Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/191

Rh it in clothing alone, it is at the risk, or rather certainty, of weakening the body, relaxing the surface," &c. &c.—"Many good constitutions are thus ruined, and many nervous and pulmonary complaints brought on to imbitter existence."

"Flannel, from being a bad conductor of heat, prevents that of the animal economy from being quickly dissipated, and protects the body in a considerable degree from the influence of sudden external changes. From its presenting a rough and uneven, though a soft, surface to the skin, every movement of the body in labour or exercise gives, by the consequent friction, a gentle stimulus to the cutaneous vessels and nerves, which assists their action, and maintains their functions in health; and being, at the same time, of a loose and porous texture, flannel is capable of absorbing the cutaneous exhalations to a larger extent than any other material in common use."

"It is during the sudden changes from heat to cold, so common in autumn, before the frame has got inured to the reduction of temperature, that protection is most wanted, and flannel is moat useful."

"The exhalation from the skin being so constant and extensive, its bad effects when confined suggest another rule of conduct, viz.—that of frequently changing and airing the clothes, so as to free them from every impurity. It is an excellent plan to wear two sets of flannels, each being worn and aired by turns, oil alternate days."—"A practice common in Italy merits universal adoption. Instead of beds being made up in the morning the moment they are vacated, and while still saturated