Life in a tub; with a description of the Turkish bathDiogenes [pseudonym]
Science
Life in a tub; with a description of the Turkish bath
Diogenes [pseudonym]
Baths, Turkish; Hydrotherapy
[32] The “Oriental Bath,” paper read by Dr. Haughton before the Royal
Dublin Society, April, 1858.
[33] Since the above was written, we have heard that arrangements have
been made for the immediate erection of a Turkish bath in this city on
an extensive scale, and on the most approved principles (in
Lincoln-place, Merrion-square), to which we wish every success. Six
Turkish baths are now in operation in the town of Bradford in
Yorkshire, three at Blarney, two at Cork, in the vicinity of which
latter town a third one is now erecting by Dr. Barter, on a scale of
magnificence hitherto unattempted in the western world.
[34] Of Dropsy, Dr. Osborne asserts, that, “sweating being
accomplished, the disease, if free from complication, never fails to be
removed.”
[35] It is the use of the Turkish bath which enables the Turks to smoke
to the excess they do with impunity—the noxious vapours being burned
out by the excessive temperature. How different must be the effects of
smoking in a damp climate like ours, where the poisonous fumes, unable
to evaporate, remain in the system, a prolific source of disease.
[36] The blacksmith, begrimed with smoke and dirt, who freely perspires
over his daily task, is cleaner in the true sense of the term than the
best washed individual in the land. Surface washing alone will not
suffice; to secure health the blood itself must be purified, its inmost
channels flushed and cleansed.
[37] If we always breathed pure air, took daily exercise to
perspiration, performed daily ablutions, and partook temperately of
plain and wholesome food, disease would be almost unknown amongst us.
Whenever we depart from these conditions of health, we lay the sure
foundation of disease. It has been truly said, that if we took the same
care of our own bodies as we do of our horses’, we should enjoy much
better health than we are wont. Sir Astley Cooper used to say, that
“man did not pay sufficient attention to the grooming of his body.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account