SEA-BATHING.

Bathing in the sea is much practiced by fashionable people who make annual visits to the sea-coast for this purpose. It is no doubt useful, though many who participate in it would doubtless receive quite as much benefit if they took as many baths at home during the whole year as they take at the fashionable watering-places in a single week. It is a fine thing to be well washed once a year, however, if not more often.

As generally conducted, sea-bathing is not more beneficial than harmful. The dissipation accompanying it more than counterbalances what good might be gained. It is rather absurd to attribute any specific virtues to sea-water, as many do. Quite a large business is carried on in the evaporation of sea-water and the sale of the dirty residue, which is again dissolved in water and used in bathing by those who live too far inland to enjoy the benefits of bathing in the sea, or who prefer to take their sea-bath in their own private bath-room. Everything must have a counterfeit, and so this seasalt is imitated by base swindlers who prepare a mixture of chemicals just as powerful, but not quite so complicated, and less dirty, though certainly equally good. All of this trouble and swindling might be saved if people would only consider for a moment the fact that all the benefit they obtain from bathing is derived from the exercise, the temperature,and pure water, and not from any impurities which the water may chance to contain.

Sea-bathing is usually overdone. More benefit will be gained by one or two daily baths than by a half-dozen. Fifty baths in a single week are not equivalent to a single bath each in fifty weeks.

We have no faith in medicated baths in general. They are occasionally useful for the destruction of vermin, animal parasites, and perhaps in certain cases of skin disease. Generally, it is far better to take the limpid element “Simon pure,” unadulterated. Many medicated baths have acquired great celebrity by the performance of cures really wonderful, but wholly attributable to water only, in spite of, rather than in conjunction with, the foreign medicament added.

Inunction was greatly practiced by the ancients in connection with the Roman and Turkish baths. It consists in rubbing the skin very thoroughly with some unctuous substance. Olive oil may be employed, but cosmoline or vaseline, two refined products of coal oil, are in some respects preferable. Olive oil cannot be obtained pure, except at almost fabulous prices. That sold in the drug stores as olive oil is really cotton-seed oil and mixtures of lard with various other vegetable oils.

A warm bath should first be administered. Then dry the patient, as usual, and apply the unguent, taking care to rub it in thoroughly. Simply greasing the surface is not the object sought. The skin and flesh should be worked, rubbed, and kneaded until the oil nearly disappears from the surface.

The object of this application is to supply the place of defective natural secretion of oleaginous material, to increase the activity of the skin, and to diminish susceptibility to cold. How this is accomplished, readily appears. The oil is a simple substitute for the sebaceous secretion, which is, in a certain class of diseases, notably deficient. The thorough manipulation of the skin which is necessary in applying the oil, and which is facilitated by a lubricant, directly promotes cutaneous activity. Whether the oil itself has any direct effect in increasing the functional activity of the skin cannot be positively affirmed, although it is reasonably supposable that the skin will act more nearly normal when a deficient element is supplied than when it is wanting. Oil is an excellent non-conductor; and invalids who are especially susceptible to cold may be rendered comfortable by the application of the oil bath.

The class of cases to which this remedy is applicable will be sufficiently well indicated by the purposes which the bath is supposed to subserve. It should not be used indiscriminately. Once or twice a week is sufficiently often to make the application,and each should be followed by a warm bath with fine soap, two or three days after.

Numerous substances have been employed in bathing, under the idea that they possessed peculiar specific virtues; the following are some of the chief:—

Mud Bath.—Immersion of the body in warm mud has been a favorite practice at several places in Italy, France, Germany, and other countries. The effects are not very different from those of any warm bath, and are said to be very pleasant, by those who have taken them. If the mud were not medicated, this kind of bath would not be especially objectionable for those who could enjoy it.

Earth Bath.—Burying the body in the moist earth has also been practiced. We have known of one instance in which this remedy was successfully used in the treatment of ague.

Bees’ eggs,milk,blood,wine,sand, andgelatinehave also been employed by different nations, at different periods, in bathing. None of these applications are superior to pure water, which all nature recognizes as the proper material for bathing purposes.

