THE SHOWER BATH.
The effects of the shower bath are, on the whole, similar to those of the plunge bath of the same degree of temperature, except that the immediate shock of the shower bath is in general felt to be greater than that from simple immersion. This, however, may be met by putting warm water into the bottom of the bath in sufficient quantity to cover the ankles of the individual taking the bath, which tends at once to lessen the shock, and to increase the reaction.
The apprehension and alarm experienced by young children in entering this kind of bath is easily overcome, by using at first a modification of it, lately brought into use. It consists of a tin vessel in the form of a large bottle, pierced at the bottom like a colander, and terminating in the upper part in a narrow tube, with an open mouth. When put into water it becomes filled, which is retained by closing the mouth of the tube with the finger; on removing which the water flows gradually out of the sieve-like bottom in a gentle shower. This may be used to the youngest child. At first the quantity of water employed should be small, and its temperature warm; as, however, the child grows older and accustomed to the bath, the former may be increased, and the latter lowered. Its tonic effect may be augmented by the addition ofbay salt, and by much active rubbing.
As the child gets older the common form of shower bath may be used, and throughout the year, if he enjoy robust health; during the winter season, however, the water should be made tepid. This bath should be taken immediately upon rising from bed.