but other influences that
depress the general vitality are more or less apt to predispose to
the production of both, such as loss of sleep, overwork, worry,
excessive eating, and insufficient food. The danger is greater when
there is excessive moisture in the air, so that at such times we
should particularly avoid excesses of all kinds, and as far as
possible, keep out of the direct rays of the sun.

_Frost-bite._--In the extreme northern and northwestern portions of the
United States frost-bite is not uncommon in winter. The part attacked
becomes suddenly bloodless, presenting much the appearance of the skin
after death. The victim is usually not aware of the fact as at first
there is no pain. As soon as a condition of this kind is observed,--and
in cold countries persons are quick to inform the victim when they notice
it,--the place should be vigorously rubbed with a piece of ice, or with a
handful of snow, and this should be continued until the circulation again
returns as evidenced by the parts becoming reddened. A rapid warming of
the affected parts is not advisable, the result being not unlike that of
a burn.

_Chilblains._--Many persons suffer during the winter from
chilblains--this being a state in which more or less pain and itching is
produced in a part as the result of poor circulation. Such a condition is
usually the result of a combination of cold with the affected part being
more or less compressed, and as a consequence, we find that troubles of
this kind are more frequently in the feet--particularly where tight shoes
are worn. The remedy for troubles of this character is to wear
loose-fitting shoes, and to thoroughly protect the parts by appropriate
woolen socks. It is particularly of importance to change the socks often,
since as soon as they become moistened with perspiration a tendency to a
recurrence of the trouble is very great. Drugs are of no particular use
in conditions of this kind. Chilblains are more commonly suffered in
Europe than in America. One young American lady in Paris acquired them
one winter, and "knowing no better," as she told the writer, cured
herself by "boiling the chilblains"--soaking her feet in the hottest
water she could endure. The affliction did not return; and the novel
recipe was delightedly followed by all the art-students of the
neighborhood.

_Blisters._--Small blisters on the feet are not uncommon as the result of
wearing tight, or ill