Now, gentlemen, this device was a particularly happy one, in that all the requirements of a truly hygienic wear are provided for.
Porosity, warmth, absorbent powers and elasticity. With advice he set to work and perfected a modification of the knitting machine which incorporated into the meshes of the cloth loose lamb's wool. The samples presented speak for themselves as to its success. By the use of such a fabric, perspiration (unless excessive indeed) remains in the insensible state until it meets with the cooling influences externally in the cotton framework, the integument remaining dry, while the cotton back, as well as the linen shirt over it, may be "wringing wet." Exposure to cold draughts with such a suit does not chill the integument because the sudden increased evaporation occurs at a distance from the skin, and is separated from it by a layer of wool.
To test the soundness of the theory I submitted myself to a temperature of 115° F., under as nearly as possible the same atmospheric conditions, with the three chief winter suitings, and obtained the results in table below:
| Jaros Hygienic Wear. | "Nonotuck" Silk Suiting, heavy. | Cartwright & Warner's | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight after | 8,020 | 7,867 | 10,840 |
| " before exposure | 7,010 grs. | 7,140 | 9,600 |
| Difference | 1,010 grs. | 727 grs. | 1,240 |
| Degree of absolute dryness of air | 61.827 | 77.32 | 69.947 |
| Temp. dry bulb therm | 115° F | 113° F | 116° |
| Temp. wet bulb therm | 9° | 83° | 88° |
| Sensation | Warm but not sticky; outer surface damp; skin dry where wear touches; comfortable. | Cooler than other wear; sticky; skin damp; comfortable. | Sticky, clammy; wet through; uncomfortable. |
From these experiments it is to be seen, that of all the perspiration exuded, the silk retained (by a small amount) the least; the hygienic wear the next, and the English woolen goods the most. Note, however, must be taken of two facts concerning the experiment with the silk clothing.
1st. The temperature was 2° F. lower than when testing the hygienic wear, and 8° than the English goods. Hence less perspiration was thrown out.
2d. There was a difference of 15.5° of absolute dryness of the atmosphere, hence evaporation took place more rapidly from the silk goods in the dryer atmosphere. The barometer remained almost stationary during the three days of observation.
On emerging from the hot room into one of a temperature of 70° F., an immediate chilling was felt with the silk goods; while the English gave a sensation of moisture and cold. The chilly sensation was not experienced with the woolen-lined hygienic wear.
CONCLUSIONS.