the oil from the oil glands and the dirt from the
outside, tends to close up the pores and develop offensive odors. Keeping
the skin clean is, for these reasons, necessary from both a health and a
social standpoint. While one should always keep clean, the frequency of
the bath will depend upon the season, the occupation of the individual,
and the nature and amount of the perspiration. As to the kind of bath to
be taken and the precautions to be observed, no specific rules can be laid
down. These must be determined by the facilities at hand and by the health
and natural vigor of the bather. Severe chilling of the body should be
avoided, especially by those in delicate health. If a hot bath is taken,
one should dash cold water over the body on finishing. One should then
quickly dry and rub the body with a coarse towel. The dash of cold water
closes the pores of the skin and lessens the liability of taking cold.

*The Tonic Bath.*--The cold bath has been found to have a beneficial effect
upon the general health beyond its effect upon the skin. When taken with
care as to the length of time and the degree of cold, decided tonic
effects are observed on the circulation and on the nervous system. The
rapid changes of temperature vigorously exercise the non-striated muscles
of the blood vessels (page 57) and the nerves controlling them. The
irritability of the nervous system in general is also lessened. For this
reason the cold bath is one of the best means of keeping both mind and
body in good condition during the warm months. Sponging off the body with
cold or tepid water before retiring is also an excellent aid in securing
sound sleep during the hot summer nights.

Danger from the cold bath arises through the shock to the nervous system
and the loss of heat from the body. It is avoided by using water whose
temperature is not too low and by limiting the time spent in the bath. A
brisk rubbing with a coarse towel should always follow the cold bath.
People past middle age are, as a rule, not benefited by the cold bath; and
those in delicate health, especially if inclined toward rheumatism, are
likely to be affected injuriously by it.

*Care of the Complexion.*--A good complexion is a natural accompaniment of
good health and depends primarily upon two conditions--a clear skin and an
active circulation of the blood through it. Clearness of the skin depends
largely upon the elimination of waste material from the body, and where
th