56 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT. 



of the water, and the electric and magnetic currents which are 

 evolved, and exert a stimulating effect upon the system. It 

 will be well to enlarge a little on these topics. 



Sea-bathing on the British coasts (for its action is very 

 different in the tropical waters of a warm climate) owes its 

 efficiency to the combined influences of cold, of the saline 

 particles, which enter into the composition of sea- water, and of 

 the shock produced by the impulsion of the waves. In order 

 to understand its effects we must endeavour to form a just 

 estimate of the power of each one of these agents separately. 

 The first impression produced by the cool temperature of the 

 sea, which even in summer rarely exceeds 67, is powerfully 

 to stimulate the numerous sensitive nerves of the skin. As all 

 our organs are under the influence and direction of the 

 nerves, every part of the body must therefore be excited and 

 stimulated by the sea-bath ; as when a bell is struck, the 

 vibration extends over every part of the metal. Sea-bathing 

 goes far beyond the mere local action on the skin, its 

 immediate effect being a general stimulation of the whole 

 nervous system. The sudden application of cold to the 

 surface is followed by a shrinking of the skin and contraction 

 of the tissues. As the result of this, the capacity of the 

 bloodvessels is diminished, and a portion of their contents 

 suddenly thrown upon the internal organs. Hence follows 

 the participation by the nervous system in this sudden con- 

 gestion, causing a more energetic action of the heart, and 

 consequent rush back to the surface. This is the state termed 

 reaction the first and final purpose of every form of cold 

 bathing. Reaction is known by the redness of surface, the 

 glow and thrill of comfort and warmth, which follow the bath. 



