3.  Bathing  and  Friction  of  the  Skin. — Except  in  confirmed
cases,  bathing  is  generally  beneficial;  even  sea-bathing  may  be
often  recommended.  But  on  no  account  should  the  patient  bathe
when  exhausted  by  fatigue,  or  when  the  body  is  cooling  after
perspiration.  "When  sea-bathing  is  not  admissible,  sponging  the
chest  and  back  with  water  to  which  sea-salt  has  been  added,  can
generally  be  borne  and  enjoyed;  and  when  it  is  followed  by  a
general  glow,  it  is  a  most  valuable  aid  in  promoting  the  capillary
circulation.  Under  all  circumstances,  vigorous  friction  should
immediately  follow  the  bath,  as  reaction  is  thus  rendered  more
complete.     In  cases  in  which  patients  are  prevented  from  taking


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TABES  MESENTERIC^ — MAJtASMTTS.  147

exercise,  friction  by  means  of  bath-sheets  or  flesh-gloves  is  the
more  indispensable.  Bathing  must  be  regarded  as  injurious  if
after  a  brief  immersion  the  surface  remains  cold,  numb,  and  pale,
in  spite  of  the  use  of  good  Mction.  In  such  cases,  warm  salt-
baths  are  recommended.
