–it is dirty to say the least.  The idea that it possesses any valuable medical properties is about as sensible as thousands of other medical theories.  If red flannel can be medicated, so can white.

–it makes you tender, weakens you, and is the source of much harm in many ways.  Laboring men make a great mistake in wearing it during the hot weather.  The skin of the body should be as tough as possible, not tender and soft.

–they keep the feet damp and tender.

to keep you warm, especially thick soled boots or shoes.  The evils that arise from thin soles are so numerous and so serious, that it would require a large volume in which to record them all.

especially when heated from over-exertion–it is the source of many ailments.