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164 the nerves at the periphery the brain is thrown into a state of chronic irritability, the mind becomes dull, the temper sour, and the disposition disagreeable. Indeed, it is impossible for any person whose skin is inactive, or who is suffering from a cutaneous disease, to be good-tempered, and everyone knows how necessary this quality is to domestic happiness.

We have to remark again here, as we have done in many other places in this work, that we have nothing to do with the medical department of our subject, not even to the recommending of lotions, washes, cosmetics, and other things for the purpose of improving the complexion. This, however, does not prevent us from offering a few general sanitary observations which are of universal application.

The first, the greatest, the commonest, the best of all cosmetics, is pure water and good soap used daily on every part of the body in all ages, and, except in sickness, at all times from the cradle to the grave. A daily bath is worth more to preserve the health and improve the personal appearance than all the Kalydor that was ever manufactured in the world. It may be used in anyway, cold, tepid, warm, or hot, according as the circumstances of the case require; but this strict cleanliness is the first thing necessary for a healthy skin and all the