2w Tf&W ! 21 Class n& Book_MS£ CoRyrighi^?- A COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 1 'i j3 x i n *■ ^ '+* — qq % - :t z x 2* s X U * it r 4< I s - - QUEEN LOUISE OF PRUSSIA -Gustav Richter The beautiful and unfortunate queen. Unfortunate, because she ventured to dis- please the great conqueror, Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon, however, always testified to her greatness and personal purity, and respected her all his life, citing her as an example of an illustrious woman, wife, mother, and queen. THE LAWS OF NATTJBE BEVEALED THE SCIENCE OF EUGENICS AND SEX LIFE THE REGENERATION OF THE HUMAN RACE THE PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF BRINGING CHILDREN INTO THE WORLD, ELIMINATION-SEGREGATION-SELECTION, THE RIGHT TO GET MARRIED, THE LAW OF OPPOSITES, THE MOTHER THE SOLE ARBITER OF HER CHILD'S FATE, HOW TO HAVE PERFECT CHILDREN, THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT ON CHILDREN, THE SCIENCE OF REPRO- DUCTION IN ALL ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE, HOW THE HUMAN BODY CAN BE MADE IMMUNE TO DISEASE, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TRAINING OF CHILDREN AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN OF A CHILD, THE SEXUAL LAWS OF NATURE AND THE EFFECTS OF THEIR VIOLA- TION, THE BIBLE ON SEX HYGIENE FROM THE NOTES OF WALTER J. HADDEN, M. D., Fellow Boyal College of Surgeons Edited by CHABLES H. ROBINSON, Biologist SEX=LIFE, LOVE, MARRIAGE, MATERNITY LIFE CENTERS, MAN'S IDEAL WOMAN, WOMAN'S IDEAL MAN, CHOOSING A MATE, SCIENTIFIC MATING, CUPID'S CONQUEST, THE HONEYMOON, WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES, THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS, PURE SEX-LOVE, WOMANHOOD, PRE-NATAL INFLUENCE, THE GIFT OF MOTHER- HOOD, THE SUCCESSFUL MOTHER, THE POWER OF THE MIND, ETC., ETC., ETC. By MARY RIES MELENDY, M. D., Ph. D. NATIONAL PUBLISHING CO. No, 241 American Street PHILADELPHIA, PA, \ COPYRIGHT 1904 BY W. R. VANSANT COPYRIGHT 1914 BY W. R. VANSANT ALL . RIGHTS RESERVED JAN 28 I9I4 >CU3617S5 *4s PUBLISHERS' NOTE r T^HE awakening of the Nation to the problems pertaining to Personal Purity, -*■ Sex-Hygiene and Eugenics, has created a demand for an authoritative series of instructions, presenting scientific facts written in suck language as to bring the subjects within the understanding of the great number of people that go to constitute our home life. Such is tJie purpose of this work. Government investigation has sounded the alarm calling attention to the neglect of the greatest of life's interest. Fathers, Mothers, Teachers, Educators, Preachers, Physicians and leading Scientists are appalled at the conditions of degeneracy resultant from this widespread ignorance. Human Life, the most sacred of all life, depends on the proper teaching of Personal Purity, Sex-Hygiene and the Science of Eugenics; therefore, as moral instruction is the dominant educational need of the present generation, so the solving of sex problems transcended all others in importance. Many generations have joined in the " Suicidal Policy of Silence" in matters pertaining to Sex and Reproduction. The result is widespread ignorance of matters of the utmost importance to the individual and the race — ignorance of which many good people feel proud, but might well be ashamed. The social conditions of today demand the raising of the standard of human life; to develop wiser and better trained parenthood; to bring in to closer rela- tions the home and the school that parent and teacher may co-operate. intellU gently in the education of the young ; to better fit young people for the duties of parenthood; to develop the childhood of the whole world into good citizens instead of law breakers and degenerates ; to foster all that concerns childhood in the home, school, church, state and legislation, and to interest men and women to co-operate in the work for social purity. Sacredness of the body should be taught early to children. It is through ignorance on this very important subject that too often the young are entrapped to their ruin. Parents frequently act too much as if child-like innocence could last for life, and as if knowledge were a crime. So grave 'are the errors of ignorance in the married relation that to encourage or even to allow young people to marry without receiving instruction, is foolish and to offer no advice or warning is criminal. f How are young folks to know if they are not taught in their childhood? We prepare our children for trades and professions by special training. Why, then, shoidd we neglect to give them competent knowledge of their genetic nature, Which has such a lasting influence on their physical, mental and moral natures? To leave them to learn from the "voice of nature" belongs to the ignorant past; PUBLISHERS' NOTE and since we cannot keep them from knowing, there is left us no choice in the matter. ~We are to decide whether the child shall receive right and pure instruc- tion from parents and teachers, or learn through impure instruction from chance associates. The sacredness of the body should be taught early, and as soon as the child begins to ask questions in regard to the origin of life the parent or teacher should answer them truthfully. Surround the subject with purity of thought, expressed in words of simplicity — and at the same time awaken in the child an admiration for the goodness and wisdom of the Creator, and there will be such a sacredness in the subject that instead of demoralizing there will remain an elevating and refining influence. If children are intelligently instructed as soon as curiosity is awakened there will be no chance for inflaming their imagination. The most earnest desire is to promote social purity, by imparting right knowledge, hallowedly, a firm belief in the wisdom and goodness of God, and to keep the thoughts directed to thS highest ideals of manhood and womanhood. Many have been taught that the sexual organs themselves are impure. This is not true. God made them, and they are the part of the body most sacred of all, for to them is given the honor and privilege, under right conditions, after marriage, of creating life. To properly inaugurate the true standards of social purity we must first recognize that, "The Truth and Facts about Sex Laws and Hygiene, are the\ foundations upon which this nation must build for the future." The teaching of practical and applied sex hygiene is now to have its place in our schools, the legislatures of many states have passed laws to prevent the births of degenerates and nearly all the other states have such legislation under serious consideration. Foolish prudery is passing, pai~ents are beginning to realize that the attitude of the world 9 s educational institutions toward sex hygiene must be revolutionized if we are to combat evil and disease. The greatest peril to youthful innocence is the secretive prudery of parents and the resultant ignorance of their children. To overcome and combat this lack of knowledge for home teaching the pub- lishers have combined in the present ivork, The Science of Human Life, a complete course of simple instruction for the use of parents under the following titles by authors specially fitted for the task assigned them. THE SCIENCE OF EUGENICS THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE HUMAN RACE AS APPLIED TO THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BRING- ING CHILDREN INTO THE WORLD- WEEDING OUT DEGENERACY -EFFICIENCY OF MAR- RIAGE-PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ATTRIBUTES REQUISITE -HEREDITY FROM PARENTS AND REMOTE ANCESTRY, SELECTION, ELIMINA- TION AND ENVIRONMENT - INFANCY TO MATURITY THE CRITICAL PERIOD. PART I. CHAPTER I. The Science of Eugenics E ARE at a critical period in the history of civilization. Signs of weakness, degeneracy, increase of vice and crime, inadequacy of power to perform physical and social duties abound on every hand. We can not return to the ancient, or Spartan method of weeding out incompetents by extinction, but the proper breeding of men may be regulated and directed with as much success and profit as that of plants and animals. The tendency of plants, animals, and man, as the highest in rank in the animal kingdom, if left to themselves is backward to an original uncultivated type. This is usually called "degeneracy" for want of a better name. It is the beginning, or "scrub" stock which it has taken so many pains to raise to perfection by arduous and careful cultiva- tion, in breeding and elimination. Who would suspect that the luscious tomato of our markets sprang from the deadly nightshade, and if left to i * 1 2 The Science of Eugenics itself in climates where frost does not cut it off, will revert to its ancestral stock? It is a long way back from the magnificent Arabian courser almost human in its intelli- gence to his forbear, the wild, shaggy, fierce horse of the plains. Our flocks and herds are unrecognizable specimens of shaggy, scrawny brutes raised to perfection by the in- breeder's art, skillful elimination. As has been said, we can not exterminate incompetents, but we can suppress their production. Nobody but a fool will mix tares with his good grain. On the contrary, every man makes perfect marriage be- tween the soil and the seed he sows, else, as he well knows, his harvest will be poor, small, per- iod Seed Planted hapg nil? and fit only for the furnace in Bad Soil with the chaff of fh& thresMng floor> Nor does the intelligent husbandman plant good seed in a poor soil; and if the soil be good and the seed poor the re- sult will be degeneracy of crop and an unmarketable har- vest. This is the crux of the whole human situation; the present conditions that tend to reversion to scrub, degener- ate stock, and the work of centuries to be done over again. Out of this situation has arisen the science of "eugenics' ' or more properly, ' ' eugeny. ' ' Practically, "eugenics" means a good race, or nobility of birth, and it is now applied especially, to the develop- ment and improvement of the human race. We can not fully comprehend the summary or collective law of nature impressed by God upon the original particles of all things, so as to make them attack each other and come together, and by their repetition and multiplication produce all the variety in the universe, but the faint no- tions we have lead us to adopt regulation of this collective law as a necessary protection to men in their social rela- tions. The Science of Eugenics 3 There are three modes of viewing the science of eugenics as to practical results, either of which will result in benefit, and one or the other of which must be adopted before there can be any improvement along human lines. The first mode, that of ' ' Elimination, ' ' is a violent method, adaptable only to social conditions where the law of necessity prevails. Sparta practiced elimination by put- ting to death the incompetent, the im- perfect, the cripple, the weak, and all who could not by any possibility be of service or benefit to the state. The worthless or injurious had to be got rid of, cast out, expelled, or ejected from society. The only rem- nant of forcible elimination in these modern times is the rope or the electric chair for murderers. In new communi- ties without the regulatory force and influence of fixed laws, lesser crimes or acts called for the death penalty, as witness the work of "vigilance committees' ' in the mining regions, and lynching for rape and other racial crimes in various localities. The latter is still in vogue in some com- munities. The second mode, that of " Segregation, ' ' is more com- mon than any other. Criminals of every kind are segre- gated when put in prison where they can not practice their vices to the detriment of the public. segregation j^ - g ac [ v i se( j \ n ^he case f the feeble minded and insane. So long as the feeble minded person is left at large, he will find another feeble minded person who will live with him and have children by him. As well con- trol the mating of rabbits or mice by legislation. The only way is to segregate them. The same mode would apply to the admixture of the different races. The third mode, that of "Selection," seems to be the only feasible method of improvement. But this idea of selection is very much misunderstood. Generally, selection 4 The Science of Eugenics is the separation of those organisms which are to survive from those which are to perish. But selection before there can be any selection the fittest must already be in existence. This can not be said at the present stage of our social condition. Selection does nothing but assure the preponderance to the fittest. This should be understood of natural selection. But our present term "selection" is limited to sex. By sexual selection, which is the eugenic proposition, is meant the combination of those beautiful things especially attractive to the oppo- site sex, which tend to become perpetuated or enhanced, thereby producing an uplift, a mental or moral raising up or upheaval. Upon this proposition there are no dissenting voices. The beautiful and good, the pleasant and moral do not exist in the degenerate, wherefore, by cultivating them, or enforcing them these things will be perpetuated and de- generacy eliminated. The question between two young people now is not, "Let us marry,' ' but, "Have we the right to get married V If two people are already married, they ask themselves "What sort of children shall we The Right to have?" It is as clear as day that the e arne majority of people who marry do not know each other except slightly, and know nothing about their parents or grand parents, indeed, they never consider them at all. The new science says : ' ' Know yourselves and your family conditions. ' ' There come in traits and tenden- cies that descend from the grand parents, or skip a genera- tion and appear later on. One is heredity, the other atavism. A man and wife with jet black hair have children with jet black hair also, but, astonishing to relate, one of the grand children has brilliant red hair. A case for suspicion, The Science of Eugenics 5 yon may say, but a little investigation shows that one of the great-grand-parents had red hair, so suspicion is al- layed. This is a common experience as to other traits. Again: "I do not understand why my daughter should have contracted tuberculosis. She is very strong and ro- bust, and capable of resisting infection." Investigation disclosed that a remote forbear died of tuberculosis. Now tuberculosis is not an inheritable disease, but the "ten- dency" is transmissible, and this is what the daughter three or four times removed acquired from atavism. Not only these visible defects and variety of traits, but mental qualities are transmitted, sometimes skipping a generation or more, and the victim may have the traits and tendencies unconsciously, and when the conditions are favorable, the tendency develops, and the trait becomes prominent. There are bright, healthy, robust children in families where the parents are sickly, unintelligent or even de- praved, and on the contrary, there are weak, sickly, stupid, and depraved children with parents of The Basic the most moral character and robust health. This with all the conditions conducive to health and proper mental training. It is the working of the law of heredity and can not be escaped by any known method of treatment or training. It is a basic law of nature, that somewhere traits and tendencies will crop out in the race of descendants. Sometimes one par- ticular child will exhibit traits different from the rest of the same family, and it is a common remark to say: "I do not know who this bad child takes after. ' ' The sorrow- ful mother or father might know if they would have looked back to their forbears, and would not have had cause for sorrow had they taken precautions to prevent development. It is impossible to take two children of the same family trained in the same way, under exactly the aame circum- 6 The Science of Eugenics stances, and in the same environments, and have them turn ont alike. One of them will be dull and spiritless, the other bright and intelligent. Everybody must have noticed this it is so common. The children of the deaf and dumb or blind are not necessarily deaf, dumb or blind any more than the children of normal parents. These defects are freaks of nature. Heredity and atavism, however, are not scapegoats upon which every defect in humanity may be heaped with rea- son. We must look to child training to ascertain conse- quences which are as much to be and as easily avoided as causes. Admitting it to be a scientific fact beyond dispute that traits and tendencies are inherited, it is reasonable to suppose that with the proper care, food, environment, etc., those traits and tendencies may be modified, and the pos- sessor be rendered immune to their influences. Every child is born into the world with all his organs physically arranged for the battle of life. He is free from tuberculosis, and all other fermentative and vegetable in- fections, none of which can he possibly inherit directly. But at his very first breath he takes into his system the germs of numerous diseases that make their active appear- ance in after life when his physical powers of resistance become weakened or impaired. He drinks in tuberculosis with his mother's milk; from the milk in the bottle how- ever carefully prepared or sterilized; from the atmosphere around him and from the infected breaths of those who caress him. To this extent the blame may be removed from heredity. But his powers of resistance certainly come from heredi- tary defects. Weakness is betrayed in his vital organs, and unable to resist the tremendous multiplication of germ diseases, he must succumb. The germs Hereditary Defects of digeage may lurk inert in hig gygtem for years and in adolescence, or middle age that may make The Science of Eugenics 7 their virulent appearance with fatal results. There are very few persons entirely free from germs of some kind, but the physical powers of resistance being strong, the germ remains in its cyst awaiting a favorable condition to attack. A slight cold, bad food, impure air, favorable en- vironments, over exertion, worry, anxiety, or other mental or physical causes, and the resistance falls below the at- tacking power of the germs and they come forth and sow the seeds of death throughout the system. Eugenics, therefore, must be considered from two points of view to produce improvement that will be of any value or consequence to humanity: 1. The proper selection of parents, which involves a scrutiny into the mental, moral, and physical conditions of the parents and their forbears, back as far as possible, even to the third or fourth generation back- The Proper Selection war( j # We may as we n a( j op t as a guide the scriptural threat to visit the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation, and back at least, to the third gen- eration, for so atavism may be brought into the lime light. We can not have half way measures in this business for that would be to return to the old rut. It is estimated that more than two hundred thousand individuals in the United States rank as imbeciles, most of them congenital, that is, born imbecile, a hereditary taint. Parents may be mentally sound and The Iniquities of normal physically, but may carry in- herited defects and weaknesses. A child may be born perfectly normal mentally and physi- cally, and afterward develop imbecility. It may be due to some disease germ preying upon his nervous force, or it may be the cause of accident, or an aftermath of disease, but it all comes to the same cause, the inherited weakness 8 The Science of Eugenics that is easily overcome; a lack of resistance that causes a surrender at the slightest attack. We must also consider that with mental and physical defects travel moral per- versity. The normal body and person is moral, but at the touch of some disturbing agency, the normal balance is overthrown and immorality results as sure as light from the sun. The hereditary instability of the nervous mechanism comes from inherited weakness, and it manifests itself vari- ously in different members of the same family. One mem- ber may be good and normal, another Criminal Tendency feeble minded, another may develop Insanity, Drunken- cr i mma i tendencies, another epilepsy, insanity, drunkenness, debauchery, etc. There is no habit of the mind or body that does not originate in some weakness or inability to resist. We may tone up the body, practice the rest cure, vitalize lost energy, and so on, even effecting what would be considered a cure. But the weakness is still there, the tendency exists, and the barriers of artificial resistance will be again broken down at the first appearance of the enemy and a vigorous attack. Upon the question of marriage limited to normal per- sons hinges the improvement of the human race socially. It is a delicate subject to consider, one that has been said to interfere with the great design of Marriage Limited to q od who commanded the human race Normal Persons 1 ,,. -. . . , to increase and multiply, indeed, prominent reformers in politics, legislators and place hunt- ers advocate the constant multiplication of the species, in some cases offering prizes to the greatest producer, not of quality, but of numbers. Again, there are those who argue against any restriction as an attack upon free will, constitu- tional rights, etc. The Science of Eugenics 9 All these things may be true, and it may be true that every man has a right to live which can not be doubted, but no man has a right to live at my expense, or subject me to discomforts or misery that he may be happy and contented. I have a right to my own property, that other men do not think so is proof of a disagreement of opinion, hence ap- pears the thief. So I lock up my property to keep it from being stolen. Does anybody complain because I do so? It may be true that marriage is a divine institution, the builder up of the State, the manufacturer of angelic hosts, etc., etc., but let such rights be observed without interfer- ing with the rights of others. The Marriage as a Divine ancient Romans wanted to increase and multiply, hence the rape of the Sabine women. Various localities in the United States de- ficient in female inhabitants and with a surplus of males, offer inducements to a female immigration to fill the de- pleted ranks of their population. But the law of reason and justice comes in as an adjunct and a regulatory force that puts a check rein upon indiscriminate unions for the mere sake of reproducing for commercial purposes. The world can not go on deteriorating, and degenerating with- out ruining the designs of God that man shall aim for the highest things in life. Nowhere can it be found that the Almighty while insisting upon repro- Relations Between duction, insists that it shall be carried the Sexes Regulated .,, , , * on without reason and common sense. On the contrary, free love is prohibited, and the relations between the sexes regulated. To reach perfection was the constant insistence of Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, addressing the multitude he said: "Be ye therefore per- fect, even as your Father which in heaven is perfect." There is no justification here for perpetuating imperfec- tion, but the contrary. 10 The Science of Eugenics It will be wise to dispel the theological idea and come to the human one of men living in social relations, striving to better conditions and improve the race to make them bet- ter able to comprehend the theological idea. We strain at gnats and swallow camels without a grimace. While few men and women can claim immunity to some hereditary traits and tendencies, weaknesses, or unstand- ardized strains, it is quite possible to discriminate, or select out of the great mass of lovers, and people who would marry, the best stock available. If marriage is a holy in- stitution, then the more perfect it is the holier it must be. The product of holiness is not necessarily holy; it depends upon the standard of holiness. Two people of normal mental and physical attributes without ancestral taint of any consequence, may freely wed and follow the rule to increase and multiply without re- striction except their own common sense and ability to care for their progeny. The departure takes place when one without taint mar- ries another with taint from an ancestor. Here is where marriage may be truly said to be a lottery with overwhelm- ing chances of drawing a blank. In Marriage as a such case, the offspring will be tainted and his offspring twice tainted, and the strain in after years degenerate to scrub stock. When the two newly weds possess an ancestral taint, or hereditary tendency, their offspring will surely have the taint and the tendency in a double degree. The marriage of two consumptives, even if in the Marriage of i as {; stages of tuberculosis, would not Two Consumptives , ,. «. . , , * produce a consumptive offspring but would raise his tendency to become infected to the highest point. Such a case would be criminal in one sense, for the reason that the infection would not stop with the offspring, The Science of Eugenics 11 but would be spread among numerous others. It would be similar to a man arranging to kill a lot of people before committing suicide himself. A normal condition is always matched against an ab- normal tendency. This is in pursuance of a law of nature which always tends toward perfection, or to effect a cure where there is a disturbance of the Marriage to One mental or physical balance. On this Minded point it may be said, that when a nor- mal person weds one who is feeble minded, the children are likely to be normal, but with a latent tendency to feeble-mindedness, or abnormality. When the offspring of these children wed others with this latent tendency to feeble-mindedness, out of each group of four, one will be purely normal, that is without the tend- ency, two will be apparently normal but possess the latent tendency to transmit the same tendency, while one of the four will be feeble-minded. Owing to the constant struggle of nature to maintain a normal balance, the latent tendency may never reappear if the persons possessing it mate with normal persons, or persons who have no latent tendency. It is the same with good health which always preponderates over ill health in transmission, and a trait that has been bred into a family through the wrong mating of an ancester may be bred out forever by proper mating. Out of this grows the necessity for the judicious selection of marriage partners. Let us make a resume: If two feeble minded persons marry, all their offspring will be feeble minded. If both parents possess any form of functional insanity, all of their children will become insane. -^ one parent is insane and the other 111 Mated Marriages normal but of ingane gtock> half the children tend to become insane. 12 The Science of Eugenics When both parents are normal but belong to insane stock, about one-fourth of their children will become in- sane. This result may be elaborated to cover every variety of ancestral trait or tendency. It applies to animals and to plants, and seems to be a mathematically exact natural law. Biology, bacteriology and medical science have made great progress in penetrating into the apparent mysteries of humanity. They have removed from heredity and ata- vism much of the blame for conditions Transmission of Dis- th^ S p r i n g from traits, tendencies p 8 and physical weaknesses. The one well known heritable disease is syphillis which is a venereal disease, and is caused by the transmission of an animal microbe or "spirillum." Parents afflicted with this and cognate venereal diseases transmit them directly to their offspring while in process of gestation. From it spring eye diseases, and kidney complaints, which are so common as to excite apprehension among those engaged in teaching, for it is contagious. The microscope detects the spirillum and it can not be concealed from the eye of the bacteriologist. Persons mar- rying with this disease affecting one or the other transmit it to the offspring, and by him it will be transmitted to future generations. It is not a tendency or an ancestral trait but a transmissory disease. It is not disputed that heredity influences the bodily re- semblances and physical characteristics of the child. But in stating that truism, the transmitted weakness of any physical organ from the parent to the child must be reck- oned with as a possible inheritance. Biologists explain that the human body is composed of an infinite number of cells called "protoplasms," and that all of them must be supplied with nourishment so as to The Science of Eugenics 13 make them grow in unison in order to maintain a physical balance or a normal condition. In that sense heredity plays no influential part, because every child, as has been said, at the moment of birth, is provided with all the essentials to maintain the vital bal- ance. But, the bacteriologist finds that immediately after birth, the child, even with his first inspiration of the at- mosphere, takes into his system disease germs of various kinds. It is impossible for any person Disease Germs to live anvw here on earth or to breathe any atmosphere without taking in some disease germs, which exist everywhere and are the products of fermenta- tion or the disintegration of matter. They find their way into the system through the water he drinks and from all kinds of food which go through a process of fermentation, the germs spreading rapidly find lodgment in some weak portion of the body to complete their existence by causing disease. If the person is strong and healthy, his system will resist their multiplication, and they may not produce any ill effects. But should there be any weak portion, they can not be successfully resisted, and soon the disease, what- ever it may be, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, heart disease, stomach troubles, appendicitis, all nervous complaints, hardening of the arteries, and a multitude of others includ- ing typhoid, pneumonia, diphtheria, catarrh, etc. All these diseases are infections, the germs of which may be studied under the microscope and their removal accomplished if taken before the victim becomes too weak to be put into a resisting attitude or condition. Here is where heredity comes in, not as the cause, but as the producer of body cells similar to those of the parent in their energy and vital powers. The infections attacking the vital but weak portions of the system, attack the nerves also and bring on nervous dis- 14 The Science of Eugenics orders that may destroy life. They touch upon the delicate nerves of the brain, interfere with the in ec ous lseases svm p a thetic nerves that act when we are asleep, such as the nerves that promote breathing, heart action, digestion, etc., etc. By constantly rasping on the nerves epilepsy, St. Vitus dance, deafness, blindness, pa- ralysis, insanity, and a host of other ailments that are said to be from hereditary tendencies because there is no other place to classify them. The pathologist now comes in and tells us that these diseases may be cured or mitigated by the removal of the infective germs, and there are so many cures effected in this way that he can not be disputed. The bearing of all this on eugenics is this: With the exception of syphillis, as already mentioned, heredity trans- mits nothing but a possibility, and this possibility may be relieved by strengthening the ancestral weakness through a proper stimulation of the protoplasmic cells, or the removal of the infective and disturbing germs. It will be perceived that selection has assumed a differ- ent phase through the discovery of the effects of infective germs, and hereditary influences are limited to possible tendencies. That these tendencies may be obviated by eliminating their cause — that is, by getting rid of the trou- blesome germs in the child, or in the man. A mere inquiry into ancestral conditions is not enough, although it weighs much in determining just what weak organ the infection may attack in the child. Besides that, if there is no infection no hereditary Inquiry into An- trait or tendency, so far as the physi- cestral Conditions ^ body ig concerned> can exhibit it _ self under any circumstances. To reach certainty in the mating of normal persons and thus securing normal offspring, there must also be a bac- The Science of Eugenics 15 teriological examination of the blood for syphillis or tuber- culosis, or a careful miscroscopic scrutiny of the secretions to find the germ that will defeat the desire to secure normal progeny. This is as easily done as the procuring of a mar- riage license or a wedding ring. With the possibility of removing ancestral taints or physical weaknesses in a simple and easy manner, there is little left for eugenics to operate upon except the intellect- ual faculties of the child. It is as old as medicine that " There must be a healthy mind in a healthy body." It is axiomatic. If, therefore, the health of the body is maintained, the mind must be in a state of balance or equilibrium. The mind may be unbal- anced by a variety of accidents, or causes, such as a blow on the head, dyspepsia, a tumor, a disease, or anything else that disturbs the physical equilibrium. It is due mainly to physical conditions that the hered- itary tendencies become alert and manifest themselves. The germ of tuberculosis may remain in the human system without causing any trouble for an entire life, in fact, most persons have the tubercular germs lodged somewhere, but they are encysted and inert. Given an opportunity, how- ever, they break through their envelope and become viru- lently active, and kill with the certainty of corrosive subli- mate. In the same manner, what are known and considered as hereditary influences need not exhibit the smallest physi- cal trace. Education and environment, together with proper food and sufficient fresh air, Environmem d keep tllem in sub i ection - Wh F is ' lt that pious parents may produce rene- gade children? From a drunken pair there may issue an upright temperate scion. These variations of the rule cer- tainly inherited the tendencies of piety or drunkenness. ^ 16 The Science of Eugenics The answer is, they were not developed. Conditions were absent. The son of pious parents found bad companions and no saint can associate uncontaminated with sinners. It is the environment that emphasized the ancestral tendency away from its application. On the other hand, better en- vironments made the tendency to drink inert, a not needed trait, and the vigor and energy of the descendant resisted it successfully. The great bugbear of all hereditary tendencies and the insistence that they are inevitable, is the destruction of per- sonal responsibility. All our laws, human as well as divine, are based upon the personal responsi- Violationof the bility of the governed to obey at his Law of Morals hazard. If, therefore, the individual is impelled by some outside force to commit acts which are in violation of the law or of morals, how can he be held re- sponsible, and in the absence of responsibility there can be no just punishment inflicted? It is advocated with much reason and logic, that the child should have within reach such stimulating influences as may be provided to enable him to acquire vigor and the power of resistance. It requires strength of mind to resist some evils, and many are powerless before certain tempta- tions that lead to disastrous results. It will not do to say: Eemove the evil or its cause; or put the child or man be- yond reach of temptation, for that would be merely a post- ponement of the submission or yielding. We must make the child, the man, strong enough to see the evil, view the temptation and pass it by without a thought of yielding; render him immune to evil influences by proper mental training. What one child knows another child can easily find out. The sources of information are open and flaunt every one in The Science of Eugenics 17 the face. The weak and flabby become easy victims while the strong remain unaffected. Now, The Doctrine because there are weak and flabby per- of Human Rights , , T , , . , -, « sons, must the strong be punished tor their delinquencies? The doctrine of human rights is in- volved in this question. Let the child, the man, face the world and all its doings with a bold, defiant, healthy front. He knows what the result of yielding will be; whither his submission to evil will tend ; he may even be aware that by aiding in producing other weak and flabby children he is adding to the evils of mankind, but when he knows that this is so, then he will either refuse to act, or acting through mere human passion, or degeneracy, propagate evil. In such case hold him to his acts as a criminal, quasi, if not actually, and others will think twice before breaking through the restrictive trammels incumbent upon all men living in community. Eestrictive legislation accomplishes little, it never has reformed persons addicted to evil habits. Why? Because such methods are protective not curative. Hanging has not stopped murder; jails do not prevent stealing; the law against adultery is a dead letter; lynching is unavailing to stop rape. Other methods of punishment may be sug- gested, but they are all based upon misconceived notions of what should bring about reform. The bud of evil must be nipped before it blossoms, only the fruits of physical and moral perfection must be allowed to ripen. We can not prevent future happenings along the line of multiplication of the species, but we can begin at the be- ginning before the mischief has been done, to avert malig- nant consequences. The most stringent divorce laws enhance the number of divorces rather than diminish them. The very enumeration 18 The Science of Eugenics of causes give an idea of what may be done to untie the marriage knot. One reason is because The Untying of the f m i sma ting. Those who should not g marry for scientific reasons, will mar- ry in spite of restrictions that may thereafter sever the con- tract. It is in the facilities for marrying that the major part of the trouble lies and not in easy divorce laws. Does the State care enough about its future population to see that the preparations for adding thereto are as nearly per- fect as human ingenuity can make them? Two lovers laugh and say: "What is the difference, nobody cares whether we marry or not," and the deed is accomplished. The State ought to care, for it is upon its citizens that it acquires stability, even if considered a mere tax collecting scheme of government. Indifference is fatal to improvement on the part of hu- manity. It is not by regulation through force that there can be any uplift, but through the inculcation of education, and the removal of obstacles in the way of human happi- ness. At every point of the compass there is a jail, a re- formatory, a policeman, a truant officer, a tax collector, in- spectors, and an army of people who thrust back every im- pulse. We still eat food charged with deadly ptomaines; may buy deadly poisons at any druggist's; we do not know whether we are eating pure honey, sugar, or glucose. In such matters we are always at the mercy of others. But when it comes to what will prove to be a danger to the State, to society, or to human nature, man is left to himself, and without knowing why, is punished, even by those who recognize heredity as an overpowering impelling force that caused the law's violation. From birth to adolescence, or puberty, is the crucial period in every man's life. Upon the energy accumulated, stored up and provided for during that period, rests the The Science of Eugenics 19 entire future of his life. Education along the lines here in- dicated should be enforced. It is not so much whether the parents have been properly mated, although that is important, as it is whether the child has been properly cared for and trained intelligently to meet his or her future duties as a social being and a citizen. The initial twelve or fourteen years of human life, are years of physical upbuilding and the establishing of the rudiments of his future physical and intellectual progress through education. Until that time the child is imperfect, and all the forces of nature are directed toward perfecting its work, making ready, so to speak, for the struggle of life. Until the end of the period the child is a dependent, irresponsible animal, so constituted by nature with the requisite machinery to enable him to reach the point of per- fection, where he will be able to multi- The Child as a ply the species. It is then, more than at any other period, that the science of eugenics calls for its most energetic efforts. For the stronger and the more vigorous the child when he reaches the time of puberty, the more normal will be the descend- ants whom he procreates. When in process of gestation, the embryo human being draws upon his mother's body for all the elements required to fashion the various organs of his body — the physical ele- ments, not the mental acquirements, those being a subse- quent accumulation — and as the mother is more or less able to supply the demand for the chemical elements which go to manufacture protoplasms for bones, muscles, nerves, etc., the more or less normal physically will be the child when it comes into the world. But the after training is really what makes or mars the man or the woman. Growing constantly, he must have the necessary food 20 The Science of Eugenics to maintain and build up his vital energy, to supply the waste tissues that are always drawn upon by his activities. The air he breathes must be pure and free from corrupting influences or germs. He must be surrounded by pleasant influences and good companions. To leave him to his own devices would be to throw him into a state of physical and mental anarchy which is always the Mind and Soul result of unbridled, misdirected action. The animal predominates in the child but he will not remain an animal unless the conditions or environments in which he is maintained force him to re- main such. His future is intellectual, and his mind or soul must be the dominating factor of his existence whether he is to be a hod carrier or a statesman. There is no difference in the personnel of the human beings living in close rela- tions. It is the intellectual fitness that makes the man. A bricklayer may be a learned man, and an ignorant man may be flaunted as a statesman. The difference is not in degree but in quality, a small quantity weighing as much proportionately as the possessor is able to utilize it. To each one his needs and no more. It is during this period of adolescence that the child may be rendered immune to the attacks of diseases that will plague him in his manhood and cut short his career. In- fantile paralysis, scarlet fever, mumps, goiter, and kindred diseases may be avoided, whereas, if permitted to have their sway, they will produce lethal results in after years. His brain is a blank tablet upon which the writing must at first be carefully traced and not crowded. To cram the brain of a child is to kill him as surely as to overstrain his weak and growing muscles, or overload his small stomach unused to any food but the most nourishing. The growing and increasing protoplasms or cells that constitute his body and increase his stature, and his brain The Science of Eugenics 21 capacity, are forced to work harder at this period for there is the great formation of the functions of manhood going on in nature's laboratory, the creation of the human germ which in its turn gives life and adds to the world 's popula- tion. This is the very essence of man's nature, and it is the perfection of nature's workmanship. Whatever the child does before reaching this period must be done with the purpose of strengthening nature, and aiding her in com- pleting her work. Whatever is done that puts an obstacle in the way of this work, or which weakens the vigor that leads to it, weakens the ability of after life to perform the highest duty known, that of the reproduction of the species. Assuming that food, air, and environments are what they should be, there are still vices and vicious habits to be guarded against, for they weaken the mind and necessarily also weaken the body. As has been ^??t J?? . i intimated, here is the gulf from which Child Perish ., • * • , -. ^ the science or eugenics must draw the child, lest it perish. Civil laws and regulative ordinances can not reach ancestral or hereditary influences, but the in- dividual may be strengthened and taught that he is an im- portant center in the world's mechanism, and that he is part and parcel of the great onward and upward movement of humanity to a higher goal than that of merely enjoying the pleasures of mortal life. Is the child worth all this trouble? If not, then why bring him into the world? To permit him to run wild is to impose a burden upon others, and bring his parents to shame. The responsibility of bringing children into the world means a religious, a moral, a public duty to see that they are fitted for the struggle, and able to advance along the road of progress and higher attainments. THE LAWS OF NATURE THE PROPER AGE TO MARRY -THE PARENTAL INSTINCT- WEAKENING OF PHYSICAL POWER AND ITS INFLUENCE ON OFFSPRING -EFFECT OF MANUAL AND MENTAL LABOR ON THE INSTINCT OF REPRODUCTION OF THE SPECIES -FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS. CHAPTER II. The Laws of Nature F EQUAL importance with the selection of the parents to guarantee normal children, is the age when it is proper to marry. In its higher sense, marriage is the union of the male and female with the intent to reproduce the species. It is the universal law of nature. To reproduce in plants, there must be maturity of the elements of reproduction, or the union is sterile. This is a fact well known to every gardener, farmer or floriculturist. Among domestic animals, a certain age must be reached before they are permitted to reproduce. If allowed before a certain age or after another certain age, the result is stunted stock. Every stock breeder is Attainment of Ma- aware f this fact. Mankind is sub- ject to this universal law, and the fail- ure to observe it may be given as the reason why there are so many varieties of children that vary from a well recog- nized physical or mental standard. Maturity must therefore be considered as the proper period to begin the process of reproduction in all beings, plants, animals or man. But at what period in human life 22 The Laws of Nature 23 is maturity attained! We have in view only the instinct of reproduction, and have nothing to do with the advice of St. Paul in I Corinthians VII 9. The application is for those who follow Psalm CXXVIII, 3. Married life is like a sphere made up of two equal and completely united parts, following the decree in Genesis II 23, 24. Where there is a departure from this equality the result is apparent in the product, which is necessarily un- equal or abnormal, that is, not up to the standard. This is also a universal law of nature and there is no possible way of escaping it by subsequent training or education. Like begets like, and the unlike begets unlike or diversity. Generally speaking, a human being is mature at the period of puberty, that is, it is possible to reproduce. But, in nature's laboratory, the formation of the seed must be followed by the creation or formation 0iNatore ratOry of P h ^ sical conditions that insure its perfect germination. From birth to puberty, all nature is working to bring about the result of creating the germ that reproduces. The vital organs of the body are drawn upon with that object in view. And when that object is attained, nature recuperates, so to speak, in order that the germ may be surrounded with sufficient vitality to accomplish successfully the object sought in creating or forming it. To marry at the age of possible multiplication would be to invite weakness in the progeny, because neither parent possesses sufficient vitality, particularly in the case of the mother, because as has been already explained, the embryo resulting from the germ draws upon her physical organs for its own growth and perfection. The supply of neces- sary elements is soon exhausted, and the infant comes into the world weak, frail, aenemic, and imperfect, susceptible to all manner of diseases common to children. 24 The Laws of Nature It is a common belief, based upon thousands of observa- tions that seem to prove its truth, that the human system renews itself every seven years, depending, of course, upon the physical condition of the indi- ReMws S Itse?f m viduaL Assumin S this to be true > tne earliest age at which marriage should be contracted to be on the safe side, would be nineteen in the case of the woman, and twenty-one years of age in the case of the man. This calculation is based upon the general physiological fact that maturity in a woman begins at the age of twelve years, and in a man at the age of fourteen years. The age varies in individuals, but every person knows when the period arrives, and the count of seven years may be made from that period. As to the latest period when marriage should be con- tracted, mankind personally has no fixed rule, but mar- riages are contracted at all ages and between May and December at the will of the parties. But from the stand- point of eugenics, where the creation of a family is the object, physiology has established a limit beyond which it is not safe to travel. After marriage for the purpose specified, the paternal instinct practically ceases in man at about the age of thirty or thirty-five years, and in a woman at the period of her life when nature stops the possibility Cessation of f f urt her reproduction. This latter Paternal Instinct . , , r , „ , « .