FRESH AIR AND EFFICIENCY 291 



achieved by maintaining the atmosphere on the cool 

 (fresh) side, and thus reducing the difference in tem- 

 peratures between the internal and external air. 



A draught is the perception of a current of cool air 

 on a warm skin. The human organism, as we have 

 seen, makes certain dispositions in order to face the 

 heat and the cold. It is impossible to maintain at one 

 and the same time such dispositions both for heat and 

 cold, and to a body set for warmth any relatively cold 

 air movement may begin by causing discomfort and 

 end by chill a prolonged setting of the body for cold, 

 by which the cutaneous blood-vessels are contracted 

 and the blood driven from the skin to the internal 

 organs, and so congesting them. 



Whilst the evil effects of foul air admit of no ques- 

 tioning, and the importance of fresh air is a lesson 

 which has been shouted to us through the centuries, 

 yet our stuffy living and sleeping rooms and work- 

 shops still claim a heavy toll of human health, happi- 

 ness, and efficiency. It is indisputably true to state 

 that improved air conditions are the best proved, the 

 most scientific, the cheapest, and the most generally 

 available of all the means for administering to our 

 efficiency. 



In conclusion, the measures for ensuring success in 

 acquiring and maintaining the fresh-air regime of life 

 may be summarized :- 



1. The prime requirement is a fixed resolve to suc- 

 ceed. 



2. The summer-time is the season in which to start 

 the training for the fresh-air habit, and it is surprising 

 how soon toleration sets in. 



3. This toleration is promoted by baring the body 

 for ten minutes before getting into bed overnight and 

 after getting out in the morning, and then performing 

 some exercises or rough towelling. 



(094V.) 202 



