lways with benefit, if the
bathing is succeeded by a glow of warmth over the surface; and this is
the test by which the benefit of all forms of bathing is to be
estimated.

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692. Why should only a moderate amount of soap be used in bathing? If
unpleasant sensations are felt from too free use of soap, how can they
be counteracted? 693. Give the different forms of bathing. What is the
simplest mode of bathing? Can this mode be adopted by invalids with
safety?

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694. When the heat of the system is adequate, the bather may stand or
sit in a shallow tub, while he receives the water from a sponge
squeezed over the shoulders or against the body. In this form of
bathing, the person is more exposed to the cold air, and on this
account it is less suitable for very feeble individuals than the
first-mentioned method. In the early use of this form of the
sponge-bath, the bather should content himself with a single affusion
from the sponge; the body should be quickly wiped with a soft towel,
and friction applied with a crash towel or a brush.

695. The third kind of bathing is that of the shower-bath, which
provides a greater amount of affusion than the former, combined with a
greater shock to the nervous system. The concussion of the skin by the
fall of water, particularly distinguishes this from the previous modes
of bathing. The degree of concussion is modified by the size of the
openings through which the water issues, and the height of the
reservoir. The shower-bath admits of modification, adapting it to the
most delicate as well as the robust. The extent of fall, the size of
the apertures, the quantity and temperature of the water, may be
regulated at pleasure.

_Observation._ In using the shower-bath, it would be judicious to
commence with warm or tepid water, for which, by a gradual process,
cold water may be substituted. In this way the system may be inured to
cold water. After bathing, the skin should be wiped dry and rubbed
briskly.

696. The fourth form of bathing is that in which the body, or a
portion of it, is immersed in water. The temperature of water in this
form of bathing may be modified according to the sensations and
purposes of the bather. This form of bathing is designated according
to the heat of the water. When the temperature is below 75 deg., it is
termed a cold bath; when from 75 deg. to 85 deg., a temperate bath; from
85 deg. to 95 deg., a