In the various forms of struma, sea air is of the highest importance.

A cold atmosphere, especially when connected with damp, is fraught with disease. It checks and impedes the functions of the skin, and affects all the senses, tissues, and secretions of the body. Experience proves that according to its intensity, duration of contact, the part and extent of surface under its influence, the constitution of the individual, and other co-operating causes—diminution of vitality, apoplexy, nervous affections, cramp, rheumatism, defective nutrition and secretion, inflammation, fever, congestion, organic disease, consumption, and dropsy, are induced by it.

A very frequent way of "taking cold," is, by entering a hot room, or standing over a hot fire, when the temperature, vitality, and circulation of the surface of the body, and of the first part of the air passages, are lowered by a chilling atmosphere. The direct application of dry heat to any chilled part induces reaction and irritative or inflammatory action, according to the degree of chill, the constitution, error of blood and excretion, and other accidental circumstances. common chilblain occurs in this way, or by natural reaction before the part recovers its full activity. And as a chilblain on the extremities may often be avoided by restoring the temperature gradually,

The

instead of going direct to the fire, so may a catarrhal cold by taking exercise in a room the temperature of which is not above 66 degrees Fahrenheit, or by covering oneself with blankets, and taking some warm diluent drink, not intoxicating liquors.

41

DRESS.

THE physical design of dress ought always to be carried out, whatever alterations may be made in the outward fashion.

That design is to protect the surface of the body against the injurious effects of sudden changes and extremes of temperature, wind, and other states of the atmosphere; and to preserve such regular and moderate warmth as may be necessary to maintain the capillary circulation of the skin and the insensible perspiration.

The perspiration performs an important part in the whole process of nutrition. It aids in the regulation of the watery fluids of the body, and consequently vital heat and vascular action. And with it is eliminated a small quantity of carbonic acid, saline and effete animal matter.

If the insensible perspiration be checked suddenly, or for a long time, that which ought to pass off by the skin is eliminated by other organs; if it is not, excrementitious plethora and fever, or some affection of the head, or chest, or abdominal

viscera, will follow. Although some organs naturally act, to a certain extent, a vicarious part, they eventually suffer from over-action and continuing to perform a duty not their own.

Persons returning to this country after a long residence in a warm climate, where the water of the frame is carried off mainly by the skin, must not omit any means of securing a free and healthy action of that organ, or they will be amongst the first to suffer.

Sensible perspiration, although beneficial when induced to a limited amount by exertion or other means, must not, as a rule, be kept up by dress; because such a practice would soon cause general relaxation of tissue, exhaustion of the circulating fluids, loss of strength and energy, chilliness, and a desire for overheated rooms, and make the individual feel every change of weather.

In carrying out the design of dress, every article should be easy, not unnecessarily heavy, and sufficiently porous to admit air to the skin, and allow of the gradual escape of the cutaneous exhalations.

Flannel, or some texture of wool, is most suited to go next to the skin, both during the warm and cold weather of this country, because it is elastic, does not adhere so closely nor hold moisture like linen and calico, and permits the gradual escape

of perspiration and excess of vital heat; also, because it is of a moderately warm nature, and further promotes warmth by friction during the general movements of the body.

The great value of flannel next the skin is well known to cricketers, boatmen, mechanics, and perhaps the majority of adults. But many delicate persons, although the very subjects for it, and continuing delicate partly from want of it next the skin, unwisely resist the so wearing of it until coerced by some sharp attack or fixed disease. Such parties are without valid excuse, as any quality, thin, thick, soft, or harsh, adapted to every age, skin, and weather, is to be had.

In general, when the skin is very sensitive to the friction and irritation of flannel, there is a great tendency to irritation or inflammation of some internal organ. Therefore, is it not better to have, as a counterpoise, a little temporary annoyance without, (if it must be so called), than perma nent injury within, the body?

Insufficient clothing about the extremities causes congestion and greater liability to disease internally. Many children are invalided and suddenly cut off in this way. Because one child has circulation enough for naked arms and legs, another has not.

Ladies' stays, and every support used for the