252 JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF COSMETIC CHEMISTS Dr. Somerville summarized the benefits of the Beauty Scheme to his hospital under four headings: 1. It had improved the whole atmosphere of the hospital, since something gay and stimulating had been added to the organization. It was his view that quite small additions to hospital routine which had this general effect frequently had an impact with patients which was much greater than the main part of the routine. 2. The nurses had improved in appearance and had, to a degree, gained in confidence and self-assurance, which was most encouraging. 3. The patients themselves had benefited in the ways described, the beauty treatments creating common ground and so forming a link with normality through the nurses. 4. Relatives, whose co-operation plays such a vital part in rehabilitation, were pleased that these treatments were available for their relatives and they also viewed their wives' or sisters' needs in this direction with greater sympathy and understanding. This is of great importance after the patient leaves the hospital. I would now like to give you some precise case histories, without revealing names of patients or hospitals. J. S.: 30 to 35. A depressive who could at times be very difficult. She had a heavy growth of superfluous hair, which had the effect of making her stoop her head. She never looked anyone in the face. At first, she was most reluctant to come to the Beauty Salon, thinking her case was hopeless, but after a depilatory, her attitude changed completely. She would come to the Salon laughing, when previously she had not even smiled, and eventu- ally she learned to apply her own make-up with great pleasure. Mrs. P.: A neurotic whose breakdown had taken the form of utter rest-- lesshess and who was quite unable to sit still either during the day or in bed at night. At first, when she came to the Beauty Room, she did not pay any attention to what was being said to her or done for her. She continued dithering and fidgeting and would not sit in the beauty chair without a great deal of persuasion. Gradually, however, from a five minute massage, she reacted to the point where she sat in the beauty chair completely relaxed for up to half an hour, taking pleasure in the massage and ultimately the make-up that was applied. The massage had induced relaxation and succeeded in breaking a deeply ingrained habit of restlessness which no other treatment had touched. M. J.: 28 years of age. Depressive. Was extremely untidy and lacked any interest in her appearance or surroundings. Would not attend any entertainment and was most reluctant to go to the Occupational Therapy Department. When first approached about the Beauty Salon she refused.

THE HOSPITAL BEAUTY SCHEME 253 A few weeks later the patient was approached again and was finally persuaded to make an appointment. At the first appointment the patient was sullen and uncooperative. Was given a simple beauty treatment and returned to the ward, still disinterested in her appearance. The second time, the patient still appeared depressed and uninterested. But when the treatment had started, she relaxed and, when nearly completed, she asked a simple question regarding one of the beauty preparations and then looked at herself in the mirror. At the third appointment, the patient appeared tidier and her conversation was more spontaneous. Interest was shown in everything that was being done and in the preparations used, several questions being asked. The patient left the Beauty Salon satisfied and mildly interested. More appointments were made. The patient began to show an interest and eager- ness to learn for herself. She was shown a simple beauty routine which was suitable for her to follow in the ward. The patient then asked for further appointments, and the next time arrived wearing cosmetics which, as she proudly explained, she had purchased at the hospital shop. F. P.: 28. Schizophrenic. Had several previous admissions to the hospital, married and divorced. On her admission to the hospital was with- drawn and completely disinterested in herself and her surroundings. Was brought to the Salon and given a manicure--very little interest was shown. After several visits, she was persuaded to wear lipstick and powder, and was asked if she would like a simple beauty treatment. The patient refused to visit the Salon for many weeks following. However, eventually the patient asked to make an appointment for herself. After several months and several visits to the Salon, the patient began to take a keen interest in her appear- ance, and was very appreciative of all the treatments that were given. Finally, the patient was discharged home. B. L.: 30. Schizophrenic, long-term patient. Was a single woman and had been very attractive, but due to her illness had let herself go. As a result she was very untidy in her appearance and showed no interest whatsoever. When the patient was asked to visit the Salon she appeared quite indifferent but was willing to be brought down. On her arrival she displayed no interest. Was given a simple depilatory treatment and encouraged to come again. The result of the treatment was a definite improvement in her appearance. Another appointment was made for two weeks later. The patient then seemed more interested. Was given a simple beauty treatment when she relaxed perfectly. She also enjoyed the extra notice taken of her, on her return to the ward. Many more visits were made to the Beauty Salon but progress was very slow. Eventually, however, the patient began to look forward to her visits and was eager to make further appointments each time. She appreciated what was done for her and began to take a keen interest in her appearance. It was found that while her visits