• period may be at forty, or forty-five, depending upon her occupation and mental labor, anxieties, worries, etc. Where persons are unmarried at the ages specified, there are numerous obstacles in the way of bringing perfect off- spring into the world, most of them physical and mental or either. We are not considering exceptions, we are estab- The Laws of Nature 25 lishing a rule. There are numerous cases of married peo- ple at extreme ages successfully having children, and there are also numerous cases of men of seventy-five years of age marrying middle aged women and raising several children. We do not have to follow the fate of their children, be- cause we may reasonably suspect that they are far from normal. The reason why seven years after puberty is specified as the safe minimum age to marry, and the age of thirty years a maximum age to engage in matrimony, is because the physical and mental vigor of both The Best Age at parties are at their height, and the Which to Marry F . . s ' parental instinct is strong. They look forward to children as a blessing and a comfort. At the age of thirty years for the man, and twenty-five years for the woman, the parental instinct exists but is mixed with the desire for companionship and the establishment of a home. But the physical vigor is not so strong as in the case of the younger couple. Besides, there is a stronger mentality or power of resistance. There is more preoccupa- tion of mind which is adverse to perfection of response to the instinct. Disparity of ages, or advanced age has but faint traces of the parental instinct which is absorbed in the desire for companionship, and whatever may be the result of such union, it is generally " accidental,' ' and not advantageous to the offspring. So far as disparity of age is concerned, the period of time between the maturity of the man and the woman may be considered the proper difference of ages, allowing a year or so more, or perhaps up to seven years less for the woman, because she matures more rapidly than the man, that is, she loses the active parental instinct and fails to respond, while the husband retains the active desire. Where this happens, there is dissatisfaction oh the 26 The Laws of Nature part of the husband, because he has other instincts than those of the parental and they find nothing reciprocal in the wife. In hundreds of cases where a couple have married young, and grown up side by side until old age, in peace and concord, it has been observed that they grow to resem- blance are so similar as to be mistaken for brother and sis- ter, or of the same blood, so true it is that they " shall be as one flesh.' ' Where, however, there is disparity, the couple grow farther apart as the years pass by and the unity of the fam- ily is endangered. The marriage of a couple who are fully mature and physically obscessed with the parental instinct is bound to be a happy union. They are old enough to see the spiritual, the moral and the intellectual traits of Happy Unions the character in each other, and each, un- Kesultol Maturity consoi(raBly> adopts that trait wMch appeals most powerfully to them, and thus they grow to- gether, and form a united family blessed with equality of hopes and ambitions, besides, such a couple continue to pos- sess a physical attraction for each other, a satisfying attraction which can not be diverted easily. The commercial spirit has crept into the question of early marriage, and it is provocative of danger by defer- ring the establishment of a home. It has recently been much discussed in the public prints. The economical question is an important one to solve and consider. Yet, it may be going too far to advise against marriage until there is an income assured capable of sup- porting the family. Such an income is never assured be- cause as time goes on, and the parties grow older, their demands increase, whereas, when they grow up together, they know how to satisfy each other's wants by regulating The Laws of Nature 27 the economy of the family. Of course, there is reason in in- curring the obligations of the married Financial Ability a s t a te. Every one knows best his or .Necessity J her own capacity to get along in the world, and what provision should be obtained. A man or woman without any visible means of employment, or source of income, or ability, ought not to marry, for that means poverty ever after. But when there is ability backed by energy, good health and perseverance, there is nothing in the way to prevent the marriage. It is the love of money that is the root of all evil, and to apply it to the marriage question is to promote race suicide. It leads to immorality, and may be considered as one of the chief causes of " Strays" in our big cities. The world contains as many, perhaps more, opportuni- ties now than ever in its history. And the man who dares, or the woman who will stand by the man who dares, will succeed sooner than the man or woman who waits for in- come to help them decide. There is another essential point to consider, and that is the mental and physical labor involved in the question of gaining a living. It does not hurt any able-bodied man or woman to work; it is where the work P ff f Cal Lab ° r is be y° nd their length that the dan- p ger is apparent. When young, labor is harmless and does not undermine the vigor of the physi- cal or mental system. Nature recuperates speedily because during the period of youth it is building up, and then is the time to marry. But if labor is continued long after the period when marrying would be safe, in order to secure an appropriate income, nature having ceased to grow, there is less recuperation and the waste of the body resulting from the exhaustion of labor, physical or mental, lessens the ability to produce normal children. 28 The Laws of Nature Not only that, but as age advances set habits are formed in both sexes and these will always interfere with happi- ness and a united family. The couple in such cases, do not grow up together because they have already grown up each in his own way and along a different line of thought, wants, demands and purposes. Their children will be as abnormal as they. One point to be always borne in mind upon this subject is this: Whatever weakens the physical system, whether manual or intellectual labor, unsanitary environments, poor food, anxiety, grief, dissipation, mis- Layinguie Physical use or n0 nuse of the organs of the body, or other exhaustive condition, will correspondingly weaken the power to reproduce the species, and finally the fountain of life will run dry and the man be left with the paternal instinct and without the power to follow it. Life may go on and be prolonged, but there is no medicine, no method by which the system may be rebuilt because the very foundation has been destroyed, and it is too late to lay another. It must be laid in youth. It is as old as the world that the mother instinct in woman is stronger than the father instinct in man. In ac- cordance with it she suffers and endures, but "forgetteth her travail in the joy of her off spring.' ' Yet, it is becom- ing a serious question in the minds of humanitarians whether this instinct is not lost when women engage in business 1 It is not deniable that economical independence pos- sesses the highest attractions to women as well as men, and to become independent before marrying is pronounced a great desideratum. We find women, therefore, in busi- ness ventures of every variety, many of them commanding high perquisites for their undoubted skill. There are also a multitude of young girls embarking in a business career, The Laws of Nature 29 soon finding themselves able to resist the advances of the other sex seeking marriage. This means delay, and delay- may mean a diminution of the mother instinct, or its total destruction. We have nothing to advance upon this question, merely presenting the facts and applying the ideas already ex- pressed to the effect that whatever exhausts the physical or the mental, diminishes the power to follow the instinct to reproduce the species. Our social relations tend toward delay in marriage, in that the expense of caring for a wife and family impose too much of a burden upon the man who would marry if he could maintain a wife. The disinclination to motherhood appears to be growing through the domination of the finan- cial question, but the leaven still exists and this with the aid of eugenical conditions observed wherever possible without destroying freedom of choice, will do much toward combatting the tendency in the direction of indifference to motherhood. Apart from all other questions of policy, finance, or in- difference, women will continue to be elevated upon a pedestal from which they can not be overthrown as mothers of the human race, and they will always meet with the most profound respect for their devotion to the cause of human- ity by bearing the burden of motherhood. HOW TO HAVE PERFECT CHILDREN CHILD BEARING-FACTS FOR MOTHERS-HOW NATURE WORKS -THE MOTHER SOLE ARBI- TER OF HER CHILD'S FATE -HOW MOTHERS CAN HAVE PERFECT CHILDREN -SAVING CHILDREN FROM DISEASE. CHAPTER III. How to Have Perfect Children HE reproduction of the species is governed by the laws of nature which are practically the same in all plants and animals including man. They are fixed and invariable, and any attempt to alter them is attended with evil consequences, such as the production of monstrosities, or inefficient offspring. According to these laws, there can be no reproduction without a junction of the male with the female, that is, they must unite, or the multiplication of the species is an im- possibility. Among fruit trees, to cite Male and [Female a familiar instance, the tree bears male and female flowers. The male flower carries a dust called "pollen," which when brought within reach of the female flower, is absorbed by it, and the result is a fruit. Generally, the same tree carries both the male and the female flowers. But some trees carry only the male, while others carry only the female flowers. This is the case with the date palm. Care must be taken to plant trees carrying male flowers in the same grove with the trees 30 How to Have Perfect Children 31 carrying the female flowers, otherwise, there will not be any fruit, the trees will be sterile. In the case of the fig tree, there are no visible flowers, that is, the tree brings out the infant fig directly without the appearance of any flowers. But the reproducing ele- ments are concealed in the fig itself, where the male and the female flowers grow together side by side. The same rule, however, is applicable, and the pollen from the male flower must reach the female flower, or there is no fruit. Nature provides that there shall be a small opening at the end of the Hg, into which insects creep and by crawling around inside the fig, distribute the pollen to the female flower and thus perfect the fruit. Men do this artificially, by inserting a small feather in the opening and twisting it around distribute the pollen as nature intends. In the il- lustration of general fruit trees, the male pollen is carried to the female flowers by the breeze, bees, insects, etc. If we examine a grain of wheat, corn, or other cereal, we will find a small portion different from its surroundings, and which may be separated from the rest. This is the germ produced by the pollen on the The Germ of Life ' ' beard ' ' of the wheat or the silk of the corn, distributed to the female organs. An ordinary hen 's egg is familiar to every one. In the yolk there is often a small black speck, in others there is no black speck, nothing but a uniform consistency. Where the small black speck is seen, the egg will repro- duce, that is "hatch," but where there is none, the egg is sterile. With a strong light the speck may be seen, and the poultry raiser is thereby able to select the eggs that will hatch, from those which will not. Now, the egg, which we will call "ovum," which is a Latin word that means u egg, ,f is the matrix, or mould in which the bird is to grow until ready to come forth from 32 How to Have Perfect Children the shell a perfect bird — an infant." The black speck is the male germ which has found its way into the ovum, just the same as the pollen finds its way into the female flower. The germ grows and feeds upon the albumen and yolk of the egg which nature has provided as its proper nourish- ment while in the shell, or as it is called, "in embryo," the word "embryo" meaning a rudiment, a beginning, a germ, or a nucleus. When the germ of the grain or of the fruit has begun to grow, nature supplies it from the earth and the atmosphere, with the elements it requires to become grain or fruit, and it does this in exactly uniform quantities, and gives just what it needs and no more. If this were not so, or if the growing embryo, drew from the earth and air, the various elements of its make-up at random, the result would be an imperfect fruit or grain, or a monstrosity. To carry this idea one step farther before comparing the reproduction of the human species, consider the mixture of species which sometimes happens. Where the flower pollen of one species of plant mixes with the female flower of another species, the result is a hybrid, or a degenerate. Take a watermelon as an illustra- tion: If watermelons grow near a squash field, there will be no watermelons, nothing but hybrid squashes, which can not be called anything. In the case of potatoes, tomatoes, or tobacco, plants of the same family, a mixture of the pol- lens produces degeneracy of fruit or vegetables. This hap- pens when the plant belongs to the same species, or family, and, strange to say, it applies to human beings as well as to vegetables and fruits. Scientific gardeners have taken advantage of this pe- culiarity to produce new varieties of fruits and vegetables, and many have succeeded, but the road is a long one, and it is wiser to keep the different species of the same family of How to Have Perfect Children 38 plants and fruits a long distance apart to prevent the mix- ture of pollens, or the production of " mongrels.' ' We now come to man, the capsheaf of animal creations, and find that the same laws of nature govern his reproduc- tion as in the case of plants, birds, and other animals. In the human species, the female is the mother of the race. Within her body exists the matrix or mould in which is to be formed another human being. It is she who carries the ovum, or eggs, in which must be The Mother of placed the germ or sperm, or human pollen from the male, otherwise she will be sterile as in the case of unfertilized plants and other animals. When this has been accomplished, she alone is the arbi- ter of the fate of the embryo, the duties of the father, physi- cally, extending no farther than supplying the germ of fecundation in the beginning. The mother ovum being thus fertilized, begins to grow, and becomes an integral part of the mother's body the same as her arm, leg, or other member. The embryo draws what it needs from the mother's body through the same blood that courses through her veins, and gets it nowhere else. There is no possibility of the embryo in its mother's womb getting anything except from the blood of its mother, for there is no connection except by way of the blood vessels. The mother may have all kinds of skin diseases; may have tumors, boils, tuberculosis, dyspepsia, etc., but they do not . affect the embryo. That is, they do A Clear Explanation not ^^ ^ embryo directly . An explanation will make this clear: Whatever the embryo needs to form its various organs, its bones, brain, nerves, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, etc., etc., it draws the material to develop them from the mother. It needs lime for its bones, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus and the salts 3 * 34 How to Have Perfect Children of all the metals and minerals to promote the growth of its body. When the embryo does not get a sufficient quantity of material from its mother to perfectly develop its various organs and parts, the organs or parts deprived of a suffi- cient quantity of nourishment, are weak in proportion to the diminished supply furnished by the mother's body. And the child will come into the world with organs that are weak. And the weak organs will be liable to attacks from disease. This deficiency in the embryo, and its sub- sequent liability to disease from weak organs, is called a " tendency," which is sometimes mistaken for heredity, or diseases which come down to the children from the parents. Scientists have discovered after thousands of experiments, that none of the infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, typhoid, pneumonia, etc., can descend to the child from the parent. Indeed, if anything does descend, it can not possibly come from the father, because his power to affect his progeny is limited to supplying the germ, or male pollen. Everything must come from the mother to the child in embryo, there is no other place for it to be af- fected. With this partially understood, it is material to know how the embryo grows in the body of its mother. Nothing is accidental, or at random, the law of nature operates and can not be interfered with without danger. The embryo begins to grow from the moment of concep- tion, and it grows very much in the same manner as a receptacle in which wheat or other grain is poured. The more grains of wheat the larger the quantity. The human body is entirely made up of grains called " cells," and each cell, although an independent formation, must dwell by as- sociation with other grains or cells, in order to live. To obtain a clear understanding of this physical situation, How to Have Perfect Children 35 take a jar of wheat. The grains of wheat represent the cells of the human body, only the latter are infinitely small and can only be seen through a powerful microscope. They are so small that a hundred millions of them scarcely come up to a pinhead of space occupied by them. Without moisture, the wheat grains in the jar are inert, that is they do not grow. Each of them possesses a germ, which may be called the "life germ," but the conditions are not favorable to their growth, they remain stationary. Now add moisture, and the wheat grains swell, and the germ becomes alive, throwing out a small shoot and begin- ning the act of reproduction as nature intended. In the same manner, the cells that make up the body of the embryo, must have moisture, which in this case means nourishment, or it is plain they will not develop. Another thing to be carefully considered, for it means life or death to the future man who has developed from the embryo: The germ that is first planted in the mother's matrix, is a cell, and its process of growth and development consists in attracting other cells formed by the million out of the material from the various parts of the mother's body. These new cells do not scatter in every direction and take up an independent existence like grains of sand, but remain closely clinging to one another and form larger and larger clusters. In a short time, the shapeless mass, or clusters of cells, take on different shapes. Some form bones, others shape into a heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and so on. By and by a skin forms from them, and the mother's blood is all the time circulating through the embryo bringing the materials from her organs and build- ing up the organs of the embryo. It is plain, that if the organs of the mother's body or any of them are weak and unable to supply the requisite cell-building material, the How Human Life Begins 36 How to Hare Perfect Children embryo organs are either smaller or weaker than they should be. Besides, nature always reproduces according to a pattern or type. Another thing that must be borne in mind is, that the embryo in its natural work of reaching perfection, may draw all the material the mother needs to keep up her vital- ity, and hence, the mother will become weak and unable to maintain the embryo. By carefully considering these elementary points, every mother will understand how necessary it is to keep up her own vitality by proper food. Every mother carrying an offspring, must live for two; herself and another human being. If she disregard the plain duty to provide for the embryo, the result will be a sickly child, one liable to the attacks The Mother's of all manner of diseases. The whole Watchfulness future of her offspring depends upon her care and watchfulness at this peri- od, for after the child is brought into the world, she will have either a healthy body to build upon successfully, or a weak one which can not respond to proper training, or will pass away in infancy or early manhood. It has been customary to say in such cases : ' ' The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, ' ' but science has discov- ered that the loss is due to universal laws established by God, which we are to follow or, by violating, take the con- sequences. It is our own fault and we should not blame the Lord. In considering the mysterious operation of the laws of nature in reproducing the human species, it must not be supposed that the human machine is constructed in an im- perfect manner. The contrary is the case. There is no mechanism, no machine that can be made by man that can or will possess the durability and working How to Have Perfect Children 37 capacity of the human body. It is especially built to resist the efforts of its enemies to destroy it, and its powers of re- sistance can be maintained for life. For seventy, eighty, a hundred years and more, the human body maintains it- self in good working order, and it makes its own repairs. All its owner has to do is to see that it is supplied with the proper material and in the proper quantities. Trying to help nature is a dangerous experiment. Children die young because they have not been built up with the ability to resist the attacks of enemies from with- out. Every fruit has its enemies; the grain in our fields may be destroyed by insects, or by too Why Children much rain causing rust, or too much heat drying it up, or insufficient heat to permit it to expand and develop. The same is the case with the human body. Early death may easily be traced to some neglect, some violation of the laws of nature, some ex- posure to the elements, anxiety, worry, and a hundred other causes that lessen the resistance or, as some say: " destroy the vitality." The child is overfed or underfed, it is restricted physi- cally or mentally and becomes warped, loses ambition, be- comes weak and timid, and loses the vital force that enables him to become a man to be proud of. He need never have had any so-called " children's diseases.' ' They are not es- sential to any child, and they are always the results of neg- lect, exposure, and uncomfortable surroundings. It is for the mother to strive for good conditions, better environ- ments, and sanitary appliances. Our laws are becoming more and more efficient every day to help her obtain bene- fits that will enable her to rear her beloved offspring, so that he will be a pleasure and a joy to her as long as she lives. THE BRAIN OF AN INFANT DEVELOPING THE BRAIN-AN EARLY START MAKES the CHILD A WINNER- ALL HEALTHY CHILDREN HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE- HOW TO INSPIRE THOUGHT AND REASON. CHAPTER IV. The Brain of an Infant ERY recent discoveries in the operation of the human brain, and in the cause of diseases which affect the human mind, have brought about a radical change in the methods of training the mind of children, and bestowing upon them what is familiarly known as an " education.' ' It is intimated in another chapter, that as a rule, all children when born stand upon the same plane as finished products of nature, standards, so to speak, and if some of them fall below the natural standard, it is because they have been charged with infections taken in through their lungs, or by way of the food put into their stomachs, or have bad surroundings. Thousands of experiments demonstrate that the differ- ence between children is caused mainly by the poisons cre- ated in their bodies by the germs of disease, which attack their physical comfort, and affect their brain to a greater or less extent. We have learned that the brain of the human being is a storehouse of cells, compartments, or spaces in which ob- jects, impressions, ideas, and thoughts are stored for future or present use. According to the estimate of such scientists as Ehrenberg, Virchow, Koch, Metchnikoff, Cajal, and the as The Brain of an Infant 39 great American brain specialists, a new object, thought or impression every second of time for one hundred and fifty years would barely fill the brain to its full capacity. Even then, nature in its liberality, would increase the space for further education. We know this to be so, because we can see it in the brain of an infant which is constantly expand- ing and increasing as it acquires education. There are such gifts as inspired thoughts, but they must come, as a rule, from the matter put into the brain, and not from supernatural sources. Eecent experiments made along • j «™_ i_ this line among a large number of Inspired Thoughts children taken at random> have proven that all infants stand upon an equality as to brain power, where normal, that is where their physical condition is per- fect, without disease or ailment, and who can digest and as- similate their food without physical or mental disturbance, and have agreeable surroundings. It is the general rule, that there are no such things as "natural gifts," for if a child has any gifts in a certain direction, along a certain line or exhibits a preference for one thing more than another, it is because more and better material has been put into his brain, or that his brain has been fed with specific matter. His surroundings or en- vironments differ. The mind of a child can not appreciate beauty when his surroundings contain nothing beautiful. His language can not be correct where he hears coarse or vulgar talk. How can decency, morals, truth, or refinement be found in a child exposed to everything that is the con- trary of the ordinary virtues? The sons of great men have seldom been great, and if we look into the pages of history, we shall find that the off- spring of the great, the powerful, the learned, statesmen and scholars, were very mediocre individuals. And this is the case today as all may perceive by looking around among 40 The Brain of an Infant their acquaintances. The reason is because the parents of such children have no time to devote to them and they are left to their own devices. The microscope disproves the well worn maxim " Blood will tell," and we know that family traits end with re- semblances according to the fixed law of nature that ' ' Like begets like." Mental and physical What the Micro- traits are acquired like diseases, after scope Disproves , . ,, , . -, , * * birth, and improved upon by environ- ment, education and training, aided by suggestions that will excite the interest and the reasoning faculties. It is said that "Poets are born not made," but if you wish your son to be a poet, it is easily done by surrounding him with beautiful objects, lulling him to rest by poetic lul- labies, and teaching him poetry as soon as he can lisp. This is the case with all other lines of refinement or skill. A mighty warrior is bred from tales of heroic deeds told in his presence or sung into his listening infant ears, not because his father or his grandfather, or some remote an- cestor was a great general. The gifts which shine in after life, the bent of the mind toward one thing in preference to any other thing, are the products of environment, education, advantages and oppor- tunities. It is the early impressions fixed upon a child's brain — those that are dominating or uppermost — that determine his future as a man, but they do not establish the line of any future career. They create a tendency, however, and are to be carefully regulated on that account. The moral life is the basis of all manhood, and while it fixes the character in after life, returning to the man when he has thrown his moral training to the winds, it does not lay the foundation for any world occupation. Here is wher© there has been a great change in child training. The Brain of an Infant 41 It was formerly supposed that to train a child to be good and moral, and then start him out into the world, was enough to fit him for success. He was taught not to lie, not to steal, not to swear, and other virtues, then he was thrust upon the world to find his vocational career at random. Experience has taught that this is the cause of so many failures in life, the reason why so many fail to reach the goal of success. He has learned virtue and honesty at his mother's knee. He is fitted for the The Cause of kingdom which is not of this earth, Failures in Life and following that alone> or knowing naught else, he tries to combine the heavenly with the earthly, and fails. If every father and mother would see that mental de- velopment is not due to inheritance, but to environment and training, the way upward to every child would be easy climbing. It has been said that the mind or brain of a child is of plastic material, that it is like a blank sheet of paper, or a tablet of wax upon which is to be written matter for his future life. When young, it is easier to inscribe proper writing than when the pages of the brain are more or less obscured by variety. Habits of accurate observation may be formed upon the blank brain, and sound reasoning power acquired. A child is essentially a thinking animal, and it must ap- pear to be the part of wisdom to train it to think correctly from the start, and to good purpose, rather than put into its brain waste material, or material that will be useless to him in after life, for by so doing, he wastes his energies, and acquires habits of thinking incorrectly. It has been explained that the sympathetic nerves are in close touch with the will power nerves, and that on occasion 42 The Brain of an Infant they clash and create confusion in the mind. This is ad- verse to correct thought, and may be avoided by ranging the matter for thought in proper order and for a proper purpose. This is preparing the way for habits of thought, which are acquired like any other habits. Habits are merely the reversion of the will power to- ward those impressions that have been placed in the brain, and by insistence, are recalled so frequently that the mind settles down and submits to them without farther struggle — gives up to them. The habit of right thinking is as easily formed as that of wrong thinking. It must be borne in mind that every human being is a compact bundle of nerves affected by a touch. The perversity of a child is not due to his nature, but to his thoughts that have been trained awry. He has seen or heard something that jangled with his right thinking, and through some bodily condition of dis- r ,< hM,!i rVerS1 ^ comfort, or other physical cause, there is a clash. There is no tendency to- ward evil any more than there is tendency toward disease. The tendency of a child to be attacked by the same disease that afflicts its mother is only a disposition toward that disease. Otherwise " tendency' ' would mean a drifting in a certain direction, and would imply that the disease al- ready exists, whereas, it is a mere possibility, not an ex- isting fact. So it is with thought training, or habits of thought. A child may think wrong but it is not necessary that he should: it is a possibility, away from which he may be directed or trained, as easily as keeping a plow in a fur- row. It has been said that all normal children stand upon the same intellectual plane, and are all capable of equal mental development whatever their station in life. It is always The Brain of an Infant 43 parental mistakes, varied environments and nnbeautiful surroundings that cause a departure from this equality. It is for parents to see to it that normal health is maintained in the infant, and that his physical balance is kept perfect until he can act for himself. Then he may go astray, but he is not so likely to do so as if he were allowed to raise him- self as some parents permit their children to do. He has sense or reason and knows how to think. It is certain that the slighest depression of the physical balance, or what is termed the "normal" condition, affects the growing mental powers. On the other hand, there are cases where a sudden elevation of the normal condition, excites the mental powers and produces the most astonish- ing instances of precocity, which, like froth, quickly dis- appears. It is possible for one child to be much "smarter" than any other child in the neighborhood, for he may be better fed, better cared for, and better trained. But if it should exhibit astonishing advance in smartness, become a "prodigy," as it is termed, his physical condition should be looked into, just the same as if the child becomes list- less, stupid, dull, inattentive, and without ambition. There is a disturbance of the physical balance. The poison of disease germs not only produce dullness and stupidity in children, but also cause a species of mental intoxication the same as that caused from imbibing intoxi- cating liquors or drugs. Indeed, the The Poison of effects are identical, because the nerves are affected, and these affect the brain. These periods of brightness in a child are al- ways followed by periods of listlessness and lassitude, weariness and dullness the same as when a man becomes voluntarily intoxicated. Robert Stevenson, the novelist, was & confirmed con- 44 The Brain of an Infant sumptive, and wrote his most brilliant passages when suf- fering most from the inroads and ravages of the tubercu- losis. Byron 's most brilliant and beautiful poetry was evolved from a brain affected by a stomach in the agonies of dyspepsia, or, as is better known now, a disease germ that causes appendicitis. Caesar and Napoleon were epi- leptics, both nervous diseases. Super-excitation of the nerves from any cause will affect the brain and cause it to flash out brightness like flashes from a flint struck by steel. De Quincey was a confirmed opium eater; Poe, an inebriate; Gladstone always had a glass of brandy before him when about to make a great speech, and it is said that the great Daniel Webster, our own renowned orator and statesman, used stimulants before making his most brilliant efforts. In the case of children we can not look for drugs or in- toxicants, but infective germs are deadening to the mental powers in the same way. Many a child is dull, spiritless, backward and listless, learns with difficulty, and exhibits traces of stupidity, whose trouble is caused by disease germs which an examination would discover and speedily remove. It is a scientific fact, amply demonstrated in many cases, that out of a hundred normal children, given equal facili- ties, training, environment and conditions, one hundred of xt i-u-u them will progress equally along in- Normal Children tellectual development. But these hundred children selected at random, do not receive the same treatment, the same training, the same co-operation on the part of their parents, and hence, more than 75 per cent of them show less progress, less development than the rest. The blame is not upon the child, but upon other causes over which he has no control. The results are the same whether a home training, a school training or both combined are given him. The home training is not ade- Hie Brain of an Infant 45 quate, and the school training beyond his immediate ca- pacity to grasp. Hence his mind becomes confused, and sur- renders to the inevitable mediocrity and is often unjustly punished which makes him worse and gives him a stubborn disposition hard to overcome. It may be established as a truth not to be disputed, that if some children of equal physical conditions know more than others of the same physical equality, it is because they have been trained differently. The time to begin the training of a child is in his in- fancy, starting him right in the use of his faculties, and making him feel from the beginning that the gaining of knowledge is one of the most interesting things in the world. His enthusiasm must be aroused and constantly maintained. cause they are brighter, learn more quickly and make a bet- ter showing in every respect than their fellows. It is his- torical that many of the greatest geniuses the world ever knew were the dullest and most backward at school, and were left far behind in the school competition. The boys that were so much "smarter" than Edison in his school days are now bookkeepers, clerks in drygoods stores, or grubbing farmers who still believe in a "wet" or "dry moon" as a weather test. Grant was not a brilliant boy, but considered a very backward one. Henry George ac- knowledged that he was always at the foot of his class, and when his education was supposed to have been completed he would not have successfully passed an examination for a position of low requirement. These historical personages had little training, but they did have what is not recognized as a factor in success, the habits of thought. It seems to be the rule that a child must be kept at some active occupation every moment of his time. The boy at 46 The Brain of an Infant home after school sits idly thinking. His fond parents seeing this state of idleness, compel X« e ^? y tji hini to read, or study, or write, or en- Who Sits Idle f , , v . ,, , . gage m some labor about the house to fill in the time and keep him busy. Here is a fatal error in more than one case. Children are naturally more intelligent than they receive credit for. They are new in the world, and there is a universal "why!" upon their lips, they thirst for information, and their in- quisitiveness is a burden. But, if this natural intelligence is blighted, then farewell to further brightness or progress. Meeting no response to their growing intelligence and bud- ding intellect, they withdraw into themselves and follow their own devices. By following these and such devices as are suggested them by their companions under the ban of the same repressive training, they become the opposite of their parents' desires, and meet with reprobation. As has been said, children are thinking animals, and they should be encouraged to think for themselves, and to come as close as they can to the intellectual level of those who train them. It is certain that a child in the midst of squalid and vul- gar surroundings will grow up with a squalid and vulgar mind. It is impossible to avoid it, because there are no other impressions in his brain but those of vulgarity and squalor. After training amid other surroundings may re- move the vividness of his earlier surroundings, but the im- pressions are there permanently, and liable to be recalled to his detriment later in life. On the contrary, a child brought up amid pleasant sur- roundings will possess a pleasant mind, so to speak, a mind open to good thoughts and impressions. He will have noth- ing to regret and to emb arras him in his struggles upward. It may be a hard task to some parents, nay, in many The Brain of an Infant 47 cases, it is practically impossible to present beautiful things to the mind of a child. There is poverty and neglect to con- tend against, besides continual daily labor on the part of parents make it difficult to watch over a child 's words and actions. It is, of course, a labor of love, and where parental love is unselfish, the work of beautifying the child's life as much as possible is not so very difficult. To create a world of sunshine to a child is his making; a world of midnight is his undoing. When in the presence of their children, parents should use the best of English, and they must discuss subjects of real moment or interest in a coherent, logical way. They must make the children feel that they are considered capa- ble of appreciating all that is said. Of course, ill-advised language and gossip are to be tabooed wherever children are concerned. We repeat, because it is vital to know it, that children take after their parents, not through hereditary influence, but from what their parents teach them, the manner in which they are trained, and the information they obtain from them. The man is always father to the boy, and the woman mother to the girl. If parents will take the trouble to surround their chil- dren with stimulating environments, something that will excite their minds to work, or, in other words, suggest to them whatever will be utilized by Stimulating them in their work or play, mental Environment -, ■> . M1 , 4. • development will be apparent in a short time, and result in a rapid improvement. Every child must be studied to determine what he aims to become, or in what he shows aptitude. One child de- velops a liking for mathematics, another may prefer to be an engineer, another wants to become a physician, or a law- yer, or a mason, or a clergyman. By training according to 44 The Brain of an Infant his aptitude he may realize upon his expectations and be- come proficient. To resist the child in his yearnings is to fasten them more strongly upon him, so that when an opportunity arises he will flee from his home influence and seek others not so conducive to his welfare. It is common experience. By training the child to think for himself; to ground him in the principles of reasoning, so that he can utilize and apply those principles in the study of any subject is to make a man of him, and prepare the way for achieve- ments that can never be reached or attained by the plodder who depends solely upon his memory. It is the sane and saf 9 course to pursue. RECENT SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES THE BRAIN AND ITS OPERATIONS -EDUCATING THE BRAIN OF THE CHILD -WHY CHILDREN ARE GOOD OR BAD- WARDING OFF EVIL- LA YING THE FOUNDATION FOR A BRILLIANT CAREER. CHAPTER V. Scientific Discoveries HE physical condition of the embryo being well balanced, he will come into the world a well balanced infant, ready to prepare for his life straggle. In this he is dependent upon his parents, principally his mother, and it is not to be expected that she will neglect his proper training so far as she knows what that training is. All kinds of different methods of training a child are in vogue, most of them extremely elementary, and have no bearing upon his after life, or that will fit his future calling whatever it may be. It must be evident that every human being is intended to possess reasoning powers, and to foster the power of reasoning the brain is the only proper place to begin his development. Physical training is admirable, so is the care of his stomach and the denial to him of food that will injure him. But after all is said, the child's physical train- ing fits him for a greater brain development. The ancients had as a maxim: "A healthy mind can not exist except in a healthy body." But there is such a thing as overdoing the physical training, and thereby in- juring the mental efficiency. There must, as in all things human, be a balance, an equable distribution of the powers and forces that make up the man or woman, and whatever 4 * 49 50 Recent Scientific Discoveries disturbs that balance necessarily causes detriment either to the mind or to the body. Very recent discoveries by men of the highest scientific attainments, including Metchnikoff , of Parie, Ramon Cajal, of Madrid, the late Professor William James, of Harvard University, and a host of others, have Recent Discoveries made it necessary to alter our entire system of mental training. It is a fact so common in every day experience that it can not be doubted, that whatever the child learns remains with him during his whole life. It is difficult to change bad habits, and the memory of evil returns to haunt the middle aged man. In addition to this, no given education or sys- tem of training will eradicate from a child's mind what he learned from others. Why can not the memory of evil things be effaced from the mind? Why is it that so many men revert to their former deeds and strive to emulate them in the wrong direction, or from improper motives! So far as good is concerned, we have Scriptural author- ity to the fact : ' ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." The same may also be said of evil. When the training of a youth has been evil, he will continue in his course, or revert to it in his after life. The misunderstanding about the old and the modern system of training is in not comprehending the part the brain plays in the human economy. Brain training is an essential as much so as physical train- T f rai r*h-?d the Brai ° ing > aild there can be no half way ° a work about this branch of child train- ing. The brain of every newly born child is like a blank sheet of paper, upon which is written everything he sees and hears, what he is taught by his parents, or others, what he learns from companions, and everything good, bad Recent Scientific Discoveries 51 or indifferent is impressed indelibly upon it. He has no other source of information in after life, than what he draws from his brain. In infancy he is absolutely depend- ent upon the outside, but when he begins to think he util- izes and applies the impressions of his brain. The ancients understood this much of it, for they likened the brain of an infant to a clean waxen tablet upon which characters were to be written. It is to be borne in mind, good reasons will be given presently, that every impression upon the brain of an in- fant, good or bad, can never be effaced or rubbed out as can the writing on wax or paper; it is indelible and permanent. Moreover, they can not be forgotten. It is in vain for a man or child to say, "I have forgotten." He never does, but he does not call the idea to mind, that is, he keeps it away from his consciousness, but it is there just the same. These permanent impressions may be overcome by sub- sequent training and education, which bring strength and power to the will, but when the brain or the will power is weakened, say by disease, or dissipation, or " caught nap- ping," so to speak, the good or the bad crops out to the surface involuntarily. Scientific men who make a special study of the matter — or anatomists — find well defined divisions in the human brain, each one of which has a special duty to perform in managing the various parts of the human machine. We have to do, however, only with that part in which the "mind" is said to reside, because it is that part in which the operations of the mind, the thinking, the memory, and other attributes are performed. This division is in the "cerebellum" or little brain, which is a part of the "cere- brum" or superior portion of the brain. It is in the familiarly called "gray matter" of the cere- bellum, that mental operations such as thinking, receiving 52 Recent Scientific Discoveries impressions, exercising memory, etc., are carried on. This gray matter consists of an amazing Receiving number of infinitely small cells or res- p ervoirs which are intended to contain thoughts and impressions. The microscope shows this to be a fact, however extraordinary it may seem. It does not matter whether the individual is large or small, male or female, has a well developed head or a malformed one, the thought or idea cells are there just the same. It has been common knowledge for nearly one hundred and fifty years since the time of Eene Descartes, the French philosopher, who first announced the discovery, that a man's most secret thoughts and impulses could be ascer- tained by a physical examination of his brain. Since then, the brain of man has been under close in- spection and examination by the most learned men in the world, physicians, philosophers, and biologists, that is men who investigate the source or principle of life under the microscope. From them, it is learned that these cells of the brain are a reservoir for thoughts, impressions, and objects, in fact, for everything that can be perceived through the senses or imagined. The thought or impression is printed in the cell matter like a picture on the sensitive plate in any modern camera, or photograph instrument. It is also declared that these cell contents may be read under a microscope and studied the same as a book or a series of engravings. The amazing feature of this discovery, lies in the fact that every one of these cells has its appropriate nerves, leading to and from it, so that when the will of the owner desires to recall a certain thought or Brain Cells and i&esL, he starts a nerve in the direction of the particular cell where the thought, object or impression is situated, and another nerve Recent Scientific Discoveries 53 immediately brings it to his consciousness, and he remem- bers, or, if his brain is confused by disease, or other dis- turbing cause, the nerves are set jangling and clashing to- gether just like crossed wires of a telegraph or telephone, and all sorts of ideas, thoughts and impressions are pre- sented, out of which he may, if in good health, select the proper one. We have now a field in which to present a system of edu- cating the child in a proper manner, and we comprehend that the brain cells must be filled with proper material, or his consciousness will go wrong, or have bad ideas and thoughts presented to it. Every time any object is shown a child, the image of it is lodged permanently in a brain cell. If a word is uttered in his presence it is impressed in a cell and is never lost except when death comes and destroys the brain altogether. From the number of the brain cells, it will be understood that there is room for the storage of an infinite variety of thoughts and impressions, and even in after life, when in- fancy and childhood have ended, his growing years con- tinue to furnish his brain cells with new ideas, thoughts and impressions. When the end comes, every man's brain will contain a readable record of his entire life. In view of this discovery, eminent divines have inter- preted certain passages of the Scripture as meaning the brain of man as his "book of judgment." The idea is broached in Daniel VII, 10. In Eevelation XX, 12, there is a startling reminder of this : "And I saw. the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life ; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Everywhere throughout the Scripture it is declared that the thoughts of men are known to God, and that their inmost thoughts shall be revealed. 