Book Copyright^ . COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT; HEALTH AND BEAUTY-MAIDEN MEDITATION FANCY FREE. WOMAN'S GUIDE TO Sexual Knowledge OR What Every Woman Should Know CONTAINING FULL INFORMATION ON ALL MATTERS PERTAIN- ING TO THE GENTLER SEX ; LOVE, COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE; NATURE AND MYSTERIES OF REPRODUCTION, ETC., ETC. A POPULAR TREATISE FOR Maidens, Wives and Mothers DIRECTIONS FOR THE CURE OF DISEASES PECULIAR TO WOMEN ; PHYSICAL CULTURE ; TREATMENT OF THE COMPLEXION AND HAIR ; HOW TO CULTIVATE BEAUTY, ETC. THE WHOLE FORMING A Complete Medical Guide for Women EY THE CELEBRATED WRITERS AND AUTHORITIES ON MEDICAL SCIENCE, Frederick Wilson Pitcairn, M. D. Elizabeth J. Williard, M. D. / \' K LIBRARY of CONGRESS Two CoDies Received AUG 23 1906 Copyright Entry COhA t+,/?oG CL/\SS O. XXc. No, CbPY B/ ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR i906, 3Y HORACE C. FRY THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, AT WASHINGTON, D. C, U. S. A. T© THE CHARMING GIRLS WHO ARE TO BECOME WIVES AND THE LOVING MOTHERS ©F THE BRIGHT CHILDREN WHO WILL FILL OUR HAPPY HOMES THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY Dedicated : ,.-■ BY THE AUTHORS m THE HOPE THAT ITS PERUSAL WILL NOT ONLY ADD TO THEIR HAPPINESS BUT ASSIST THEM .IN PERFORMING WELL THEIR PART >':"■ * IN THE JOURNEY OF LIFE HIS most attractive work contains important truths that affect the vital interests of every woman. It is filled with information which should be possessed by every member of her sex, but of which, unfortunately, the great majority of women are in entire ignorance. The Love which is the source of all domestic enjoy- ment, and which shows its beauty in the pleasures of Courtship, and finally blossoms into Wedded Bliss, is pictured in all its wonderful charms. The ideas that most young persons entertain of Love are both romantic and fanciful. It is often a prescribed topic either of conversation or advice, and all that is known concerning love and courtship is, therefore, derived from the fictions of poetry or the high -wrought description of novels. This work portrays the delights of this master passion, and shows how to preserve it in its purity and to enjoy the happiness which it affords. What should be known by those about to marry and by the newly mar- ried gives peculiar value to this work and renders it an indispensable companion in every home. There is a strong prejudice against the discussion of this subject ^ and when the peculiar delicacy attending it is considered, we cannot wonder why such a prejudice should exist. Even the most chaste and refined observations are apt to give offence ; or, at least, to excite alarm in a sensitive mind. The delicacy and the difficulty of the subject we admit ; but we ask, is it not preposterous, is it not ruinous to the best interests of mankind to leave the whole discussion of this delicate subject to men of loose and abandoned character ? Is it wise to leave young persons to derive their notions of love and courtship from the exaggerated, false and misleading descriptions with which modern literature abounds ? Do not these deceptions da seduce, mislead and corrupt thousands of the young, thoughtless and inexperienced ? Is it not infinitely better, then, that we should innovate a lit the opinions, and feelings, and, as we think, prejudices of the wc Yin PREFACE. and break that mysterious and profound silence which regards the discus- sion of this topic as either indecorous or mischievous ? Therefore, every female should be familiar with the mysteries of her organism, and seek to arrest those abnormal influences which tend to the detriment of her natural vigor and perfection. She should know when and whom to marry — when and how often to bear children. She should be the guardian of her own procreative functions, and the right to refuse sexual commerce when considered repugnant to the instincts of Nature, or when found inimical to her health, beauty and longevity ; she should have the option to bring only lovely and healthy offspring into existence, while she should be taught to look upon sickly and mal- formed issue as a crime against Nature, and a grevious offense in the sight of mankind. To facilitate such humane and philanthropic purpose — to elevate the sex to her rightful and natural position from the degraded creature of man's lusts and caprices — to show her how she may retain her loveliness and physical and mental powers to the latest period of human life — and at the same time improve the future races of man, by reformatory and recuperative elements bearing upon the present generation of men and women, worthy of the consideration of every true lover and friend of our species. For this end this work was written. Accordingly the authors would have their views and sentiments deliberately weighed, and judgment passed upon their performance as it maybe deemed beneficial or prejudical to the general well-being of society. They sincerely believe with the Sacred Text, "That righteousness exalt eth a nation, and that sin is a reproach to any people" They would especially inculcate the purest virtue and morality, and frown down every- thing partaking of the prurient^ sensual and revolting. They would save the race from utter debasement, degeneracy and extinction, and replenish the earth with an order of humanity of the highest physical development and the most transcend ant intellectual and spiritual attributes, and thus restore the human creature to his destined position of an Angel of Light, created and fashioned in the image of Deity, the Great Father and Ruler of universal physical and spiritual existences. CHAPTER I. COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. Pleasures of Courtship — Look Before You Leap ! — Marriage Instituted for trie Happiness of Mankind — Power of Generation — All Persons Dependent on Others — A Sacred Compact — Physical and Moral Education of Children — Fidel- ity to Each Other — Age for Marrying among Ancient Nations — Parents at a Very Early Age — Old Women who Become Mothers — Marriage Conducive to Health and Longevity— Precepts on the Subject of Marriage — Many Infirmities that are not to be Considered . , IT CHAPTER II. PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. Errors Concerning Reproduction — No Reliable Proofs of Virginity — Condi- tions for Healthy Offspring — Proper Time for Cohabitation — Motives that Influ- ence the Majority of Mankind — Power of Conjugal Love — Disproportions of Size — Irritation of Mucous Membrane — Evils of Early Marriages — Evils of Late Marriages — Physical Debility of Infants — Conjugal Unions should Result from Liberty of Choice — Transmission of Disease — Old Men and Young Women — Authority of Parents and Guardians — Courtship Attentions should always be Honorable • . - '28 CHAPTER III. HAPPY AND UNHAPPY" MARRIAGES. Greatest of All Temporal Evils — Many Disappointed Swains and Lassies — Mutual Love and Affection the First Duties of the Married State — Dyspeptic Husbands and Snappy Wives — Similarity of Temper — Cares of Married Life — Happiness Dependent on the Discharge of Duties — Patience under Domes Troubles — Sanctity of the Marriage Vow often Violated — Criminality of Men — Personal Charms — Poverty and Deformity — Miserable Comforters — Home, Sweet Home — Amiable Temper and Sound Judgment — Hasty Temper and Inexpedient Alliances 58 CHAPTER IV. THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. Purity of the Blood — Functions of the Lungs — The Diaphragm — Shu., g the Air out of the Lungs — Effects of Tight-Lacing — Compression of the Ribs ix x CONTENTS. and Abdominal Walls— Absurdities of Fashion — The Narrowed Waist — The Perfect Nude Figure — Individual Taste and Judgment — Curvature of the Spine — Difference between Girls and Boys — Costume of Greeks and Romans — Fat Waists — The Hip Bones — Victims of Miniature Waists — The Spine and Muscular Weak- ness — A Reproach upon Nature 46 CHAPTER V. THE FEMALE PELVIS. Situation of the Pelvis — Its Shape and Prominent Parts — What the Abdomi- nal Cavity Includes — Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries — Differences between the Male and Female Pelvis — The Peritoneum — Age at which the Pelvis is Fully Developed — Napkins Applied to Infants — Injury from Constriction — A Deformed Pelvis — Rickets and Softening of the Bones 61 CHAPTER VI. FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. Internal and External Organs — Mons Veneris — External Labia — The Clitoris — Excessive Length — Delicate Mucous Membrane — Hymen, or Vaginal Valve — The Vagina — Unnatural Membranous Folds — Uterus, or Womb — Various Parts of the Womb— Appendages of the Uterus — Movement of the Cilia — Blood Vessels and Nerves — -Ligaments of the Uterus — The Fallopian Tubes — Pink Layer of Tissue — An Important Ligament — Movement Caused by Contract! on — Two-fold Office of the Tubes — Adhesions and Inflammation 67 CHAPTER VII. THE HUMAN OVARIES. Glands that Form the Female Ova, or Eggs — Ovasacs, or Graafian Vesicles — Structure of Graafian Follicle — Ovary like a Honey-comb — Office of the Ovary — Low T er Animals and Reproduction — Weak Parents and Unhealthy Offspring — Origin of the Graafian Vesicle — Discharge of Ova Periodical in the Human Female — Development of New Ova — Period of Rupture of Follicle and Escape of the Ovum — Changes that Take Place — A Common Stimulus — Dischatge of the Ova without Sexual Congress 83 CHAPTER VIII. EFFECT OF IMPREGNATING THE OVUM. Extirpating the Ovaries — The Ovum Developed into an Embryo — Two Stages of Existence — Number of Ova — Few Ova Ripen at a Time — How the Ovum is Conveyed Along the Passage of the Fallopian Tubes — Changes After Impregnation — Division of the Yelk — Offices of the Fallo'pian Tubes— When Impregnation is Most Likely to Take Place — Size and Weight of a Fowl's Egg — How the Egg is Pertected 92 CHAPTER IX. NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. Menstrual Colics — Careful Treatment for Girls — Critical Period of Youth — Good Nourishment Required— Errors of Ignorance — Causes of Abnormal Derange- CONTENTS. xi ment — Habits of Women of Fashion — Absurd Attempts to Conceal Effects of Dis- sipation — Nervous and Sexual Excitement — Walking the Best Exercise — Mind and Imagination — Victims of Excessive Study 1^1 CHAPTER X. OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. What is said by Professor Eoomis — What by Dr. William Hammond — What by Dr. Clark — Effects of Close Application— Sad Story of a Healthy Girl — The Pride of the Family — East Stages of Disease — Exposure to Wet, Heat or Cold — Injuries from External Pressure — Uncleanness to be Avoided — Sources of Health and Disease — Excitement of the Passions — Vain and Harmful Imaginings — Value of Occupation — Causes that Interfere with Menstruation 108 CHAPTER XI. WONDERS OF GENERATION. Facts and Opinions of Former Writers — A Subject for Wonder and Admira- tion — Vital Power Derived from the Parent — Vital Principle in Birth — Reproduc- tive Function in Man — Male and Female Forms Contrasted — Influence of Various Temperaments — Prominence of the Lower Brain — Office of the Uterus — Principal Power of Propulsion — Comparison of the Vigorous with the Weak — Microscopic Examination of Spermatozoa — Absurd Theories of Former Times 119 CHAPTER XII. WONDERS OF GENERATION.— (Continued.) Precise Period of Impregnation Not Known — Old Theory of Conception- Established Facts — Prevention of Conception — False Speculations — Causes of Unnatural Generation — Number of Children at One Birth — Resemblance Among Families— Color of the Parents — Transmission of Disease — Marks and Deformi ties — Curious Freaks of Nature — Finest Possible Progeny — Different Typ, Men — Peculiarities Extending through Successive Generations — Physical and Mental Training — Regulating Color of the Colt — Effects of Violent Emotion . 131 CHAPTER XIII. PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. Suppression of the Menses — Shape of the Abdomen — The Quickening — Presence of Milk in the Mammae — Morning Sickness — Signs of Pregnancy According to the Months — Motion of the Child — Number of Days for I a — Practical Advice — Exercise and Diet — Violent Emotions to be Avoided — E Mental Disturbances — How to Treat Forebodings and Gloom of Mind . . . L48 CHAPTER XIV, MALADIES DURING PREGNANCY. Vomiting After Second or Third Week — How Stomach Troubles are Ag vated — Child Not Affected by Stomach Derangements — Unnatural Longings — The Most Effective Treatment— What the Diet Should Consist of— Fru 3 Coarse Food— Flatulence and Colic — Use of Domestic Medicines — Treatment for Hemorrhoids — What Occasions Shortness ot Breath — Palpitation ot the Heart — xii CONTENTS. Dangers Connected with Fainting — Congestive Headache — Sleeplessness — Signs of the Death of the Foetus — Periodical Habit of the Womb — Remedies for Threatened Abortion 157 CHAPTER XV. LABOR— ITS PROPER TREATMENT. Articles Needed by Mother and Child — A Monthly Nurse — Nurses that Worry their Patients — How to Prepare the Bed — Notifying the Physician and Nurse — Two Stages of Labor — Use of Cathartics — Company to be Excluded — Directions to be Observed — The Afterbirth — Why the Child Does Not Breathe — Treatment of the New-born Babe — Danger of Milk — Use of Chloroform — Saving the Patient from Exhaustion — Medical Skill Indispensable. . . . • .... 175 CHAPTER XVI. LACTATION OR FOOD FOR INFANTS. Natural Mode of Feeding — Distention of the Mother's Breasts — Remedies for It—Causes that Affect the Milk— Quality of the Food— Articles of Diet and Medicine — Use of Nipple-glasses — Symptoms of Overnursirg — Mother's Milk the Best Nourishment — Malformation of the Nipple — How to Develop the Flow of Milk — Ointments Mixed with Minerals — When the Wetnurse is Needed — Teach- ing the Child Regular Habits — Reasons for Children's Crying — Best Time for Weaning the Child — Cold Air and Gathered Breasts — Sore Mouth and Eyes . 191 CHAPTER XVII. THE CHANGE OF LIFE. Those who Conform to Judicious Rules have only Blessings to Expect — Morbid Impulses at this Period — An Illusion Destroyed — Less of Food and Stimu- lants — Best Kind of Diet — Forming Habits of Intoxication — Advantages of a Healthy Skin — Necessity of Exercise — Curious Effect of the Mind on the Body — Nervous Irritation and Sleeplessness — Peevishness and Ill-temper — Getting Well too Soon — Charms of Mature Life — Peace and Tranquility of Mind .... 210 CHAPTER XVIII. DISEASES OF WOMEN. Delayed Menstruation — Symptoms of Suppression — Hygienic Treatment — Predisposing Causes — Debilitating Maladies — Effects of Long Continued Sup- pression — Dangerous Hemorrhages — Self Examination — Remedies of Proved Value — Difference between Retention and Suppression — Due to Organic Causes — Signs of Chlorosis — Effects of this Disease — Curable with Proper Treat- ment 222 CHAPTER XIX. DISEASES OF WOMEN— (Continued). Too Great a Discharge at Menstruation — Normal Amount Dependent on Constitution and Temperament — How the System is Weakened by Menorrhagia — Accidental Causes — Deficiency of Vitality— Remedies that are Recommended — Painful Menstruation — Capacity to Endure Pain — Symptoms of a Violent CONTENTS. xiii Character — Ovaries Involved — Condition During Intervals — How to Obtain Relief — Keeping the Body at Rest — Leucorrhoea or "Whites'" — Constitutional Disturbance — Exposure to Heat or Cold — Course of the Disease — Effect of Long Continuance : — Malady Often Neglected 232 CHAPTER XX. DISEASES OF WOMEN— (Concluded). Causes of Prolapsus or Displacement of the Womb — Weakness of Ligaments Supporting this Organ — Disagreeable Sensations — How to Treat Displacements — Weight of Clothing to be Hung from Shoulders — Deluded Women who Declare they Never Dress Tightly — Anteversion of the Womb — How to Treat It — Retroversion of the Womb — The First Thing to be Done — Inflammation of the Vagina — Weight and Fullness — Common to All Periods of Woman's Life — Pain and Soreness — Causes of Inflammation — Various Morbid Conditions — Hot Water and Sitz Baths 248 CHAPTER XXI. HEALTHY AND ROBUST CHILDREN. Relation of Mind to Body — Sound Mind in a Sound Body — As the Parents Are, So Are the Children — Mental Development — Reason and Action — Four Stages of Life — Perfection of Woman's Organs — Common Mistake in Education — Dangerous Vices to be Avoided — Ideal Commandment of Christianity — Temp- tation and Theft — Instinct of the Animal Life — Joining Children in their Sports — Why Children Lie — Mother and. Son — "Smart'' Children — Teaching Young People the Golden Rule — Miss Beecher on Early Education '2o\) CHAPTER XXII. PHYSICAL TRAINING OF CHILDREN. Health Largely Dependent on the Skin — Frictions and Bathing — Effect of Cold Water Plunges — Cold, Tepid and Warm Baths — Plain Rules to be Observed — Nothing Indelicate About a Girl's Romping — Skipping the Rope — Regular Hours of Eating — Abundance of Sleep — School Days — Children Study too Much — Health of American People — Woman's Rights and Woir Muscle — Development of the Mind — Flocks of "Sick Crows'' — Inconsistency of Human Nature — What Dress is Intended For — Apparatus for Heating Houses — Effect of Pressure and Tight Lacing 270 CHAPTER XXIII. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. Irritation — Intestinal Canal — Fear May Produce Convulsions — 1" ects of Fright — Different Temperaments of Children — The Human Face — Derange- ment of the Stomach — Inflammation of the Brain — Evidence of Impoverished Blood — Teething — Period of Cutting Teeth — Use of Mild Laxative— Treatment for Convulsions — Directions Concerning Milk *64 k o xiv CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXIV. DISEASES OF CHILDREN.— (Continued.) Cholera Infantum — Symptoms — Causes — First Step in the Treatment — Slaughtered by Dosing with Medicine — Scarlet Fever — Three Varieties— Symp- toms Very Pronounced — Malignant Form — Absence of Eruptions — How to Treat the Fever — Prompt Remedies Required — Measles — Symptoms — Eruptions — The Attack — Remedies for the Disease — Croup — Cause — Usual Symptoms — Treatment — Whooping Cough 294 CHAPTER XXV. PROMOTING AND PRESERVING HEALTH. Necessity of Pure Air — Horrors of a Small Pox Room — Importance of Sani- tation — Sunlight as an Agent of Health — Disease Caused by Darkness— Sleep a Necessity — John Wesley an Early Riser — Absurdities of Dreams— Baths of Dif- ferent Kinds — Repairing Physical Waste — Importance of Exercise — Effects of Excessive Fatigue — Benefits of Walking — Injuries Caused by W T altzing — Advant- ages of Rowing— Directions for Doctoring Sea Sickness 305 CHAPTER XXVI. FEMALE CLOTHING. Nature's Selection of Coverings for Animals — Heat Radiates from the Body — How Plants are Protected — Superfluous Article of Dress — Clothing of Special Parts of the Body — The Trunk — Extremities — Apparel Made of Flannel — Deformed Feet — Precepts Concerning Dress — Prejudice Against Wearing Wool —Clothes Bespeak the Man 321 CHAPTER XXVII. PHYSICAL CULTURE FOR WOMEN. Appliances and Machines for Physical Development — None are Absolutely Necessary — Science of Breathing — Checkley on Lung Expansion — Exercises for Arms and Shoulders — How to Train the Muscles — Famous Swedish Movements — How Women Should Dress — Fexible Action Necessary — How to Sit Grace- fully— " Manual of Arms "—Thrusts— Lunges 331 CHAPTER XXVIII. HOME GYMNASTICS FOR WOMEN. Weak Lungs and Imperfect Digestion — Walking in the Open Air — Easy to Learn How to Breathe — Exercises Requiring Vibration — Another System of Physical Culture — How to Strengthen the Lower Limbs — Supposed Consump- tive Lived to be over Ninety — How the Blood Gets the Air — The Pleura — Struc- ture of the Heart 345 CHAPTER XXIX. FEMALE BEAUTY. Value of Female Beauty — Prized by the Ancients — Wonderful Influence of Women — Strange Customs of Savages — What is Natural to Women — No Woman Need be Ugly— Girls Expect to be Married — Little Offered in Exchange for Mar. CONTENTS. xv riage — Health and Beauty to be Coveted — Scandal Loving Old Maids — Troubles of the Shy Girl — Girls who are Called Stupid — Plain but Witty — Disappointment of Suitors — Absurdities of Dress — Old Women who are Terribly Thin . . . 354 CHAPTER XXX. IMPORTANCE OF DRESS. Any Kind of Dress Becoming to Some Persons — Vulgar Taste — Individual Taste Suppressed — Tied to Ignorant Fashion — Taste should Harmonize with Character — Simple Laws to be Observed— Nude Figures in Sculpture and Paint ing — Novel Forms of Attire — Too Many Flounces and Furbelows — What is Becoming to Different Persons — Evils of Extravangance 371 CHAPTER XXXI. WOMAN'S HAIR HER CHIEF ORNAMENT. Modifications of Style — Facial Outlines — Admired of All Beholders — Struc- ture of the Hair — Root and Shaft — Varieties of Color — Corresponds with Color of Skin — Indications of Temperament — Samson's flowing Locks — The "Bear Woman" — Hair Charged with Electricity — Hair Distributed over the Body — Special Purposes Served — Beautiful Hair Praised by the Poets 383 CHAPTER XXXII. STYLES OF WEARING THE HAIR. Particular Nations Distinguished by Mode of Dressing Hair — Early Period — Mediaeval Period — Tresses Perfumed and Pomaded — Fashion in Queen Elizabeth's Reign — Ancient Mode of Dyeing the Hair — Ringlets and Ribbons — Good Sense and Taste — Crape Cushion and Ostrich Feathers — Jewish Women — Spanish Artists 399 CHAPTER XXXIII. MODERN METHODS OF DRESSING THE HAIR. Mistakes in Hair Dressing — Suggestions for Grace and Beauty — Oriental Customs — Eike the Tail of a Peacock — Chinese Females — Black, Glossy Ring- lets — Manner of Tingeing the Hair — Dancing Girls of India — Style of Empress Eugenia ' 4"7 CHAPTER XXXIV. DIRECTIONS FOR TREATING THE HAIR. Baldness and Premature Gray Hair — Deficient Action of the Bulb — Causes of Hair Suddenly Turning Gray — Lines by Lord Byron — Trick Played on a Spanish Officer — The Ghost in Hamlet — Baldness and its Causes — Common Among Men — White Hair and Old Age— Varieties of Disease— Hygienic Treat- ment — Cleanliness and Friction — Locks Straight and Flaccid — Mrs, C Poem— Decline of the Health of the Scalp— The Shuttle Movement— Scalp Mas- sage — How to Shampoo the Hair 414 xvi CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXV. CARE OF THE TEETH AND SKIN. Artificial Teeth Used by the Ancients — Staining the Teeth of Boys and Girls — First Teeth Cut in First Two Years — Period of Teething a Trying One — Common Neglect of the Teeth — Bad Habits of Breathing — Antiseptics Recom- mended — Rinsing the Mouth — Substances to be Avoided — Causes of Premature Decay — What is Seen Under the Microscope — Pure Sugar and Sweets — Structure of the Teeth — Cause of Toothache — Commencement of Second Set — Use of Tooth Powder — Treatment of the Gums — Structure of the Skin — Main Object of Treating Burns — Perspiration According to Weather — Unhealthy Countenance 427 CHAPTER XXXVI. THE HEAD AND FACE. Beauty of the Human Head — Vicious Practice Among Nurses and Mothers- Eruptions on the Forehead — Facial Expression and Charms — Meaning of the Eye Colors — What Forms a Beautiful Eye — Peculiarities of Sight — Various Defects of Vision — Cure for Squinting — Remedy for Ophthalmia — How to Strengthen the Sight — Effects of Irritating Substances — Treating the Eyebrows — Well- formed Nose Essential to Beauty — Handsome Grecian Nose — Napoleon's Idea of the Best Nose — Beautiful Mouth and Lips 446 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE NECK AND LIMBS. Delicacy and Beauty of the Arm— Character Indicated by the Thumb — Neglect of the Hands — Distorted Joints and Fingers — Treatment of the Finger Nails — What to do for Chilblains — Magic Cure for Warts — Health and Beauty of Feet — Feeble State of Circulation — Treatment of Corns — Pumice Stone -and Adhesive Plasters 462 CHAPTER XXXVIII. FOOD FOR INVALIDS. Some Don'ts for the Sick-room — Cracked Ice — Nourishing Drinks — Prepara- tions with Eggs — Broths for Sick Persons — Beef Tea — Gruels for the Sick — Solid Foods — Oysters and Sweetbreads — Sweet Dishes — Jellies and Custards — The Med- icine Chest — Good Cooking — Antidotes for Poisons 478 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE BEST COSMETICS. The Face the Index of the Mind — Smoothing Out Wrinkles — Face Humors Repulsive — Daubs of Paint and Enamel — Injuries from Hard Substances — A Beautiful Bosom — Directions for Massage — When to Avoid Cosmetics — Prescrip- tion for the Complexion 501 THE GUARDIAN ANGEL Courtship and Marriage CHAPTER I. OURTSHIP, in which the gentleman does the agreeable, is a very pleasant thing. It is so delightful in itself that many persons never go further. It consists in much billing and cooing, in serenading, and in walks by the lonely lake, or unfrequented path, in the moon- light stroll upon the lawn, or the whis- pered conversation in the recess of the window, in interchanges of love, eternal fidelity, etc. Love makes all harmonize. The coy maiden, it is true, will be very shy for a while, but " faint heart never won fair lady." Yes, a certain brisk confidence must be assumed, for a lady delights in an ardent lover, and many such have triumphed when others have failed. For this reason, perhaps, successful villains, who have much practice in the wiles that gain woman's heart, are more likely to gain their ends than he who truly loves, but is deterred bv bash- fulness ; while, in many cases, woman has loved " not wisely but too well." Yea, under the fairest pretenses, women have been deceived, and under a promise of. marriage have permitted the familiarities which prudence, virtue and custom alike reserve for the marriage state. Thus, many a fair confiding girl is lost to purity, virtue and happiness, robbed by a heartless villain of all that is most dear to woman, while might have shone as a star in society. 17 18 COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. Courtship is a perilous period, inasmuch as human nature is not altogether perfect. Many there are who have begun well. They have continued to do well for days and months, or perhaps for years ; but at length giving way to a momentary impulse, the saddest of all accidents has occurred, and such as cannot be repaired. Let no one think that we exaggerate. Courtship is but a thorny state after all. It has three stages. The first when the parties meet, and ogling interchange of glances, and a few hurried words take place. The second, when the wmole frame thrills with the exquisitely delicious and melting emotion of the first kiss ! when the engagement ring is placed on the finger. The third, is that in which " the consummation so devoutly to be wished," by plighted lovers who long for the wedding day and the sweets of dear felicitous love in the marriage state. The first two stages are attended with many hours of pleasure and few moments of pain — many enchanting meetings and regretful part- ings The third stage is not without danger, and should be pushed on to a conclusion as rapidly as circumstances will allow. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. In courtship, there should be a great degree of respect paid to each other by the affianced parties, who are one day to become man and wife. They should u look before they leap," count all the cost, and have their minds fully made up, to all the consequences and responsibilities which the married state involves. They naturally will think that all is to be joy and gladness, peace and " bliss — exquisite bliss," in the possession of each other. Experience, however, has shown to many, that happiness is not a plant of quick growth, and many who might have averted it, with prudent foresight, have had to lament an ill-assorted marriage ere the " honey-moon " had waned. Otherwise, and upon the whole, perhaps courtship is a state of much felicity, and one which the wedded pair will look back to with delight, if in it they have had mutual respect and esteem, and still maintain the integrity of such true sentiments and fidelity. Thus the enjoyment of reciprocal love is full of bliss on the threshold of matrimony which is yet an unexplored region. This constitutes courtship. Hence, the first step must be made by the man, for the initiative should not be taken by the fair lady, for it is indelicate, unusual and unnatural, except perhaps in Leap Year ! The COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. 19 male must woo, while the lady must be wooed in order to be won. Madame de Stael, speaking of courtship, says : — " How enchanting is the first gleam of intelligence with her we love ! Before memory comes in to share with hope, before words have expressed the sentiments, before eloquence has been able to paint what we feel, there is in these first moments a certain kind of tumult and mystery in the imagination, more transitory than happiness, but still more heavenly." Marriage is a natural, religious, civil, and legal contract, wisely instituted for the happiness of mankind. Man was born for society ; his condition, faculties, and propensities require that he should associate with other men. At every period of his life he stands in need, and wants the assistance of others. If we look to the infantile state, we observe that the new-born babe cannot long exist unless by the sedulous care of its parents or others, who protect, clothe, and nourish it. Were it left naked on the ground, exposed to the inclemency of the air, destroyed by hunger, or left a prey to ferocious animals, it must speedily perish. If we follow it through childhood, we find, that, unless it is directed by the advice of others of its species and assisted by them, it would be little better than an irrational animal. POWER OP GENERATION. When the human being arrives at the adult age, he possesses th e power of generation, and is bound to protect, support, and cherish the individual who co-operates with him, in perpetuating his species ; and hence originates society. Finally, when old age commences, the same imbecilit} r , the same infirmity recurs as in infancy ; therefore, if society did not exist, the human being would fall to the ground, would be affected with various diseases, unalleviated by remedies, he could have no food, and must be destroyed by hunger. It therefore follows, that the condition of man, at all periods of life, requires the care of his fellow creatures. His faculties, reason, sens voice, gestures, and capacity for learning the arts and sciences, require the benefits of civil society. The offices, by which we are bound to all other men, arise from the duties of humanity, or draw their origin from society. Domestic society is that which exists between certain individti who, by relationship, or contrast, form one family, which is necessary to 20 COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. man, and was destined for him by nature ; for, without this, the human race could not be propagated or preserved. Domestic society is again divided into conjugal, paternal, and filial. Conjugal society is a perpetual compact between man and woman to live together in mutual love and friendship, and to aid each other by mutual succor for the course of life. The diversity of the sexes was instituted for this purpose ; and there is an innate desire implanted in both to perpetuate their species, their nature, and to trans- fer their property to their children. Marriage was in- stituted by the Divine Creator in the time of man's primitive innocence, as the means of his happi- ness, and the per- petuation of his race. The wisdom of its institution has been felt and acknowl- edged in every age. Man found by exper- ience it was not good for him to be alone, or to lead a life of a proposal — what shall the answer be ? celibacy or isolated selfishness. Marriage does not, however, restrict its beneficial influence to individuals, but extends to states and kingdoms. " It is," says Jeremy Taylor, " the mother of the world, and preserves kingdoms, and fills cities, churches, and even heaven itself." It is the primitive source COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. 21 of morals and of society, and offers incalculable securities to govern- ments. It presents matter of important consideration to the statesman, the divine, the lawyer and the physician. Of all the social institutions, there is none which exercises so great an influence upon states as marriage. Every state is composed of families, and these are the result of conjugal unions. The prosperity of a nation depends upon the strength and vigor of its inhabitants, which are powerfully influenced by the comparative perfection of the marriage and bastardy laws. These again have great effect on the morals and civilization of society, the rights of persons and property ; and even sceptres and thrones are alike dependent upon them. It was, therefore, wisely ordained that marriage should be a sacred compact, for which those engaging in it ^should forsake their nearest relations and friends. The parties contracting it form the strictest union and nearest relation that can be established between two individuals ; their temporal concerns are identical, and consequently marriage is uni- versally considered the source of the greatest comfort and most perfect enjoyment on earth, securing all the advantages of sincere friendship, and the reciprocal offices of true and tender affection. The parties entering into this state, vow mutual love, fidelity, and friendship. PHYSICAL AND MORAL EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. It was therefore most wisely ordained in the beginning of time, that " a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh." The only motive that virtue allows, besides the selection of an individual of the opposite sex, for the mutual succor necessary in the management of the affairs of life, are the perpet- uation of the species, and the physical and moral education of children, so that they may enjoy health, render due homage and reverence to the omnipotent and beneficent Author of the universe, and become useful members of the human family. Marriage was originally instituted between the first of the human species, as a religious, political, civil, and moral contract of Divine ordinance. Man is a rational and social being, deriving his chief earthly happiness from the delights of societ}^ and the interchange of thought. It is the interchange of the charities and the sympathies of life which gives to human existence its real and only value. Hence, man in a state of solitude, or even isolated luxury or affluence, would be the most pitiable 22 COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. and miserable of creatures. Exposed to the corroding cares, sorrows, bitter disappointments, and misfortunes of life, man cannot brave alone, and unbefriended, the ingratitude, envy, and malevolence of the world. The perfection and sincerity of friendship can only be found in the marriage state, where an identity of interest shuts out all petty jealousies and vexations, and a unity of thought, sentiment, feeling, and conduct, exists. The qualities essential to conjugal happiness are chiefly of a mental or moral nature, and not merely of a physical kind, as is unfor- tunately too generally the case. Marriage was instituted between the first of our species as a natural, civil, and religious contract, and has ever since been celebrated with a degree of solemnity and importance, suitable to its dignity. It is a sacred compact, for which those entering into it, forsake their nearest relations and best friends. A mutual love should subsist between them, a mutual charity to bear reciprocally their natural defects, tempers, and all other inconveniences and infirmities of life. FIDELITY TO EACH OTHER. They mutually vow to observe an inviolable fidelity to each other ; they are bound to labor with indefatigable industry so as to augment their means for the sustenance and education of their future offspring, and to provide for themselves in their infirmities and old age. " Love,'' says Virey, "is the basis of all association, and consequently of human civiliza- tion : libertinage, which ruins love, attacks sociality, whilst good morals, on the contrary, cement the edifice." It is not enough that children should be procreated by parents : they are also to be nourished, clothed, and educated ; they should be nourished by the milk of the mother, and not delivered to other women, unless in certain cases, for nature generally gives the parent the gift required for this purpose ; and she never can morally, unless this is withheld, or unless there is dangerous infirmity or some great cause, afford to omit it : for by the neglect of this sacred duty, the offspring suffers not only great inconve- niences, but often loss of health and life, and the mother herself becomes liable to diseases, or propagates unhealthy offspring. It is well known that when children are committed to the care of mercenary nurses, maternal love and tenderness diminish, or almost cease ; whilst infantile affection is naturally bestowed on another indivi- dual, and finally it scarcely exists towards the parent. COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. 