Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/212

188] 6. While the bather is in the water, he should not remain inactive, but apply brisk general friction, and move his arms and legs, to promote the circulation of the fluids from the heart to the extremities. It would, therefore, be extremely imprudent to continue in the water till a second chillness attacks the body; a circumstance which would not only defeat the whole purpose intended, but might at the same time be productive of the most injurious effects.

Immediately after the person leaves the bath, it will be necessary for him, with the assistance of another person for dispatch, to wipe and dry his body with a coarse and clean cloth. He should not afterwards sit inactive, or enter a carriage, unless warmly clothed and wearing flannel next the skin: if season and circumstances permit, it will be more proper, and highly beneficial, to take gentle exercise till the equilibrium of the circulation be restored, and the vessels, as well as the muscles, have acquired a due degree of re-action.

The best place for cold bathing is in the invigorating water of the sea, or a clear river; and where neither of these can be conveniently resorted to, we recommend the ; an apparatus of which may be procured from the tin-man. Its eftects are doubtless more powerful than those of the common bath: and though the latter covers the surface of the body more uniformly, yet this circumstance by no means detracts from the excellence of the former; because those intermediate parts, which the water has not touched, receive an electric and sympathetic impression, in a degree similar to those brought into actual contact. As every drop of water from the shower bath operates as a partial cold bath, its vivifying shock to robust individuals is more extensive, and beneficial, than from any other method of bathing.

Hence this bath is possessed of the following important advantages; 1. The sudden contact of the water may be repeated, prolonged, and modified at pleasure; 2. The head and breast are tolerably secure, as it descends towards the lower extremities: thus, the circulation is not impeded, breathing is less affected, and a determination of blood to the head and breast is effectually obviated; 3. As the water descends in single drops, it is more stimulating and pleasant, than the usual immersion; and, can be more readily procured and adapted to circumstances; lastly, 4. The degree of pressure from the weight of water, is here likewise in a great measure prevented; nor is the circulation of the fluids interrupted so as to render the use of this bath in any degree dangerous;—a circumstance of the highest importance; because by the ordinary immersion, persons are often exposed to injuries which they least apprehend.

As the erection of public baths has, from the remotest ages, been considered an object worthy of national attention, and private solicitude, we have selected a modern specimen of such a structure as, in our opinion, will be admired, and perhaps adopted in this country, where public spirit, and a cordial support of every useful invention, are equally conspicuous. We allude to the at, an establishment which