Fecal accumulations in the lower bowel are more quickly and easily removed by an enema of warm water than by any purgative, laxative, orcathartic ever discovered or invented; and the use of this remedy is never accompanied by the unpleasant and painful griping and tenesmus which often accompany the use of cathartics. The administration is a trifle more troublesome, but the results are enough superior to more than repay the inconvenience. The fountain syringe is far preferable to any other for administering injections. Water about blood-warm should be used when the purpose is to relieve constipation, and a considerable quantity—one to three pints, or more—may be used. The water should be retained for a few minutes, while the bowels are kneaded and shaken. In hemorrhage and inflammation of the lower bowel, cool or cold clysters should be employed, and should be retained as long as possible. The copious cool enema is a valuable antiphlogistic remedy used in conjunction with the cool bath in cases of violent febrile excitement, as typhoid fever, when the temperature rises above 103° F.

The enema is a most perfect substitute for purgatives in general. Cases are very rare in which a cathartic drug will be found necessary if the enema is properly used. But the enema may become a source of mischief if abused. If habitually relied upon to secure a movement of the bowels for a long time, the bowels lose their activity, and the most obstinate constipation sometimes results, precisely as from the prolonged use of purgatives.

WATER EMETIC.

Warm water at about 92°—not hot water—is a most excellent emetic if taken in sufficient quantity. It is prompt in action, and is unaccompanied by the painful nausea, retching, and straining produced by most other emetics. From half a pint to one or two quarts is required to produce emesis. The patient should slowly swallow a tumblerful, then rest two or three minutes, and swallow another, so continuing to drink for ten minutes or more. As soon as the slightest disposition to vomit is felt—or even if it is not felt, after a considerable quantity of water has been taken—the patient should touch the back part of his mouth with the end of his finger or a feather, as far down as he can reach. This will usually excite the desired action. If it does not, all that need be done is to continue drinking. A little salt added to the water will make it more sickening, and will do no particular harm, as it is thrown out again.

It is not claimed that the warm-water emetic can replace all other emetics inall cases. When instant vomiting is necessary, as in cases of poisoning, some more prompt emetic may be used with it. But for all ordinary purposes, it clearly has no rival.

The use of fomentations is often less convenient or desirable than dry applications of heat,which may be made in a variety of ways. Bottles, jugs, or rubber bags, filled with hot water, hot bricks or stones, wrapped in papers or cloths, hot cloths, bags filled with hot sand, salt, or corn meal, are all convenient methods of applying dry heat.

A few suggestions with reference to the manner of using hot applications may be useful. In applying heat to the feet when the circulation in those organs is defective, it is frequently insufficient to apply the heat to the bottoms of the feet, only. For this reason, jugs or bottles and stones are often applied without effecting any satisfactory results. A much more efficient method is the following: Heat to a suitable temperature two or three pounds of corn meal or salt. Place the salt or meal in a bag sufficiently large to envelop the feet. After distributing it evenly through the bag, wrap the latter about the feet and cover them with a woolen blanket. A rubber bag partially filled with hot water is an excellent appliance for use in cases of neuralgia, toothache, and nearly all acute pains in the region of the head, as it will conform so perfectly to the shape of the part to which it is applied, and may be used as a pillow.

As a general rule, hot applications should not be continued more than an hour or two, at longest, without, at least, a transient application of a lower temperature. Too prolonged an application may result in injury to the part.

WATER-DRINKING.

As a remedial agent, water is of far greater value than any other liquid taken into the stomach. Its uses in preserving health have been previously noticed. Under ordinary circumstances, a person in health who discards irritating condiments from his diet seldom requires drink. Many persons take no drink whatever during the winter months. But drinking is healthful, and pure water of proper temperature may be taken by any one in health or disease if it is taken in the proper manner. Drinking at meals is an unwholesome practice. Drinking large quantities of iced water is unhealthful. Cold water should not be taken freely when the drinker is hot or exhausted. The thirst will be quenched as readily by slowly sipping a small quantity. In fevers, water should be freely allowed. A glass of cool water taken half an hour before breakfast is an excellent remedy for habitual constipation.