33 It is likewise an indispensable obligation on parents, that they inform their children, by word and example, of the existence, culture, ancj love of the Deity, for in infancy we are most tenacious of perceptions , and the greatest care should be taken that children do not see, hear, or read, unless what is good and right, because their early impressions gen- erally continue to old age. For this reason they ought to be kept, as much as possible, from the society of servants. Nothing is more ten- der, flexible, or susceptible of impressions than the minds of children. There is, therefore, great danger lest they be contaminated by indecorous. THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY. profane, and obscene ideas. Every one knows the force and truth of this statement, and can verify it in everyday life. Parents should also take care that their children are kept from i ness, the root of all evil, and that at a proper age they are initiated into the principles of literature, the arts, and sciences most suited to or even above their sphere of life. When they arrive at the adult age, and beo members of society, they are expected to discharge their social duties in their station in life. The proper age of marriage, according to the law of this country twenty-one for the male, and eighteen for the female ; but many physiolo- gists are of the opinion that the ages of twenty-five and twenty-one v.v more accord with the complete development of adults. i held ; 24 COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. position, "the natural state of man after puberity is marriage;" but this is evidently untenable, because the human body is not fully developed at this period of life, the different functions are not perfect, and as the organs are only in the progress of their growth, the offspring would be infirm and delicate ; and the sexes totally incompetent to perform the various important duties of parents. It is at, or rather after the adult age, that the mind and body have arrived at perfection ; and therefore moralists and legislators have fixed this age as the best for marriage. The ancient Germans did not marry until the twenty- fourth or twenty-fifth year, previous to which they observed the most rigid chastity ; and in consequence of which their offspring acquired a size and strength that excited the astonishment of Europe. Caesar said that the Germans of his time, under twent}^ years of age. were like women, and hence their youth allowed time for their growth, and gave their bodies large dimen- sions. It is impossible, perhaps, to fix the exact period proper for con- jugal union in all cases, because there is so great a difference in the growth of individuals, some being more developed at eighteen or twent}^ than others at twenty-five. PARENTS AT A VERY EARLY AGE. Some girls have been mothers at the twelfth } r ear and a half of their ages ; and indeed I have attended a labor case of this kind, and have heard and read of many others. I have been repeatedly told by mothers that their daughters were parents at the age of thirteen and fourteen years. The evils resulting from too early marriages are, diminished growth and strength of the male, delicate and bad health of the female, premature old age, or death of either or both, and a feeble, infirm, and diseased or orphan offspring. It has long been observed by all physicians, that persons advanced in life, provided they are healthful and vigorous, and have observed strict continence, procreate much more vigorous infants than the debilitated young, who have injured their constitutions ; for, as one of my distin- guished correspondents. Professor Dewees, judiciously remarks, "it is oftentimes better to be old in years than in constitution." This learned ph}-sician also observes, that feeble parents ma}^ propagate robust children, but these, according to his experience, which is that of more than thirty years, seldom survive beyond the age of manhood, and old age is out of the question. • ■ . WW***/' s*Sm ^C3\: 4 *... hw$ • ' SBf i CHARM OF BEAUTY AND SUPERB WOMANHOOD. GODS GREATEST AND BEST CREATION IS A TRUE, PURE WOMAN, SHE SMILES AND SMILES AND WILL NOT SIGH, WHILE WE FOR HOPELESS PASSION DIE; YET SHE COULD LOVE, THOSE EYES DECLARE, WERE BUT MEN NOBLER THAN THEY ARE. i THE POWER OF QUEENLY WOMAN. IN THE PRIVACY OF THE HOME, SCREENED FROM PUBLIC GAZE, WOMAN TOUCHES TILE SPRINGS OF ACTION THAT MOVE THE WORU). SWEET INNOCENCE APPEALS TO WOMAN'S LOVE, THAT JEWEL OF HER QUEENLY MIND, AND TELLS HOW NOBLE IS THE HEART, THAT PITIES AND IS EVER KIND. MAID OF ATHENS, ERE WE PART, GIVE, () GIVE ME BACK MY HEART, LORD BYRON. FAIR AS THE NOONDAY IS HER FACE." BLOOM OF BEAUTY AND HEALTH. . ■y'-M'^i SB% F| * - 1 tr~ ■>.■--•■■ $ ''.'■■.'.}■ mj#*i® -"Hi J . . • ■ - : I 9 ■ #R ...r m^ .:... "EYES THAT FEEL AND SPEAK." THE MOST IMPORTANT OF HUMAN ORGANS OF SENSE. COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. 9.R We see the truth of this statement verified every day : we have only to observe the many delicate mothers who daily present their children at our hospitals and dispensaries, emaciated and often dying, who generally inform us that for some months after birth it was impossible to behold more robust, or finer infants. I have long noticed this fact in hospital and dispensary practice, and have repeatedly pointed it out to medical students. There is another position maintained by the profession worthy of attention, viz. : that persons who attain extreme old age, often marry and have children. It is true that v/omen in general lose the faculty of con- ception from the age of forty-five to fifty years in this climate ; but some attain the function of maturity much later. OLD WOMEN WHO BECAME MOTHERS. Pliny states, that Cornelia, one of the family of the Scipios, gave birth to Valerius Saturninus, at the age of sixty-two. Valescus, of Tarentum, attended a woman in labor at sixty-seven years of age. The illustrious and indefatigable Haller mentions the case of a woman who was delivered at sixty -three, and of another at seventy. All these authors observe that the women whose cases they mention, had menstruated regularly, and were not liable to greater inconveniences than those of that time. It was, in my opinion, fully as rational to mention this conclusion, as to deny the possibility of conception after the age of sixty ; — indeed, I believe much more so. Nature has equally endowed both sexes with organs and functions ; and though she has been more bounteous to man, it still remains to be proved whether she has established great disparity in the sexual functions. Medical practitioners are often consulted by individuals, who are anxious to know whether marriage is, or is not conducive to health and longevity. It is now universally admitted, that an answer in the affirma- tive ought to be given to all healthful and well-formed individuals of the male sex, from the adult age to the sixty-fifth year, and sometimes oven later. Longevity, however, does not depend upon the benefit of pre regimen alone, but on the degree of vitality which is transmitted by parents. An individual born of healthful and robust parents ought naturally to expect a long life ; but one whoso parents are delici or aged, or affected with scrofula, syphilis, gout, pulmonary consumption, 26 COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE- distorted spine, or calculous diseases, will have a delicate and infirm constitution. Hufeland lays down the following precepts on the subject of marriage : ist. u A person should not marry unless into a family remarkable for longevity," and, he should have added, free from certain hereditary diseases. 2d. He should not marry a woman advanced in life, delicate, feeble- or affected with any deformity or disease, more especially those trans, missible by generation, as gout, stone in the bladder, gravel, herpes, certain diseases of the skin, syphilis, scrofula, mania, or haemorrhoids. 3d. The age most proper for women is eighteen years, and for men twenty-four or five. 4th. They must not give themselves to the pleasures of reproduction except when the natural impulse is strong, and above all things, avoid propagation during drunkenness. 5th. Every preguant woman ought to be considered as a laboratory in which she prepares a new being, to which the slightest physical or moral emotion is injurious. 6th. Women of a nervous temperament, those who are very irritable, nervous, hysterical, subject to convulsions, or epilepsy, ought to avoid matrimony, as they will give birth to infants who can live but for a short time. This last precept is liable to exception, because nervous and hysterical women are often cured by marriage, and may have healthful infants, as I have frequently known. Whenever medical practitioners are consulted as to the propriety of marriage, they ought to recollect, that they touch a delicate chord of affections, that man is more than a machine, so that they should combine moral with physical medicine — that science of the heart and mind, with which all the learned and well-informed of the profession are well acquainted. There are many infirmities which are not sufficient to prevent mar- ried persons from affording each other mutual succor, and are no bar to conjugal union ; but there are others which totally disqualify persons from engaging in this contract — such as malformations and incurable dis- eases of the genital organs. Every individual who entertains a doubt as to his capabilities for generation, is anxious to obtain medical advice on his condition ; and it is COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. 27 inuch to be regretted that it is too often the practice of the profession to treat the matter with levity or derision. Hence few of the faculty are consulted, an unreserved disclosure of the symptoms is seldom given, and the inquirer is often fearful that his condition may be made known to his acquaintances. Every duly educated physician is bound to secrecy, in all delicate matters, and so far from treating his patient with levity or carelessness, should consider his case as attentively as any other that may come before him. Were this line of conduct generally adopted by the medical profession, an immense number of the public would not be driven to seek advice from low, ignorant, and unprincipled empirics, who not only defraud them of immense sums of money, but also destroy, what is far more important, their health. The period has at length arrived when sexual diseases obtain as much attention as any other class of infirmities, and when the most dis- tinguished medical practitioners devote themselves to their study and treatment. PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. CHAPTER II. UCH error exists on the physical laws of reproduction among all classes of society, and |f| especially in relation to the consummation of the marriage contract. This requires to be exposed with all the delicacy of which the subject admits, and the pre- cision necessary and privileged in medical works. The consummation of marriage ought to be effected with gentleness and moderation, and not with unrestrained impetuosity, as among brute animals ; for if it is accomplished with violence, more or less severe pain, laceration, effusion of blood, with inflammation of the external and inter- nal genital organs, will be frequently induced. All obstetric authors, and all writers on medical jurisprudence, attest the truth of this statement. Every experienced medical practitioner is aware, that in cases of female violation, more or less contusion, laceration, hemorrhage, and inflammation are produced, more especially in cases of very young persons, and when there is much disproportion between the age and development of the individuals. When most of these diseases are induced, they are aggravated by the frequent repetition of the cause which excited them, it occasions excruci- ating pains, and generally produces sterility and bad health. There is nothing more certain than that precipitation and impetuos- ity in the consummation of marriage often causes, in the very young or aged individuals, exquisite pain, from contusion, laceration, etc.; and these evils result more from sensual passion than the legitimate object, the propagation of the species. In farther support of this opinion I may add, that the Jews and many ancients maintained, that the consummation of marriage ought to be characterized by the effusion of blood; and this 28 PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. 29 is generally the case, but there are many exceptions, as when leucorrhcea or other mucous discharges are present, which relax the external genitals and destroy the hymen. In these last cases, there may be no effusion of blood, on the consummation of marriage, though the individual is a vir- gin — a fact well known to every scientific and practical obstetrician and medical practitioner. It is also well known that pregnancy has occurred and the hymen perfect. Again, a woman may be delivered and such cohesion occur soon after as to totally impede sexual commerce ; and in certain cases there will be copious effusion of blood. In fine, the most respectable medical authors have been unable to determine whether women who have been depraved twenty or more years, were not virgins, as the presence or absence of the hymen is no real proof of virginity. This is the univer- sal opinion of scientific and learned physicians in all countries. This conclusion has enabled me on many occasions to prevent conjugal separa- tions and divorces, and restore domestic happiness. I hold it as an axiom, that it is the duty of every author to inform his species as much as pos- sible, and thereby to give information, diffuse knowledge, dissipate igno- rance, and familiarize truth, and science. CONDITIONS FOR HEALTHFUL OFFSPRING. It is also a general conclusion among physiologists, that repeated conjugal intimacy within a few hours is unprolific, and a mere animal gratification. Abstinence for one or more days, and tolerably good health, are necessary to most individuals for procreation of healthful offspring. According to most physiologists, morning is the best time for reproduction, that is, after the fatigues of the preceding da}- are dissi- pated by repose, and when the majority of healthful individuals poss< most virility. As the hygienic precepts relative to the generative function are deeply interesting to most individuals, they may be slightly noticed. 1. It should never be indulged in until there is a natural desire and vigorous impulse ; and seldom, if ever, before the adult age. 2. It ought to be avoided whenever it produces more than temporary depression of spirits, or the least debility of the moral, intellect physical states, also during intoxication, mania, and when there is vene- real or any other disease of the sexual organs of either party. 3. It ought to be used in moderation, when the individual 30 PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. much mental or corporeal exertion, or during recovery from any severe disease, when there is a state of debility, or when restorative aliment cannot be procured. 4. It ought to be entirely abstained from during the presence of the menses, the child-bed evacuation, which continues for nine, twelve or more days after delivery, and only used moderately and occasionally during pregnancy and suckling. It ought to be avoided in all painful diseases of the generative organs. It is also particularly injurious immediately after taking food, and until digestion is completed, which is from two to three hours afterwards. There can be no rule laid down as to the proper exercise of this function, as this will depend on age, habit, occupation, situation, climate, THE RIVER OF LIFE. season, aliment, and numerous other moral, physical, and external influ- ences, which are capable of modifying this function. Every pregnant woman is the depository of a new and feeble being, at first imperceptible to the human eye, though the future statesman, philosopher, or emperor, and which is powerfully, though indirectly, influenced by the moral and physical conditions of the mother, or by her state of mind or body. I shall, hereafter, minutely describe the hygiene, or precepts for the preservation of female health before mar- riage, with a view to woman's well-being, as well as that of her offspring, and those relative to the function of reproduction, pregnancy, parturition, the child-bed condition, and lactation or suckling. It would occupy by far too much space in a work of this kind were I to discuss fully the various topics connected with this part of the sub- ject, as the motives which influence matrimonial contracts, the true source of human happiness, of vigorous offspring, and of a moral state PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. 81 of society. These, and many other questions relating to reproduction, are referred to the moralist and legislator, although they have the most powerful influence on the health of parents and their children ; and on this ground I shall briefly notice them as a physician, The motives which influence the majority of the world in contract- ing matrimonial unions, are generally false, selfish, and most detrimental to the procreation of sound and vigorous offspring; such as ambition, wealth, rank, title, interest, a love of independence, of an establishment, a desire to escape parental restraint, anger, a determination to disinherit relations, disdain for a faithless lover or mistress, necessity, obligation, passion, imitation, and very rarely the only proper motive, pure and virtuous affection. It is also generally admitted that parental authority cannot reasonably or morally compel alliances when the inclination of the individual most concerned is opposed ; although we see too many forced and unhappy marriages which are to be ascribed to this cause. POWER OF CONJUGAL LOVE. It is scarcely necessary to observe, that love is implanted by the Deity in human beings, all grades of mankind have felt the power of this passion — it is the same in all, or, more strictly speaking, in almost all, for it is alleged that some few have never felt its influence. It is equally powerful in the palace and in the cottage ; it is universal, or very nearly so ; it glows in almost every breast, and it has been sung by the sweetest bards of ancient and modern times. Its power so strongly attaches two individuals, that no human law or intervention can separate them ; for though united to others, they never can be happy, nor their offspring vigorous. As a general rule it may also be laid down, that parties about to contract matrimonial unions ought to be of the adult age, and in good health. Man and woman ought naturally to perform the act of marriage when the body has acquired all the development of which it is susceptible. Nature always tends to perfection in all her operations, and assuredly a feeble being and one imperfectly grown, cannot be the source ot a sound and vigorous generation ; while, at the same time, the premature exercise of certain functions essentially debilitating even to individuals fully developed, cannot but remarkably retard the growth and vigor of pers< as under the adult age, when carried to excess. Premature, ill-assorted, and late marriages, are highly injurious 32 PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. the procreation of vigorous and healthful infants, and to public morals. It is also a fact, that premature exertion of the generative function is most injurious to the health of the individual and offspring. Agricul- turists are so well aware of this fact, that they invariably prevent the premature intercourse of the inferior animals. It is also right to state, that there ought not to be an extreme dispro- portion in stature between those who engage in matrimonal unions. A delicate, slightly-formed, small woman, whose pelvis is small, ought to hesitate in marrying a large robust individual, as the offspring will be large, produce great suffering in coming into the world, frequently require the use of artificial aid, and sometimes mutilation, while the health and life of the mother may be injured and destroyed. This is the fate of many girls of small stature, who are seduced to become mothers at an early age, as twelve or fifteen years, and, of those from thirty-five to forty, both of whom generally purchase the pleasures of maternity at a very dear rate. The hip and other bones which form the cavity through which the infant has to pass into the world are not sufficiently developed in extreme youth ; and the ligaments and muscles which cover them are rigid after the age of thirty-five, in most women. DISPROPORTION OF ORGANS. When there is a great disproportion between the reproductive organs, the generative function cannot be performed. Thus, excessive size, thickness, or length of the virile member, may render sexual intimacy excessively painful, or indeed impossible for some time, with very young persons, or those of small stature. I have also been repeatedly assured that sexual approach had been productive of pain for two and three months after marriage. Infecundity was the result in some cases, and sometimes inflammation of the womb, which was succeeded by painful menstruation, barrenness, and finally by cancer, or some of the many other ulcerations of the internal or external genitals. With respect to the extreme narrowness of the vulva, if there be the slightest aperture, conception may happen, and the vagina dilate spon- taneously during pregnancy, or it may be dilated by instruments or incision. It is a fact that the genital function is as imperious in the human species, at a certain period of life, as the digestive, but ought to be exerted ******** >a * fc *' '.jmT-M THE FIRST WHISPERINGS OF LOVE. PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. 33 at all times with moderation, to preserve health, and procreate healthful new beings. It is well known that rigid continence is seldom observed about the age of puberty, and for years afterwards by the male sex, as the accumulation of the seminal fluid in its receptacles will excite the whole of the genital organs during walking and sleep, and often terminate by spontaneous and involuntary emissions. These, when frequent, as well as all venereal excesses, disorder the mind and body, induce sadness, ennui, disgust at life, extreme lowness of spirits, melancholy, and even loss of reason ; whilst natural sexual enjoyment excites and exhilarates vitalit}', improves the mental faculties and corporal functions. It is also important to state, that the baneful habit of exciting the organs under consideration, often arises from disease or a morbid state of remote tissues, at an age when amorous impulse cannot exist, and this self-abuse is too often continued until the adult age. IRRITATION OF MUCOUS MEMBRANE. Infants at the breast, whose sexual organs' are so imperfectly developed, and who can have no sexual desire whatever, often contract the habit of frequently touching these parts. This apparent phenomenon is easily explained by physiology. The sexual organs are lined by a mucous membrane, similar to that which covers the lips, throat, intesti- nes, and lungs ; and irritation in any point of this membrane may derange every part of the body, which is covered or lined by a continuation of it. There are few infants who do not suffer from irritation in some part of this membrane, induced by numerous causes, as teething, improper food, or cold ; and the effect will be irritation or inflammation in the eyes, ears, nostrils, throat, lungs, or stomach and bowels, and also in the genital passages, as every one of these parts is covered by mucous membrane. But the habit of touching the genital organs acquired in infancy, often continues to the age of puberty, when these parts become more developed and highly sensitive, and render it almost inevitable. In other, and unfortunately in most cases, this habit is learned by example or intuition, more especially by allowing grown persons or adults to sleep with children, or by the depravity of some who have the care of children and youth, as servants, ushers, or tutors in schools or families, or those contaminated by it. The bad effects of it on health, on the mind and body, and especially on the source of human existence, have been forcibly described by physicians of all ages and countries. 3 34 PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. It was Held, by some writers, that the age of puberty was intended for marriage ; that animals copulate at this age, and that therefore nature points out this time for propagation. In reply it is urged, with more reason, that neither the mind nor body of man has acquired its perfectibility for many years after puberty ; and that the sexes at this age could not perform all the duties of parents efficiently. Common sense and observation are opposed to the opinion, that a giddy youth at the age of puberty, with down on his chin, could communicate a perfect vitality to offspring, or discharge the paternal duties required for the physical education of infants. The same objection may be urged against a girl at puberty becoming a mother ; and, in addition, that the disorders of pregnancy, the fatigues of labor and of suckling, would be much more than her constitution could sustain. Conjugal unions at this age, before the moral and physical states are developed, would also be influenced by impetuous and ungov- ernable passion, and the facilities of prolonging it would lead to satiety disgust, debility, and sterility. EVILS OF VERY EARLY MARRIAGES. Early marriages are admitted, by moralists and physiologists, to be serious evils. The author of " Marriage " makes the following very judi- cious remarks on the subject : — " Very early marriage is, in our opinion, a serious evil. Acting under the impulse of headstrong passions, or caprice, or dissatisfaction^ young persons too often prematurely rush, thoughtlessly and blindly, into engagements which, in after life, become matters of deep and painful regret. The fairy visions of love's paradise now vanish ; and the sober realities of life, its cares, its difficulties, and its positive evils soon lead to discontent, heartless repinings, and, worse than all, to a growing mutual indifference. Would that such cases were either rare, or only specula- tive ; but the fact is otherwise. No wonder that families are ill-governed, children ill-managed and their affairs ill-directed, when the helm is intrusted to unskilful and inexperienced hands. " Is it possible, we would ask, that wives of sixteen, or eighteen years of age, should possess that discretion, prudence, and wisdom so essential to enable them to govern households, rear children, and form their tem- pers, and their principles ? It would be well if young wives were humble and modest enough to place themselves under the guidance and direction PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. 55 of some prudent well-informed matron, as their friend and mentor. But of this enough. A settlement in life offers an immediate exaltation in public opinion, independent of moral worth, or virtuous conduct. It is a rank obtained without exertion, and preserved, too often, independent of virtue. u From these observations we are unwilling that it should be sup- posed that we advocate marriages deferred till fortune shall have been acquired, or rank attained. On the contrary, we believe that such mar- riages seldom realize the anticipations which are formed of them. If an age must be stated below which marriages ought not to be contracted, we would fix it at twenty-five for men, and twenty-one for the female sex. EVILS OF VERY LATE MARRIAGES. " This would find each party in the full vigor of their energies, with some moderate acquaintance with the world ; and with some experience and discretion in the management and guidance of family affairs. When marriage is unreasonably deferred, the heart, losing the elasticity of youthful ardor and hope becomes blunted by the vexations and dis- appointments of life, and is seldom the subject of disinterested love, and genuine affection. The tastes, habits, and feelings, then settled and fixed, are little disposed to accommodate themselves to the peculiarities of others." The assertion is not true, that animals copulate precociously ; those in a state of nature seldom do, and the few that are domesticated are the exceptions. The ancient legislators and philosophers opposed early mar- riages. The laws of Lycurgus enacted that men should not marry before the age of thirty-seven, and women not before the age of seventeen years. Xenophon and Plutarch explain the spirit of these laws, on the grounds that they were intended to secure the most vigorous offspring, and power- ful population. Aristotle held that a husband ought to be twenty years older than a wife : he ought to have said ten, as the former disparity is now properly considered too great. Late marriages are also highly detrimental to the welfare of society. and especially those between persons of a very advanced age. Fecundity cannot follow after the woman has ceased to menstruate ; but there is no age at which we can declare man to be absolutely sterile. These tacts do not, however, oppose the general rule as to the proper age for marriage, though a man or woman at a very advanced age cannot fulfil the real end 36 PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. of this union, the procreation and physical education of the species. Thus when two aged persons, deprived of the faculties necessary for generation, marry for the purpose of affording mutual cares in old age, and sweeten- ing the last years of life, there is no inconvenience to society, except that of favoring celibacy, and deferring conjugal union to a period when it is useless to population. But when the woman is not beyond the term of fecundity, the conse- quences of late marriages are often very serious. She may be barren, which is frequently the case, or she may become pregnant at a period of life when the rigidity of her fibres may not readily yield to the efforts of parturition. Such is often the condition of women between the age of thirty-five and forty : they suffer severely during a first labor, their lives are endangered, and often destroyed. If they become mothers, their offspring is often extremely debilitated, or when the parent is still more advanced in age, her infant is often destroyed at the portal of life, or, if born, it inherits the languor of its progenitors, it becomes an orphan before it is reared, it remains a charge to the public, if there is not a prop- erty left to render it independent. PHYSICAL DEBILITY OF INFANTS. When marriages are contracted between persons of a disproportionate age, they are usually followed by great immorality. The power of fecundity ceases with one party, while it is continued with the other. These unions? therefore, give fewer infants at one time than at another. It is also a matter of observation, that in many instances young women bear no children when united to old men, though they often become mothers on future marriages. Another evil consequence of this class of late and ill- sorted marriages is the physical debility of infants ; for the youth of the mother is counterbalanced by the languor of the father. Conjugal union between a young man and an aged woman causes bad effects upon the social order, for it is a kind of sanction for concubinage. Man can engender to an old age, but woman is sterile after the cessation of the menstrual function. These marriages generally take place on account of pecuniary, or other worldly considerations ; they lead the husband to debauchery, and the wife to all the excesses of jealousy. They are, therefore, injurious to society, and to the increase of the population. The laws of ancient nations on late marriages merit notice. In Sparta, when a woman brought a fortune to an aged and impotent man, he was PHYSICAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE. 37 compelled to permit her to choose an adjunct to his family. According to the Roman law in the reign of Augustus, men who were more advanced in life than sixty years, and women than fifty, were not allowed to form matrimonial unions. Numerous other examples might be given of laws against late marriages. Conjugal unions should be entered into with the natural liberty of choice. Young persons form attachments which neither parental author- ity nor any other consideration can prevent or destroy. But as a general rule, the consent of parents ought to be obtained ; and it never should be withheld when there is mutual love and affection, and an adequate sup- port for the parties and their offspring. Parents often refuse consent on the score of interest, ambition, rank, family connection and lucre, and compel their offspring to marry against their own inclinations. TRANSMISSION OP DISEASE. It has been long remarked that old men generally beget infirm, deli- cate infants, as well as those persons who are affected with syphilis, scrofula, gout, phthisis, etc. These, and many other diseases, are trans- mitted to the offspring. Every one knows that children generally resemble their parents in features, limbs, and dispositions, so that the moral and physical condition of parents are also transmitted to their offspring ; al- though in some cases family resemblances are not always the most striking. " As parents would sin grievously who should not leave marriage to their children's free choice and deliberation, as it is their own personal engagement, so children sin morally against the respect and obedience which they owe to parents, if they marry against their consent, or without their advice, unless the parents' opposition be notoriously unjust." There never should be a very great difference in the ages of those who are about to form conjugal unions. The authority of parents, guardians, and the conductors of schools, should be exerted over those under their care, more especially when youth have little acquaintance with the world. Inconsiderate and rash unions are often effected while young ladies are in scholastic establishments. They should discourage visits, private interviews, and all familiarities. unless an honorable intention of marriage is declared in the presence of a competent witness, for otherwise such a line of conduct is contrary to the rules of decency, good manners, and religion, and gives scandal to others. Happy and Unhappy MARRIAGES. CHAPTER III. Vi f 3! F all temporal evils, an unhappy marriage is the greatest. It is the source of confusion, misery, and vice, of a bad education of children, of bad citizens, and of a violation of every duty. No one, therefore, ought to engage in this contract without the most mature deliberation and a virtuous intention. One marries for love or sensual gratification, which he imagines will be perpetual ; but this passion is soon subdued or extinguished if founded on beauty or other fading qualities. Another embraces this state for fortune, splendor, title, and so on ; and he too, will, in general, be dis- appointed. Most persons expect happiness, pleasure, and wealth ; but disappointment is the commonest result. Marriage, unless based on religion, virtue, and nature, is seldom happy. Unsuitable marriages among persons of different ranks cause dissen- sions among families, and are generally unfortunate. Persons usually prefer individuals of their own age, disposition, rank, and fortune ; though, from instinctive feeling and worldly motives, there are exceptions. Noth- ing is more dangerous than great contrasts, — than, to use the words of the poet, " the union of January and May." Again, a masculine woman disgusts a man who compares her to him- self. In like manner, an effeminate man, in place of being preferred by women, is despised. The best mode of establishing ardent love between the sexes is, that the woman should be feminine and the man masculine. If all conjugal unions were assorted after the dictates of nature, or the secret instinct of sympathy, nothing could, without doubt, be more delight- ful and lasting than the bonds of hymen. By these well-assorted, natural proportions, both sexes become certainly better and more perfect ; the 38 HAPPY AND UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. 