226 PHYSIOLOGY AND HEALTH. 



fore the warmest for winter garments. It absorbs no moist- 

 ure, and defends the wearer from the chills that frequently 

 succeed perspiration in a hot but changeable climate. Its 

 fibre is porous, and contains minute portions of air, and it 

 makes cloth of loose texture. But its fibre is rough and 

 scaly, and is very irritating to delicate skins. It also disturbs 

 the electricity even more than silk. For these reasons, 

 many cannot bear any woollen garment next to their bodies. 

 However fine and delicate the fabric, it always irritates them. 

 544. It is desirable to guard the warmth of the skin, not 

 only from the permanent influence of the atmosphere, but 

 against any sudden changes which would produce a chill. 

 If our clothing is filled with water, the heat is carried off 

 very rapidly, as water is a good conductor. Wool is there- 

 fore a more appropriate material to be worn next to the skin 

 than linen ; and if the garment is made loose, and of fine 

 texture, such as thin flannel, it is a great safeguard against 

 the effects of changes in hot climates and hot seasons ; and 

 the feeble and delicate would be safe to wear it at all times. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Advantage of Flannel in hot Climates. Cutaneous Excretions re- 

 ceived on the Clothing. Foul Clothing offensive to the Sense of 

 Touch Clothing and Beds should be aired. 



545. DR. ANDREW COMBE quotes the example of a Brit- 

 ish ship of war, which, after sailing for two years among the 

 icebergs on the coast of Labrador, was immediately ordered 

 to the West India station. On this change of location, every 

 man was provided with flannel shirts and drawers, which 

 they wore while in the hot climate. " The ship proceeded 

 to the station with one hundred and fifty men, visited almost 

 every island in the West Indies and many of the ports in the 

 Gulf of Mexico, and, notwithstanding the sudden transition 

 from extreme climates, returned to England without the loss 



