Moist cold has a similar effect on the living tissues to dry cold. If the hand is immersed in iced water the blood rushes immediately to the surface, so that the color of the skin increases, which is followed by a marked degree of numbness, and an unpleasant burning and tingling sensation. A reaction comes on in a short time, the blood quits the surface, and the skin becomes bleached and contracts, the tissues underneath also shrink and become painful. There is no difference in the effect of either moist or dry cold, only that the former is more penetrating and its effects are sooner apparent. Those parts of the body that are more directly exposed and in which the circulation is not much protected by fatty tissue, suffer the most from the effects of cold; after exposure for an unusual length of time the toes, feet, heels, fingers, hands, nose, and ears, together with the lips and cheeks are for this reason oftener affected than other parts of the body. Persons whose constitutions are broken down by intemperance, starvation and other privations which lower the power of resistance are more susceptible to this accident. The first effect of cold in the general system is bracing and stimulating; an agreeable glow is felt over the surface of the body and one feels strengthened and exhilarated. But if the cold temperature is unusually prolonged this agreeable sensation is changed into one of pain and drowsiness; the brain becomes inactive as if under the influence of a powerful opiate or narcotic, and the desire to go to sleep is so strong that it requires the greatest effort to keep awake. To yield to this inclination to sleep would result in slumber that knows no waking, for the blood would now rapidly accumulate in the internal organs, the breathing would become irregular and spasmodic, the nervous functions would soon be suspended and death would ensue from general paralysis. An individual thus exposed, so as to have become drowsy or unconscious and then suddenly brought into a hot room is likely to die from congestion of the brain and lungs, or if he should revive for a short time, the frost-bitten parts will be stricken with mortification. Professor Samuel D. Gross says: “The treatment of frostbite requires no little judgment and adroitness to conduct it to a successful issue. The great indication is to recall the affected parts gradually to their natural condition by restoring circulation and sensibility, in the most gentle and cautious manner, not suddenly, or by severe measures. The first thing to be done is to immerse them in iced water, or rub them with snow, the friction being made as carefully and lightly as possible, lest overaction be produced, as they are necessarily greatly weakened. If no ice or snow is at hand, the coldest well water that can be procured must be used; and if immersion is inconvenient, wet cloths are applied, with the precaution of maintaining the supply of cold and moisture by constant irrigation.