The Skin and the Kidneys 1 99 



r 303. Use of Clothing. The chief use of clothing, from a 

 hygienic point of view, is to assist in keeping the body at 

 a uniform temperature. It also serves for protection against 

 injury and for personal adornment. The heat of the body, 

 as we have learned, is normally about 98^ Fahr. This 

 varies but slightly in health. A rise of temperature of 

 more than one degree is a symptom of disturbance. The 

 normal temperature does not vary with the season. In 

 summer it is kept down by the rapid evaporation of the 

 perspiration. In winter it is maintained by more active 

 oxidation, by extra clothing, and by artificial heat. 

 y 304. Suggestions for the Use of Clothing. Prudence and 

 good sense should guide us in the spring in changing 

 winter clothing for fabrics of lighter weight. A change 

 from heavy to lighter clothing should be made first in the 

 outer garments, the underclothing 

 being changed very cautiously. 



The two essentials of healthful 

 clothing are cleanliness and dryness. 

 To wear garments that are daily 

 being soiled by perspiration is a FlG . Io8 .7^gitudinalSec- 

 most uncleanly and unhealthful tion of a Finger Nail, 

 practice. Clothing, especially Aj last phalanx of the fingers . 

 woolen underclothing, should be <# true skin on the dorsal sur - 



r - , , face of the finger ; C, epider- 



frequently changed. mis . A true skin . > ^ of 



\ Infectious and COntagioUS the nail ; F, superficial layer 

 ,. , , , ,, of the nail; H. true skin of 



diseases may be conveyed by the the pulp of the finger 

 clothing. Hence special care must 



be taken that all clothing in contact with sick people is 

 burned or properly disinfected. 



305. Precautions in the Use of Clothing. We should 

 never sleep in a damp bed or between damp sheets. The 

 practice of sitting with wet feet and damp clothing is 