39 mutual abandonment of one to the other forms one being in two bodies ; it doubles the sentiments and life, cares are lessened by participation, and pleasures are rendered more vivid and exquisite. A husband or wife who is virtuous, prudent, and well informed, will be the greatest comfort, support, and treasure. The chief characteristics of a good husband or wife are piety, love, meekness, reasonableness, application to duties and a love of home, " sweet home.'' It is not easy to find such individuals. A philosopher compared a man going to marry to one who was about to put his hand into a sack, in which were ninety- nine serpents and one eel ; the moral of which is, that there are ninety- nine chances to one against a fortunate selection. The first duties of the married state are mutual love and affection. This state is the closest alliance and union in hearts, bodies and concerns. Mutual fidelity is the second great conjugal duty, which those entering into matrimony vow before their Creator. A marriage, without mutual love, is the most unfortunate ; for a perpetual cohabitation with one whose person and conversation are disagreeable, and who is an object of aversion, conjoined with the thought that a divorce only or death can be the deliverance, renders such a union much more uneasy than can be expressed or described. DYSPEPTIC HUSBANDS AND SNAPPY WIVES. Every imperfection, capricious temper, vanity, folly, etc., appear in the married state. The demeanor towards the world is agreeable and obliging ; but, in domestic life, the mask is thrown off, and an individual appears such as he or she really is. Hence it is incredible how much a wife has to bear from a husband who is capricious, haughty, choleric, dyspeptic, and intractable; or what a sensible husband has to endure from a silly, unreasonable, and intractable wife. It is difficult for married persons to acquire each other's tastes, feelings, and opinions. Patience is an indispensable virtue to this state. No one is free from imperfections, both of mind and body ; and both hus- band and wife will have to bear with, and often to forgive, each other. Every prudent individual should endeavor to become well acquainted with the disposition of the woman whom he thinks worthy to be his companion for life, and the mother of his offspring. He should ascertain her temper and peculiarities, and decide whether they are similar or suited to his own. 40 HAPPY AND UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. A captious, peevish spirit ; a mind full of suspicions, and easy of offence ; a temper sour, fretful, passionate, ever on the watch to find fault and to express dissatisfaction, which no attentions can satisfy, and no efforts please; rude in its language, scornful in its expressions, and unreasonable in its requisitions, treating the old with disrespect, and the young with hauteur ; — these are blights and deformities of character, for which no other qualities can adequately atone or compensate. Nor is it only the quality, but the general similarity of temper which must be regarded. Where strong affection prevails, a spirit of accommo- dation will prevail also. But it is not desirable that the spirit of accommodation should be subjected to very frequent, or very rigorous experiments. Should the wife, unfortunately, be allied to a husband of irreligious character, it is incredible how powerfully his heart may be won over to the love of Christianity by the gentle and peaceable demeanor of his wife ; whose virtuous deportment, suavity of manners, and diligence in duty, united with humility and unobtrusiveness, cannot fail to render her both respected and beloved. CARES OF MARRIED LIFE. A fretful temper is its own tormentor, but it is also a tormentor to every one around, and to none more than to the husband, or the wife, who may be exposed to its influence. No day, no hour is secure. No incident is so trifling, but it may be wrought up into a family disturbance. If it be commanded " that all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, be put away," surely the injunction has an increased obligation on those whose interest as well as duty it is to obey it. The cares of married life are undoubtedly many. The husband and wife are not solitary individuals. In their welfare are bound up the com- fort and well-being of many dearer to them than their own individual comfort. In them is centred the hope, and on them rest the confidence, the prosperity, and happiness of family and friends. Exposed to the daily mortifications, disappointments, and perplexities of the world, it is not marvellous if care clouds their brow, or anxiety wounds their hearts, and therefore their sorrows are numerous. They have their many conflicts with the troubles of this world ; they have their corroding cares, sleepless nights, and anxious days ; sickness will invade their dwelling. But, it may be asked, is celibacy always " a life of single blessed- HAPPY AND UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. 41 ness?" have the unmarried no cares, no sickness, or no wants ? and if they can plead no prescriptive right of exemption from the common lot of man, upon what bosom can they pillow an aching heart, or into what ear whisper their many sorrows ? what friend will sympathize, with cordial disinterestedness, in all their varied woes ? The marriage union is the most important of any we are capable of forming in this life, and it is not our own happiness alone, but that of others also, which is affected by our conduct in it. It is a union, not merely constituted with a view to the reciprocal benefit of the two indivi- duals who contract to form it, but exercising likewise a paramount influence on the manners and happiness of society at large. It is, there- fore, a matter of the deepest importance that the duties and obligations of our domestic and social relations should be accurately defined, and duly impressed on the hearts and consciences of mankind. It is on a due understanding, and a faithful discharge of these duties, that the happi- ness of the parties themselves, and the prosperity and welfare of the present and future generations depend. PATIENCE UNDER DOMESTIC TROUBLES. It is for these reasons that marriage is an indissoluble contract, which cannot be broken on account of caprice, interest, or other motives. Were it a civil contract only, men would be at liberty to part with their wives as they would with their cattle, and encouragement would be given to vice, immorality, and domestic disunion. When individuals are aware that the situation in which they are placed is only terminable by death, they are obliged to bear with patience the troubles and vexations of domestic life — and this is in most cases a wise ordination. As a civil contract, the parties are at liberty to choose and to deliberate as to their future connection ; it leaves to their own discretion the time, circumstances, prudence, and propriety of their union. But when once that union has taken place, no earthly power possesses the right to suspend or to dissolve it, on grounds of mere convenience, caprice, or pleasure. There is something unnatural and interior to brutality in a parent who deserts his or her offspring. No attachment is so strong, no tenderness is so great, as that which is originated and cherished by marriage; and when this is violated bv adultery, or elope- ment, it never can be revived, and a subsequent union is unhappy, A man, indeed, must be a bad judge of human nature, if lie supposes that 42 HAPPY AND UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. the wife of his neighbor, whom he seduces, will be more faithful to him than to the man she has dishonored. Nevertheless, we daily observe persons in the higher ranks forming marriages of this kind, and, in general, deserting and rendering miserable the victims of their unhal- lowed passion. Men may, and do, violate the sanctity of the marriage vow ; ruin unsuspecting girls, whom they have first deceived by promises, which they are neither able nor willing to fulfil ; destroy the comfort, the respec- tability, the welfare, and the happiness, of innocent families, by the seduc- tion of the female parent ; and yet these very men pass in society as respectable persons ; are associated, by common consent, with our virtu- ous daughters, and modest matrons, and find a ready admittance into good society. Can it be a matter of surprise that such evils as we have glanced at should disgrace and degrade, injure and afflict society, so long as that society upholds and sanctions the vile adulterer and purse-proud profligate ? CRIMINALITY OF MEN. As Christian moralists, we must denounce that perversion of feeling which would apologize, extenuate or soften down the criminality of men, whilst its whole weight of severity falls on the weaker sex. In our view, the duty of both is equally plain, and equally binding : and be the offend- ers of what sex they may, they equally sin against conscience, the obli- gations of their own vows, and the conditions of their own happiness. A man of virtue will be not only virtuous himself, but the friend of virtue also. He will honor his wife, and show his regard for decency and morals by refusing his friendship and acquaintance to those who bring contempt on virtuous love, and disgrace marriage by their easy virtue. Nor can we censure too severely that levity, inconstancy, and duplic- ity with which men act in the violation of the most solemn engagements, when, having won the heart and the affections of a deserving and ami- able female, and disregarding all their vows and protestations, they lead a wealthier, though often a less deserving, bride to the altar. Honor, feel- ing and religion alike proclaim the infamy of the act, and the heartless- ness of the wretch who can thus traffic in the most sacred engagements, with all the coolness of mercenary consideration. If the distinctions of rank, or the adventitious circumstances of for- tune could shut out the oppressive cares of life— if the pride and pomp of worldly distinction could lull the pains of disease — if the splendor of HAPPY AND UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. 13 high life could shed one gleam of hope over a dying pillow, or dispel the gloom which broods over " the house appointed for all living ; " if, in fact, human calamity and suffering could be averted by the sacrifice of feeling, affection and honor at the shrine of- human vanity and human greatness, then, indeed, but not otherwise, would we extend forgiveness to the guilty trafficker. Less criminal, because less selfish and mercenary, though equally foolish, is the importance attached by many to personal charms. Sick- ness, we know, will dim the lustre of the brightest eye, and wither the loveliest flower. The hue of health and the bloom of youthful vigor will alike fade before the noxious breath of sickness and disease. The verdure of spring and the gaiety of summer must be succeeded by less pleasing seasons ; but each season, to a pious and well-regulated mind, offers its appropriate charms. If the flowers of spring and the fruits of summer cannot continue in unfading beauty and richness, so neither can the graces of beauty and the loveliness of youth. But it may be asked, are we then to woo poverty, and to wed deform- ity ? By no means. We do not disparage rank, and wealth, and beauty, and outward grace ; we allow them to be valuable, and even desirable blessings ; but we pronounce them to be, of themselves, unconnected with those gifts and graces which no adversity can destroy nor lapse of time corrupt, most unsatisfactory blessings and miserable comforters. We are not such stoics as to exclude all reference to personal appeal ance, 44 HAPPY AND UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. or pecuniary circumstances ; we give them their full weight in our decis- ion ; and that weight is by no means trifling — but, after all, we consider these things as of very inferior and secondary moment. Were we to live always, or even generally, in public ; were the ball- room our residence, and the scene of our daily duties ; were we to be happy, only in proportion as we secured public applause and admiration, then, indeed, we might be justified in our own conscience, and in the opinion of the world, for expending all our care and concern on the daz- zling pomps and vanities of life, and for making them the chief objects of our solicitude in our matrimonial alliances. But let us seriously inquire, how far does truth justify such a supposition ? Do not the sober and important duties which attach to us as husbands, wives and parents, require that we should renounce, to a very considerable extent, the giddy pleasures and the tumultuous joys of public life? As rational beings, as heads of families, as men pledged to the per- formance of important and solemn duties, Home ought to be the centre to which our thoughts, our affections and our desires should ever turn. Home is the seat of man's truest pleasure, as it is the sphere of his most important duties. The qualities which shed their kindliest influence over the domestic circle, Where all the tumult of a giddy world, Tost by ungenerous passions sinks away, are those alone which should attract the esteem and conciliate the regard, and secure the affection of a rational and sober-minded man. There are far more important requisites for marriage than accom- plishments, and these are principles and habits. Without attention to these, every prospect of happiness will be infallibly blighted. An amiable temper, sound judgment, good sense, a well-informed mind, correct taste, religious principles, united with the higher accom- plishments of a well-educated mind, and blended with mildness of manner and gentleness of heart, will be found the substantial qualities which cannot fail to win the affection and secure the heart. These constitute the essential qualities Of fellowship, fit to participate All rational delight. Whilst, however, we condemn, with a. just and severe reprobation, the folly and guilt of those who sacrifice honor and the best affections of HAPPY AND UNHAPPY MARRIAGES. 45 the Human heart on the altar of Mammon, we must not be supposed to overlook or to undervalue the dictates of prudence. Love marriages, as they are called, usually terminate in bitter disappointment ; the claims of a young and increasing family will eventually force themselves on the attention of the parents, and, it is to be feared that the vulgar considera- tions of discharging bills and meeting family expenses will prove a fruit- ful source of those bickerings and disagreements which too plainly show the incautious folly and heedless imprudence with which their union was formed. Love cannot clothe, educate or maintain a family, nor yet satisfy the importunity of a distressed or impatient creditor. We would temper the ardor of passion by the sobriety of reason, and bring the affections of the heart under the control of prudence and discretion. It is evident from the preceding observations, that judicious and virtuous parents are bound to interpose their authority when there is danger of improvident alliances, and ought to point out the impropriety and inexpediency of marriage. But it is never justifiable that parents should seek to ally their children with those for whom they have no affec- tion, or contemplate only with disgust and repugnance. Paternal author- ity cannot reasonably compel alliances against which inclination protests ; though there are too many forced and unhappy marriages arising from this cause. The happiness resulting from a well-formed marriage depends on mental excellence of the parties. This can only be known by long acquaintance. Love at first sight and ball-room and street matches are generally the sources of endless misery ; they are formed without consid- eration, and originate in a transient excitement of feeling. True love is founded on esteem, and esteem is the result of intimate acquaintance and confidential intercourse. This is the origin of pure and virtuous love. Marriages based upon this are the only happy ones. THE PERFECT Female Form CHAPTER IV. T blood. HERE are several conditions necessary to the highest and most endnring health. One of these is the purity of the The lungs are designed to aid in maintaining the purity of this fluid, by relieving it of the noxious materials it has acquired in the round of its circulation, and by furnishing fresh supplies of oxygen to repair the tissues of the organs, ever wasting under the processes of vital action. The walls of the chest are so contrived as to give admission of air to the lungs by elevation of the ribs and the depression of the diaphragm. It is necessary that this bellows movement of the chest, by which the lungs are supplied with air, should be free and unrestrained ; for the ribs are so connected together, that whatever arrests the motion of one or two of the long ribs on both sides of the chest affects the motion of the whole ; and it would be as philosophical to tie the handles of a bellows together in order to have it work well upon a fire, as to apply a belt or any other article of dress so firmly about the chest as to arrest the motion of the ribs in respiration. Were it not for the diaphragm, which has a motion of its own, life would be sustained but a few minutes under an entire arrest of the motion of the ribs. When the lower part of the chest is in a state of compres- sion, the diaphragm, acting from a smaller circumference from its fixed margin, moves less efficiently, and its embarrassment is still further increased when the walls of the abdomen are so compressed upon the viscera, the stomach, spleen, liver, intestines, etc., as to obstruct the rising and falling movement belonging to a natural respiration. The lungs of a well-developed adult occupy the space of a hundred and fifty to three hundred cubic inches. They consist largely of air cells, so minute that some anatomists have stated their number as high as six 46 THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. 47 SKELETON OF THE CHEST. hundred millions in both lungs. Lieberkuhn has estimated the amount of surface on which the blood is exposed to the action of the air in them, to be not less than fourteen hundred square feet. Whatever mechanical contrivance is so applied to the chest as to shut out from the lungs a part of the air they are capable of receiving, causes a degenera- tion of the blood, increases the liability to disease, and becomes the ground-work of premature decay and death. Dr. Herbst, by actual experiment made on young men who wore the Russian belt or corset, ascertained that when belted they inhaled, at their deepest inspiration, from one-fourth to one-third less air than when the belt was removed, and the chest left free from constraint. It is obvious that the lungs of a child, although healthy, are not large enough to aerate or purify the blood of an adult. A certain proportion, between the capacity of the lungs and the size of the other organs, is necessary to their healthy activity and power of endurance. If, in childhood, or during the period of the growth of the body, the chest is kept in a state of compression, so as to prevent the natural and full deve- lopment of the lungs, the healthy propor- tion between them and the other organs is violated, and the injury can never be fully repaired. When disease attacks one lung, and permanently shuts up one half or the whole of its air cells, there is not left the same vigor of health, or power of resistance to the causes of dis- ease, which nature intended. I have seen this verified in the case of a young lady, Miss M. At the age erf chest coMriiEssED by wearing corsets about seventeen she had an inflammation of the right side of the chest, which terminated in complete hepatization or consolidation of the right lung. The sound on percussion was dull or flat. The ribs on the right side were shut down closely upon each other, 48 THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. and had not the slightest appreciable motion in respiration. In this condition, with only one lnng to act upon the blood, she lived, in delicate and fluctuating health, for five years, when, on a cold day in winter, she rode out a few miles and took cold, which was followed by inflammation of the left lung, and a rapid consumption, which carried her off in a few weeks. Had both lungs been sound, she might very probably have so far resisted the cold as to have experienced nothing worse from it than a slight indisposition. Among the lower animals those that are best fitted for activity, strength, and prolonged muscular exertion possess large lungs, as the race-horse and the greyhound. Dealers in horses always look out for an animal with a large chest, or " good wind." Would it be well to apply a corset to these animals for the chase ? Do they not need it as much as women and children ? The subject of tight lacing has been for many years the piece de resist- ance of all who have dealt with the hygienic aspects of dress. The popular lecturer, the popular writer, and the popular artist, have all expended considerable pains and energy upon the subject. It has been attacked with the most violent abuse, and condemned with the bitterest invective, and there are few ills to which flesh is heir that have not been ascribed by some one or another to this fashionable practice. In dealing with the matter, there would appear to be a tendency to reckless exaggeration and sweeping assertion, and a disposition to treat the subject with explosive and hysterical vigor. The practice of tight lacing is no doubt bad in more ways than one, but the disappearance of the fashion is not likely to be brought about by the ill-considered abuse and imperfectly substantiated statements. Few, for example, could treat with other than an incredulous smile the assertion of an American physician that tight lacing " has done more within the last century than war, pestilence, and famine towards the NATURAL FORM UNLACED. DEFORMED BY LACING. ■' m ' : % . : 1 • ; • - Kfi'SR '' •"!>» i» : ''''■'■:■ -r ■■''. ■'. ■■^'•r.-M HP* ^TBK^^ir V " "ETERNAL SMILES HKK LOVELINESS BETRAY AS WOODLAND STREAMS KIN DIMPLING ALL THE WAY IT IS XOT WHILE BEAUTY AXD YOUTH ARE THIXE OWX, AXD THY CHEEKS UXPROFAXED BY A TEAR, THAT THE FERVOR AXD FAITH OF THY SOUL MAY BE KNOWN, TO WHICH TIME WILL BUT MAKE THEE MORE DEAR." COPYRIGHT IdOO BY A. DUPOMT A MODERN VENUS. m "SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY LIKE THE NIGHT OF CLOUDLESS CLIMES AND STARRY SKIES, AND ALL THAT'S BEST *OF DARK AND BRIGHT MEETS IN HER ASPECT AND HER EYES." COPYRIGHT, l'.HM, BY T1IK TOXXKI.E OO. ART OF DRESSING THE HANDS. woman's dress requires THAT special attention be given to the COVERING OP THE HANDS, WHICH SHOULD BE ADAPTED TO I HI SEASON, AND SHOULD COMPRISE ALL THE ADORNMENTS INVENTED FOR THIS PART OV FEMALE ATTIRE. ib * - * ^■^^^H ' ■ *'"' - ^ V ^l'^" W' ' '' ' s. FINELY DEVELOPED CHEST AND ARMS. B ion NRLE i MASSAGE OF THE NECK AND CHEST. MASSAGE DEVELOPS AND BEAUTIFIES EVERY PART OV THE BODY TO WHICH IT IS APPLIED. COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY THE TONNELE CO. THE MORNING TOILETTE. FRICTION WITH A TOWEL PROMOTES THE HEALTH OF THE SKIN, IMPARTS A GLOW TO THE CHEEKS, AIDS THE ACTION OF THE LUNGS AND HEART, AND IS AN INDISPENSABLE ADJUNCT TO THOSE EXERCISES WHICH GIVE TONE AND STRENGTH TO THE WHOLE SYSTEM. THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. 40 physical deterioration of civilized man." And coming more to facts, one can only regard as remarkable the experience of a lady doctor who, at a post-mortem examination of some women with "the broad peasant waist," found that " in one case the liver had been completely cut in two, and was only held together by a calloused bit of tissue." This condition might have existed in the case referred to, but there would be few who would be bold enough to ascribe it to faults in dress in a female with " the broad peasant waist." I shall endeavor, therefore, in the following remarks to keep as closely as possible to actual facts, and to avoid conclu- sions that may be open to the charge of being strained and biassed. Although the corset is, comparatively speaking, a modern production, yet the practice of constricting the waist would appear to be of some antiquity. Contemporary with the origin of the fashion there no doubt came solemn warnings as to its evils, and, according to Cerviotti, Hippo- crates — who died B. c. 361 — vigorously reproached the ladies of Cos for too tightly compressing their ribs, and thus interfering with their breathing powers. TIGHT LACING UNREASONABLE. In the first place, as a matter of common sense, it must be owned that tight lacing cannot occupy a very high position. Considering the subject quite apart from any aesthetic grounds, and quite apart from any hygienic influences, the compression of the ribs and abdominal walls in a young and perfectly developed woman must appear strangely unreason- ble. I do not open up the question as to how far women whose figures are ill-formed or unsightly are justified in tight lacing to produce a more normal appearance, but take rather the simple fact of a female in robust health and of perfect outline who thinks fit for certain reasons to deform the body. In the strictest sense of the term, the body of a normal woman who is tight laced must be regarded as deformed. Through most ages and among most peoples some deformity of the bod}^ has been at one time or another fashionable. Professor Flower, in his admirable little book on " Fashion in Deformity," has dealt with many of these. Certain Indians, for example, think fit to flatten the head by means of pressure applied to the growing skull. The Chinese lady cramps her foot until it is neither fit to look at nor to walk upon. Among- other nations it is fashionable to wear a bone thrust through the nose, or to deform the lower lip by inserting a disc of stone or metal beneath the 4 50 THE PERFECT FEMAEE FORM. THE NATURAL FEMALE FORM skin. The civilized American of the present day prefers to compress her ribs, and to produce a certain modification in the outline of the body. As evidences of intelligence and of a reasoning faculty, these practices must all occupy about the same low level, and it is remarkable that in highly civilized nations — prone to recognize the absurdities of other less favored peoples — the production of bodily deformities should still be an essential item in fashion. As a matter of beauty, the claims of the constricted waist have been somewhat severely criticised and opposed. Many of those who acknowledge that tight lacing may possibly be injurious to the health, and own that the practice in the abstract is not sensible, would yet contend for its maintenance, on the grounds that the narrow waist adds to the beauty of the outline, and is the subject of much admiration. A desire to be attractive and a love for admiration are potent influences on the female mind ; and but a scanty knowledge of human nature would assure us that, with many, those influences will outweigh distant fears of impaired health. In discussing this matter, therefore, it is im- possible to avoid some consideration of the aesthetic claims of the narrowed waist. In an anatomical sense, the most perfect outline of the female figure would be represented by that of a nude, young, normally developed woman. Such a figure would, it is well known, present a waist some 26 or 27 inches in circumference; that would be regarded by many with absolute horror. Now, in all the most excellent attempts that art has made to give expression to female loveliness, this outline of the healthy and perfectly constructed woman has always been reverently preserved. It is the outline that has been made famous by the grandest statuary of ancient and modern times, and that has been the glory of the painter since the earliest days of art. Such an outline is well represented by the famous Venus de Medici. Side by side with the drawing of this marble is a representation of a narrow waist — by no means extreme — which, to ensure freedom from exaggeration, has been taken from a photograph. There are some who would say that the Venus is coarse and POWERS'S "GREEK SLAVE. THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. unwieldly in outline, and maintain that the more modern figure gives a pleasant impression of trimness, and presents altogether a more agreeable configuration. Without discussing the matter at length, it can only be pointed out that the figure of Venus is the figure of anatomical perfection, of complete devel- opment, and of per- fect health. If the outline be coarse and repulsive, then is nature coarse, and the expression of simple bodily vigor a thing to offend the eye. In the Venus there is a gentle sweep from the shoulder to the hip, all parts are in proportion, the actual outline of the body pre- cisely according with the principles of beauty. In the modern figure there is an abrupt — constriction of the waist ; the should- ers and hips appear the venus de medici, ponderous by com- showing the natural ,1 , i • OUTLINE OF THE BODY. panson, the outline is pronounced and lacking in simple ease, and, so far as the anatomical eye can view it, the proportions of the body are lost. One point remains to be noticed ; there are some who, while they acknowledge the beauty of the outline of the nude figure, maintain that that outline is not adapted to the body when draped with clothing. They assert that the perfectly developed nude figure cannot be accepted as the standard upon which to judge the fittest outline o{ the clothed figure. THE OUTLINE OF THE BODY PRODUCES BY TIGHT LAC I NT.. 52 THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. They assert that the dress conceals the outline of the lower extremities, and substitutes an outline that is perfectly different, and that is not consistent with the configuration of the normal waist. It is insisted, more- over, that inasmuch as in the female the natural outline of the extremities cannot be decently represented in a clothed figure, the entire proportions of the body are altered, and so altered as to render a waist of natural dimensions no longer desirable. Thus is opened up the question as to how far any form of garment that reproduces the configuration of the nude figure is to be admired. Those who advocate the views just detailed maintain that some constric- tion of the waist is necessary to the female figure when dressed, in order to restore proportions that have been lost by the concealment of the lower limbs, and support their argument by mathematical data. I imagine that the decision of such a matter must be a question purely of individual taste and judgment, and to such a censorship the subject must be left at present. For my own part I hold the belief that that dress is the most becoming to woman which the most accurately reproduces the exquisite outline of the nude figure, provided that such a costume offends in no way the strictest dictates of modesty. This lateral curvature of the spine is very seldom met with in boys. They suffer no constraint from dress, and find means, even in cities, of taking free exercise in the open air. At a late period of the career of that eminent surgeon, Dr. P. S. Physick, of Philadelphia, I had the opportunity of asking him whether he had often seen cases of lateral curvature of the spine in boys. After a short pause he replied, " I do not remember to have seen above one case in a boy." " You have seen CERES. THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. 