54 Recent Scientific Discoveries It has been explained that the will power has only to de- sire a certain idea, object, thought or impression in the brain cells, and a nerve stretches out and touches the object and brings it to the consciousness. But there is another wonderful operation of the nerve force of the body which is independent of the will power, in fact, which can not be controlled by the will power. It acts when the will power is gone, or Nerve Force of when the mind is unconscious, asleep, e ° y in a cataleptic or trance state, insane, idiotic, or otherwise unbalanced. This wonderful system of nerve power is known as "The Sympathetic System'." Through it, the heart beats, the lungs operate, the stomach digests food, the blood circulates, and all the organs of the body go on with the work assigned each. Whenever any- thing goes wrong anywhere in the body the mind is notified of the fact through these nerves, but they have nothing to do with the will power so far as reaching out and obtaining information from the brain cells is concerned. If a man wills to move in any direction, a nerve tele- graphs orders to the limbs, the tongue, or to any part de- sired, and he walks, talks, laughs. But he can not signal his blood to stop circulating, his heart to suspend its beat- ings, his lungs to stop breathing, his stomach to cease di- gesting food. All these things belong to the sympathetic system and are beyond his control. In their manner of operation the nerves of the sympa- thetic system of the body, or the sympathetic nerves, are in- dependent of the other nerves under the control of the will power. But they are so closely con- W'lni?* °* nected that any disturbance of the bal- ance of the body, either by disease, anxiety, overwork, worry, etc., they touch each other and cause a jangle which sets the mind astray. They "cross Recent Scientific Discoveries 55 wires," so to speak, and awaken the cell nerves into action when the will power is not operating. This produces a variety of dreams, strange mixed thoughts, delirium, and is at its height in cases of insanity. When a man is awake, and in the possession of his senses, as it is said, the thought or impression, word or ob- ject, in his brain cell is presented to his consciousness, that is to his knowledge or information, like objects thrown up- on a screen before the eyes. A man is conscious of certain things going on around him, that is, he is aware of them, knows what is doing. That is called i i consciousness. ' ' But when a man is asleep and does not know what is going on around him he is said to be unconscious. Yet his mind may be conscious of many things he knows nothing about. He may dream of things not known to his waking or conscious state. These unconscious things or actions, are due to his sympathetic nerves which have jangled with his will power nerves. They touch up the objects in the brain cells and bring them out to the mind which is then in what is called a "sub-conscious" state. Men forget what they have dreamed because their subconscious state has re- tired into the dominant will power consciousness, and the two can not exist at one and the same time. It must be evident by this time, that the training and education of a child is not so simple as that of an animal who is not a responsible being, and has nothing but an ani- mal life to look forward to. His brain Mnd SUbCOnSCi ° US is the basis ° f his education > and with the knowledge that everything brought before him is absorbed by his brain cells inefface- ably, and will return to his consciousness at some future time, or to his subconsciousness to his detriment, the guar- dian of a child will think twice before adding anything doubtful to his mind, or that will cause him to go astray in after life. 56 Recent Scientific Discoveries There is a very curious fact connected with this matter. It has been ascertained by thousands of tests made for the purpose of finding out its truth, that whatever a child is told to keep secret and not divulge, returns to him by way of his sub-consciousness, and he dreams the secret. If a child sees or hears, or learns something evil, and he is told to forget it, and never, never repeat the words or speak of the evil, he does not forget because he can not, but it will come back to him through his subconsciousness and either betray him, or give him pleasure and gradually drag him toward moral perversity. There is to be found in this the benefit to be derived from artistic surroundings. The mind becomes accustomed to beautiful objects, and naturally connects virtue with the beautiful. Perfection, of course, does not exist on earth, but men may travel a long stretch on the road to it, far enough, in- deed, to perceive it in the distance, and the sight of its beauties will nerve him to keep on striving to attain it. THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TRAINING-HOW THE HUMAN BODY IS STRENGTHENED-IMMUN- ITY TO DISEASE. CHAPTER VI. Preservation of Health UNIVERSAL truth worth remembering is this: It is easier to preserve one's health than it is to cure disease after one becomes sick. To take a farther step on the question of health this should also be remembered: It is not so much the environments or conditions in which one lives that cause disease, as the habits formed to keep in social touch with the environments. This is true whether the in- dividual lives in the haunts of poverty or in the palaces of wealth. Some of the habits are chargeable to lack of proper food, filth, uncleanliness of person, mental anxieties, distress, pes- simism, late hours, overwork, following the fashion, and numerous others. With these habits formed and enforced upon the chil- dren in our charge, it is a matter of indifference whether the environments are changed or not. That individual and those he cares for, carry with them everywhere a low physi- cal condition. He is non-resistant to the inroads of infec- tion and a fertile soil for the propagation of infectious germs. Many men who go to foreign climates to recuperate die there from the fatigue of the journey, when if they had remained at home and changed their habits, or cared enough about life to do so, they might have lived longer. 57 58 The Preservation of Health By changing habits, is not meant that one should change physical conditions, but he must bring those conditions up to meet whatever there is detrimental in his surroundings. He must build up a wall of immunity Warding off Disease around Mm wMch win ward off the diseases due to his evil and unsanitary environments which may exist in the slums and in a palace. The question of how to keep well ought to be of more moment to people in gen- eral than in methods of cure. But this does not seem to concern them very much, for every person is eager to foist upon a neighbor some remedy, cure-all or doctor, at the slightest symptom of physical irregularity. So it goes with- out responsibility, and with a reckless disregard for utility or safety. Eemember this : A change of environment with- out change of habits will not accomplish any good result to the health, whether one has tuberculosis or dyspepsia, or other ailment. To begin with, we eat all sorts of dangerous food without question. In Washington, D. C, recently, one sample of ice cream examined under the microscope showed one hundred millions of bacteria disease germs to one centimeter (16% drops). Yet this ice cream was declared "fine" and the expert pronounced a fool. It is unfortunate that so many deaths destroy the evidence of this folly. There is a close relation between the germs of the mouth and diseases common to humanity. In the mouth and about the teeth, more than fifty varieties of disease germs have been found. They multiply rapidly Disease Germs a^d w ith the food find their way into of the Mouth ,, , , , ,. , , the stomach and alimentary canal. Yet by keeping the teeth clean danger of death may be avoided easily. There is reason in the universal desire to "swat" the fly. It has been proven that the stable fly causes infantile The Preservation of Health 59 spinal paralysis, the infection being carried by this insect to a new subject and administered by his bite. Insects are the carriers of disease germs of every va- riety and some of a deadly nature. The flea, the tick, and other parasites are responsible for diseases that cause as- tonishment and can not be otherwise traced. Cockroaches that make their homes in steam heated flats and stores, or wherever food is exposed, carry typhoid fever, diphtheria, tonsilitis and tuberculosis. Bedbugs carry typhoid fever and the leprosy germ. A man may go on living with an occasional attack of disease, and being cured by a vigorous resistance, fall asleep in fancied security, until his resistance is weakened and a last illness comes on suddenly, Bright 's disease of the kidneys, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and others. The reason for this sudden taking off after a long period of apparent health is this: The individual was infected early in life, but full of vigor and good health, the attacks were resisted, but the disease germs were there waiting for a chance to kill. They kept on increasing in volume and in the manufacture of poisons, until the accumulation finds an opening in some simple cause, so simple indeed, that it is regarded as incredible. Wet feet, exposure, a day of overwork, lack of exercise, loss of sleep, an indigestible meal of food at the club, at a banquet, and a hundred other causes unlooked for. The individual goes to bed, is found dead the next morning, or passes away in three or four days after an attack of pneumonia. Perhaps the germ known as the " colon bacillus' ' which eats away the walls of the arteries and grapples with the heart has been at work since his infancy, and seeing an opportunity, takes it, and "Our dear brother drops dead from heart disease.' ' All these things can be avoided, but it requires some trouble, some sacrifices, and to some, life is not worth the labor of keeping well. 60 The Preservation of Health The life cells called protoplasms which were explained in another place, have been analyzed by chemists and found to consist of certain elements of food necessary to maintain them and preserve health. These cells are the principles of life in the human body, and they are the sources of growth and repair, energy, and the maintenance of bodily temperature. It is the food or fuel we convey into our stomachs The Principles which enables them to perform their functions, and the absence of that food causes them to fail in essential particulars, causing sickness and eventually death. The basic substance of these life cells, or the food ma- terial necessary to their existence, is known as protein, or albuminous compounds similar to the white of an egg. In fact, in a bird's egg, albumen is the major part of the con- tents of the shell and is intended for the nourishment of the germ which will grow to be a full fledged creature ready to be hatched. The next essential substances are sugar and starchy foods, known as " carbohydrates," and these with the third essential substance, fat which is the generator of the animal heat necessary to existence, represent the physical system, and without these elements, we can not exist except as inert or dead matter. There are certain elements or substances essential to activity, energy and progressive development, and these are called "mineral salts," because they come from phos- phorus, potash, sodium, sulphur, lime, Mineral Salts magnesia, iron, and silicon. All these m e o y bbUs must exist in the body and in the life cells in proper proportion or there can be little life in us in general. Where there is a lack of them, they must be supplied by the food we eat, or administered artificially by injection into the body. The Preservation of Health 61 To obtain these mineral salts from the food we consume or put into the stomach, there can not be any specific or general rule by which all persons may be governed in the pursuit of health. It is true, that every human being is supplied by nature with practically the same physical machinery, but every human being is a distinct being, a particular individual en- vironed by different conditions, and he is constantly chang- ing them for his benefit or detriment. Some foods are nutritious to many but injurious to oth- ers. Thus the legumes, or beans, peas, etc., are easily di- gested in some stomachs, but cause indigestion and stomach troubles in others. The same may be said of milk, which, however valuable article of food it may be, is positively dangerous to some stomachs. Other articles of food may be classed according to the same category. Every one must be his own judge of the nutritious value of the food he eats, relying upon nature to tell him the con- trary through the rebellion of his stomach, liver, or other dissatisfied organ. It may be well to The Nutritious remark here, that it is unwise to try to Value of Food , ' ,, , . « - , become accustomed to certain foods that are recommended and against which the system revolts or rebels. That is, it is better to abstain from trying to like certain foods we do not like because every body else thinks it will be good for us. A safe rule to follow is to eat a mixed food diet. A horse will live for many years upon an unvarying diet of hay and oats, but man is omnivorous and must have variety. A man can not live on quail on toast for thirty consecutive days, nature giving out in a week. It has been tried and resulted in failure. A purely vegetable diet is not in general advisable, be- cause the great quantity of vegetable fibre and its cellulose, prevents the gastric juices in the stomach from extracting 62 The Preservation of Health the necessary salts already referred to. So a constant diet of meat will furnish too much protein, more than the life cells can assimilate or absorb. One food should be correc- tive of another. In line with the practice of trying to eat what does not appeal to you because somebody else says it is good for you, is the common practice of trying to harden the system to cold and other sensations. It may be Hardening the j^ flown as a general rule, that no- body can accustom himself to anything that will lessen the vitality of the body, and by body, is meant the life cells already referred to. Indeed, there is nothing else to be benefited or injured. Hardening the skin or toughening it, does not affect the life cells in any respect, and the tough skinned may be in the last stages of tubercu- losis, while a tender skin that shivers at the touch of a drop of cold water, may belong to an individual that will live to be a hundred years old. Men think they are hardening themselves by plunging into ice cold water, bathing in the sea in winter, or taking what they call an invigorating cold plunge every morning. Mothers leave the lower limbs of their babes or young chil- dren exposed to the cold to harden them, and bundle up their upper extremities to prevent their taking cold. In- deed, there are so-called "apostles of health,' ' who go about the country half dressed in the storms and cold of winter to demonstrate the value of hardening the system to inclement weather. These practices carried to excess are positively danger- ous. When we have a fever we hasten to a physician. "Why? Because we are persuaded that there is something lurking in our system in the way of disease germs that causes the fever. We know that a fever destroys the vi- tality by burning up the life cells. The Preservation of Health 63 Now, cold is equally as dangerous as fever because it lessens the vitality by preventing the life cells of the body from exercising their functions which they can do only in the presence of heat. Moderation should be inscribed upon our health banner, and the comfort of the body and ease of the stomach made our great life work. There is a certain amount of rugged philosophy to be observed in keeping ourselves well. Its tenets are simple, and if all would observe them as they may easily do, there would be less illness. This philosophy Keeping ma y k e practiced in what is known as ' ' work. ' ' All work means exertion, the combustion of body materials, and this reduces the re- sistance. Some men when felling a tree will fell the tree in their minds before they are half through. A man beginning to saw a cord of wood looks at the size of the cord and sighs with dismay at the work ahead of him, he has cut the entire cord before he has sawed the first stick. Some women in their housework rush at it and finish it in their minds before they are half way through the house. So with a lady starting out to make twenty calls. The first few are pleasant enough but she begins to grow weary at the number left. Why? Because she has made all the calls before doing half. You start out to walk a few miles to reach some point desired, and your feet lag before you have made half a mile. Why? Because you have walked the entire distance in imagination. You weary before your work is over because your mind is working — doing the work laid out for your body to do in advance of the body. The mind consumes as much if not . more energy and vitality than the Mental Exhaustion body? and ^ y(mr mental attitude has exhausted your physical object and you grow weary, of course, in fact doubly so. 64 The Preservation of Health The remedy is clear: Keep even with your work or play, and do not overdo it, or do overwork by forcing the mind to take part in it. Think of other and different things and let the life cells supply the energy to do the work in hand, thus dividing the tension and minimize the consumption of cell material. For centuries mankind has weakly submitted to death as inevitable, and attached the badge of scapegoat to Di- vine Providence who does not will the death of any human being. We have been submitting to the yoke of disease as man's fate and portion. But modern medical science, advancing with giant strides, has reached a point in the history of humanity, where it may be boldly asserted that the majority of the ills afflicting man are of his own contriv- Sick by ance, existing with his own direct con- Our Own Consent , , , , , ,., sent and approval, and even deliber- ately fostered by him. "With all his natural physical forces fully equipped and marshaled in battle array, ready for him to take command and overpower the enemies seeking his overthrow, he stands idly by and sees these valiant, friendly forces disorganized, put to flight and the enemy in posses- sion of his strongholds. Then we or his friends weep, and say "The Lord's will be done." It is an insult to the majesty of Heaven. THE BIBLE ON SEX-HYGIENE SUBLIMITY AND SANCTITY OF THE PERPET- UATION OF THE HUMAN RACE— THE LAWS REQUIRING PERSONAL PURITY COVER SAME OFFENCES AND CONDITIONS TO-DAY AS THOSE THAT EXISTED THREE THOUSAND YEARS AGO -THE RACE IN PERIL OF DE- GENERACY FROM PRUDISHLY CONCEALED DISEASES. CHAPTER VII. The Bible on Sex-Hygiene HERE was no concealment of the importance of sex-hygiene when God and his vicegerent Moses, three thousand years ago, published to the great nation of the Israelites, without distinction of age or sex, the principles of that hygiene which tended then and tends now, to raise the human race to a higher standard. The diseases that the Mosaic law ex- pounds in Leviticus, are all the more prevalent in our days inasmuch as they have been disseminated among the chil- dren of men during thirty centuries. The details of the laws of sex hygiene are given without the omission of a single word, and in the exact language of Holy Writ: "And the Lord spake What the Bible Says unto Moses and to Aaron> sayingy Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean." 5 * 65 Uncleanness of issue* LEVITICUS, XV, and their cleaning CHAPTER XV. 1 The uncleanness of men in their is- sues. 13 The cleansing of them. 19 The uncleanness of women in their is sues. 28 Their cleansing. AND the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Isra el, and say unto them, oWhen any man hath a ^running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean. 3 And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. 4 Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every 5thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be un clean. 5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, band bathe him- self in water, and be unclean until the even. 6 And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 7 And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 8 And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean ; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 9 And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be un- clean. 10 And whosoever toucheth any thing that was under him shall be unclean un- til the even : and he that beareth any of those things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 11 And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 12 And the cvessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. 13 And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue ; then dhe shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean. 14 And on the eighth day he shall take to him etwo turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the Lord until the door of the tabernacle of the congre- gation, and give them unto the priest : 15 And the priest shall offer them, /the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; £rand the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord for his issue. 16 And hit any man's seed of copu- lation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be un- clean until the even. B. 0. 1490 a ch. 22. 4. Num. 5. 2. 2S'm.3.29. Matt.9.20. Mark 5.25. Luke 8.43. U Or, run- ning of the reins. 5 Heb. ves- 6ch.ll.25 : 17, 15. c ch. 6. 28 ; 11. 32. 33. d ver. 28. ch. 14. 8. e ch.14.22, 23. / ch.14.30, 31. g ch.14,19, 31. h ch. 22. 4. De*t.23.10. i 1 Sam.21. 4. A; ch. 12. 2. * Heb. in her sepa- ration. I See ch.20. 18. m Matt. 9. 20. Mark 6.25. Luke 8.48. n ver. 13. o ch. 11.47. Deut.24.8. Eze.44.23. p Num.5. 3 ; 19. 13, 20. Ezek.5.11 ; 23. 38. q ver. 2. r ver. 16. a ver. 10. t ver. 25. u ver. 24. 66 17 And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be un- clean until the even. 18 The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselvet in water, and ibe unclean until the even. 19 And fcif a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be 2put apart seven days ; and who- soever toucheth her shall be unclean un- til the even. 20 And every thing that she lieth up- on in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. 21 And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 22 And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be un- clean until the even. 23 And if it be on her bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even. 24 And Kf any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days ; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean. 25 And if ma woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation ; all the days of her issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation : she ahall be unclean. 26 Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation: and whatso- ever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation. 27 And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 28 But ttif she be cleansed of her is- sue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. 29 And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 30 And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering ; and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the Lord for the issue of her uncleanness. 31 Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness i that they die not in their uncleanness, when they ^defile my tabernacle that is among them. 32 oThis is the law of him that hath an issue, rand of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith. 83 aAnd of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, tand of the woman, uand of him that lieth with her that is unclean. The Bible on Sex-Hygiene 67 In this " running issue" specified in the Bible we have a common disease among men and women in these modern times, aggravated by its growth and continuance for thou- sands of years, and by neglect which has proved fatal to life, and which is destroying multitudes through physical complications that are ignored or regarded as too shameful to be mentioned even to a physician. From this same ' ' run- ning issue,' ' come numerous diseases which are dosed with medicines which accomplish no cure because the reason or the cause of the disease is not sought. In rheumatism, blindness, locomotor ataxia, kidney dis- eases, weakness, debility, mental distress, and even imbe- cility, we find the cause to be this ' ' running issue, ' ' but it is ignored, and tonics, liniments, and Rheumatism, drugs are poured out like water, with S 1 ^^' J?°° ° as little efficacy as water upon a motor Ataxia , ;» , ,, F , duck's back, until death comes and then it is "The will of God." Added to this biblical disease, modern man is afflicted with another that is eating out the vitals of the race. Syph- ilis claims more victims than war or the "great white plague," and it is an infection carried by the blood into the embryo human being in its mother's body. Nearly every ill that human flesh is heir to, may be traced to this second disease which arises nearly from the same cause as the biblical infection. Syphilis destroys the resistance of the human system to the encroachments of other infectious diseases ; subjects the body to their attacks where a normal, healthy body would ward them off. Tuberculosis, pneumonia, diphthe- Tuberculosis, ria, and other infectious germ diseases £ neu fP OIua » find favorable breeding ground in the syphilitic body. If we look behind mere appearances and into causes, we shall find that the 68 The Bible on Sex-Hygiene sudden deaths from pneumonia, heart failure, infantile paralysis, and a hundred manifestations of fatal diseases, originated in a body charged with the germs of syphilis, and rendered by them incompetent to resist the attacks of diseases that would not give a normal man a single night's insomnia. The most distressing feature of these two diseases, the biblical one and syphilis, is that both may be acquired in- nocently. The mother may receive it from the father, and so transmit it to the child, who either comes into the world an imbecile, a non-resistant to the fatal diseases of child- hood, a cripple, a monster, an incompetent, a degenerate or a reprobate, die of infantile weakness, or grow up to still further spread the infection to another generation. A single drop of blood, a microscopic examination of what is known as a "smear," a sample of mucous, would identify the germ of either disease, and its ravages in that particular body whether man or woman could be terminated. Here is where sex hygiene merges into "eugenics," or the improvement of the human race, and which is beyond the scope of this chapter except as a reference. It is pur- posed to go deeper than eugenics, and show why the human race stands in need of improvement. There is some reason, some cause why the human race stands in dire fear of de- generacy; why our legislators and reformers are making the greatest efforts to cure or rather prevent degeneracy. It is hoped that the reason or cause can be given without offending the delicacy of any man or woman who thinks the life of his children are of more value than a strong word or so to explain why they are diseased, why they die in their babyhood, why they suffer from all sorts of diseases, and why, when they reach maturity, they produce weak, diseased children, impoverished and aenemic bodies and perpetuate death instead of life. The Bible on Sex-Hygiene 69 Hygiene means " sanitary' ' or health science, and there is nothing mysterious when it is applied to sex. Everybody knows what sex is without explanation, unless they are blind and can not distinguish between Heaitn science ^ sexes> j n pi a i n language, sex hy- giene means sexual cleanliness. It is the same as saying mental cleanliness or soul cleanliness, or bodily cleanliness. Do not connect sex cleanliness with purification by water, for oceans of water would never clean the human mind or soul from its load in impurities, filth, and mud. In sex hy- giene, the mind or the soul, the intellectual faculties are connected with sex and they can not be separated, or made to stand alone, one without the other, for the laws of nature ever stand in the way and these laws will not brook altera- tion by man. The laws of nature are numerous and intricate. Many of them are unknown and may never be known, but there are some that can easily be understood and made clear to the understanding. If a stone is thrown into the air it comes down again. That is a manifestation of the law of gravity. Every body knows that, it is so simple. Try to violate that law of na- ture by casting a stone in the air and stand under it ex- pecting the law to be suspended, but your head will feel the operation of that law when the stone falls upon it. Every- thing is governed by some law which is its natural law. The natural law of a razor is sharpness. Try to violate that law by drawing the instrument across your hand, and you will comprehend this law by the cut you receive. The law of a flower is to grow and bloom while on its stalk. Snip it off and it dies because its law of life is violated. The human stomach is made to digest proper food. If you violate its law by putting something indigestible into it, the violated law protests in the shape of a pain or colic. If you grasp 70 The Bible on Sex-Hygiene a thistle or a thorny rose, you feel the operation of a pro- tective law that can not be violated with impunity. It may be said that all created things, created for a pur- pose, are governed by some law which is a law of nature, imposed upon them for their protection or to enable them to carry out the object for which they were created. We are now on the threshold of sex hygiene which cov- ers certain laws of nature, and which will explain the rea- sons why there was a * ' running issue, ' ' as mentioned in the Bible, and also why syphilis exists x y£ iene and is committing such great ravages among the human family. We can not go to paganism to explain, for if we do that we shall be perpetuating the " running issue' ' and the syph- ilis, for there is where both originated, and it is why both are perpetuated in our day. We must go to a higher au- thority, and there is not and can not be any higher author- ity than God, the Creator. Let us not investigate the cause of creation for we can not penetrate into the mind of the Supreme Being, but let us ascertain the object and pur- poses of the creation. We go to the Bible which tells us of sex hygiene, and find out everything in the first chapter of Genesis : 11. "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit The First Chapter tree yielding fruit after its kind, nes whose seed is in itself, upon the earth : and it was so. 20. "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abun- dantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. 21. "And God created great whales, and every living creature which the waters brought forth abundantly, after The Bible on Sex-Hygiene 71 their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind, and God saw that it was good. 22. "And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl mul- tiply in the earth. 24. "And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind : and it was so. 25. "And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creep- eth upon the earth after his kind : and God saw that it was good. 27. ' ' So God created man in his own image, in the im- age of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28. "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, . . ." Here we have the law of all created things, man includ- ed: "BE FBUITFUL, AND MULTIPLY/ ' In animals below the order of man, there is not to be found either of the diseases above specified, or any diseases of a sexual character, because they observe the law. Man does not obey the law, therefore, he acquires the diseases peculiar to sex. It is logical. Nor is there any escape by refusing to be fruitful, or by practicing the vir- tues of an anchorite. In that case Oh 11 th GS T °* another law is violated, which is, that what is destined for a certain purpose must accomplish that purpose or perish through neglect. We are taught to exercise the muscles of the body or they will become weak and flabby. There are fish in dark caves of the earth which can not see, they are blind and have only rudimentary eyes. Not using the power of vision they lose their sight altogether. A Hindoo fakir will hold his arm 72 The Bible on Sex-Hygiene up in the air so long that the muscles not being put to any use, harden and can not be used. A very good illustration is that of the barren fig tree in Matthew XXI :19. "And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, 'Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth for- ever,' and presently the iig tree withered away." The law of perpetuation of the species is not obeyed by bringing diseased offspring into the world. The type of manhood first created was perfect, and he was to beget his like, not some other being — a being im- The Law of perfect, corrupt, and a breeder of dis- ^ ease. So the violation o f the law be- comes continuous and widespread. We can not say that the punishment for this violation comes from God, because the violation of any physical law carries its own punish- ment. A rock crystal diverted from the law of its crystalli- zation is destroyed, and the sexual law violated means degeneracy, disease, death. The appalling universality of the sexual diseases can have but one objective point, the undermining of the mor- ality and purity of family life. We seem to be passing through an era of moral decadence contemporaneous with effeminacy, sensuality, and luxury. Chaddock gives us the opinion of Dr. von Kraft-Ebing, the celebrated neurologist and author of Psychopathia Sexualis: "These conditions can only be conceived as occurring with increased demands upon the nervous system, which must meet these require- ments. As a result of increase of nervousness, there is in- crease of sensuality, which leads to excesses among the masses. "In obeying the law of the propagation of the human species, it is given man to raise himself to a height where his natural instinct no longer makes him a slave; higher, The Bible on Sex-Hygiene 73 nobler feelings are awakened, which, notwithstanding their sensual origin, expand into a world of beauty, sublimity, and morality. "On this height man overcomes his natural instinct, and from an inexhaustible spring draws material and inspira- tion for higher enjoyment, for more earnest work, and the attainment of the ideal. ' ' Maudsley rightly calls the sexual feeling the foundation for the development of the social f eel- The Development i ng . "Were man to be robbed of the instinct of procreation and all that arises from it mentally, nearly all poetry and, perhaps, the entire moral sense as well, would be torn from his life. ' ' Sexuality is the most powerful factor in individual and social existence; the strongest incentive to the exertion of strength and acquisition of property, to the foundation of a home, and to the awakening of altruistic feelings, first for a person of the opposite sex, then for the offspring, and, in a wider sense, for all humanity. This is the instinct that God has placed in the human heart for the proper observance of his great law of the perpetuation of the human species. Woe to him who tram- ples it into the dust, perverts it, or substitutes for it the criminal diseases that are undermining the home, society, morality, and bringing upon us depravity, incompetency, and the crime of race suicide. It is interesting to note that the Jews as a race are sin- gularly free from the contaminations arising from the sexual diseases. The reason is because they have the law of Moses on sex-hygiene, already given, and are particu- larly anxious to observe it on the some line as they observe all of the laws of their ancient lawgiver. On the contrary, it may be said with truth that the other 74 The Bible on Sex-Hygiene races axe honeycombed with the diseases of degradation, perhaps because they have no system of sex hygiene. There are ulcers on the body politic that can not see their way clear to fashion any sure cure for the physical rottenness that is undermining the State, and there is not strength of conviction enough to cut them off and cast them into the garbage can. The " unfit' ' throng our streets and crowd the "fit" against the wall. The girl goes to the arms of her syphilitic husband without a tremor of fear, and in her first mother- hood she refuses to perceive in the "scald head," the eczema, the weakling, perhaps the idiotic, the effects of her "freedom of choice." We can not, in the United States, enact sumptuary laws, our constitutional provisions excluding the idea of a paren- tal system of government. But there is such a thing as education, and this carried into every grade of school or college must produce results. When we know the statistics, all scruples should vanish. One-third of the infant mortality is due to prenatal condi- tions, congenital diseases which afflict the child at birth, and which mean either speedy death or a lingering cripple life. At least 75 per cent of the cases of infant blindness are due to the "running issue," and the ground is in a con- stant state of high and fertile cultivation for the planting of the seeds of tuberculosis, pneumonia, diphtheria, rheu- matism, locomotor ataxia, paralysis, degeneracy, and crim- inal tendencies. A noted lawyer and statesman once said: "If clergy- men would make as strenuous efforts to save souls as law- yers do to save a criminal client, there would be few souls lost." The Bible on Sex-Hygiene 75 It is for our clergy and good people generally to con- sider the ravages made by the "running issue " and syph- ilis. There is a nice way and a vulgar way to teach this important branch of sex hygiene. Consider this view of the matter: Can your beloved children be any worse with a knowl- edge of the sublimity of their mission on earth than with a perfect knowledge of its vulgarity? All young people are threatened with these diseases. It is so insidious that the most innocent are struck by it on all occasions. A drink from a common cup; the use of a com- mon towel; the handling of a common Our Young People spoon; the use of a common plate, and in Lianger often the very breathing of a common atmosphere, and the infection is lodged in the system to breed and bring suffering and diseased conditions that are incurable and socially dangerous. Teach your children why they are physically created as they are. Lead them to higher aspirations and pull them out of the rut of low associations. Virtue is taught nega- tively when it should be taught positively and actively. The great fear of parents is that in putting the question of sex hygiene before their children they will be led to make a bad use of the knowledge and be led from the path of virtue. We must concede that the danger of ignorance is more pernicious than the knowledge of what to avoid. There are very few children who have reached the age of ten or twelve years who do not know the uses to which the members of their body may be put, there is not a learned physician or scientist who knows more on the subject of sex differences, but the vulgar side only is within their purview. They learn it from their companions who learn it from depraved persons. How can they learn better f How can their ideas 76 The Bible on Sex-Hygiene of the sex instincts be elevated into the regions of the sublime? How can a boy or girl know that their destiny as perpetuators of the human species is to be almost in the shadow of the Creator — if they are not told? Let the boy look upon the girl as a future mother; let the girl look upon the boy as a future father — but when they know that this is a high destiny, a beautiful and high destiny, they will not soil their knowl- The Boy and e jg e w ^h vulgarity or bestiality. Children reason like adults and sometimes their reasoning is more logical. Taken at an age when the sensual passions have not been developed, and when they do not see mere physical gratification, and mak- ing clear to them the dangers, the dreadful consequences of yielding to his worse nature; that there is a divinity in his make up and that they are not mere denizens of a pool of filth but are destined to live forever in the pure air and enjoy eternal life of Paradise. This view of the subject would compel a Turk to lead a life of purity and decency, how much more would it influence a reasonable and intelli- gent American child. There is only one thing that can be done, and it is a duty to do it if we value our children, our country, the purity of mankind, and the lessening of criminal tendencies. That one thing is to go back to the sex hygiene of three thousand years ago, with such additions and amendments as will fit modern conditions. Social life depends upon this. It was intimated that under our system of government, sumptuary laws, or those laws which regulate home life, personal liberty, independence, freedom of choice, and other privileges granted in our Federal and S U Govlrnment State Constitntions > but boards of health, public demand will override rigid rules because they are basic — the people rule, and The Bible on Sex-Hygiene 77 what the people demand as essential to their health, virtue, happiness and comfort, must be accorded them. Eemember this one great obstacle in the way of personal purity so far as it affects the great American public : There are hundreds of thousands of incompetents breeding other incompetents, swelling the number ersona unty an( ^ crow( ji n g. closely upon the heels of the efficient. The State is taxed into many tens of millions to support these incompetents and preserve their privilege to create other incompetents. They are turned loose from our institutions — crowded out, in fact, by a constant stream of newcomers, to fasten upon decency and manufacture in- decency. Our public streets flaunt with vice of every char- acter, from the ruin of an innocent maiden to the perver- sion of an innocent boy. It stalks freely in our midst and laughs at the efforts made to suppress it. When one drops out into rottenness, two others take her or his place, and so on in regular progression, like the mountain of snow ac- cumulating by the rolling of a small ball. There are other and more beautiful and beneficial things than fine clothes, theaters, dances, attrition between the 6exes that is going on everywhere unrestrained. There is the mind and its attributes to be clothed with reason, art, education. The human soul of the present day may be lik- ened to a sparkling diamond dimmed in luster by a bed of mud or filth. Eemove it and it will sparkle again, and in its sparkle will rejoice in its escape from annihilation and obloquy. A mind is not impure when it looks upon sex instincts with pleasure and anticipates the family, the home, and peace with bursting buds to follow after it has no more con- tact with the things of earth; it is the Sex Instinct vulgar impulses that drag it down to the depths, that soil its purity, dim its luster. 78 The Bible on Sex-Hygiene It is not altogether religion that will cure the sexual evils that incumber the people of the United States. It is personal health and comfort that must be called in aid. Do not handle that sharp razor, my son, it will cut you. So says the father to his son, and the boy puts down the razor and plays with less dangerous toys. You must not put your hand in the fire, my daughter, it will burn. So says the mother to her daughter, and the daughter obeys, fearing harm. Applying the same method of reasoning and instruc- tion to sex hygiene and we have the problem solved. The most earnest men and women of the country are engaged in wrestling with this problem, but there is no problem to be solved. It is already solved in the language of God through his prophets. What is A Problem for to be solved is the problem: How can Earnest Men and 1 1 n Women we overcome the repugnance of pa- rents, guardians and teachers, to tell their children how to save themselves; what to do to in- struct them in the ways of purity by showing them how personal purity can be maintained; how much better is a life of purity and decency than one of degradation; to what the misuse of the members of the body will lead ; how beau- tiful are the uses of men and women in the perpetuation of their race; how to stand up against their own sensual appe- tites to preserve health, intelligence, and freedom from the attacks of disease; how to save their future children from idiocy, blindness, depravity, degeneracy and crime by the use of their reasoning faculties. This is the problem; this is the struggle, and our chil- dren and the children of the future are waiting to be in- structed, not to be kept in ignorance, not to be destroyed by the most fatal of secret things, the darkness surrounding the sexual relations. SEX LIFE THE PATHWAY TO MENTAL AND PHYSICAL PERFECTION THE TWENTIETH CENTURY BOOK OF SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE BY MARY RIES MELENDY, M. D., Ph. D. AUTHOR OF SCIENTIFIC WORKS AND EMINENT PRACTITIONER A BRAVE AND SCHOLARLY TREATMENT OF SEX LIFE, PARENTHOOD, CHILD TRAINING, BEAUTY LAWS AND VITAL INTERESTS OF WOMEN AND OF MEN Also a Comprehensive Treatment of Disease and Its Remedies, Including Materia Medic a. A Plea for Self-Knowledge, Self Mastery, and Self-Development. COMPLETE INDEX AND GLOSSARY COPYRIGHT 1904 BY W. R. VANSANT COPYRIGHT 1914 BY W. R. VANSANT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PREFACE THE life-knowledge which brings health to body, mind and soul, is the practical, crying need of the twentieth century. Dawning light is seen in the new revelations of medical science, in the discovery of hitherto unknown laws of pre-natal culture and of mental control; so that the pathway to physical perfection is opened wide before humanity of to-day. It is woman who must walk therein, and it is woman's gift to the world that makes the onward and upward steps possible. The object of this book is to teach humanity how to keep well, and to give to the sick the necessary advice and treatment to make them well. There is not a muscle or nerve in the human body which cannot be brought under the control of the mind. Many physicians have been and are giving their attention almost entirely to the study and prescrib- ing for the body only, neglecting to cultivate the natural force of recuperation which is inherent in every human being, which constitutes the mind and will. Scientists or Metaphysicians have gone to the other extreme, refusing to recognize the body, or sanction the use of neces- sary remedies. The wise physician is he who bends all things to his service in the evolution of good to mankind. The normal condition of man or woman is one of health. The physician should be broad minded, accept the best in the healing art, place the patient in the right way of regaining his health, and Nature will perfect the recovery. The power of the mind cannot be relied upon for the cure of all diseases, neither can medicines always be relied upon alone, for a cure. 9 10 PREFACE. By combining the two the best results are always obtained. To refuse to employ remedies of any kind is the height of folly and indi- cates the weak spot and prejudice of the mental healer; on the other hand for a highly qualified physician and surgeon to refuse to acknowl- edge the power of mind over disease, when intelligently directed by scientific methods, indicates weakness, ignorance or prejudice un- pardonable on his part. The true physician must be a physician to the soul as well as to the body. By the bed-side, he is the minister, the doctor, the healer, the teacher to the suffering soul seeking relief from mental and physical bondage. The study of Physics and Metaphysics harmonizes all science, solves the problem of evil, sickness, sorrow and death, and how to rise above them; explains the nature of mind, soul and spirit and makes man the conscious child of the Infinite Spirit, with power to control his body unto perfection and to wield all the forces of Nature for his use and pleasure. The author and compiler of this book, Mary Ries Melendy, M. D., Ph. D., is an eminent physician of Chicago, born in Switzerland, hav- ing the unparalleled record of twenty-five years of general practice without the loss of a single case originally placed in her hands. Dr. Melendy is a graduate of Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago; of Bennett Eclectic Medical College, Chicago ; Student at Rush Medical Clinic, Cook County (Chicago) Hospital; Lecturer on Diseases of Women and Children in the American Health University, Chicago, etc., etc. All this is supplemented by her rarely successful experience in an extended practice, and by her own independent researches and discoveries. For more than thirty years Dr. Melendy has made a study of the finer healing, remedial and constructive forces of Nature. She has attended many different medical schools, and numerous hospitals. She was the only woman in one hospital of 300 students. With indomitable pluck she overcame all obstacles and gained her knowl- PREFACE. 