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History of Bathing
The antiquity of bathing may be distanced with the first formation of society, from the frequent mention of it in Holy Writ, and the custom prevailing with all savage tribes, in proportion to the heat of climate in which they live.
Considering its salutary effects, we have to regret that some provision has never been made in any one of our large cities to furnish this luxury to the poor free of expense, and thus induce them at proper periods to perform ablutions.
The effort has frequently been made by enlightened individuals in the Common Council of the city of New York to have such gratuitous establishments in that city for the benefit of the poor—but hitherto their exertions have proved abortive.
The ancient nations understood these things much better than those of modern times. During the period of Agrippa, Imperial Rome contained 800 baths, which were opened to the poorer citizens once a week at the moderate expense of half a cent per individual.
Avoiding Epidemics
The great mortality of this class of persons during our epidemics, is familiar to all, and surely a measure of this kind gives a promise to lessen the evil and is worthy the attention of the philanthropist.
Kay we not hope that the public spirit in our city, looking to all means that can ameliorate the condition of the poorer classes among us, will riot lose sight of the introduction of such establishments as we have alluded to, and thereby set an example, to be followed by the older cities in our land.