employing considerable friction
while drying. 3rd. Every two weeks administer a spirit vapor-bath. A
perseverance in this course for a few months will accomplish the desired
result."

Frequent reference to spirit vapor-baths will be made by the author of
this work, in speaking of those diseases in which its employment will
prove beneficial.

SEA BATHING is an excellent, remedial agent in chronic disorders,
particularly in those of an atonic character, such as nervous
prostration, dyspepsia, and general debility.

Much of the benefit attributed to this mode of bathing is undoubtedly
due to other influences, such as pure air, exercise, change of scenery,
diet, and associations which surround the patient during his sojourn at
the sea-shore.

At first, the duration of a sea-bath should not exceed three or five
minutes, but it may be gradually prolonged to fifteen or twenty minutes.
If the patient is very feeble, one or two baths a week are sufficient,
and the most robust person should never take more than one a day. They
should always be taken in the earlier portion of the day, before
breakfast if possible, and _never during digestion_.

Before entering this bath, a moderate degree of exercise should always
be taken, enough to arouse the vital energies, but not to produce
fatigue. Suitably dressed, the patient plunges into the water, in which
he remains during the prescribed time. Immediately after emerging from
the bath, the patient should be thoroughly dried and dressed and then
moderate exercise should be taken to induce reaction. If the reaction is
slow, a mild stimulant may be taken and the duration of the bath must be
diminished the next time. When sea-bathing is beneficial improvement is
soon manifested. The blood becomes richer, the whole system is
strengthened and the functions are performed with more regularity. To
the rich, sea-bathing is a luxury, but it is a remedy beyond the reach
of the poorer classes unless they live near the sea-shore.

THE SHOWER BATH produces a shock to the nervous system by suddenly
coming in contact with the skin. Numerous streams of cold water fall
upon the neck, shoulders, and body of the patient who stands beneath the
hose or reservoir. When the patient is plethoric, feeble, or nervous, or
when some internal organ is diseased, the cold, shower bath should _not_
be employed. In simple debility unaccompanied by inflammation or
symptoms of internal congestion, its use proves adva