Introductory Section
Hygienic Clothing
Philosophy of Clothing
Hygienic Underwear
Testimonials
Professors Von Pettenkofer, Parkes, and Buck, pronounced Hygienists,
have contributed largely to establishing theories regarding clothing
materials and their relations to health. These conclusions have led to
a more general consideration thereof, in the therapeutics, as well as
prophylaxis in medical practice.
Wool is regarded as deserving first consideration.
[Illustration: MAGNIFIED--WOOL FIBRE.]
The fibres are cylindrical collections of numerous cells, and present
each the appearance of a tube covered with epidermic scales which
overlap each other. The zigzag markings are characteristic.
Cotton, for various reasons, may be regarded as next in importance,
providing consideration be given to the manner of application, in
combination with wool.
This is fully verified by Krieger's experiments.
[Illustration: MAGNIFIED--COTTON FIBRE.]
[Illustration: SECTION SAME--COTTON FIBRE.]
The fibres of cotton appear to be made up of flat, ribbon-shaped cells,
thicker at the edges than in the middle. They are irregularly twisted,
with a broad longitudinal cavity more or less well defined. There is
frequently a kind of net-work striation apparent on the surface.
With regard to the comparative value of these fibres in application
we refer here to the Tables of Mattieu Williams, page 31 of this
Treatise. It remains, therefore, to have a material of these fibres so
constructed that it will embody all scientific essentials. The first
satisfactory material of the "Jaros Hygienic Wear" was laid before
the Medical Profession in Chicago, November, 1884, and, guided by
their suggestions, the "Wool Fleece Fabric" was so materially improved
that, on January 4, 1886, L. L. McArthur, M.D., in a paper before the
Chicago Medical Society, states: "Now, gentlemen, this device was a
particularly 'happy one,' in that all the requirements of a truly
hygienic wear are provided--porosity, warmth, absorbent powers and
elasticity."
[Illustration: JAROS HYGIENIC MATERIAL--MAGNIFIED.]
It will be seen that the material is a fleecy wool surface knitted
into a cotton framework--resembling in many essential points a
natural sheep's pelt. A prominent factor regarded in the claim for a
reproduction of the natural pelt, is the preservation of the yolk
which, if left in the wool, preserves its pliancy. It forms a kind of
natural soap, consisting principally of potash salts with animal oil
almost entirely soluble in cold water. Special care must therefore be
taken in washing the wool, and this has been one of the latest results
added to the success of the "Jaros Hygienic Material." The features
warranting precaution in scouring wool, and advised by scientists,
are based on the following possibilities: Excess of alkali has to
be guarded against, since uncombined caustic acts energetically on
the wool fibre, and is indeed a solvent of it. On this account soap
solutions cannot be too carefully prepared to prevent making the wool
brittle.
"A material of loose texture confining much air in its interstices
is warmer than same amount of clothing material closely woven.
Wool or cotton carded and spread out in the shape of a wadding
and held, will make a warmer garment than the same quantity spun
and woven, and similarly covered. This applies with force to
underclothing."--"Ziemsen," Vol. XVIII.
PROPHYLAXIS.--In the consideration of a prophylactic measure this
Underwear accomplishes the desideratum for protection.