53 it, sir, in girls ? " " Yes," said he, promptly and emphatically, u in thou- sands." The female boarding-schools, as they were conducted some years ago, were a fruitful source of this complaint. The girls were compelled to occupy seats without a back or anything to lean against ; were required to sit prim for several hours, in order to keep the body erect. The effect of this was to tire out the muscles in their unremitted exertions, and allow the spine to bend under the weight it had to sustain. Dr. Forbes, an eminent London physician, mentions having found in a boarding-school upwards of forty young misses, a large proportion of them having their spines affected in this way. Within the last few years some improvements, as to seats and exercise, have found their way into these institutions, in our coun- try. In the early stage of this affection, when the curvature is but slight, and the patient, by a strong muscular effort to resist downward pressure made upon the top of the head, can, for a few moments, so erect the spine as to bring the spinous processes into a straight vertical line, the case is remediable ; and even when the affection is in a form somewhat more grave its progress may often be arrested. In the treatment of lateral curvature of the spine an entirely loose dress should be prescribed, an early morning sponge bath in tepid or cold water, followed by free dry friction, especially to the back and limbs, daily and persevering exercise in the open air, and a plain, unstimulating but substantial diet. In the early stage ot the complaint, carrying a weight on the head, as suggested by Mr. Wilson, in order to compel the muscles to a temporary extra effort, may be required as an auxiliary to the end in view. A convenient form for the weight is a bag of sand, which can easily be graduated to the strength FLORA. 54 THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. of the spinal muscles to sustain it, under a strong voluntary exertion for ten minutes or more, until a slight sense of fatigue is felt. This may be repeated several times in a day. Among the Greeks and Romans the cestus or girdle was employed to gather the flowing robe around the waist, leaving the form and propor- tions of the body free and natural. When and where the tight waist or corset first appeared, it is not easy, nor is it important, to determine, but it has existed for several centuries, and has been almost, if not quite, exclusively found among nations enlightened, and nominally Christian. In what costume more becoming or attractive has woman ever appeared than in the impersonation of beauty and elegance in Hebe, Ceres, and Flora ? There is but one word that can be offered in favor of the custom of tight dressing, and that word is Fashion. Reason and common sense are against it ; anatomy, physiology, the love of health and life, are against it; good taste, humanity, and religion are against it. Who could have been the prime instigator of a fashion so hostile to health and life ? A physician is not unfrequently consulted in the case of a female patient who complains of a pain in the side, headache, sometimes dizziness, a dry cough, capricious appetite, with derangement of function in the alimentary canal. Among other suggestions, the doctor recommends a perfectly loose dress. The lady assures him that she does not dress tight ; she could never bear any- thing tight about her in her life. If she be young, and her mother is present, this statement is confirmed in a matronly decision, given with unappealable emphasis, again and again repeated. The doctor, if not convinced nor disposed to relinquish his position, asks for a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, passes it round the lower third of the chest of the patient, comparing its circumference under a prolonged expiration with that of the fullest inspiration, and showing a difference, if any at all, of from a quarter to half an inch.* This experiment, with the proper explanations, puts a period to the HEBE. THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. 55 discussion, if it fails to enforce observance of the advice. No lady considers herself as dressing tight if she knows any one who dresses tighter. A person accustomed to a tight dress feels a want of support without it. " I feel as though I should fall to pieces without my stays ; and then how I should look with nothing snug and genteel about me ! " To the question sometimes put, What is tight dressing ? the answer is, any article of dress that shuts the blood from a single vessel, or the air from a single air-cell, is too tight for the most perfect health. One erroneous impression as to the anatomy of the female body may be conveniently noted in this place. It has been many times declared that the amount of " waist '' varies in different women, and that some are naturally provided with a tapering waist. In answer to those who are impressed with this belief, it may be said that the amount of constriction that constitutes the waist does not vary in bodies of like size and of like development. Like all other anatomical propor- tions, the proportions of the waist are constant, other things being equal. If, however, the hips are unduly prominent, or unduly dwarfed, the waist may appear in the one case more distinct and in the other less obvious. Obesity may obliterate the waist, and ema- ciation make it more pronounced. Young children and young girls have a less de- finite waist, owing to the fact that their hip bones are relatively as well as actually smaller than are the same parts in the fully developed. No woman, how- ever, enters this world with the " wasp-like waist' ' ready made, and under no circumstances " can the fashionable constriction be developed without artificial means. This assertion is not affected by the fact that the narrowing of the trunk is, in some individuals, more easily produced than others. The natural waist, such as it is, consists of a narrowing- ot the trunk in the interval between the last of the ribs and the top ot the hip bone. A reference to the normal skeleton will show that this interval is by no 56 THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. means extensive, and that it affords the only opportunity for the develop- ment of a natural constriction of the soft parts. Let all those, therefore, who practice tight lacing (if even to a slight extent) distinctly understand that the narrowing of the waist is effected mainly at the expense of the internal organs. The smaller the waist you wish to obtain, the more must you compress those organs. It is no question merely of squeezing in skin, and muscle, and bone — it is a question of squeezing in lungs, and stomach, and liver. An examination of the body after death of those who have practised severe tight lacing shows forcibly the effects of the practice. The liver is found pushed down, and more or less dislodged from its proper place. Moreover, it will appear indented by the ribs, and these indentations mean that the ribs have been so forcibly driven into the liver as to leave permanent indications of that fact. In like manner the stomach will be dragged out of position and is often structurally altered. The diaphragm is pushed up, the lung space is encroached upon, and the heart often suffers no inconsiderable displacement. EVILS OF TIGHT LACING. How does all this affect the health ? The liver is an organ whose importance in the general economy cannot be well exaggerated. Through it passes the blood concerned in digestion, and in addition to this the organ itself takes an important and essential part in the act of digestion. The result of the pressure from tight lacing is that the circulation through the liver may become impeded, and the function of the gland disturbed. As a result of this (aided by changes elsewhere), various forms of dyspepsia become common, and following upon them may come some part of that general malnutrition often noticed in the miniature- waisted. It has been pointed out that the malady known as gall stones is more common in women than in men, and it has been suggested, with some reason, that this disproportion is due to the peculiarities of female dress. Pressure upon the stomach may cause gastralgia, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and other inconveniences. A serious and sometimes fatal disease — ulcer of the stomach — has been shown to be capable of being produced by the practice of tight lacing, and to the same practice may often be assigned many forms of colic, and that ailment known to the laity as " spasms." Upon the organs peculiar to the female the pressure effects of tight lacing have a particularly baneful effect, and there is no question but that the practice THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. 57 has led to serious and incurable affections of those parts. A recent author, dealing with these diseases, recognizes improprieties of dress as a frequent and vigorous cause of these special ailments, and points out the manner in which displacements of the womb can be produced by constricted waists. The diaphragm is a muscle concerned solely in the act of breathing, and its function therefore is of the highest importance. It unfortunately happens that the attachment, or base of action of this muscle, is repre- sented by the very ribs that help to form the hour-glass waist. The result is, that in a tightly laced individual the diaphragm can have but little action, and the breathing power becomes thus seriously restricted. A simple experiment with the spiro- A PERFECT FEM alb form. meter will show that a woman, even if she adopts but a slight constriction of the waist, has much greater breathing capa- city with her stays off than with them on. The breathing in tight lacing, how- ever, is not only impaired by interfer- ence with the diaphragm, but also by the constriction of the ribs. In the act of respiration the ribs move freely up and down, but when the body is gripped by a corset, the movement of the lower ribs can be scarcely possible. In addition to these evils, the lungs themselves must be subjected to a more or less serious compression. It is easy to surmise how this tampering with important organs will affect the general health. Air is essential to life, and it must be breathed freely and fully. There are few who have not some idea of the effects of an insufficient supply of pure air. The tight-laced individual may be sur- rounded with plenty of oxygen, but so compressed are her breathing organs that she cannot draw it into her lungs. She is in the position of a person starving in the midst of plenty. Any one who has watched a wasp-waisted lady after a dance, must have noticed the unsightly and exaggerated heaving of the upper part of the chest, which is merely an expression of Nature's efforts to obtain a proper supply o{ air. Apart from these immediate effects there are certain remote effects. Among these may be mentioned the languor, the unfitness for vigorous PSYCHE. 58 THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. exertion, the sensation of lassitude of which so many tightly laced ladies complain — symptoms dne to no small extent to the persistent and gross interference with the natural act of breathing, aided by the malnutrition incident upon impaired digestive functions. As already stated, undue constriction of the waist may cause some displacement of the heart, but it also serves to seriously embarrass the general circulation. This is effected mainly by an interference with the blood current in the lungs and great abdominal viscera, whereby an unnecessary strain is thrown upon the heart. The victims of miniature waists are often troubled with palpitation, and are liable to faint, or at least feel uncomfortable after unusual exertion. Two or three cases have been recorded in the medical journals of death from apoplexy in young women who were extravagantly tight-laced. A visible disturbance of the blood circulation of the face has long been popularly associated with the tapering waist, and it is a common taunt to assert of a much- constricted woman that her corset is too tight to allow her to sit down without her nose becoming red. The injurious effect of tight corsets upon the muscles of the back is very obvious. The spinal column is kept erect by a large number of impor- tant muscles that run down the whole length of the trunk. It is well known that the more a muscle is exercised within reason, the larger and more vigorous does it become; the disused muscle, on the other hand, becoming wasted, flabby, and greatly impaired outline of the human in strength. When close-fitting and rigid corsets are used the responsibility of supporting the back falls great extent upon the corset ; the function of places. the muscles is more or less superseded, and from long-continued disuse they become wasted, shrunken, and enfeebled. They undergo, indeed, the same changes that the muscles of a man's arm would undergo should he think fit to keep the limb fastened to a board for any length of time. The back of a woman who has long worn stays is emphatically ugly. FORM, representing the muscles of the abdomen, well developed, f n Q retaining the organs of the L(J ** abdomen in their proper THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. 59 It will be found to have lost its agreeable outline ; the shrinking of the muscles will have caused the bones to appear unduly prominent, and the general aspect of the part will be flat, inert and expressive of defective development. During, the period of growth the muscles require frequent and vigorous exercise ; and if young girls, and even young women, persistently wear stays, it follows that their muscles suffer unusually ; the function of those muscles is absorbed by the corset, and the longer these so-called " supports " are worn, the more indispensable do they become, and the more completely are they relied upon for the support of this most important part of the body. Muscular weakness in the structures that main- tain the erect position of the spine may lead to curvature and other deformities of the back, and thus it is that the use of rigid corsets in young people has been so generally condemned by surgeons as a most efficient means for producing spinal ailments. In the same way the use of corsets tends to weaken the abdominal muscles, because they, to a certain extent, absorb the function of those muscles, and allow them to waste from disuse. Thus some undue protuberance of the abdomen is not uncom- mon in those who have long worn stays, and this additional deformity has necessitated an additional evil in the form of certain abdominal belts. Not only does tight lacing affect the outline of the figure at the waist, but it must produce changes also in the configuration of other parts of the body. It tends, in the first instance, to make the shoulders high and square. This is due to the expansion of the upper part of the chest that is compensatory to the !1 the compression of the lower part. At first the ;^J. U . high and square shoulders of tightly-laced women may not be considered to be unsightly. The body is certainly made to assume a somewhat triangular outline, and the graceful slope of the shoulders is lost. But this change in figure is tolerated as seeming to exaggerate the smallness of the waist, for the wider the shoulders and the broader the hips the OUTLINE OF THE HUMAN FORM, representing the muscles of the abdomen weaker; relaxed, with prolapsus Of all he organs in the cavity of 60 THE PERFECT FEMALE FORM. more microscopic does the waist appear. As years advance this deformity of the upper part of the body usually becomes more pronounced, and is unmitigatedly ugly. The high shoulders become round, cumbrous and unsightly, while the increased breathing efforts of years will have caused an undue prominence of the upper part of the chest, that adds to the general shapelessness. Tight-lacing, moreover, can never allow of a graceful and easy carriage. The introduction of a rigid stiffness about the middle of the body will quite prevent that, and will render most of the movements constrained and angular. If the power of tight-lacing for causing wasting of muscle be borne in mind, it will be understood that of all means that the ingenuity of man could devise for preserving the youthfulness of the figure, there is perhaps none that will prove more useless, or that will more completely defeat its own purpose, than the persistent wearing of an arrangement of steel and whalebone. A REPROACH UPON NATURE. In concluding this part of the matter we might approach the ques- tion so often asked : "Are stays a necessity ? " Many women assert that they derive great comfort from stays, that they support the body admira- bly, and that without them the wearer feels inclined to u drop to pieces." All this may be perfectly true. But what significance must we attach to the statement that certain women cannot possibly do without stays ? Do they mean for one moment to assert that the human body is so ill constructed and so badly adapted for its purpose in life that it has to depend for its integrity upon the productions of a corset maker ? Such an assumption is simply outrageous, the true explanation being that by the persistent use of stays the muscles of the back have become so enfeebled (from prolonged disuse) that they are no longer able to support the spine. Those who declare, therefore, that they cannot do without stays adopt the argument of the opium-eater, who maintains that he cannot do with- out his opium. The long-continued use of the drug has so impaired his system that he feels a constant craving for it. And those who cannot exist unless braced up by corsets have so enfeebled a part of their system that they cannot do without the support upon which they have so long depended. CHAPTER V. THE Pelvis is an important part of the skeleton in the study of the distinctive organs of woman. It is the bony basin, the outer edges of which form the hips, and which is spread out to uphold and support all the most important interior organs of the body. Behind, it commences at the lowest lumbar vertebra, that is, at the small of the back, and con- tinues downwards to the end of the spine. Laterally, the hip-bones form its prominent parts, the sides of the basin sloping downwardly and inwardly, below the upper head of the thigh-bones. This would form a cone with its base upwards if it were closed in by bony structure in front, as it is on its sides and back. In front, however, the sides of the pelvis are open at the top, and coming down to meet each other are joined at the lower extremity by two tri- angular arms, forming the pubis. Anatomically, all these bony parts are sepa- rate, each bearing a distinct name, such as "the Sacurn," behind, u Ossa Innominata," at the sides, and " Os Pubis," in front. The bones at the bottom of the pelvic basin, on which the body rests when in sitting posture, are called " Ischii." All the above named bones knit together constitute one firm body, called pelvis, or basin. The cavity within this basin is not regular or straight, being somewhat bent and constricted in the middle like an old-fashioned barbers basin. 61 62 THE FEMALE PELVIS. This constriction divides the cavity into two sections ; the upper one being called by anatomists the " greater," aud the lower cne the " lesser," or the " superior " and u inferior, straits." The walls of the abdomen close and complete the cavity in front, So far, this cavity has been spoken of as a distinct one, but in reality it is only a portion of the abdominal cavity, which reaches upward to the arch of the diaphragm at the base of the lungs. This great abdominal cavity, including that of the pelvis, contains above and on the right, the liver ; in the center and at the lower extremity of the breast bone, the stomach ; the spleen on the left ; the kidneys behind, or about at the small of the back ; the intestines filling up the largest portion of the cavity in the center, and the bladder and the rectum lying at the lowest end of the funnel-shaped space. FALLOPIAN TUBES AND OVARIES. In woman, however, the womb occupies a space an inch or two below the navel, behind the small intestines, and in front of the rectum. It lies about six inches above the entrance of the vagina, with which it connects, just as the small end of a pear (which is about the shape of the womb) would enter into a tube larger than its neck, but smaller than its body. In continuation with the upper end of the womb are the " Fallopian tubes " and the " ovaries " (the uses of which will be explained hereafter), which extend to the right and to the left, like the spread wings of a bat. The u ovaries " lie in the hollow on each side of the abdomen, formed by the projection of the hip-bones, about two inches below the crest. All these various organs are held in position in the abdominal cavity by a membrane called the " Peretonium ;" besides all these there are arteries, veins, nerves, lymphatics, etc. The pelvis is somewhat different in the two sexes, for very pertinent reasons. As a whole, the pelvis in the male is smaller but deeper ; the bones are thicker. There are other, minor differences in the construc- tion and the diameters, but they would be of little interest or importance to the reader. The two lower limbs are attached to the sides of the bony circle formed by the pelvis, and support, in the erect posture, all the weight of the upper part of the body. Another important function of the pelvis is to enclose and protect the generative and digestive organs. During gestation, it sustains and THE FEMALE PELVIS. 63 gives a proper direction to the womb; and in labor it affords a safe passage to the child. From this description is evident the necessity to women of perfection in the construction of the pelvis in giving birth to the child. Since the pelvis has important relation to child-bearing, it follows that in early life great care should be exercised that proper proportions may be secured, and deviations from normal conditions obviated. Its cavities and outlets are regarded by the physician with great interest, for upon them depends, in a great measure, the safety of the mother at delivery. Like all other bony structures, its development is gradual until the age of eighteen, and even later, when ossification seems to have reached its degree of perfection. During all these years of growth, the various bones of the pelvis are held together by muscular attachments, and by cartilaginous articula- tions. During the tender age of a girl, a fall, or badly applied vestments, causing pressure on any part of it, may disturb the normal posi- tion of the respective bones, and produce a distorted pel- vis. Such an unfortunate occurrence might prove a serious malforma- tion, that would impede the natural progress of labor. At birth, the pelvis is extremely narrow and elongated, and of such inconceivably small dimensions that its cavity cannot contain several of the organs afterwards found in it ; from which circumstance the protuberance of the abdomen, observed in the foetus and in children at term, in great measure results. It is stated by anatomists, however, that its form changes by degrees as little girls advance in age ; thus it is that the diameter from front to back, which measures two and seven-eighths (2 7-8) inches at nine years, will gradually increase until at the eighteenth year it will have acquired a length of four inches ; while the transverse diameter, which at nine years of age is found to be about three inches, at eighteen years is four and one-half (4 1-2) inches. MALE PELVIS. A. Narrow Arch ; B. Cup-like Cavities to receive the bones of the legs. 64 THE FEMALE PELVIS. It is not enough to bear in mind the general form or construction of the pelvis as already given ; its mode of development should also claim attention. As the pelvis is not a single bone completed at birth, but, on the contrary, a system of bones whose union is accomplished only in years after birth, it devolves upon us to know its manner of growth, that it may not be exposed to accidents, to distortions, or to deviations. We find that at birth and for several years after, the pelvis is divided into separate parts, each part being kept in juxtaposition to the others by elastic, fibrous ligaments and cartilages. There are no less than six such parts thus united, three on each side, having five distinct articulations or joints. It is true that these articulations do not allow as much freedom of motion as those of the elbows, knees, or other bony surfaces of the skeleton ; but they are nevertheless mov- able, sliding one on the other and easily bent by com- pression, particularly during the tender period preceding puberty, and more or less, also, until the age of eighteen, when ossification has firmly secured the several parts to- gether. Mothers acquainted with these facts could not fail to appreciate our solicitude regarding the normal growth of this part of the body of women. The tender care of the mother should therefore com- mence immediately after the birth of a girl. At this time it is usual for the nurse, for the sake of neatness, to apply a napkin to the child ; but this napkin is often a cumbrous affair, badly adjusted. It is generally folded in a triangular form, the longest side drawn over the hips around the back and pinned in front of the abdomen. We have already stated that at this time of life the little pelvis is so incompletely developed that the womb of a girl is out of its cavity and the protection of its bones. If that napkin is coarse and heavy, clumsily applied, or too tight around the abdomen, it may be that undue pressure is exerted over the prominence of the abdomen, thus causing the womb to FEMALE PELVIS. A. Broad Arch; B. Cup-like Cavities to receive the bones of the legs. BEAUTY OF THE HUMAN FORM DIVINE, THE FEMALE PELVIS. 65 descend, and induce, even at this early age, a displacement of that organ, which in turn may press upon the bladder, disabling the child from hold- ing its water for a longer period than an hour. The frequent micturitions of infant girls may be due partly to this unsuspected pressure. It is known, moreover, that at the tender age of infancy, the bones do not contain enough earthy matter to render them hard, and consequently they are pliable and easily bent. The broad bones of the pelvis are oblique ; hence, constriction around the body may cause them to bend, thus changing the direction of growth, so that, instead of growing out- wardly, they may be made to grow inwardly, restricting the development of the cavity to its minimum, instead of en- couraging its width to the maximum. In consideration of the above, the attendants should see that the bands and nap- kins applied to infants be so loose as to make ^o pressure whatever. Allowing a napkin to be a necessity for cleanli- ness, and even for decency, let it be pinned to the undershirt, or to a loose belt held in position by suspenders. This freedom, so much recommended for the proper deve- lopment of the pelvis, is not to be neglected even later, when girls attain the age which ushers them into society that awakens in the mind a desire for beauty of form, of manner, and of dress, for then they impro- perly lace their waists, carry weight upon their hips, and in various ways compress the surface and circumference of the pelvis. Deformity of Pelvis. — Fortunate would it be for child-bearing- women if they each possessed a pelvis of the standard figure and dimen- sions. Such, however, is by no means the case ; and this organ is subject to great varieties, as well in form as size. It would, indeed, be difficult to select from all the preserved specimens in existence, any two which exactly resembles each other — agreeing minutely in shape, din:. and weight. Many are found to be much above the ordinary volume and numbers, on the other hand greatly below it A DEFORMED PELVIS. 66 THE FEMALE PELVIS. The want of due capacity sometimes originates in natural formation ; thus, a woman of short stature, although of tolerable symmetry, might be expected to possess a diminutive pelvis ; but this is far from being universal, or even a general remark. Again, the re-union of the bones after fractures will commonly occasion both distortions and contraction of space ; but when there exists a deficiency of room to any great extent the irregularity is mostly dependent on disease of the bones themselves. If we look at the head of the child, and the cavity through which it has to traverse, in a mechanical point of view (which we must do before we can arrive at a correct knowledge of the process of parturition, even in the simplest and most easy state), we shall immediately perceive that size, as regards the head and the pelvis, is entirely a relative term, and that a pelvis preternaturally small, or a head unusually large, will each in practice occasion difficulty in the same degree as they deviate from the standard dimensions ; so that it matters little whether the disproportion be the consequence of diseased action or any other cause ; provided it exists, to a certain extent, it must necessarily be productive of a protracted struggle. There are two diseases particularly through which the pelvis suffers considerable deterioration to size — rickets, a disorder of childhood, and softening of the bones in one of adult age. In both these affections there is a want of due solidity in the osseous system throughout the whole body. The animal matter entering into the composition of the skeleton being in great excess, and the earthy matter in proportionate deficiency, the bones yield like softened wax ; the regularity and beauty of the pelvic form, as well as of other bony cavities, is destroyed, and miserable speci mens of distortion are the result. T FEMALE ORGANS of GENERATIO CHAPTER VI. HE generative or reproductive organs of the human female are usually divided into the inter- nal and external. Those regarded as internal are concealed from view and protected within the body. Those that can be readily perceived are termed external. The entrance of the vagina may be stated as the line of demarcation of the two divisions. The external organs of generation consist of the Mons Veneris, External and Internal Labia, Clitoris, Meatus, Urinarius and Hymen. Mons Veneris. — This is the prominence situ- ated over the anterior bones of the pelvis, consisting of the integuments or skin (fatty or adipose tissue), and covered with hair at puberty. External Labia. — The labia majora (large lips) are sometimes called the external lips of the vagina, and close the orifice of that passage, or canal. They are two thick membranous folds, constituting the sides of the external organs of gener- ation, and extending from the mons veneris above to the perinaeum below. By their union below the perinaeum, they form the forchette or fraenum. Externally, the labia majora consists of a delicate skin covered with hair, continuous with that of the thigh and pubic region. The internal surface resembles a mucous membrane ; is thin and smooth, of a reddish or pink color in youth, and pale in old age ; being supplied with depres- sions which secrete an oleaginous substance. In the virgin both lips a closely united, forming a longitudinal slit. After frequent coition and parturition they remain, more or less, permanently separated by the 1/. minor (the smaller or inner lips), protruding between them. They are sometimes the seat of swelling and suppuration, which is frequently very painful and distressing to the patient. They occasionally 68 FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. entirely unite, which is caused by ulceration and the close approximation of each labia. They are sometimes found united in this way at birth. The diseases of these parts are frequently the consequences of uncleanliness. Clitoris. — This is a body which is seen immediately below the mons veneris, by separating the external labia. It is usually about one Last Lumbar Vertebrae Sacrum _ Rectum ; here covered by Peritoneum — Uterus Urachus my/" iJL Bladder Mons Veneris Ji Symphisis Pubis er ■ Clitoris ■J " FEMALE PELVIS AND ORGANS. inch in length, and formed similarly to the male penis. This portion of the organs of generation is richly endowed with nerves and vessels. It becomes erect during coition, and is the principal seat of the thrill or voluptuous sensation in the female. In nymphomania, or morbid sexual passion, the clitoris is sometimes cut by the knife and the parts cauterized, before this species of insanity can be permanently cured. The clitoris of the women living in a warm climate is usually larger than with those of colder zones. Such is its excessive length among the Abyssinian, Mendingan, and Ibbon women, that it is a popular usage to extirpate a portion of the obstruction. When the Abyssinians were converted to FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 09 Christianity, this species of circumcision was abolished as a remnant of paganism. The men, however, soon rebelled against the innovation, when ft became necessary for the Propaganda of Rome to send a surgeon to restore the ancient custom. The clitoris is sometimes four or five inches in length, and of the thickness of a boy's penis prior to pubescence. Such malformation has induced unnatural satisfaction oi" the sexual instinct between two women, or between a so-called hermaphrodite and a virgin . The so-termed " Lesbian love," or the lustful embraces of women of each other, arose from such abnormal condition of the clitoris. This revolting vice derived its name from the Island of Lesbos, where it was practiced by the celebrated poetess Sappho. In ancient Rome there was a society of these creatures who were called the " Tribades." Prior to the first French revolution, there was a similar society in Paris, who, as if to add mockery to their infamy, called themselves the " Vestals." DELICATE CRIMSON MEMBRANE. Internal Labia, or Nymphs. — These are two distinct folds of membranes lying within the labia majora (or external lips), and attached above to the clitoris and external labia below. Posteriorly they are closer together than anteriorly ; externally they terminate in a cock's- comb- shaped, indented, free margin. They consist of a delicate crimson membrane, richly provided with nerves. Between its external and internal layers is concealed a loose cellular tissue and a number of mucous glands. In Hindostan, Persia, and Turkey, they are much elongated, and have to be removed with the knife on account of their interference in child-birth. In labor they protrude, and are not unfrequently lacerated, at the same time protecting the external labia. Among women, who have borne many children, such elongation is very considerable. It is only in females in whom they do not protrude, that the labia minora have the rosy color of a mucous membrane. When they protrude they become dry, hard, and assume a brown color. If the sexual organs are abused they become much relaxed, and hang down like flaps of an inch in width. Among the women of the Hottentots and Bosjemans, they are sometimer from six to eight inches long, as described by travel- ers. Among the northern tribes of Africa, also, they are habitually so loug that they have to be cut off. 70 FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. Urethra, or Meatus Urinarius. — This is the opening into the bladder — abont one inch below the clitoris, and one-third of an inch above the npper surface of the mouth of the vagina. The meatus urinarius forms a small, pad-shaped ring. It is situated in a little fossa, or lacunae, or depression. Many females are under the impression that the urine passes along the vagina. The opening into the bladder terminates externally, and on a line with the external opening of the vagina. The internal labia give an external direction to the current of urine, and thus prevent it from passing into the vagina. It sometimes becomes necessary to draw off the contents of the bladder in females, for a considerable length of time. The patient herself, or some of her female friends, may soon become acquainted with the passage or use of the female catheter, and thus obviate the exposure which is very repugnant to a delicate female. The triangular space between the clitoris, meatus urinarius, and labia minora, is termed the vestibule of the vagina. NOT A TEST OF VIRGINITY. Hymen, or Vaginal Valve. — This is a thin membrane of semi- lunar shape, and stretched across the orifice of the vagina. It has gener- ally one or more openings for the passage of the menses. Imperforated hymen has been known to cause great distress in many females, at their first catamenial flow, the discharge of blood completely blocking up the vaginal canal aud extending into the uterus or womb, thus causing hysterical paroxysms and other alarming symptoms. In such cases it must be ruptured and the discharge eliminated. It is usually ruptured at the first sexual congress. Sometimes, however, it is so tense and unyielding as to require the aid of a knife before the sexual act can be accomplished. In virgins the sexual delight is increased even by the pain which the tearing of the hymen causes. The presence of the hymen was formerly considered a certain test of virginity, on account of its being ruptured during coition. This idea has long since been repudiated, for the hymen is not unfrequently lost through accident, diseases, etc. In many instances, it does not give way in the first or subsequent connections and pregnancy. In such cases, the spermatozoa of the male work themselves through the opening in the hymen, and finally pass up through the vagina, uterus, and into the Fallopian tubes, where impregnation occurs. Therefore, medical writers FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 71 no longer regard the presence of the hymen as proof of chasity, or its absence a proof of immorality. The internal reprodnctive organs of the female consist of the Vagina, Uterus, Fallopian Tubes or Ovaducts, and Ovari. Vagina. — This lies between the rectum and the bladder, and extends from the external labia to the neck of the uterus or womb. It is about one inch in diameter in virgins, but much larger in those who have borne children. Its length is from five to six inches. The uterine end surrounds the neck of the womb and assists in supporting the same. The Vagina consists of three coats or distinct membranes — the exter- nal being fibrous, the middle muscular, and the internal mucous. The latter secretes a mucus, which, when the female is in good health, is merely sufficient to keep the vagina in a moist condition. When it does more than this, the secretion is discharged externally, and called Leucorrhcea or Whites. In coition this secretion is increased. The vagina in some females contracts powerfully when stimulated by the male intromittent organ, which increases sexual pleasures during the act of copulation. The office of this organ is to receive the seminal fluid and facilitate its passage into the uterus. During menstruation it also voids the catame- nial flow, and it likewise transmits the foetus and placenta during labor. UNNATURAL MEMBRANOUS FOLDS. Abnormal conditions of the vagina occasionally exist. In some instances it has been found wanting, there being no trace of any canal leading to the uterus observed. Sometimes this channel is so narrow as scarcely to admit a goose-quill through its length; but such cases, however, are very rare. A vertical septum, or partition, occasionally divides the vagina through its whole course, thus exhibiting a double vagina and a double hymen. Such malformation, however, does not prevent conception or parturition. In other instances a transverse septum may obstruct the vagina more or less completely. Such obstruction is seldom perfect ; hence, as there is usually some perforation, there may be no hindrance to impregnation. Such blockade may occur at any part of the vagina, and may result from the membranous folds being unnaturally developed, or it may occur from inflammation attendant upon disease or labor. If these septums are complete, leaving no perforations, serious results may arise from the accumulation of the menstrual secretion. Laceration mav occur 72 FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. during pregnancy, while fistulous openings into the rectum or bladder may be formed. The vagina is liable to various forms of disease ; such as inflamma- tion, ulceration, abscess, mortification, etc.; while cysts and tumors are not unfrequently found. Uterus, or Womb. — The unimpregnated uterus lies entirely within the pelvis — the bladder being in front, the rectum behind, the Fallopian tubes on each side or laterally, and the vagina below. The form of the uterus has been compared to a flask with its mouth turned downward ; also to a pear or truncated cone. Perhaps a flattened pear will convey the best idea of the natural appearance of the organ. The uterus does not attain its full size or development until the period of pubescence. Previous to this time it is not much altered from its infantile condition. As the period of puberty approaches, there will be a gradual enlargement of the mammae, which fact will indicate an increase in the bulk and weight of the uterus. After this period of devel- opment, it remains of the same size throughout life in the unimpregnated female. The average size of the womb at puberty, or after it has attained its full growth, is about three inches in length and two in breadth at the points of attachment to the Fallopian tubes. The diameter of the neck is much less, being usually about one inch. VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WOMB. The uterus is usually divided into three parts — called the fundus, body, and neck. The fundus is that portion above the insertion of the Fallopian tubes. It is very dense, and firm in texture. It is a portion the least subject to disorganization from any cause. Other portions of the womb are liable to be destroyed by carcinomatous or cancerous ulcera- tion, while the fundus remains uninjured. It is to the fundus, also, that the placenta, or the appendage that connects the unborn child with the ereother, is most usually attached. The body of the uterus constitutes the principal portion of the organ and is that part which expands more than any other to invest the ovum. The walls here are usually half an inch thick and well supplied with blood vessels. The cervix, or neck, is cylindriform in shape, and composed of tissue similar to the body of the uterus. The walls are about the same thick- ness as the body, but do not approximate, thus leaving a spindle-shaped FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 7?, cavity, called the canal or cavity of the cervix. The part below the line projects into the vagina and is called the vaginal portion. Around its WOMB AND APPENDAGES. The uterus is the organ of gestation, situated in the cavity of the pelvis, between the bladder and the rectum a. The body of the womb. b. The cervix, in the lower end of which is a transverse aperture, the os uteri ; around the uterus, and a little above its lower extremity, the vagina, c, which is here shown cut open and spread out. The ovaries, d, d, are placed one on either side of the womb, below and behind the Fallopian tubes, e, e, and each month for a number of years, daring the life of a woman, the ovum— egg— bursts from the ovary, and is carried forward into the womb. /. /. The broad ligaments. i> ogy between the func- tions of the reproductive organs of animals and the ovum on arriving in the human female. THE fallopian tube. The way in which the ovum is conveyed along the passage of the Fallopian tubes after its reception in the fimbriae of the ovaduct, is explained by the peculiar structure of the parts. The tube is lined, as before stated, by delicate ciliated membrane, the movements of which cilia, according to Henle, is toward the uterus, which is sufficient, with the peristaltic action or contraction of its walls, to convey the ovum into the womb. The time occupied for the passage of the ovum through the Fallopian tubes, is not definitely known ; but judging from observations made on animals, the period is supposed to be from six to twelve days. In the bitch and rabbit it is from six to ten days. An ovum after being expelled from the ovary, is invested by a portion of the membrana granulosa which formerly lined the Graafian follicle, and in this condition is received into the Fallopian tube. These cells are closely attached to the zona pellucida, or outer membrane of the ovum. They give the egg the appearance of being surrounded by rays. This is characteristic of a fully developed and ripened ovum. After its pass into the tube, the great change it undergoes is the stripping off of the ray- THE OVUM SLIGHTLY AD- VANCED IN THE TUBE. 96 EFFECT OF IMPREGNATING THE OVUM. like appendage of cells. This is affected during its transit along the upper third of the tubes. If impregnation does not now occur, the ovum or egg perishes. It cannot proceed any further in its development toward the production of an embryo. If the ovum should become impregnated several important changes take place, which are as follows : The zona pellucida, or outer membrane of the egg^ having thrown off its outer cell-covering, and the spermatozoa have no difficulty in penetrating the soft albuminous membrane that encloses the yelk. When the spermatozoa penetrate the zona, the yelk contracts. This fact was first observed by Newport, who called the space the " respiratory chamber." This interspace is filled with a transparent fluid. After the contraction takes place another remarkable change occurs, which is the revolving of the yelk. This rotation is effected by the aid of cilia, which line the inner surface of the yelk. About this time a small body, or there may be several bodies, seen in the " respiratory " space between the yelk and zona which is supposed to have some connec- tion to the cleverage of the yelk, which is about commencing. The experiments of Newport settle beyond dispute, that segmenta- tion or division of the yelk is the result of pregnancy alone, and never takes place without it. The segmentation commences first by a cleverage of the yelk into two equi-divisions, then into four equal parts, and so continues dividing in geometrical progression until the yelk is broken up in fine granular masses, with which the generative force of the male sperm is equally divided. How the yelk divisions take place before the ovum reaches the uterus is not certainly known. The fifth division, however, has been observed by Bischoff at the lower extremity of the Fallopian tubes. The only additional change observed taking place in the tubes is a deposit of albumen around the zona pellucida, which takes place when the ovum is passing the middle and lower third of the tube. These occurrences are so uniform that the different offices for different portions of the Fallopian tubes may be readily determined. OVUM STILL MORE AD VANCED IN THE TUBE. THE OVUM FROM THE LOWER END OF FALLOPIAN TUBE. EFFECT OF IMPREGNATING THE OVUM. 97 The first or upper third is appropriated to the reception of the ovum, and for removing the adventitious covering of cells, while it also prepares the ovum for the operation of the spermatozoa. In the middle third, the respiratory chamber is formed, and here the rotation of the yelk com- mences. In the lower third the cleverage takes place, as also the deposit of albumen. If these views of Bischoff be correct, it must be in the middle or lower third of the tube that impregnation occurs, or the ovum will perish. By the time the ovum reaches the lower third, in most animals, particu- larly the dog and guinea-pig, the a heat " is passed, and the animal will not permit coitus. OFFICES OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBES. To sum up the offices of the Fallopian tubes, they may be stated as follows : — ist. To receive the spermatic fluid from the uterus, and convey it upward through the entire canal. 2d. To receive the unimpregnated ovum from the ovary, and convey it in a directly opposite course for the purpose of meeting the male sperm. 3d. To afford protection to the ovum during its brief pilgrimage through the tube, and to deposit on its outer surface additional material, increase its bulk and finally convey it into the cavity of the uterus. The next question which arises in connection with this subject is — How far are these conclusions applicable to the human female in regard to gestation ? In the human female, that marked indication of sexual excitement known as " heat " in animals is rarely ever manifested, although it exists to some degree at each menstrual period. It is well known that the liability to impregnation is much greater immediately after the cessation of the menstrual flow than a little later during the intervals of the monthly turn. Observation would seem to strengthen the view which has been advanced, that impregnation occurs, as a rule, within twelve or fourteen days after the cessation of the menstrual discharge. It has also been known to occur after this period, but very seldom. This may be explained by the casting of an ovum during an inter- menstrual period which was nearly ripe at the cessation ot the previous discharge; while it is quite possible, also, that an ovum may be retained in the tube longer than the period named, owing to some retarded action 7 98 EFFECT OF IMPREGNATING THE OVUM. of the regular functions of the co-relative parts. It may, however, be safely stated, as a general rule, that impregnation takes place within fourteen days after the cessation of the catamenial period. There are exceptional cases, as a matter of course, to every law. The difference in the amount of formative material in the ovum of the bird is owing to the manner in which the embryo is supplied with its sustenance. Here the whole amount of * nourishment required is provided in the egg before it is detached from the parent. In the human female and viviparous animals, the material for growth is derived from the maternal parent, whether afforded by the placenta or some analogous structure. The egg of the ordinary domestic fowl may be regarded as the type of oviparous animals. A knowledge of its development will enable any one to comprehend the difference which exists between the eggs of the human female and viviparous animals, or those that develop with the egg the necessary material for growth independent of the parent. In such cases, normal temperament and a supply of oxygen are all that is neces- sary for development of the young, provided the egg has been fecundated before being thrown off by the female. A varnished egg will not hatch, nor can this take place if one-half of the shell be thus treated. SIZE AND WEIGHT OF A FOWL'S EGG. The average size of a fowl's egg is two and a quarter inches in long diameter and one and three-quarters in the short diameter, the average weight being two ounces. Double-yelked eggs usually weigh about three ounces. The weight of the yelk is usually about one- third of the whole, while that of the albumen and shell are equal to the other two-thirds. If eggs are kept exposed they become lighter, losing about one grain per day, which is owing to evaporation through the shell, it being of a porous nature. During incubation or hatching of the eggs they lose rapidly, amount- ing in twenty-one days from sixteen to twenty per cent., or about one- sixth of the entire substance. Out of this amount of loss only five or six per cent, consists [of water ; the balance is the result of chemical decom- position, or most probably of combustion, by the union of oxygen with carbon, producing carbonic acid, which passes off through the shell. The shell of the egg consists principally of carbonate of lime, held together by animal matter, while the white is chiefly pure albumen. The yelk is EFFECT OF IMPREGNATING THE OVUM. 99 of oily matter, albumen, and about two per cent, of salts, with fifty-four per cent, of water. The albumen with the sulphur and salts are immediately employed in the growth of the embryo, while the oily matter serves for combustion in keeping up the temperature during incubation. If an egg be exam- ined immediately after being laid, there will be found directly under the shell at the larger end, a small space, called the air space, which increases the longer the egg is kept. This space also increases very rapidly during incubation, being caused by the evaporation of water and chemical decom- position, as before stated. HOW THE EGG IS PERFECTED. Structure of the Egg — Process of Formation. — Many fowls lay an egg every twenty-four hours during a portion of the season, while others lay every second day, or for two or three days in succession, at a later hour each day, and then intermit for one day. Other fowls lay regularly every thirty-six hours. As already intimated, the time occu- pied in the passage of the egg through the ovaduct in the dog, guinea-pig, rabbit and human female is from six to twelve days. In a fowl this transit is about twenty-four hours. If a fowl that has laid daily be killed six hours after the last egg is passed, the ovaduct will be found blocked up with a yelk that has been taken up by the fimbriated extremity of the tube, or it may be just grasping it. Sometimes the fimbriated extremity of the tube unfortunately fails to enclose the yelk when expelled from the ovary. In such cases it falls into the abdomen and may be removed by absorption, or it may produce peritoneal inflammation and death to the fowl. During the passage through the upper or first two- thirds of the ovaduct, the albumen of the egg is deposited in a period of from three to four hours, according to Coste. It is proper here to remark that the yelk of the egg when it is expelled from the ovary is the same in structure as that of the rabbit and human female, before described ; and that it is during the passage of the egg through the tube that the white and shell is formed, but it is not entirely perfected until after its lodgment in the uterus. White of the Egg. — This constitutes several layers, and commences forming as soon as it enters the Fallopian tube. At first it is a thin layer immediately investing the yelk, which subsequently becomes condensed LOf C. 100 EFFECT OF IMPREGNATING THE OVUM. into a membrane and the two narrow cord-like appendages, which were first albnmen bnt afterward become twisted and form the membrane. As the yelk descends, the faster is the accnmnlation of the albumen round the yelk, giving to the egg its oval shape. During the passage of the egg and formation of the albumen and shell, there is a great determination of blood to the several parts of the duct. The egg does not descend in a straight line, but in a spiral manner, which gives the spiral shape to the white of the egg and the twist to the chalazse. The egg remains in the uterus from twelve to eighteen hours, in order to complete the formation of the shell. The lining membrane of the uterus is different from the membrane lining the ovaduct — the former containing follicular glands which secrete the sub- stance for the shell. As soon as the egg enters this part of the tube, a thick white fluid is poured out which is soon deposited and coagulated on a thin membrane covering the white. At first the shell is soft, but it soon acquires the hardness which is characteristic of the egg when laid. In reptiles a similar arrangement is observed during the passage of the ova along the Fallopian tube. Instead of one, there are several in the tube at the same time, the same with rabbits. NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. mnnmi CHAPTER IX. Uv the functions of the generative organs of woman are not established without subjecting her to annoyances, nay, even to afflictions and sufferings, which need salutary counsel. Woman is subject to the process of men- struation for the best period of her life. Dur- ing this long term of thirty years of her womanhood, her health is dependent on the accomplishment of that function ; according to the success or failure of that process she either flourishes in the enjoyment of health or lan- guishes in pain and weakness. A girl is seldom the subject of special anxiety until she g\£ enters the state of puberty ; like a boy, she runs and plays, and nature undertakes no peculiar mode of growth sugges- tive of sexual individuality. Puberty, although apparently sudden, is effected gradually, and not always without accident. Its manifestation in menstruation may be so abnormal as to constitute a real malady. / A girl in a perfect state of health may be taken by such acute and severe symptoms as to lead one to suspect indications of a dangerous illness. Parents, also, have been misled by the peculiar complaints into the belief that sickness was simulated, when, in reality, their daughter should have been rather an object of sympathy. Again, ignorant attendants, believing such an indisposition to be but an accidental attack ot colic from indigestion or otherwise, have filled girls to drunkenness with alcoholic stimulants. Menstrual colic having been mistaken also for a symptom of worms, or for some other imaginary ailment, medicaments, unfit for the girl's condition, have been administered, to the detriment of her general health. 101 102 NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. It cannot be denied, however, that the symptoms are often obscure and confusing, because acute pain in the abdomen, accompanied by tight- ness and oppression, may suggest flatulency; irregular and heavy pain may suggest the presence of worms ; yet, the age of the girl, the sudden- ness of the attack in the midst of good health, the periodical return of these indispositions, the regularity of the pulse, the natural condition of the skin, the cleanness of the tongue, the absence of indigestion or of diarrhoea, and the shortness of the pain should rather suggest a natural preparation for the menstrual flux. Moreover, menstrual colics are almost always attended by coldness of the feet. These colics are generally relieved by hot foot-baths, application of heat over the region of the uterus ; a bag of hot hops, or a hot corn-meal poultice. If there are complications, as tendency of blood to the head, neuralgias, pain in the chest, etc., some medical treatment may be required about which a physician should be consulted. CAREFUL TREATMENT FOR GIRLS. The establishment of menstruation is not unfrequently attended by serious constitutional difficulties, as chlorosis (green-sickness) and hysteria. Its manifestation may also be attended by such modifications of the general system as will result in an aggravation, or a decided amelioration, of the girl's usual condition. All of the special maladies incidental to men- struation will be treated hereafter, separately. The appearance of the menses should be the signal for a girl to seek rest in a horizontal position, and for the avoidance of extreme cold and heat. Her beverages should be warm rather than iced. We have known a glass of ice water, taken while the body was heated by exercise, to suppress the menses instantly, and induce severe colic pains. The dress should be easy, loose around the chest and abdomen. Linen-wear should be discarded at such times, for it is too great a conductor of heat, allowing the body to cool too rapidly. Delicate and nervous persons should adopt a system calculated to improve the general health ; as exercise in the open air, riding on horse- back, taking trips to the country. If inclined to melancholy they should seek distraction in innocent pleasures, and in the company of congenial friends. During the period of menstruation, woman should be an object of solicitude, for even her moral nature may, during that time, be exposed to NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. 103 changes which appear extraordinary to an observer. One author says that it is seldom that menstruation occurs without inducing some change in the usual demeanor of women. The majority of them are subject to weariness, vague desires, melancholy ; they may be more irritable in their manners, more impressionable, easily frightened and discouraged ; they are also more liable to take cold and more susceptible to the changes of the weather ; in other words, they are the victims of many little infirm- ities, which ought to be recognized and treated with kindness, rather than ridicule. Those who are naturally sensitive should be surrounded by soothing influences, and not exposed to anything that exalts the imagination. The diet should be light, and free from rich condiments and stimulating spices. The bath should be warm, and under no circumstances should the body be immersed in cold water immediately before the appearance of menstru- ation or during its continuance, even though it had been the habit to do so at other times. The feet should always be kept warm and dry. GOOD NOURISHMENT REQUIRED. Women of lymphatic temperament, of scanty menstruation, should be nourished generously with rare beef, roasted or broiled ; rich soups, particularly of peas and beans. A little light wine, as claret or sherry, would be beneficial. Such women should also dress warmly, occupying well ventilated apartments, and make repeated excursions to the country. Mothers should be particularly attentive to instruct their girls at the time when the generative functions are likely to commence ; for it has often occurred that the unexpected appearance of blood on the garments has frightened girls into serious illnesses. It is also necessary that they should be made acquainted with all the causes that may produce suppres- sion or derangement. Ignorance has often led girls into errors which they would have avoided, had they known the serious consequences that would follow. Exposure to the inclemency of the weather, dampness, heat or cold ; excessive exercise in walking, dancing, riding, playing or otherwise ; exposing the heated body to a draught of cold air ; plunging the feet into cold water ; a sudden emotion, as fright, passion, joy ; a violent pain; a drink of ice-water, particularly when the body is warm ; a sudden check of perspiration — may induce immediate suppression and all its concom- itant painful results. 104 NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. In recapitulating the indispositions to which a young girl may be exposed during the period of menstruation, another author says : " If she is strong and robust, she may be tormented with vertigo, motes before her eyes, buzzing in her ears, flashes of heat in her face, nervous or conjestive headache, sleeplessness, and even convulsions. Her eyes may be conjested, and shed tears easily ; her pulse bouncing and frequent; her temporal arteries throb; she may be subject to palpitation of the heart; to bleeding of the nose ; to impeded respiration, and to sighing. She may be generally oppressed, or subject to pains and colic, and to fatigue from the least exercise. a If she is feeble and lymphatic, she may be subject to conjestion of the head, although her face may be pale, her eyes languid, her pulse weak and slow ; — also to palpitation of the heart, but not so violent as in the sanguine temperament. Her digestion may be feeble, yet she may desire indigestible substances, and sometimes articles entirely unfit for her condi- tion. She may be subject to heaviness in the region of the stomach, to lassitude, to weakness even, and to the flow of leucorrhcea." So that the occurrence of symptoms like these, at the time of life spoken of, need not be looked on as alarming, but should, nevertheless, be carefully watched and attended to. CAUSES OF ABNORMAL DERANGEMENT. The causes of functional derangement may be divided into two classes : — Remote and Immediate, Under the first head let us consider several points. Temperaments are often the predisposing cause of diseases of the menstrual organs. Women of lymphatic and nervous-lymphatic tempera- ment are more prone to scanty menstruation, to leucorrhcea (" whites "), and hysteria, while the sanguine or nervous-sanguine temperaments are more liable to excessive and to painful menstruation. Where the nervous temperament predominates, the susceptibility to excitement and to external impressions predisposes the individual to conditions which disturb the natural exercise of the menstrual functions. Diet and Nourishment. Insufficient, excessive, or improper food, disturbing the equilibrium of the vital forces, deranging the stomach, affecting the heart and the circulation, may induce such irritability of the nervous system as to predispose the organs of generation to functional derangements NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. 105 Insufficiency of nourishment impoverishes the blood, lessens the vital force, weakens the action of the heart in the distribution of blood ; and in the general insufficiency of the circulation of that all-important fluid the ovaries and the womb become the participants, manifesting their disorder in the scanty, pale, watery menstrual fluids, in leucorrhcea, and the relaxa- tion of the muscles of the womb and its ligaments. Excess of food, on the other hand, overtasks the functions of the stomach, distends its capacity as well as that of the intestines, and finally weakens digestion and the power of assimilation. Blood increases in quantity, distending the vessels and inducing general plethora. Excess of food then, and, particularly, if composed of highly seasoned dishes, overloads and irritates the system, until the womb and the ovaries, over- come by the plethora and irritability incidental to that condition, express their abnormal condition by painful menstruation, irritable uterus, etc. HABITS OP WOMEN OF FASHION. A young beauty, were she as fair as Hebe, and elegant as the God- dess of Love herself, would soon lose these charms by a course of immoderate eating, drinking, and late hours. Some of my readers may start at the idea, and wonder how it can be, that any lady could be guilty of either immoderate eating or drinking. But when I speak of inordinate eating, etc., I do not mean feasting like a glutton, or drinking to intoxi- cation. My objection is not more against the quantity than the quality of the dishes which constitute the usual repast of women of fashion. Their breakfast not only sets forth tea, coffee, and chocolate, but hot bread and butter. The last two, when taken constantly, are hostile to health and female delicacy. The heated grease which is their principal ingredient deranges the stomach. After this meal, a long and exhaust- ing fast not unfrequently succeeds, from nine or ten in the morning until six or seven o'clock in the evening, when dinner is served up ; and the half famished beauty sits down to sate a keen appetite with spiced soups, fish, roast, and boiled meats, game, tarts, sweetmeats, ices, fruits, etc. How must the constitution suffer under the digestion of this melang How does the heated complexion bear witness to the combustion within ! "The superabundance of aliment which she takes in at this time," says a lady of the highest authority, " is not only destructive to beauty, but the period of such repletion is full of other dangers. Long fasting- wastes the powers of digestion and weakens the spring oi life. In this 106 NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. enfeebled state, at the hour when nature intends you should prepare for general repose, you put your stomach and animal spirits to extraordinary exertion ; your vital forces are overtasked and overloaded, and thus every complaint that distresses and destroys the human frame may be engendered. " I am fully persuaded that long fasting, late dinners, and the repletion then taken into the stomach, with the tight pressure of stiffened stays on the most susceptible part of the frame then called into action, and the midnight, nay, morning hours of lingering pleasure, are positive causes of disease ; and delicate proportions give place either to miserable leanness or shapeless fat ; the once fair skin assumes a pallid rigidity, or a bloated redness which the vain possessor would still regard as the roses of health. To repair these ravages, comes the aid of padding to give shape where there is none, stays to compress into form the chaos of flesh and paints of all hues to rectify the disorder of the complexion. But useless are these attempts." NERVOUS AND SEXUAL EXCITEMENT. We cannot but indorse this logical lady ; we grant her the privilege of speaking authoritatively ; to her recital may be added more specifically that the unrestrained indulgence, so graphically set forth by her, excites the nervous and sexual system and engenders especially maladies of the menstrual organs, which are distressing and debilitating in the extreme. Every inordinate stimulation is inevitably followed by reaction, which is weakness and debility. Vitiated air is another source of the general debility of* women, and of derangements of their menstrual functions. Indolence and want of exerise stand foremost among the causes of uterine and ovarian derangements. Exercise is the harmonizer between the supply and the consumption, in other words, between nourishment and wear-and-tear. When properly conducted it gives vigor and strength to the body and assists all the organs in the performance of their func- tions. Deprive woman of sun, air, and exercise, and she becomes ener- vated ; the functions of her generative organs languish ; she loses her bright tints and colors, general debility follows, and in the general breaking down the menstrual organs assume maladies that add to the irritation and discomfort of the girl. " If a young woman," a physician says, " would be well-shaped and well-conditioned, and would escape pains and the doctor, if she would NORMAL PROCESS OF MENSTRUATION. 