on The Therapeutics of Mineral Springs, 1904,
" the idea of absorption of mineral substances through the skin has
been negatived by repeated experimental observation. It is therefore
incorrect to suppose that the outward action of Mineral waters can be
in any way dependent on the absorption of their constituents through
the skin ; for, it has been proved that the sound, and healthy human
skin is not permeable to water, or to the fixed substances dissolved in
it; even after prolonged immersion. Nevertheless it is asserted by some
authorities that the skin has been found permeable to water, and watery
solutions, when applied thereto in fine spray (at an elevated
temperature) ; and it is suggested that the force with which this spray
is thrown upon, and against the skin, serves to influence such
absorption. Moreover, it may be borne in mind that volatile, or gaseous
constituents of mineral baths can be absorbed through the respiratory
organs; indeed, too, it seems probable from experimental observation,
that the skin itself is permeable to certain volatile, and gaseous
constituents of baths; as, for instance, carbonic acid gas, and
sulphuretted hydrogen." Some writers have said that the Emerald should
be worn on a Friday for good luck, because dedicated to Venus, the
Goddess of that week-day. But a mistaken notion underlies this
practice, considering that the Scandinavian Venus, Freya, is here
signified, the wife of Odin, and a woman of bad character.
Nevertheless, to regard Friday as of ill omen for then undertaking
anything of importance, is only a relic of an old Puritan superstition.
It is simply a fortuitous circumstance that various untoward events
have occurred on a Friday. Charles Dickens always chose this day of
