=Effects of Alcohol upon the Skin.=--The more blood goes to the skin, the more blood is cooled. The body as a whole may be cooler, but _we feel warmer when there is more blood in the skin because of the effect of the warm blood upon the nerves_ of temperature. There are no nerves for perceiving temperature except in the skin and mucous membrane, and the body has practically no sensation of heat or cold except from the skin or mucous membrane. That alcoholic drinks make the skin red is commonly noticed. Often _the skin is flushed_ by one drink; the bloodshot eyes and purple nose of the toper are the results of habitual use. Can you explain why alcohol brings a _deceptive feeling_ of warmth? Why does alcohol increase the danger of freezing during exposure in very cold weather? During the chill which precedes a fever, the body (except the skin) is really warmer than usual. Exercise will relieve internal congestion and send the blood to the skin better than alcohol. This is the effect sought by sedentary people who use it to replace exercise. The long and sad experience of the race with alcohol proves that the attempt to adapt the body to its use should be given up. THOUGHT QUESTIONS. =The Functions of the Skin.=--=1.= State a fact which shows that the skin is a protection; gives off offensive substances; regulates the temperature. =2.= What is lacking in the skin when it cracks or chaps? Why does this occur more often in cold weather? When the hands are bathed with great frequency? =Effects of Indoor and Outdoor Life.=--_Those who live much out of doors, exposed to sunlight and pure, cold air, are robust and hardy_; while those whose occupations keep them constantly indoors, especially if no physical labor is necessary, show by their pale skins, their fat and flabby, or their thin and emaciated bodies, the weakening effect of such a life. We are descended from ancestors who lived in the open air, and it is impossible for a human being to live much indoors without degeneration of the body and shortening of life. =A Well-trained Skin.=--We hear a great deal about training the muscles, the brain, the eye, the hand; yet we may fail to realize that the skin also can be trained and its powers developed, or it can be allowed to become weak and powerless. Soundness of the skin is as essential to health as soundness of any other organ. A rosy color indicates good health because of a well-balanced circulation. Paleness often means internal congestion and great liability to indigestion, colds, etc. Hence we think a rosy skin beautiful and a pale skin ugly. With the skin in a healthy condition, the danger of taking most diseases is removed.