310 



HITCHCOCK'S ANATOMY 



rubbing of tile whole body every night and morning will aid 

 greatly in this matter. 



545. — 6. Injurious Effects of Moisture upon the Skin. 



— Moisture if applied to the skin for a considerable length of 

 time interrupts its functions, and accordingly we infer that 

 wet or damp clothing should not be allowed to remain on the 

 body any longer than is absolutely necessary. If, however, 

 dry clothing cannot be procured immediately, the body should 

 be kept in vigorous action of some kind until the clothes can 

 be changed. This inference is of equal application, whether 

 the whole of the body be wet, or only a portion of it, as the 

 feet. 



546. _7. Service of a Daily Cold Water Bath.— We in- 

 fer again that a daily cold water bath is of great service for 

 all students and sedentary persons who are in health. Not 

 only is it desirable on account of cleanliness, but a serviceable 

 shock is thus imparted to the nervous system. It, however, 

 should be taken as speedily as possible, the essential thing 

 desired being, that pure water should be spread over the 

 whole surface of the body, and after it that the skin should 

 be speedily and vigorously wiped dry. The secondary effect, 

 however, the stimulus imparted to the nervou3 system by the 

 shock, is by no means an unimportant issue to be gained. 



COMPARATIVE DERMATOLOGY. 



547. Covering* of Mammals, — The skin of mammals very 

 closely resembles that of man, with the exception of the epi- 

 dermis and its horny appendages, which are usually covered by, 

 hair. The fat tissue, too, just beneath the skin, is often develop- 

 ed in a surprising degree, and the corium in many instances is 

 very thick. Some have horny scales, and others long plates. 



545. What are the injurious effects of too much moisture applied to the skin? 546. 

 What is said of a daily bath, and what regulations concerning it? 547. What is said oi 

 the covering of mammals ? 



