The Royal Road to Health; Or, the Secret of Health Without DrugsTyrrell, Chas. A. (Charles Alfred)
Science
The Royal Road to Health; Or, the Secret of Health Without Drugs
Tyrrell, Chas. A. (Charles Alfred)
Enema; Health; Health -- Popular works; Health promotion; Hygiene
The skin consists of two layers, the derma, or true skin, and the
epidermis, or cuticle. It is the principal seat of the sense of touch,
and on the surface of the upper layer are the sensitive papillae,
which receive and respond to impressions; and within, or imbedded
beneath it, are organs with special functions, viz., the sweat glands,
hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Its value as a means of
depuration is incalculable, as by it, vast quantities of the aqueous
and gaseous refuse matter is conveyed from the body. By the aid of a
four diameter magnifying glass applied to the skin of the palm of the
hand, the curiously inclined will observe that it is divided into fine
ridges, which are punctured regularly with minute holes. These are the
mouths of the sweat glands, and generally known as the pores of the
skin. Their function is to bring moisture to the surface of the skin;
which is secreted from the blood, and chemical analysis reveals the
fact that this moisture is always more or less loaded with worn-out
and effete matter. It is estimated that there are 3,800 of these
glands in each square inch of skin, and that their total length, in an
ordinary person, if placed end to end, would be ten miles. Then there
are the sebaceous, or oil glands, which oil the skin and keep it
flexible. Now, as the processes of destruction and upbuilding are
perpetually going on in the body, and the skin being one of the
principal avenues by which the refuse is removed, the vital necessity
of keeping this organ perfectly clean becomes apparent at once; for
this refuse matter, if retained in the system, acts as a poison, and
furnishes food for disease germs to feed upon.
It has been demonstrated by experiment upon dogs from which the hair
had been shorn, that a coat of varnish applied to the body (thus
effectually closing the pores), will cause death in a very short
while. No better object lesson could be given of the imperative
necessity of keeping the skin perfectly clean, if you wish to enjoy
good health.
It is an easy matter to keep all these miles of tubing in a perfectly
natural and active condition, by a strict observance of the
fundamental principle--cleanliness. Bathe the body daily, complete
immersion, if practicable; if this is not possible, then sponge the
body thoroughly, all over; but if both methods are rendered out of the
question by circumstances, then adopt the best substitute,
namely, vigorous friction with a coarse towel.
We know it will be urged that the majority of people have not the time
or convenience for this daily process; but when sickness overtakes
them, they have to find time to submit to medical treatment, and in
this, as in other matters of everyday life, the cleanly individual who
is thoroughly in earnest, will "find a way, or make it."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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