Page images
PDF
EPUB

of a very light kind. In the warm seasons, a jacket, made of white jane or something resembling it, with vest and trowsers of the same kind of stuff, is the general wear. In the cold seasons, and particularly in the more northern parts of India, clothing considerably warmer is required. At Calcutta even, which is not just out of the tropic, in the months of November, December, January, and February, habiliments not much differing from our English ones, can very well be borne, at any rate in the mornings and evenings. Cotton shirts are always preferred to linen. But on the head of clothing it is unnecessary to say much, as the tropical visiter is very soon taught by his feelings what suits best in this respect. Should he arrive in the hot season, if he be still fond of his European dress, as some are, and think to wear it, he will very soon be glad to follow the example of others, and exchange it for the Indian one. And, on the contrary, should he arrive in the cold season, and especially if he is despatched immediately off to some pretty northern situation, though at first he may mount the

light Indian garb, he will soon come to find out that some of his European articles will suit him fully better; and likewise, he will find that a blanket around him at night is by no means a disagree. able thing.

It is a question very frequently asked, whether in tropical countries it is requisite to wear flannel; and the answer I would give to it is, that those who have never worn it before, and who are in perfect health, perhaps need not put on flannel; but at all events, if it has been worn before, and especially if it has been put on: for any ailment, it should never on going to a warm country be left off. It is supposed by many, that in such a temperature it must be dreadfully cumbersome and disagreeable. But this is not the case; it is only on the body the flannel is required; and when the shirt is thus, made without sleeves, and of the lightest kind of flannel, it adds exceedingly little to the weight. It may annoy rather for a day or two at first, but afterwards it is never felt; and as it undoubtedly is of much service, keeping off affections of the

bowels and numerous other ailments, even if it did give a little uneasiness it should be borne. As a substitute for flannel, many are in the habit of wearing under the common shirt, a light calico vestment; which is also a very serviceable article.

Another great mean for the preservation of health in India, is, the regular use of the cold bath. Every house has its bathing place attached to it; and the manner of using the bath is, either to stand up, or sit on a chair, while another pours four, six, or eight potfuls of water over the head and body. It is a most grateful thing, after a warm restless night, thus to get fairly soused and cooled; whilst at the same time it invigorates the system much, and serves to fortify it strongly against disease. I am satisfied it preserves many in health, who would otherwise have but very indifferent constitutions. Some take the bath two or three times a day; but I think once is enough; let it be taken regularly in the morning.

As to medicine, if attention be given to the

proper manner of living, not much of it will be required, even in India. There are some who must be continually taking their calomel, &c.; and, though I would be far from checking in any a proper attention to the state of the system, still, as I think, that the habit of calomel dosing at one's own hand, when once begun, is sometimes carried too far, and used too indiscriminately, I must rather advise that we meddle with ourselves as little as possible. Certainly, when the system is felt to be out of order-when disease seems to be threatened-have immediate recourse to the proper means. But then I would recommend that the patient do not trust to himself, but should have the advice of those who know best how to treat him. Certainly, let not a moment elapse ere we interfere, when interference is really demanded. But, as I have already said, if we guide ourselves right, we will the seldomer need the doctor; if regularity was just a little more observed by some, there would be less need for calomel.

And, though I have mentioned it last, perhaps

not the least mean for the preservation of health in a foreign country, is, a firm and contented mind. There has been quite enough seen to prove, that any sudden and great alarm, any unusual anxiety about ourselves, a great dread of disease, for instance, actually predisposes to disease. It cannot, indeed, be said, that any degree of fear will absolutely and certainly bring on disease; but it has been so repeatedly seen, during the rage of the epidemic, that those who stood fearless and undaunted amid all its ravages, were much less liable to come under its malignant influence, than those who were every moment pondering upon it and expecting its fatal attack, that with good reason we may recommend a steady mind as no inconsiderable preventive of malady. It is easy enough to see how it happens; the body, weakened and paralyzed by fear, comes in an especial manner to be susceptible to the impressions of disease. It is well enough known, how much the body is influenced by, and sympathizes with, the mind; and therefore should it always be our endeavour, to keep

« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »