62 A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHPORT. 



when the system is reduced from disease or over-exertion. 



As a general rule, it may be said that wherever organic 

 disease or change of structure exists, sea-bathing is injurious ; 

 debility, either nervous or muscular, being the type of those 

 diseases in which it proves beneficial. As a practice, the most 

 delicate as well as the most robust may be so trained as to 

 enjoy and receive benefit from it; but there are some constitu- 

 tions, more than others, which are liable to feel its ill effects. 

 Such are those who are plethoric and of a bilious temperament, 

 whose natural habit of body is to make blood rapidly. Where 

 the venous and arterial systems are in a constant state of 

 tension, sea-bathing would be found too stimulating a remedy, 

 tending to produce a momentary congestion of blood in some 

 parts of the body, thus producing unequal distribution, and a 

 strain or pressure on certain organs. Of course the above 

 remark applies more particularly to constitutions weakened by 

 disease. Sea-bathing is no doubt enjoyed as much by persons 

 of a full habit and bilious temperament as by others, and as 

 safely, when properly trained to it. 



Although the sea-bath is allowed to be useful in local con- 

 gestion arising from debility and loss of vitality in an organ, 

 yet even in these cases care and attention are required to 

 prevent the weakened organs from becoming permanently 

 injured by the quickened but unequal distribution of blood to 

 the part. Individuals with a feeble action of the heart, or 

 subject to spitting of blood, or in whom a state of active 

 inflammation is present, should be particularly careful to use 

 the bath with moderation, and to take advice before venturing 

 on it. 



As preparatory to, or instead of, bathing in the open sea, the 



