[Footnote 119: The temperatures of baths given here, and previously are
those now generally adopted in the profession. See Dr Forbes's 'Cycl. of
Prac. Med.,' vol. i, 265; Pereira's 'Mat. Med.,' i, 17; &c.]
-----------------+-----------------------------
|Temperature of Vapour, Fahr.
+-------------+---------------
| Breathed. | Not breathed.
Tepid vapour bath| 90° to 100°| 96° to 106°
Warm " " | 100 " 110 | 106 " 120
Hot " " | 110 " 130 | 120 " 160
-----------------+-------------+---------------
_Uses, &c._ It is one of the most powerful diaphoretics known, and is
almost specific in nearly all those cases wherein warm or hot bathing
proves advantageous. It is one of the most certain agents existing in
cases of chronic rheumatism, contracted muscles and tendons, stiffness of
joints, indurations, dysentery, diarrh[oe]a, suppressions, &c. Instances
are numerous in which the lame have thrown aside their crutches and the
bedridden have again mixed with the world after a few applications of this
bath. It is no uncommon thing to hear a patient start and shriek with
agony before entering the bath, and to receive his congratulations and
thanks on his coming out. They often exclaim--"It is wonderful. I could
not have believed it!"[120]
[Footnote 120: Culverwell 'On Baths and Bathing.']
=Bath, Warm.= _Syn._ BAL'NEUM CAL'IDUM, B. CALID'ULUM, B. THERMA'LE,
THERM'A, &c. L., BAIN THERMAL, B. CHAUD, &c., Fr. A bath at a temperature
equal, or nearly equal, to that of the human body.
The sensations attendant upon immersion in a warm bath are most delicious.
Its first effect is to increase the circulation of the blood, and to
determine it to the skin. After a few minutes an agreeable and universal
increase of heat is experienced; the face and head are generally soon
bedewed with perspiration; a pleasing and prevailing calm, both mental and
physical, follows; and after remaining in it some 12 or 15 minutes the
effect is of the most refreshing and happy character.
The idea that the warm bath is relaxing is erroneous. It is only so where
persons remain in it too long, or take it too frequently. Nor are those
who indulge in it more liable to take cold than others. On the contrary,
they are less liable, unless they wilfully expose themselves,
insufficiently clad (particularly about the neck and chest), to draughts
of cold air.[121]
[Footnote 121: We have been for many years accustomed to take baths at 98°
to 100° Fahr., in all weathers and seasons, even during our severest
winter, and on leaving the bath have often been engaged, for hours, moving
about in the open air, even until midnight, without 'catching cold,' or
the slightest inconvenience. However, we do not recommend others to follow
our practice without due care.]
As a remedial agent, the warm bath is adapted to general torpor of the
system, liver and bowel complaints, hypochondriasis, hysterical
affections, morbid suppressions, dryness of the skin, nearly all cutaneous
and nervous diseases, chronic rheumatism, &c. As a tonic or stimulant
after excessive fatigue, great mental excitement, or physical exertion, it
is unequalled, and furnishes one of the most wholesome, and at the same
time luxurious sources of refreshment we are acquainted with. "To those
who are past the meridian of life, who have dry skins and begin to be
emaciated, the warm bath for half an hour, twice a week, I believe to be
eminently serviceable in retarding the advances of age." (Darwin.) The
healthy longevity of the late Duke of Wellington, after a period of
exposure and trials equal to the entire life of many individuals, has been
by some, and we think correctly, mainly attributed to the free and
constant use of the warm bath. A warm bath frequently gives great relief
to infants suffering from griping or flatulence. See BATH (_antè_), &c.
=Bath, Wa'ter.= _Syn._ BAL'NEUM A'QUÆ, B. AQUO'SUM, B. MA''RIÆ, B.
MA''RIS, L.; BAINMARIE, Fr. A water bath; in _chemistry_ and _cookery_,
applied to a bath of hot or boiling water. See BATH (in _chemistry_),
BAINMARIE, &c.
=BATH'ING= (b[=a]thé-). See BATH.
=BATH METAL.= A species of brass having the following composition:--