398 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY 



change in the bodily temperature is due to the absence of regulation by the 

 nervous system. A sort of regulation is exerted, however, by outside forces, 

 for the cold in winter causes the cold-blooded animals to become inactive. 

 Warm weather, on the other hand, stimulates them to greater activity and 

 to increased oxidation. This is naturally followed by a rise in bodily tem- 

 perature. 



Importance of Cleanliness and Proper Clothing. — The skin as 

 an organ of excretion is of importance. It is of even greater im- 

 portance as a regulator of bodily temperature. The mouths of the 

 sweat glands must not be allowed to become clogged with dirt. 

 The skin of the entire body should, if possible, be bathed daily. 

 For those who can stand it, a cold sponge bath is best. Soap 

 should be used daily on parts exposed to dirt. Exercise in the open 

 air is important to all who desire a good complexion. The body 

 should be kept at an even temperature by the use of proper under- 

 clothing. Wool, a poor conductor of heat, should be used in 

 winter, and cotton, which allows of a free escape of heat, in summer. 



Cuts, Bruises, and Burns. — In case the skin is badly broken, 

 some antiseptic solution (weak carbolic acid or mercuric chloride 

 tablets) can be obtained at any drug store, and should be kept 

 in the house. N.B. These are strong poisons and should be used 

 with great care according to exact directions. This solution may 

 be applied at once. Thus bacteria will be prevented from obtain- 

 ing entrance to the wound and causing inflammation. 



"A burn or scald should be covered at once with a paste of 

 baking soda, which tends to lessen the pain by keeping out the 

 air and reducing the inflammation. A mixture of linseed oil and 

 lime water, known as carron oil, is a good remedy to keep on hand 

 for burns.'' — Peabody, Physiology. 



'^ The Bodily Heat as affected by Alcohol. — The paralyzing 

 effect of the use of alcoholic drinks, upon the muscles in the walls 

 of the minute blood vessels, has been mentioned in connection 

 with the muscles, the circulation, and respiration. It should be 

 referred to also in connection with the subject of this chapter. 



'' Because alcohol is quickly oxidized, and because heat is 

 produced in the process, it was long believed to be of value in 

 maintaining the heat of the body. A different view now prevails 



