MEDICAL HINTS. 
159 
complete woollen suit always, or to change before sunset. By so doing, 
sudden chill, which is such a common exciting cause of tropical diarrhoea, 
dysentery and fever, can be largely avoided. 
Night clothes should consist of a fine singlet and a thin flannel coat, 
opening in front, and secured by linen buttons or tapes, and long wide 
flannel trousers. In the tropics it is advisable at night to wear socks 
into which the ends of the sleeping-trousers are tucked, to keep out 
insects. Dr. Parke advised trousers provided with feet. 
All flannel textures should be of wool throughout, and made to fit 
loosely, as they shrink in washing. 
In most cases a fine flannel shirt (under which is worn a thin gauze 
singlet), thin loose calico drawers, a Norfolk jacket of Kharki drill 
buttoning to the throat, and Kharki drill trousers or knickerbockers will 
be found very suitable for the tropics. A light, wide cholera belt must 
be constantly worn. 
A large, light pith helmet should always be used during the heat of 
the day. A curtain descending from the rim of the helmet may be used 
to protect the neck from the oblique rays of the sun; the curtain can be 
folded up round the helmet when not required. One or two waterproof 
covers for the helmet are necessary. 
The feet and legs should be well protected by field boots, or well-made 
brown leather or canvas shoes, and gaiters or puttees. 
A woollen spinal pad ought to be used with the coat to protect the 
spinal cord. One or two lined and perforated chamois-leather under¬ 
vests may be taken as a protection against cold, penetrating breezes. 
A service waterproof coat must be taken, and tinted glasses and a 
green umbrella covered with white will be of great value. 
Avoid sudden changes of temperature, and if exposed to the cooling sea 
breeze, be especially careful as to proper clothing. Parke laid great 
stress on the importance of avoiding chills, draughts or wettings. He 
remarked, a In crossing Equatorial Africa the Belief Expedition found 
that every wetting meant an attack of fever.” The sea breeze, which is 
so refreshing and cool, by checking the perspiration, frequently acts as 
the exciting cause of an attack of fever. There is special liability to chill 
and subsequent fever when ascending an eminence, as the exertion causes 
profuse perspiration, and the cool breeze encountered on arrival at the 
top is very likely to produce ill effects. 
