t, enervating
one, and causing a bout of shivering which increases the production of heat
by stimulating the heat-regulating centre in the brain. Baths above 110 deg. F.
induce faintness. To prevent shivering, take a cold douche after the hot
bath, and have a brisk rub down with a coarse towel, when a delightful,
warm glow will result. Do not freeze yourself, or the reaction will not
occur; what is wanted is a short, sharp shock, which sends the blood racing
from the skin, to which it returns in tingling pulsations, which brace up
the whole system. The douche is over in a few seconds, and may be enjoyed
the year round, commencing in late Spring.

The cold bath must not be made a fetish. If the glow is not felt, give it
up, and bathe in tepid (85-92 deg. F.) or warm (93-98 deg. F.) water. When started
in the vigour of youth, the cold bath may often be continued through life,
but it is unwise to commence in middle life. Parents should never force
their children to take cold baths, to "harden them".

Other Hygienic Points. Tobacco is undesirable for neuropaths, save in
moderation.

Clothes should be light, loose, and warm. Epileptics should wear low, stiff
collars, half a size too large, with clip ties. Such a combination does not
form a tight band round the neck, and can quickly be removed if necessary.
Wear thick, woollen socks, and square-toed, low-heeled, double-soled boots.
Hats should be large, light, and of soft material. Woollen underwear is
best. Change as often as possible, and aim at health, not appearance.

Let all rooms be well lighted, well ventilated, moderately heated, and
sparsely furnished with necessities. Shun draperies, have no window boxes,
cut climbing plants ruthlessly away from the windows, and never obstruct
chimneys.

Buy Muller's "My System", which gives a course of physical exercises
without apparatus, which only take fifteen minutes a day. The patient must
conscientiously perform the exercises each morning, not for a week, nor for
a month, but for an indefinite period, or throughout life.

Finally, remember that so few die a natural death from senile decay because
so few live a natural life.

* * * * *

CHAPTER XVI

SLEEPLESSNESS

"O magic sleep! O comfortable bird
That broodest o'er the troubled sea of the mind
Till it is hushed and smooth."
--Keats.

Some men need only a few hours' sleep, but no one ever overslept himself i