ntageous. By
moderating the force of the shower, and substituting tepid water, the
most delicate persons can endure it and profit thereby. The usual means
for inducing a good reaction, friction, and exercise, should be
employed.

THE DOUCHE BATH consists of a stream of water, dashed or thrown upon the
patient from a moderate height or distance, with considerable force. The
size, temperature, and force of the stream may be modified to suit the
exigencies of the case. It is locally employed as a remedy for sprains,
weak or stiff joints, old swellings, etc. The cold, douche bath is more
powerful than the shower bath and should be given with the same
precautions which govern the application of the latter.

THE SPONGE BATH admits of extensive employment in both acute and chronic
diseases, and its simplicity renders it of untold value. It consists in
a general or local application of water (medicated or not) at any
desired temperature. The quantity may be great or small to suit the
requirements of the case. If it is applied in acute diseases at a
temperature agreeable to the patient, it is exceedingly grateful and may
be repeated as often as necessary. It may be rendered alkaline by the
addition of some compound of soda, in the proportion of a teaspoonful to
a quart of water. A portion of the body may be bathed at a time, and
quickly dried, thus avoiding any exposure to cold. It removes excessive
animal heat, relaxes the capillaries, equalizes the circulation, and
produces comfort, tranquility, and sleep.

Nothing is more conducive to the health and comfort of laboring men in
summer than a daily bath, and it is a matter of regret that there are so
few conveniences for the purpose in most homes, especially those in the
country. Farmers in particular need bathing facilities, and yet in most
cases they are almost entirely without them. For their benefit we will
describe a device which we can recommend to all who want a cheap,
convenient, and easily managed apparatus for sponge bathing in the
bed-room.

The articles required are a piece of rubber-cloth a yard and a quarter
square, four slats, two inches wide and three feet long, notched at the
ends so as to lock together in the form of a square, and a large sponge.
The slats are placed upon the floor and the rubber cloth is spread over
them (there is no need of fastening it to the slats), forming a shallow
square vessel a yard wide. In this the bather stands and applies the