794 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



make it proof against atmospheric and climatic changes, we must pre- 

 pare it by judicious exposure for these conditions. The warm cloth- 

 ing which is thought to be a protection against cold is frequently the 

 most fertile cause. It relaxes the body, moistens the skin, and the 

 perspiration which is induced especially prepares the unresisting body 

 for its attacks. This applies especially to warm covering around the 

 neck, to which the air has periodic access. Except in unusually 

 severe weather, the throat requires no more covering or protection 

 than the face. 



The method of having only two systems of underclothing, the 

 heavy to be worn until it is quite warm, and vice versa, is also a 

 source of danger. There should be three changes : one of the lightest 

 texture for the warm weather of summer, a medium for spring and 

 fall, and the pure wool for winter, which in this climate need not be 

 very heavy. Waterproof shoes, rubbers, furs, etc., are not recom- 

 mended for customary use, and should be worn only when absolutely 

 indicated. 



The best preventive of recurrent colds is the judicious use of the 

 sponge or cold shower bath. The ordinary bath should usually be of 

 a temperature not disagreeable to the body, but after the question of 

 cleanliness has been attended to, an application, either by means of a 

 sponge or shower, of ordinary cold water should be made. This 

 should be of short duration, and friction with a coarse towel follow 

 at once. When properly conducted, a reaction sets in so that 

 there is no danger from this, and the toning effect of the method is 

 of the utmost value in the prevention of colds. This applies, of 

 course, only to persons in ordinarily good health. Even in these 

 cases there are rare occasions in which this method is not advisable, 

 and it may on general principles be stated that it should not be used 

 by persons who do not react promptly. As stated, however, the ap- 

 plication of cold water should be only momentary. The daily ap- 

 plication of cold water to the throat and chest is also a useful practice 

 for strengthening these parts. 



In addition to these means there are certain injurious conditions 

 that it would be well to avoid. One almost universally present in 

 large cities is that of dust. The constant inhalation of the small par- 

 ticles of sand and of organic impurities of which dust is composed has 

 an irritating effect on the delicate lining of the nose and throat, which 

 may develop a chronic inflammation, resulting in injury to both the 

 throat and ear. This evil, however, can be prevented by the artificial 

 watering of our streets. 



Excessive tobacco smoking produces injurious effects in the nose 

 and throat. Of all forms of smoking, the cigarette is the most injuri- 

 ous, and allowing the smoke to pass through the nostrils the most dan- 



