EFFECTS OF SEA-BATHING. 57 



By it the internal organs are relieved, respiration is lightened, 

 the heart is made to beat calmly and freely, the mind feels 

 clear, the tone of the muscular system is increased, the 

 appetite is sharpened, and the whole organism feels in- 

 vigorated. 



The stimulating effects of the saline constitwnts in sea- 

 water form the second agent acting remedially. These, 

 which constitute about one fifty-fifth part of its weight, produce 

 a powerful stimulant effect upon the skin, and determine a 

 more copious flow of blood to that organ, assisting the primary 

 reaction, and shortening and diminishing its depressing effect. 

 Owing to these qualities of sea-water, one may bathe in the 

 sea at a lower temperature than in fresh water. Reaction, 

 even in robust constitutions, is much longer in making its 

 appearance after bathing in rivers ; but in the sea, even on a 

 calm day, and to a weakened constitution, it is almost 

 instantaneous, and much more powerful. It has been 

 supposed by some that the absorption by the skin of a 

 portion of the saline ingredients may tend to increase these 

 effects. 



To illustrate the influence of the third element in a sea 

 bath, viz., the shock produced by the impulsion of the waves, 

 we need only refer to the effects of a douche bath to form an 

 adequate idea of the difference experienced between bathing 

 in a calm and in an agitated sea. The shock of the waves 

 in a rough sea is, in fact, an extensive douche bath, which, by 

 striking a great part of the body at once, makes all the more 

 powerful impression upon the economy. 



The general result of sea-bathing, both on the healthy and 

 invalid subject, is to stimulate nutrition and improve the 



