The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English: or, Medicine Simplified, 54th ed., One Million, Six Hundred; and Fifty Thousand
John Stuart Mill · en
THE RUSSIAN BATH consists in the application of hot vapor, at a
temperature varying from 112° to 200° Fahr. The patient is first
subjected to a moderately warm temperature, which is gradually increased
as he becomes inured to it, the head being surrounded with cloths wet in
cold water. Upon emerging from it, the bather is plunged into cold water
or receives a cool, shower bath. In rheumatic and cutaneous diseases,
chronic inflammations, and nervous affections, the Russian bath is an
effective remedy.
THE TURKISH BATH is a, dry, hot-air bath. The bather passes from one
apartment to another, each one being of a higher temperature than the
preceding. He undergoes a thorough shampooing, and, although the person
may be scrupulously clean, he will be astonished at the amount of effete
matter removed by this process. The bather then returns through the
various apartments, and, upon emerging from that of the lowest
temperature, he experiences a delightful sensation of vigor and
elasticity.
As a hygienic agent, the hot-air bath has been' constantly growing in
favor. Its value is now recognized by all physicians throughout the
world. The judicious use of the Turkish bath serves to secure perfect
equalization of the circulation. Glandular activity is increased,
elasticity and power given to the muscles, and a permanent, stimulating
and tonic influence imparted to the system, a condition at once
conducive to the enjoyment and prolongation of life. Dr. Erasmus Wilson,
of England, says, in a paper read before the London Medical Association:
"The inhabitant of a large city would live as healthy, immured within
city walls, as amid the fields and meadows of the country. His bath
would be to him in the place of a country house or horse--it would give
him air, exercise, freshness, health, and life."
"The bath that cleanses the inward as well as the outward man; that is
applicable to every age; that is adapted to make health healthier, and
alleviate disease, whatever its stage or severity, deserves to be
adopted as a national institution, and merits the advocacy of all
medical men; of those whose especial duty it is to teach how health may
be preserved, and how disease may be averted."