42 University Geological Survey of Kansas. 
produced by the rush of blood to the internal organs, resulting 
from the action of the cool water, are these: Dizziness in the 
head, tremor of the limbs, oppression of the chest, and a small 
pulse. | 
Hot baths accelerate the circulation of the blood, produce a 
rush of blood to the surface of the skin, and an expansion of 
the whole quantity of blood contained in the blood-vessels, 
thereby causing congestions and profuse perspiration. Diseases 
occasioned by suppressed perspiration and morbid organizations 
are benefited by these baths. The stimulative effect produced 
by the high temperature of the hot water often proves very 
beneficial in cases of paralysis. The high temperature is prob- 
ably the sole efficacious element of the mud, peat and sand 
baths which are so much patronized on the continent, both by 
physicians and patients, although the heavy weight of these 
substances may also contribute a good deal to their beneficial 
action in some affections, as enlargement of the liver, thicken- 
ing of joints, etc. 
Indifferent baths, which have a temperature of 88° to 95° F., 
do not have any material physiological effect on the circula- 
tion of the blood or on the nervous system; but the. experi- 
ence of many years has proved them highly beneficial in 
cases of nervous irritability, neuralgia, sleeplessness, hysterical 
spasms, etc. 
Very young persons, and old ones, not being strong enough 
to bring on a speedy reaction, should not take cold baths; nor 
should decrepit persons, or invalids affected with severe dis- 
orders of the digestive organs or a high degree of nervous 
irritability submit to a cold-water treatment. Diseases of the 
heart, congestions and hemorrhages of the lungs, apoplectic 
dispositions, are also contra-indications to the use of cold water. 
Water charged with carbonic acid produces a very pleasant 
prickling or burning sensation on the surface of the skin, a flow 
of blood to the latter, and redness and fulness of the pulse; 
therefore, it seems that this gas, when used externally, acts as 
a stimulant on the skin. Some salts, as chlorid of sodium, 
chlorid of calcium, contained in many mineral waters, also pro- 
