420 



THE SKIN. 



Reference is frequently made to the gilding of a child's body 

 to make it represent an angel at the coronation ceremonies of Pope 

 Leo X., which resulted in the speedy death of the child. Inasmuch 

 as the whole human body has been covered by an impermeable 

 layer for eight or ten days without producing any disturbance 

 whatever, even in the body-temperature, it is probable that there 

 was something in the gilding material which acted as a poison. 

 The ability of the human being to regulate his temperature ex- 

 plains the different result in man and in the horse and rabbit. 



The skin requires both friction and bathing to maintain it in a 

 physiologic condition. The process of rubbing removes the useless 

 epidermic scales and any obstructions which tend to clog the 

 mouths of the glands. The oily nature of the sebaceous matter, 

 which is always present and which retains the dust and dirt 

 coming in contact with it, requires that the skin be washed with 

 water and soap. But the soap must be free from irritating in- 

 gredients, such as rancid fat, and from too large an amount of 

 alkali and coloring-matter, and from drugs of various kinds. If 

 the skin is diseased, medication by means of soap may be needed, 

 but it should be prescribed by a physician. If the skin is not 

 diseased, medicated soaps are harmful. Old white Castile soap 

 meets all the indications in health. 



Baths. Baths may be classified as follows : 



Cold bath to 24 C. 



Temperate bath 24 to 26 C. 



Tepid bath 26 to 32 C. 



Warm bath 32 to 37 C. 



Hot bath 37 to 44 C. 



As a rule, hot baths are relaxing, and should not, therefore, be 

 indulged in too frequently ; indeed, in persons suffering with 

 disease of the heart they may actually endanger life. The Turkish 

 bath, taken under competent medical supervision, is often of great 

 benefit, and many persons take it weekly, and even oftener, with 

 the effect of toning up the system and making them more com- 

 petent to endure both physical and mental fatigue. Cold baths, 

 except for the very robust, are also to be taken with great caution. 

 If afterward there is reaction and if the skin becomes warm and 

 pink, they are beneficial, but if the skin becomes cold and blue, 

 they are injurious. In fact, this should be the test for each indi- 



