sedentary life is persevered in, the lungs work slowly, the blood is not supplied with sufficient oxygen, the pulse beats feebly, and the complexion is pale.
When the action of the lungs is seriously impeded, as in the case of lung diseases, the skin becomes colourless and waxy, and the vessels near the surface, especially those round the eyes, show a blue tinge, due to insufficient oxygenation of the blood.
When the functions of the liver are disordered, the constituents of the bile remaining in the blood, tinge the skin with a yellow hue.1[1]
I have said that the particles of the epidermis are constantly falling off and being renewed, and the daily bath increases the beauty of the complexion by encouraging this process. When we admire the bloom of youth we are looking upon the freshly formed semi-transparent cuticle which permits us to see the tint of the healthy circulation. An appreciation of this fact will lead us to realize that the application of pigments, dyes, or enamels to the face with the hope of restoring the hue of youth and health is about as delusive as the famous instance of "painting the lily." As we grow older the removal of the epidermis is less active, and with more sedentary habits and less outdoor exercise the circulation of the blood is less effective than formerly. Hence ladies are said "to lose their complexion." Again, when the dimi-
- ↑ 1 As to the influence of tight-lacing on the complexion, see Chapter x., p. 157.
