° to 92° F.; warm, 92° to 98° F.; hot, 98° to 104° F.; very hot, 104° F. and above.

Heat. — A general hot bath produces dilatation of the vessels of the skin and contraction of the vessels of the brain; a general activity of the glands of the skin, both perspiratory and sebaceous. Perspiration may be produced, either to the degree of slight moisture or of profuse sweating, according to the length of time and the intensity of the application made. In a very hot bath the rate of perspiration may be increased from fifty to sixty times the ordinary amount. The most pronounced effect possible may be secured by either the electric light or sun bath.

Loss of fluids from the body has a depressing effect similar to, though somewhat less marked than, that produced by bleeding, so that there is a vital necessity for administering water internally before, during, and after the bath.

Prolonged and repeated perspirations induced by artificial means weaken the skin, and thus lessen its power to resist cold impressions, unless counteracted by frequent cold applications.

The general and usual reactions following the applications of heat are atonic and depressing in character. For the most part, the reactions following cold applications are to be preferred to those following hot ones.

The three great vascular areas of the body are the muscles, the portal system, and the skin. Each of these parts may be regarded as a great reservoir, capable of retaining a large part of the entire * amount of blood of the body. When one of these areas is in a state of congestion, the others must be in a comparative state of anemia.

The restorative effects due to the application of heat are due partly to the elimination of fatigue poisons which is thereby encouraged, as well as by the reflex stimulation of the nerve-centers. The good effects are much more decided and lasting, and the exhausting effects neutralized, if the hot application is followed by a short cold one.

The effects of a neutral bath, 92° to 95° F., is sedative, diminishing nervous irritability.

A hot-water bottle or fomentations, placed over the stomach for an hour or two after eating, increase the gastric secretions, and, when placed over the liver, increase the flow of bile.

The Physiologic Effects of Cold. — In suitable cases a short general application of cold is a pow'erful heart tonic. Cold causes a contraction of the vessels of the skin and of those of the brain, with a dilatation of the internal vessels. There are pallor and coldness of the skin, and an almost instantaneous suspension of perspiration, which is dangerous only when the body is in a state of fatigue.

If the application of cold is long continued, the surface becomes blue, the temperature of the muscles beneath the skin is lowered, thus checking heat-production in these muscles; the circulation is slowed, and the heart's action is diminished in frequency. There is a gooseflesh appearance of the skin; a sensation of chilliness, trembling, shivering, chattering of the teeth; at first a quickening and then slowing of the pulse, and deep gasping respiration.

When the cold application is considerably prolonged, the tendency to reaction is suppressed. There is an exhaustion of the nerve-centers as well as of the heat-producing powers of the body. Thus, the system gradually loses its power to resist the depressing effects of cold. The repeated* chillings of the body increase the length of time required to return to the normal temperature. Applications of water below the temperature of the body always lower the temperature.

Reaction. — If the application of cold is of very short duration, of very low temperature, and given under high pressure, the phenomena of reaction begin immediately on its cessation.

The reaction consists in a dilatation of the surface capillaries, with contraction of the internal vessels; redness of the skin; the skin is smooth, soft, and supple; there is a sensation of warmth, comfort, and well-being;

respiration is slower and deeper; there are a fall of the internal temperature and increase of perspiration.

Certain measures to favor reaction should be taken before the bath, such as exposure to the air of a warm room, drinking hot water, and short exercise of a rather vigorous kind.

During the bath the measures which favor reaction are short, sudden applications of cold, friction while in the bath with the hand, and pressure effects in the douche.

After the bath reaction is favored by vigorous rubbing, a thorough drying of the body, warm clothing, warm air of the room, and as vigorous exercise as the strength of the individual will permit.

Conditions which are unfavorable to healthy reaction are: old age, infancy, exhaustion, either temporary or from an excessive loss of sleep, or extreme nervous exhaustion, obesity, rheumatic diathesis, unhealthy or inactive skin, profuse perspiration when accompanied by a state of fatigue, extreme nervous irritability, a very low temperature of the skin, an immediately preceding or impending chill, and extreme aversion to cold applications.

