It is an instance how an effort to apply pure science to practical business may react in such manner that practical business shall become a beneficent contributor to pure science.
Another practical question suggested is: Whether clothing materials differ in their powers of absorbing the cutaneous exhalations; if so, which are the most effective, and what are the relations of this function to that of confining air, and thereby maintaining the temperature of the body? If these two functions are opposed, then how shall we effect a compromise? If, on the other hand, they go together in any special material, the desirability of using this material is doubly indicated.
Sheep's wool does absorb (see Knowledge 191) the aqueous vapor. Loosely distributed fibres of wool in a suitable fabric take hold of the vapor of the insensible perspiration in the gaseous form, and by virtue of gaseous diffusion continually exchange this with the gasses of the outer atmosphere.
The conclusion, therefore, is that such a material is best suited for clothing, both in winter and summer.
Sir John Billingall (lecturer on Military Surgery) mentions his experience in India, and the proof of the utility of wool in checking the progress of a most aggravated form of dysentery in the Second Battalion of the Royals. The result of this has led to the enforcement of the use of belts for tropical service. Mr. Sage of the Army Clothing Depot at Pemlico, tells me many thousands have lately been made there.
My experience and subsequent observations have proven that, although loosely woven flannels may advantageously prevent the sudden chills from the evaporations of accumulated perspiration, this is better done by a knitted fleecy wool fabric worn next the skin.
Jaros Hygienic Material,
wool fleece knit.