The Arkansas advocate., 1834-10-10

6uaftsHS He TdCe dad hGHdS once ddq, seems all ttat IS ttouehi regdSite. But, bad as this is, fear that numbers of sen- slbie people may be found much nearer home, who limit their additions to the raSi- 6te arts of their persons. and would even express surprise if told tlat more than this is necessary to health. Certain it is, that many never wash their bbdies at all, unless they happen to be at sea-bathing quarters in summer, or are oppressed with heat, when they viii resort to bathing as means of comfort, but without thinking ai ali of its efficacy as means of cleanliness in pre- serving health. In many public charities and schools, in like nnnner bathing or ab- lution is never thought of as a proper or practical thing, exception the sick; and yet fl IS obviously of great importance to every one, especially to the young.
 For general use, the tepid or warm bath, seems 10 be much more siitablethan the cold bath; especially in winter, and for those who are not robust and full of ani- maj heat. Where the constitution is not sufficiently vigorous to secure reaction after the cold bath, as indeated by warm glow over the surface, it's use inevitably does harm. A vast number of persons are in this condition; while on inc contra ", there are few indeed who do not derive evident advantage from the regular use of the tepid bath, and still fewer who are hurt by it.
 Where the health is good, and the bodi- ly powers are sufficiently vigorous, the cold bath during summer, and the shower bath in winter, may serve every purpose requlr- ed for them. But 1t should never be for gotten that they are too powerful in their agency 10 be used with safety by euery one, especially in cold weather.
 In proportion as cold bathing Is infuen- tial in the restoration of health when iudi- eiously used, it is hurtful when resorted to without discrimination and invaids, there fore, ought never 10 have recourse to 1t, without the sanction of their professional advisers.
 Even where cold bathing is likely to be of service when judieiously employed, much mischief often results from prolong- ing the immersion too long, or from resort ing to 1t when the vital powers are too langnid to admit of the necessary re-ac- ion; before breakfast, for example, or af- ter fatigue. For this reason many persons derive much benefit from bathing in the forenoon, who, when tkey bathe in the morning before taking any sustenance dc not recover their natural heat and elasticity of feeling,
 For those who are not robust, daily sponeing of the body with cold water and vinegar, or salt water, IS the best substi- ute for the cold bath, and may be restored 10 with safety and advantage in most states of the system; especially when care Is ta- ken to excite in the surface, by subsequent friction with the fesh-brushs or hair glove, the healthy glow of reaction. It then be- comes an excellent preseyatiye from the effects of changeable weather. When, however, continued sensation of cold ness or chill is perceptible over the body, sponging ought not to be persisted in :; dry friction, aided by the tepid bath, is then greatly preferable, and often proves highly serviceable in keeping up the due action of the skin.