692. Why should only a moderate amount of soap be used in bathing? If unpleasant sensations are felt from too free use of soap, how can they be counteracted? 693. Give the different forms of bathing. What is the simplest mode of bathing? Can this mode be adopted by invalids with safety? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 694. When the heat of the system is adequate, the bather may stand or sit in a shallow tub, while he receives the water from a sponge squeezed over the shoulders or against the body. In this form of bathing, the person is more exposed to the cold air, and on this account it is less suitable for very feeble individuals than the first-mentioned method. In the early use of this form of the sponge-bath, the bather should content himself with a single affusion from the sponge; the body should be quickly wiped with a soft towel, and friction applied with a crash towel or a brush. 695. The third kind of bathing is that of the shower-bath, which provides a greater amount of affusion than the former, combined with a greater shock to the nervous system. The concussion of the skin by the fall of water, particularly distinguishes this from the previous modes of bathing. The degree of concussion is modified by the size of the openings through which the water issues, and the height of the reservoir. The shower-bath admits of modification, adapting it to the most delicate as well as the robust. The extent of fall, the size of the apertures, the quantity and temperature of the water, may be regulated at pleasure. _Observation._ In using the shower-bath, it would be judicious to commence with warm or tepid water, for which, by a gradual process, cold water may be substituted. In this way the system may be inured to cold water. After bathing, the skin should be wiped dry and rubbed briskly. 696. The fourth form of bathing is that in which the body, or a portion of it, is immersed in water. The temperature of water in this form of bathing may be modified according to the sensations and purposes of the bather. This form of bathing is designated according to the heat of the water. When the temperature is below 75°, it is termed a cold bath; when from 75° to 85°, a temperate bath; from 85° to 95°, a tepid bath; from 95° to 98°, a warm bath; from 98° to 105°, a hot bath. In using this form of bathing, the skin should be wiped perfectly dry, and briskly rubbed. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What is the test by which to estimate, the benefit of all modes of bathing? 694. Give another method of sponge-bathing. 695. What is said of the shower-bath? What caution is given? 696. Give the fourth form of bathing. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= _Observation._ The length of time a person may remain in a cold bath with benefit varies from two to ten minutes; while a person may remain in a temperate, tepid, or warm bath, from ten to thirty minutes, or until special indications are exhibited.