Introduction.
Professors Von Pettenkofer, Parkes, and Buck, pronounced Hygienists, have contributed largely to establishing theories regarding clothing materials and their relations to health. These conclusions have led to a more general consideration thereof, in the therapeutics, as well as prophylaxis in medical practice.
Wool is regarded as deserving first consideration.
MAGNIFIEDWOOL FIBRE.
The fibres are cylindrical collections of numerous cells, and present each the appearance of a tube covered with epidermic scales which overlap each other. The zigzag markings are characteristic.
Cotton, for various reasons, may be regarded as next in importance, providing consideration be given to the manner of application, in combination with wool.
This is fully verified by Krieger's experiments.
MAGNIFIEDCOTTON FIBRE.
SECTION SAMECOTTON FIBRE.
The fibres of cotton appear to be made up of flat, ribbon-shaped cells, thicker at the edges than in the middle. They are irregularly twisted, with a broad longitudinal cavity more or less well defined. There is frequently a kind of net-work striation apparent on the surface.
With regard to the comparative value of these fibres in application we refer here to the Tables of Mattieu Williams, page 31 of this Treatise. It remains, therefore, to have a material of these fibres so constructed that it will embody all scientific essentials. The first satisfactory material of the "Jaros Hygienic Wear" was laid before the Medical Profession in Chicago, November, 1884, and, guided by their suggestions, the "Wool Fleece Fabric" was so materially improved that, on January 4, 1886, L. L. McArthur, M.D., in a paper before the Chicago Medical Society, states: "Now, gentlemen, this device was a particularly 'happy one,' in that all the requirements of a truly hygienic wear are providedporosity, warmth, absorbent powers and elasticity."
JAROS HYGIENIC MATERIALMAGNIFIED.
It will be seen that the material is a fleecy wool surface knitted into a cotton frameworkresembling in many essential points a natural sheep's pelt. A prominent factor regarded in the claim for a reproduction of the natural pelt, is the preservation of the yolk which, if left in the wool, preserves its pliancy. It forms a kind of natural soap, consisting principally of potash salts with animal oil almost entirely soluble in cold water. Special care must therefore be taken in washing the wool, and this has been one of the latest results added to the success of the "Jaros Hygienic Material." The features warranting precaution in scouring wool, and advised by scientists, are based on the following possibilities: Excess of alkali has to be guarded against, since uncombined caustic acts energetically on the wool fibre, and is indeed a solvent of it. On this account soap solutions cannot be too carefully prepared to prevent making the wool brittle.
"A material of loose texture confining much air in its interstices is warmer than same amount of clothing material closely woven. Wool or cotton carded and spread out in the shape of a wadding and held, will make a warmer garment than the same quantity spun and woven, and similarly covered. This applies with force to underclothing.""Ziemsen," Vol. XVIII.
PROPHYLAXIS.In the consideration of a prophylactic measure this Underwear accomplishes the desideratum for protection.
L. D. Rogers, A.M., M.D., in a paper, states:
A fabric, therefore, so constructed as to allow a layer of woolen fibre to lie between the skin and a layer of cotton fibre, and sufficiently open and loose as to contain the largest possible amount of air is the ideal. The Jaros Hygienic Underwear material, a new fabric, seems beautifully adapted to this end. A layer of woolen fibres, soft and fleecy, is firmly held on one side of and in the meshes of an exceeding porous cotton fabric, so that while one extremity of a fibre lies against the skin, the other is in contact with the cotton; thus admitting of the rapid transference of all dampness of perspiration to the cotton where it is retained, and consequently leaving no moisture next to the skin to absorb and diminish the heat of the body. The importance of this subject, and the possibilities of this new fabric for the prevention of colds, and their resultant diseases, can only be appreciated when we remember the simple fact that it is impossible to take a cold so long as a healthy condition of the skin, and an even temperature of the surface of the body, are maintained.
REPORT OF C. B. HOLMES,
President Chicago City Railway Company.
""The Jaros Hygienic Underwear" has been in use with Conductors and Gripmen of this Company since November, 1885, having been recommended by the Company's Surgeon, Dr. D. A. K. Steele. We speak for the men in asserting that this underwear is considered the best possible protection against cold and changeable temperatures, which are especially characteristic of this latitude, and its use has resulted in great protection of health and a corresponding increased efficiency. With conductors, whose occupation necessarily prevents the wearing of a very heavy overcoat, it is of great advantage, and gripmen and drivers are enabled to thoroughly protect themselves in their exposed positions without an overplus of clothing, otherwise necessary."
These citations might be continued at great length, covering Reports of Police and Fire Departments in our large cities, and from many Railway Corporations and Physicians.
THERAPEUTICS.In the Therapeutics of Medicine the Underwear is regarded as specially indicated in Rheumatism, Kidney Disease (Bright's), and Pulmonary Consumption.
RHEUMATISM.
J. NEVINS HYDE, A. M., M. D., gives expression as follows:
"I have often employed the "Jaros Hygienic Underwear" in cases of muscular and other forms of rheumatism, and always with advantage to the patient. I have had knowledge of these undergarments sufficiently long to justify me in stating very positively that I regard them as a valuable means of protecting the surface of the body from the climatic changes to which it is much exposed."
DAVID WARMAN, M. D.
"One of my patients wearing the "Jaros Hygienic Underwear" is a sufferer from muscular rheumatism, and since he donned the garments he has not had an attack, although the weather has just been of the kind to produce the disease."
