AND THE LUNGS. 85 



bedewed with moisture, even to the extremities of 

 the toes ; and in proportion to this effect was the 

 advantage derived from it, in relieving the chest, 

 increasing the strength, and improving the appetite. 

 A second winter was spent in the south with equal 

 benefit ; and in the summer of 1822, riding was re- 

 sumed at home, and the health continued to improve. 

 The excitement given to the skin by riding was 

 sufficient to keep the feet warm, and to prevent even 

 considerable changes of temperature from being 

 felt : and rain was not more regarded, although spe- 

 cial attention was of course paid to taking off damp 

 or wet clothes the moment the ride was at an end. 

 Strength increased so much under this plan, com- 

 bined with sponging, friction, and other means, that 

 it was persevered in through the very severe winter 

 of 1822-3, and with the best effect's. For nine years 

 thereafter the health continued good, under the 

 usual exposures of professional life: but in 1831 it 

 again gave way, and pulmonary symptoms of a sus- 

 picious character once more made their appearance. 

 The same system was pursued, and the same results 

 have again followed the invigoration of the cutane- 

 ous functions and of the general health, by a sea- 

 voyage, horseback exercise, and the regular use of 

 the bath. These, as formerly, have proved bene- 

 ficial in proportion to their influence in keeping up 

 the warmth and moisture of the surface and ex- 

 tremities. 



In thus insisting upon the advantages of maintain 

 ing the healthy action of the skin, I must not be 

 supposed to ascribe the whole benefit to that cir- 

 cumstance alone. So beautifully is the animal 

 economy constituted, that it is impossible to use 

 rational means for the invigoration of one organ or 

 function, without good being done to all ; and so 

 closely are the various parts allied to each other, 

 that, to describe fully the functions and sympathies 

 of any one, we would require to make the circle of 



