Alexandria Gazette

Ablution and Bathing.—When the saline and animal elements left by perspiration are not duly removed by washing or bathing, they at last obstruct the pores and irritate the skin—and it is apparently for this reason, that, in the eastern and warmer countries, where perspiration is very copious, ablution and bathing have assumed the rank and importance of religious observances.

Those who are in the habit of using the flesh-brush daily are at first surprised at the quantity of white dry scurf which it brings off; and those who take a warm bath for half an hour at long intervals cannot fail to have noticed the great amount of impurities which it removed, and the grateful feeling of comfort which its use imparts.

The warm, tepid, cold or shower bath, as a means of preserving health ought to be in as common use as a change of apparel, for it is equally a measure of necessary cleanliness. Many, no doubt, neglect this, and enjoy health notwithstanding; but many, very many, suffer from its omission; and even the former would be benefitted by employing it.

The perception of this truth is gradually extending, and baths are now to be found in fifty places for one in which they could be obtained twenty years ago. Even yet, however, we are far behind our continental neighbors in this respect. They justly consider the bath as a necessary of life, while we still regard it as a luxury.