tepid bath; from 95 deg. to 98 deg., a warm bath;
from 98 deg. to 105 deg., a hot bath. In using this form of bathing, the
skin should be wiped perfectly dry, and briskly rubbed.

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What is the test by which to estimate, the benefit of all modes of
bathing? 694. Give another method of sponge-bathing. 695. What is said
of the shower-bath? What caution is given? 696. Give the fourth form
of bathing.

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_Observation._ The length of time a person may remain in a cold bath
with benefit varies from two to ten minutes; while a person may remain
in a temperate, tepid, or warm bath, from ten to thirty minutes, or
until special indications are exhibited.

697. In the vapor-bath, the vapor is not only applied to the exterior
of the system, but it is inhaled and brought in contact with every
part of the interior of the lungs. The bather is seated upon a chair,
and the vapor gradually turned on around him, until the proper
temperature (90 deg. to 110 deg.) is attained. The bath may be continued
from ten to thirty minutes. After leaving the bath, attention should be
given to the skin, as in other forms of bathing.

698. In order to increase and promote reaction of the skin, various
measures and processes are used, some of which are practised in, and
others after, quitting the bath. Of the former, the rubbing and
brushing the skin are the most common and important. The brisk and
efficient friction of the skin with a coarse towel and flesh-brush,
after quitting the bath, should never be omitted. This short catalogue
embraces all the appliances requisite for the purpose.

699. _Bathing promotes health by its immediate and remote physiological
effects on the system._ When the body is moistened with a sponge wet
with cold water, or when an affusion by the sponge or shower-bath is
used, the skin instantly shrinks, and the whole of its tissue
contracts. This contraction diminishes the capacity of the cutaneous
system of blood-vessels, and a portion of the blood circulating through
them is suddenly thrown upon the more internal parts of the body.
The nervous system, among others, participates in it, and is stimulated
by the afflux, and communicates its stimulus to the whole system.
This causes a more energetic action of the heart and blood-vessels, and
a consequent rush of blood back to the skin. This is the state
termed _reaction_, the first object and purpose of every form of
bat