58 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT. 



functions of every organ, increasing the vitality of the blood 

 and improving the various secretions of the body. The action 

 of the skin is augmented, the liver pours out a greater quantity 

 of bile, and a more active respiration consumes a greater quan- 

 tity of carbon. In consequence of this increased activity, the 

 system gradually purifies itself of a mass of worn-out particles, 

 which were tolerated so long as the body was in a languid state, 

 but which, under the stimulus of increased energy, it casts off 

 as an oppressive load. Thus we see the strengthening process 

 giving rise to an alterative action in the diseased frame ; 

 swollen and indurated glands, scrofulous tumours, cutaneous 

 eruptions, and other morbid deposits, are re-absorbed, and 

 thrown out by the system. 



There are certain conditions which require to be attended 

 to, with regard to the differences of strength, constitution, 

 and temperament, in individual cases. The first caution 

 required is not to continue the immersion too long. Even in 

 vigorous subjects, prolonged immersion is very apt to be 

 followed by injurious effects, the danger being greater in 

 proportion to the coldness of the bath. After the first shock 

 on entering the water, a feeling of warmth and a genial glow 

 is perceived ; if the bather quits the water before this stage 

 passes away, the whole surface of the body will partake of 

 the sensation ; if immersion be prolonged farther than this, 

 the blood is driven to the internal organs, the nervous energy 

 is depressed, and reaction being prevented, injurious conse- 

 quences are liable to ensue. 



One of the first of these is weakness of nervous energy, with 

 irregularity of muscular contraction. No doubt most of the 

 accidents that occur in bathing, and are generally referred to 



