ates with greater rapidity than that of adults, and a proportionably greater amount of waste matter is thrown off from their systems.

681. The under-garments worn during the day should not be worn at night, or the reverse. When under-garments are worn several successive days or nights, they should not be put in drawers, or hung up in a close closet, as soon as taken from the body, but should be exposed to a current of air.

682. Occupied beds should be thoroughly aired in the morning. The excretions from the skin are most abundant during the hours of sleep; and if the sheets and blankets, together with the bed, are not aired every morning, by being so arranged that both surfaces may be exposed to the air, the materials eliminated from the skin will be retained in the meshes of the bed-clothing, and may be conveyed into the system of the next occupant, by absorption. Oftentimes diseases of a disagreeable nature are contracted in this way. This fact should be instilled into every mother's and daughter's mind.

Observation. Bed-linen should not be put on a bed when it is not sufficiently dried, or contains moisture from the excretions of the skin, nor should beds or bedding be slept in, that have remained in a damp room that has not been occupied for many weeks, unless the dampness is removed from the bedlinen by a warming-pan, or in some other way.

683. Changes of dress, from thick to thin, should always be made in the morning. At this time the vital powers are usually in full play. Many a young lady has laid the foundation of a fatal disease, by disregarding this rule, in exchanging the thick dress, with woollen stockings, for the flimsy dress and hose of silk or cotton, which are considered suitable

681. Should the garments worn during the day be worn at night? 682. What is said respecting the cleanliness of beds and bedding? Why should not bed-linen that is damp be slept in? 683. When should shange of dress from thick to thin be made? Why?

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for the ball-room or party. Sudden changes in wearing. apparel, as well as in food and general habits, are attended with hazard; and this is proportionate to the weakness or exhaustion of the system when the change is made.

684. When the clothing has become wet, it is best to change it immediately. The skin should then be rubbed with a dry crash towel, until reaction, indicated by redness, is produced. If the garments are not changed, the person should exercise moderately, so that sufficient heat may continue to be gener ated in the system to dry the clothing and skin without a chill. Sitting in a cool shade, or current of air, should, by all means, be avoided; as colds are not contracted by free and excessive exercise, but by injudicious management after such exercise.

Observation. When an individual has been thrown into a profuse perspiration by violent exercise, though the skin and clothing may become wet, he feels no inconvenience from the dampness, as long as he continues that amount of exercise; for the reason that the circulation of the blood being increased, heat is generated in sufficient quantity to replace the amount abstracted from the system in evaporating the free perspiration; but as soon as the exercise is discontinued, the increased circulation subsides, and with it the extra amount of generated heat. This accounts for the chill we experience, when the damp clothing is permitted to dry on the body, after the cessation of exercise.

684. What suggestion when the clothing has become wet? What should be done if the garments are not changed? What causes the chill that is experienced when damp clothing is permitted to dry on the body?

CHAPTER XXXIV.

HYGIENE OF THE SKIN, CONTINUED.

685. BATHING, its necessity and expediency, is obvious from the structure and the functions of the skin. The cuticle is cast off in minute, powdery scales, many of which are retained upon the surface by the pressure of clothing. These mingle with the oily and saline products of the skin, and form a thin crust. This crust, on account of its adhesiveness, collects particles of dust and soot from the atmosphere, and particles of foreign matter from our dress; so that in the course of the day the whole body becomes coated with impurities. If this coating remains, becomes thick and established upon the skin, it will produce the following effects:

686. 1st. The pores will be obstructed, consequently transpiration impeded, and the influence of the skin as an excretory entirely prevented. When the pores are obstructed, and transpiration is checked, the elements of the transpired fluids will necessarily be retained in the system; and, as they are injurious and poisonous if retained, they must be removed by those organs whose functions in the animal economy are similar, as the lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines, &c.

687. When these organs are called upon to perform their offices, and in addition that of another, the healthy equilibrium is destroyed, and the oppressed organ will suffer from exhaustion, and become the prey of disease. Thus, obviously, habits of uncleanliness are a cause of consumption and other seri

685. Show the necessity for bathing. 686. What effect upon the body if the pores of the skin are obstructed? 687. What is the effect when an organ not only performs its own specific function, but that of another?

Dus diseases of the vital organs. Again, obstruction of the pores will prevent respiration through the skin, thus depriving the blood of one source of its oxygen, and one outlet of its carbonic acid, which will diminish the temperature of the system, and the same results follow as when the clothing is inadequate.

688. 2d. The retained perspirable matter will irritate the skin, both mechanically and chemically; and this membrane will be kept damp and cold, from attraction and detention of moisture; and foreign material, as before adverted to, once removed from the system, may be reconveyed into it by absorption. As a consequence, cutaneous eruptions and diseases will be produced, and the re-absorption of matter once separated from the system, will be the exciting cause of other injurious disorders.

689. 3d. A film of foreign substance on the skin will inevitably become the seat of detention of miasmata and infectious vapors. These will remain until absorbed, and engender the diseases of which they are the peculiar cause. This is one reason why filthy persons contract infectious diseases more frequently than individuals of cleanly habits.

690. Bathing is useful to promote cleanliness. In this capacity, it enables us to remove the coating of impurities from the exterior of our persons. It effects this purpose by dissolving saline matters, and holding in temporary suspension those substances which are insoluble.

691. The cuticle is composed of a substance resembling the dried white of egg, or, in a word, albumen. This is solu ble in alkalies, and these are the agents which are commonly employed for purifying the skin. Soap is a compound of the alkali soda with oil, the former being in excess. When used

688. How are cutaneous eruptions frequently produced? 689. How are infectious vapors transmitted to the system? 690. How does bathing promote cleanliness? 691. Why is it necessary to use soap in bathing?

for washing, the excess of alkali combining with the oily fluid, with which the skin is naturally bedewed, removes it, in the form of an emulsion, and with it a portion of any adhering matter. Another portion of the alkali softens and dissolves the superficial layer of the cuticle; and when this is removed the cuticle is free from impurities.

692. Every washing of the skin with soap removes the old face of the cuticle, and leaves a new one; and were the process repeated to excess, the latter would become sc thin as to render the body sensible to impressions too slight to be felt through its ordinary thickness. On the other hand, when the cuticle and its accumulated impurities are rarely disturbed, the sensitiveness of the skin is impaired. The proper inference to be drawn from the preceding remarks, is in favor of the moderate use of soap to cleanse the skin.

Observation. If any unpleasant sensations are felt after the use of soap, they may be immediately removed by washing the surface with water slightly acidulated with lemon-juice or vinegar, which neutralizes the alkali that may remain on the skin. This is effective treatment for "chapped hands."

extent of sur

693. Bathing may be partial or general, and the water used may be cold, temperate, tepid, warm, or hot. A person may apply it to his system with a sponge, it may be poured upon him, or he may immerse himself in it. The simplest mode of bathing is to apply water to a small face, by means of a wet sponge, and after being wiped dry, again cover with the dress. . In this way the whole body may be speedily subjected to the influence of water, and to no less useful friction. The water used may be warm or cold. This species of bathing may be practised by any invalid, and

692. Why should only a moderate amount of soap be used in bathing? If unpleasant sensations are felt from too free use of soap, how can they be counteracted? 693. Give the different forms of bathing. What is the simplest mode of bathing? Can this mode be adopted by invalids with safety?