276 THE HUMAN BODY. 



but it is also useful to strengthen and invigorate the whole 

 frame. For strong healthy persons a cold bath is the best; in 

 severe weather the temperature of the water should be raised 

 to 15 0. (about 60 F.), at which it still feels quite cool to 

 the surface. The first effect of a cold bath is to contract all 

 the skin-vessels and make the surface pallid. This is soon 

 followed by a reaction, in which the skin becomes red and 

 full of blood, and a glow of warmth is felt in it. The 

 proper time to come out of the bath is while this reaction 

 lasts, and after emersion it should be promoted by a good 

 rub. If the stay in the cold water be too prolonged the 

 state of reaction passes off, the skin again becomes pallid, 

 and the person probably feels cold, uncomfortable, and de- 

 pressed all day: then bathing is injurious instead of bene- 

 ficial; it lowers instead of stimulating the activities of the 

 body. How long one may remain in cold water with benefit, 

 depends greatly on the individual; a vigorous man can bear 

 and set up a healthy reaction after much longer immer- 

 sion than a feeble one; moreover, a person used to cold 

 bathing can with benefit remain in the water longer than 

 one not accustomed to it. Of course, apart from this, the 

 temperature of the water has a great importance. Water 

 which feels cold to the skin may, as shown by the ther- 

 mometer, vary within very wide limits of temperature. The 

 colder it is, the shorter the time which it is wise to remain 

 in it. 



When to Bathe. It is perfectly safe to bathe when warm, 



What ends are obtained by bathing? What sort of a bath should 

 healthy persons take? What is the primary effect of a cold bath on 

 a healthy person? What follows next? When should one leave 

 a cold bath? What happens if one stays too long in a cold bath? 

 Point out conditions which influence the time of remaining with 

 benefit in a cold bath. 



