There is scarcely a form of disease or a condition of the system in which the steam bath may not be employed, not only
52 THOMSONIAN SYSTEM
with safety but with decided benefit. One of the most important results of the application of the bath is adding warmth and electricity to the blood. It has been ascertained that in disease even of the most inflammatory character, the blood contains less electricity than it does when in a healthy condition, and by the employment of these baths in the early stages of many diseases, they may be quickly removed.
To diseases of an inflammatory character, preceded by colds, with exception of erysipelas, vapor or steam baths bring quick relief.
These baths may also be employed with immense benefit in diseases of the urinary organs, as in strangury, gravel, retention of urine, and inflammation of the lungs.
Slight attacks of jaundice can be relieved, in many instances, by a single vapor bath, followed by an emetic and this by a stimulant. In croup, where the disease has continued several hours, the vapor bath (vinegar added to the water) is almost indispensible, in order to restore the natural warmth of the blood, and assist the operation of medicine.
In asthma when the system is in a cold and torpid condition, medicine will frequently fail to afford much relief. In this form of disease it has been found that the hot air bath is as effectual as the vapor bath, and this may be administered with much less trouble.
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