107 have grace and elasticity of movement, color in her cheeks, and admirable proportions in her limbs ; if she wonld have a faultless foot and ankle, limbs of swelling proportion, the flesh firm, and the shape such as no sculptor could improve " — to which we add : if she would escape the thousand and one annoyances, pains and indispositions or of deranged men- struation, or of irritable womb and ovaries — " she must avail herself of sunshine and use due exercise on foot. Three, four, five, or six miles a day is not any too much for a woman in respectable health. Horseback riding is too lazy an exercise to do much good." Mind and Imagination. The reflex action of the operations of the mind on the generative organs is so direct and immediate that over-exer- tion of the intellect and the prurient habits of the imagination rank pre-eminent among the predisposing causes of uterine and ovarian diseases. The ambition of parents to have a girl excel in mental develop- ment at an age when nature demands her freedom for physical growth, and the establishment of the functions special to her sex, has sacrificed many a lovely maiden to an untimely grave. VICTIMS OF EXCESSIVE STUDY. Girls at school, submissive to strict discipline, restricted in bodily exercise by reason (social) of their sex, rendered emulous by competition with boys in the higher studies of science or mathematics, become victims of overstrained mental powers, of over-excited nervous systems, and perish from the withdrawal of too much nervous force. Languor and exhaustion overcome them, the functions of the viscera and of the men- strual organs especially are impaired, and a life of strength and health is changed to one of pain and misery. Among the many and illustrious correspondents of Dr. Clark, one says : u This baleful result becomes strikingly manifested as the girls approach the age of puberty. Under the abnormal conditions of the physical system produced by this cause, not only do the more emulous and studious girls suffer from the study which they evidently ought to intermit, but the ordinary and habitual task-work necessary to keep abreast of the studies is far too severe a draught on many constitutions*" Another says : " Girls suffer more than boys from attendance at school. Were, however, the habits of the two sexes the same in regard to out-door play and exercise, there would probably be no difference between the power of resistance in one aud the other sex. CHAPTER X. PROFESSOR ELIAS LOOMIS, of Yale College, in his report, in which he speaks so highly of the mental qualities of woman, of her wonderful achievements even in the world of science, repre- sents that her physical nature suffers under the great strain of emulation, and closes in this wise : "As we look upon the increasing physical deterioration of our Ameri- can girls, and reflect that they are to become the mothers of an unborn generation, on which will surely fall an inheritance of defective physical organization and consequent mental infirmities, it is time to sound a note of alarm, and look at the causes which are undermining the Republic, and search for the remedies that should be applied. We are a people given to experiment. There is nothing in our politics, economics, or religion that must not be put to the ' experimentum, cruets ' (the rigid test). This is true of our schools for girls. The cry to our older colleges and time-honored universities is, Open your doors, that the fairer part of creation may enter and join in the mental tilt and tournament. God save the American people from such a misfortune ! " Dr. William A. Hammond says : " Puberty being a much more complex process in girls than in boys, the former are more liable to disease at this time ; and this liability is increased by whatever tends still more to exhaust the nervous system, such as mental application and anxiety. I have repeatedly seen cases in which the flow of the menses had been suddenly stopped by the anxiety induced by the necessity of learning a school lesson." 108 OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. 109 While we could cite many authorities to prove the baneful effects of excessive mental labor in girls, we will only quote from Dr. Clark's work on " The Building of a Brain, " a mother's letter upon the sad fate of her daughter. The plain and graphic story is simple and full of instruction, and warmed as it is by the pathetic throbs of a mother's heart, it conveys an irresistible truth that should be heard by every parent : "At the age of fifteen Mary was a remarkably fine and healthy girl ; she seemed to be safely over the critical period, and, until after that time, had never suffered as many girls do at the^commencement of their woman- hood. Her thinking powers were quick and vigorous ; and she was the pride of her teachers and the joy of her parents. Unlimited mental progress was laid out before her, and it seemed that there were to be no bounds to her acquirements. EFFECTS OF CLOSE APPLICATION. 1 , She had then finished a good common-school education, at the best high school, and had entered an institute for young ladies, of the high- est character. The curriculum of study there was comprehensive, and it required the closest application of an ambitious scholar to succeed. " One hour was allowed for walking and recreation during the day; and half of that could be spent, if the pupil desired to do so, in the music room. As the months went on, I began to notice that her complexion, which had been pure rose-leaf, became almost transparent, and that the fresh blood left her cheeks ; still she did not complain, nor lose flesh, but said sometimes, that if she could sleep a week, she would enjoy it, and that it almost always happened when she was unwell she had the most to do, and the longest to stand. " Her progress in her studies was wonderful ; and it seems incredible to me now that we should have allowed her to devote herself to them so entirely. Her musical talents were great, and they were under cultiva- tion also ; when she was seventeen she was the first soprano singer in the choir of the church to which she belonged. " At last I began to be alarmed at the remarkable flow whenever she was unwell, and at the frequent recurrence of the periodical function. I felt as if something should be done, and consulted our family physician as to what could be given her, and how this increased action could be stopped or diminished. He prescribed iron as a tonic, but said that we should do nothing more; for that l every woman was a law unto herself,' 110 OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. and as long as nothing more serious occurred, she was to be let alone. This from a man who had daughters himself, and eminent in the profes- sion ! Never a word about rest, never a caution that she could overwork herself, and thus bring misery for the remainder of her life. " She left school, in June of that year, with noble honors and aching frame ; and after two months' vacation and rest, which seemed to do her a world of good, began in September another year of unremitting, hard study. Loving and gratified parents, proud and expec- tant teachers, look- ed upon her as capable of accom- plishing all that had ever been done by faithful stud- v ents, and of ad- A vancing far beyond ||^ all who were in the graduating class with her. Her teachers were as kind as any could have been. I think the fault was in the system that requires so many hours of study, no matter what the condition of the pupil may be. " As an instance : twenty-five questions were given her to be answered. vShe was seated at a table, without books, from 10 A. M. till 3 P. M., cease- lessly thinking and writing ; and the twenty-five questions in classical literature were faultlessly answered, and that, too, at a time when, had I known what I know now, she should have been resting on her bed. Her father, to whom the paper was shown for approval, wrote on the margin : ADVICE AND COUNSEL OF A MOTHER. OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. 11 j 1 It seems to me that the task imposed here was a great one indeed ; but it has been performed with good success.' " I do not for a moment mean to find fault with her teachers ; for kinder, more interested ones no pupil ever had ; and the delight that a teacher derives from a painstaking and appreciative pupil cannot be under- stood by those unused to teaching. While the dear child was meeting our utmost requirements as a scholar, the foundation of her life was being sapped away. " A little more than two weeks before the June commencement, she was taken with fearful sickness and severe chills, just after one of the hemorrhages which came every three weeks regularly. [Menstrual, of course.] Our doctor was called ; the first thing she said to him was, i Doctor, I must not be sick now. I cannot afford the time. I must be well for commencement.' For four days she suffered very much, but quinine and all sorts of tonics brought her up ; and the two weeks that should have been taken to get well in were spent in study, study, study. All the examinations were passed successfully, even brilliantly ; and she was graduated with all the honors of the institution. THE PRIDE OF THE FAMILY. a Oh how proud we were of her ! and when she came home, frail and weak as a wilted flower, we said that she should have a long rest, and every comfort that we could give her. All summer she remained in the highlands of the Hudson ; yet, when autumn came, she was not as well as we thought she ought to be, though very much improved with regard to the monthly turns, they recurring at right times now. " In September she commenced studying again ; her French and music were continued, so that she might become still more accomplished in those branches ; and lectures on rhetoric and moral philosophy were attended also. " The habit of studying was so strong upon her that she could not give it up. Now came swelling of the joints and fingers, and the old trouble, all of which she would have kept to herself if she could have done so; but I was so anxious about her that I ascertained her condition, went to the doctor again, and begged him to tell me what to do that would stop the weakening periodical disturbance, as I was persuaded that was the cause of her trouble. He said she had inflammatory rheumatism, and prescribed soda. 112 OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. " But I was not to do anything for the other matter, and, against my own convictions, I let things take their course. Oh, if he had said, ' Take her home, and stop her studying.' Armed with such authority, I would have done it ; and how do we know but she might have been with us now, if I had done so ? But she worked on until tha 25th of December. Then she came home, and said decidedly she would study no more till she was well. " We were rejoiced at her decision; for although we were anxious that her education should be complete and thorough, we had felt for a long time that her health was becoming impaired. Still we were sure she had a good constitution, and that would carry her through. She did not grow thin, but stout and pale ; and such a transparent palor that, now I think of it, I wonder all who looked at her did not see that her blood was turning to water. Her sweet and lovely soul was so uncomplaining, and her smile always so bright, that we never for a moment thought she could fade and die. LAST STAGES OF DISEASE. " She brightened up somewhat for the next month, but still did not get well. About the last of January her limbs swelled so much that, in haste, I rushed to the doctor. Then he said her kidneys were conjested, and that Bright's fatal disease was her malady. All that despairing love could do was done now. In five short weeks we laid her in Greenw T ood. Whatever was the form of disease from which she suffered, I am convinced that what she did have was brought on by excessive study, when she should have rested, and that it was fixed at the time when she got the severe chills. " She was by no means a frail girl when she entered the institute. She was tall, finely formed, with a full, broad chest, and musical organs of great compass. Her bust was not flat, neither was it as full as might have been. Her features were not too large. She had brown eyes, brown hair, a very sweet and pleasing face. With every indication at first of strength and good constitution, she fell at last a victim to want of sense in parents, and teachers, and (shall I say?) physicians, too." We make no apology for transferring here this letter in full. Besides sympathizing with this broken-hearted woman, which would be sufficient reason for us to send abroad every word of her lament, we feel that a more comprehensive, true, and significant illustration of the carelessness COPYRIGHT, 1904, i;v THE lONNKi ,B CO. BEAUTY AND STRENGTH EXERCISE. PERFORMED WITHOUT THE AID OF TECHNICAL APPARATUS, DESIGNED 10 FURTHEB THE PROPORTIONATE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BODY, RENDER THE JOINTS KOBE 11 BXI- BLE IN ALL DIRECTIONS, GIVE THE PLEASING AND GRACEFUL APPEARANCE OF FIRMNESS, STEADINESS, AND DEXTERITY IN THE POSITION AND IN THE USE OF THE LIMBS, AND SECURE PHYSICAL BEAUTY, MUSCULAR STRENGTH AND ROBUST HEALTH. COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY THE TONNELE CO. THE LEG AND FOOT EXERCISE. AT FIRST, THE STUDENT WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP HER BALANCE, WHILE EXECUTING THIS MOVEMENT ; BUT MUST LEARN TO DO SO WITHOUT LEANING UPON ANYTHING. ENDEAVOR TO KEEP one's BALANCE AND THE UPRIGHT POSITION OF THE BODY, CALLS INTO ACTION MANY MUSCLES, AND IS ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE EXERCISE. GYMNASTICS WITH HOME APPARATUS. MAKES THE LIMBS PLUMP, THE CHEST FULL, THE LUNG AND THE DIGESTION GOOD, STRONG, DEVELOPING A GOOD FIGURE. . EXERCISE FOR INCREASING MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANDING THE LUNGS, A FASCINATING EXERCISE FOR WOMEN, WHO FIND IT A RELIEF AND RELAXATION FROM THE DAY'S TOIL AND ANXIETY. EXERCISE WITH INDIAN CLUBS. INDIAN CLUBS ARE DESERVEDLY HELD IN THE HIGHEST ESTEEM BY A LI GYMNASTS, AFFORDING ONE OF THE VERY BEST AND MOST EXTENDED SERIES OF EXERCISES FOR DEVELOPING THE KUSCULAB ROWER OF THE WHOLE BODY. THE WAND EXERCISE. WANDS FURNISH AN EXTENDED COURSE OF BEAUTIFUL AND PECULIARLY EFFECTIVE EXERCISES; THEY MAY BE REGARDED AS ALMOST IN- DISPENSABLE IN THE FORMATION OF A SYSTEM OF PHYSICAL TRAINING. THEY CALL INTO PLAY, SEPARATELY, AND IN COMBINATION, ALL THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS. ARM EXERCISE WITH DUMB-BELLS EXERTS AN IMPORTANT ENFLUENCE UPON THE CHEST AND VITAL ORGAN! AND SHOULD BE USED WITH CAUTION, ESPECIALLY BY DHOSE WHO A R E W E A K A XI > II A V B NARROW c H BSTS, CHEST AND ELBOW EXERCISE. DUMB-BELLS ARE SUPERIOR, AS A MEANS OF PHYSICAL CULTURE, TO ANY ARTICLE OF GYMNASTIC APPARATUS, AFFORDING THE MOST PLEASING, VARIED, AND CONCENTRATED OF ALL ATHETIC EXERCISES. OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. 113 in educating girls could not be given by the most experienced and observant hygienist. Body and mind being parts of a grand whole, reflecting and depend- ing upon each other, to neglect one is to injure the other simultaneously ; exceptions form nova- lid argument against the requirements of this general law. Infringe it, and the penalty sooner or later must be paid. A proper equili- brium should be main- tained by exercising the body and the mind, alternately with periods of rest and nourish- ment, necessary to the recovery of vitality lost in the exercise of men- tal or physical attri- butes. Exposure to wet, heat or cold. Getting wet at the times when the periods are about to ap- pear, or are actually on, is probably more of an immediate than a remote cause of men- strual derangement. Impedimenta. All kinds of mechanical pressure, as in the ap- pliance of tight cloth- ing, is another predisposing cause, affecting the circulation and the natural development of the muscular system. Uncleanliness. " Cleanliness is next to godliness." What a remarkable adage ! Why is cleanliness considered so excellent as to be 8 HEALTH AND BEAUTY IN' THE PATHLESS WOODS. 114 OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. reckoned next to virtue ? Is it because uncleanliness is repulsive to the human sense ? That would be the negative reason. The proposition is, that cleanliness, mental, as well as physical, is purity — purity of the mind, purity of the body. Impurities of the skin engender disease. The skin is an organ of absorption and secretion : it absorbs from the surrounding atmosphere elements of vitality ; it secretes effete fluids of the body. It is the safety- valve during excesses of temperature ; it contracts when exposed to a very cold atmosphere, preventing the blood of the capillaries from becom- ing suddenly chilled, and secretes fluid when exposed to a high tempera- ture, inducing evaporation and cooling, thus preventing congestion. Uncleanliness of this organ is a mechanical obstruction to its natural function, the bad effect of which reflects upon the whole system. It should be kept clean and protected from the excesses of temperature. When chilled suddenly it has caused dangerous congestions, checked or stopped the flow of the menses ; and when it is kept for a long time in an unclean state, or exposed to sudden heat or cold, it becomes a source of chronic ailments of the chest and of the menstrual organs. SOURCES OP HEALTH AND DISEASE. Occupation is always a source of health, while its negative, Idleness, is generally a source of disease. Among the class in which the mental faculties are excited to premature activity, and the body is allowed to remain inactive, an unwonted irritability of the nervous system is the consequence. The harmonious, self-possessed cheerfulness of the woman of physical labor compares favorably with the faulty temper, fret- fulness and weariness of the girl of indolence. The sleeplessness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pains, backache, and general good-for-nothingness of the latter, is seldom found in the former. The life of the idler is emotional ; the life of the worker is practical. The ailings of the nervous, indolent girl are soothed only by romantic literature, which excites the senses that reflect upon her organs of gen- eration ; the active girl overcomes the senses by a healthy exercise of the physical, and finds vigor in peaceful rest. The occupations calculated to injure girls are such as demand an unwonted strain upon the abdominal muscles, e. g., standing too long — as shop girls at a counter — long practice at the sewing-machine, or sitting too long bent over a desk. Girls at school, keeping a sitting posture for OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. 115 six hours, wearing stays, which, on account of their stiffness, must press the abdomen inwardly whenever the body is bent forward upon itself, are liable to displacements of the womb from undue pressure. And even if the womb is not displaced the circulation of the abdomen is interfered with, which is then manifested in the costiveness of the intestines, and in painful menstruation from irritability of the ovaries. When any of the foregoing Remote or predisposing causes exist, menstrual derangement is easily brought about, even by a slight exciting cause or immediate occasion. Exposure to a sudden change from heat to cold, getting the feet or the body wet while dressed, allowing the wet clothes to evaporate and dry while on the person, will abstract so much heat from the body as to cause a shock to the system that may induce immediate suppression of the menses with all its evil consequences. And when this is repeated, inflammation of the ovaries and uterus will follow, capable of putting life in immediate peril, or of exposing to such derangements of the menstrual organs as will consign a girl to months and years of suffering. EXCITEMENT OF THE PASSIONS. Emotions. A sudden mental excitement from joy, sorrow, or fright often as suddenly checks the flow, producing a dangerous retention. u t The menstrual organs are especially susceptible to the influence of excitement of the passions, and their disorders are often er traceble to this source than to any other." The pleasures of society, inebriating to the young girl; her entrance to the theatre of love and passion, the fascina- tion of erotic literature, dramas, or scenes, are often the beginning of a series of evils that sap her mind and destroy her body. Woman, by nature, more emotional than man, aggravating her condition by the effort to conceal what she fears may endanger her dignity, is rendered more susceptible to the evil consequences that result from the excitability of the senses. The mother has evidently a serious duty to perforin here. She should watch her daughter's associates; shield her from luxury and fashion ; withdraw from her all literature of doubtful morality ; restrain her from all things that fever the imagination, from intemperate wishes, from the enchantment of the senses. Unremitting vigilance, confidence and love should be her weapons. Purity of thought, tranquillity of h< and mind, will save her daughter from the gulf of errors to which she 116 OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. unconsciously tends, and where she will find only misery for her soul and destruction for her body. At a certain period of life, the purest heart and the mind most chaste are susceptible to the passion of love. With melancholic, dreamy, indo- lent natures, it is a fiery ordeal. Civilization has elevated the passion of the savage into a sentiment of affection in the refined. An ardent love, even in the latter, can take possession of the soul, agitate and dominate it. The younger and purer the heart, the stronger the affection which may be kindled into a passion by the enervating atmosphere of ball-rooms, theaters, toilets and perfumes that fascinate the senses. VAIN AND HARMFUL IMAGININGS. Socrates said : " The wind nourishes the fire ; habit and oppor- tunity inflame love." An inordinate love, engaging wholly the imagina- tion, is fraught with danger to the celibate ; it engenders disorders that affect the entire human economy ; the excitation of the senses induces feverishness, restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, melan- choly ; and nervous persons, tender and innocent girls, building a world of their own imagination, rising above the vulgar earth into a sentimental sphere, where daily avocations and animal necessities are too coarse to be observed, waste in flesh and droop in spirit, until maladies of a serious nature overtake them ; hysteria, melancholy, chlorosis, neuralgias, etc. The organs of menstruation, in sympathy with the general abnormal con- dition of the system, suffer ; and irritation, inflammation of the womb, leucorrhcea, may easily be the results. Unrequited love, or strenuous opposition, is even more dangerous. It is an unequal fight ; it is a struggle of the imagination against fate ; it is a hopeless one. The young girl lives in the secret chamber of her fanciful architecture alone ; she is sad and dreamy. The roses soon leave her cheeks, she becomes pale and hollow-eyed, morbidly sensitive ; sighs come deep from her very heart, and tears flow easily ; general weakness finally confines her to her couch ; nothing can distract her mind now ; nothing attracts her from solitude ; she is alone among a thousand people ; the roundness of her limbs deserts her ; an irritating cough makes its appear- ance, fever (hectic) follows, and the grave in the dim distance opens its doors for her to enter. Parents often fail in the manner of training girls whose attachments they disapprove. Fathers are too often harsh, and mothers whine over an OUR AMERICAN GIRLS. 117 imaginary ingratitude of trie girl ; how could she love anyone but her father and mother who have reared her, been so indulgent to her ? etc. It is wonderful how a full stomach forgets the keen sensation of hunger ! Although the girl is already, by the very affection of which they complain, disabled from thinking and judging rightly of the fitness of things, or of considering coolly and philosophically while passion is burning, she is expected to act with reason and circumspection. Father and mother might better look back and see in the mirror of their own life the very reflection of their daughter's condition. Sternness and bitter reproaches are out of place now, and certainly unavailing, as has been proved a thousand times. Travelling, change of scene, sym- pathy, love and good companionship, will do more towards calming the troubled spirit, and cooling the feverish excitement, than all the argu- ments or modes of coercion possible. VALUE OF OCCUPATION. The all-powerful guard against dangerous emotions, or reveries, is habitual occupation. Habitual is written understandingly, for transient occupation is not calculated to engage the mind; but, when habitual, it becomes a necessity, on account of which it is performed, even though the mind is preoccupied by thoughts foreign to the act. It is this habitual occupation that so often enables man to withstand emotions that disap- pointments and misfortunes induce ; the dignity of labor, the interest in his profession or trade, the healthful effort to succeed, and pride in con- quering adversity, make him powerful in the struggle for existence. If a woman is so devoted to the duties of her vocation as to render her life a necessity to others, or, to such pursuits as engage her intellect in the accomplishment of something worthy of herself and of the respect of her fellow-creatures, in either case, allegiance to her higher nature is evinced by self-forgetfulness and loving care for others in the one, and manifestations of a healthy active brain in the other, and she is not the victim of passion or sentimentality. Let every girl have an habitual occupation with which she is identified for success or failure, and the problem of life will become to her a fact of practical value, instead of a sentimental illusion. Let her be one of the helping hands of the household ; let her be identified with all the interests and struggles of her parents ; let her employment be steady and gressive, and she will not seek rest or solace from her "ennui" in the 118 OUR AMERICAN GIRLS- romances of the day, in the admiration of silly youths, nor in the vanity of ever-changing fashion. Conscious of her usefulness, she will respect hercelf, which is to have the strongest bulwark against the insidious attacks of imaginary evils, or excessive and unhappy emotions. An injury, a fall, a shot, a railroad accident not in any way fatal, will cause a shock to the nervous system that may induce a sudden suppression of the menses. Acute diseases, as fever, hemorrhoidal hemorrhage, inflam- mation of the bowels, dysentery, pneumonia, pleurisy, etc., often induce a suppression, not only during the acuteness of the disease, but even until the general system has totally recovered from the debilitating influence. Change of climate, particularly from a high to a low temperature, and brought about in a quick manner ; travelling — crossing high mountains, and even crossing the sea— has induced suppression of menstruation. There is no doubt that the cause is found in the quick succession of change in the temperature or other conditions of the atmosphere. It has also happened that women who lived in level districts and menstruated regularly were subject to suppression of menses while residing on high mountains or at sea ; and that the return did not occur even for several months after change of locality. Novelty of situation, change of exercise, as going to live in a house having many steps to ascend and descend, or even so slight a thing as changing from carpeted steps to marble ones, has sometimes caused temporary suspensions. The natural suspension of menstruation, the critical period that occurs at a certain time of life (at about the age of forty-five) is the cessa- tion of reproduction, commonly called " change of life." It is a natural process, and should be unattended by discomfort or illness ; but, alas I the hygienic rules so long disobeyed bring their result even at this stage, consequently, the process of cessation is hardly ever undergone without entailing upon woman disease and suffering. Another natural suppression is pregnancy, which the reader will find treated in its proper place. HIS is considered the most interesting and important part of a work of this character, particularly of late years, when so many investigations have been carried on by some of the brightest lights that adorn the medical profession. The reader may, perhaps, readily anticipate the views of the authors of this volume from what has been advanced in the preceding pages. The work, however, would be imperfect without a fair presenta- tion and comparison of the facts and opinions of former writers with the latest observations made upon this subject. Hence they will be succinctly stated and analyzed according to their relative importance. The process of generation is that by which the young of living organized bodies are produced and the species continued. Some animals propagate by a division of their bodies into pieces, each one becoming endowed with an independent existence similar to the parent. Others propagate by buds upon the parent stem, which buds, when they arrive at maturity, separate and retain an individual existence. Another class of animals throw off from their bodies a portion of organized matter which, after undergoing various processes of development, acquires all the peculiarities of the parent. In the fourth and last class, the process is more complex than in either of the others. In this last division, the union ot the male and female sexes is necessary for procreation. The reproductive functions require more complicated processes in the higher than in the lower order no 120 WONDERS OF GENERATION. of animals, in order to the perpetuation of the different species through an nndeviating succession of generations. While speaking of the process of generation in man, it will be appro- priate to present some interesting facts respecting reproduction in some of the series of the animal kingdom inferior to the genus homo, or man. The reader will understand that the egg furnished by the female is per- fectly barren so far as regards progressive development, unless it receives some influence from the product of the male generative organs. This is equally the fact in regard to the product of the male. To render either fruitful, there must be a union of the two several products of the male and female. The scientific man, as well as the more ignorant, in all ages, have contempated with wonder and admiration the phenomena by which the young of animals are brought into existence. The gradual construction of the frame-work of the animal body — the changes necessary for the formation of the brains and nerves, by which man thinks and feels — the muscles that induce locomotion — the process of nutrition, by which the various organs are formed and nourished — all proceeding from the com- paratively simple structure of the egg — are well calculated to inspire wonder and admiration of the works of Nature, and lead man to indulge in many absurd and unwarranted hypotheses and speculations, as to the origin and perpetuation of the various animal species. VITAL POWER DERIVED FROM THE PARENT. The ascertained fact that the egg possesses an inherent vital power in itself, derived from the parent, and the mode of its being called into action by external physical agents — such as heat, moisture, oxygen and light — the influence exerted on it by being brought into contact with the male sperm — the preservation of the distinct species from generation to generation in undeviating succession — the transmission of hereditary weakness and constitutional peculiarities of form, resemblance and mental traits — all have a tendency to throw an air of mystery over the functions of reproduction. There is one fact that must be borne in mind, which is, that all the scientific and learned can do, is to investigate matter and observe the laws which control and change its elements. The same elements that now exist, and the same forces, have existed from all eternity. It is the operations of these forces upon these elements, in the formation of new WONDERS OF GENERATION. J 21 compounds, that we are to study, and this is all that man can do in this life. This investigation constitutes science, and beyond the light of such knowledge no man can safely venture. Hence it is apparent, all that is necessary for the generation of a new being is matter endowed with a vital force. This force calls to its assist- ance other physical agents in unfolding organic forms. Such agents are heat, light, moisture, and oxygen. It was from the action of the vital force upon matter, with, the assistance of the agents named that the first plant or first animal was formed. An &gg healthily developed, when brought in contact with the male principle, has this vital power awakened in it, and if it can then draw to itself the aid of the several agents already named, will gradually develop a human being, endowed with all the peculiarities of its parent, simply because the unfolding or vital principle in the ^gg and male sperm, is a part and parcel of the parental stamina. THE VITAL PRINCIPLE IN BIRTH. It is an established law of Nature, that "Like begets like." Should there be any interference with such unfolding or vital force there will be an imperfect development, denominated malformation. This vital prin- ciple is the constitution of the new being, and has imbedded in it, or united with it, all the peculiarities or idiosyncracies, and all the hereditary weaknesses and ailments of its parents. Females should remember this immutable law, before selecting a partner for life, if they would not entail upon posterity constitutional defects that can never be remedied. It is somewhat amusing to contemplate the various theories that have been advanced in regard to generation, in various ages of the world. Drelincourt, a distinguished author of the last century, names no less than two hundred and sixty-two groundless hypotheses of generation, from the writings of his predecessors. Blumenbacli justly remarks that nothing is more certain than that Drelincourt's theory formed the two hundred and sixty-third. As it would be an endless and fruitless task to wade through all such theories, a few of the more plausible and remarkable ones may be briefly presented in the present place. One of the oldest theories was that of the Ovists. Those philosophers maintained that the female afforded all the material necessary for the development of the offspring — the male doing nothing more than awak- 122 WONDERS OF GENERATION. ening this dormant principle in the female. This was the celebrated Pythagorean theory. It was also Aristotle's, somewhat modified. Some of the old authors who entertained this theory, supposed that the embryo was formed from the menstrual fluid which descended from the brain during sexual union. Another theory which had many advocates was that of the Sper- matists. They supposed that it was the male semen alone which furnished all the vitality that was essential for the new being — the female or gans simply furnishing a fit place or matrix, together with the materials necessary for its nourishment and unfoldment. This was Galen's favorite theory. After the discovery of spermatozoa in the male semen, those that had supported Galen's hypothesis, now main- tained that the spermatozoa were minature representa- tions of men, and called them homunculi — some even going so far as to assert that they discovered in them the body, limbs, form of face and expression of counten- ance of a full-grown human being. They also enter- tained the idea that these were male and female homunculi the spermatozoa. — fa^ jf a f ema i e homunculum was deposited a human female was developed, and the same of the male. Reproductive Function in Man. The period of life at which the human being is capable of reproduction is termed puberty. At this period important changes are observed in the structure and functions of the system. These changes are more marked in the female than in the male, which may be attributed to the female affording nourishment for the children during the whole of intra-uterine life, while the male furnishes only the material for fecundation. In infancy and youth the two sexes do not differ materially in their general physical conformations nor in their mental characteristics. At the period of puberty, however, there is observed a marked antagonism both of the intellectual and anitomical developments. The broad chest and wide shoulders of the male, and the large pelvis and abdomen of the female constitute the chief peculiarities of difference between the male and female sexes. The body of the female is smaller, in weight about one-fourth less than that of the male. Her frame is more tapering, the muscles less prom- inent, the limbs are round and symmetrically proportioned, the bones WONDERS OF GENERATION. VIZ small, the skin delicate and fine, the voice soft and feminine, while there is that chaste and reserved modesty of demeaner, which is so irresistibly captivating to the other sex. In the male there is the low, rongh voice, owing to the large size of the larynx and vocal cords ; hair appears on the skin and all over the body and limbs, indicating great physical powers and activity, enabling him to en- dure much fatigue and excel in deeds of strength and daring. In the male, at puberty, there is also an enlargement of all the generative organs, which is accompanied with sexual feelings and the secre- tion of semen by the testicles, prostrate glands and vesicula seminalis, with occasionally a spontaneous emission occur- ring at night, generally during dreaming. In the female there is likewise an enlargement of the breast and genital organs, while there is a peculiar dis- charge from the latter, termed the " menstrual flow." It is not out of place here to men- tion that there is no discharge from females during sexual congress, as many suppose, equivalent to that emitted from the male during such con- junction of the sexes. There is, however, a secretion from the glands of the vagina which serves to lubricate the parts during coition and increases sexual pleasure. The excitement attendant upon coition is paroxysmal in both male and female, the seminal discharge taking place only from the former at the height of such paroxysm. The period during which the genital functions are exercised is vari- MALE AND FEMALE FORMS CONTRASTED. 