HEAD-BATH. 415 



the cold half -bath is a sovereign remedy. 4th. As a milder means and 

 preparatory to the general bath in weak constitutions. In the latter 

 of these indications, the bath is generally used but for a few min- 

 utes after the wet sheet, or at other times, as may be desired; in the 

 former, much practical knowledge is necessary in order to proceed 

 always with safety and to obtain the best results. Thus six, or even 

 nine hours may be required, with the greatest perseverance, the 

 patient being thoroughly rubbed over the whole surface, and this to 

 be kept up constantly by relays of assistants, the patient's head and 

 shoulders being supported meanwhile. 



HEAD-BATH. 



From time immemorial, cooling applications to the head have 

 been much depended upon in that violent and dangerous disease, 

 inflammation of the brain. All other known means failing, certain 

 obstinate affections of the head have been known to give way to 

 the affusion of cold water upon the part. In headache, drunkenness, 

 delirium-tremens, the delirium of fever, epilepsy, rheumatism of 

 the head, diseases of the eye, earache, deafness, loss of smell and 

 taste and in nose-bleed this highly energetic remedy is brought to 

 bear. 



PLUNGE-BATH. 



In sea, river and lake, as well as by artificial means, and as a 

 matter of luxury, religious observance, purification, and the preven- 

 tion and cure of disease, the plunge-bath has, in all periods of time, 

 and in all parts of the world, been a favorite resort. So efficacious, 

 indeed, has this simple means proved in healing the sick, that not a 

 little superstition has been mingled with it. Springs and wells have 

 often been supposed to possess some mysterious power and for that 

 reason been named after some patron saint. In this respect the 

 world has loved mystery and marvelousness rather than the pure 

 and simple truth. 



SITTING-BATH. 



Convenient tubs, wooden or metallic, are constructed for this 

 bath but an ordinary wash tub answers very well. The article 

 should be large enough to admit the motion of the arms in rubbing 

 the abdomen, sides and hips, first with one hand and then the other. 

 Water enough is used generally to come pretty well up the abdo- 

 men. The more movement and friction while in this bath the bet- 

 ter. It is more convenient if the tub be elevated two or three 

 inches from the floor. Some undress completely and place a blanket 

 or sheet over the upper part of the body, but oftener the parts 

 only of the person to be exposed to the water are uncovered. In a 

 variety of ailments this bath is highly valuable. It may be made 

 one of the most powerful of all the hydropathic modes. Like all 