13 edge. In addition to her school-lore and hospital experience, she has engaged in valuable original researches, which have penetrated to the very centers of life, and wrested Nature's most precious secrets for the good of humanity. Because a large share of her practice has been with the delicate organizations of women and children, it is a happy circumstance that her remedies, treatments, and, in fact, her whole habit of thought have been in deep sympathy with these elements of society, and her message to them is one of hope and new life. In her early years in Switzerland she was the direct personal pupil of the great Froebel, whose principles of child-education have revolu- tionized the world. Dr. Melendy is an ardent admirer and advocate of these principles, and hence she gives to the production of this book (the culmination of her beautiful life-work) a combined knowledge, experience, art, love and power which will bring hope and joy to countless homes in every land. We are pleased to lay these pages, thus richly freighted, before the public, knowing that they are full of virtue and power for humanity. THE PUBLISHERS. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. LIFE-CENTERS. A Fascinating Search — Knowledge that Makes Pure — The Four Power-Houses — Little Cells that are Specialists — "Wrinkles" in the Brain — Woman's Lofty Brain-De- velopment — Amusing Anti-Climax of the Philosopher — Why Woman Has "Intui- tions ' ' — Causes of Insomnia — How to Have a Vigorous Brain — It Is Wise to ' ' Change Your Mind ' '—Getting Eid of ' ' The Blues ' '—The Seat of Magnetic Power— Chasing Away the Burglar-Thoughts — The Greatest Nerve-Center — Why Woman is Elastic — Must Mate to Be Complete — The Temperaments to Select From — People Who Mature Early — Large- Jointed Folks — The Eed-Faced — Sleepy People — Not Slaves of Fate . . 39 CHAPTER II. MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. Beauty the Magic Charm — The Hidden Law — Bright Eyes, Animation, Grace, Express the Motherhood Idea — Beauty in Form and its Meaning — No Abnormal Compression Needed — Full Breasts of Artist's Ideal — Sprightliness of Step; Why it Attracts — Musical Voice — Erect Bearing — The Slender Style — The Plump Type — The California Girl — Eacial Standards — Soul-Power — Artistic Taste — The Eeligious Instinct — Love of Mate and of Offspring — Tact — Intuition — Discreet Eeserve — Woman's Tact and Eloquence Powerful, Even in Business — Transmitting Qualities Not Her Own — Graces Can be Grown 62 CHAPTER in. GROWING BEAUTIFUL. Multiplied Power of a Beautiful Mother — Beauty for All, the Twentieth Century's Prophecy — Evolution from the Greek Standard of Beauty — Modern Measurements — Eaphael's "Serpentine, Fire-Flame Curve of Beauty" — Disfigurement of Tight Lac- ing — "No Suggestion of Bone or Muscle" — Beauty-Hunger Divinely Implanted — Treating God's Temple with Dainty Care — Young and Beautiful at Fifty — Plain Girls Growing Handsome — Story of the Two Sisters — Mind-Treasures Beautify Ex- pression — Brightness, Love and Harmony are Wonder-Workers — Five Sunshine Eules — Importance of Healthy Sex-Nature — Positive Manly Force and Charming Feminine Power — Aim for Beauty which Can be Transmitted — Four Cardinal Points of Health and Beauty 74 CHAPTER IV. BEAUTY DIET. Ample Variety of Selection — Many Foods are Beauty-Producing — Which Water Pro- duces Beautiful Teeth? — Meats Must be Fresh — Hot Milk is Eeviving — Eggs are Complete Food — Vegetables and Grains — Nuts a Perfect Substitute for Meat — Valuable Table of Nutritious Foods — As a Beauty-Producer, Fruit is Woman's Boon — Fruit for the Complexion — How to Improve the Whole Physique 87 15 16 TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. Crimson Cereal Fruit Complexion Dish — Lemons for Insomnia — Fruit for Alcoholic Dis- ease — Chopped Dates — Acids for Biliousness — Hints to the Florid — Sick Headaches Do Not Beautify; Cut Them Out — How to Overcome Constipation — Classified Foods — How to Cook Meats — Expert Cooking of Vegetables — Diet to Fatten — Diet to Reduce Flesh— The ' ' Don 't-Worry ' > Dinner 96 CHAPTER VI. BEAUTY BATHS. World Famous Beauties — Borax and Oil — Charm of Cleanliness — A Skin Like Velvet — Baths Improve Form and Features — Dignity of Skin-Functions — The Great Ally of the Lungs — Two and a Quarter Millions of Glands — Bathing Eules — Tonic and Ex- hilarating Effects — The Glow of Reaction — Corpulent People — The Daily Sponge Bath — The F«>rty Degree Eule — Swimming — Sea Bathing — Ammonia — Medicated Baths — Special Beauty Bath — The Bran-Bag — Cleansing Effect of Vinegar — Oil Bath for Thin People — Air and Sun Baths — Earth Cure Bath — Foot-Baths — Sitz-Baths — "Sleep Bath" for the Weakly— Making a Bath Cabinet— The Turkish Bath at Home — Reducing the Abdomen 107 CHAPTER VII. A BREATH OF AIR. &o You Breathe? — Poisoned Life Cells — The Pure Sleeping-Room — Live a Full Life- Six Hundred Millions of Lung-Cells — Thirty-five Thousand Pints of Blood Every Day — Deep Breathers are Magnetic — Secret of Sex- Attraction — Fear the Great Robber — Males are Half; Females are Quarter-Breathers — Breathing the Deliverance from Consumption — Get that Extra Curve in Your Back — The Voice that Rings — ' ' Ten Times Ten" — Hindu Breathing — Breathe Like a Horse — Develop Lungs and Chest — Don't Be "Blue-Blooded' ' — Five Breathing Exercises — How to Let Go — Cure for "The Blues"— The "Door-Fan"— The Three Fowls— Open Air Life— Outdoor Games —Health is "Catching" 122 CHAPTER VIII. CARE OF THE FACE. Fear Neither Old Sol, nor King Boreas — Lotions and Powder — The Pride of Cleanliness — Eight Complexion Rules — Rough Face Surface — An Approved Cream — Cucumbers for Freckles — Lemon Lotion — Strawberries Invaluable — Cream of Strawberries — Let- tuce Milk — Frostbite — Sunburn — Cosmetic Jelly — Eruptions and Pimples — Lack or Surplus of Color — Moles, Warts and "Pits" — Cause and Cure of Wrinkles — Eyes are Soul-Windows — Lotion for Inflamed Eyes — Foreign Substances in the Eye- — The Eye- brows' Graceful Arch — Clearing the Ears — Purple Lips 141 CHAPTER IX. CARE OF THE HANDS AND FEET. Palmistry a Science — Record of Joys and Sorrows — Four Types — Scientific Dishwashing — Wear Your Gloves — Lemon and Borax — Freckled and Chapped Hands — Important Rule About Glycerine — Rough Work, yet Beautiful Hands — Care of the Nails — In- growing Toe Nails — Comfort for the Feet — Enlarged Joints — Importance of the Foot Bath— The Sand-Bath— The Sin of "Corn" Cultivation— Large Feet Often a Mark of Genius > • • 159 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 17 CHAPTER X. CARE OF THE HAIR AND TEETH. Hair a Factor in Fascination — General Health is Necessary — " Brown in Shadow, Gold in Sun" — Hot and Cold Shampoo — Massage — Safe Use of Curling Iron — Brushing Makes Soft and Glossy Hair — Fragrance and Silkiness — The Hair at Night — Rules of Taste in Dressing the Hair — Test the New Fashions — To Neutralize Chalk-Dust — Invigorating the Hair in Hot Water — Dandruff — Egg-Shampoo — Baldness — Worry Brings Gray Hair— Think "Joy-Thoughts"— Teeth, "the Pearly Gifts of Natures- Tooth Paste and Powder — Crystals that Cleanse — Strengthening the Young Teeth — Tooth-Diet 169 CHAPTER XL HOW TO ACQUIRE BODILY GRACE. Thought the Master-Builder — An Upright Bearing Promotes Strength and Grace — The Body a Priceless Jewel — A Shapely Chin — Well-Proportioned Neck — Breathing Exer- cises Beautify the Throat — Shapely Arms — The Slender Woman 's Exercises — How to Develop the Bust — Straightening Up — The Supple Waist of the Woman of Power — For a Prominent Abdomen — Your Magnetic "Aura" — Protect the Pelvis — How to Reduce Flesh— The Walk of Grace 183 CHAPTER XII. INFLUENCE OF DRESS. Increasing Woman's Attractiveness — Freedom in Dress — Freaks and Tortures of Fash- ion — Corsets and Their Train of Woes — Combination Underwear — Some Comfortable Garments — What Colors to Choose — Kitchen Dress Hints — Afternoon "Freshen- ing" — Evening Dress — Wraps and Hats — Dress-Eules for Pregnancy — Imperative Reasons — Prepare Joy and Health for Your Child 196 CHAPTER XIII. CHOOSING A MATE. The Creative Principle Supreme — Three Great Sex-Functions — Transformation Wrought by Puberty — The Sexes Mutually Supplementary — The Time for Higher Ideals — The Mutual Stimulus — The Perfect Blending of Qualities — Weil-Balanced Offspring — Scientific Mating the Key to Happy Love — It is Better to be Sure than Sorry — Seek Your Complement in Mating — Congeniality in Eace, Eeligion, etc. — Bring Out the Best in Your Mate — Love the Crown of Woman's Life — Bequeath Health to Your Children — "Marrying to Reform" — The Martyr-Husband — Hope in Domestic Sci- ence — Letter-W/iting, Conversation and Music — The Heritage of Integrity — Mar- riage of Relatives — The Reserve Power of Intuition. 211 CHAPTER XIV. CUPID'S CONQUEST. Love the Very Heart of Poetry — "The Spirit and Spring of the Universe" — A Sweet Love-Poem — Magnetism versus Soul-Affection — Both Essential — Difference, not Dis- tance, Separates Souls — Decide When Alone — Testing by Separation — Tell the Love- Story O'er and O'er— "Congeniality" Desirable, but Not All — Courtship a Uni- versal Intuition — Safeguards of the Mating Period — Girls, Confide in Your Moth- ers! — Cultivating New Graces for the "Other's" Sake — A Sacredness that Banishes Early Follies — Marrying for Money an Insult to Nature — Dollars Not the Test — Know How to be Breadwinners — The Best Time to Marry — Arrival of the Day of All Days ,. ...... * 224 18 TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER XV. THE HONEYMOON. The Honeymoon Spirit for Life — Go Away for the Wedding Holiday — The First Wedded Privacy — The Maiden Wife's Embarrassment — The Husband's Best Policy — Love's Greatest Privilege — How to Prolong the Early Delights — Allow No Criticisms by Outsiders — A Mathematical Eule — How to Avoid Discord — Mutual and Perpetual Givers 237 CHAPTER XVI. WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. The Law of Opposites — Blending of Strength and Beauty — Eeserve Power — Eesolute Character, with Deference — Absolute Sincerity — Never Depreciate Self or Others — Ardency and Eloquence — The Humility of Love — The Instinct to Hide Love — "Love's Pinfeathers Pricking" — Keticence of First Love — Tell Her Your Love — Love of Home Life — All Secondary; Love First — Purity Develops Men Who Com- mand Love 246 CHAPTER XVII. WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES. The Hope of the Eace — The Foundation of Life — Artistic Weaving of Ideal into Com- monplace — Importance of Love-Courtesies — No Neglect for the Lonely One — Busi- ness Must Not Crowd Out Kisses — Gentle in Criticism; Lavish in Praise — Never Scold or Sneer — Exclude Meddlers and Critics — How One Couple Came to an Under- standing — No Striving to Eule — Love's Enthusiasm Supplies Lack of Training — Co-operation of Both in Home Problems — Eecreation Preserves Youth — The Italian Senator's Pungent Comments on Married Life — Love Begets Love — The Art of Putting Things — Taming the Male Animal — Establish a Home of Your Own — The Pedestal of Absolute Truthfulness — The Love that Grows — Wise Absences — Purity Love's Preservative — Growing Harmony for Love's Sake — Hope for All 252 CHAPTER XVin. THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. A Reverent Study of Life — Unfolding Principles — The Double Arch of Destiny — Great Strength of Pelvic Framework — Wise Precaution for Girls — Woman's Organs In- ternal — The Mons Veneris — Labia Majora and Minora — Clitoris — Vagina — Hymen — The Uterus — The Point of Physical and Nervous Energy — Strong Supporting Liga- ments — The Waving Cilia — Wonders of the Fallopian Tubes — The Ovaries, the Basis of Femininity — The Life-Germ — The Eipened Ovum Set Free — Glands of Nourish- ment — Home of the Male Life-Germs — Four Hundred Lobules — Lace-Work of the Seminal Tubes — Life and Force from the Blood — A Twenty-Foot Tube — A Duct Which Distributes Vigor to the Whole Body — Cylinders Which Transmit the New Life — Circumcision — The Freshest and Best Blood — The Sources of Strength and Virility — All Under Absolute Control of the Will — Man Not at the Mercy of His Passions — Eemedy Where Passions Exceed Will — A Splendidly Developed and Pre- served Virility 269 CHAPTER XIX. SPECIAL WARNING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. Respect the Bodies God Has Given — Take Your Questions to "Mother" — Life's Origin and Its Beautiful Shelter — Why Children are Dearly Loved— The Reproductive Or- gans — Eight Care of Them Makes Men Strong and Women Beautiful — Saving Them TABLE OF CONTENTS. 1& for Maturity 's Joy and Blessing — Perverting Them Depletes Blood — Inflames Nerves — Promotes Stupidity and Destroys Healthy Play-Faculties — You Want tu Be Strong — Keep Away from Impure Companions — Keep Thoughts High — Tell Father or Mother — They Love You and Can Help You — The Conquest — You Become a Prince — The Girl's Treasure, Her Growing Womanhood — She Must Keep Herself Pure — What Is at Stake: Beautiful Home-Life; Husband's Affection; Darling Children of Her Own — The Sexual Organs Are Sacred — Controlling the Thoughts — The "Card Plan" for Boys or Girls — The " Friendly Witch" — Men and Women of Purity and Power 291 CHAPTER XX. BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. Indicates Capability to Bear Children — The Time for Mother's Counsel — New Powers — The Brain Intensely Active — Mothers, Question Your Daughters — " Thought She Was to Be Changed into a Boy" — Menstruation Is Natural and Healthful — The Eipening of the Life-Germ — A Eeminder of Womanhood and Coming Power — Physi- cal Eeasons Against Immature Marriage — The Normal Flow Painless — Cold Cli- mates — Tropical Child-Brides — Menses at Five Months of Age! — A Ten- Year-Old Mother! — Symptoms of the First Menstruation — Avoid All Chilling — Believe from Excessive Strain — Correct Irregularities — No Menstruation During Pregnancy; Barely During Nursing — Thirty to Thirty-Five Years of Eipening — Preparing for the Eest-Period 300 CHAPTER XXI. THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. To the Pure, Sex-Love is Not Degrading — Progressing Beyond the Alphabet — Wise Connubial Sex-Eelations a Eefining, Uplifting Power— Excess Fatal to Love — Im- paired Powers and Puny Children the Eesult — Examples of Animal Life — Not Only Desire, but Love is Eequired — In Moderation, Intercourse Gives Mutual Gain — Equalizes Male and Female Magnetism — Nature Gives Woman the Selection of Time — The Husband Must Continue to be the Lover — Motherhood a Sacred Shrine, Not to be Polluted — Tenderness of the Normal Man — Intercourse under Control of the Enlightened Will — Continence Means Brain-Power — Diet and Hygiene of Con- tinence — Love the Preserver of Purity — A Message of Hope to the Struggler — You Are Not ' ' Chained ' ' — Womanhood Appeals to Your Higher Nature — The Divine Within You — Your Gift of Manhood — The Psalm of Grace and Power — Mind-Pic- tures of Success — The ' ' Line of Least Resistance ' ' — The King Crowning His Queen.,309 CHAPTER XXn. THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD; CONCEPTION. Starting Points of Life — Meeting with God to Form a Human Soul — Lifelong Impres- sions from One Moment — The Father's Influence First — His Life-Germs are Living Beings — Their Extreme Activity — "A Serpent Bit an Egg" — Fish and Oysters Artificially Multiplied — Double Impregnation — The Favorable Period — High Vigor Eequired for Child's Sake — Spring the Time for New Life — The "Second Honey- moon" — Training to Prepare for the Best Offspring — The Food, the Breathing, the Baths and the Dress — Two Children Contrasted — Pre-Natal Training Saves Much Time and Labor — A Splendidly Endowed Child — What to Cultivate; What to Re- strain — You Can Counteract Heredity — A Stronger Force — The Supreme Moment — Pray as Never Before — God's Image to be Produced 320 20 TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXIII. LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING. Joy of Parenthood — Perversion of the Function — Unwelcome Children — Consider This Seriously — Over-Population Feared — Kecords of Norway and Switzerland — Limita- tion a Duty — One Preventive Check — Nursing No Preventive — Abortion is Criminal — Malformation Alone Justifies It — Limitation is Not Infanticide — Limitation De- stroys No Life — Mechanical Appliances Dangerous — Prof. Fowler's Objections — The Discovery of Limitation by Control — Objections Answered — Another Method — Love's Highest Plane — Striking Quotations — The Woman Who Cursed God — The Coming ' ' Diamond Age ' ' 335 CHAPTER XXIV. THE MOTHER-ARTIST. (PRE-NATAL CULTURE.) An Endless, Widening Stream — The Ennobling Art — A Co-Laborer with the Divine — Intelligent Breeding of Animals — Shall Humanity be Left Behind? — Tenfold Harder by Deferring — Joyous Greeting for the Little One — "I Never Dreamed How Happy You Were!'' — "Lovin' 'em Eight Along from the Beginning" — No Limit to the Mother's Power — Hygiene and Beauty the Earliest — Surroundings of Greek Mothers — The Eeason for the Italian Madonna-Type — Two Sisters Contrasted — You Can Counteract a Eepulsive Sight — Implanting the Mental and Moral — Acquisition — Honesty — Sociability and Good Cheer — Literature — Your Child a Leader — Build Up the Soul! — The Father a Sympathetic Helper — Four Sons; All Planned For — Life a Wonderland of Treasures 343 CHAPTER XXV. SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. *' Rational" Signs — Rapid Pulse — "Morning Sickness" — Changes in the Breasts— "Quickening" — Globules in the Urine — "Sensible" Signs — Pulsation of the Foetal Heart — Growth of the Embryo — Villi — How Placenta Acts as Lungs and Digestive Organs — The Umbilical Cord — Various Interesting Stages of Growth — The Last Two Months— The Mother's Time to Perfect the Child— Valuable Table of Dates of Confinement — Conception While Nursing — Miscarriage — Promptness Can Avert It — Miscarriage More Painful Than Natural Delivery — Eequires Same Care as After Confinement — Guarding Against Tendency to Miscarry — Treatment After Once Mis- carrying — Four Theories of Determining Sex — No Satisfactory or Final Test — The 1 ' Mental Dominance ' ' Idea 355 CHAPTER XXVI. DISCOMFORTS OF PREGNANCY; HOW OVERCOME. Conception Should Bring Greater Health and Vigor — Errors Cause the Discomforts — Morning Nausea Indicates Nervous Sympathy — A Favorable Sign — Acidity of Stomach — Intestinal Indigestion — Sick Headaches — Hand Magnetism for Neuralgia — Tooth Troubles — The Abdominal Belt — The Elastic Stocking — Diarrhoea — Piles — Constipation — Tonic for Fainting — Simple Treatments for Insomnia — Abnormal Food Cravings — Breasts and Nipples — Bladder Symptoms — Leucorrhea — Lotion for Irri- tation — Differences Between False and True Labor Pains — The Husband's Duty and Privilege — Innocent Conspiracies — Start Pleasant Trains of Thought — Few of These Discomforts for Any One Woman — Determines for Herself — The Gates of Woman's Paradise 375 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 21 CHAPTEE XXVII. CHILDBIRTH MADE EASY. A Holy Desire — God Never Cursed Motherhood — Pain in Childbirth Unnatural — Indiana Bear Children Easily — The Husband's Tenderness Called For — Continence Abso- lutely Healthful — A Midwife at Seventeen — Animals Bringing Forth Their Young — Heavy Eating Brings Heavy Children — Incidents and Experiences — Forty-Five Years in Helping Women — No Case Lost — Relaxation Better than Stupefaction — Where Childbirth Restores Health — Irish Confinements Easy — The Pregnant Wo- man's Food — Preparing the Bed — "The Show" — Preparations — Breathing — Per- spiration — Diet During Labor — Caring for the Newcomer — Delivery of the Placenta — Quiet for the Chamber — Gentle Care for the Mother 391 CHAPTER XXVIII. CARE OF INFANTS. The Loving Mother's Questions — Their Poetic Answer — "How Much For Baby?" — Once, Preparation; Now, Realization — Harmonious Laws for Training — The Moth- er's Milk the Best Food — The "'Hungry Ball" — Interpreting the Cries — Soothing by Massage — That Chicago Baby — One Child Who Had a Fair Start — Baby Not to Be Made a Mummy — The "Gretchen" and "Gertrude" Suits — Simplicity and Free- dom in Clothing — A Clean Baby — Shortening Clothes — Everything Changed at Night — Clothing for Out-Door Wear — Baby's Joy in the Bath — His Travels Begin Early — Baby a "Kicker" — Soon a Trotter — Restful Sleep — The Sleeping Face a Guide to Health — Four Great Essentials 411 CHAPTER XXIX. NURSING. Sleep for the Newcomer — Rest for the Mother — The Colostrum Needed by the Babe- Child to Nurse After Sleeping — Treatment for Sore Mouth of Mother — Thrush — Refusal to Nurse — Cabbage Leaves for the Breasts — Glass Shields a Relief — Re- tracted Nipples — Gathered Breast — Nursing by Rule — The Mother's Food and Clothing — Stimulants Cause Disease and Impurity — When It Is Poisonous to Nurse — Everybody to Help Mother and Baby 427 CHAPTER XXX. WEANING. Care Requisite — Slum District Vagaries — The Proper Time — Renewed Menses Demand Weaning — Ninth Month the Usual Time — Weaning Should Be Gradual — Do Not Overload the Child's Stomach — Process of Weaning — Use of Aloes — Dispersion of the Milk — Injurious to Nurse While Pregnant — When a Wet Nurse is Required- Prepared Foods — Use Two Bottles — A Good Dietary for Infants — Both Milk and Water Required 435 CHAPTER XXXI. TEETHING. Mortality of the Innocents — Stomach Trouble, the Great Destroyer — The Cry of the Builders — A Teething Powder of Value — Symptoms of Teething — Teeth Which De- cay — Teething the Critical Period — Other Changes Under Way — Teething a Natural Process — Soothing Syrups and Cordials — Opiates Slaughter the Babies — A Prepara- tion Which is Both Food and Medicine — Experiences of Wide Interest — Great Va- riety of Cases — Something for Mothers to Read , 445 2 V. g2 TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXTT. EDUCATION IN THE FAMILY— FROEBEL. Mothers Must be Educated, for They Must Educate — "Come, Let Us Live for Om Children" — Women the Natural Educators — The Keynote of Woman's Destiny — An Agitation that Affects Millions of Men — Education in the Early Years — Moth- ers Should be Equipped — The All-Sided Kinship — Eecognition of the Inner Law of Divine Unity — Tie Means of Development at Hand — Help is In and Through Ourselves — The Child's Food Influences Character — Appetites Based on Over-Stim- ulation— Froeb el's "Graded Gifts" — The Gentle Unfoldment — Tribute to the Mas- ter-Educator — A Glance at Swiss Education — A Progressive Country — Pestalozzi's Work at the Author's Birthplace — The Fame of Yverdon — Froebel a Visitor — Bringing the Pupils Close to Nature — The Pigeon's Nest in the Schoolroom — Marching with the Flag — Effect upon National Character 451 CHAPTER XXXIII. CARE AND TRAINING OF CHILDREN. Teach Sacredness of the Body — Knowledge Not a Crime — Grave Eisks in Ignorant Marriage — Teach the Children — A Training that is Needed — Shall Their Training be Pure or Vile? — Answer Their Questions — Implant High Ideals — The Mother the Guardian of Childhood — A Fatal Delay — Do Not Let the Weeds Grow — Every Home an Institution for Treating Undeveloped Children — Parents Should Prepare Before and After the Birth of the Child — Mildness, Firmness, but not Haste in Governing — Speak Gently — Interpose New Interests — Appeal to the Heart — The Quickest Way — Children are Psychological — Be What You Teach — Study Their Motives — Hold Their Sweet Confidence — Knowledge is Safety — Teach Beautiful Truths — One Moth- er's Experience — Keeping a Mother "at Bay" — Bedtime Confidences — "Mother, How Can I Keep Bad Thoughts Out?"— "Turn Out the Sparrows "—" Mothers Help a Lot" 461 CHAPTER XXXIV. THE CHANGE OF LIFE. One of Nature's Requirements — Time of Coming — Little Disturbance in the Healthy — Symptoms Vary — Duration of Process of Change — A New Phase of Life — New Hopes and Aspirations — Treatment of Various Phases — Prolong the Menses — Use of Syringe — Physical Changes in Men — Decline of Sexual Passions — Sometimes an Abnormal Inc^ase — Wrong of Discrepancy of Years in Marriage — Upbuild the Sys- tem — Beautiful at Fifty as at Fifteen — Your Thoughts Govern — Decay Not Inevi- table — "The Impertinence of Dense Ignorance" — Refinement and Improvement the Order of Nature — The Silent Demand Brings Supply — The Evolution of Mind- Power — Thoughts Give Expression to Face and Form — A False Alarm May Paralyze -—How to Bring Dyspepsia — Defy the Age — Thoughts — Attracting Health — Mira- cles of the Present 469 CHAPTER XXXV. INFLUENCE OF WOMAN IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS. w Woman is Liberty; and Liberty is Woman" — Virtue Better than Commercialism — Home-Lovers and Home-Builders — Entertaining Class in "Domestic Economy" — Woman's Strong Personality a Factor in History of Nations — Two Types — The Time for the Larger Work — "Mothers in Israel" — The Outreaching Motherhood Spirit — The Up-to-Date Grandmothers — Women in the Broader Work — Police Matrons — Probation Officers — Tenement Inspectors — Managers of State Institutions — Social TABLE OF CONTENTS. 23 Settlements — Visiting Nurses — The Strain that Breaks Down — Art Work — Horti- culture — Music — Drama — Literature — $5,000 a Year — Advertising Solicitors — Report- ers — Text-Books — Home Interests Not Neglected — Teaching — Pulpit — Law — Medi- cine — Politics — Trade Unions — Powerful, Yet Womanly — The Ideal Teacher and the Ideal Mother — ''Saint Courageous'' — Expecting the Best — "I Should Blame Less and Praise More" — The Little Figure of Pathos — Keeping the Heart-Way Open 481 CHAPTER XXXVI. DISEASES OF WOMEN. Health the Prereqivate for Woman's Best Work — In Full Possession of Her Powers — Then the Ballot Will Gravitate to Her — Where Health and Woman's Political Power Combine — Home Treatment for Many Troubles — "The Will to be Well" — Health ajjd Joy to Replace Suffering — Disease Tends to Recovery — Falling of the Womb-"-Other Displacements — Influence of Thought — Inflammation and Congestion of the Uterus — Tumors, Polypus and Cancer of the Womb — Ulceration — Painful Menstruation — Suppression, Delay, Profuseness, etc. — Miscarriage — Leucorrhoea — Gathered Breast 489 CHAPTER XXXVII. PERITONITIS. (PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF THE AUTHOR.) My Own Experience — Curing this Desperate Case — A Knowledge which Saved Life- Results of Exposure — A Case Considered Fatal — A Poultice of Comfort — Nurse's Neglect Brings Relapse — It Meant Death — Relief Once More — Again the Neglect — The Dying Woman's Demand — The Struggle Back to Health — Eight Weeks With- out Bowel Movement! — Eternal Vigilance the Price of Health — Value of Electro- Homeopathy 500 CHAPTER XXXVIH. SKIN DISEASES. Borne Slight, Some Obstinate — Some Yield to Home Treatment — Some Require a Physi- cian's Care — Boils and Their Treatment — Suppuration — Poultices — Opening Boils — Dressing Boils — Diet — Baths — Ulcers — Chronic Ulcers — Milk Crust — Nettle Rash — Itch or Scabies — Sulphur Treatment 504 CHAPTER XXXIX. INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. General Instructions — Overalls for Children — The Sand-Heap — Lunch Between Meals— Fruit and Jam— Vegetables — Milk the Stand-by — Ailments — Cankered Sore Mouth — Cholera Infantum — Whooping Cough — Convulsions, Fits or Spasms — Croup — Diph- theria — Scarlet Fever — Mumps — Earache — Ear-Discharges — Colic — Constipation — Di- arrhoea — Worms — Chicken Pox — Measles 510 CHAPTER XL. NERVOUS TROUBLES; THE POWER OF MIND. Usually Affect or Spring from the Mentality — Sympathetic Nervous System — Controls All Vital Processes — "The Silent Schoolmaster" — Treat the Solar Plexus — Bodily Changes Arising from Emotions — "They are Able Because They Think They are Able" — Close Relation of Brain to Nervous System — Instance of the Power of Suggestion — Dressing in Black a Mistake — Put Brightness in Your Clothing — Dan- 24 TABLE OF CONTENTS. ger in Frightening Children — Help Your Child by Being Cheerful — Nervous Diseases to be Treated both Mentally and Physically — Neuralgia — Nervous Debility — Sleep- lessness^ — Nervousness — Hysteria — Hypochondria — Chorea, or St. Vitus' Dance — Nervousness from Teething — List of Special Eemedies — Pregnancy — Overstudy — The Temples We Are Building — Broad Field of the Mind's Work — The Art of Teaching — Genius Knows No Eules — Work by Yourself First; then Go to a Teacher.. 525 CHAPTER XU. FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. Symptoms of Fevers — Classification — Eruptive Fevers — Typhoid — When It is Epidemic •—Purgatives Dangerous — Fever a Warfare to Expel an Invader — Successful Treat- ment Derived from Experience — Where to Place the Patient — The Hot Bath — Per- fect Quiet — The Eruption — Guard Against Taking Cold — Convalescence and Its Dangers — Lung Complications — Dress Warmly on Eecovery — Pure Air the Best Ap- petizer—Caution in Eating — Preserving the Hair — Massage Parts that are Weak or Inactiv'e — Drink Water — Bathe — Rub with Olive Oil — Diet — Constipation — Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, and Measles — The Gargle — Intermittent Fever — Small-pox — Chicken-pox — Diarrhoea — Ague and Malarial Fever — La Grippe — Asiatic Cholera — Successful and Energetic Work for Two — Quick, Self -Possessed and Fearless Attend- ants — Preventive Treatment — Predisposing Causes of Cholera 533 CHAPTER XLTL GENERAL DISEASES. 3t Running Their Course" — The More Modern Way — Treatment of Many Ailments — Bright 's Disease — Bronchitis — Catarrh — Cholera — Constipation — Consumption — Cor- pulency — Coughs — Diabetes — Diarrhoea — Dropsy — Epilepsy — Erysipelas — Menin- gitis — Liver Trouble — Pneumonia — Rheumatism — Softening of the Brain, and Many Other Diseases 544 CHAPTER XLIII. ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. Be Prepared Beforehand — Quick and Effective Action — Bruises — Splinters — Cuts — Lac- erations — Profuse Bleeding — Nail Wounds in Foot — Lockjaw — Nosebleed — Stings- Bites from Serpents — Bites from Mad Dogs — Poison Ivy 2 etc.— Sprains — Broken Bones — Cramps — Poisoning — Chill from Dampness — Freezing — Restoring the Drowned — Falling into the Water — Choking — Swallowing Pins, etc. — Foreign Bodies in Eye or Ear — Stunned from a Fall — Escape from Fire — Clothing on Fire — Burns — Scalds — Powder Burns 572 CHAPTER XLTV. HYGIENE IN THE HOME. Home, the Woman's Pride — "Planning to Neglect" — Keeping Work Within Strength — Order is a Time-Saver — Look After Cellars — Beware of the Drains! — Woman's Un- ending War Against Filth — Stoves Exhaust Oxygen as Fast as Twelve Men Do — Absorbents in Sleeping Eooms — Individual Beds — Preserve Your Nerve Force — Lengthen Your Honeymoon — Banish the Musty Odors — The Sick Room in Contagious Diseases — Isolation Necessary — Three Disinfectants — How to Fumigate — Non-Con- tagious Sickness — Watch the Water Supply — "Boil It" — Planning the Meals 585 LIST OF ETCHINGS. Sympathetic Ganglia and Nerves 40 Nerve Cells 41 Convolutions of the Brain 42 Course of Nerve Fibers in Brain 43 Love in its Anatomical Connections. 44 Phrenological Chart 45 Head of Spinal Cord 46 Base of Brain 51 Outline of Male and Female Form. . . 56 Psyche 64 Internal Structure of Female Breast 65 The Goddess Una 66 The Three Graces 67 The Stomach, Intestines and Gall Bladder 90 The Heart and Lungs 124 The Hand and Principal Lines 160 Female Pelvis ; The Brim 270 Female Pelvis ; The Outlet 270 Deformed Pelvis 271 Deformed Pelvis 271 Deformed Pelvis 272 Deformed Pelvis 272 Female Pelvis, Lateral Section 273 Internal Organs of Generation of Female 274 The Uterus ; Three Views 275 Arteries of the Uterus 277 Nerves of the Uterus 278 Floor of the Female Pelvis 282 Position of Viscera in Female Pelvis.284 Male Testis and Epididymis 286 Structure of the Testes and Ducts . . 28* Base of Bladder 288 The Muscles of the Thighs .289 Spermatozoa 322 Spermatozoa (Quickened) 323 Ovum, Blighted 324 Ovum, Chorion . . . . , 324 Ovum, Change in Chorion 325 Ovum, Forming the Placenta 326 Systematic Circulation 328 Vesicle in Ovum, Five Weeks .356 Vesicle in Ovum, Seven Weeks 356 Deciduous Membrane, Ovum Face 357 Deciduous Membrane, Uterus Face. . .357 Deciduous Membrane, Double 358 The Placenta, Foetal Face 359 The Placenta, Uterine Face 360 Battledore Placenta 361 Twin Placentas 362 Ovum, Membranes Enveloping Foetus.363 Uterus at Fifth Month 364 Ovum in Uterus, Five Months 367 Foetus in Uterus, Eeady for Labor. .368 Os Uteri, Third Month 400 Os Uteri, Sixth Month 400 Os Uteri, Ninth Month 401 Gravid Uterus, Full Period 402 Uterus and Pelvic Cavity, Side View. 403 Uterus in Labor, Well Advanced. . . .404 Uterus in Labor, Further Advanced. .405 The Vital System , . .406 GLOSSARY. Abrasions Injuries where the skin is rubbed or scraped away. Acarii Parasitic insects causing the skin disease known as itch. Aliantoise Membrane connecting the foetus and chorion. Anemia , Deficiency of blood. Angina Pectoris Neuralgia of the heart. Anteflexion Tipped backward. Anteversion Tipped forward. Aperient Mildly cathartic. Aqueous Pertaining to, or containing water. Areola The colored circle about the nipple. Articular Pertaining to the joints. Astringent Binding. Biliary Bilious, or pertaining to the bile. Calculi Hard deposits, resembling pebbles. Cathartic Laxative. Cerate A medical compound of oily and waxy substances. Cervix The neck of the womb. Chordee Downward inclination of the penis during erection, occurring dur ing gonorrhea. Chorion The external foetal membrane. Coition Sexual intercourse. Copulation Sexual intercourse. Congestion Overcrowded blood-vessels. Coryza Nasal catarrh. Dermoid Skinlike; pertaining to the skin. Diaphoretic Producing perspiration. Diaphragm Parietal muscle between chest and abdomen. Diphtheria Malignant disease of the throat. Emaciation State of being redueed to leanness. Embryo ^gg> Emmenagogues Medicines to stimulate the menstrual flow. Enema Injection. En3iform Cartilage in front; soft part of sternum. Epidermis The cuticle, or outer skin. Epididymus The convoluted tube in the testis opening into the vas deferens. Fallopian Tubes Oviducts. Faeces Discharge from the bowels. Fauces The parts bordering on the opening between the back of the mouth and the pharynx. 28 GLOSSAEY. » Febrile Feverish. Fimbriated Finger-like. Flatulence, or ) Accumulation of gas in the stomach and bowels. Flatulency Flexions Bending; in parturition, the inclining forward of the foetal head. Foetal Pertaining to foetus. Foetus Child in the womb. Follicles Minute cavities, sacs, or tubes. Fomentation Hot applications to the body. Fontanel The soft part in an infant 's head, where the bone is not yet formed. Fundus That part of a hollow organ the farthest from the entrance. Gestation Act of carrying a foetus in the uterus; pregnancy. Gonorrhea A contagious inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina. Graafian Follicle Ovarian cavity containing egg. Hemorrhoids Piles — Tumors in and about the anus. Hygiene The art of preserving health. Incubation The period between the time of exposure to an infectious disease and its development; also the period of gestation. Inguinal Abdominal; in the region of the groin. Intra-Uterine Within the womb. Labia Lips of the vagina. Lancinating Sharp, sudden, shooting, lacerating. Laxative Cathartic. Lobules Minute bundles of cells, blood vessels and ducts. Mammary Pertaining to the breasts. Massage Kubbing and kneading the body. Menstruation Monthly flow from the womb. Nates The buttocks. Nidus Nest. Nodosities Knotty protuberances. Obstetrics The branch of medical science connected with the treatment and care of women during pregnancy and parturition. Oedema Dropsical swelling or puffiness. Os-Internum-Uteri The interior of the mouth of the womb. Os-Uteri The mouth of the womb. Osseous Bony. Ova Eggs. Plural of egg. Ovary Generative organ in which the ova are developed. Oviducts Fallopian Tubes; passage for the ovum from the ovary to the womb. Ovulation Laying of the egg. Ovum An egg. Papillae The nipples; or the minute, nipple-shaped protuberances of the skin, tongue, etc. Parturition Childbirth. Pelvis Lower part of the abdomen. Perineum The part between the genital organs and the rectum. Peristaltic Worm-like movements of bowels. 30 GLOSSARY. Peritoneum The membrane lining of the walls and covering the organs in the abdomen. Pessaries Instruments or objects worn in the vagina to remedy a uterine displacement; of various forms and materials. Placenta The part supplying nourishment to the foetus; the after-birth. Polypus A tumor arising from the mucous membrane of the womb and pro- jecting into the cavity. Pre-natal Before birth. Prolapsus Uteri Falling of the womb. Pulmonary Pertaining to the lungs. Pustular Proceeding from, or marked by, pustules. Pustule An elevation of the skin resembling a pimple or a blister. Baehitic Affected with rickets; weak- jointed. Eectuia »• Lower portion of the bowel. Eete Mucosum The deeper part of the epidermis near the papillae. Eete Testis The network of seminal tubes in the testis. Retroflexion Bending backward. Eetroversion Falling backward. Sanguineous Bloody. Sequelae Morbid conditions occurring as a result of a preceding disease. Sternum The breastbone. Syphilis An infectious venereal disease, contracted directly or by heredity. TJmbilicum, or Umbilicus The navel. Urethra The duct by which urine is discharged from the bladder. Urinary Pertaining to urine. Uterine Pertaining to the womb. Uterus The womb. Vagina Passage leading to the womb. Varicose Veins Veins permanently dilated with blood. Vasa Efferentia The ducts at the top and rear of the testis. Vasa Eecta The straight portion of the seminal tubes in the testis. Vas Deferens The large duct conveying the seminal fluid from the testis. Venery Sexual indulgence^ especially when excessive. Vertigo Dizziness. Vesicles Small, bladder-like cavities. Vesicular Pertaining to, or composed of, vesicles. Viscera The organs in the abdominal cavity. Vnlva The external opening of the female genital organs. INTRODUCTION. BT A. B. HEATH. " Finds progress, man's distinctive mark alone. Not God's, and not the beast's; God is, they are, Man partly is, and wholly hopes to be." —Robert Browning. HISTOEY may be remorseless. She may write with iron finger the lesson of "the survival of the fittest"; she may proclaim in harsh tones that "the weakest mnst go to the wall." And yet, when we look through the ages, we shall find that History herself is but the exponent of Progress, and that Progress means ever "the greatest good to the greatest number." If some "go to the wall," if some cannot "survive," it is only the expression of that larger truth which replaces weakness with strength and sings the anthem of Prog- ress, forever. Comparing, therefore, the beginnings of time with our twentieth century, we see the brighter light, the evolution of strength, the proph- ecy of good. This book is multiform Progress. It speaks to the ambition. It tells of hope and achievement. It lifts the reader to the uplands, and lo ! he sees visions of personal power, and even legions of angels upon the mountain side! To him shall come, as he reads these pages, the higher self-respect, the consciousness of the larger and stronger life. That is the mission of this work. Woman comes to a time in life when she yearns for a broader work. 31 32 INTRODUCTION. With her children grown up and away, she comes to feel the instinct of motherhood extended, the impulse of protective love. And so, witih this inspiration, and bearing the spirit of Progress within her, she has enlarged her field, and now in her wise and strong ministrations she touches humanity at a thousand points, and every contact is a blessing. Impelled by this spirit our author has put forth these pages. They are such as naturally come from the mother-heart, such as womanhood is fitted to present, such as a wise and kind physician can offer to en- able men and women to help themselves to a sweeter, more beautiful and stronger life-force. Here may be found the response to that yearning for beauty and strength which is innate in every human being. All shun and deplore the imperfect. All long for perfection in strength and beauty. How we shrink from the thought of wrinkles or decay! And yet we have been told for generations that it was in the order of nature for us to grow old, wrinkled, unattractive, feeble and weak in body and mind. We have been told and have believed that the mind had no power to repair and recuperate the body so as to bring newness and freshness. But here are twentieth century truths which show the glad fact that the order of nature is the order of evolution, ever growing finer, stronger, more forceful. The planet was once a molten mass, and then a coarse and crude desert. All life was once coarser, but is now finer. We accept the suggestion, then, that life and power grow— and grow finer. Refined steel is not only smoother, but stronger than crude iron. Why must we inevitably wither and decay and lose the best that life is worth living for, just as we have learned to live ? Our author has forcible thoughts on these subjects. She reminds us of the existence of " thought-force ' ' as an active power of nature. She makes it plain that many of the forward steps in our civilization have come directly in answer to the needs and longings of God's chil- dren. Millions yearned in silence for faster travel, and for quicker news service. The answer was the steam engine and the electric tele- graph. We do not need to plan ahead for our becoming old and de- INTRODUCTION. 33 crepit, but if we do so plan, we shall hypnotize ourselves, and all the old-age thoughts in the universe will gravitate to us, and grave them- selves in our joints, our muscles and our faces. It is time for us to reverse our thinking. Let us send forth the demand for health, strength, mature vigor, and the lines of beauty which mind can and does write upon face and form. Our author shows us the reality of this process, its hopefulness and its beneficent results. She sets forth the exact ways to combine healthful thoughts with some of nature's kindest remedial gifts, so as to bring to us beauty, grace, attractiveness, strength and magnetic force. Then there are the sublime truths of sex-life. These are so inter- woven with our existence at every point that we have a thousand ad- monitions that they must be studied and understood, and their bless- ings brought into our lives. It is truly a boon to have them explained with such plainness, such reverence, such loving desire for our best good, and withal by such convincing wisdom and capacity that we feel that we are in the presence of a friend indeed. No longer dare we despise these most marvellous revelations of the divine wisdom. Our thoughts are uplifted, and we feel just as did the one who declared "the undevout astronomer is mad!" Wonderful life-lessons are here ! The counsels to the young are full of power, and will linger long in the memory. The advice to mothers and fathers on how to save their children from innocently falling into sad habits must command our earnest respect. The padlock must be removed from the lips. Parents dare no longer preserve silence when their darlings may be drifting over the precipice. They are to speak, speak freely, speak in time. And after all, the truths are so beautiful, so sublime, and tend to such feelings of reverence for the divine order, that the act of speaking to the little ones becomes itself a sacrament. Not only so, but these confidences check the tendency of childhood to drift away from us. Who has not seen the change? What mother's heart but has been sore when her child ceases to confide in her, holds her "at bay," and she sees that there are chambers in her darling's 34 INTRODUCTION. mind that are closed and locked against her. The child has been mis- informed by associates. He dreams that he knows that of which she is ignorant. He dares not tell her that which he has heard. Against his will he puts up the barrier, and often his own heart aches at the mystery which has arisen to close the old bedtime confidences, and put impurity in their place. This need not be. It has come because the parents have delayed too long, and have let the child seek other sources for the knowledge which is best received from the parents' lips. So our author gives us kindly pressure as to promptness in performing this duty, and wise hints as to methods of meeting the natural and innocent curiosity of the little ones. Thus we may keep them pure, save from error and disease and retain their priceless confidence. Woman, with her delicacy of organization, and especially with her long fixed thought-habits and mistaken methods of attiring herself, has fallen a victim to legions of troubles peculiar to her sex. These need not be— ought not to be— as our author clearly shows. From her very childhood she has been woman's friend in need. And now, after a gen- eration of helpfulness for women, she has willingly put in this form the truths that have proved highly valuable to thousands. The information in this book is priceless. It will enable woman to bring great relief and glad development into her own being, so that her life shall be attuned to songs of gratitude and praise. People can work wonderful cures for themselves and pass on these words of heal- ing to their friends. The author traces (especially with nervous trou- bles) the causes of disease back to false mental habits; and a part of her remedies consist of mental treatments that brace and invigorate. The author cherishes the history of the growth of modern healing principles. There was once the day of harsh purgatives, physic, blood- letting, and the ever-ready surgeon's knife. But science has gradually disclosed the milder, yet more effective way. To trace this growth would tax the pen of an expert. The author in all modesty disclaims literary skill, but does insist that she stands for truths in science INTRODUCTION. 35 which have been attested by a most marvellous record of blessing for humanity ; and also that in her hands this system of using the milder, kinder and more spiritual forces, so to speak, has been a system of continuous success. Who, then, should offer these beneficent truths to the world, if not one who has proved their efficacy by thousands of bedsides? Her wide and indiscriminate practice of more than twenty-five years has had a remarkable outcome. No death certificate bears her name as original practitioner in all that generation of time ! She has used the mild powers which cure. She has studied to put hope into the patient's thought, and what is of almost equal importance, into the thought of those who surround the patient. She has traced disease to cause, and treated cause. She has remembered to treat mind, because mind is at the source of life. She has praised Nature and given full honor to Nature's own tendencies towards recovery, and she has come to every case with the strong, uplifting, soul-cheering confidence of success! It is the spirit of mastery. She has put her strong, wise finger upon the place where Nature is striving to restore and to revive, and she has added just the mild yet potent agencies which have reinforced Nature and made the victory complete. In this book the author has placed the ripened and most modern fruit of her experience before the public. In plain words for plain people she has set forth the very heart-secrets of Nature. No family, no mother nor father, no wife nor husband, no youth nor maiden need fail to understand and profit by her instructions. All is made clear. Details are given. Principles of cure are set forth. The exact treat- ment is laid bare. Names of remedies are given. Symptoms, treat- ments, doses, surroundings, convalescence, all are told in words strong with the directness of truth and good will. Where literary finish was required, it was provided ; where illustrations would throw light, they appear; where business ability and experience were needed to bring these truths quickly before great masses of people, it has been sup- plied. The truth is supreme ! Eoom for the truth ! 