Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1884-01-30
WHY WE BLUSH.
Bill Nye Discusses the rheor:r OF
The British Medical
Journal.
Laramie Boomerang.l

The physiology of blushing has long pre-.
sented difficult problem to solve Many
unsatisfactory explanations have been given
of the causes of that interesting phenome-
non The British Medical Journal lately re-
ceived an inquiry as to the measures to be
taken for the cure of chronic tendency to
blush, and one of its correspondents takes up
the matter in u very practical way, indeed.
Among other causes of blushing he gives
prominence ITO the wearing of too thick UNI
derclothing, and especially OF too
thick socks" He adds that long
sleeved wooden sacks or jerseys are
often cause of blushing, and, in fact, warm
clothing in general. He does not fail to re-
mark that the blusher must choose i'll this
matter between the risk OF rheumatism and
the annoyance of blushing. AS collateral
evidence in support of his views ne says AN
aunt of mine had habitually red nose from
this cause alone, which disappeared when
she took to thinner stockings" The physl-
illogical explanation of blushing given by
the writer Just quoted is that it is due to
paralysis of the sympathetic circles of nerves
surrounding the arteries which, not con-
tracing properly, allow freer flow OF blood
TO the surface
This is a new deal, so to speak, in which
heavy socks and red fannels are trumps.
From time immsmorial it has been accepted
without question the theory that bushing was
caused by an impression, either pleasant or
otherwise upon the moral sensibilities- said
impression being invariably conveyed either
by the sense of sound or sight. But now this
blasted Britisher boldly attempts to knock all
the sentiment out of the blush by declaring
that it owes its birth solely 'to the wearing
of too thick underclothing, and especially OF
too thick socks" That clincher, too, regard
ing the ancient maiden lady-his aunt-with
the crushed strawberry nose, is certainly
difficult thing to controvert.
Socks VS.. sentiment! This is iconoclasm
with vengeance. If the position can be
sustained it promises to work a decided revo-
luton in our social life, and explode many
cherished sentiments. For instance, the new
theory will necessitate the revision of the old
rules governing the standard of modesty.
The woman whose check refuses to color in
the presence of glaling indecency may,
instead of being shameless hussy," merely
be a chronic victim of cold feet, or have
neglected to put on her fannels. Then, too,
the lover who now fondly supposes that the
blush which suffuses the beautiful phiz of
his duxey-Ann at his coming is a sign OF
pleasure, will know, when this new theory is
proven, that the blush heretofore mentioned
is simply a tribute to the thickness of her
socks " or her ''too heavy uEderclothing.
And when his arm encircles her waist and ne
is shoveling steady stream OF solidlfied sac
charine matter into her willing ear the blush
may come and the blush may go; but instead
of its proving a sort of heart barometer by
which the watchful eye of the lover may
guide his conduct, it is-merely registering
the temperature of her pedal extremities.