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26
The Science of Dress.
[CHAP. II.

of the sebaceous glands cannot be removed,"for oil will not mix with water, but does mix with, and is removed by, soap.

Excess of fat or water in the tissues is injurious. An over-supply of fat diminishes the space necessary for the circulation of the blood, and causes the degeneration of the various body tissues. The elimination of excessive fat and water, together with the other waste matters contained in perspiration, is a function of the greatest importance, and one which should be promoted, while everything calculated to check it must positively be avoided.

Soap is so necessary an adjunct to the toilet that it is well to say a word about the right kind to use. All highly-coloured and scented soaps should be avoided, as they frequently owe their attractions to the addition of poisonous substances to their contents. Medicinal soaps should also be avoided unless under medical advice, since most of those advertised are pure quackeries. People can generally find out for themselves, after a few days' trial, a soap which suits their own skins; but that which I generally recommend is "Sanitas Soap," which has disinfectant qualities, and is therefore very useful after recovery from infectious diseases; but is also suited for daily use, especially in warm weather, as it leaves the skin feeling fresh and cool, and removes any unpleasant odours which may arise from the perspiration.

Toilet powders should, as a rule, be avoided, as powder fills up the pores of the skin and is thus unhealthy, even if it is not, as frequently happens,