36 INTRODUCTION. It did not meet the author's ideals nor satisfy her strong yearnings for the spread of truth to tell this story calmly and in the academic spirit. These things are the highest exemplifications of the dramatic. They touch the deepest springs of human life. They deal with the destinies, not only of those now living, but of those unborn, and their progeny after them for ages. Back from the very jaws of the grave she has come and now, with magnificent vigor and health that chal- lenges comparison, she stirs our souls by the recital of these experi- ences. We say as we read these revelations, "Here, indeed, is one wo- man who has learned how to live!" Her readers will grasp eagerly for the rich lesson, and the priceless gift it bears to humanity. With a fervor peculiar to one who is mastered by a mighty truth, these scenes and pen-pictures are laid before the reader, and they may well be called "drama in prose." These truths penetrate to the centers of life. They are food for the soul-hungry. They are balm for the wounded in life's journey. They meet human needs as no other book on similar lines has done. We find here provision for emergencies and times of crisis which come into every home. More than this, we are led into the archways of Na- ture 's beautiful truths, and we are entranced by the lessons which up- lift. But more even than this, before us and our dear ones are opened higher conceptions of life, the chains of self-depreciation are stricken off, we become possessed by nobler ideals, and we see the prophecy of a sweet and soul-satisfying success. And so this work means an advance step for humanity. It spells progress for every home it reaches. It means wise and happy parents, strong and noble children, welcomed, planned for, with their highest qualities developed ; and it means that they in turn will plan for their offspring on wise and broad lines ; and as this shall go on and on, in ever widening circles, the author's ideal will come true, and there will be Progress for Humanity and Its Progeny. THE STORM -P. A. Cot The storm is coming, it is now upon Let us hasten, let us flee. Let us quickly find some shelter I will thy protector be. us, ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE -Robert Beyschlag The unfortunate Orpheus could not resist one look at his beloved Eurydice. That look cost him her final loss. CHAPTER I. LIFE-CENTERS. \ Fascinating Search— Knowledge that Makes Pure— The Four Power-Houses — Little Cells that Are Specialists — "Wrinkles" in the Brain — Woman's Lofty Brain-Development — Amusing Anti-Climax of the Philosopher — Why Woman Has "Intuitions" — Causes of Insomnia — How to Have a Vigorous Brain— It Is Wise to "Change Your Mind" — Getting Bid of "The Blues" — The Seat of Magnetic Power— Chasing Away the Burglar-Thoughts— The Greatest Nerve-Center — Why Woman Is Elastic — Must Mate to Be Complete — The Temperaments to Select From — People Who Mature Early— Large-Jointed Folks — The Red-Faced — Sleepy People — Not Slaves of Fate. f rjT\ IS a wonderful plant in its varied growth and bloom— this flower JL that we call human life ! To find its roots, that we may under- stand its deeper mysteries, and how one life influences another— ah, what a task! It is a more audacious wresting of nature's secrets than Edison has yet attempted; a more fascinating search than that for "the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, " or the fountain of eternal youth, for in a sense it includes both. It discloses treasures more val- ued than any hidden by pirate or delved for by miner. It is a search worthy alike of the sage philosopher, the earnest young student, the conscientious mother and the little child; and of these, perhaps, the little child is wisest, because nearest to nature's heart in its innocent, eager, and too often baffled curiosity. KNOWLEDGE A SAFEGUARD. A common error is that of confusing ignorance with innocence, while in fact, the two are wholly different in their nature and results. Ignorance is not the true heritage of any human being. The knowledge 3 v. 39 40 LIFE-CENTEBS. &r*x<* iniutt Inferior that satisfies, uplifts and protects should be given to all. It is harmful beyond measure to make a dark, forbidding secret of what all should learn, or to carelessly leave young people to acquire false and base .views of God's beautiful work. If "the proper study of man- kind is man," then the youth- ful questioner's "How?" and "Why?" should be answered; and to answer wisely and well, £t3 the world itself must seek knowledge, and learn so to use p&«a and impart it as to further a and** ruzu pure and reverent self -devel- opment. Though man is more than physical, yet in finding the centers of a human life, we are led first along the highway of the great sympathetic nervous system, which, whether we ■»»«»■■ wake or sleep, continuously performs its marvelous func- tions of controlling nutrition, respiration, the circulation of »■** J * , " M the blood, and all the various vital processes. In this we find four great power-houses, so to speak ; points from which vitality is sent forth in all di- SYMPATHETIC GANGLIA AND NERVES. rections. THE BRAIN— MALE AND FEMALE. The first great center, the brain, has been well called the guardian and at the same time the servant of the mind; and through the mind GMajlin* LIFE-CENTERS. 41 the functions of every part of the body may be affected. The nerve- cells of the brain are specialists in their business ; that is, they are so arranged that each group of cells controls its own peculiar work whether mental or physical, doing that specific thing and nothing else. Thus, some cells enable us to think, others to speak, still others to move our hands; some cause us to enjoy a beautiful landscape, others help to plan a battle; and so on through the whole list of mental and physical acts, sensations and emotions. These brain cells, like all other parts of the body, must be fed; hence certain nerves stimulate each cell to select from the blood-sup- ply exactly the elements suited to its own peculiar need. Other nerves act as messengers from the cells to different parts of the body. nerve cells oe neeve centees. Now, it must be remembered that each group of nerve-cells not only differs in its work from the neighboring groups in the same brain, but that the corresponding groups in different brains also vary in size. Thus we have not only the different faculties in one individual, but the varying temperaments in society as a whole. When we come to consider the brain, therefore, with its wonderful wrinkled folds or convolutions of gray nerve-cells nourished by the blood and constantly originating force, impulse and ideas, and with the white nerve fibers acting as messengers to transmit them, we see why this organ is so powerful a life-center. One fact of especial inter- est is that certain striking differences exist between the brain of the male and that of the female. We see this in the shape of the skull ; in the gentle arching upward of the woman's forehead and the decided elevation at the top and near the center of the cranium. 42 LIFE-CENTEBS. Few skulls of the female fail to show this peculiarity, which is lacking, as a rule, in the male. Phrenologists and scientists generally agree that Nature has thereby put her mark upon woman as the more moral, the more conscientious and more highly developed in the spir- itual qualities. Here, in the loftiest portion of her cranial construction she is proclaimed superior to man in many of the finer and higher sentiments which distinguish the human race from the brute creation. CONVOLUTIONS AND FISSURES OF THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE SPHERICAL HEMISPHERE. The average brain and skull of the man is about one-tenth larger than that of the woman. But it is now generally admitted that the size and weight of the brain as a whole do not absolutely determine intellectual capacity. Fineness and purity of tissue are also to be considered, as well as the relative proportion of the gray to the white LIFE-CENTEES. 4i matter. In all these points woman appears to be more graciously en- dowed than man. Bearing directly upon this point of size and weight as a measure of intellectual capacity is the case of a certain Munich physiologist of note who, after years of wide investigation, attempted to uphold the ungallant claim that woman must necessarily be inferior to man be- cause of her smaller brain. Others protested that in comparison with the total weight of her body her brain was even heavier. The plucky German, however, insisted upon his point, his weight of the average female brain be- ing placed at 1,- 2 5 grammes against 1,350 for that of the male— a differ- ence of three and one - half ounces. Upon the death of the scholar, who had expended so many years of intellectual en- ergy upon the study, it was found that his own brain weighed only 1,245 grammes, less than the feminine standard which he himself had estab- lished. WOMAN'S INTUITIONAL NATURE EXPLAINED. Close and vital indeed is the relation of the brain-action to the process of thought, and to the general health of the body as well. Increase of the blood-supply in any part of the body, as all recognize, s. Corpus striatum. o. Thalamus opticus. 3. Cms cerebri. 4. Locus r.iger. 5. Pons Varolii, denoted by transverse lines. 6. Pyramid. 7. Olive. 8. Anterior columns. 9. Lateral columns. to. Posterior columns. x\. Corpora quadrigemina. X2. Fillet of Reil. 13. Superior cms of the cere< bellum. XA. Cerebellum. COURSE OF THE NERVE-FIBERS THROUGH THE SMALL BRAIN. u LIFE-CENTERS. means a corresponding increase of that part's activity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the brain. Now it has been learned that in woman's brain a richer blood-supply stimulates those portions con- trolling the unconscious processes. Her "sub-conscious mind/' as it is sometimes called, is, therefore, more active than her conscious intellect; and for this reason she often knows by intuition, in a flash, something that man would laboriously reason out. So it is with woman's love-nature. The lower part of her brain, near the spinal cord, is most ac- tively nourished by the blood- supply; hence it is not strange that the very foundations of her being rest upon sentiment rather than up- on reason. Nor- mally, woman lives to be be- loved, and intu- i t i v e 1 y does those things which are lovely. See illustration, "Love in Its Anatomical Connec- tions." Further, she lives to be beloved of man, while, speaking broadly, he chiefly exists to increase in simple strength of body and of mind. Thus are brought together strength and tenderness, each to modify the other ; the positive and negative poles of being which form the complete circuit of creation. During sleep, there is only sufficient blood supplied to the brain for the purposes of nutrition. Were there more, the action of the LOVE IN ITS ANATOMICAL CONNECTIONS. m, the corpus caliosum, a great nerve center; o, the seat of love, in the female head. LIFE-CENTEES. 45 brain would render sleep impossible. Activity of the mind greatly influences this matter of cerebral circulation. Hence it is easy to see why prolonged worry or study, by retaining or increasing the blood supply, will cause insomnia; also why, if through sickness, monotonous work or other conditions, the supply of the blood to the PHRENOLOGICAL CHART of the Human Brain. brain is greatly lessened, the brain functions will not be carried on properly in the waking state; memory, concentration, the voluntary mind, the will and the senses become feeble; the brain partially loses control of the nervous system, and "nervousness" is the result. At such a time the mental impressions are likely to be misinterpreted or 46 LIFE-CENTERS. greatly exaggerated. The friends of a person thus afflicted should not judge harshly, therefore, if they find themselves accused of many absurd if trifling offences; neither should they be surprised at the nervous one's facility for hearing burglars, seeing ghosts, and dis- covering fires or other calamities where none exist. A very simple course of treatment restoring the normal blood-supply to the brain will usually banish all the horrors. HOW TO INCREASE MENTAL VIGOR. We see, then, that since the brain is the organ of the mind, the better the health of that organ, the more vigorous will be the working of the mental powers. This can be largely attained by judicious exercise ; for reg- ular exercise of the brain is as needful for that or- gan as for any other por- tion of the body. When any part of the brain is called into activity the blood is attracted toward that part ; and if this exer- cise be resumed at regular intervals and not carried too far, that part or fac- ulty of the brain grows in size, strength and facility of action. This is shown by the fact that some women have become fine conversa- tionalists by dint of regular, thoughtful, persevering practice even when they possessed small natural ability in that direction. It is the same with music, mathematics or domestic skill; and one wo- man who in time of need took up her husband's work as a land- scape architect, beginning as she says with a very poor equipment, is now employed by several railroads and many owners of private HEAD OF SPINAL CORD AND ORIGIN OF THE SENTIENT NERVES. ' ' All the Nerves Centering at Love. ' ' W 5 B ^ SB .5 « £ .2* 0:4 ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE —Sir Frederick Leighton It is related in mythology that Orpheus obtained the return of his beloved -wife Eury- dice from the infernal regions after her death provided he would not look into her eyes. Orpheus, in a moment of forgetfulness, cast a look behind him. They were torn apart with, "Farewell, a last farewell." CUPID'S WHISPER. 'More Welcome than the Flowers MADONNA. LIFE-CENTERS. 51 grounds, who appreciate the finest work and most able supervision, for which she is noted. As is easily seen, however, when the exercise is excessive, and the part of the brain thus used is not given sufficient rest to allow BASE OF THE BRAIN. Showing cerebellum, medulla oblongata, lobes, etc. Nature to restore the waste caused by its activity, it becomes ex- hausted, and brain fever, imbecility, or insanity is the result. A knowledge of this law is most important to teachers and students. 52 LIFE-CENTEBS. CHANGE YOUR MIND! It must be remembered also that by the operation of this same law, the habit of brooding continually on one thing keeps the brain on such a strain as to cause it to become weakened or diseased. There must be in everything some chance for variation. People suffer more often than they need, by failing to realize this. Don't get into mental ruts. With an occasional friendly visit, books, travel, pictures, even a new arrangement of the furniture in your room, you can frequently form new mental images so as to keep the brain in some degree re- freshed and interested. ' ' Change your mind every day ! ' ' is the advice of one who knows how to keep young, beautiful, socially magnetic and mentally brilliant through circumstances which many would find try- ing. It is in actual truth as important to vary the mental outlook as to change the clothing. THE SECOND LIFE-CENTER. In the region of the heart, and closely related to it, is another mighty center, through which the pulse messages rush like telegrams on their way. It seems a pity for science to have disturbed the poetic fancies of the ages by telling us that the heart is not, after all, the seat of the affections. As we have seen that the phrenologists insist on locating, the love-faculty in so unromantic a place as the back of the head, we shall have to accept the fact. Still, we will not complain, for are we not already finding the truth more wonderful than any poet's dream? "With this consideration we will forgive the phrenolo- gists and proceed towards further light. This second great knot of nerves, near the heart, called the cardiac plexus, has a mission so powerful that we can well understand the reason for the ancient mistake. Any powerful emotion, whether of love, anger, grief, or fear, is transmitted through the sympathetic nerves to the life-centers everywhere; and the heart being the center of circulation, is quickened in its beating by love or anger, checked by fear, or made irregular by grief; until it does indeed seem that LIFE-CENTERS. 53 the heart, even if not the seat of the afTectional nature, is at least closely connected with it. BROKEN HEARTS. Many have tried to uphold the old theory by pointing out that the "broken heart" is a physiological fact. True, there have been in- stances in which the hearts of those who died of grief were found to be literally cleft ; but that clearly occurred by reason of the irregular rush of blood, as affected by the condition of the nervous system. Serene, temperate, happy natures who are both loving and beloved will rarely have occasion to notice their heart-action, for in all prob- ability it will be normal and even, quickened only by increased vitality and strength as the various faculties are healthfully exercised. THE HUMAN SUN. Not half enough has been known or taught regarding the third important life-center, which is to the human being much what the sun is to the earth. This is the solar plexus— the great sympathetic nerve center just behind the stomach. Do you know persons— of course you do!— who are often troubled with "a dreadful sinking at the pit of the stomach"? Or with the tendency to feel slighted or abused, with little or no cause? Or with the "I can't" paralysis? Ella Wheeler Wilcox says that there are two kinds of people in the world; the people who lift, and the people who lean. You have met those of both kinds; the strong, self-reliant ones so full ol vital, radiant soul-shine that every one turns instinctively to them to get rid of the blues; and the other sort— the chronically whining, helpless, despondent ones who want everything done for them; who fear they "can't" succeed in anything they undertake, and who consequently never do succeed. Yes, we all know both the "lifters" and the "lean- ers." Would you be a "lifter"? Then develop your solar plexus! Do you ask "Why"? and "How"? I will tell you. First, as to why: 54 LIFE-CENTERS. LINK BETWEEN BODY AND SOUL. The solar plexus is in one sense the link between the body and the soul. It is in location at the great center of the sympathetic nervous system, and closely connected with important organs and vital processes throughout the entire body. In its relations with the brain, its state of health has a marked effect on the will. Fright, or sudden, despairing grief, is felt in this region even more readily than near the heart. Such an emotion causes the ''sinking feeling at the pit of the stomach" above referred to; and the same sensation only in a less violent degree, becomes chronic in a person who is in the habit of continually depreciating himself or his neighbors— particu- larly himself. No man can succeed in business, no woman in effec- tively managing her love affairs or her household, if the solar plexus be weak and unreliable. It must and can be made strong. When this strengthening process is completed, the result is the thoroughly awake, alive, magnetic, successful person whose very presence is a delight to all; whose " feelings' ' are never hurt, and who is never "out of sorts"; who is so busy doing wise, merry, clever, kind things that there seems never any chance for mistakes or worries ; who comes into a room or a group of people like a sunbeam and leaves all refreshed and invigorated as by an ocean breeze. The reason such a person is not receptive to injuries and "slights" and can accomplish more than others is simply that he has a well developed solar plexus. And this brings us to the other question, "How"? HOW TO DEVELOP THE SOLAR PLEXUS. By frequent, regular, deep breathing of pure air and sunshine, so as to increase the blood-supply to that part of the system; by chasing away all despondent or disagreeable thoughts— like the burglars that they are— with a swiftness that will astonish them; and by a liberal use, either mentally or aloud, of the words "I can and I will," fol^ lowed by acting as if you really believed and enjoyed them. That is LIFE-CENTERS. 55 the treatment in a nutshell. More specific instructions for the breath- ing exercises will be given in a later chapter; but the mental part of the treatment is important also. Power dwells in the solar plexus, and if given half a chance, instead of being squeezed out of all shape and vigor, as it often is, by cramped dressing and cramped thinking, this human sun will radiate until life is transformed. THE FOURTH LIFE-CENTER. Last on the list of the great life-centers is that related to the re- productive organs. With reverent tread we approach this part of our subject, for who can begin to study the greatest of all creative work without feeling that it is holy ground? The nerve-center related to the reproductive organs is largest of the four, and in woman, has a vital, recuperative power. This is most needful, since these organs in the exercise of their functions influence the entire nervous and physical system to an unequaled extent. The fibers of the woman's nerves, on account of their more delicate tex- ture, vibrate more rapidly than those of man and are therefore sub- ject to more sudden changes. She is more disposed than man to be hysterical, to weep and laugh in the same breath. She is more quickly and keenly affected by outward impressions than man. Her body and soul promptly recoil from repulsive sights and evil mental impres- sions. On account of this finer and more complex nervous organiza- tion, woman's nature is not only subject to more rapid changes than man's, but it is far more elastic. It is more quickly and profoundly disturbed, but returns more readily to its normal state. Her soul is painfully touched by misfortune or death, but the nervous shock of the blow finds relief in a flood of tears. Her nervous and mental sys- tems, which are one and inseparable, regain their stability with a promptness which would be impossible for the man whose nature had been so deeply affected. No work of master-artist ever compared in beauty and perfection with the marvelous construction of the human body. It seems difficult 56 LIFE-CENTERS. to realize that all this wonderful structure grows from a tiny cell, a seed, so that human life is in fact not altogether unlike that of the beautiful plant-world with which we have already compared it. Not only is the great sympathetic nervous system made up of minute nerve-cells, but were we to trace life back to its very beginning we should find a germ-cell which grows and bursts open as does the flower- seed, sending forth still smaller cells; and within these we should find a mass of infinitesimal, oval-shaped bodies with long tails— curious living beings no larger than the point of a pin ! To study the history of these little creatures and learn what becomes of them in the* course of their travels is to understand, in some de- gree, the beginnings of human life. We will take up this important study in due time, giving to each portion its appropriate space. Meanwhile, hav- ing found the four great OUTLINE OF THE MALE AND FEMALE FQBM. as Showing the heavier bone-construction of the Male well as the larger muscular development. Note the broad shoulders of the Male, and the swelling hips of the Female. centers of life, let us turn for a moment to certain fundamental differ- ences in sex and temperament which distinguish one human life from another. "God created man male and female," giving to each sex distinc- tive qualities admirably adapted to its part in the ever-continuing LIFE-CENTERS. 57 creative process. The differ ences between man and woman, as we have seen, are mental as well as physical. Taking a broad, general view, we see in man the embodiment of strength ; in woman, the more passive, receptive qualities; in man the intellect ruling supreme; in woman the spiritual faculties and the love-nature. Physically, man's broader shoulders and chest indicate that he was meant to be the lifter of the world's many and varied burdens; while woman's slenderer form, with exception of the portions meant for child-bearing, gives evidence that with her all else is secondary to her chief life-work, that of bearing and rearing children to be a joy to themselves and humanity. For one entrusted with so grand a creative work, specific preparation is surely most needful, and equally a high and sacred duty. TEMPERAMENT. That no human life is complete until rightly mated, is acknowl- edged; but how few give to this subject that earnest thought which fits them for life's noblest duties, free from all false notions and dan- gerous misinterpre. f ions of nature's laws. Marriage, the preparation for it and what it involves, must be con- sidered in many aspects, and before taking up these matters it is well to give thought to the different temperaments to be found in the human body, and how each may be recognized. In this way alone can a knowledge of the great underlying principles of right selection and happy adaptation be gained ; for temperament is, in a very real sense, one of the central facts in human life. MENTAL OR NERVOUS TEMPERAMENT. A person in whom the activity of brain and nervous system strongly prevails, may be known by a slender, well-knit frame, sharp features, thin skin, fine hair, bright eyes; he moves, speaks and thinks rapidly, and is fond of reading and other intellectual pursuits. Such a person is apt to mature early, enjoy and suffer keenly, and carry things to excess, especially all mental activities. Children of this organization 58 LIFE-CENTEES. require a great deal of care and attention. Plenty of outdoor exer- cise, cheerful surroundings, and a gentle, watchful guidance are es- sential to keep them well and happy. They are more dependent than other children, but their brilliant talents well repay the efforts that must be made to give them physical stamina and self-reliance. "HEWERS OF WOOD AND DRAWERS OF WATER." In the bilious or motive organization, bone and muscle predomi- nate. By reason of well organized nutritive processes there is marked physical strength. Persons wholly of this class are solid in bone, flesh and muscle, have large joints, large, irregular features, dark hair and eyes, dark complexions, and are apt to be somewhat dull of expression and slow of movement. Though backward in study, they are good workers at any task requiring strength rather than speed; can endure fatigue and hardships ; cling tenaciously to life ; and while they seldom originate anything, can carry out the plans made by oth- ers. They do the hard work and fight the battles of life; and the world would be in a sad plight without them. THE VITAL, OR SANGUINE. This temperament is controlled by the circulation, respiration and vital organs. The ascendancy of the digestive organs sometimes leads to gout and similar troubles late in life. Those having this tem- perament are known by a general plumpness of body, strong pulse, large face, especially in its lower portion; large base of brain; florid complexion, sandy hair and an expression full of health and anima- tion. All the vital organs are large and active. Persons of this class value life highly, enjoy all its pleasures, breathe freely, sleep soundly, eat heartily; frequent social gatherings; are warm-hearted, sympa- thetic, and generous; very sensitive and impulsive. They are fonder of giving orders than of taking them. Sometimes they show good mental ability, but they are never close students, as they lack patience and application. There is also the phlegmatic or lymphatic temperament, whose WILL-O-THE-WISP — E. Spangenberg This phosphorescent light is represented by the artist as a beautiful maiden whose charm and beauty infatuated her admirer and led him to his destruction. JUNE ROSES 4 I will gather sweet roses and sit me here; He will see me afar and will hasten near* On this day in June." — V. Corcos. LIFE-CENTERS. 61 chief distinguishing mark is a general sleepiness of appearance. Some of the Asiatic nations, notably the Chinese, are of this class. Much might be added on this subject of the varying organizations, but enough has been said to enable the reader to distinguish any one of them. When the different temperaments are blended in the same person, the result is a well-balanced mind and a fine physique. This, of course, is the ideal condition. Yet a strongly developed tempera- ment has its advantages, and its disadvantages can be modified. Peo- ple are not nearly so much the slaves of fate, in these matters, as they have been led to think ; and it is but fair to state that a brave, aspiring human soul of whatever organization, will surely find its balance somewhere, somehow. The body is after all the obedient, though un- trained servant of the mind, through which each life can learn by degrees to control its own destiny. 4V. CHAPTER II. MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. Beauty the Magic Charm — The Hidden Law — Bright Eyes, Animation, Grace, Express the Motherhood Idea — Beauty in Form and its Meaning — No Abnormal Compression Needed — Full Breasts the Artist's Ideal — Sprightliness of Step; Why it Attracts — Musical Voice — Erect Bearing — The Slender Style — The Plump Type — The California Girl — Racial Standards — Soul-Power — Artistic Taste — The Eeligious Instinct — Love of Mate and of Offspring — Tact — Intuition — Discreet Reserve — Woman's Tact and Eloquence Powerful, Even in Business — Transmitting Qualities Not Her Own — Graces Can be Grown. WHAT is the great secret of woman's power in history, in so- ciety, in all that goes to make np life! Beauty, expressed through certain physical and mental charms. No other magic so sways the masculine heart; for men admire beauty more than all else. A woman possessing it can marry when and whom she will; nor indeed is this the full extent of her power, for she can in a sense rule the world. Let us see in what this peculiar charm consists. It is not wholly of feature or form, yet is expressed through both; and we will first take a brief inventory of the physical feminine attributes that men invariably find most attractive. NATURE'S BASIS. It is a curious and significant fact that Nature in her laws gov- erning the reproduction of the race, makes most beautiful the women who, in vitality and formation, are best fitted for maternity; that they may be selected first. It is a rule at the basis of all feminine beauty. If we observe thoughtfully, we can trace its workings, and by thus understanding, every woman can learn to very largely con- trol her own place in the list of Nature's favorites. First, a woman who is to be entrusted with the great gift of 62 MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. 63 motherhood must have abounding vitality. This is absolutely essen- tial to the well-being of the lives that are to be dependent upon hers; and is necessary for her own sake as well. Hence it is that the bright eyes, animated manner, clear complexion, and graceful, active move- ments of a beautiful woman become doubly attractive as indicating her fitness to bring life to others. THE WELL FORMED WOMAN. Then, too, a woman's frame must be fashioned in certain propor- tions suitable for the duties that she will have to take upon herself. The size of the pelvis must be ample, the breasts full, the arms well developed; for all these have their special functions in bearing and nurturing the child. Artists recognize these facts and always repre- sent a beautiful woman as possessing sufficient width from hip to hip, and depth through the base of the body from front to rear; the arms tapering from shoulder to wrist, and the lower limbs having the same tapering quality ; while the waist, hands and feet are of mod- erate size, but never abnormally compressed. THE SMALL WAIST. The reason small waists have been so coveted by women and ad- mired by men is because the large ones are supposed to indicate certain unhealthy conditions of the generative organs. It is asserted by some physiological experts that lack of vitality in those organs, and especially scanty menstruation, often leads to a deposit of surplus tissue in the region of the waist. This is not invariably the case ; but when it does occur from such a cause, the probabilities are that it could have been avoided by proper health measures, so that tight lacing is not only criminally harmful but absolutely needless for the purpose for which it is employed. Extremely tall, muscular women, also those very short and ab- normally stout, are apt to be lacking in maternal powers ; while those only moderately tall or short, and well proportioned, are better adapted. A puffy abdomen generally indicates a flabbiness and weak- 64 MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN ness of the abdominal muscles; hence all women's instinctive dislike for this blemish, and desire to remove any such tendency. It can be overcome, as will be shown, but not by unnatural pressure or constric- tion of the clothing. WHY A WELL-ROUNDED BUST IS BEAUTIFUL. The sole nourishment on which every new-born life must depend for many months is that supplied by the mother's milk. How admir- ably Nature has arranged this nutri- ment will appear when we study its formation. Glands composed of minute sacks called follicles are placed in the moth- er's breasts; these extract the albumen from the blood and convert it into milk. Each follicle has its own duct which with other ducts empties into larger ones, and these into still larger, until there are from fifteen to twenty, all converging to the center of each breast where they form the projecting nipple, into which the milk is drawn. From the illustrations it will be seen that the breasts resemble half -globes with the flat sides placed against the chest, their inner edges nearly meeting and their upper ones ex- tending slightly below the armpits. When large, they cover the whole chest opposite the upper arm bones; so that in nursing the infant, the mother easily and naturally presses it to her breast. FULL BREASTS THE ARTIST'S ADMIRATION. An art critic has said that without a child in her arms a woman does not look well-balanced; and certain it is that a woman is rarely more beautiful than when thus holding an infant. Artists always portray their ideal types of feminine beauty with well-developed breasts. PSYCHE. A perfect female bosom. MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. 65 Of course it will readily be seen that full breasts are an indication of amp]e nourishment for the infant. They are therefore a prominent maternal attribute, and high in the list of qualities that men instinc- tively admire. A woman with a flat, poorly-developed bust looks im- mature and defective. Many who are thus lacking resort to padding, or other artificial devices, but this is uncomfortable and unhygienic. A better way to possess the desired roundness in this portion will be described in the chapter on developing the form. Breadth between the armpits, even when the bust is not well rounded, is desirable, as it indicates good lung capacity, which is one of the prime essentials in woman; for breath is life, and the breathing power of one must often help to build the life-forces of not one alone, but two. TAPERING ARMS AND LIMBS. INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF FEMALE BREAST. S, S, Sacs; D, D, Ducts. A woman is so formed that the upper part of the arms and thighs are more beautiful large than small. The arms are meant to hold and nurse children, and must therefore be somewhat muscular ; and the large pelvis, always accompanied by large hips, could not merge at once into small thighs without deformity. Feet and ankles moderately small; however, combined with the large thighs, result in an agile sprightliness of step much admired, because it is so distinctively feminine; as are also small, well-rounded wrists and hands. Hence the more tapering the arms and limbs, the more beautiful. This tapering, when not originally possessed, can be cultivated to some extent, without injury, as will appear. A rich, musical voice is one of woman's greatest charms. Where this exists, it may be safely inferred, the health of the generative organs and the sex-nature is good; but a thin, weak, crackling voice. 66 MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. whether in man or woman, is one of the almost sure signs of a defect in the reproductive powers. A woman does not need to be a singer in order to captivate with her voice ; the speaking voice has power to thrill and enchant. A GRACEFUL BEARING. When a woman carries herself, as most beautiful women do natu- rally, with head erect, shoulders thrown back and breast well forward, it is another sign of superiority. Such a graceful, erect bearing lends attractiveness even to a not over-beautiful face; which is one of the advantages gained in dancing school or a course of physical culture. TWO TYPES OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN. There are two distinct types of beauty in form, for women; the slender, and the full, or plump. One is as beautiful as the other; but to be so, the form must be well-proportioned. The ancients recognized these two types, and a good illus- tration of both will be found in the Goddess Una, and the Three Graces ; Una portray- ing the more robust, and the Graces the slender, types of the perfectly formed wo- man. The slender type of fe- male beauty belongs to the mental temperament ; the rounded type, to the vital or sanguine. Between blonde and brunette beauty, also, we find no rule or gen- eral preference; but the petite and blonde types of women (we are told by specialists) are becoming less plentiful in our own country. THE GODDESS UNA. A perfect female pelvis and form throughout. MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. 67 Immigration is bringing more and more of the brunette races of Europe to our shores, and their preponderance is beginning to reduce the proportion of fair, blue-eyed women. DIFFERING STANDARDS. In the minor physical charms, it is interesting to note the various opinions as to comparative beauty. Prof. McGee regards the Cali- fornia girl as representing the highest type of beauty to be found in the world. In that state have been most concentrated and inten- sified all of the forces at work to improve our race— especially pio- neer influence and admixture of blood. Dr. R. W. Schufeldt, the bi- ologist, in discussing the question as to what attributes different races acknowledge to be beautiful, says: "It really seems that the lower the race in the scale of civ- ilization the more fixed and re- stricted are their ideas in this direction. On the other hand, the majority of the men at least, among the Indo-Europeans, to which race we belong, see beauty in the greatest variety of women of other coun- tries than their own." But the American girl, as well as her foreign sisters of the same race, is not beautiful in the eyes of all the peoples of the earth, according to Dr. Schufeldt. The American Indian regards her skin as too light. The black men of Africa regard her nose as too long and her lips too thin. A native of Cochin-China once spoke with contempt of the beauty of the British Ambassador's wife. He com- plained that she had "white teeth like a dog's" and a "rosy color like that of potato flowers. ' ' Thus we find that race is a strong element in determining individual taste. THE THREE GRACES. The "Faun Form" in perfection. 68 MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. MENTAL TRAITS MOST ADMIRED. Back of all this study of Nature's laws in the material world, true as they are, we find another curious fact : Although men love physical beauty in women, they love mental beauty still more. This accounts, in the main, for the many marriages where women possess few physical charms. The beauty still exists; but it has a different method of expression. What mental traits, then, do men most admire in women? First of all, the quality that might be called spiritual perception. A mother must impart to a child more than its physical nourishment and attributes. There is a soul-power which is back of and underlying all else. This must be possessed by the truly beautiful woman, and nothing can take its place. This power manifests itself in pure and intense feelings, affections and emotions ; artistic taste ; love of music ; the religious instinct, and most of all, perhaps, in the love of offspring and affection for the mate. All refining, uplifting influences come from the soul; hence soul-culture is one of the most important tasks of the woman who would be beautiful. The cultivation of flowers is a help in this development; it refines and enriches the taste. Other mental traits that men especially admire in women are tact ; intuition ; eloquence; caution; gratitude; gentleness; and especially a discreet reserve, with a delicate sense of propriety and regard for appearances. Think for a moment why this is so. Intuition, enabling one to understand the motives and ambitions of another, will create sympathy of thought, which is of untold value. Tact, or knowing how to say and do "the right thing in the right place," so as to give pleasure and avoid giving offense, is a gift which no woman can afford to lack. Its absence, however, is an occasion, not for depression or despair, but for thoughtful endeavor until the desired trait is supplied. Eloquence of speech, together with the two qualities just described, enables many a woman to so present a subject as to gain important concessions HOW LONG — Herbert Schmalz "It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." — Tennyson. PAUL AND FRANCESCA di RIMINI ■L. Hoffman-Zeitz The most pathetic episode in Dante's sreat poem, "The Divine Comedy.*' Promised in marriage to a deformed man, who sends his handsome brother to represent him at the hetrothal, Franeesea thinking him to he her promised husband, falls in love with him, and her love is reciprocated. Both are put to death in consequence. The poem unites them in the spirit world. HER BEST FRIEND. "I ask my mamma — she knows ! ,J MAN'S IDEAL OF WOMAN. 73 where men would have little influence. Such a woman is a most valu- able ally in any philanthropic cause or even in many business under- takings. Caution helps to counteract man's frequent tendency to rash- ness; gratitude for favors and a gentle manner towards all, are gracious parts of a woman's inheritance that help to make her a very queen; while the reserve that would keep the inmost womanly treas- ures of affection and its expression for the one who has first proved his right to claim them, is the very thing that in the eyes of man makes those treasures really worth striving for. All these are traits which are readily transmitted from mother to child, but not so readily from the father; hence the importance of every woman possessing them, and the marked masculine preference for women who do possess them. Eecent scientific discoveries, it is true, have proved that woman, by a careful study of the laws of pre- natal culture, can learn to transmit qualities not naturally possessed by herself. We shall discuss this further in the chapter on "The Mother- Artist." But in speaking of these qualities as the ones most attractive in woman, let it be remembered that they are all graces that can be grown from even the smallest seed of aspiration in the womanly soul; and to unite these mental graces with the highest attainable physical health and beauty, is to be wonderfully magnetic. CHAPTER III. GBOWING BEAUTIFUL. Multiplied Power of a Beautiful Mother — Beauty for All, the Twentieth Century's Proph- ecy — Evolution from the Greek Standard of Beauty — Modern Measurements — Ra- phael's "Serpentine, Fire-Flame Curve of Beauty" — Disfigurement of Tight Lacing — "No Suggestion of Bone or Muscle" — Beauty-Hunger Divinely Implanted — Treating God's Temple with Dainty Care — Young and Beautiful at Fifty — Plain Girls Growing Handsome — Story of the Two Sisters — Mind-Treasures Beautify Expression — Bright- ness, Love and Harmony are Wonder-Workers — Five Sunshine Rules — Importance of Healthy Sex-Nature — Positive Manly Force and Charming Feminine Power — Aim for Beauty which Can be Transmitted — Four Cardinal Points of Health and Beauty. lj* BOM the deepest of all life-centers— the human soul— springs the -*- love of beauty and the wish to possess it. Especially in all true feminine natures do we find this strong desire. And there is every reason why it should be so. There is nothing in all creation so beautiful as a beautiful woman ; nothing so beloved. Not only is feminine beauty worshipped by mas- culine hearts, but it is recognized by the smallest child. If a child's mother is beautiful, the little one will tell her so as soon as it is able to lisp a few words in the sweet baby-language. A mother's influence is a matchless power, but that of a beautiful mother is doubly strong. How the boy or girl glows with pride and delight as such a mother graciously presides at some holiday scene of hospitality to the school- mates ! And all through life the same blessed magic holds sway, mak- ing home the most attractive place on earth. BEAUTY WITHIN REACH OF ALL. Beauty, in a greater or less degree, is for all who desire it. The ancient Greeks in a measure understood this truth ; but they saw only the physical side of it, as did the world at large, and so the magic power was lost. With the advent of the twentieth century a new light 74 GROWING BEAUTIFUL. 75 is dawning, and there are signs of a knowledge to come even greater than that of the Greeks. The modern standard of beauty has changed in several respects. It is interesting to note the various ways in which these changes appear. HOW TO GAUGE THE FIGURE. Dr. Robert Fletcher, the well-known anthropologist, calls attention to the fact that the Greek sculptor, in modeling a perfect human form, followed the rule that the height of the head should be one-eighth of the entire stature. "But modern statistics show that a well formed human being should measure seven and one-half heads to the entire stature," he says. "The Greek sculptor, therefore, was either in error, or modern civilization has developed the head at the expense of the trunk and limbs.' ' To diagnose the state of her figure, our beauty-seeker must then divide the number of inches in her entire stature by those in the height of her head. If the quotient be "8," she may congratulate herself upon conforming to the Greek ideal; if it be "7%," that she is con* sistent with the modern average, or perfect proportion. WOMEN THINNER THAN ANCIENT MODELS. Next, let her compare her proportions with those of the Venus de Medici, considered by most sculptors to be the most perfect of all the reproductions of the divine form of woman. Her height is 5 feet 3 inches; circumference of neck, 12.3 inches; of chest, 33.6 inches; of waist, 27.3 inches; of hips, 36.3 inches; of thigh, 21.1 inches; of calf, 14 inches; of forearm, 10.6 inches; of extended arm, 11.4 inches; of wrist, 6.5 inches. Comparing these measurements with those of a number of young women in a New England school of gymnastics, who were selected as being exceptionally well-built, it is discovered that all of those having the stature of the Venus de Medici have thicker necks and smaller chests, waists, hips, extended arms, forearms and wrists; that nearly all are smaller in the thigh and calf. The combined statistics of sev- 76 GROWING BEAUTIFUL. era! of our institutions for the higher education of women show much the same conditions for the average woman of 5 feet 3 inches tall, the thighs being somewhat larger. Briefly, the modern rule for a well proportioned figure is that for a woman 5 feet tall, the waist should measure 24 inches and the hips 33 inches ; for a woman 5 feet 5 inches tall the waist should measure 26 inches and the hips 35 inches. Any smaller waist indicates tight lacing. TWO WAYS OF GROWING TALLER. The measurements of a million men enlisted under the war depart- ment show that those from Vermont, New Hampshire, and Kentucky were conspicuously taller than the remainder, and that the districts producing these tallest soldiers correspond with those where there are underlying deposits of lime. Hence if children are reared where they may drink good hard water well tinctured with lime, they will be taller than under other conditions; for lime makes bone and bone makes stature. Certain physical exercises will also tend to increase the height even in cases where young women are supposed to have attained their full growth. AMERICAN BEAUTY EXCEEDS GRECIAN. American women are more beautiful than those of ancient Greece or Borne. Our growing standard of beauty appeals just as much to cultured foreigners as it does to Americans themselves. The Ameri- can girl is envied by her European sisters because while abroad she attracts European men. "If a comparison could be made between the typical American and the typical Greek woman ours would doubtless prove the more beautiful," says Dr. Theodore N. Gill, the eminent biologist of the Smithsonian Institute. "The artists assume a certain standard of ancient beauty, but the ancients probably did not judge beauty from individual living types. Their standard was most probably complex, embodying the most beautiful features or characteristics of various individuals. ' ' G-KOWING- BEAUTIFUL. 