1. THE COLOR OF THE HAIR.--The color of the hair corresponds with that
of the skin--being dark or black, with a dark complexion, and red or
yellow with a fair skin. When a white skin is seen in conjunction
with black hair, as among the women of Syria and Barbary, the apparent
exception arises from protection from the sun's rays, and opposite
colors are often found among people of one prevailing feature. Thus
red-haired Jews are not uncommon, though the nation in general have
dark complexion and hair.
2. THE IMPERISHABLE NATURE OF HAIR.--The imperishable nature of hair
arises from the combination of salt and metals in its composition. In
old tombs and on mummies it has been found in a perfect state, after
a lapse of over two thousand years. There are many curious accounts
proving the indestructibility of the human hair.
3. TUBULAR.--In the human family the hairs are tubular, the tubes
being intersected by partitions, resembling in some degree the
cellular tissue of plants. Their hollowness prevents incumbrance from
weight, while their power of resistance is increased by having their
traverse sections rounded in form.
4. CAUTIONS.--It is ascertained that a full head of hair, beard
and whiskers, are a prevention against colds and consumptions.
Occasionally, however, it is found necessary to remove the hair from
the head, in cases of fever or disease, to stay the inflammatory
symptoms, and to relieve the brain. The head should invariably be kept
cool. Close night-caps are unhealthy, and smoking-caps and coverings
for the head within doors are alike detrimental to the free growth of
the hair, weakening it, and causing it to fall out.