Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/388

366] PER alone ; and In this signification we. shall briefly consid'^r rhe sabje6t;. Insensible perspiration is the most important of the natural - va- cuations, by which all thin and acrid humours are carried otT, and the body is cleared from impurities. This fumflion is most active during the night 3 and it is computed, that healthy individuals perspire from three to four, or five pounds weight in the course of twenty-four hours. Hence the body feels more lively and vigorous when transpiration is uniformly effected 3 but, if it be obstructed, or become irregular from any cause or accident, the v.'^hole system will be disordered 3 so that head-achs, torpor in the limbs, and a variety of other com- plaints, are the consequence. This salutary discharge, how- ever, is very unequal in its opera- tion, at different times. Thus, af- ter a full meal, we perspire with less energy 3 but, when digestion is compleied, both the circulation of the blooJ, and tiie aftion of the pores, receie additional vie^our from the conversion of chyle into b!oud ; so that perspiration is re- newed with greater activity. As numerous disorders originate from fre(juent irregularities in this most important function, the great- est caution is necessary to promote its activity. Hence all, who have any regard for their health, ought to fortify themselves against the sudden changes of our variable cli- mate, especially by taking mode- rate exercise in the open air, every day 5 to avoid colds, or catarrhs, by guarding against wet clothes, or damp feet ; as the moisture, when absorbed by the body, augments the danger arising from such im- prudence. Persons thus situated, ou^ht instantly to change their PER clothes, and not to sit or lie downy while they are wet 3 but, as many are prevented from availing them- selves o this pr-cauLio;i, i • such cases brisk exercise should beta t'^.i, till their dress become perfc'tly dry. In this manner, cohcs, in- flammations of the bowels, rheu- niatis ;is, and a variety of dis ->rd. rs, b )th acute and chronic, may be ef- fectually o;)v;ated : for no consti- tution, however robust, can resist . the hurtful effects arising from wet, clothes. "Miere perspiration is already obstructed, we would advise the patient to take moderate exercise j to bathe his feet in tepid water j. and to employ mild sudorific re- raed es, when retiring to bed 5 such as a glass of cold water, if lie be of a vigorous haisit 3 or otherwise, a few cups of luke-warm tea 3 or white-wine whey, without spices ; but never to indulge in the free use of spirituous mixtures. These, in- deed, may prove a -temporary sti- mulus to the body, and increase the circulation of the blood which had been impeded 3 yet, eventu- ally, ti.ey will be productive of more injury than beneflt 3 and thus imperceptibly induce the most detestable of habits. — See also Chronical Diseases, vol. i. p. 528. PERUVIAN BALSAM, an esteemed d. ug, which is obtained from the J^Iyroxyton peruiferum, L. a native of Peru. This balsam is of the consistence of thin honey, and of a reddish- brown colour, inclining to black : it possesses an agreeable aromatic smell, and a hot pungent taste.— Being a warm medicine, which is more acrid and heating than the Balsam of Copaiba, it is used as an ingredient in various prepara- tions.