77 MOST BEAUTIFUL AFTER TWENTY-FIVE. This method has also been pursued in our own day. The German scientist, Dr. C. H. Stratz, after investigating the whys and where- fores of feminine beauty, has made the statement that the average woman attains the height of her beauty between her 25th^and her 30th year. He describes the ideal features, as selected from different sources, as follows: Lips full, but not sensuous; upper lip deep; a deeply chiseled depression extending to the nose and a finely molded chin beneath; forehead full and perpendicular; eyes deep-set; nose straight; a perpendicular outline of the upper lip and chin; eyebrows slightly arched and well apart, and a generous space between cheeks and deep-set ears. Perfection in bodily form as a whole, he finds in a young maid of Vienna, slender, but devoid of angles; with tapering limbs, bust rounded and solid, but not prominent ; a slender waist ; shoulders and throat delicate, but— like the entire body-mold— suggesting no outline of framework or tendon beneath. From the shoulder to the foot the outline of this beautiful form reproduces that serpentine, fire-flame curve of beauty which Eaphael has been accused of using almost to excess. This, of course, is the slender type of beauty belonging to youth; not by any means the only type. A beautifully modeled back is found in a native Javanese girl, who has never felt the pressure of stays, and who is compared with a young Parisian, the sharpness of whose lines about the waist distinctly shows the disfigurement of tight lacing. Greatest beauty in the modeling of the hips Dr. Stratz finds In a young English girl. What he selects as the most beautifully molded arm is indeed an artist's dream come to life. It is characterized by a continuous tapering from the shoulder to the slender wrist, and a per- fect roundness throughout, with no suggestion of bone or muscle be- neath. Much has been said by modern writers of the possibility of increas- 78 GROWING BEAUTIFUL. ing beauty, and many formulas have been given, some of little value; but the grains of truth remain, and are well worth sifting from the mass of chafT. Never should the natural desire for beauty be discouraged; it is divinely implanted. You, for instance, are a thought of God; other- wise you would not be here. Is there any sensible reason why God's thoughts expressed in human form should be less beautiful than those expressed in the form of flowers! All can attain some degree of beauty, often far more than they suppose. The effort is not wasted, if only it is made in the right spirit. It makes a difference whether one selfishly strives for the beauty of the society butterfly, at the expense of health, morals and peace of mind, or reverently treats with scrupulous, dainty care the bodily temple of the Most High, that it may be a fit dwelling-place for the pure soul that is to send forth light and joy into the world. Yes, it makes a difference, as you will find if you notice how early and how completely the beauty of the indolent society belle fades, while that of the thoughtful, purposeful, loving woman increases even in the midst of hard work and a life not untouched by sorrow. TRUE BEAUTY MORE THAN SKIN DEEP. Beauty is a plant whose leaves and blossoms refresh and delight the eye, but whose roots are planted deep in the fertile soil of an intelligent mind. The girl with a purpose in life has a great advantage over her aimless, indolent sister. There is a growing beauty, because a growing tenderness, resulting from the wider knowledge and deep- ening sympathies of one whose life is spent in some useful work for others. Experience and thought, if of the right sort, add to her charms. It has been said that a homely, uninteresting face may be excused in a young person, but not in one past middle life. You can look, and be as young and BEAUTIFUL AT FIFTY AS AT FIFTEEN. You may think this is expressing it strongly; but there is truth, and important truth, in the thought, as this book will show. Still fur- GROWING BEAUTIFUL. 79 ther, the plain young woman can, and often does, become most attract- ive-looking when older. WHY PLAIN GIRLS BECOME HANDSOME. Two sisters were often noticed in early life because of the striking contrast which they presented in personal appearance. They were not far from the same age ; but one was extremely pretty, with dark, spark- ling eyes, a mouth perfectly shaped, and a well-rounded, graceful figure. She was much admired and sought after ; while her sister, who had scarcely a handsome feature, was neglected. Aware of her misfortune, knowing that she was not as attractive in person as her sister, the plain girl turned to mental pursuits, and while not neglecting herself physically, gave her chief energies to enriching her mind. While doing this, she began, quite unconsciously, to change in outward appearance. As the years passed, the treasure- house of her mind began to overflow and bestow some of its wealth on her hitherto unattractive face; so that people said, "She is actually growing pretty!" But as time went on, and both sisters married, "pretty" became too tame a word; she was beautiful. A well stored, gracious mind had helped to bring the love-faculty to perfection, and had pictured forth in outward beauty, not only of expression, but of configuration ; for the very shape of her features yielded themselves to the perfectly natural law which seemed so magical in its workings. Meanwhile, her sister, having still given no attention to anything but frivolous society, had come to have a worn, jaded look that destroyed all beauty of expression, feature and form. This is a common ex- perience. A GREAT CONTRAST. There is no mistake about it; the perfect woman surpasses the society girl in splendor as the noonday sun surpasses the flickering candle. One gives the impression of soul, warmth, tenderness and power ; the other, of vacillation and feebleness. The difference is often in the right and wrong recognition, and care, or lack of care, of the 80 GROWING BEAUTIFUL. sex-nature. This once properly understood, growth in wisdom of all kinds should be and literally is, growth in beauty as well. Once remove from the minds of people generally the mistaken idea that beauty belongs only to youth, and you open before them a new world of ever-increasing charm. BEAUTY'S TRUE BASIS. Health of body, mind and soul, including health of the sex-nature ? which pertains to all three, is the true basis of beauty. As we have seen, beauty that pleases the soul— the moral nature— wears best. Some have awakened to their spiritual life-centers, learning to make the physical secondary. By this course, indeed, they help the physical most. But for the greater part of humanity, the mental and physical act and react, influencing each other greatly. The body affects the mind; the mind builds its qualities into the body. From earliest in- fancy—nay, before !— the mind should be trained to see the good and beautiful in everything, far more readily than the evil. Hang only the bright pictures in your mental gallery; they will work wonders. No others should be allowed space; for unless the habit of thought is lov- ing and harmonious, it cannot be allied to the great life-centers of the universe, and the whole nature sutlers in consequence. MENTAL EMOTIONS DEFORM AND BEAUTIFY. We have already seen how the mental emotions reach the physical centers and affect the circulation and nervous system. Prof. Henry Wood says : "It has long been conceded by scientific and medical men that hate deforms, disintegrates and destroys the physical organism; that anger, hatred, ill-will and anxiety bring mental and physical chaos. While this fact has been conceded and accepted by all, we have been slow to recognize that the opposite of hate will have an opposite effect; that if hate destroys, love builds up, renovates and restores." A sunny disposition is most beautifying, and is within the reach of GROWING BEAUTIFUL. 83 even the naturally fretful and morose. Let such faithfully practice the following rules: BUILDING A NEW DISPOSITION. L— Never look on the dark side of anything. If it has no bright side, don't look at it at all. Look at something else. II.— Never speak or even think ill of another. Don't "jump at conclusions" by judging unfavorably even if circumstances are sus- picious. III.— Never take any desired favor for granted. If you follow this rule you never need fear being cheated or disappointed. IV.— Try to find something good in every person you meet. V.— Eead good books, think good thoughts, lead pure lives, observ- ing the laws of health. These habits once formed become literal brain-paths along which it grows easier and easier for the thoughts to travel, bringing glad- ness, health and symmetry to every nerve and tissue. In countless cases such results have been achieved. HOW TO SAY WHAT YOU THINK. Truthfulness is a great virtue, but truthfulness unguided by a spirit of love makes the nature and the face very unlovely. Those who "say what they think" are beautiful or repulsive according to whether or not they have adopted the unvarying rule to think only kind thoughts. How happy and successful are the beauty seekers who can say from the depths of experience, • ' The inner side of every cloud Is bright and shining. I therefore turn my clouds about And always wear them inside out To show the lining!" Love of the beautiful in nature and in art is itself beautifying; it gives an added power of understanding to the soul, which seldom fails to manifest itself in eyes, movement and expression. 5 v. 84 GROWING BEAUTIFUL. Taste in dress is something desired by many but possessed by few. It can be acquired, like grace of movement, in several ways. These and other details will be treated in separate chapters. But as a founda- tion, how much more important it is that the form which moves and is clothed, as well as the face surmounting it, be beautiful with that grace which grows from within! A HEALTHY SEX-NATUBE ESSENTIAL. One fact must not be overlooked. Beauty, whether of plant or animal life, is possible only when sex-power and sex-energy exist in their fulness. By sex is meant the two elements of cell-life which are needed, each to complete the other. We find the masculine and femi- nine elements throughout all nature ; they attract each other, and when united, reproduce their kind and nurture the new life. WHY WE HAVE OLD MAIDS AND BACHELORS. The first office of the sex-element is to attract ; hence when the sex- nature is healthy it is highly magnetic. The fragrance of the flower, the gorgeous hues of the butterfly, are but instances of sex and its attractions in the lower forms of life. A well-sexed man or woman is usually generous, gracious, intelligent; if a woman, beautiful; and always charming, especially to those of the opposite sex; while a poorly-sexed person does not thus attract, and usually is averse to the opposite sex and to marriage. This in a sense is well, because those men not thoroughly masculine, and those women not thoroughly feminine, are apt, unless extraordinary precautions are taken, to make inferior parents and to have children inferior to themselves. The health of the sex-nature, therefore, cannot be too sacredly guarded. Very sad are the instances— and there are thousands of them— where a happy wedded life has been rendered impossible by an ignorant misuse of the God-given powers of reproduction. But this wrong course, though a frequent cause of a weak sex-nature, is not the only cause. Occasionally a pure young girl, from extreme shyness, shrinks from the other sex and does not outgrow the feeling, so that GEOWING BEAUTIFUL. 85 all through her life the reticent, shrinking impulse continues, and often causes her much suffering as she compares herself unfavorably with her gayer companions. With the right kind of care, however, this sensitive modesty can be converted into a sweet reserve that is even more charming to the best class of people than the vivacity of less finely-organized natures. But in all cases, the sex-nature must be kept in an absolutely healthy condition. Such a condition can be reached, and retained, only by pure, temperate, abstemious lives ; and when amativeness, the faculty which governs this part of the nature, is abnormally small, resulting in the painful modesty above mentioned, the remedy is to be found in increased social opportunities of a pleasant, refined char- acter, including frequent association with the opposite sex, together with careful cultivation of the general health of body and mind. If there has been a mistaken idea leading to repugnance for the gener- ative functions, this may be the whole trouble, and should be replaced at once by the knowledge that nowhere in God's world is there a more beautiful and sacred work than the creative one. SEX IS LARGELY MENTAL. It is really in the mental faculties that the sex nature of a human life has its root. The thoroughly masculine man is liked because his way of thinking, moving and talking is masculine; full of positive, coEamanding force. So with the truly feminine woman; her thoughts, words, actions and looks all spring from her love-nature, which lends grace and charm to all she does and is. When a woman's love-nature is happily active, it makes her ten years younger, and tenfold more beautiful. Men value this kind of beauty more than any other, partly because it is so inherently magnetic, partly because it indicates good maternal qualities. ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY NOT TRANSMITTED. From the question of beauty resulting from sex-health, we turn to that of the relation of beauty to physical health in general. It is a 36 GROWING BEAUTIFUL. most vital one, as many have found to their cost. Vast sums of money are spent in pitiful attempts to make cosmetics, padding and corsets take the place of healthful living, an intelligent mind and a beautiful soul. One can never transmit beauty gained in such artificial ways; nor even keep it. The woman who deranges her nervous system with late hours and irregular habits, poisons her blood with bad cosmetics and worse foods, and in short, sets all or any of the laws of health at defiance, cannot expect to excel in beauty, even if originally gifted with pleasing features and a vigorous constitution. Nature takes back her gifts when not appreciated. THE CARDINAL POINTS. The main needs of the body for health and beauty alike, are what might be called the four "cardinal points,'' nourishment, cleanliness, exercise and sleep; to which should be added, proper clothing, and due attention to light, air and warmth. When these bodily conditions are all as they should be, the result will be the essential elements of physical beauty ; a clear complexion, bright eyes, straight, supple form, graceful movements, and last, but by no means least in charm, a musical voice. All these can be possessed by women of any age. But I am prepared to go further, and in the directions which follow, gathered alike from long experience and from recent discoveries, I shall en- deavor to show my readers how a great many annoying physical de- fects may be overcome, natural charms preserved and increased, and a degree of beauty attained surpassing ordinary expectations. The physical, mental and sexual causes of beauty or its lack, will all be taken into account, and a wide practical experience made the chief guide in leading the beauty-seeker to the desired goal. CHAPTER IV BEAUTY DIET. Ample Variety of Selection — Many Foods are Beauty-Producing— Which Water Produces Beautiful Teeth? — Meats Must "be Fresh — Hot Milk is Reviving — Eggs are Complete Food — Vegetables and Grains — Nuts a Perfect Substitute for Meat — Valuable Table of Nutritious Foods — As a Beauty-Producer, Fruit is Woman's Boon — Fruit for the Complexion — How to Improve the Whole Physique. A COMPLEXION of cream and roses cannot be expected to result from a diet of pork, pastry and preserves; neither is it neces- sary, on the other hand, to follow the heroic example of one beauty- seeker and limit ourselves, as she did, to oatmeal and molasses. There is a wide range of wholesome, appetizing food from which to select. WHAT THE FOOD DOES. Suppose we first consider the comparative values of the different foods, aad the uses to which they are adapted in building up the body. In this way we shall arrive at an intelligent understanding of why and when certain foods are beauty-producing and others are not. Tke natural foods, if cultivated and used in the right proportions, would prevent and cure disease; and in doing this, would correct the conditions leading to many physical defects. There are three main divisions of food: the carbonaceous, which supply the body's heat; the proteids, or nitrogenous foods, which build the tissues of the body; and the phosphates, which form the blood salts and furnish the nutri- ment supplied by the blood to the brain. THE HEAT-PRODUCEBS. Pale, chilly people generally need more heat-producing food. & person resembling a shivering ghost, or shadow, can hardly be said to be "a thing of beauty and a joy forever. " To grow into the 87 88 BEAUTY DIET, physical perfection desired, such must have more fuel to give lasting warmth to the body. The carbonaceous foods, supplying this need, are starch, sugar and fats. Starch is found in all cereals— wheat, barley, corn, rice, tapioca, etc.; also in beans, peas, sage, arrowroot, potatoes, carrots and par- snips. Eice, one of the most useful of foods, consists almost entirely of starch. Potatoes have a great deal, and are wholesome only when the starch granules which compose them are in good condition, as shown by their swelling out during boiling, bursting their covering and converting themselves into a floury mass, easily broken up. Pota- toes contain from 20 to 25 per cent of nutriment. This is almost entirely starch, but in combination with other foods, potatoes are not equal to rice. Sugar is contained in fruits, besides being found in the maple, beet, sugar-cane and in honey. The fruits are so important that they will be dealt with presently more at length. Fats are procured from both animal and vegetable sources, and include lard, tallow, butter, cream; together with nut, olive and other vegetable oils. Cornmeal contains considerable fat, and is therefore a good winter food, especially when combined with milk or eggs. The sugars, starches and fats would be too heating if partaken of very heartily by persons leading an inactive, indoor life. TISSUE-BUILDERS. These, the nitrogenous foods, or proteids, include lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk, cheese ; while peas, beans, lentils and some of the grains also contain nitrogen. The gluten of whole wheat flour is espe- cially rich in this important building material. All fruits contain sufficient nitrogen to sustain life, and the same substance is also sup- plied to the system through the lungs. THE PHOSPHATES. Except table salt, the phosphates, or salts, occur in ordinary die* in sufficient quantities. Water supplies them in greater or less degree. BEAUTY DIET. 89 THE BEST DRINKING WATER is that obtained from deep wells, or mountain springs. When there is any indication that water is not pure, it is always a wise precaution to boil and cool it for drinking purposes. BEAUTIFUL TEETH. For all young people who would have these, the drinking of hard water is essential. It contains lime, which is needed by the young to build up and preserve all the bone- sub stance of the body, and is par- ticularly needed by the teeth. Without this element, teeth will soften, crumble and decay early. Entire wheat bread should be eaten in preference to white, for a similar reason. Those advanced in years, however, require less lime in their food than the young, for it is hard- ening and somewhat aging in its effects upon those of mature years. In middle life, therefore, the diet should be changed. ICED DRINKS. Any considerable use of iced drinks is to be avoided. Small quan- tities are of service in relieving thirst, checking vomiting and in cool- ing the body after exposure to great heat. But since ice causes the mucous membrane of the stomach to become temporarily pale and bloodless, it checks, or altogether suspends the flow of the gastric juice. Thus iced drinks, especially at meals, interfere seriously with digestion, and consequently with the beauty of the complexion, and with the general appearance as well. Observe also that there is no truth in the popular notion that frozen water, or ice, is always pure. Water is not purified by freezing, and may be even more polluted than it was before. MEAT THREE-FOURTHS WATER. Although by most people considered a necessity, meat is less nutri- tious in proportion to its bulk than many other foods. When raw, meat consists of about seventy-five per cent water; the other twenty- five per cent being nitrogen and fat. Although meat becomes more 90 BEAUTY DIET. tender by keeping, it is more wholesome while fresh, and freshness should not be sacrificed for a tenderness really due to the beginning of decomposition. The flesh of mature cattle, those about four or five years old, is more nutritious than that of younger ones. Beef and mutton are more easily digested than veal and pork. Yeal broth, how- ever, contains more nutri- tious matter than mutton broth, or beef tea. Poultry and wild birds, if young, yield a tender and digestible meat. Fish vary much in their digestibility ; salmon, for instance, being utterly unfit for weak stomachs. Crabs and lobsters are no- toriously indigestible. VALUE OF MILK. This is the sole nourish- ment provided by nature for the young of man and beast, and contains all food elements in the best propor- tions for the infant's needs. But milk alone is not adapt- ed to the adult as a general rule. Some, it is true, have found an all-milk diet bene- ficial in certain states of I impaired health; but it would not generally suffice. Supplemented by other food, however, it is invaluable, and not appreciated as it ought to be. Hot milk is a beverage that cannot well be overestimated. It should be slowly sipped, as hot as it can BEAUTY DIET. 91 be taken ; a little salt being added if it makes the milk more palatable. It is really surprising what quickly reviving influence this drink has, when one is fatigued by over-exertion of body or mind. The milk heated for this purpose should not be boiled; it injures the flavor. But boiled milk, taken while still hot, is one of the best of foods in almost all bowel complaints, and is very successful as a remedy. In India, where the climate produces many such ailments, it is in con- stant use for this purpose. A physician in practice there has found that a pint every four hours will check the most violent diarrhoea, stomach-ache, dysentery, or incipient cholera. It is soothing and heal- ing to the whole digestive tract. No patient will need other food during bowel troubles, so that the same simple preparation serves at once for medicine and nourishment. Cheese, while highly nutritious, is not very digestible. It should be eaten sparingly until experience proves whether it is suited to the individual, or is too constipating. EGGS are among the best nitrogenous foods. The nearer raw, the more digestible they are. Six large eggs will weigh about a pound. As a flesh-producer, one pound of eggs is equal to one pound of beef. About one-third of the weight of an egg is solid nutriment, which is more than can be said of meat. There are no bones nor tough pieces that have to be laid aside. Practically, an egg is animal food, and yet there is none of the disagreeable work of the butcher required to obtain it. Eggs at average prices, are among the cheapest and most nutritious articles of diet. Like milk, an egg is complete food in itself, containing everything that is necessary for the development of a perfect animal. It is also easily digested, if not damaged in cooking. A raw egg, beaten light, with the addition of a half a glass- ful of milk, and a little sugar, if desired, makes an excellent tonic. It should be taken before breakfast. Another fine tonic for the throat, voice and general health, is made in the same way, only substituting lemon juice for the milk. The more air beaten into the egg, the better, 92 BEAUTY DIET. for the oxygen vitalizes it, and improves the quality of the blood. Tha same is largely true of whipped cream. Bright eyes and perfect com- plexions result from just such simple treatments. VEGETABLES AND GRAINS. Among the vegetables, parsnips, beets and carrots are wholesome and nutritious, and should be used much more than they are. Turnips are not so valuable. Cabbages have but little food value, but the salts they contain are excellent in the preservation of health. It is impor- tant that all green vegetables be eaten while in a fresh condition. Of the grains, wheat is the staple; barley, rye and oats are also good, though somewhat inferior to wheat; while our corn, which we inherit from the Indians, and have immensely improved, can hardly be overestimated. NUTS. Though long regarded as fit only for desserts and relishes, nuts are in reality of great value as food. They are highly nutritious, and the oil which they contain is among the best forms of fat that could be taken into the system. Nuts will form a perfect substitute for meat. Those which are ripened in the sun, are, however, of more value than those, like the peanut, ripened underground. CHILDREN VERSUS PIGS. It has been said that our farmers give to their pigs the food best adapted to their children, while they give to their children that which would be more useful to the pigs ! Sad to say, this is often literally true. Buttermilk, often fed to the pigs, contains valuable nitrates and phosphates ; while butter, found on every table, though fattening, con- tains not a particle of brain— or muscle— building food. Entire wheat, including, as it does, the bran and outer crust of the grain, is rich in nitrates and phosphates; which are eliminated from the fine wheat flour. The following table of nutritious values prepared by Dr. J. EL Kellogg and published in his "Domestic Hygiene and Rational Medi- cine," is a helpful one: BEAUTY DIET. 93 ARTICLES Bread 37 Wheat Flour 15 Barley Meal 15 Oatmeal 15 Eye Meal 15 Indian Meal 14 Eice 13 Peas 8.3 Beans 12.5 Lentils 11.5 Arrowroot 8 Potato 75 Sweet Potato 67.5 Carrot 83 Beet 83.5 Parsnip 82 Cabbage 94.4 Turnip 91 Sugar 5 Treacle 23 New Milk 86 Cream 66 Skim Milk 88 Buttermilk 88 Lean Beef 72 Lean Mutton 72 Veal 63 Poultry 74 Whitefish 78 Salmon 77 Entire Egg 74 White of Egg 78 Yolk of Egg 52 Breadfruit 63 Banana 74 Date 33 Acid Grape 80 Apple 85 Pear 84 Peach 85 Plum 82 Mulberry 84.7 Blackberry 86 Cherry 75 Apricot 85 Gooseberry 85 Strawberry 87 Wild Strawberry 87 Easpberry 86 Wild Easpberry 83 Currant 86 Proteids or Albumen u es 02 Cao 09 GO Total Nutritive Elements 8.1 47.4 3.6 1.6 2.3 63 10.8 66.3 4.2 2 1.7 85 6.3 69.4 4.9 2.4 2 85 12.6 58.4 5.4 5.6 3 85 8 69.4 3.7 2 1.8 85 11.1 64.7 0.4 8.1 1.7 86 6.3 79.1 0.4 8.1 0.5 87 23.8 56.7 2 2.1 2.1 86.7 30.8 46.3 2 1.9 3.5 84.5 25.2 54 82 2 2.6 2.3 86.1 82 2.1 18.8 3.2 0.2 0.7 25 1.5 17 10.2 0.3 2.6 31.6 1.3 8.4 6.1 0.2 1 17 1.5 0.8 10.5 3.7 16.3 1.1 9.6 5.8 0.5 1 18 0.9 4.1 0.6 5.6 1.2 5.1 2.1 95 77 0.6 9 95 77 4.1 5.2 3.9 0.8 14 2.7 2.8 ^6.7 1.8 34 4 5.4 1.8 0.8 12 4.1 6.4 0.7 0.8 12 19.3 3.6 5.1 28 18.3 4.9 4.8 28 16.5 15.8 4.7 37 21 3.8 1.2 26 18.1 2.9 i 22 16.1 5.5 1.4 23 14 10.5 1.5 26 20.4 1.6 22 16 30.7 1.3 48 3 14 17 4.8 19.6 0.6 0.8 25.8 9 58 67 0.8 0.5 ^3.8 0.3 15.4 0.2 2.7 7.6 0.3 10.8 0.2 3.2 7 0.3 10.7 0.4 6.3 1.5 0.4 8.6 0.2 5.7 3.6 0.6 10.1 0.4 2 9 0.5 11.9 0.5 1.4 4.4 0.4 6.7 0.9 2.3 13 0.6 16.8 0.8 5.9 1 0.8 8.5 0.4 0.9 8 0.3 9.6 0.3 0.1 7.2 0.7 8.3 0.6 0.2 3.2 0.7 0.7 5.4 0.5 1.7 4.7 0.5 7.4 0.5 1.1 3.6 0.3 5.5 0.4 0.3 4.7 0.5 5.0 94 BEAUTY DIET. A good proportion of food materials for the average woman is four ounces of proteids, four ounces of fats and sixteen ounces of starches and sugars. The selection of these must depend upon the individual constitution. FRUIT THE IDEAL FOOD. Not only do all fruits contain sufficient nitrogen to sustain life, but they are rich in carbonaceous elements. The sugar which abounds in them contributes both to animal heat and nervous force. Most fruits contain phosphates and alkalies, together with acids, which increase the solubility of the blood, causing it to flow through the whole system more readily. Fruit is, in short, the ideal food. Having a wide range, and freely produced by nature in nearly all climates, it is beginning to be appreciated as it never has been before. The increased demand is giving a wonderful impetus to its culture, and the production per acre far exceeds in value that of any other food product. From an economical standpoint alone, fruit should be the food of the world; but as a beauty-producer, woman should hail it as a gracious boon. No diet can equal it for this purpose. Oranges, eaten freely, especially the first thing in the mornings form the best of spring medicines. Eipe, raw apples are of benefit, whether eaten in the morning or at night. THE "GOLD AND LEAD" THEORY. There is an old saying that fruit is gold in the morning and lead at night. As a matter of fact, it is gold at both times, but should be eaten on an empty stomach, and not as a dessert, after the appetite is satisfied and the digestion is already sufficiently taxed. Fruit taken in the morning, before the fast of the night has been broken, is very refreshing, and in addition to its nutritive qualities, it serves as a stimulus to the digestive organs. Bananas, oranges, ripe apples and fresh berries are all excellent at this time. Fruit to be most valuable as an article of diet, should be ripe, sound, fresh, and in every way of good quality, and if possible should be eaten raw. Happy are those BEAUTY DIET. 95 fortunate dwellers in the flower-bedecked tropics, who can eat their oranges directly from the trees ! But those who cannot, at least know the delights of the northern apple orchard. Instead of eating a plate of ham and eggs or bacon for breakfast, most people would do far better if they took some grapes, pears, or apples, fresh fruit as long as it is to be had, and after that they can fall back on stewed prunes, figs, etc. If only fruit of some sort formed an important item in their breakfast, women would generally feel brighter and stronger, and would have far better complexions than is the rule at present. A WISE DECISION. In any case, meat should be eaten sparingly. The beauty-seeker having the courage to give up its use altogether will be well repaid for the self-denial. Nuts and vegetable oils even in small quantities, with the great variety of cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk and eggs, will form a thoroughly nutritious and satisfying diet ; and, if the other habits are correspondingly sensible, the whole physique will be won- derfully improved. Meat always creates a more or less feverish condi- tion of the stomach, tending to produce unhealthy cravings for stimulants and for undue sexual excitement. All this can and should be avoided if beauty is to reach its perfect height, and woman is to realize in the fulness of joy what the "life abundant" shall mean to her. CHAPTER V. BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. Crimson Cereal Fruit Complexion Dish — Lemons for Insomnia — Fruit for Alcoholic Dis- ease — Chopped Dates — Acids for Biliousness — Hints to the Florid — Sick Headaches Do Not Beautify; Cut them Out — How to Overcome Constipation — Classified Foods — How to Cook Meats — Expert Cooking of Vegetables — Diet to Fatten — Diet to Reduce Flesh — The "Don't-Worry" Dinner. AT a sanitarium for wealthy invalids, where people go as much for their complexion as for more serious ills, they give the patients large dishes of oatmeal or other cereals, with freshly sliced strawberries laid in a thick layer over the top. The whole is now sweetened and eaten with a fork. A variation of this ideal beauty breakfast is a pint of strawberries well sweetened, but eaten without milk or cream. This should be followed by a cereal and a well cooked hot dish. Nor are strawberries the only product of spring that can be used for the beautifying of the complexion. The beneficial effects of spinach taken internally are well known. The woman who wants a complexion as clear as cream and as ripe as peaches should eat spinach. She should take it well cooked, without the addition of hard boiled eggs and without vinegar. Water-cress and all sorts of greens, not forget- ting the ever nutritious and delicious lettuce, should also be eaten in plenty. Lemons have countless uses, internal and external; but as we are dealing now only with the internal ones, it may be mentioned that lemon-juice as a seasoning makes an excellent substitute for vinegar. It is, in fact, far superior to vinegar in every respect. The raw egg and lemon tonic has already been mentioned; and lemonade is one of the most refreshing of drinks, whether taken hot, to subdue a chill, 96 BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. 97 or prepared cold, as a remedy for overheating. It is peculiarly ef- fective in both cases. In ' ' My Summer in a Garden, ' ' the author gives a most alluring, if rather amusing word-picture of hoeing with a shaded arbor and glass of lemonade at the end of every row. Truly, that would be the luxury of work ! Lemonade is sometimes pleasingly varied by dropping a few ripe raspberries into each glass. CURE FOR WAKEFULNESS. Those troubled with insomnia will have dull, heavy eyes, which are certainly not beautiful. The wakefulness that comes from drink- ing strong tea or coffee can often be conquered by swallowing a dash of fresh lemon-juice from a quartered lemon placed in readiness on the bedside table and taken at the time you discover that sleep will not come. But our beauty-seekers will not long care to continue the tea and coffee habit. It does not pay. FRUIT VERSUS ALCOHOL. A fruit diet so purifies the blood that even the craving for alcoholic drinks has been known to disappear through this treatment alone. A writer in a European temperance journal calls attention to this fact. He says: "In Germany, a nation greatly in advance of other coun- tries in matters relative to hygiene, alcoholic disease has been success- fully coped with by dieting and natural curative agencies. I have said that the use of fresh fruit is an antidote for the drink craving, and this is true. "The explanation is simple. Fruit may be called nature's medi- cine. Every apple, every orange, every plum and every grape is a bottle of medicine. An orange is three parts water— distilled in nature's laboratory— but this water is rich in peculiar fruit-acids medicinally balanced, which are specially cooling to the thirst of the drunkard, and soothing to the diseased state of his stomach. An apple or an orange, eaten when the desire for 'a glass' arises, would gener- ally take it away, and every victory would make less strong eacb (recurring temptation. 98 BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. i ' Once get the blood pure, and every time its pure nutrient stream bathes the several tissues of the body, it will bring away some impurity, and leave behind an atom of healthy tissue, until, in time, the drunk- ard shall stand up purified— in his right mind." If a fruit diet will make such a transformation as this, in a dis- eased and corrupted system, it is surely not too much to expect it to add health and beauty in generous measure, to the person of right habits. DATES AND TIGS. Neither of these fruits is used on the table or in cooking to anything like the extent which their merits deserve. Dates and figs cost no more than many of the fruits more commonly used, and they make a delightful change in the bill of fare. A few of either of these fruits, or a mixture of both, added to some of our commonest foods, will change both appearance and taste until they seem like something en- tirely new. A cupful of chopped dates mixed with apple sauce; date rice pudding, date bread, date gems, date puffs, fig custard, fig pud- dings, stuffed figs (with nuts), and countless other preparations, will suggest themselves to the ingenious experimenter. The result is not only a contribution to our fund of health and beauty, but also proves decidedly welcome as an addition to our table delicacies. DIET FOR BILIOUSNESS. Too much or too rich food will clog the system, producing bilious- ness. The effect on the complexion is to make it yellow and dark. Let the bilious avoid butter, gravy, pastry and fats of all kinds ; especially should they avoid sweets; eat acid fruits in abundance, use the lemon and egg tonic, but not force the appetite ; and if the stomach is trouble- some in the morning, it will generally prove soothing to take a cup of hot milk, hot lemonade, or hot water with a little barley or rice in it ; or plain hot water. Liquid foods are best. People who have too much color in the face should carefully avoid highly spiced, stimulating dishes, rich pastries, fatty foods, and hot, strongly flavored drinks, especially strong tea and coffee. MOTHER'S JOY — Oscar Begas "A mother's love — how sweet the name! What is a mother's love? A noble, pure, and tender flame enkindled from above, to bless a heart of earthly mold; an ardent love that ne'er grows eold, — this is a mother's love." JOYS OF SPRING — R. Beyschlag Spring is the season -when life begins anew. "If babes thus pure and priceless were to Christ — holy, indeed, the trust to whom they're given. Sacred are they." BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. 101 Such persons will quickly realize the good effects of a light, plain diet, with fruit as its staple element. SICK HEADACHES. These, as all know, are far from beautifying. People who habitu- ally drink strong tea or coffee are often subject to these attacks, which are sure to trouble them if the accustomed beverage be omitted. Now, the way to overcome this difficulty is to persevere in the effort to give up tea and coffee altogether. It can be done if one will have a little courage. The first week or two of going without brings on the headaches, but after that, they disappear. Pork, pastry and spices are also frequent causes of sick headaches. Abstinence from these and from butter and other fats, and substitution of honey, milk, or fruit- juice will help on the cure. DOUGHY FOODS NOT GOOD. Pimples, blackheads, etc., are apt to result from indigestion, or constipation, which ailments are often caused by too free use of pastry, cakes, hot bread, or white flour bread. Hot buttered bread is particu- larly bad, since the melted butter with the warm bread forms a heavy, doughy mass impossible to digest. The same is true of griddle cakes. The hot bread, of whatever kind, is not dissolved in the stomach as it should be. Potatoes mashed with butter sometimes become soggy and indigestible for the same reason. All food of a heavy, soggy, pasty nature should be avoided. THE TWO-MEAL PLAN. Going for a time without the evening meal is often a great help in the cure of constipation. Instead of the third meal, substitute a cup of hot water, hot lemonade, or fruit-juice. Fat meats and dried or salted meats are all constipating; so is poultry. Eggs boiled, or eggs and milk combined in puddings often prove constipating to some. The same is true of dried beans, if cooked insufficiently, or with fat. Cheese, chocolate and cocoa are constipat- 6 v. 102 BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. ing to many. So are blackberries and raspberries; but many times none of these foods prove so when eaten in combination with other articles of diet that will themselves counteract the clogging tendency. DIET FOR CONSTIPATION. Drink plenty of water ; fruits of all kinds are good, ripe, unpeeled apples, especially; also lemons, oranges, figs, prunes, berries of all sorts, and tamarinds. The acids of fruits help by increasing the secre- tions of the intestines. Even the rinds and seeds are useful by distend- ing the bowels and increasing their peristaltic action. The kind of food taken greatly influences the action of the bowels. The food in this case needs to be bulky, and fruits and vegetables seem to meet the want. If fruit be made a regular part of every meal, and eaten plenti- fully between meals also, especially apples, this treatment alone will cure constipation. As to vegetables, tomatoes, peas, squash, asparagus, green corn, cauliflowers, rhubarb, lettuce, turnips, squash, lentils and greens are all good. Stewed rhubarb is especially to be recommended. Entire wheat bread, always advisable, is doubly so in the treat- ment of constipation, as the gluten in it is a specific for counteracting this trouble. Add to this that it builds up the bone and muscle, that it is much richer and pleasanter in flavor than the fine wheat flour, and that delicious toast, gems, puddings, even cakes, pies and griddle cakes (if one must have them) can be made from this flour, and it is easy to see why its use is becoming more general by sensible people everywhere as fast as they discover its merits. Rye, cornmeal, oat- meal and cracked wheat are also good in the cure of constipation. NEVER DRINK AT MEALS. It inclines one to eat too rapidly for the saliva to act, thus retard- ing digestion and causing constipation. Between meals is the proper time to drink. Tea is astringent; coffee also, besides being stimulat- ing, leading to reaction. Drinking a full glass of water the first thing in the morning is an excellent plan. Ofter this in itself will prove BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. 103 a perfect remedy for constipation, and such a simple one that there is little excuse for its neglect. A little bran, perhaps a tablespoonful, can be stirred into the water with increased good results. A raw apple or an orange, eaten before breakfast, is also good. LAXATIVE AND CONSTIPATING FOODS. The following lists showing the principal articles under these heads, will prove convenient. Laxative.— Cracked and rolled wheat, entire wheat bread and gems, rye bread, mush made from entire wheat flour, or from cornmeal, or oatmeal, granula, bran gruel and jelly, fruit puddings, fruit pies with the crust made of ko nut (a vegetable oil), all fresh acid fruits, espe- cially apples; tropical fruits, like oranges, lemons, grape fruit, ban- anas, etc.; dried figs, French prunes and prunellas eaten raw, and stewed dried fruits; rhubarb, celery, asparagus, green peas, green corn, squash, cauliflower, onions, tomatoes, spinach, lentils, beets and raw cabbage. Constipating.— Hot bread, white bread, white crackers, pastry made of white flour and lard, bread rolls, dumplings, etc., made with baking powders, cake, all custard puddings, salt meat, salt fish, dried meats, dried fish, smoked meats, poultry, cheese, boiled milk, tea, coffee, coffee made from wheat, corn, barley, toast, etc., etc. Fresh fish, lean fresh meats, eggs, uncooked milk, barley and buck- wheat ordinarily have no marked action either way. Flatulence is sometimes caused by potatoes, cabbage, beans; by oatmeal, cornmeal and cracked wheat when not sufficiently cooked. WHEN FRUIT DISAGREES. Fruits contain every chemical constituent necessary to life. Many people believe and think that fruit does not agree with them; in such cases the trouble may be traced to abuse of the stomach resulting in its weakened condition, or to lack of judgment in selection, time of eating, and amount. Unripe fruit should never be eaten raw. Persistence in a fruit diet will soon result in a clearer vision, an 104 BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. improved complexion, and an inclination for physical exercise, or men- tal ]abor. Less time will be required for sleep. Fatigue or thirst will hardly be experienced, and quick reaction will follow hours of toil. The most important food fruits are bananas, oranges, apples, figs, dates and prunes. COOKING DRIED FRUIT. All dried fruits should be soaked in clear water until the moisture lost in drying has been nearly replaced. Dried fruit should not be boiled, as boiling hardens the tissues, breaks up the fruit and changes its flavor and digestibility. All sugar required should be cooked with; the fruit. When prunes are cooked properly, they remain whole, and the juice is clear, the skin is tender, and the pulp soft and delicious. Cereals should not be soaked in cold water, but put to cook in boil- ing water at the outset. This keeps them from being stringy. They should not be stirred while cooking, as it makes them pasty, and there- fore indigestible. COOKING MEATSc When meats are used, roasting and broiling are the best methods of cooking them; more of the nutritive elements are thus preserved than in boiling. The frying pan should be literally abandoned; but if frying be done at all, the article should be plunged into hot fat and completely submerged, in a kettle, as this causes an outside layer to form at once, preserving the nutritive elements. COOKING VEGETABLES. Baking and boiling are best for vegetables. Oats, wheat, and corn require long, slow cooking. "All green top-ground vegetables, ' ' says Mrs. Borer, "should go over the fire in boiling salted water, be boiled a moment and then pushed back where they will simmer at 180 de- grees (Fahrenheit) until tender. Cabbage, cauliflower and their allies, and turnips should be clear and white ; green peas, beans and spinach a bright green. All white and underground vegetables should be cooked in boiling, unsalted water, the salt being added after, or when they BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. 105 are partly cooked. Bice requires rapid boiling; the motion of the water washes apart the grains, that each may be soft, separate and dry. Potatoes should be kept at the boiling point from the beginning to the end of their cooking; drained when tender, sprinkled with salt, and dried uncovered over the fire. If green venegtables are wilted, they should be soaked for an hour or two in cold water." Cakes and pies should be reserved for rare holiday occasions, unless made from whole wheat flour. DIET TO INCREASE FLESH. Thin, nervous people, and all who wish to increase in flesh, may like to know that a dessert spoonful of olive oil, taken before each meal with a half glass of grape juice, is decidedly fattening. So is pure milk, especially new milk with the cream still on it. Or, a raw egg taken at night, with a dash of pepper, salt and lemon juice. Here is a list of foods which are suitable : Bread.— Entire wheat bread, gluten bread. Milk.— Cream, buttermilk, ice cream. Graham mush, oatmeal mush with cream and sugar. Soups.— Of all kinds, eaten hot at the beginning of a meal, seasoned with plenty of celery, onions or parsley. Puddings.— Light pudding, farina, rice, tapioca, cornstarch, sago, with cream and sugar. Fruits.— Qi all kinds. Eaten with sugar. All liquids except the soup should be drunk between meals. Drink plenty of good water without ice. Eat slowly, moderate quantities. Vegetables.— Spinach, peas, beans, baked potatoes, lettuce with olive oil and lemon juice. Meats.— Mutton, beef, chicken, oysters, fish, eggs. Coffee and Teas.— Sparingly. Chocolate. This regimen should soon cause the hollows to fill out and the rounded curves to make their appearance. 106 BEAUTY DIET, CONTINUED. DIET TO REDUCE FLESH. Very corpulent people are not strong, vigorous, or beautiful. The causes of this condition are heredity, excess of sweets, fine flour, sugar, potatoes, pastry, fats, or creams. Avoid all starchy and sweetened food as much as possible. Diet,— Bread made from the entire wheat flour; beef, mutton, tongue, all kinds of fish, oysters, raw or cooked without flour; lettuce, onions, asparagus, cold slaw, celery, string beans, sour apples, peaches, strawberries, without cream or sugar, coffee and tea in moderation. Eat slowly, in moderate quantities, and take as little liquid as possible at meals. Water may be taken between meals, in moderation. Oranges are the best of all the fruits. DIET FOR VIGOROUS WORKERS. People who do much bodily labor should eat lean meat, cheese, beans, peas, lentils, etc.; but meat sparingly, strictly fresh, and well done, but not overdone. Avoid dried and salt meats. They have no value. Do not eat when exhausted, but rest briefly first. DON'T WORRY AT MEALS. Never permit yourself to eat in an anxious or unpleasant mood; it causes dyspepsia. Pleasant cheerful topics of conversation should be the rule at table. DINE AT MID-DAY. Dinner, or the heartiest meal, is better taken in the middle of the day than at night, though in the city this is not easily managed. Coun- try households have the advantage in this respect. The evening meal should be light. Eich, pasty and highly spiced foods are to be avoided by all beauty-seekers as well as by those especially afflicted or who value health for its own sake. CHAPTER VI. BEAUTY BATHS. World Famous Beauties — Borax and Oil — Charm of Cleanliness — A Skin Like Velvet- Baths Improve Form and Features — Dignity of Skin-Functions — The Great Ally of the Lungs — Two and a Quarter Millions of Glands — Bathing Rules — Tonic and Ex- hilarating Effects — The Glow of Reaction — Corpulent People — The Daily Sponge-Bath — The Forty Degree Rule — Swimming — Sea Bathing — Ammonia — Medicated Baths — Special Beauty Bath — The Bran-Bag — Cleansing Effect of Vinegar — Oil Bath for Thin People — Air and Sun Baths — Earth Cure Bath — Foot-Baths — Sitz-Baths — " Sleep Bath" for the Weakly — Making a Bath Cabinet — The Turkish Bath at Home — Re- ducing the Abdomen. THE bath is nature's sweet restorer. I know of no diseases in which the bath is not salutary or beneficial; a luxury to the well and a curative to the sick, and a preventive of disease. It equalizes the nerve forces to body and mind, improves the appetite, increases flesh on the lean if followed by oil rubbing, reduces flesh in the corpulent; to the sleepless it restores sleep, brightens the eye, prevents prema- ture aging and clears the complexion. If you read carefully the history of famous beauties who won scepters and swayed kingdoms by the power of their physical perfec- tions, you will see that the beauty of the body can be increased by means of the bath. In these days of frequent bathing one of the im- portant things to know is that hard water is fatal to the beauty and smoothness of the skin or complexion. USE SOFT WATER. The beauties who are careful of their complexions avoid hard water for bathing as they would a pestilence. They use powdered borax in their bath, even with rainwater, and if there is any doubt about obtaining it they carry it with them. In sleeping cars they use it, and in their daily bath they consider it a necessity. The Romans 107 108 BEAUTY BATHS. believed in using oils, and after the rainwater bath they added all kinds of essence and perfumes to impart a beauty to the skin and a fragrant charm to the body. They also believed in massaging and rubbing after their bath, and they used cocoanut oil where the skin had the least tendency to dryness or irritation. A CHARM UNIVERSALLY FELT. Personal cleanliness is something instinctively praised by all, even those who do not practice it. The religious rites of some nations have from time immemorial included the most elaborate ceremonial wash- ings of the body as a symbol of the soul 's purification. Frequent bath- ing is practiced among the Orientals, and some European nations, notably the French, are more attentive to the demands of the bath than are the Americans; yet our own nation is improving in this re- spect. The habit is a mark of good-breeding, a test of politeness, and of fitness for social intercourse. In itself cleanliness is a great at- traction; it increases every other charm possessed by the individual, and adds countless new ones. Beauty of feature or of form becomes utterly repulsive when not accompanied by cleanliness. No neglected skin can long remain either healthy or beautiful ; but a daily bath will in a short time make the skin like velvet, if the diet has been properly selected. Nor is this the only benefit. All the vital organs are affected through the skin, and by keeping it in a healthy condition the circula- tion of the blood, the action of the kidneys and bowels and all the di- gestive processes are promoted, many diseases warded off, and the assimilation of food greatly aided; so that not only the skin, but the form and features also, share in the good results. MORE THAN A PROTECTIVE COVERING. It is both an incorrect and unworthy view of this great organ, the skin, to regard is simply as a protective covering of the body. It is much more— a living, sensitive, breathing, exhaling, absorbing, ex- BEAUTY BATHS. 