Water-drinking may be made a means of bathing the internal structures, as external applications bathe the outside. Water is rapidly absorbed by the mucous membrane of the stomach, and, passing through the circulation, it dissolves many impurities, and is eliminated chiefly by the kidneys and skin. It can be used with benefit in connection with the vapor bath, hot-air bath, and all baths in which sweating is induced. Itshould not be used in such great excess as it was employed by the early hydropathists, however, whose patients drank from ten to thirty glasses of water a day.

Free drinking of water is useful in cases in which the urine is scanty and irritating. It gives relief by diluting the urinary excretions.

For drinking, and for all ordinary purposes, it is of the greatest importance that water should be as pure as possible. When water which is nearly soft, and wholly free from organic impurities, cannot be obtained from wells or springs, filtered rain water should be employed. A very useful filter can be easily and cheaply constructed in the following manner:—

Make a hole low down in the side, or in the bottom, of a large earthen jar or flower-pot. Place in the bottom of the vessel a few clean stones about the size of eggs. Fill the jar to within two or three inches of the top with equal parts of fine, clean gravel and pulverized charcoal. Cover the jar with a clean, white cloth, securing the edges by a string drawn about the top. The center of the cloth cover should be allowed to hang down into the vessel so as to form a hollow into which the water may be poured, the cloth serving as a strainer to remove the coarser dirt. The cloth should be frequently cleansed, and the gravel and charcoal should be renewed at least once a year.

HEALTH PUBLICATIONS.

The Hygienic Family Physician.

A manual well adapted to family use. It describes in simple language all common diseases, and gives careful directions for treating them without the use of drugs. It also contains invaluable instruction respecting the care of the health. Bound in cloth, $1.00.

The Uses of Water in Health and Disease.

This work comprises a sketch of the history of bathing, an explanation of the properties and effects of water, a description of all the different kinds of baths, and directions for applying water as a remedy for disease. Water is not presented as a “cure-all,” but as a valuable adjunct of other remedies, and in some cases the most useful of all curative agents. This work will prove a valuable guide to those who wish to employ water in treating disease. Pamphlet edition, 136 pp., 25 cents. A fine edition in cloth, 160 pp., 60 cents.

Health and Diseases of Woman.

A treatise on the nature and cause of the diseases of women; a work which every woman—especially mothers—ought to possess. Lifelong misery will be avoided by regarding its advice. 15 cents.

The Hygienic System.

An explanation of the principles of a system of treating disease which dispenses with drugs and poisons. It is radical, terse, and uncompromising, and gives the advocates of druggery no quarter. 15 cents.

Healthful Cookery.

A Hand-Book of Food and Diet; or, What to Eat, When to Eat, and How to Eat. It contains a large number of recipes for the preparation of wholesome and palatable food without condiments. Almost any dyspeptic can cure himself by making it his rule of diet; and any one who carefully follows its teachings will be proof against indigestion. 128 pp., 25 cents.

An Essay on Tobacco-Using.

This little work explains the effects of tobacco on the human system, together with those of all other poisons. It finds no apology for the use of tobacco, and faithfully depicts its evils. 15 cents.

The Evils of Fashionable Dress, and How to Dress Healthfully.

A criticism of the fashionable modes of ladies’ dress, pointing out the numerous evils arising therefrom, and the proper remedy. The subject is treated candidly, and the writer admits the possibility of a commendable reform in dress which will not expose the wearer to ridicule on account of its peculiarities. Every lady ought to read it and profit by its suggestions. 10 cents.

☞Continued on next page.

Alcoholic Poison:The Physical, Moral, and Social Effects of Alcohol as a Beverage and as a Medicine.

Alcoholic Poison:

The Physical, Moral, and Social Effects of Alcohol as a Beverage and as a Medicine.

This work defines true temperance, explains the nature of alcohol and the manner of its production, describes its physical effects upon the human body, exhibits by statistics its moral and social effects, points out the causes and proper cure of the evil of intemperance, answers the drunkard’s arguments in favor of drinking, exposes the fallacies of alcoholic medication, and defends the Bible against the imputation that it advocates or favors the use of alcoholic drinks. Temperance workers will find this a useful auxiliary. 128 pp. 20 cents.

Proper Diet for Man.

A concise summary of the evidences upon which the practice of vegetarianism is based. It contains the pith of larger works on the same subject, with some additional arguments. 15 cents.

Health and Temperance Tracts.A Package of 15 Tracts, aggregating nearly 250 pp. 30 cents.

Health and Temperance Tracts.

A Package of 15 Tracts, aggregating nearly 250 pp. 30 cents.

Dyspepsia.—An account of its causes, how to prevent it, and how to cure it.

Healthful Clothing.—A description of the evils of fashionable dress, and directions for clothing the body healthfully.

Principles of Health Reform.—An introduction to the subject.

Startling Facts about Tobacco.—A vivid portrayal of the evils arising from the use of the filthy weed.

Twenty-five Arguments for Tobacco-Using Briefly Answered.—A tract for every smoker, chewer, and snuffer of tobacco.

True Temperance.—A definition of temperance and the true temperance platform.

Tea and Coffee.—Why their use is unhealthful.

Pork.—The dangers of pork-eating exposed. Startling facts.

Alcohol: What Is It?—A description of the chemical and physical properties of alcohol, and the mode of its production.

Alcoholic Poison.—A personal appeal to young drunkards.

Moral and Social Effects of Alcohol.—A collection of astonishing facts and statistics.

Causes and Cure of Intemperance.—The gigantic evil traced to its true source, and the only efficient remedy pointed out.

The Drunkard’s Arguments Answered.—A complete refutation of the arguments in favor of rum.

Alcoholic Medication.—An exposure of the evils of the medical use of alcohol, and its uselessness.

Wine and the Bible.—A defense of the Bible against the oft-repeated charge that it favors the use of fermented drinks.

These tracts are furnished at the rate of 800 pages for one dollar. A liberal discount by the quantity.

Address,HEALTH REFORMER, Battle Creek, Mich.

Dress Reform Patterns.

The following patterns are finely adapted to meeting the requirements of healthful clothing. No woman should be without them. They can be adapted to children as well as adults.

No. 1.A flannel undergarment to be worn next to the skin. It covers the whole body from neck to wrists and ankles. Price, 50 cts.

No. 2.A garment combining chemise and drawers, arranged with buttons so as to support the skirts and stockings from the shoulders. To be worn next to the preceding garment in cold weather. Price, 50 cts.

No. 3.This garment combines chemise and drawers, and also supplies the place of the corset so efficiently that those who have been accustomed to wearing the latter article are happy to dispense with it after a single trial of this dress. It is cut to fit the bust perfectly, thus affording all desirable support. Price, with cloth model, 75 cts.

No. 4. Gabrielle Dress.This may be made either long or short to suit the taste of the wearer. When worn with pants it should be from six to nine inches from the floor. Those who do not wish to adopt the pants may wear the dress two or three inches from the floor with dress drawers and leggins. Price, 50 cts.

We can also furnish patterns for skirts, pants for short dress, and dress drawers with leggins, at 25 cts. each.

Those who wish to secure a good fit should send the following measurements:—

1. Bust measure, number of inches. 2. Under bust measure. 3. Waist measure. 4. Length of waist under arm. 5. Hips, three inches below the waist, 6. Width of back across shoulders. 7. Length of drawers from waist down. 8. Length of back from neck to waist. 9. Length of sleeve inside. 10. Length of sleeve outside. 11. Length of shoulder. 12. Around neck. 13. Around arm-size (high up).