124 WONDERS OF GENERATION. able in both sexes. In the female the period is usually about thirty years — from puberty at fifteen years to the " chauge of life " at forty-five years. In the males it is somewhat longer — generally from forty-five to fifty years, or from the fifteenth year of. age to the sixtieth or seventieth year. There are many instances where the virile powers of the male have been retained even to a much more lengthened period — to the eighti- eth, ninetieth or one hundredth year. In the celebrated case of " Old Parr," it continued unimpaired until he reached the age of one hundred and thirty years of age ; Masinissa, king of Numidia, after he was eighty- six years years old, begat Methynate ; Wadalas, king of Poland, had two children after his ninetieth year. The Hon. Jeremiah Smith, of New Hampshire, became the father of a child when he was eighty. INFLUENCE OF THE VARIOUS TEMPERAMENTS. The author is acquainted with a gentleman who married for the first time when he was seventy-five and had two sons by a young wife. There are some cases on record of females menstruating the second time and bearing children at seventy or eighty years of age. I am cognizant of the case of a lady of Philadelphia who commenced menstruating at nearly eighty years of age, and conceived. In all animals where the distinction of sex exists, there are instinct- ive feelings experienced to a greater or less extent. This feeling depends upon the temperament of the body and the condition of the mind. In animals the impulse is concomitant more upon a peculiar state of the genital organs, which is manifested at a particular season of the year, known as the " breeding " or " rutting " period. In the female at this time a peculiar secretion takes place in the genital organs, the odor of which excites the sexual functions of the male. In the human species a similar function exists, but which is capable of being placed under intellectual and moral control. When not so governed, this passion is productive of the most revolting obscenity and prostitution. Hence the necessity of legislative enactments to restrain licentiousness and concubinage. The sexual passion is modified very much in some temperaments. For instance, the sanguine, being more voluptuous, love amorous pre. ludes. The bilious are under an erotic fury, which is as great as it is quickly exhausted. The melancholic burn with a secret and more con- stant flame, while the phlegmatic are cold and insensible. WONDERS OF GENERATION. 125 The temperaments should be more understood than they are by those selecting a partner for life. That happiness which is so desirable in wedlock is seldom found where the temperaments, sentiments and sexual feelings of the husband and wife are of opposite or antagonistic character. Among the lower classes this incompatibility of impulses, or " unequal yoking," as St. Paul expresses it, often leads to adultery, separation and other domestic discomforts and miseries. The brain appears to exert considerable influence over the sexual organs. The sexual feelings are more or less under the control of the mental faculties, in the same manner that the action of the heart, digest- ive process, respiration, secretion, and in fact all the functions of the body, are subject to the operations of the intellectual apparatus. It is also a fact that the genital organs excite mental desires. PROMINENCE OF THE LOWER BRAIN. Phrenologists maintain that the cerebellum (or lower brain, back of the head) presides over the sexual feelings, or rather that such impulses belong to that organ, and that it is from thence all sexual desires emanate. It is found that those who have the back of the head and neck large, have the sexual passions more strongly developed than is the case in those persons where such prominence does not exist. The same fact has been observed in animals ; while it has been proven by observation that diseases of the cerebellum, such as inflamma- tion and injuries from gunshot and other wounds, impair or destroy sexual desires. Also it is known that if the cerebellum be stimulated in any manner, the sexual desires are increased in accordance with such stimulation. Carpenter mentions several instances of this kind. One of these cases was that of a man whose sexual proclivities had always been strongly manifested through life, although they were entirely under the control of the will, until about three months previous to his death, when such erotic impulses increased in a most extraordinary degree. A post- mortem examination after death revealed a tumor on the back of the head. The other case was that of a young officer, who, on the eve ot marriage, received a blow on the occiput by falling from a horse. He became impotent, without any other derangement of his bodily or mental powers. In distress upon this discovery of his imperfection he committed suicide on the morning fixed for his wedding. 126 WONDERS OF GENERATION. There are many other instances on record of this character, going to substantiate the phrenological theory that the cerebellum (or lower brain) is the seat of the amorous or voluptuous passions. Fecundation. — It has been already stated, that impregnation is accomplished by the union of the male spermatozoa and the ovum of the female, during the passage of the latter through these tubes toward the uterus while the change which takes place in the ovum after the union occurs, has also been explained. If the spermatozoa do not come in contact with the ova, these changes do not take place, but the eggs pass out into the uterus and are lost. It has also been stated that menstruation is a process preparatory to impregnation. In other words, that during the menstrual phenomenon an ovum is ripened and expelled from the ovary ; that it is then taken up by the fimbriated extremities of the tube, drawn into its channel and forced (by a series of contractions or certain peristal- tic action, with the assistance of the ciliary lining of the tube,) toward the uterus, which is the receptacle for the further development of the egg or embryo. OFFICE OF THE UTERUS. As has been remarked, the office of the uterus is to receive the seminal fluid and conduct it into the Fallopian tubes. The neck of the uterus does not, as many suppose, receive the male semen, when it is first ejected from the male intromittent instrument ; but it is thrown into a pouch-like receptacle at the upper portion of the vagina, surrounding the mouth of the womb and formed by dilation of that organ. The uterus is suspended in the axis of the pelvis, and in such a position to the vagina that the mouth of the womb is maintained in the very centre of this pouch, and thus affording a facility for the semen to pass into the neck of the uterus. Blundell describes a peculiar movement which he observed in the vagina of the rabbit, that very clearly explains the manner of the intro- duction of the semen into the uterus. " This canal " (the vagina, says he) " during the heat is never at rest. It shortens — it lengthens — it changes continually in its circular dimensions, and when irritated especially will sometimes contract to one-third of its quiescent diameter. In addition to this action the vagina performs another," which " consists in the falling down, as it were, of that part of the vagina which lies in the vicinity of the womb ; so that it every now and then lays itself as flatly over its orifice, as we should apply the hand over the mouth in an endeavor WONDERS OF GENERATION. 127 to stop it. How well adapted the whole of this curious movement is for the introduction of the semen at the opening, it is needless to explain." The cervical canal is traversed by a large number of furrows, which assist in conducting the semen into the body of the uterus. It is not likely that the ejaculatory act of the male is sufficient to throw the semen beyond the pouch and against the os or head of the womb, inasmuch as the close approximation of the walls of the cervix would prevent it passing further. It is not certainly known in what way the spermatozoa are assisted in their passage through the womb into the Fallopian tubes. It is, however, supposed that the ciliae which line the cervix or neck of the womb, in conjunction with the approximation of the walls of the uterus, afford the requisite facility for such purpose. The close approximation of the walls of the uterus would naturally facilitate the rise of the semen, the same as water placed between two pieces of glass will rise so as to cover the internal surface of both. PRINCIPAL POWER OP PROPULSION. The movement of the spermatozoa is most likely the principal power that is used for their propulsion upward. Indeed, it would appear that it is only by such movements that they can penetrate and pass up the Fallopian tubes toward the ovaries, inasmuch as the cilia that line the cavity of these tubes would rather retard than promote their ascension, for the simple reason that their (the cilia's) wave-like motion is in the reverse direction, or toward the womb from the fimbriated extremities of the tubes. There is further proof that the movement of the spermatozoa is the principal agent in their ascension, in the fact of their possessing sufficient power to pass into the egg or ovum on coming in contact with it. The office or function of the testicles is to secrete the male sperm, a substance that appears to the naked eye like ordinary mucus devoid of life. If the microscope, however, be applied to a small quantity of this secretion, taken from a healthy male who has arrived at puberty, it will be found alive with minute, thread-like, bodies. So numerous are these that, at first sight, the semi-liquid mass seems to be almost entirely made up of them. The are called the seminal animalcules, or spermatozoa. There are also found in this liquor seminis ) minute round corpuscles called seminal cells. Spermatozoa, in man, as well as in animals, and some ot the higher order of plants, have their origin in cells, which are denominated seminal 128 WONDERS OF GENERATION. cells or spermatophori. These cells are filled with granular matter, each granule capable of being developed into a spermatozoon. These germ cells are developed in the tube composing the testicles. It is within the tubes these cells burst, when the thread-like bodies escape, and take on those peculiar motions which have given rise to the opinion that they are distinct animalcules. Some physiologists do not regard them as posses- sing distinct animal characteristics any more than is attached to the cilia that line the cells of the neck of the uterus and Fallopian tubes. Hence they have been called cell-germs, furnished with peculiar moving power. The form of development in animals is somewhat different, and the motion will correspond with the development. Those with tail-like appendages resemble the motion of an eel in water. Those with the spiral development have the spiral motion. From observation it has been ascertained that spermatozoa will retain their moving powers twenty- four or thirty hours after they enter the uterus and Fallopian tubes. COMPARISON OF THE VIGOROUS WITH THE WEAK. In the young and vigorous, the spermatozoa are abundant and active. In debilitated persons, those that have weals constitutions and where the vital forces are depressed, the spermatozoa will not only be found very scanty but exceedingly feeble. Such scantiness and feebleness will cor- respond with the vital energy or debility of the individual in whom they are developed. In consumptives, and those who have broken down their constitution by over sexual indulgence and onanism, the action of the spermatoza is slow and their development imperfect. In aged persons they disappear, while the testicles, like the ovaries of aged females, cease to perform the functions allotted to them in the prime and vigor of life. The natural secretion of the vagina and uterus of the female is favor- able for the maintenance of spermatozoa. When these become changed to acid secretions, they act as poisons and quickly destroy the sperma. tozos. Hence, one of the causes of sterility in the female is owing to the change in the secretions of the os cervix uteri and vagina. The spermatozoa in man are exceedingly small — being about y 5 o of an inch in length, and y 6 oo of an inch in diameter. The seminal animal- culse are said to be no larger in the whale than in the mouse. They are much larger in insects, mollusca, and others of the lower animals than in man. They are considerably larger in the mouse than in the horse, and in the snail fifty-four times larger than in the dog. WONDERS OF GENERATION. 129 The office of the spermatozoa, as before stated, is to impart new life to the female ovum. This takes place in the Fallopian tubes during the passage of the ovum toward the uterus. The quantity of semen elimi- nated at one coitus is from one to three drachms, of which, perhaps, only about one-hundredth part consists of spermatozoa. It is generally conceded that but two or three drops of semen proper, or spermatozoa, are ejected from the testicles at one conjunction of the sexes. The balance is an albuminous fluid secreted by the vesicula semi- nalis and prostate gland, which secretions are thrown off at the same time as that from the testicles. The use of this superabundant fluid is for the purpose of protecting these thread-like animalculse and assist their move- ments. It possesses the right density or specific gravity for this purpose. If the density be increased the movements of the spermatozoa will .be impeded ; if reduced, they are destroyed upon the principle of endosmose. EXAMINATION UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. I have in several instances placed a drop of semen under the micro- scope, which was very thick, and always found that the motion of the spermatozoa was exceedingly slow. They presented the appearance of a tangled mass of thread-like objects unable to extricate themselves. The moment, however, a drop of blood was applied, they found no difficulty in disentangling themselves. They would turn around once or twice and lash their tails, which seemed to unite the two liquids, and put the whole mass of animalculse in motion. The cause of motion of spermatozoa is not certainly known, but it is supposed to be similar to the wave-like motion in the ciliated cells of the uterus and Fallopian tubes. In cold-blooded animals, the . fishes for instance, they retain their power of motion longer than in warm-blooded animals. In the former they continue to move for days after being- expelled from the male. Their movements continue for a longer period in the interior of the female organs of generation. In some species ol insects the spermatozoa will continue their movements for months when brought in contact with the female organs of generation. In the human female it is supposed that the spermatozoa will retain their moving power for thirty-six hours after coitus. Common water at low temperature rapidly arrests their movements, while dilute sal solutions, or sugar and water, on the other hand, appear to have very little influence upon their actions. Such is also the fact with common i) 130 WONDERS OF GENERATION. saliva, or bile, or pus. Urine has rather an injurious influence upon their movements, especially when it has an acid reaction. The chemical agents are the only ones that have positive injurious effects upon the movements of spermatozoa. They not only stop their operations but dissolve their structure and change their composition. For instance, alcohol, acids, metallic salts, narcotics, strychnine have similar effects to common cold water. Heat and cold seem to affect their movements, although the action of the spermatozoa of frogs and fishes continue after the media in which they are surrounded sink below zero. The electric spark destroys the motion of spermatozoa instantly, by changing their structure, while Gal- vanism has no perceptible influence upon them, which fact is somewhat remarkable. I have made a number of experiments with chemical re-agents, under the microscope, and always found that mineral and vege- table acids dissolve spermatozoa instantaneously as electricity. The same is the fact with mineral and vegetable astringents. ABSURD THEORIES OF FORMER TIMES. On the first discovery of the seminal animalculse, there were many hypotheses advanced concerning them. By some they were considered the cause of sexual enjoyments or venereal propensities. Others sup- posed that the spermatozoa were of different sexes, and believed that if a female spermatozoon happened first to penetrate the ovum a female offspring was the result, and the reverse, when a male spermatozoon succeeded in fecundating the egg. Another class imagined that a sper- matozoon possessed all the organs of a human being in a compressed state, which became developed or unfolded by the female generative organs — in other words, that a spermatozoon was a miniature human being. Such absurd theories require no refutation. They were advanced in a hypothetical age of the world. Having thus shown the process by which the semen is received into the vagina, and given some idea of the manner of the passage of the spermatozoa into the Fallopian tubes, it will now be proper to investigate a very important part of the subject of Generation. UNFORTUNATELY, the precise period at which impregnation takes place in the human female cannot be definitely deter- mined. From observations, however, that have been made in a large number of cases, it would seem certain that it must occur during the first half of the menstrual period, most probably during the first half of the menstrual period, most probably during the first week after the cessation of the discharge. In sixteen cases observed by Raci- boski, conception only occurred as late as the tenth day. Notwithstand- ing the occurrence of impregnation is perhaps ninety-nine per cent, of cases within ten or twelve days after the cessation of the catamenial flux the other case may occur at any time subsequent to the last and prior to the next menstrual period. There is no evidence to support the theory that impregnation may occur at any time during each month, by the rupture of an ovasac as a consequence of sexual excitement. Nor is it likely that the ovum is retained in the Fallopian tubes from one menstrual period to another* Indeed, the contrary is proven by examination made on animals. It has been already stated in this work, that the ovum is usually from six to eight days in passing through the Fallopian tubes of the bitch. In the Guinea pig the time is from two to three days. In the rabbit it does not extend beyond the fourth day. Therefore, if the theory just mentioned cannot be maintained, the second hypothesis would seem inevitable, viz.: that an ovum, after it is ejected from the ovary, is from six to fourteen days in passing the tubes, and that impregnation must take place during that time. M. Pouchet is quite positive that the period is not beyond fourteen days. If the views of this distinguished physiologist be correct, it follows, as a matter o{ 181 132 WONDERS OF GENERATION. course, that there is a period after the cessation of the menstrual discharge during which woman is incapable of conception, which idea Pouchet himself adopts as logically philosophical. No doubt such is the fact as a general rule, but it may be necessary to account for the occasional mishap, or exceptional case, out of the two hundred that have been named. This is explained by M. Coste, who holds the same views with M. Pouchet in regard to the time in which cessation takes place after the cessation of the menstrual flow. Coste supposes that when a chance impregnation takes place after the fourteen days, that it is owing to the Graafian vesicle hav- ing failed to expel the ripened ovum, or the one that came to maturity at the last menstrual period, while sexual commerce oc- curring after this period is suffi- cient (on account of the excite- men attending it) to rupture the follicle and liberate the imprisoned ovum, and thus insure impregna- tion. To prove this he has presented a number of experiments which he had made upon animals. One of these cases is that of a rabbit which during heat manifested great de- view of the left side of the pelvis, the sire for the male, but was not per- bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum. mitted conjunction. Forty-eight hours afterward it was killed, when the genital organs were found very much congested with blood. Six follicles in one ovary and two in the other were ready to burst, but no rupture had yet taken place. Another experiment also was upon a rabbit, which remained in heat three days, manifesting great ardor. On the fifth day it was killed, when the ovaries were found greatly congested, but without rupture of the follicles. Coste attributes the absence of rupture to the prevention of coitus. These experiments seem to favor the old theory of conception, viz.: WONDERS OF GENERATION. 133 that the ova are detached conjointly with fecundation, and that conception may take place at any time during the interval of menstruation. Other experiments, however, which have been more recently made, and which have already been presented in this work, set aside this theory as incorrect. It is well known that the ova are ripening during menstru- ation, and that when this ceases they are no longer eliminated or thrown out of the ovaries. An occasional retention should not overturn a theory that has the whole chain of proof upon its side, with the exception of one link, which deficiency is satisfactorily explained by M. Coste. ESTABLISHED FACTS. In summary of established facts, then, a recapitulation of the most plausible and rational theory now entertained, may be presented as follows : It is during the menstrual period that the ova are ripened. They are then received into the Fallopian tubes, and occupy from six to four- teen days in their passage to the uterus. If impregnation occur, it must be from the union of the spermatozoon with the ovum, before the latter has passed out of the tube. Should there be no impregnation, the ovum passes into the uterus and is lost. If five days be allowed for menstrua- tion and fourteen days more for the passage of the ova (though twelve are accounted sufficient), there is accordingly a period of nine days during which impregnation cannot take place, except in rare cases, say once in one hundred times, or indeed, in five hundred times. Prevention of Conception. The question is often asked. " Can conception be prevented at all times ? " Certainly, this is possible ; but such an interference with Nature's laws is inadmissible, and perhaps never to be justified in any case whatever. During the past few years hundreds of works have been written, and many circulars distributed, to the females of the land, holding forth the idea that new remedies have been discovered for the prevention of con- ception. It is needless to state that such asseverations are impudent and wicked fabrications, and that the volumes and pamphlets are mere catch- penny devices, intended to deceive the public and enrich the pockets oi miserable and unprincipled charlatans and imposters. The truth is, there is no medicine taken internally capable of pre- venting conception, and the person who asserts to the contrary, not only speaks falsely, but is both a knave and a fool. It is true enough that 134 WONDERS OF GENERATION. remedies may be taken to produce abortion after conception occurs ; but those who prescribe and those who resort to such desperate expedients, can only be placed in the category of lunatics and assassins ! The only way that conception may be prevented, is by abstinence from sexual commerce during the first fourteen days after the cessation of the menstrual discharge ; or else by the destruction of the vitality of the spermatozoa, while in the vagina, or before they pass off through the uterus and come in contact with the ova in the Fallopian tubes, while on their passage towards the womb. Many plans have been devised by the French for the prevention of conception, but the most rational and certain means is to dissolve the spermatozoa while in the vagina, and before they pass into the womb. I have noticed a work recently published in Philadelphia, of considerable circulation, that professes to inform parents how they may have male or female children at their pleasure. It is scarcely necessary to remark that such opinion is absurd and erroneous. The ideas advanced are that the right testicle of the male secretes male semen, and the left testicle female semen. This supposition is equally ridiculous with that of the ancient physiologists, who imagined that the spermatozoa were miniature men and women. FALSE SPECULATIONS. There is not a particle of truth in such speculations. It is well known that men with only one testicle have been known to have had both male and female children. While upon this subject, it may be appropriate to mention certain vague and loose hypotheses that have recently been advanced. Dr. Silas Wright, of New Hampshire, in a paper published in the " Buffalo Medical Journal," maintains that males are conceived a short time prior to the menstrual discharge, and females shortly after its cessa- tion. In other words, if the ovum be impregnated before the appearance of the " courses," it will generally grow to be a male ; if after the menses, a female child will result. Again, in regard to the production of the sex, it has been stated that the right ovary produces male ova, and the left female ova. There is not a particle of truth in favor of either of these theories. On the contrary, there is abundant evidence against their probability. There are some other miscellaneous matters in reference to Generation that may be appro- priately presented in the present chapter. WONDERS OF GENERATION. 135 SuPERFCETATiON is literally the impregnation of a woman already pregnant. About the time the ovum arrives in the uterus, and even before, or about the time of conception, the uterus undergoes a change to prepare for the ovum. There is a sort of a lymph that forms on the outer surface of the lining membrane of that organ, of a flaky or velvety character, which is usually called the bed for the egg. This viscid mucus also blocks up the passage into the mouth of the womb, thus preventing subsequent conception. Among the lower animals, and some few cases of the human female, there appears to be superfcetation. It is known that puppies of a bitch will resemble more than one dog with which she has had connection during the period of heat, which time may embrace ten or twelve days. A mare which had been covered by a stallion was five days afterward covered by an ass, and bore twins — one being a horse, the other a mule. OASES OF UNNATURAL GENERATION. There are similar cases on record in regard to the human female. Women have borne children of different colors at the same parturition. In one of these instances, the mother acknowledged having admitted the embraces of a black servant a few hours after conjunction with her husband, who was white. Eisenmann mentions the case of a woman bearing a full-grown male child, and neither milk nor lochia (a uterine discharge that takes place after delivery) occurring after birth. In one hundred and thirty-nine days afterward she gave birth to a fine female child when the milk and discharge came naturally. It was supposed that this woman had a double uterus, which, however, was not the case, as was verified by an exam- ination after death. Desgranges mentions a case of a woman who bore two girls, at an interval of one hundred and sixty-eight days between them. Fourneir speaks of two girls born at interval of five months. Starke instances a case of two children whose births were one hundred and nine days apart, while Velpeau relates that Mad. Bigaux had two living children at an interval of four and a half months between the first and second birth. Dr. Mason published an account of a woman who was delivered of a full-grown infant, and in three calendar mouths afterward of another, apparently at full time. A woman was delivered at Strasburg, the 30th 136 WONDERS OF GENERATION. of April, 1748, at ten in the morning; in a month afterward, M. Leriche discovered a second foetus, and on the 16th of September, at five o'clock in the morning, the woman was delivered of a healthy full-grown infant. Buffon related a case of a woman in South Carolina, who brought forth a white and a black infant ; and on inquiry it was discovered that a negro had entered her apartment after the departure of her husband, and threatened to murder her unless she complied with his wishes. Moseley, Gardien, and Valentin, relate similar cases of black and white children born of intercourse with a black and white man on the same night, and the woman having children of different colors at the same parturition. NUMBER OF CHILDREN AT ONE BIRTH. As has been stated, each male dog will produce a distinct puppy ; this no one can deny. The offspring will resemble the males that fecundate the bitch in succession. This is the case of the mare, conjoined to the stallion and ass in succession, and likewise with other animals. Hence, reasoning from analogy, if a number of healthy, vigorous men were to have intercourse in succession, immediately after the first conception, it is quite probable and very possible that similar fcetation should happen. Dr. Elliotson advocates superfetation, and explains Buffon's case in this way. Magendie is of the same opinion. Medical men, and others, should bear in mind that women have had three, four, and five, and even six and seven children at one birth? while various cases of infants of different sizes being expelled in succes- sion are recorded in our own medical journals. Professor Velpeau, of Paris, speaking of Superfetation, says : "In according all possible authenticity to these observations, regarding their exactitude as demonstrated, the idea which prevails in physiology on generation, permits an easy explanation. Two ovules can be fecundated one after the other, in a woman who accords her favors to two or more men, the same day, or in two or three days afterward ; that is to say, to the moment when the excitation of the first coition causes the effusion of coagulable lymph into the uterus, to form the caducous membrane (decidua). These ovules may not descend through the uterine tube at the same time, and may be differently developed." Valpeau, however, thinks superfetation impossible after decidua is formed. According to Dewees, the closure of the os uteri after conception? does not take place for some days, weeks, or months. WONDERS OF GENERATION. 