109 creting, eliminating membrane of exquisite structure and endowments. Here many of the prime operations of life take place. The skin may truly be called a great appendage to the heart and lungs, being a co-worker with them in the circulation of the blood. It does for the larger or systematic capillary circulation what the lungs . do for the smaller, or pulmonary circulation. It not only rids the blood of carbon and supplies it with oxygen, but regulates its density by evaporating the watery constituents. The skin is the great drying, draining and ventilating apparatus of the body; it is in itself a uni- versally expanded lung, kidney, liver, heart and bowels, and the great- est medium of nervous and vascular expansion ; therefore the seat of thrilling sensibilities, and exquisite tactile endowments, ACTION OF THE SKIN. The importance of frequent bathing is appreciated when we re- member that the waste elements of the food and of the whole body are constantly being thrown off by the skin to the extent of from one pound to five pounds every twenty-four hours, the amount varying according to the temperature and moisture of the air, the work done, and the quality of food and drink taken. Nature has four methods of cleansing the body of waste material; through the lungs, the kid- neys, the lower bowel, and the skin, with its two and a quarter millions of glands just beneath the surface, the external openings of which are the pores. There are about three thousand of these glands to the square inch. The oil-glands are intended to keep the skin in a healthy condition, the perspiratory glands also have their work to perform: and the skin-texture itself is being continually renewed, the dried scarf- skin peeling of! in minute fragments as the new is being formed. Hence from all three sources the waste matter gathers to be evaporated, 01 absorbed by the clothing, or re-absorbed into the body. Unless this waste is removed, the oil will clog the pores and the impurity from the perspiratory glands, unable to escape, will be carried by the blood to the lungs, thus causing disease. Hence the importance of frequent 110 BEAUTY BATHS. bathing, winter as well as summer, and whether the waste matter be- comes noticeable or not. GENERAL DIRECTIONS. Do not bathe when chilly, nor when greatly exhausted. The body should be warm and the room warm. A bath should not be taken within two hours after eating, nor just before. The best times are on rising, on retiring, and midway between meals. Do not remain long in the water. Bathe quickly, rub vigor- ously, dress and exercise. For purposes of cleanliness a bath without soap and friction is entirely useless ; and warm water is more effective than cold. A daily sponge bath, and a full warm bath with plenty of soap twice a week, will suffice to keep the glands in a healthy condition. When soap is not used, the bath will not be cleansing, but it may be tonic, or exhilarat- ing in its effects. Persons of full habit should bathe more frequently than thin, nervous people ; but the average woman will find the taking of two warm baths a week, on retiring, and a cold sponge bath daily, on rising, a good rule for general health purposes. HOW TO OBTAIN A REACTION. Cold or hot baths are followed by a glow of warmth not experienced after bathing in lukewarm water. This reaction is most desirable in all baths. Either cold or heat, if of sufficient degree, will produce it. A small surface, when wet, readily reacts. Therefore, if you are not strong, bathe and dry each portion as you proeeed, until the whole body has thus been gone over. THE PLUNGE BATH. A cold plunge bath has a powerfully invigorating effect on the nervous system, and helps to guard against taking cold, but it is too severe a shock for any except the robust. To such, it is sometimes helpful in obesity, insomnia, etc.; but is likely in many cases to do more harm than good. It should not last over ten seconds ; should be taken only after vigorous exercise, and be followed by brisk rubbing. BEAUTY BATHS. Ill A fresh water plunge is customary after sea-bathing, but the spray or shower-bath answers the same purpose. THE HOT BATH. This is not so severe a strain as the cold plunge. Have the room hot, and water as hot as it can be borne, increasing the heat as the body can endure it. Spray with tepid, cool, and finally with cold water; rub briskly, and then rest after the bath, else half its benefits are lost. Corpulent people should take very hot baths two or three times a week, finishing with cold water each time. THE SPONGE BATH. In first forming the habit of the daily sponge bath, if water entirely cold gives too severe a shock, begin with tepid water, but cool it grad- ually, as it is important to obtain the reaction producing a glow, and this will not be accomplished until the water is used cold. With sponge or wash cloth, wrung out of cool water, rub quickly a part of the body at once, drying as you proceed, until the whole body has been thus sponged and dried. A vigorous final rub with the Turkish towel will make you feel like new. This bath equalizes the circulation of the blood. To exercise in the open air following it is a good plan. DON'T BATHE IN ICE-COLD WATER! Speaking of cold baths, we may take note of a popular error as to what this means. The temperature of the body is always a little under Due hundred degrees. If, then, in summer, a bath at sixty degrees (or torty degrees below that of the body) is considered cold, and gives the desired amount of reaction, it will do the same in winter; and to insist on plunging into water still colder than that is, to say the least, unreasonable. The cold bath, then, is one at forty degrees below the temperature of the blood, and is the same in January as in July. To bathe in water from which the ice is broken, as some do, is a result of misunderstanding or folly, and may be followed by dangerous conse- quences. 112 BEAUTY BATHS. TEMPERATURE OF BATHS. A temperate bath ranges from 75 degrees to 85 degrees Fahren- heit ; a warm bath from 95 to 98 ; a hot bath from 98 to 105. SWIMMING AND SEA BATHING. Two hours after breakfast is the best time for out-door bathing. Et should not be indulged in when much fatigued, when fasting, or soon after a full meal. These points carefully avoided, the glow of moderate exercise is a decided advantage. Swimming is a good ac- complishment for women. There is a general tendency among those who enjoy out-door bathing to remain in the water too long. Half an hour is ample for all the benefit that can be derived from such a swim, and a longer time in the water is apt to be distinctly injurious. Sea-bathing is delightful, and of great benefit to many, whether swimmers or not, if moderation be observed. Out-door bathing of any kind should be indulged in only in warm weather, and in water that has been exposed to the sun's rays. Salt water for out-door bathing is much more beneficial than fresh. One seldom takes cold after it, and it is more invigorating, not only to the skin, but to the nervous system. It is good both in health and disease. AMMONIA BATHS FOR HOT WEATHER. A good idea, especially in summer and in warm climates, is to sponge the body with water which contains a small amount of ammonia, or other alkali. The ammonia combines with the oil or grease thrown out by the sebaceous glands of the skin, forming a soap whicn is easily removed with warm water, leaving the pores open, and thus promoting health and comfort. IN-DOOR SALT BATHS. By adding a pound of rock salt to every four gallons of tepid water, a refreshing and invigorating substitute for the regular sea bath may be obtained. Another way is to sponge the body with cold water from a basin to which a handful of salt has been added; after- BEAUTY BATHS. 113 wards rubbing till a warm glow is produced. This helps to correct a sluggish circulation. But I would especially warn my beauty-loving readers that these salt baths, while an excellent tonic, are drying and hardening to the skin. If indulged in to excess they would cause a person to age rapidly in appearance. MEDICATED BATHS. Medicate the water with powdered hydrastus, two drams, make the water comfortably warm when getting into it. Add more and more hot water until perspiration is free; rub the body well with a flesh brush. This bath is indicated when the person feels depleted and has no appetite ; it is a tonic all over to bruised sore feelings all over the body. SPECIAL BEAUTY TREATMENT. The daily warm bath, properly taken, is indispensable to the woman who would be beautiful. It should be taken preferably just before re- tiring. Eestful sleep is one of the benefits gained. Colds are not liable to result; the people who thus bathe are in fact less subject to colds than others. Neither is the warm water too relaxing,- unless one remains in it too long. Fifteen to twenty minutes is long enough. Have the bath just comfortably warm, and follow it by a tepid or cold spray, or shower-bath, or by a final washing over with a little distilled water, either alone, or combined with rose-water, orange- flower water or three or four ounces of glycerine. This gives a delight- ful softness and delicacy to the skin. THE BRAN BATH. This is another which has proved especially beautifying in its ef- fects. When the skin is rough or easily irritated, put enough bran in the water to make it milky. A good way is to take two quarts of bran for a full bath-tub, tie or sew it up in a bag of cheesecloth, or other thin material, and use in the bath. These bran bags can be obtained at the druggist's, perfumed and filled with soap, but it is better to make them one's self. 114 BEAUTY BATHS. After the usual soaking process, go over the entire surface of the body, pushing and rubbing off the dried and loosened skin, which will come off in little rolls. Then scrub all over with a Turkish toweling bath mitten, or a Turkish bath brush, till the whole surface is rosy. Eeturn to the tub for a final rinsing process, letting the water run until it gradually becomes cold. Dry with a Turkish towel. As bran is an emollient, this bath will tend to smoothness of skin and delicacy of complexion. THE VINEGAR BRUSH BATH. A solution should be prepared of one part acetic acid or strong vinegar to two parts water, comfortably hot. Saturate a wash cloth with this and rub with a circular movement all over the body, until a dark substance appears on the surface of the skin, having been drawn out through the pores. Then wash off with warm water and soap; dry well. Take a flexible flesh brush, or a piece of burlap, and brush the entire surface of the body with it. The soles of the feet, in par- ticular, should be brushed well. Eest after this bath, and it will be found most helpful. BATHING WITH OIL. One of the best of beauty baths, delightful in its effects on the skin and the whole system, is the olive oil bath. It cleanses the pores from all foreign matter, invigorates and nourishes the skin and tissues, is very soothing and strengthening to weak constitutions and is espe- cially good for thin people. Slender, nervous people are liable to give off their magnetic force too freely and become especially depleted if they use water baths alone. We endorse for such a rubbing with pure olive oil twice or three times a week in a warm room; the hot water bath with good soap and friction followed with olive oil is necessary for cleanliness and suppleness of the body. Swimmers who spend a good deal of time in water should oil themselves, as fatty elements are non-conductors. The nude races are in the habit of oiling or greas- ing the skin, by which method they keep it soft and pliable. Saturate a small piece of flannel with oil, or pour a little in the BEAUTY BATHS. 115 pafrn of the hand, and rub it thoroughly into the flesh, taking a part of the body at a time, and afterwards rub well with a Turkish towel. This bath is of benefit at any time, though best taken after an ordi- nary warm water bath, and drying. AIR BATHING. Any time of day is right for this kind of bath. It is taken by ex- posing the body, or a part of it, to the air, meanwhile rubbing vigor- ously the portion exposed with a coarse towel. The Turkish towel is best for this, or any similar purpose, where friction is desired. The rubbing should be continued until one is warm all over. This also is a good daily treatment for thin people; and as it adds oxygen to the system through the pores of the skin, it is most invigorating to all. THE SUN BATH. Imagine yourself a plant, and give yourself the benefit of a good sun bath occasionally, whether you are weak or strong. Such a bath should be taken at or near noon, in a room well warmed and exposed to the full rays of the sun. Throw a blanket over a stool, place it in the sunshine and sit upon it without clothing or covering of any kind, for a half hour, turning occasionally, so that the direct rays of the sun can reach every portion of the body ? s surface. You will find this helr> ful in a double sense, for it includes a certain amount of added oxygen, as in the air bath, while the sun's rays are a powerful nerve tonic. In fact, THE POWER OF SUNLIGHT BATHS to develop beauty and strength is not appreciated as it should be. Free exposure of the body to the sun and air is found to give a higher grade of beauty than all the cosmetics and powders in the world. It gives to the skin a soft, velvety appearance; it gives rose tints to the complexion, elasticity to the motions, comeliness of form and vivacity of manners; makes the eyes bright and sparkling; makes the com- plexion pure and free from eruptions and prevents all growth of tumors. 116 BEAUTY BATHS. ORIENTAL BATH. Seek the sunniest room in the house or attic, remove all clothing, stand or sit perfectly nude or lie down before a south window or an east or west window, at the time of day when the sun shines brightest. Eemain quiet, free the mind from all fear or worry, breathe softly and centre your mind on the most beautiful thing you can think of. If constipated rub the bowels in circular motion from right to left, and from left to right if bowels are loose. Cover the window, the lower part, to protect the body from view, with the thinnest cheese- cloth or any thin substance. Eub the body in circular movements with the hand and rub dry with a Turkish towel. Those who take the sun and air bath in this manner gain such vital power that they can endure the greatest heat or cold with impunity. Duration of bath from thirty minutes to an hour or more. EARTH CURE BATH. Covering the body with sun charged sand is both purifying and vitalizing. Dry earth is good for ulcers ; and it is refreshing to tired, aching or burning feet, to sit for a half -hour with them buried in a pan of moist sand. (See "Care of the Hands and Feet.") THE FOOT-BATH. Taken warm, this is very quieting to the nervous system and often relieves headache. A good remedy for cold feet is the hot and cold foot-bath. Fill two foot tubs with water deep enough to cover the ankle joint; have one as hot as can be borne, the other very cold. Place the feet in the hot water three minutes, then in the cold one-half second. Alternate in this way until the feet feel hot and the whole body is in a glow. Wipe the feet dry, then rub well with a circular motion. This treatment establishes warm feet, soothes the nerves and improves the general health. No cure can be established in any part of the body until the feet become permanently warm. MORNING PRAYER -E. Munier Prayer is an elevation of the soul to God. When the rays of the morning: sun warm the air and give assurance of another day, all nature gives thanks and rejoices. BOTH FALLEN ASLEEP -Knut Ekwall Weary with play, the little toiler and his faithful companion surrender to sleep. The father smiles genially and lovingly, and the mother with a warning sign of her hand not to wake them, looks on with a maternal eye — serious and admiring. BEAUTY BATHS. 119 THE SITZ-BATH. For this, an ordinary wash tub, if good-sized, will answer the pur- pose, though a regular sitz-bath is better. "When this bath is used as a tonic the water should be cold and the bather remain in it for five, ten, or even fifteen minutes. In beginning, however, the water should be warm, and the time not over one to five minutes; the water being gradually cooled and the time extended as one becomes able to endure. THE BED-BATH. For all cold-blooded, weakly persons, this is excellent. Wring a towel lightly out of cold water, place by the bedside, and after you are in bed and thoroughly warm, pass the wet towel over the entire body, if you are able to bear it, or over a portion, if not, under the bed-cloth- ing. The heat of the body turns the water into steam, which, in being thus drawn out, takes any fever with it, thus promoting sleep, while the steam enveloping you softens and cleanses the skin. This is mani- festly far better than no bath at all in cases where the water and air cannot be borne at the same time. This wet towel application can also be made when any pain exists. Let the towel lie on the afflicted part all night. It soon becomes hot, drawing out the fever and the pain with it. HOW TO MAKE A BATH CABINET. Such an appliance is a fine thing, either in health or illness. It is made with a square frame large enough to enclose a grown person when sitting on an ordinary chair. This frame is covered with canvas tightly stretched and closely tacked in place, and there are hinges so that it may be folded up when not in use. The top also is covered with the canvas, through which a hole is cut to allow the head to project. When children are put into the cabinet a footstool in the chair raises them to the proper height. A little oil stove placed in the cabinet and lighted, and a teakettle full of water boiling upon it soon induces a perspiration equal tc that produced by the finest Turkish bath that 7 v. 120 BEAUTY BATHS. was ever given. This is followed by an alcohol rub, or a sponge bath of cool water and salt, or other treatment to meet the case. Both beauty and health will be greatly promoted by the massage treatment; described in the next section. Be careful to keep the head cool by means of cold applications while in the cabinet. There is nothing more restful after a hard day's work than a three minute sweat in this cabinet, followed by a cool sponge bath and a brisk rub with a coarse towel. It is especially helpful in cases of rheumatism, fever, and blood di spases VAPOR BATH WITHOUT CABINET. If you have not even a bath cabinet, you can still take a most luxu- rious and beneficial bath similar in its effects to the regular Turkish bath. You will need an assistant. A chair with a wooden seat, a foot- tub, an old coffee cup and a little alcohol, with some flannel blankets, are all that is necessary. Place a piece of flannel blanket in the chair, folded so as to hang down in front, fill the foot-tub with warm water for the feet, placing it in front of the chair; put the cup, one-third full of alcohol, under the chair, and after completely disrobing, seat yourself in the chair. The attendant should then put one blanket over you in front, another around you outside the back of the chair. Then she should light the alcohol with a taper, not a match, as it will blaze up quickly and is likely to burn the fingers. With your feet in the hot water and the blankets around you, in five minutes or less the alcohol burning under the chair may be expected to produce a fine perspiration. If there is a sense of dizziness or fullness in the head, it can be relieved by plac- ing about the neck a cloth wrung out of cold water. Eemain in this bath for ten or fifteen minutes. A sponging over with cool or cold water, and a thorough massage, are the concluding processes. Neither should be omitted. Every muscle of the body should be firmly pressed, pinched, squeezed, and the entire surface of the body rubbed and slapped with the finger tips to produce a glow. There is no resulting sensitiveness to cold, after such a bath. Indeed, BEAUTY BATHS. 121 the reverse is true. If the cool sponging and massage have been thor- ough, one can go out immediately after it without the least danger; and it is one of the best cures for a heavy cold ever known. BATH TO REDUCE AND STRENGTHEN THE ABDOMEN. Many ladies are troubled by an undue prominence of the abdomen. This condition is caused by a flabby state of the muscles which per- mits settling of the tissues and organs. My own treatment in such cases is as follows: Bathe with soap and very hot water, applying friction to the abdo- men with a Turkish bath brush and wash cloth, rubbing with a circu- lar motion, especially from right to left. Then gradually cool the water until cold; renew the friction with the cold water, rubbing in the same way as with the hot. This is very effectual; and certain exercises given in the eleventh chapter will also be found useful for this purpose. CHAPTER VII. A BREATH OF AIR. Do You Breathe? — Poisoned Life Cells — The Pure Sleeping-Soorn — Live a Full Life — Six Hundred Millions of Lung-Cells — Thirty-five Thousand Pints of Blood Every Day— Deep Breathers are Magnetic — Secret of Sex-Attraction — Fear the Great Roboer — Males are Half; Females are Quarter-Breathers — Breathing the Deliverance from Consumption — Get that Extra Curve in Your Back — The Voice that Kings — "Ten Times Ten" — Hindu Breathing — Breathe Like a Horse — Develop Lungs and Chest — Don't Be "Blue-Blooded" — Five Breathing Exercises — How to Let Go — Cure for "The Blues"— The "Door-Fan"— The Three Fowls— Open Air Life— Outdoor Games —Health is "Catching." WHEN God created man, and "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, ' ' man was expected thereafter to do the breath- ing for himself. With oxygen supplied by nature in abundance for that express purpose, there is little need of lung- starvation within reach of an outer door or window. Yet it is an astonishing fact that thousands of people, women especially, persist in starving their lung- cells, impoverishing their blood and laying the foundations of disease by breathing foul, suffocating air during a large portion of their wak- ing, and sometimes all through their sleeping hours. Air is a part of our daily food, and by far the most important part, the purity of the blood depending on it. A noted writer says, ' t On the day of judgment God will perhaps pardon you for starving your chil- dren when bread was dear, but if Pie should charge you with stinting them of His free air, what answer will you make?" Every day is a judgment day, and THEEE IS NO ESCAPE. To breathe in poison is to build it into every tiny life-cell, till even the thoughts are permeated with it, and the mental and spiritual re- flect the physical condition, for each reacts on the other. It would be a blessing if a crusade could be started against close 122 A BEEATH OF AIR. 123 and stifling rooms. In the modern city apartment buildings there is still an appalling number of rooms lighted and aired only from "shafts," those abominations which ought to be banished forever from twentieth century civilization. Even the air-shafts, however, are bet- ter than the hermetically sealed sleeping rooms of some country homes where the windows, one might almost suspect, are nailed down in the fall and kept so until spring. It seems incredible, but there still are people who mistake cold air for pure air, and because a room is not heated, conclude that it needs no airing. Sleeping rooms, however, should have plenty of sunshine and pure air, and open windows should be the rule, and not the exception. If your window will not open from the top, it is not a bad plan to tack a strip of cretonne or other material across the lower part, so that it can be opened from the bottom without making too strong and direct a current upon those unaccustomed to it. In such ways one can grad- ually train one's self to sleep with open windows. This practice, com- bined with a rapid, cold sponge bath, daily, will make any person totally proof against "taking cold," that is, provided the food be wholesome, the exercise and rest taken regularly, and the mind kept free from undue excitement and worry, which in themselves are often sufficient to bring on feverish, catarrhal, or neuralgic conditions. VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL BREATHING. Throughout all nature the breath is the life. In flowers, trees, the en- tire world of vegetation, we find the breathing process going on, through the leaves, or other parts corresponding to the lungs in animals. Keep a plant in a close room where there is a frequent escape of certain gases, and see how quickly it droops. Plants differ from animals in their use of the air elements, however, for they inhale carbonic acid gas and exhale oxygen. But the breathing process is alike essential to plant and animal life ; and deep breathing brings health and power. Those who only half breathe, only half live. Lovers are instinctively deep, rapid breathers; and the more the love-faculty is rightly exer- 124 A BREATH OF AIR. cised, the more healthfully active does the breathing become. Did you never notice how even in meeting a friend on the street unexpectedly, your breathing quickens and deepens from the pleasure of the occur- rence 1 To keep any fire burning brightly, the air must have access to it; for when the supply of oxygen is dimin- ished, the fire dies down. So with the fires of human life; there must be oxy- gen in abundance if they are to be kept burning brightly. Air is composed of 21 parts of oxy- gen to 78 of nitrogen ; the small fraction remaining being car- bonic acid gas, which helps to sustain vegetation. Exactly these proportions are always found in the outer air. Oxygen, therefore, abounds wherever man can go. OUR WONDERFUL BREATHING MECHANISM. Occupying most of the chest and composed of five lobes, three on the right side and two on the left, enveloping the heart, we find those most won- derful of structures, the lungs. The tree-like mechanism by which the air is conducted to them, is called the trachea, or windpipe ; and it branches into each lung- hemisphere, then rebranches again and again, into each lobe and finally into air cells smaller and smaller, six hundred millions in number. Blood cells also pass to the lungs, traveling side by side with the air THE HEART AND LUNGS. Showing the wall of the diaphragm. A BREATH OF AIR. 129 cells. Thirty-five thousand pints of blood, it is estimated, pass daily through the capillaries of the lungs, to be vitalized by contact with the oxygen. The main body of the lungs is of a fine gauze-like membrane, con- taining from fifteen to twenty thousand square inches. This curious membrane is so folded as to provide a large surface in a small space, and to form a partition between the air cells and the blood cells which acts much like a strainer ; keeping the air and the blood each in their separate cells, yet allowing the gases to pass through. The lungs must be filled with air and emptied from eight to fourteen times per minute during the entire life. How is this done? By a broad, dome-shaped muscle called the diaphragm, dividing the heart and lungs above from the stomach, liver and other organs below, fastened only at its lower edges, and formed so as to expand and contract with great elasticity. When it contracts, flattening down- wards, the vacuum thus caused allows the air to rush in, inflating the lower part of the lungs. Muscles between the ribs lift them outwards, and cause a similar vacuum inviting the air into the upper part of the lungs ; and it always responds to these invitations. FROM AIR-CELLS TO BLOOD-CELLS. It is the great affinity of oxygen for iron that enables it to enter into the blood as it does. The red globules of the blood contain iron, which attracts the oxygen so that it rushes through the thin membrane which separates air-cells from blood-cells, and the two elements, oxygen and iron, unite, vitalizing the blood and imparting new life and vigor. MAGNETIC BREATHING. Electricity, that vital force with which the oxygen is heavily charged, is thus introduced into the blood, and permeates the entire body. Now, electro-magnetism teaches that certain objects charged with electricity are full of magnetism ; they attract. Hence we learn that deep breathing immensely increases the magnetic force, or at- 126 A BEEATH OF AIR. tracting power, besides promoting the general health and enjoyment of life. Would you test the truth of this? Fill the lungs full, in taking a deep breath, so that the breath expands the abdomen as well as the upper part of the chest. Take in, and pass out, with every breath, all the air possible, without actual strain. Keep this up vigorously for several minutes. You will soon feel a tingling sensation reaching to the very toes and finger-tips. It is the rush of oxygen, with its electric fluid, making its way through the blood to every part of the nervous system. SECEET OF SEX-MAGNETISM. That marvelous power which draws to its possessor whatever is most desired, and impels men and women to find mutual pleasure, profit and stimulus in each other's society, is nothing more nor less than correct breathing, which vitalizes the nerve-centers and causes them to become magnetic. The solar plexus, you will remember, is the great nerve-center from which radiates the personal aura, or mag- netic atmosphere, giving to its possessor, when well-developed, the power of accomplishing what the will directs; and where this power is never used for a wrong purpose it is a veritable enchanter's wand, to bring blessings to the lives of others as well as to the woman who has learned to wield it. How often we hear it said that a man or woman has accomplished this difficult work or achieved that desired end " because of a strong personality!" This simply means, a strong, wide-aivake solar plexus. In the great majority of people, the solar plexus is more than half asleep, and those persons are the ones who are always subject to the aura, the influence, of strong personalities. They are made to feel uncomfortable, nervous, inferior, in the presence of these others to whom they may be really superior in all respects except the control of this magnetic aura. "Would not such give the world to know how to escape this bondage, and as far as is right and desirable, control people and circumstances instead of being controlled by them? A BEEATH OF AIR. 127 THE PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF FEAR. What the sun is to the solar system, the solar plexus is to the human body. Light, life and heat are dependent upon it; its office being to transmute the sun's rays into magnetism, by the process of drawing them in through the lungs, and through the nerve-cells as well; but first of all through the lungs. "The deep and regular breather," says Elizabeth Towne, "cannot be sick or mentally weak. Just one thing prevents the breath from reaching the solar plexus ; a closing of the pores, outward and inward. A stooping position will cramp and close many of the lung-pores ; tight clothing will shut up not only lung-pores, but others as well. But first, last and always, and with more power than is contained in all others combined, will THE MIND contract the pores and rob body and brain of life and light. "FEAR is a great robber. Watch the effect of a single fear upon yourself— see how you cringe, shrivel and contract; see how you clinch your hands and curl up your toes ; see how you expel the air from your lungs and hold it expelled; and you can guess, at least, how fear keeps you out of your own. 1 ' Half breathing is a habit of the human race. That is, on the male side. The female side lives on quarter breathing; because it has been taught to fear more things than men, and because women are more apt at learning anyway. Women have learned to shrink and lean. Not content with this, they have bound their feet and hands and laced themselves into strait jackets— the most infernal machine imaginable for squeezing the solar plexus out of all semblance to a radiating cen- ter, and shutting off the breath of life. All this habit must be over- come in the only way possible— by the establishment of new habits. "Therefore I say unto you, men and women, but especially women, breathe. And keep on breathing until you establish the habit of full, free breathing. * * * The weak, sick, timid ones are the breath- less ones. Asthmatics, consumptives and nervous folks need nothing 128 A BBEATH OF AIE. but breath and plenty of it, to heal them completely. And they rre the very ones who will not breathe if they can get out of it. They im- mure themselves in hot, airless rooms and gasp and gurgle and bewail fate; because they have been for years— for generations, perhaps- trying to get along without breath. This is their habit of thought. WHAT RIGHT BREATHING WILL DO. "Well, there is salvation— a new habit of thought. Practice breath- ing even half as diligently as you have practiced not breathing and you work out the salvation that is within you. * * * If you will practice faithfully for one short month you will be thoroughly con- vinced. And if you will keep at it until you have made full breathing a habit of thought you will be a new creature ; sorrow and melancholy, fears and fighting will have ceased forever. Energy, ambition, power, joy will have grown up in their place ; your shrunken and bent body will have straightened up; you will stand with a curve extra in the small of your back, instead of with one curve at the shoulders, such as you had when you were a monkey ; you will walk with a spring, on the ball of your foot, instead of coming down on your heels, or shuffling along any old way; your eyes will be bright and steady and ready to look kindly into every other pair of eyes ; your mouth will be straight instead of drooping at the corners as in the old wailing days, and your lips will be soft and sweet to kiss; your skin will be fresh and clear and your voice will ring out, like bells over quiet waters, instead of being smothered in your throat and tinctured with whines or snarls as of old; in short, you will be a new being, born again of the ' spirit ' and ready to live and love and do. ' ' THE "TEN TIMES TEN" PLAN. Another writer whose name is a household word in many families —Marion Harland— adds her testimony, and it is an interesting one. "Ten years ago," she says, "I began to breathe. Up to that time, I had lived as crippled steamers have been known to finish an ocean A BEEATH OF AIK. 129 voyage— with one wheel gone. In the consciousness that, owing to a hurt the right lung received twenty years hack, there was one weak spot to be guarded in an otherwise sound body, I was on the lookout for ways and means of doing this. A few words dropped by a friendly and common-sensible doctor first put me on the right track and, as I said, I began to learn how to breathe. Four years thereafter I was thrown into intimate association with several members of a celebrated health club, and studied the modus operandi more thoroughly. 1 ' Since then I would as soon think of going without a meal as with- out the ten deep, full, satisfying breaths, which, repeated ten times daily, make up the tale of conscientious respirations. No one who has oever tried the regimen can imagine the luxury of these delicious, in- vigorating draughts of fresh air; of the rush of vivifying oxygen to all parts of the body, tingling and thrilling to toes and finger-tips ; of the effect upon brain and spirits. It is like the exhilaration wrought by generous wine, but addeth no sorrow therewith as wine will, in the form of subsequent reactionary dullness. One is made over almost as good as new. "If one more personality will be forgiven by a generous constitu- ency, let me say that my dressmaker tried upon me yesterday the waist of a gown she had made for me six years ago. It fitted me perfectly in waist-line, neck and sleeves. She exclaimed smilingly at seeing the chest had broadened and deepened two inches since the garment was made. Which means that lungs and heart have two inches more of space in which to do their life-making work. "Seven deep inspirations, according to physiologists, suffice to expel the ' residuary air'— that is, dead, effete air— from the lungs. Take ten to refresh them and prepare them for their rightful exercise. When you have done this ten times in twenty-four hours, and every day for three months, you will have formed the habit of breathing properly. This prescription is not patented, but given freely as the blessed air to every living creature.' ' 130 A BEEATH OF AIE. TO RESTORE CALMNESS. The value of a restful state of mind is beyond compute. Excite- ment produces irregular breathing ; and it is important to know how to control the emotions so as to keep both mind and body in a healthy state. This can be done more and more easily as one gains control of the solar plexus. A simple and helpful plan to restore a quiet mood when disturbed is to immediately begin breathing full, slow, even breaths, counting four while inhaling, four while holding, and four while ex- haling. A very few minutes of this exercise will restore calmness by steadying the circulation. If you can lie down while thus breathing, so much the better. In any case it should be done with the mouth closed. Ehythmical breathing, as taught by the Hindoos, also gives poise and serenity, quieting the nerves if resorted to whenever one is ex- cited or disturbed in any way. Breathe slowly and deeply, thinking of some familiar tune, and making each breath correspond in length to a line of the music. HOW TO TAKE A FULL BREATH. First empty the lungs, expelling all the air possible. Then breathe in slowly until chest, waist and abdomen expand. Lifting the chest, and drawing in the abdomen inhale still more air until all has been taken in that can rind a corner anywhere. Such exercises greatly strengthen that " great breathing motor," the diaphragm. The habit- ual disuse of the lower muscles in breathing is to be corrected. Four-footed animals know how to breathe; so do healthy children. Did you never watch a horse as the muscles of his entire frame are extended and relaxed by the circulation of air? Breathing is full and deep in quadrupeds, and it is a good sign when bipeds, human ones at least, take notes from them in this respect. Only by this means can the blood become thoroughly oxygenated. Do not strain the mem- brane by closing the epiglottis trap-door in the throat while "hold- A BREATH OF AIR. 131 ing" the breath. Keep the passage open and free, and breathe by a regular movement of the muscles. You do not need to think about drawing in the air ; just make room for it, and it comes in of itself. THE "TOP LINK." Remember that the lifting of the chest and drawing in of the abdo- men raises the vital organs, which in all who do not thus learn to hold them up, are inclined to settle down below their normal position. Madam Pote explains the principle as follows: "In holding a chain so that the lower link just touches the ground, if the hand or 'Top Link' yields in the least, every link in the chain is proportionately lowered. "Moral— Hold on to the Top Link. "Height decreases as age increases. The body shrinks at the ankles, knees, waist, chest, neck, and even the corners of the mouth and eyelids droop, so the entire organism manifests a downward or earthly tendency, with many who profess to be going the other way. "Let us be consistent. If the purpose be high, the body should be taught to respond in like manner, and express through each and every tissue, that same high purpose. ' ' Hold the heart, head and chest high, and the corners of the mouth will no longer betray a chronic state of disapproval, libeling the soul.' ' Erectness while sitting, standing, walking or working should also be cultivated. Even in reclining the attitude should be straight rather than curled up. One in an erect posture will breathe about one-fourth more than if stooping; and consequently will enjoy and accomplish as much more. Life will be in that proportion richer and more lasting. The larger the breathing capacity, the better the assurance of permanent good health; there is no danger of enlarging it too much. The overcoming of flat chests, weak lungs, throat or bronchial affec- tions, even incipient consumption, has resulted in countless instances from such a system of lung and chest development, with the proper attention to food, bathing, sunshine and fresh air. 132 A BREATH OF AIR. EAT LESS AND BREATHE MORE. Blue veins indicate poison in the blood from insufficient breathing. The remedy is to eat less and breathe more, so as to both thin and redden the blood. The blood in the veins is naturally dark, but should not be dark enough to show through. Most persons, in fact, would be far stronger if they would thus re- duce their eating and increase their breathing. Two parties of trav- elers once undertook, at the same time, to ascend Pike's Peak. One party was well supplied with ham sandwiches, etc., that the climbers' strength for the journey might hold out. The other party had no such " refreshments ;' ' in fact, they brought with them no food at all, but whenever they were tired, lay down flat for ten minutes and breathed. The ham-sandwich party never reached the top. The breath- ing party passed them, about half-way up, and arrived at the top in nine hours from the time of starting. They were in time to see the moon rise, after which, remaining all night, they enjoyed the further much-coveted sight of sunrise, from their vantage ground. Returning none the worse for their fast, they had the satisfaction of describing to their more faint-hearted friends the beauties of the scenes just wit- nessed. BREATHING EXERCISES. Here are five easy and excellent methods of improving the breath- ing powers : No. 1.— On first rising in the morning, stand erect, heels together, hands on hips, chest up; inhale slowly through the nostrils until the lungs are full, then expel all the air, forcing it out as much as possi- ble. Continue five times each morning. There will be a dizziness at first, because the system has not been used to so much oxygen, and it has an intoxicating effect; but this passes away with practice. No. 2.— When walking in the open air it is beneficial to try the fol- lowing lung gymnastic : Inhale slowly, then walk five or ten steps, and exhale slowly. Any person who is a member of a family with A BREATH OF AIR. 133 tendencies to diseases of the air-passage will be able to hold at bay the scourge of asthma, bronchitis and consumptior by this exercise. No. 3.— Stand erect, with abdomen well out of sight, arms bent to level of shoulders and finger tips upon the chest. Now look np and inhale breath while sweeping the arms and hands up, back and down to sides; exhale while sweeping hands to chest again by the heart- shaped circle. Repeat six times. No. 4.— Stand erect, expand chest and draw abdomen out of sight; throw head back and face up, the arms at the sides; raise the arms as you inhale until the finger-tips reach at the top of the head. Hold breath a few seconds and exhale through nostrils, dropping hands gradually to side. No. 5.— To cure fatigue: Have your windows wide open; lie flat on the back, without a pillow; breathe deeply and rapidly for several minutes. Never mind if it makes you a trifle dizzy at first; this soon passes, and you begin to feel a tingling sensation clear to the toes and finger-tips, caused by the oxygen rushing through the blood-vessels. In a short time you will feel wonderfully rested. This exercise with its results, was discovered by Prof. 0. S. Fowler, purely by accident. When exhausted one day, he threw himself on a couch and breathed in this way; it was almost like the involuntary panting of an animal after a long run. In a few minutes he began to feel so surprisingly re- freshed that he was led to study into the cause, and found it to consist in the attitude and method of breathing. Breathing is a part of Dr. Paul Edwards' instructions for relaxa- tion, which are also well worthy of study, they are so simple and yet so wonderful in their practical results. He says: "I regard proper relaxation as a real panacea for human ills^ worries and sorrows. It is not difficult to lapse into silent relaxation. Relaxation means to let go, to loosen one's grasp, mentally and physi- cally. In our state of aggressive intention, we grasp ourselves too firmly, holding back our really conquering forces by mental and phys- ical tension. 