The Connecticut Observer, And New York Congregationalist

CLEANLINESS.

"Keeping the body clean is of great importance, since more than one-half of what we eat and drink is evacuated by perspiration, and if the skin is not kept clean the pores are stopped, and perspiration consequently prevented, to the great injury of the health. It is highly necessary to the health and cheerfulness of children; for when it is neglected they grow pale, meagre, and squalid, and subject to several loathsome and troublesome diseases.—Washing the hands, face, mouth, and feet, and occasionally the whole body, conduces to health, strength, and ease, and tends to prevent colds, rheumatism, cramps, the palsy, the itch, the toothache, and many other maladies. Attention to cleanliness of body would also lead to cleanliness in regard to clothes, victuals, apartments, beds and furniture. A knowledge of the nature of the mephitic gases, of the necessity of pure atmospheric air to health and vigor, and of the means by which infection is produced and communicated, would lead persons to see the propriety of frequently opening doors and windows to dissipate consumpted air, and to admit the refreshing breeze: of sweeping cobwebs from the corners and ceilings of the room, and of removing dust, straw, or filth of any kind which is offensive to the smell, and in which infection might be deposited. By such attention, fevers and other malignant disorders might be prevented, vigor, health, and serenity promoted, and the whole dwelling and its inmates present an air of cheerfulness and comfort, and become the seat of domestic felicity."
—Dick's Essays.