When desired, garments will be made at as reasonable rates as possible, and sent by express. The patterns will be sent, post-paid, on receipt of the prices marked. We employ an experienced dress-maker to cut patterns and make garments, so that all may feel sure of obtaining a good fit if proper measures are sent. We hope that our friends will not fail to avail themselves of this opportunity for obtaining just what they need for their health, comfort, and convenience.

GarmentandStocking Supportersare also kept at this Office.

⁂ Address, HEALTH REFORMER,Battle Creek, Mich.

⁂ Address, HEALTH REFORMER,

Battle Creek, Mich.

Health Reform Institute,Battle Creek, Mich.

Health Reform Institute,

Battle Creek, Mich.

This Institution is admirably located on a site of twenty acres, in the highest part of the pleasant and enterprising city of Battle Creek, commanding a fine prospect, and affording opportunities for entertainment, quiet, and retirement.

With a competent corps of Physicians and Helpers, it offers to the sick inducements that are offered by few others. Diseases are treated in a thorough and scientific manner, and with a degree of success impossible under any other mode of treatment. The principal curative agents employed are

Electricity, Water, Swedish Movements, Hot-Air Bath, and Russian Vapor Bath.

BATTLE CREEK is an important station on the Michigan Central and Chicago & Lake Huron Railroads, and is easy of access from all parts of the country. ☞ For Particulars see Circular, sent Free on application.

Address, HEALTH INSTITUTE,Battle Creek, Mich.

Address, HEALTH INSTITUTE,

Battle Creek, Mich.

BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.

The College building is both AMPLE and ELEGANT, and the grounds are LARGE and BEAUTIFUL. The corps of Professors comprises Instructors in all the English branches, the Natural Sciences, and both Ancient and Modern Languages. One of the chief attractions of this Institution is the fact that it is

Conducted on Hygienic Principles.

The Professors are all hygienists, and inculcate hygienic truths in their daily instructions. The College has a full Charter from the State, and is empowered to confer Diplomas.

TERMS of TUITION are very reasonable. Good hygienic board can be obtained at very moderate rates.

Terms for 1876–7 open as follows: Fall Term, August 30, continuing 16 weeks. Winter Term, January 3, continuing 12 weeks. Spring Term, April 31, continuing 12 weeks. All who wish further information should send for the Annual Catalogue.

Address, BATTLE CREEK COLLEGEBattle Creek, Mich.

Address, BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE

Battle Creek, Mich.

IMPROVED WATER FILTER.

[Filter]

The accompanying cut is a representation of one of the greatest and most useful inventions of the age—Kedzie’s Improved Water Filter.

Its mechanism is so perfect that it accomplishes all that could be expected or desired of a filter to accomplish, and without the bestowal of more than the slightest amount of attention. It removes from water all those products of decay and disease which are the most prolific causes of sickness and death.

THOUSANDS USE THEM

And admire them, and all are ready to testify to their efficiency and utility. No family should be without one; for it is impossible to obtain from springs or wells water which is, in all respects, so free from injurious properties as is soft filtered water.

Five sizes are manufactured to suit the wants of all. The following table gives their dimensions:—

Prices.No. 1, $9.00; No. 2, $10.50; No. 3, $12.00; No. 4, $13.50; No. 5, $15.00. Orders promptly filled.

Address,Health Reformer, Battle Creek, Mich.

FOUNTAIN SYRINGE.

[Syringe]

These syringes have become so popular through the general recognition of their excellencies, that they have almost entirely superseded all other styles for most purposes. The principal advantages which they offer over others are the following: 1. They are self-acting, no pumping being required; 2. They are valveless, and so simple in construction that they cannot get out of order; 3. They do not inject air, and thus do not endanger the patient; 4. By means of the sprinkler attachment, light shower baths can be administered. 5. Various other attachments adapt them to use for every part of the body. 6. The evenness of action with which they operate makes them superior to every other syringe.

No family should be without one of these syringes. They are used exclusively at the Health Institute.

Prices.No. 1, $2.50; No. 2, $3.00; No. 3, $3.50.

Address,Health Reformer, Battle Creek, Mich.

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