ersons. It effects this purpose by dissolving saline matters, and
holding in temporary suspension those substances which are insoluble.

691. The cuticle is composed of a substance resembling the dried white
of egg, or, in a word, _albumen_. This is soluble in alkalies, and
these are the agents which are commonly employed for purifying the
skin. Soap is a compound of the alkali soda with oil, the former being
in excess. When used for washing, the excess of alkali combining with
the oily fluid, with which the skin is naturally bedewed, removes it,
in the form of an emulsion, and with it a portion of any adhering
matter. Another portion of the alkali softens and dissolves the
superficial layer of the cuticle; and when this is removed the cuticle
is free from impurities.

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688. How are cutaneous eruptions frequently produced? 689. How are
infectious vapors transmitted to the system? 690. How does bathing
promote cleanliness? 691. Why is it necessary to use soap in bathing?

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692. Every washing of the skin with soap removes the old face of the
cuticle, and leaves a new one; and were the process repeated to
excess, the latter would become so thin as to render the body sensible
to impressions too slight to be felt through its ordinary thickness.
On the other hand, when the cuticle and its accumulated impurities are
rarely disturbed, the sensitiveness of the skin is impaired. The
proper inference to be drawn from the preceding remarks, is in favor
of the _moderate_ use of soap to cleanse the skin.

_Observation._ If any unpleasant sensations are felt after the use of
soap, they may be immediately removed by washing the surface with
water slightly acidulated with lemon juice or vinegar, which
neutralizes the alkali that may remain on the skin. This is effective
treatment for "chapped hands."

693. _Bathing may be partial or general, and the water used may be
cold, temperate, tepid, warm, or hot._ A person may apply it to his
system with a sponge, it may be poured upon him, or he may immerse
himself in it. The simplest mode of bathing is to apply water to a
small extent of surface, by means of a wet sponge, and after being
wiped dry, again cover with the dress. In this way the whole body may
be speedily subjected to the influence of water, and to no less useful
friction. The water used may be warm or cold. This species of bathing
may be practised by any invalid, and a