It is especially valuable in cardiac disease and diabetes. It stimulates oxidation, and is thus valuable in obesity and the toxemia of chronic dyspepsia; also in malarial cachexia, syphilis, neuritis, neuralgia, sciatica, habit chorea, hysteria, rheumatism, and anemia. It is superior to all other treatment in chronic rheumatism and all diseases dependent on uric-acid diathesis or diminished metabolism, by the combined action of the elevation of temperature and the vigorous cutaneous activity. The elevated temperature stimulates the oxidation of the proteid wastes and augments vital combustion, while the increased skin activity carries off all waste-products prepared for elimination. As a prophylactic, this form of bath is especially valuable for all persons leading a sedentary life; it is the best substitute for exercise in the open air, and, where there are no contraindications to its use, should be taken once a week. In cases of obesity, sweating may be used to reduce the weight; but, in order to obtain the best effects, it must be combined with exercise, and it must be borne in mind, that in obesity there is great danger of overheating the blood, in consequence of the obstacles to heat elimination presented by the thick layers of non-conducting fat. Therefore, these hot applications for the reduction of fat should never be too much prolonged, and the bath should always be finished by vigorous applications of cold. These cold applications have also a tonic effect upon the nervous system, and increase the muscular disposition for exercise, and this is the most rational treatment for obesity. _Loss of Weight._—There are many cases in which metabolism has been so sluggish, allowing an accumulation of imperfectly oxidized matters in the body, that the first active stimulation of the nutritive processes is in disproportion to the increased destructive metabolism. Under these circumstances there is necessarily a decrease in weight. The rubbish must first be removed and old defective structures before new and highly organized tissues can be deposited. A slight loss of weight need, therefore, give rise to no apprehension, but if the loss is considerable, or continues for some time, especially if accompanied by loss of strength or appetite, it is a matter for investigation. Palpitation of the heart and fulness of the head are an indication that the applications have been too hot or too long continued. Vertigo and fainting are apt to occur when hot applications have been continued too long, but they are quickly relieved by cold applications, especially by cold affusions to the chest and shoulders. Headache may result, either from excessively hot or cold procedures. Deficient reaction is generally the result of a too prolonged application of cold. On entering the electric-light cabinet, a wet towel wrung out of ice-water is placed around the neck and another around the forehead; or an ice-bag may be placed on the top of the head.