on the surface. The skin is the regulator of animal heat; it is a great absorbent, and takes in again much of the corrupt matter left in contact with it by want of cleanliness. It is in close connexion with almost every important function of the system. A glance at these facts will show that it requires daily attention. But some will be surprised to learn further, that this wonderful covering has other no less important offices. It not only lets out liquid, but it takes in airs, as well as watery vapour: so that it may almost be said to play the part of the lungs, by secreting and absorbing the same gases. In some animals, indeed, as in the leech, all the breathing is done by the skin, and you may kill a frog as effectually by varnishing him all over, as by tearing out his lungs. The filthy covering of an unwashed person is not unlike such a varnish, and he who never bathes labours under a sort of half-suffocation. The outer scurf which we may scrape away is a deposition from the true or inner skin. A good washing and rubbing softens this outer skin, and makes it easy to rub off the dead parts with a brush or hard towel. In this respect, all baths, of whatever temperature, are useful. The surface is cleansed and freed from obstructions, and a way is cleared for the passage of the proper fluids and gases. On a subject so important, I trust these little details will not be thought either dry or unnecessary.

The cold bath is the most natural, and the most

easily taken, but it is not always proper or safe. There are some I know who recommend it indiscriminately to all persons, at all seasons; but such is not the counsel of wise physicians. "In proportion," says Dr. Combe, "as cold bathing is influential in the restoration of health when judiciously used, it is hurtful when resorted to without discrimination." "Many persons," says Dr. Bell, "in even vigorous health, cannot tolerate the cold bath for the shortest period, still less can they habitually use it with benefit. Even they who have accustomed themselves to it are in danger from the practice, if it be continued after any sudden diminution of vital energy, by whatever cause produced." The same learned author rejects the vulgar notion that cold bathing is either a tonic or a stimulant, and teaches us, that what some are pleased to consider a reaction after the application of cold, is no such thing, and that the skin is not actually warmer at this time than before. He therefore comes to the same conclusion with the great ancient Galen, that the cold bath is proper for persons in perfect health, and for fleshy ones, for the temperate and those who use due exercise; that the proper season for it is summer, and that one must be gradually accustomed to it. But neither he nor the most timid adviser would debar the manly swimmer from plunging into the stream, or still better from indulging in that exquisite refreshment, the dash of the surf upon the sea-shore.

Both the eminent physicians whom I have quoted recommend for habitual use the tepid or warm bath. A temperature ranging from 85° to 98° is named by Dr. Combe. The best rule is to avoid the positive impressions, either of heat or cold. The effect is at once tranquillizing and invigorating, in a high degree. Nothing can savour more of ignorance, or be less agreeable to experience, than the notion of some, that the warm bath is enfeebling. From the earliest ages it has been the restorative of the exhausted traveller, and the writer of these lines can never forget its magical effect after a wearisome journey of some hundreds of miles. Darwin reminds us, that the words relaxing and bracing, which are generally used in relation to warm and cold baths, are mechanical terms, properly applied to drums or strings; but are only metaphors, when applied to this subject. After a long day's work the warm bath is a thousand-fold better than strong liquors. Bruce, in his travels in Abyssinia, tells us, that when he felt an intolerable inward heat, and was so exhausted as to be ready to faint, he was made as fresh and strong by a warm bath, as on his rising in the morning. "Some persons may tell me," says he, "that the heat of the bath must weaken and enervate, but I can assure them that the reverse is the case." Our celebrated countryman, Count Rumford, once repaired to Harrowgate, in a feeble state of health. Such was his fear of taking cold from the warm bath, that he used it only once in

three days, for less than fifteen minutes, and always went from it to a warm bed. Finding this unprofitable, he reversed his method, and bathed every day, åt two o'clock, for half an hour, at 96° and 97° of Fahrenheit, for thirty-five days together. "The salutary effects of this experiment," he adds, "were perfectly evident to all those who were present, and saw the progress of it; and the advantages I received from it have been permanent. The good state of health which I have since enjoyed, I attribute to it entirely." The same philosopher exposes the mistake of those who avoid the warm bath for fear of catching cold; as, indeed, one has no more occasion to dread catching cold after having been in a warm bath, than from going out of doors into the air of a frosty morning. "There are few," says Dr. Combe, "who do not derive evident advantage from the regular use of the tepid bath, and still fewer who are hurt by it."

It is one of the great advantages of a residence in the city of Philadelphia, that there is not only an abundant supply of water, but that all the better class of houses are provided with bathingrooms, in which either cold or warm baths may be taken. And even those who are without these conveniences, may have easy access to public baths. Or, in the worst imaginable case, a tub of warm water, a piece of soap, a sponge, and a hard towel may be found in the house of any man who wishes to cleanse his person.

XXIX.

INTEMPERANCE AND DISEASE.

"Were it a draught for Juno when she banquets,
I would not taste thy treasonous offer; none
But such as are good men can give good things,
And that which is not good, is not delicious
To a well-governed and wise appetite."

MILTON.

In looking over a book upon the effects of different trades upon health and long life,* I was struck with the repeated statement that such and such occupations would be less unhealthy, if it were not for the liquor drunk by the workmen. This, thought I, is very unfair: why blame the trade, when the fault all lies in the drink? We may lay it down as a principle, that of honest employments, there is not one in fifty which is hurtful to the health of a temperate and prudent man; but if men will still be mad enough to guzzle beer or whisky, they may destroy them

* The Effects of the Principal Arts, Trades, and Professions, and of civic states and habits of living, on Health and Longevity: &c. &c. by C. Turner Thackrah. Philadelphia, 1831.