remains, becomes thick and established upon the skin,
it will produce the following effects:--

686. 1st. _The pores will be obstructed, consequently transpiration
impeded, and the influence of the skin as an excretory entirely
prevented._ When the pores are obstructed, and transpiration is
checked, the elements of the transpired fluids will necessarily be
retained in the system; and, as they are injurious and poisonous if
retained, they must be removed by those organs whose functions in the
animal economy are similar, as the lungs, kidneys, liver, intestines,
&c.

687. When these organs are called upon to perform their offices, and
in addition that of another, the healthy equilibrium is destroyed, and
the oppressed organ will suffer from exhaustion, and become the prey
of disease. Thus, obviously, habits of uncleanliness are a cause of
consumption and other serious diseases of the vital organs. Again,
obstruction of the pores will prevent respiration through the skin,
thus depriving the blood of one source of its oxygen, and one outlet
of its carbonic acid, which will diminish the temperature of the
system, and the same results follow as when the clothing is
inadequate.

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685. Show the necessity for bathing. 686. What effect upon the body if
the pores of the skin are obstructed? 687. What is the effect when an
organ not only performs its own specific function, but that of
another?

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688. 2d. _The retained perspirable matter will irritate the skin, both
mechanically and chemically_; and this membrane will be kept damp and
cold, from attraction and detention of moisture; and foreign material,
as before adverted to, once removed from the system, may be reconveyed
into it by absorption. As a consequence, cutaneous eruptions and
diseases will be produced, and the re-absorption of matter once
separated from the system, will be the exciting cause of other
injurious disorders.

689. 3d. _A film of foreign substance on the skin will inevitably
become the seat of detention of miasmata and infectious vapors._ These
will remain until absorbed, and engender the diseases of which they
are the peculiar cause. This is one reason why filthy persons contract
infectious diseases more frequently than individuals of cleanly
habits.

690. _Bathing is useful to promote cleanliness._ In this capacity, it
enables us to remove the coating of impurities from the exterior of
our p