The average temperature of the human nude skin is in the neighborhood of 90° F. The difference between the temperature of the skin and water is the chief element in determining the reaction of the individual. It is evident that water at a temperature of 90° F. would be neutral or indifferent; the difference of intensity of effect is in proportion to the difference of temperature of the water and skin. The duration of the cold procedure is an important element in the production of reaction. It may be laid down as a rule never to give any cold-water application without friction. The physical and psychic state of the individual exerts more or less influence upon his reactive capacity. An anemic, or otherwise depressed individual must be managed with great circumspection, because she bears heat abstraction badly. The hydriatic procedure must always be adapted to the reactive capacity of the bather.

The woman must be thoroughly rubbed after the bath until a good reaction has occurred. Especial attention must be paid to the feet and legs. The bather should first be rubbed with a warm towel or sheet, and then with the bare hands of the attendant, as the warm hand greatly facilitates the reaction. The bather is by no means dry when the skin ceases to feel wet. So long as the skin is soft and spongy, it still contains moisture which has been absorbed by the superficial layers of the epidermis. The absorbed moisture, being left to evaporate after the bath, the individual is liable to become chilly and contract a cold, which is erroneously attributed to the bath itself.

Other injurious effects following imperfect reaction after the cold bath are secondary chills or a continuous chill lasting for several hours. The hands and feet are cold, there is headache, not infrequently dian’hea, and other evidences of intemal congestion, such as abdominal or ovarian pain, vertigo, etc.

Reaction may be favored by covering the patient with blankets, surrounding her with hot-water bottles, and giving her hot tea to drink. Exercise should follow the bath. Walking for from twenty minutes to an hour is the most usual form of exercise. Very vigorous exercise for a short time cannot be substituted for moderate exercise for a longer time.

The Tonic Effect of Cold Upon the System. — The effect of cold upon the muscles, when given in the form of a cold bath, douche, or spray, is to augment muscular energy and tone to a very great extent; this increased muscular tonicity is the cause of the slight shivering. The cold douche, if short, one or two seconds, — and given with a pressure of from 25 to 30 pounds, is a powerful restorative in fatigue resulting from severe muscular effort, but it must be immediately preceded by a short hot bath, and must be followed by vigorous rubbing and wrapping in a hot blanket.

Short cold applications cause elevation of temperature and increased metabolism, while prolonged cold applications cause a fall of temperature and decrease of metabolism.

The tonic effect of cold water is believed to be due to the stimulation of the sympathetic nerve-centers. The sympathetic nervous system controls the blood-vessels, heart, the functions of secretion and excretion; and, indeed, all the vital functions of the body.

The sensation of well-being which accompanies the reaction following a general cold application is largely due to an increased activity of the cerebral circulation. Cold water is a physiologic tonic, and the cold bath, properly employed, increases the vital resistance to pathologic processes.

All applications of water at a temperature low enough to provoke vital resistance are tonic; hence, tonic effects are produced by all temperatures below 90° F., but the most certain and pronounced results are obtained from the douche in every form, which adds mechanical impact to the thermic effects of cold. The most durable tonic effects are produced by the frequent use of very cold and very short baths.

A tepid bath causes a lowering of the body temperature.

The Chief Varieties of Baths. — These, in the order of frequency with which they are used, are: ablutions; tub; foot-tub; sitz; salt sponge; wet sheet; shower; Turkish ; horizontal jet; needle; fan douche; Scotch douche; percussion douche; Roman and electric-light baths.

Ablutions or Sponge Baths. — These baths are of universal use. The sponge is one of the dirtiest and most impossible articles of the toilet to clean and to keep clean. It is a collector of dirt and germs, and should be banished from every bath-room and from every house. It is not sufficient that each member of the family should have her own sponge; it is quite possible for the individual to become infected or reinfected from her own sponge. Incidentally, it does not afford sufficient friction, and thus does not favor reaction. In taking ablutions, the application of water may be made with the hand, though it is best made by means of a wash towel. The good effects of the simple ablution will be greatly enhanced by the use of the hat tub, and this especially where there is no bathtub in the house.

When the bath is taken for the purpose of cleanliness, the water should be warm or hot, and pure Castile soap is one of the best that can be used. If the skin is rough, a good sand soap will be more beneficial. The bath should be completed by dashing cold water over the body with the wash-towel.