Note 83 — CHAP. III.
Reading edition
When we consider that linen was not in use among the ancient Romans, we might be apt to wonder that they were not more unhealthy; but their substitute for this was frequent bathing, which not only served to remove the sordes adhering to the surface of the body, but to air that part of the clothing which was usually in contact with the skin. The washing of the bodies of men suspected of infection upon their first entrance into a ship, has already been mentioned, and I have known some commanders who made their men frequently bathe themselves with great seeming advantage.