The Russian bath : published with a view to recommend its introduction into England for hygienic as well as curative purposes / by Mathias Roth.

Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Russian bath : published with a view to recommend its introduction into England for hygienic as well as curative purposes / by Mathias Roth. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    of turgescence and remarkable swelling ; the limbs, and principally the lingers, considerably increase in size; the muscles lose temporarily their energy, and we are incapable of pressing even small bodies with force; the beating of the pulse is strong and frequently accele- rated; the vessels of the head swell; the respiration is sometimes difficult; profuse perspiration trickjes over the body; and a thirst, more or less intense, manifests itself. These symptoms differ in intensity, and remain for a shorter or longer time after the bath, according to the degree of heat, the duration, and the infinitely varied circumstances which may surround us. Such baths are stimulating and exciting, if perspiration does not continue after the bath, or if means are used to suppress it, as, for instance, ointments of oil, etc. If the bath is too long continued it weakens. EFFECT OF FRICTIONS. When we consider the qualities and functions of the skin and its relation to the other organs, we can easily understand how important friction is in preserving the health, and in curing disease. The ancients prescribed it with this double intention, and derived therefrom the most happy results. Hahnemann says: “ Friction is to single parts what exercise is to the whole of the body; the vital force is roused, and consequently the circulation of the humours is immensely increased and brought into order; the muscles are strengthened, and the skin be- comes less sensitive and less liable to be affected by external influences. Effects are produced by friction, which we may vainly try to obtain otherwise. Friction favours perspiration; distributes equally vitality and the elements of nutrition; maintains the balance between the skin and all the organs beneath it; makes supple the muscles and joints ; facilitates motion, and gives to the body more vigour and agility. The skin is the most