ple matters, but writers on the subject differ in opinion
as to the methods to be followed to render them perfect cleansers of
the skin. Some of them regard the use of soap and water applied in the
form of lather with the hands, and afterwards thoroughly removed from
the skin by copious affusions, rinsing or sluicing with water, or
immersion in it, as the best method. This is probably the case when
the skin is not materially dirty, or its pores or surface obstructed
or loaded with the residual solid matter of the perspiration or its
own unctuous exudation and exuviae. To remove these completely and
readily, something more than simple friction with the smooth hand is
generally required. In such cases the use of a piece of flannel or
serge, doubled and spread across the hand, or of a mitten of the same
material, will be most ready and effective. Friction with this--first
with soap, and afterwards with water to wash the soap off--will be
found to cleanse the skin more thoroughly and quickly than any other
method, and, by removing the worn-out portion of its surface, to
impart to it a healthy glow and hue that is most refreshing and
agreeable. This effect will be increased by wiping and rubbing the
surface thoroughly dry with a coarse and moderately rough, but not a
stiff, towel, instead of with the fine, smooth diapers which are now
so commonly employed. At the bath, the fleshbrush usually provided
there will supersede the necessity of using the flannel.

The small black spots and marks frequently observed on the skin in hot
weather, particularly on the face, generally arise from the
accumulation of the indurated solid matter of the perspiration in its
pores. When they assume the form of small pimples (_acne punctata_),
and often when otherwise, they may be removed by strong pressure
between the fingers, or between the nails of the opposite fingers,
followed by the use of hot, soapy water.

The subsequent daily application of a weak solution of bichloride of
mercury--as in the form commonly known as Gowland's lotion--or of
sulphate of zinc, will completely remove the swelling, and generally
prevent their re-formation.

=Eruptions= are too well known to need any lengthy description here.
They are usually classified, by writers on the subject, into:
animalcular eruptions, or those due to the presence of animalcula
(minute acari) in the scarfskin, which occasion much irritation, and
of which the itch furnishes a well-marke