THE INTEGUMENT, OR SKIN 69 



33. Poisonous Cosmetics. The extensive use of cosmetics for 

 the complexion is a fertile source of disease. The majority of 

 these preparations contain certain poisonous mineral substances, 

 chiefly lead. The skin rapidly absorbs the fine particles of 

 lead, and the system experiences the same evil effects that are 

 observed among the operatives in lead works and painters, 

 namely, "painters' colic," and paralysis of the hands, called 

 " wrist-drop." 



body. The motive which prompts this comes from the fear lest a centi- 

 pede or other lively and virulent specimen of natural history has hid itself 

 somewhere within the folds of the garment. Even without the danger of 

 wearing one's shirt in conjunction with such an intruder, it is an excellent 

 practice to shake it and every other article of clothing thoroughly before 

 putting them on. The garments worn next to the skin should be changed 

 before they become saturated with the secretions of the sebaceous glands. 

 This can be accomplished by renewing them twice a week, though the 

 majority of people only change them once in that period. Combe recom- 

 mends to wear two sets of flannels, each being worn and aired by turns, 

 on alternate days ; he likewise praises a practice common in Italy, 

 namely, instead of beds being made up in the morning the moment they 

 are vacated, and while still saturated with the nocturnal exhalations, the 

 bed-clothes are thrown over the backs of chairs, the mattresses shaken 

 up, and the window thrown open for the greater part of the day. This 

 practice, so consonant with reason, imparts a freshness which is peculiarly 

 grateful and conducive to sleep. Florence Nightingale, who never fails 

 to speak plainly, says: " Feverishness is generally supposed to be a 

 symptom of fever ; in nine cases out of ten it is a symptom of bedding. 

 A real patient should have two beds, remaining only twelve hours in 

 each ; on no account to carry his sheets with him." Draper (in Part"). 



12. Rules as to Clothing. Protection against Cold. For equal 

 thicknesses, wool is much superior to either cotton or linen, and should 

 be worn for all underclothing. In cases of extreme cold, besides wool, 

 leather or waterproof clothing is useful. Cotton and linen are nearly 

 equal. 



Protection against Heat. Texture has nothing to do with protection 

 from the direct solar rays ; this depends entirely on color. White is the 

 best color ; then gray, yellow, pink, blue, black. In hot countries, there- 

 fore, white or light-gray clothing should be chosen. In the shade the 

 effect of color is not marked. The thickness and the conducting power 

 of the material are the conditions (especially the former) which influ- 

 ence heat. 



The body should not only be so protected by its covering as to be kept 

 from rain and damp, but the clothing must be so ventilated that the 



33. Cosmetics ? Painters' colic ? 