137 Admitting superfoetation to be possible (says Ryan), and it cannot be denied in the early weeks of generation, we cannot decide paternity, unless when one infant is black or brown, and the other white, but if both fathers were of the same color the decision might be difficult, unless some physi- cal mark on the infant existed in one of them." Some writers maintain that superfoetation is possible during the two first months of pregnancy. The majority, however, hold it possible during the first few days after conception, before the uterine tubes are closed by the decidua. This is the received opinion, though there are cases on record which justified Zacchias and other jurists to conclude that superfoetation might occur until the sixtieth day, or even later. RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN FAMILIES. Influence Exerted by Parents on Offspring. — One of the most important laws of the reproductive functions, is the preservation of distinct species for an undeviating succession of generations, preventing the extinction of the species by being blended and lost in others. Most persons are familiar with the resemblance that subsists between families from generation to generation, while it is well known that off- spring inherit many of the qualities and peculiarites of the parents. Hereditary resemblance, however, is seldom ever complete — numerous differences being almost always observed in the features and other char- acteristics of the same family. Male and female children seldom perfectly resemble either the father or the mother, but a blending of the character- istics of both are readity recognizable in the offspring. It might be supposed that as the mother furnishes the Qgg and its nourishment after conception, that the offspring would partake more o( her peculiarities than of the father's. This, however, is not the fact. There will be quite as much resemblance to the father as to the mother, if such phenomenon be not in favor of the former. The influence of the father must be imparted to the offspring at the time of the mingling of the spermatozoon and ovum, which is only momentarily. This being the case, it is reasonable to suppose that the greater proportion of the resemblance of the mother is imparted to the tgg previous to conception ; although it cannot be doubted that the mother exerts more or less physical and mental influence during the whole period of utero-gestation. In some animals the male parent seems to exert the greatest influence 138 WONDERS OF GENERATION. in the formation of the physical frame. This is particularly the case with dogs, horses, fowls, etc. It is known that the bantam cock will cause a common hen to lay a small egg, and a common cock a bantam hen to lay a large egg. As a general rule it cannot be said that either the male or female in the human species exerts more influence than the other in the physical and intellectual conformations or peculiarities of the offspring. In some families the children will most resemble the father ; in others, the mother's traits are the more predominant. Dr. Walker, in an Essay, states that the upper and back part of the head usually resembles the mother's ; while the face from the eyes down- ward most frequently resemble that of the father. The transmission of color seems to be better marked than other peculiarities. Two persons of different color cohabiting, and producing offspring, will produce a mulatto. In regard to color the preponderance seems to be on the side of the father. A dark man cohabiting with a white woman will produce a darker child than a dark mother conjoining with a white father. COLOR OF THE PARENTS. In some animals the color of both parents seems to be equally pre- served. This is the case with piebald horses. In some breeds of horses it has been found that as many as two hundred and five of the offspring or product of two hundred and sixteen pairs of horses, the color of the parents was equally preserved. The qualities of the mind are perhaps as much liable to hereditary transmission as bodily configuration. Memory judgment, imagination, passion, diseases, and what is usually called genius, are often markedly traced in the offspring. I have known mental impressions forcibly impressed upon offspring at the time of conception, as concomitant of some peculiar eccentricity, idiosyncracy, waywardness, irritability, morbidness, or proclivity of either or both parents. I recollect the case of a female who was quite a coquette before her marriage. She married against her parents' will, and went West with her husband. Having failed in his business, he was compelled to locate in his wife's neighborhood, and among her friends. This so humbled her pride that she excluded herself from society, and occupied the most of her time in reading the Scriptures and singing psalms, which seemed the only gratification for her mind. She conceived, and gave birth to a daughter while laboring under this religious melancholy WONDERS OF GENERATION. 139 or mental peculiarity. The child, as soon as it was old enough to notice anything, exhibited a singular fondness for the Bible, and was constantly humming psalms. I know a man whose mind was so much troubled in consequence of the cares of his business that he became extremely excitable and irritable of temper. His wife bore him a child while this mental disturbance continued. . Before its birth, he remarked that its mind would be on the " high-pressure principle." This prediction some years afterwards was fully verified. There can be no doubt that the peculiar mental character- istics of a parent are often repeated in the offspring. In estimating mental and physical inheritances, however, it should be remembered that much will depend upon education, pursuits, and modes of life, as all have a strong tendency to overcome hereditary influence. TRANSMISSION OP DISEASE. The transmission of disease from parent to offspring, is often markedly noticed. Almost all forms of mental derangements are heredi- tary — one of the parents, or near relation, being afflicted. Physical or bodily weakness is often hereditary, such as scrofula, gout, rheumatism, rickets, consumption, apoplexy, hernia, urinary calculi, hemorrhoids or piles, cataract, etc. In fact, all physical weakness if ingrafted in either parent, are transmitted from parents to offspring, and are often more strongly marked in the latter than in the former. Where both parents are affected with the same disease, the children will have the hereditary transmission more prominently developed than where only one parent is diseased. From observations made in upward of two hundred cases of consumption, I discovered that the child, which most resembled the parent that was consumptive, almost invariably contracted the disease and died with it before they had arrived at the middle period of life. In order to be more perfectly understood, a supposed case rnav be presented. The father is predisposed to consumption and the mother to nervous affections. They have six children — three of them resemble the father in temperament and other physical and mental peculiarities — while the other three have equally as strong a resemblance for those of the mother. Those that partake of the traits of the lather are most liable to consumption and to die of that disease, while those resembling the mother will inherit her infirmities. The children in whose organization l 140 WONDERS OF GENERATION. blended the peculiarities of both jDarents are usually liable to their respec- tive idiosyncracies and ailments. This law I have found invariably correct. Taking facts like these into consideration, how very important is it for persons before selecting partners for life, to deliberately weigh every element and circumstance of this nature, if they would ensure a felicitous union, and not entail upon their posterity, disease, misery and despair. Alas ! in too many instances matrimony is made a matter of money, while all earthly joys are sacri- ficed upon the accursed altars ol lust and mammon. CURIOUS FREAKS OF NATURE. Marks and Deformities. — Marks and deformities are also trans- missible from parents to offspring, equally with diseases and peculiar proclivities. Among such blemishes may be mentioned moles, hair-lips, deficient or supernumerary fingers, toes and other characteristics. It is also asserted that dogs and cats that have accidentally lost their tails, bring forth young similarly deformed. Blumenbach tells of a man who had lost his little finger having children with the same deformity. Inju- ries of the iris and deformities of fingers from whitlow are said to have been transmitted from parents to offspring. Such freaks of nature are possible, yet all such statements of peculiar anomalies are to be regarded with distrust, since it is well known that many maimed and malformed persons are the parents of children without such imperfections of physical appearance. A belief is entertained that the frequent breeding in the same family has a tendency to deteriorate a race. This rule appears to be applicable also to the animal kingdom. In the human such deterioration seems to be both mentally and physically manifested. The marriage of first cousins, although recognized in this country by law, is strongly denounced by many physiologists as extremely inimical to the perpetuation of a pure- blooded and vigorous race. The inter-marriage of different nations of the same type, as that of a Caucasian branch with another branch of the same ; or an African with another branch Ethiopian stock, will tend to the mental and physical vigor of the offspring of either type ; but admix- ture of the Caucasian with the Ethiopian, will deteriorate the type of the former race. An example of the admixture of one Caucasian race with other of the same order of genus, being productive of signal advantage is afforded WONDERS OF GENERATION. 141 in the Persian race by their intermarriage with the same beautiful Cir- cassian and Georgian woman. The same may be noticed in all civilized nations. The blending of the Saxon with the Celtic races, for instance, has an important bearing upon the temperament, mental qualities and physical conformations of the intermediate stock or issue. There seems to be an advantageous union of the respective elements of each, increasing physical stamina and intellectual attributes, as well as adding to the symmetry, grace, beauty and manliness of both nations. The union of the mercurial, fiery, and impulsive with the cool and phleg- matic, tends to promote that medium and balance of temperaments which is desirable as the chief characteristic of a proud, noble aud perfect man or woman, or even of a nation or people. The peculiar features, idiosyncracies, or other peculiarities of the Jewish or Hebrew race, are strikingly identical wherever these people are found, in all parts of the world — from the simple fact that they rarely ever marry or mix their blood with other than Jewish people, or with other races, whether of the same Caucasian type or not. Were these " peculiar people " to amalgamate more largely with other Caucasian branches of the human family, no doubt the Jewish physiognomy would soon become greatly altered, or modified at least, if not much improved. FINEST POSSIBLE PROGENY. The law of Nature appears to be immutable in respect to procrea- tion or reproduction. The more vigorous the races and types that com- mingle, the more certain it is that the product will be of an improved and exalted character. The breeders of fine cattle and other animals are cognizant of this principle of Nature, and accordingly select the purest breeds in order to ensure the finest possible progeny. The same law is applicable in husbandry, horticulture, nori-culture, etc. The choicest fruits, flowers and vegetables, are the result of a proper selection of the procreative elements aud a strict observance of Nature's mandates and requirements. So with the human family. It is doubtless capable of wonderful improvement and exaltation, were there a judicious blending of the highest -physical and mental attributes of the male and female progenitors of the species. The purer the parent stock, the more per will be the progeny, and the nearer will they approximate to the original or primitive type of excellence, or of organism. The stronger principle very naturally will drive out the weaker. 142 WONDERS OF GENERATION. Good and bad qualities will not permanently coalesce and produce any thing perfect. There will be a tendency either to good or evil. If the good element be the strongest, it will finally eradicate the evil element. If the evil principle be paramount that which is intrinsically good must succumb before its dominant power. There is evidently a tendency in every thing to return to the original type. We have examples of this in the mixture of the black and white races — or rather types — of mankind. Whatever may be said of the unity of the human race, it would seem that these types are entirely distinct, and by consequence, could not have sprung from the same original parent stock. According to the most reliable physiological and other data, there are at least four distinct types of man, as embraced under the terms Caucasian or white ; the Ethiopian, or black ; the Mongolian or yellow ; and the Indian, or red, however varied or multiplied the branches of each may appear. They are perhaps as distinct in essential elements as the rat and the mouse are distinct, or the monkey and baboon, or the lion and the cat, and were never intended to intermix, nor will they ever coalesce if allowed to remain in their normal or natural condition. The very location in which these respective types of man are found, favors this theory. DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEN. The negro is as much indigenous to Africa, or its latitudes and climates, as is the lion and boa constrictor to the same regions of the globe ; so with the other types of men to their native or specific latitudes. The banana is not found growing in the North, nor the apple in the South. So with flowers, fauna, and other objects of the animal and vege- table kingdoms. All have their fitting places, or locations, most adapted or suitable for their development, procreation or reproduction. The tiger does not thrive in a northern clime, nor will the bear or hog flourish in the torrid zone. The birds and fowls of a warm climate are different from those of a colder one, however they may resemble each other in many respects, or even when ranked in the same class, or of th e same genus or species. These facts are self-apparent, and 'will require no special argument for their verification. Take, for example, the crossing of the black and white races of man. The offspring of each successive generation becomes more nearly allied to the purest breed of the two — which is that of the white or Caucasian WONDERS OF GENERATION. 143 type. The progeny become whiter and whiter nntil the dark or negro element is entirely obliterated. On the contrary, by no process or alchemy of nature can you ever convert the progeny of a black man by a white woman to the dark color of the African father. The vis vitse of the two distinct races seem antagonistical and inharmonious, and therefore cannot equally commingle. That of the Caucasian, being more highly endowed, overcomes that of the African. The latter, after several suc- cessive generations, become completely extinct or absorbed by the former. This is illustrated by analogy, in the fact that the rat of Norway, imported into England and America, has totally driven out the original common rat of those countries. This seems to be a universal law of Nature, intended to protect and preserve distinct types — to save the weaker from the stronger. This truth is confirmed in the fact that hybrids rarely propagate, or, if they do, it is only for a limited and defi- nite period. The dominant principal must always prevail. Hence it is easy to believe in hereditary predisposition, or in the transmission of diseases or peculiarities from parents to offspring. APPEAR IN AFTER GENERATIONS. Not only is this the fact, but such abnormal peculiarities may extend through several successive generations. Sometimes they are intermitted or lost in one immediate generation to appear in a subsequent or later one, even to the third or fourth remove from the original malformed or diseased parental stock, agreeably to the text of Scripture, that the " sins (or infirmities) of the parents are visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation. " It becomes a matter of wonder when we come to inquire into the peculiarities of hereditary transmission, that two microscopic specks, such as the egg of the female and the spermatozoon of the male are capable of transmitting during three or four subsequent generations, all the weaknesses and imperfections of parents. This law, however, even becomes the more surprising when we come to inquire into the influence exerted by the minds of the parents upon these microscopic atoms at the time of conception, which is to unfold them into the future human being. We have already given several cases in corroboration of the influ- ence exerted by parents upon posterity, even in the most rudimenta] or incipient form of embryotic existence. Combe, in his great work on the u Constitution of Man,'' sustains similar views in an admirable manner. 144 WONDERS OF ■ GENERATION. The celebrated Darwin, though he indulged in many chimerical notions, among others that man was originally developed from a tadpole — held views respecting the influence of the parents' mental qualities upon the offspring at the time of conception, that appear to be based upon the clearest facts and the highest philosophical deductions. Both of these authors demonstrate that children conceived during or after drunkenness or debauchery are liable not only to a predisposition to intemperance, but to a debility, both of mind and body, amounting in many instances to idiotcy itself. The same is proved of the venerous or amorous impulses. In short, according to the predominance of any propensity or frame of mind, the offspring may be a genius or a dolt, a sentimental swain or an unfeeling brute, a thief, a robber or a murderer. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TRAINING. These notions are corroborated in too many instances to gainsay their verity, yet I am constrained to think that more importance is attached to them than they deserve, in view of the power of secondary causes that may be brought to bear for the correction, amelioration or eradication of such inherent proclivities. Such influences, no doubt, are capable of being materially controlled by the mother, not only during the embryotic and fcetal life of the offspring, but in its physical and mental training in a subsequent period, after it arrives at a proper age, or years of intelligence and reflection. "Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined," is an axiom as applicable to the human creature as to the tree or shrub. Hence the necessity of having mothers properly educated and fitted to mould the minds and mollify any physical and mental defect in their offspring, in the earlier stages of their existence, as well as having them to understand those laws which are calculated to ensure the rarest beauty and vigor of their progeny, as concomitant of a wise and judicious wedded union of the sexes, and those adjuncts of health and happiness flowing out of pure habits and a rational dietetic and hygienic system compatible with the natural vitality of the general organism. As the potter moulds his clay into beautiful and fantastic devices, so it is largely in the power of woman to assist Nature in forming the most perfect and glorious of human intellectual and physical developments and conformations. She should ever strive for her own perfection, and should never think of marriage until she can possess the proper mental and physical qualifica- WONDKRS OF GENERATION. 145 tions to become a mother ! Indeed, the very name of mother is significant of everything that is pure and beautiful and lofty. The model men — the great and wise and good men — in all ages of the world, owe their exalta- tion to the pure minds, noble hearts, and heavenly virtues of beautiful and adorable Mothers ! The effect of the imagination of mothers upon their progeny, at the time of conception and after, has been doubted and ridiculed by many physiologists. Doubts and sneers and ridicule, however, are the weapons of ignorance and imbecility, and can never be used as arguments to over- throw palpable and irrefragable facts. Besides what has been advanced in the foregoing pages, there is a great abundance of evidence still at hand to substantiate all that has been affirmed in that regard. The same influ- ence will hold good not only in the human being, but perhaps in all of the lower orders of the animal kingdom. REGULATING COLOR OF THE COLT. It is related that when a stallion is about to cover a mare, and the color of the stallion be objectionable to the groom, if he will place before the mare during the time of sexual conjunction, a stallion of the desired color it will have the effect upon the mare to produce the required color in the foal, or a color different from that of its sire. This method has been repeatedly tried with unvarying success. The tyrant Dionysius supposed that handsome pictures and other objects influenced the minds of females during pregnancy so as to have a bearing upon the intellectual and physical attributes of their offspring. Hence, he was in the habit of hanging beautiful paintings in his wife's chamber, in order to improve the appearance of his children. Walker, in his work on " Beauty," supports a similar hypothesis. The sacred Scriptures speak of Jacob placing the peeled black and willow rods before the ewes as they went to drink, and the consequence in the ring-streaked, speckled and spotted colors of the offspring. The mother of Napoleon the Great, before he was born, followed her husband in his campaigns, and was subject to all the dangers and vicissi- tudes of a military life. To the influence of the mind of the mother, during utero-gestation, has been attributed the military skill and ambition of the illustrious Emperor of France. On the other hand, the murder of David Rizzio, in the presence of Queen Mai\\ was the death-blow to the courage of her son, King James, and caused his strong dislike to 10 146 WONDERS OF GENERATION. edged tools, which dislike was a peculiar characteristic of that crafty pedantic monarch. It is well known that some contagious diseases are readily trans- mitted from mother to offspring during utero-gestation ; such as syphilis, small-pox, measles, etc. Violence and severe affections of the mother are known to destroy the foetal child, and expel it from the uterus. Poisons have exerted the same influence when taken by the mother during pregnancy. This is easily explained and understood in the fact that poisons enter into the circulation, and that the same blood that circulates in the mother also supplies the foetal child with nourishment. By the same philosophy it is comprehended how a cancer may be made to grow on the breast of a female, by the concentration of her mind on the idea or possibility of such a result, or that cancers may be also cured through a similar force or influence of the imagination upon the fact. Dr. Warren, of Boston, instances a case of this kind. EFFECTS OF VIOLENT EMOTION. Jet black hair has been changed to white, as a result of some violent emotion, fear, etc. The milk of mothers has been rendered poisonous, so as speedily to destroy the offspring, through the influence of passion or other cerebral disturbance. Such phenomena are explained on the principle that nutrition, secretion, excretion, assimilation, and in fact, every function of the animal organism is controlled by the nerv- ous system — that the force generated in that system, called the " nerve force," is to the physical system what steam is to the machinery. It is by deranging this force that we have disease — first of functional character, which if not removed, soon causes a change in the structure of the organ. A cancerous tumor is a change in the nutrition of the part by an inter- ference in some way with the function of the sympathetic nervous system, either by causing a change in the blood by interfering with diges- tion or assimilation, or by causing a direct change in the nutrition of the part. It is proper to add, however, that women are often violently affected in many ways without leaving evidence of any abnormal peculiarities in the mental or physical characteristics of their offspring. The mysteries of nature are often inexplicable, but it is certainly a wise philosophy never to interfere improperly with her regular course of operations. The giving way to passions, freaks and whims, is always more or less productive of WONDERS OF GENERATION. 147 mischief, not only to mothers, bnt the offspring is liable to be affected by them. An unnatnral propensity should be curbed, if practical. A pass- ive, cheerful mind, agreeable society, suitable amusements, recreations, and exercise, with a careful attention to food and clothing, etc., all have a wonderful efficacy in dispelling megrims, moping melancholy, and other abnormal influences, quieting nervous irritability, purifying the blood, and inducing joyous, bounding health, with intellectual strength and physi- cal beauty, and the highest bliss and happiness possibly incident to a terrestrial state of existence. Truths of such importance as detailed in the foregoing pages are certainly worthy of the serious consideration of every married lady, or females of marriageable age, not only as a guide to save them multiform diseases and miseries, but as a means for the attainment of the highest and intellectual perfection compatible with the organism of woman, in the present state of existence. OR GESTATION CHAPTER XIII. [HE suppression of the menses is not a certain sign of pregnancy, although it is one of its most important con- comitant symptoms. Exposure to cold or wet, a shock to the nervous system from fright or other causes, uterine congestion or structural disease of the womb, — any of these may cause suppression. There are instances in the history of pregnancy when women menstruated regularly through the whole period of utero-gestation (pregnancy); and it often occurs that women menstruate for the first two or three months. Baudelocque and Dewees mention cases when women menstruated only during pregnancy. The enlargement and shape of the abdomen is not always a sure indication of pregnancy, and certainly not during the first three months. At the end of the third month, however, some physicians believe that they can detect a flatness in the lower part of the abdomen, which is pro- duced partly by the intestines being pushed upwards and sideways, and partly by gaseous, accumulations. During the first month, the process of gestation causes more blood to flow to the uterine region ; and the womb, in adapting itself to the new condition, causes a sympathetic irri- tation of the alimentary canal, which induces formation of gases that render the abdomen more tense and full: but this soon disappears, leaving the abdomen more natural, apparently destroying often the sanguine hopes of the would-be mother. Gases are often a concomitant symptom of pregnancy. In some cases, they are so troublesome as to suddenly collect in the abdomen ; and cause such distension as to throw the patient into spasms. After the third month, the abdomen acquires a very perceptible prominence, which gradually increases and rises, until it fills up the whole abdominal region. The increase and modification of the abdomen is not in itself a sure sign of pregnancy ; for some women, after marriage, become very fat ; others are so constructed as to show very little increase ; while others 148 PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 149 show it very soon and plainly. Women having a large frame and large pelvis wonld show very little abdominal prominence ; but little women with small pelvis, or women having the lower part of the spine much curved forward, would show a great deal. This is to be borne in mind in judging of the advancement of pregnancy when there are no data to go by. Although a gradual increase of the abdomen is a strong indica- tion of pregnancy, there are often diseases that simulate it Drop- sy may be present ; tumors may be growing in the abdomen. These exceptional cases do not often interfere, however, with the diagnosis. A woman oftentimes cannot tell whether she is pregnant or not until the fourth or fifth month ; when quickening occurs, and there is no more room for doubt. There are, however, rational or sympathetic symptoms accompanying the suppression of the menses, strongly indicating that pregnancy exists. A month or two after conception, the mammcB (or breasts) enlarge, and often become the seat of slight pains and pricking sensations ; the nipples also enlarge, become tumid and darker ; the areola, or ring section of the lining membrane of a human uterus around the nipples, spreads AT THE period of commencing pregnancy. • • r i Showing the arrangement and other peculiarity of the glands in Circumterence, and. as- ^ ^ d> with their orifices, a, a, a, on the internal surface of the SUmeS a darker Color, in ° rgan " Twice the natural size. brunettes becoming almost black. The little follicles, or pimples, also become more prominent and darker, and the veins more blue. These symptoms and changes, however, often occur from sympathy with a diseased womb. And some women state that they experience them before and during every menstruation. The presence of milk in the mammae is an additional sign, although old women and young girls have been found with milk in their breasts. Morning sickness — nausea or actual vomiting on rising from bed — is another rational sign. The term is misapplied, however; for the sickness may come on after every meal, or at any time during the day or night. Many are fortunate enough to escape this distressing symptom entirely; others are subject to it during the first two or three mouths and the last; others are afflicted by it through the whole period, becoming 150 PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. APPEARANCE OF THE SEMINAL GRANULES. APPEARANCE OF THE SEMINAL LIQUOR. thus much exhausted, and their life, in some instances, put in jeopardy. This symptom is so common, that it is sufficient in some women, to pro- nounce pregnancy at its appearance. It generally lasts from six weeks to three months, when a patient experiences a great relief until the eight month ; then it often re-appears. It is advanced, also, and it has been pretty thoroughly tested by accouch- eurs, that a certain change in the urine of a pregnant woman takes place, which may add to the circumstantial evidences of pregnancy ; and that is, the presence of a mucilaginous principle called Kyestein. This may be detected in the following manner : take half a pint of the urine of a woman supposed to be pregnant, passed early in the morning, before breakfast ; put in a glass cylinder or a tumbler ; cover it with paper, and let it rest in a safe place ; after two days, a dense pellicle or scum of fat-like matter will be found on its surface, which will increase for two or three days longer, and then evolve a powerful odor of putrefying cheese. For the sake of brevity, I will give here the recapitulation of the rational signs of pregnancy, according to Gazeaux. First and Second Months. — Suppression of the menses (numerous exceptions). Nausea, vomiting. Slight flatness of the lower part of the abdomen. Depression of the umbilical ring. Swelling of the breasts, accompanied with sensations of pricking and tenderness. Third and Fourth Months. — Suppression of the menses continued (a few exceptions). Frequently continuance of the nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Less depression of the umbilical ring. Augmented swelling of the breasts, prominence of the nipples, and slight dis- coloration in the areolae. Kyestein in the urine. Fifth and Sixth Months. — Sensation of quickening, motion in the abdomen. Suppression of the menses continued (some rare exceptions). Vomiting and nausea disappear (few exceptions). Considerable development of the whole sub-umbilical region. A convex, fluctuating, rounded abdominal protuberance, salient OVUM 14 DAYS OLD. OVUM AND EMBRYO 15 DAYS OLD. PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. 151 particularly in the middle line, and sometimes exhibiting the fetal inequalities. The umbilical depression is almost completely effaced. The discoloration in the areolae is deeper, tubercles elevated. Kyestein in the urine. Seventh and Eighth Month. — Suppression of the menses continued (exceptions very rare). Active movements of the fcetus (child). Dis- orders of the stomach (rare). The abdomen more voluminous. Some- times pouting of the umbilicus. Numerous discoloration s on the skin of the abdomen. Sometimes a varicose and dropsical condition of the vulva and lower extremities. Extended and deeper discoloration of the areolae ; breasts still larger, and nipple more prominent ; sometimes flow of milk. Kyestein in the urine. MOTION OF THE CHILD. First Fortnight of the Ninth Month. — The vomiting frequently re-appears. The abdominal swelling has increased, rendering the skin very tense. Difficulty of respiration. All other symptoms increase in intensity. Sometimes pain in the back, and other irregular pains. Last Fortnight of the Ninth Month. — The vomiting often ceases. The abdomen is fallen. The respiration is easier. Great diffi- culty in walking. Frequent and ineffectual desire to urinate. Hemorr- hoids, augmentation of the varicose and dropsical state. Pains in the loins. " Quickening " is the common term by which is generally meant the first cognizance that a mother takes of the child's moving. This first motion of the child must not, however, be understood to be the beginning of life, but simply the beginning of muscular action. The period in which it occurs varies ; but, in the majority of cases, it dates from the eighteenth week of utero-gestation. The child may be felt earlier or later, stronger or weaker, probably according to its constitutional strength and the room it has to movein. I have seen cases where the mother prognosticated a strong, large child, from her feelings; while, to her great surprise, she gave birth to a small and puny infant. The great movement during preg- nancy was due to an immense quantity of water in the sac, in which the child could float and move freely. Whenever the mother cannot give approximate data of conception, she may safely calculate the date ot the eud by adding four months and a half to the date ot quickening. These 152 PREGNANCY OR GESTATION. peculiar movements at first often induce sensations of syncope, or fainting, which gradually disappear as the woman becomes accustomed to the cause. The sensation of quickening does not remove all doubt as to the existence of pregnancy. Some women have not only felt this, but have even thought of having seen the movements of the child through the abdominal walls, and yet were not pregnant. Again ; women have been found pregnant when they had not been conscious of any sensation of quickening. The movements of the child may be so slight as to be imperceptible to the mother. Two hundred and eighty days is the general average of the duration of pregnancy, which may be divided into ten lunar months, or nine calen- dar months and ten days. Pregnancy is generally dated from the last appearance of the menses. In this, however, physiologists have differed ; probably from the fact that many women have been disappointed by this calculation ; and this ques- tion cannot be settled as long as it is impossible to exactly tell when conception takes place. NUMBER OF DAYS FOR GESTATION. The accepted theory is now, that an ovum descends into the womb immediately before or after every menstruation ; that it remains there eight or ten days, exposed to fecundation ; that, after this, it losses its vitality, and passes off, after which the female is not liable to conceive until the next operation of the ovaries. This theory has a great deal that is plausible, but has been found untenable in so many instances, that it is not to be relied on. An accoucheur of great renown and experience has given a hundred and fifty cases, in each of which he had noted the precise date of the last appearance of the menses. These cases, which will be found below, show the impossibility of making an exact calculation of the time of delivery from that date. Five women were delivered in from 252 to 259 days. Sixteen " " « " " 262 " 266 Twenty- one women were delivered in from 267 " 273 274 Forty-six Twenty-eight Eighteen Eleven Five 281 288 295 303 280 287 294 301 306 37th week. 38th 39th 40th 41st 42d 43