THE BLESSEDNESS OF BEARDS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue IX, 2 March 1895, Page 205

THE BLESSEDNESS OF BEARDS.

It is to be feared, the British Medical Journal says, that too many men deprive themselves of what Shakespeare calls ‘ valour’s excrement,’ without counting the possible cost. Whether the beard be an ornament to the masculine countenance we must leave the ladies to decide ; it certainly has its use in hiding a weak chin, and in some cases it seems to be cultivated as a vicarious compensation for a hairless scalp. It is not, however, in its cosmetic so much as in its hygienic aspects that the blessedness of tbe beardin which term we include the whole of the harvest usually claimed by the razor—is most apparent. That it is a safeguard to the throat is generally admitted, and writers of authority have insisted on its value as a protection against toothache and facial neuralgia. This is a goodly sum of advantages to tbe credit of the beard. Dr. Chabbert, of Toulouse, has, however, yet more to say in its favour. According to this practitioner tbe beard seems to be a very efficient defence against that form of facial paralysis which is caused by cold. This affection is far more common in women than in men, though the latter are, of course, much more exposed to the cause which produces it. When facial paralysis a Jrigore does occur in men, they are almost invariably individuals to whom nature has been stepmotherly in tbe matter of beard, or who have wantonly thrown away the protective covering with which she bad clothed their faces. Dr. Chabbeit cites the experience of several physicians, in addition to his own, in support of hie opinion. Professor Andre, of Toulouse, has seen several cases of the affection in question in women, but not one in man ; he has heard of one, indeed, which wonld appear to be an excellent example of tbe exception which proves tbe rule, for the patient was a • lyric artist,' with the facciz di musico so distasteful to Lord Byron. Professor Pitres, of Bordeanx, has seen twelve cases in women and only two in men ; both the latter shaved, though as one of them underwent that operation only twice a week, bis case perhaps does not count for much unless it be held that bis face was more vulnerable after those periodical denudations. Similar observations are quoted from Dr. Oliver, of Tonlonse, and Dr. Sudre, of Carmaux. These facts, though hardly sufficient to found an induction on, seems at least to establish a prima facie case for the utility of the beard against facial paralysis of the kind referred to. In these days when man’s traditional privileges are one by one being invaded by the ‘ new woman,’ he may perhaps be forgiven for making tbe most of snzh advantages as may be considered exclusively his own.