rces of
infection may be almost entirely done away with by a few simple rules of
life, and the health and longevity of mankind must necessarily be
directly proportionate to the care with which we observe them.

It is now in order to discuss in detail the subject of personal hygiene.

FOOTNOTE:

[1] See the volume in this Library, _Animal Competitors_, by ERNEST
INGERSOLL, for the agency of rats and mice in the introduction and
dissemination of plague and other diseases; and the means of destroying
these pests of the farm.

CHAPTER II

CARE OF THE PERSON

It is happily the case that in America the importance of personal
cleanliness is more thoroughly understood, and is more generally
practiced than any of the other important hygienic procedures. While it
is true that there are many--particularly those of foreign extraction,
and who live for the most part in the larger cities--to whom an
occasional bath appeals only as a painful necessity, a very large
percentage of those born in this country bathe regularly. It should be
thoroughly understood that a daily bath is essential, not only from the
standpoint of cleanliness, but from the fact that this practice is in the
highest degree conducive to health. It should never be forgotten that by
cleanliness infectious materials are removed from the surface of the
body, and at the same time the skin is put into a condition to eliminate
from the system those waste products which it is its special function to
remove. The close relationship of the proper activity of the skin to
health is perhaps not generally sufficiently appreciated--for it is true
that the body cannot remain normal when the secretory power of its glands
is impaired, and that even death quickly follows when they cease to
functionate altogether.

_Advice as to Bathing._--Much difference of opinion exists as to the
proper temperature of the water for bathing, some holding that it should
be quite cold, while others are equally positive that it should be warm.
Unfortunately it is impossible to give fixed rules concerning this
somewhat important matter, for there is every reason to believe that it
should be determined in each individual case according to circumstances,
and that, therefore, both may be right. Some persons unquestionably do
better with one, and some with the other. It has been established clearly
that the cold bath is highly stimulating, and where not too prolonged,
and when followed by v