A 1902 Overland Monthly article in two parts. The first covers the history of linen from ancient Egyptian mummy cloths and biblical references through medieval Europe, flax cultivation, retting and scutching, hand spinning, and the competition from cotton and wool. The second argues for linen underwear on hygienic grounds (heat loss, moisture absorption, porosity) and ends with the story of Dr. Deimel and the Deimel Linen-Mesh Company. Illustrations show flax plants and fibre and a portrait of Dr. Deimel.