134 A BEEATH OF AIR. "This constant tension gathers the muscles into knots, and checks liberation or projection of our thoughts ; kept in this state for a few hours, we become tired in body and fettered in mind. No effective mind force can be projected while we are thus cramped. Thoughts, like muscular action, must be freely liberated, and float away to their destined object without stint or cramp. "Relaxation means silent, restful composure. Sit down alone, be- come restful— perfectly restful. Close the eyes gently; breathe full, deep, but easy breaths. Now invite the whole peaceful, blissful world to come toward you. ' ' Open your inner, living intelligence to receive the strength, health and rest that are now rushing in upon you. Now re-relax, become still less taut or rigid in muscle. Keep the eyes still closed, but only gently so, and though closed, you now see light, for all your internal being is illumined. Settle still more limply into your chair, and again invite the universe to come and commune with your passive, restful mind. You may feel an internal sensation, like a tingling, prickly, rushing vibration. This is real rest, real relaxation, and heaven is filling you with its richest gifts— rest, strength and health. Invite this approaching invisible power to flow right through your being, and sweep it clear of fatigue, sickness, worry and all opposing condi- tions. "All this time you are being filled with a wealth of repose that is past computation. The tingling throughout your economy will be in proportion to the profoundness of your relaxation. "The mind at first completely subsides on sitting down, then be- comes receptive, then inviting, then it reaches out for the coming rest, or force, which the universe is projecting toward your relaxed and liberated inner intelligence. This all comes without effort, not with effort. ' ' There is no worry that a twenty-minute period of such relaxation will not dispel. There is no pain that it will not assuage ; there it no NAPOLEON AND HIS SON -C. Steuben "Far from the din of battle, in his royal library, rests upon a soft divan the famous Corsiean warrior — Napoleon, Emperor of the French — the flaxen head of Marie TiOuise's son resting upon his lap." SAMUEL -Sir Joshua Reynolds The third time the Lord called, "Samuel, Samuel." Then Samuel answered, "Speak; for thy servant heareth." The Lord imposed a weighty message upon his infant shoulders. He was to become a great king and prophet, the ruler of the destinies of the Israelites. A BREATH OF AIR. 137 grief it will not dismiss ; no anger it will not soften ; no enemy it will not forgive; no fatigue it will not remove. "Such is relaxation, and all have time to take it. I know the old, old excuse that time forbids, but relaxation makes time— it gives us more time than any other act or thing. "A person can do far more work for the three or four hours fol- lowing relaxation than in the same time preceding it." Thousands of the world's most active and brilliant workers have proved this to be true; but no description can fully reach the heart of the subject. Each must experience its deeper meanings for him- self; and since the physical world and the thought-world are after all created by the same hand, what wonder that they blend so harmon- iously in the life, when given half a chance 1 The life-cells obey the on- rushing tide of power breathed into them, because it is the only right and natural thing for them to do. TO CURE DEPRESSION OF SPIRITS. As a remedy for "the blues," practice this one of Elizabeth Towne's exercises, as follows : Loosen the clothing, open the windows ; recline without pillow, and let your arms lie straight out from the sides, if the width of the couch or bed will permit. Relax every muscle from head to foot ; let go of everything mentally ; take quietly a full breath, hold it a second or two ; then force it suddenly into the upper part of the lungs; hold it there a second or two, then suddenly throw all the breath down as far as possible, at the same time exclaiming mentally to the solar plexus "Wake up! Wake up!!" Hold the breath down a second or two; then gradually let it flow back until the lungs are evenly filled again, hold an instant, and then see how very slowly and smoothly you can exhale the breath. Do this not over three times at one exercise, and only when you are depressed. Then rise and move as if you were going somewhere and meant to get there. Get interested in what you have to do. The next time you think about your depression you will wonder what makes you feel so comfortable and 8 V. 138 A BREATH OF AIB. full of quiet go. "I have used this practice," says Mrs. Towne, " which is my own discovery, for years ; for all sorts of depression from every imaginable cause; and never once has it failed to change my feelings entirely. It is guaranteed to cure anybody who will practice it with a will." POISONOUS GASES. In the formation of healthy blood, pure air is even more essential than pure food; because its action is more constant. Every waking and sleeping breath during life brings health or disease according to whether the air be pure or vitiated. It is an excellent plan to place a small quantity of unslaked lime, or of charcoal in the sleeping apart- ment, or in the sick-room. The carbonic acid gas breathed out by the occupant of the room is absorbed by these materials, instead of re- maining in the air to be again taken into the system. A great help in ventilating a room is to swing the door rapidly to and fro a dozen times or more. It is a gigantic "fan." In the family of one of my patients, this simple plan has proved a perfect cure for wakefulness on repeated occasions. It completely changes the air of the room even when no breeze is stirring, and will prove a relief on many a sultry night. Even the " suggestion" awakened by the swiftly moving door fills the air with ozone and life. Dr. Bonizardi of Italy asserts that people die much more rapidly through the deleterious effects of miasma and carbonic acid gas than by the want of oxygen in the air. To prove his theory, he put three fowls on a perfectly even floor, under three glass cases, and placed in the case containing the first bird nothing but the fowl, in the second one a piece of unslaked lime, while the third contained some pieces of charcoal. In half an hour after the birds were confined he examined them, and found that the bird having neither lime nor charcoal was dead, that the one in the second case containing the unslaked lime was barely alive, while the bird in the case containing charcoal was quite active, and showed no sign of suffering. A BREATH OF AIR. 139 The first bird, having neither lime to absorb the carbonic acid gas of the lungs, nor charcoal to collect on its surface the effluvium of the surrounding air, died of blood poisoning, produced solely by the action of the carbonic acid gas expelled from the lungs. The fowl that was supplied with the lime was only quite ill, because the lime had removed one of the causes of death by absorbing the car- bonic acid gas ; while the bird confined in the case containing charcoal was only slightly indisposed or ill, because the charcoal absorbed all the exhalations of the lungs and body. These experiments prove that people die far more quickly from the deleterious action of bodily exhalations than from any deficiency of oxygen in the air. The moral of these experiments is : that a small basket of charcoal should be placed in the room of every invalid, in order that it may absorb the carbonic acid gas floating in the air, and also attract the exhalations of the body, thus leaving the atmosphere purer and more wholesome. Poisons must be eliminated; but, this done, the plentiful supply of oxygen is of untold value. Indeed, while fully endorsing Dr. Boni- zardi's theory, I would emphasize that the best of all methods of eliminating poisonous gases is by living as much as possible in the open air. AN OPEN AIR LIFE. Four hours of outdoor breathing for adults should be the very smallest daily allowance. More would be better. The nomadic races are proverbially healthy; and in summer at least one does well to imi- tate them. Florence Morse Kingsley, the delightful " Garden Mother' ' of the Ladies' Home Journal, believes so thoroughly in the gospel of fresh air that she is in the habit of "camping out," in primitive fashion with her whole family, a large part of each summer. She finds the gain in health inestimable, and her neighbors are many of them following her example. In this connection a friend read me an extract from a letter dated early in the present June, saying, "Mr. D. and family have 140 A BEEATH OF AIR. left for Lake to camp until fall. Each year they make an earlier start." This is a move in the right direction. When a busy housewife cannot go away from home, or thinks she cannot, the next best arrangement is to take every part of the work which is movable, into the garden, or out on the piazza, porch or lawn; for the open air is one of the best of tonics. A soldier whose constitution appeared to be hopelessly wrecked, has been known to recover his health completely, by no other treatment than living for a few months in the open air, day and night. OUTDOOR GAMES. The outdoor games— tennis, golf, basket-ball and the like— together with such exercises as horseback riding, rowing, skating, swimming, bicycling and long, brisk walks— are all delightful and effectual tonics, increasing the lung-power, developing the muscles and giving strength, symmetry and grace to the body. The woman who takes time for them is wise; for in this way Nature provides, through the air, a reviving and strengthening magic turning pale cheeks to rosy ones, brightening dull eyes and filling both body and mind with an inner sunshine which blesses all who come within reach of its health-giving rays. For, let it be remembered, health is contagious as well as disease. CHAPTERV III. CABE OF THE FACE. Fear Neither Old Sol, nor King Boreas— Lotions and Powder— The Pride of Cleanliness — Eight Complexion Buies — Rough Face Surface — An Approved Cream — Cucumbers for Freckles— Lemon Lotion — Strawberries Invaluable — Cream of Strawberries — Let- tuce Milk— Frostbite — Sunburn— Cosmetic Jelly — Eruptions and Pimples — Lack or Surplus of Color— Moles, Warts and "Pits"— Cause and Cure of Wrinkles— Eyes are Soul-Windows — Lotion for Inflamed Eyes — Foreign Substances in the Eye — The Eye- brows' Graceful Arch — Clearing the Ears — Purple Lips. 44 A S LONG as there are women in the world," says a writer, -^~J^ " there will be complexions to be worried about, and there is some beneficence in such discontent, for it argues a superior feminine nature to try and secure a good complexion." The delicate beauty of the skin's texture cannot be preserved with- out care, and the care given it must be adapted to the peculiar needs of the individual. Those who have a too oily skin, for instance, re- quire a different treatment from those who are troubled with chapped lips, caused by the winter winds, or burning redness from the heat of the summer sun. Long exposure to extremes of weather does not affect the skin of the face; but this is one of the cases in which pre- vention cannot be said to be better than cure. Light and air are so necessary to the general health that it is far better to take the full amount of outdoor exercise and then apply to the complexion what- ever soothing treatment is needed, than to remain indoors in order to keep the satin-like texture with its flower hues, from becoming in- jured. Especially is this true as without sunlight the rose tints would turn to a sickly white, the lips assume a purplish tint, and the whole aspect become suggestive of death rather than of life and beauty. It must be remembered that the same exquisite sensibility which renders the skin easily affected by the weather, also enables it to re- spond quickly to careful treatment; so that one may be much in the 141 142 CARE OF THE FACE. open air and yet have a complexion rivaling the lily, the carnation and the rose combined. SOME OF THE BEST LOTIONS. To counteract the mischief done by Old Sol, in his too fervid mid- summer caresses, or after the rough treatment to be expected from his brother, King Boreas, there are several harmless lotions, from which one may choose what proves best suited to the individual. Glycerine, diluted with ^ve or six times its bulk of pure water, per- manently softens the skin, and preserves it in great measure from the ill effects of sun and wind. It is agreeable to most persons, and an effectual remedy for chapped, roughened or blistered skin. Olive or almond oil is also excellent. Any of these soothing lotions should be lightly applied and the surface wiped with a soft towel. It is a good plan upon returning from a walk, or drive, or any out- door exercise, to bathe the face, in order to remove the dust that has gathered upon it. Almost every woman uses a little face powder occasionally, and as there are many injurious articles on the market, it is well to prepare it at home. A few cents will supply the needful quantity. Mix half a pound of finely powdered starch with two and a half ounces of freshly powdered orris root, then run through a sieve. Put a little in a bag of thin flannel and apply it by shaking it lightly on the face. "Of course the basis of a good complexion is cleanliness— in fact it even affects the arch of the neck," says a writer, "for every woman can hold her head higher when she knows she is absolutely clean." A few condensed general rules for the complexion may be mentioned here: 1.— Don't use hard water at all; use warm water at night. 2.— Don't fail to thoroughly dry the face. Don't use fancy soaps, but pure white castile. 3.— Don't fail after washing to rub the face upward, especially near the nose. 4— Don't eat fat meats, pastries, salads, or highly spiced foods. CAEE OF THE FACE. 143 5.— Don't drink strong tea or coffee. 6.— Don't use cheap face powders. 7.— Don't worry; it produces wrinkles. 8.— Don't give way to violent emotions. By following this rule you will do more to help your complexion and beauty than by using all the toilet creams invented. THE COMPLEXION BRUSH. The correct complexion brush is made of firm bristles about three- quarters of an inch long. These bristles do not mat down when put in water. The brush should be used every night with warm water and castile soap. This treatment is excellent for any bad complexion, be- cause it stimulates the glands and skin and stirs the blood vessels to action. FOR A ROUGH, HARSH COMPLEXION. A rough, harsh complexion is most frequently caused by hard water and impure soaps. Use the pure white imported castile, and get a correct complexion brush. Use the brush every night with warm water and the soap, drying the face thoroughly, and rubbing in olive or almond oil, diluted glycerine, or cream. A good cream is made as fol- lows: COMPLEXION CREAM. One-quarter ounce white wax, two and one-half ounces spermaceti, two and one-half ounces oil of sweet almonds ; melt, remove from fire and add one and one-half ounces rosewater. Beat till creamy, not till cold. Use only one-fourth ounce white wax— more will make it too hard. FRECEXES. Of course, outdoor exercise should be tempered with judgment and common sense. A veil in a March wind, or a parasol in July, is cer- tainly a wise precaution; and the time for going out should be well chosen. Those who are addicted to summer freckles would do well to re- 144 CAEE OF THE FACE. main in the house for at least an hour after washing the face, or the sun will bring out the freckles in great yellow batches. For freckles an excellent lotion consists of chopped cucumbers or cucumbers cut in slices with all the juice left in them. They are then bound upon the face in such a way that the juice will dry on. Cucum- ber peelings boiled in water will be found good for the skin ; or a slice of cucumber may be rubbed on the face, instead of soap. Lemon juice is also good to apply as a lotion both for freckles and sunburn. A little diluted lemon juice, mixed with borax and rubbed on the face, neck or hands at bedtime will both bleach and soften the skin. Allow it to remain a few moments, then rinse off with clear cold water, and dry. As a cosmetic, the strawberry is fine. Those who have freckles and spots, blotches and blemishes, can take the berry and cut it in two. This berry, rubbed upon the blemish, will turn into an acid which will take off the spot. Obstinate spots can have strawberry juice ap- plied to them and left on for half an hour and afterwards washed off with hot water. STRAWBERRY FACE BATHS. For the face the ripe mashed berry makes an excellent bath, but it cannot be used by all alike. The brown-skinned beauty will find her complexion wonderfully improved thereby. The acid will cleanse the complexion, while the rosy glow of the berries will impart a pleasing tinge to the skin. There are olive beauties who depend upon the strawberry face- bath from season to season. They use the first berries that come, and keep on with the berry bath until the last bit of the crimson fruit has disappeared from the fruit stalls. They claim it gives them the half rosy look which is so essential to an appearance of youth. A fresh complexion is necessary to the woman who wants to keep her youth. If she be dark skinned or yellow skinned, or if her face be muddy she will find a ready relief in the fresh juice of the finest berry of spring. CAEE OF THE FACE. 145 Those who are too fair to use the clear juice of the berry can make a nice complexion bath. Take half a cup of ripe berries and squeeze the juice into a basin, straining it through a fine cloth. To this juice add a pint of boiling water and a cup of red vinegar. This makes a nice bath for the hands and arms, and it is excellent for the face, though the eyes should be kept tightly closed while using it. It can be daubed upon the cheeks and forehead without touching the eyes. There was, in the days of the beauties of the last generation, a rather extravagant belle who ordered her maid each morning to bring her the juice of a quart of ripe berries. The maid strained the juice, added a teaspoonful of borax powder, and heated the whole just enough to be pleasant. It was good enough to drink, but the belle bathed her face in it, her neck and her arms, letting it dry on the skin. In fifteen minutes she was ready for her bath, which left the skin rosy and tingling from the acid wash. CEEAM MADE FROM BERRIES. An old lady made her fortune one summer at a famous watering place selling cream of strawberries for the complexion. Her jars of cold cream sold as fast as she could make them. Each jar contained the juice of berries skilfully compounded with healing lotions. The recipe was this: Taking a heaping tablespoonful of mutton tallow, she would put it on the fire to heat, and into it she would stir about a tablespoonful of powdered oatmeal as fine as flour. Then to this she would add half a cup of strawberry juice, stirring vigorously over the fire until it was all of a cream. Finally she would pour into little jars, and set away to cool. It was about as thick as cornstarch, and soothing to the skin. The old lady could never give the directions accurately, for, as she wisely observed, tablespoons were of different sizes, and some kinds of oatmeal mixed better than others. LETTUCE AND CUCUMBER CREAMS. Lettuce made into a cream for the skin is delightful. It should be cut into tiny bits and only the thick, juicy part should be used, the 146 CAEE OF THE FACE. stalk where the acids are. The stalk should be chopped fine and stirred in cold cream while in a liquid state. The juices of lettuce can be ex- tracted with good results and a mixture made which is called lettuce milk. This is good for the skin. Take enough lettuce juice to fill half a cup. Add to it half a cup of boiling water and a table spoonful of boracic acid. To this add about ten drops of tincture of benzoin. Bottle and keep for the skin. A more economical recipe is this : Cover a head of lettuce leaves with boiling water. Let simmer, strain, and add enough benzoin to make the water mL And among vegetables it is not only to lettuce that credit must be given for the preservation of the skin, for cucumbers claim their share of healing properties. Cucumbers split lengthwise, as recommended in the treatment of freckles, and bound upon the face, are a wonderful restorative, while the milk of cucumbers is famous. To make good milk of cucumbers cut up two large cucumbers and cover them with water. About half a cup is the right amount. Lei simmer half an hour. Keep covered so that the water does not simmer off. Take off, strain, add a cup of boiling water, ten grains of pow- dered borax, and enough tincture of benzoin to make the water look milky. This is a delightful skin preparation, and one that can be used freely upon the face, neck and arms. FROST-BITES. If the ears or nose be frostbitten, the best treatment is friction with the hands or a piece of flannel, continued for a long time, or until perfect circulation is restored. Care must be taken in the meantime not to go near a fire or into a heated room. STTNBURN. Equal parts of olive oil and limewater will be found a soothing and effectual wash to apply to a sunburnt face, neck, arms or hands. Elderflower water is famous for its cooling properties, as is lavender CARE OF THE FACE. 147 water. Vaseline should not be used on the face ; it will do on the hands or elsewhere, but on the face it is apt to cause the growth of super- fluous hair. Some of the cheaper cold creams are compounded of white vaseline, and should accordingly be avoided for facial use. COSMETIC JELLY is a safe and delightful preparation. It is made as follows : Seven ounces of rosewater, thirty grains of gum tragacanth, one ounce of alcohol, one ounce of glycerine. Let the tragacanth stand in the rosewater for four days, beating often with a wooden spoon. When the gum has entirely dissolved, add the glycerine, then the alcohol. A few drops of oil of rose and half a teaspoonful of powdered borax are improvements. This lotion dries immediately after application. LOTION FOE OILY SKIN. Dried rose leaves, one ounce; white wine vinegar, one-half pint; rosewater, one-half pint. Pour the vinegar upon the rose leaves and let it stand for one week ; then strain and add the rosewater, throwing the rose leaves away. The lotion may be used either pure, or diluted by putting about a tablespoonful into a cupful of rain water. Do not keep in a metal vessel. FACIAL ERUPTIONS. Young people especially are often troubled by hard, red pimples affecting all parts of the face and sometimes extending to the neck z shoulders, back and chest. Such will be benefitted by bathing the affected portions night and morning with salt and water— a tablespoon- ful of salt to a cup of water; living on plain, wholesome food, and exercising much in the open air. Sea-bathing is particularly good. But it must be remembered that facial eruptions are mainly due to some internal impurity, or lack of sufficient care in bathing. The face may be kept scrupulously clean, yet if the rest of the body is not bathed frequently the impurities will escape through the only avenue where the pores are open— the face. 148 CARE OF THE FACE. Constipation is a common cause of unsightly blotches and pimples ; so also is self-abuse. When these eruptions appear on the face, the general habits must be carefully looked after. Bathe frequently and thoroughly; avoid face powder and irritating soaps; regulate the bowels by a proper diet and an internal bath, if necessary; eat no pastry or confections, but substitute fruit and nuts; drink plenty of fresh water and breathe plenty of fresh air; and Nature will effect a cure. Blackheads are caused by a clogging of the oil-glands in the skin. Hot soap and water bathing, practiced daily, followed by friction, will soon cause them to disappear, if the habits in general are right. Very hot sweet milk, applied locally with a soft cloth, followed by bathing the face in cold water, is also good. Any disease of the nervous system or generative organs is certain to affect the complexion; because the digestive organs will not then perform their work properly and the blood and the entire system will be filled with impurities which must be eliminated through the skin. PALENESS. Lack of color arising from poor circulation of the blood, insufficient nutrition, neglect of outdoor exercise, etc., as well as that resulting from general debility, is very common. The best treatment in such cases is a combination of Nature's best gifts, water, sunlight and air, in liberal doses. Friction with a rough towel after bathing the face in hot and then in cold water, will help to start a glow ; but the treat- ment needs to be made more than local. Exercise in the open air is important ; also a nourishing diet, including plenty of those fruits and vegetables which, like strawberries, beets and tomatoes, by their red color indicate the presence of iron. REDNESS. Indigestion is often the cause of an over-ruddy complexion. The remedy is in a careful attention to the diet as directed in Chapter V. CARE OF THE FACE. 149 The drinking of lemonade is good; and tepid water in bathing, for those thus troubled, is preferable to hot or cold. MOLES. These small excrescences, discolored and sometimes covered with hair, can be removed by touching them every alternate day with strong nitric or acetic acid. When they are covered with hair, they should first be shaved. Then apply the acid with a toothpick or splinter of wood, being careful not to let it touch the rest of the face, or the hands. I particularly recommend the following for the removal of moles, and also warts, as I have found it effective in my practice : Mix equal quantities of water, chloride of zinc and flour. Apply just enough to cover the mole or wart; a very small quantity. Cover with court plaster, and leave on for a few hours. Leave it till it heals under the plaster. On removing the plaster, the skin will be found perfectly smooth. "PITS" OR "POCK-MARKS." These are less common than formerly, as the disease of small-pox is so much less prevalent and more effectually treated; but where the marks exist, in ordinary cases they will gradually disappear under an application of a tepid, glycerinated ioduretted lotion twice a day. Gen- tle friction daily with warm oils, slightly ioduretted, is another treat- ment that, if persevered in, will remove them either wholly or in part. Warm sea-water baths help in this cure. TATTOO MARKS— HOW TO REMOVE THEM. Those who have been so unfortunate or foolish as to have tattoo marks made on their skin usually wish to remove them in later years. In some cases they are quite indelible, but in some instances the draw- ings have been taken out by being first well rubbed with a salve of pure acetic acid and lard, then with a solution of potash, and finally with hydrochloric acid. 150 CAEE OF THE FACE. MOTH PATCHES. These are discolorations caused by a torpid liver or by constipation. The diet must be corrected, the general rules of health observed, and as to local treatment, the following is good : Prepare a flannel face cloth by sewing two or three layers together and cutting holes for the nos- trils ; saturate this flannel with hot water and hold it over the face until cool, breathing through the holes. Do this several times over, then bathe the face in cold water containing a little dissolved baking soda; then in clear cold water. Dry with a soft cloth, gently patting rather than rubbing the flesh. Finish by rubbing in some mild emollient, like olive oil, cream, or cocoa butter. Another treatment includes the use of the following ointment : One ounce of benzoinated lard, one drachm of white precipitate, one drachm of subnitrate of bismuth. Bathe the face at night with warm water and pure castile soap, using a complexion brush. Einse and dry thoroughly, then apply the ointment. Wash away next morning with tepid or cold water. Drink much buttermilk. INFLAMED FACE. A saturate solution of boric acid is good for almost any sort of inflammation. It is often applied after the electric needle has been used for the removal of superfluous hair, and it helps the tissue to heal at once. Put one ounce of the boric acid crystals in a quart glass jar and fill with hot water. Apply lightly twice a day with a bit of absorbent cotton. HOW SCARS MAY BE REMOVED. The X-ray is used quite successfully now for removing scars. Cer- tain medicinal agencies are applied at the same time. If the scar is not very deep it can be blotted away to a considerable extent by a warm solution of boric acid. Dissolve one ounce of boric acid crystals in a quart of water. Apply with absorbent cotton night and morning. WRINKLES. When the supply of fat just beneath the skin has been absorbed and is not renewed, the skin falls into folds, forming wrinkles. Long-con- CARE OF THE FACE. 151 tinned emaciation from ill-health will canse them, therefore, qnite as mnch as advancing age. Worry, defective sight and over-stndy are also fruitful causes. Sleeping with the head upon high pillows will sometimes cause them ; during the day, the muscles are inclined to settle down somewhat, and this drooping tendency should be counteracted during sleep, by using a small pillow rather than a large one. Some of my patients have even found it possible to accustom themselves to sleeping comfortably with no pillow at all, so that they prefer that method. It helps to correct round shoulders as well as wrinkles. Wherever wrinkles exist, the cellular tissues need building up. Bathe the face daily in hot water, followed by cold water, and after drying massage with olive oil, or almond oil, or cocoa butter. Keep the mind tranquil, take plenty of outdoor exercise, and adopt a nutritious diet with plenty of the fat-producing foods. Do not forget, when drying the face after washing, to rub upward instead of downward. This will help to prevent wrinkles and to smooth out the creases alongside the nose. But with every effort it must be remembered that nothing will cure wrinkles on the face while wrinkles in the thoughts are allowed. Every tangled, harrowing, disturbing thought must be banished and the mind be kept as serene as the surface of a lake on a still June morning. FACIAL EXPRESSION. The beauty of the face consists not only in feature and complexion, but is so largely in expression that it is no wonder that those in love always think their loved ones beautiful. Active, happy love draws the facial lines upward instead of permitting them to droop ; lights up all the features with a glow of radiant warmth ; brings smiles not only to the lips but to the eyes as well ; and redoubles the beauty of any face. THE EYES. High on the list of requisites for beauty are bright, sparkling eyes. Such features will redeem an otherwise plain face ; while in a beautiful face the eyes are apt to be the most irresistible charm. 152 CAKE OF THE FACE. As the optic nerve terminates at that portion of the brain where the love-faculty is located, it is natural that the eyes should express as they do all the varying moods of a woman's love-nature. The real fascination of beautiful eyes is in the expression. The .eyes are the "windows of the soul" in very truth, and when the soul is beautiful, its windows will be beautiful also. They reveal the tempera- ment of the individual as well. A woman with eyes of the soft, tender, melting type, whether they are blue, hazel or dark, will be found to possess gentle graces of manner and disposition; while the merry, vivacious, "snappy" eyes go with the livelier temperament. Both are equally beautiful; but perfect health must be the rule if they are to continue so. A physician can usually tell by the appearance of the eyes whether his patient has any nervous disorders, any fever, or if there is lack of nutrition. An unhealthy condition of the generative organs shows most quickly of all in the reddish, livid spots under the inner corners of the eyes; such symptoms are Nature's warning that it is well to heed. A later chapter will deal with this condition and its remedy. CARE OF THE EYES. Like all delicate parts, the eyes require careful attention. When you arise in the morning don't be surprised if you see black spots for a minute **r two. The pressure on the eyeball flattens the lens of the eye and causes this. Don't rub your eyes with your fingers ; bathe them at once in moderately cold water and wipe them inwards. This pre- vents "crows feet." Don't let soap get into the eyes. If the eyes are inflamed an application of hot water and milk in equal parts will help greatly. Or, the following lotion may be used: Fifteen drops of spirits of camphor, one teaspoonful of powdered boric acid, two-thirds of a cup of boiling water. Strain through muslin, cool, and apply twice a day. Or, bathe them frequently in weak salt water ; or in tepid water, gradually cooling it until cold; wipe them always gently with a soft towel, and rest them for a time. Pond's Extract is another wash that will usually prove effective. TWO MOTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES —Elizabeth Gardner The mother bird watches her infant chicks, and the child looks with intelligence into the face of its mother, and sees in them the answer: "We are both mothers." And the child understands. IN THE FOREST — R. Beyschlag The forest is said to be "God's cathedral," for amid its silence and genuine simplicity* the Creator dwells. "Oh, mutual bliss, sweet amid roseate bowers, Led by the hand of Love to unmolested crop life's fairy flowers." CARE OF THE FACE. 155 When a rough towel is used for the eyes it flattens the eyeballs, thus inviting the need of glasses much earlier than would otherwise be the case. When at work, if the eyes aehe, it is Nature's call for rest. Avoid weeping, as it inflames and injures the eyes; and never try experiments with belladonna or other artificial means to brighten them. This can be done much more effectively, as well as safely, by means of bathing and resting them, as described. Blue spectacles are best to protect weak or inflamed eyes in the midst of snow or white sand. Smoked glass is good if blue cannot be had. Red lamp shades inflame the eyes, while a blue shade soothes and strengthens them. Avoid reading and study by flickering, unsteady light, or in the twilight. Poor light is very poor economy. Light should come from the side of the reader, and not from the back nor from the front. Do not read or study while suffering great bodily fatigue or during recov- ery from illness. Do not read while lying down. Do not use the eyes too long at a time for anything that requires close application, but give them occasional periods of rest. Reading and study should be done systematically. During study avoid the stooping position, or whatever tends to produce congestion of the blood in the head or face. Read with the book on a level with the eyes, or nearly so, instead of in your lap. Select well printed books. Correct imperfection in sight with proper glasses, not selected carelessly by yourself or bought from an irresponsible traveling peddler, but properly fitted by an educated optician. Avoid bad hygienic conditions and the use of alcohol and tobacco. Take sufficient exercise in the open air. Let physical culture keep pace with mental development, for imperfection in eyesight is most usually observed in those who are lacking in physical develop- ment. DISCOLORED EYES. A " black eye" is a very disfiguring feature. If inflamed and painful, wash the eye often with very warm water, in which is dis- solved a little carbonate of soda. A repeated application of cloths 9 v. 156 CAEE OF THE FACE. wrung out of very hot water gives relief. A poultice of slippery elm bark mixed with milk and put on warm is also good. To remove the discolorization of the eye bind on a poultice made of the root of ' ' Solo- mon 's seal." It is often found sufficient to apply the scraped root at bedtime to the closed eye and the blackness will disappear by morning. REMOVING FOREIGN SUBSTANCES FROM THE EYES. An easy method of removing bits of foreign bodies from the eye is to place a grain of flaxseed under the lower lid and close the lids. The seed becomes quickly surrounded by a thick adherent mucilage which entraps the foreign body and soon carries it out from the angle of the eye. THE EYEBEOWS. The beauty of these features consists in their graceful arch, their smoothness and glossiness, and in their being sufficiently full to be well defined. They should never be cut or shaved; no pomades or burnt matches should be applied to them; but after washing the face, they may be smoothed into shape with the fingers or a brush. A toothbrush no longer usable for the teeth is convenient for this. Don't pencil your eyebrows; this soon makes them fall out. To increase the growth use cocoanut or olive oil. To darken them use sage tea, with a few drops of alcohol. The growth of the eyelashes can also be helped by touching them with a little olive oil every night on retiring. THE EARS. Those born blind have been found to develop mentally with far greater ease than the deaf. This indicates the importance of the sense of hearing to the right growth of the intellect. To protect and develop this sense is not difficult with a little thought and attention. "When in a perfectly healthy condition, the wax of the ear-passages dries and scales off; but sometimes from a cold or similar cause it becomes hardened and partially clogs the passage. In this case a few drops of warm olive oil inserted from the point of a teaspoon will CARE OF THE FACE. 15? soften it, and it will usually come away without further trouble. Should it still remain, a syringe and tepid water will cleanse the pas- sage effectually. Never insert a pin or any other metallic substance into the ear. EAE BATH. Spray from a fountain syringe, water 95 degrees Fahrenheit, for an ear bath when the ear discharges a thin mattery discharge which has become chronic. Unthinking parents occasionally strike their children on the ears. This is never a safe practice. There is danger that the sudden fore- ing of air inward may rupture the ear drum. School and health authorities are now giving much attention to the prevalence of defective hearing among school-children, with a view to relieving the little sufferers, if not from the condition itself, at least from many of its embarrassments and privations. Outstanding ears are a deformity easily prevented in childhood by the wearing at night of a bandage or thin cap pressing the too aggres- sive features gently back against the head. But if too late for this, one may still be rid of the trouble by allowing a reliable specialist to remove a small part of the cartilage at the back. When the part heals, the ear is left in proper position. Those who like the delicate shell-pink color of the outer ears can try the harmless expedient of pinching or rubbing them gently several times during each day. THE NOSE. This feature, the most prominent in the face, is curiously enough the one least noticed. People with Roman noses, snub noses and straight, continue to meet one another on the street with seldom a thought of this difference. Yet it is often a good indication of tem- perament. Narrow nostrils are said to indicate small lungs, but if this were a rule to be relied on ? Africans, with their wide nostrils, would in- 158 CARE OF THE FACE. variably surpass those of other races in lung capacity; which is not the case. Large noses generally indicate strong will-power. THE NOSE BATH cures catarrh or dryness of the nose. Fill two-quart fountain syringe with water as hot as it can be borne; drop into it 2 drams fluid extract of hydrastin, and one drarn carbolic acid, once daily. The same formula is excellent for discharges of the ear. In health, this feature requires little care aside from the careful bathing given to the face as a whole. When the pores of the skin are enlarged, those of the nose are apt to become especially coarse. This brings us to the treatment FOR ENLARGED PORES. Scientific massage and electric treatments are most speedily effective. Bathing with cold salt water every morning and with warm water at night is good. With the warm water use pure soap and a complexion brush, afterwards applying the complexion cream first recommended in this chapter. THE LIPS. If one should use camphor the minute a cold sore is discovered, first wetting the spot with the camphor and then adding powdered subnitrate of bismuth so that the cold sore will be covered with paste, it may scatter it, and in any event it will lessen its size. Camphor applied to the lips night and morning will harden the lips. Cold sores eat into the skin and may leave scars that will remain permanently. The lips should be naturally of a good color if the health of the individual is good. It is in vain to resort to artificial means to color the lips. If the circulation is poor the lips will be purple. If the digestion is bad the lips will be white. If the whole system lacks tone and vigor the lips will be lacking in color. Therefore, instead of resorting to artificial means to improve the color of the lips, build up the constitution by all the means that make for health. CHAPTER IX, CAEE OF THE HANDS AND FEET. Palmistry a Science— Record of Joys and Sorrows— Four Types— Scientific Dishwashing- Wear Your Gloves— Lemon and Borax— Freckled and Chapped Hands— Important Rule About Glycerine — Rough Work, yet Beautiful Hands — Care of the Nails — Ingrowing Toe Nails— Comfort for the Feet— Enlarged Joints— Importance of the Foot Bath— The Sand-Bath— The Sin of "Corn" Cultivation— Large Feet Often a Mark of Genius. f~\ NE does not need to consult a gypsy fortune teller in order to ^s and short socks. The 198 INFLUENCE OF DBESS. naked loveliness gave pleasure to the beholder, and this was the only excuse for a fashion so unhealthful. Some years later there was an era of tied-back skirts whose ugli- ness we remember with a blush. How everybody struggled to accom- plish the feat of locomotion while her two limbs were bound together throughout their entire length ! Not long after, trained skirts became fashionable, and brought great inconvenience with them. So a woman had to carry her skirt in one hand, or else allow it to sweep the floors and the sidewalks, and to be stepped on by the unwary. In purchasing shoes at one time, it was next to impossible to find them with low heels. We were made to balance ourselves upon our toes and incurred much misery in consequence. Many a corn and bunion originated in those days. The reaction against high heels was decided, and brought about the introduction of the so-called " common- sense ' ' shoes. Then there were the sleeves made as nearly skin-tight as possible, so that they had to be turned inside out in order to remove the waist. Nobody enjoyed them, and yet it seldom happened that a woman ven- tured to brave the glances of the world, and wear the loose, more or less wrinkled and altogether comfortable sleeves of other days. In regard to sleeves as well as shoes we seem now to be wiser than for- merly. Once more let us allude to that abomination— the bustle. Destitute of all artistic claims, ugly in appearance, productive of backaches unnumbered, troublesome of adjustment, it nevertheless victimized womankind. A strange optical illusion it was when the artificial, deformed outline of the figure bedecked with a bustle appeared more beautiful than the natural human form. Now that the fashion has passed away, we are able to look at it in a different light and recognize its unattractiveness. There was the more recent tight-fitting basque, which combined with the skin-tight sleeves, held women as in a vise, so that she could hardly put on or move her hat without assistance. INFLUENCE OF DRESS. 199 THE LAST FOE TO RETIRE. We have certainly gained much ; but through all these years, until recently, the corset has held sway. Some of its results on face and form can be traced in sickly, sallow complexions; pale, thin, com- pressed lips, red noses, distorted features, wrinkles, lusterless eyes, shrunken bust, projecting shoulder-blades, displaced abdomens. Truly a list to be dreaded ! But these are only on the surface. Much worse are the kinds of mischief done that are out of sight, but no less cer- tainly to be traced to this barbarous garment. Its reign is beginning to cause a rebellion, and no wonder! EFFECT ON THE ABDOMEN. Three layers of muscles have been supplied to the abdominal walls. These are weakened, not strengthened, by any outside "support" furnished by the corset, because the pressure impairs the circulation, and the nourishment of the tissues. They become flabby, and their loss of power to support the organs is seen in countless displacements and diseases. Heavy skirts fastened about the waist drag downward the whole pelvic viscera ; weakness and prolapsion is the result ; in short, almost every known disease may be traced to heavy skirts and their ally— the corset. HOW IT HAMPERS THE LUNGS. No matter how loosely the corset is worn, the lungs cannot be filled completely while their lower portions are thus encased. Deep breathing cannot, therefore, be successfully practiced by the corset- wearer ; and half-breathing must be her portion until she discards the steel cages in which women have for centuries been imprisoned. Thank- ful indeed are the released ones, that light is dawning for themselves and for their sisters yet in captivity. The world is waking up on this subject. 200 INFLUENCE OF DRESS. CAN WOMEN AFFORD IT? There is never a time in a woman's life when she can afford to compress the waist. In the lower chest and abdomen the various or- gans are so perfectly adjusted to one another that if one be pushed even slightly out of place, all the others suffer in some degree; and it is well known that corsets do thus compress and push the lungs, heart, stomach and other organs. THE "CORSET-LIVER." "Medical students have learned to call the livers of the female subjects that go to the dissecting-room the ' corset-liver, ' " says Dr. Mary Studley. "It is the rule, rather than the exception, for these livers to be so deeply indented, where the ribs have been crowded against them by improperly worn clothing, that the wrist may be easily laid in the groove. And this is an organ which is a mass of blood-vessels, through which every particle of the blood ought to cir- culate freely on its way to the heart. Of course, it cannot get through the squeezed portions. And the inevitable result of the half-done work of the liver is an unclean condition of the blood, which utters its cry by means of aching nerves.' ' The earlier corsets are worn, the more the liver will be affected, since it is proportionately much larger in the child than in the adult. Previous to puberty its weight may be as much as one-thirtieth, or £ven one-twentieth, of that of the entire body ; in the adult it averages one-fortieth. The American girl is usually lithe and slender, and requires no artificial intensifying of her slightness. The corset gives her only stiffness of appearance, and interferes with that grace of motion which is one of the charms of young girls ; while the stout woman who wears a corset to diminish her proportions only distorts her figure. Her pinched waist causes her broad shoulders and hips to look broader by contrast, while the pressure upon the heart and blood-vessels gives to her face that permanent blowzy flush that suggests apoplexy. INFLUENCE OF DRESS. 201 SIMPLIFY THE UNDERWEAB. The age of multitudinous skirts, among other errors, is past. The sensible woman is learning to dress in just as few garments as pos- sible for warmth and appearance's sake, and either to do away alto- gether with garments having waistbands, or suspend their weight en- tirely from the shoulders. Following are the principles which guide every earnest beauty- seeker in the selection of clothing: I.— The whole body, limbs as well as trunk, should be kept at an even temperature, protected from external changes, by means of gar- ments that are made as light as is consistent with the required warmth. Wool is the best of all materials for underwear, and the loosely-woven combination suit presents the best-fashioned article as yet offered. II.— The weight of the clothing should be supported by the shoul- ders, rather than by the waist. The plan suggested of uniting upper with lower garments, so far as possible, is of decided advantage. An under-waist, for instance, may be combined with drawers or with pet- ticoat. It is of particular value to have the dress-skirt constructed with a special waist of its own attached, a waist made of some lining material and cut with ample arm-holes. III.— The clothing should not constrict any part of the body, be- cause it would thereby interfere with the circulation, weaken muscles or perhaps do injury to vital organs. This is the reason that tight collars and sleeves have been abandoned, and why garters that held up the stockings by compressing the limbs have given way to the more comfortable, modern elastic hose-supporters suspended from the un- derwaist. IV.— The clothing should not interfere in any degree with the free action of the muscles. The corset, as usually worn, causes weakness of the muscles of the trunk, partly from compression, partly from dis- use, such that the wearer is likely to complain of a feeling of "falling to pieces" whenever she temporarily leaves it off. Excellent substi- 202 INFLUENCE OF DEESS. tutes for the corset have been devised, the best of which are waists of firm cloth, not too tight-fitting, which serve well the purpose of sup- porting the skirts that are fastened to them. HINTS FOE THE SEWING-ROOM. Underwaists made of heavy sheeting cut lengthwise of the goods, with a lining of the same cut crosswise, are recommended as keeping their shape well. The seams are lapped and stitched four times, then the lining and the outside are quilted together. The garment is cut low in the neck, and is sleeveless. It comes well over the hips, and the petticoat can be buttoned on its lower edge. These wash easily and wear well. Another and simpler way, more comfortable for warm weather, is to take a well-fitted waist originally meant for a corset-cover. By "well-fitted" I mean one adapted to the figure in its normal propor- tions. Stitch strips of muslin over the seams on the inside, to strengthen them, then sew buttons on the outside, as high or low as may be desired, to which the other underclothing may then be attached. "Equestrian tights" of black wool are among the finest inventions in woman's underwear, to put on when going out in cold or damp weather. They can be bought either in union form or as drawers sep- arately in any large city ; but if not easily obtainable, they can be made at home from a pair of black woolen stocking-legs with the tops sewed to black woolen bloomers so as to form one continuous garment from waist to ankles. In fact, it would improve on the regular bought ar- ticles if the stockings were left entire, so that the feet also are pro- tected. In making the bloomers it is best to have a regular pattern, procurable from any hygienic clothing company, and care should be taken that it allows sufficient length and fulness. Often with this gar- ment no petticoat is worn when the dress-skirt is somewhat full. FOE NIGHT WEAE. The clothing at night should be completely changed, no garment being retained that has been worn during the day. Flannel night- INFLUENCE OF DRESS. 203 dresses are preferable to cotton at all times, both for comfort and for health. Warmer in winter, they obviate the chill of the cold sheets; while in summer they prevent the more dangerous chill when in the early morning hours the external temperature falls, when the produc- tion of internal heat in the body is at its lowest ebb and the skin per- haps bathed in perspiration— a chill which can otherwise be avoided only by an unnecessary amount of bedclothes. Some persons with extremely sensitive skins find woolen garments irritating. Such can wear in cold weather a light-weight ribbed cotton next the skin, with woolen outside. It is better to have the clothing worn at night sufficiently warm so that the bedclothing can be light. THE DRESS. It is a sensible fashion which reserves trained dresses for the draw- ing room, and gives us skirts for street wear that clear the ground. With such an advantage, we may hope soon to see woman's dress made in every respect the beautiful adjunct to womanly power and grace which it should be. Hygienic dress reform has given us the graceful and healthful princess foundation for gowns which may be infinitely varied. If separate waists and skirts be preferred, however, the shirt waist offers almost as delightful possibilities; but the average shirt waist can be improved in one respect. Tack a strip of muslin or lining material around the waist-line, on the under side, as a foundation for sewing four to six flat buttons on the outside, and button the skirt to it. The added comfort well repays anyone for making this slight al- teration, and the arrangement is, of course, covered by the belt. The colors chosen for clothing, from a health standpoint, are of little importance in the shade, but in the sun the best reflectors are coolest, such as white and light grays, while blue and black are the worst, absorbing the most heat. Dark colors also absorb odors more than light colors do. Indeed, for every-day use light-colored garments of whatever material, provided it can be washed, are to be recom- mended, though dark colors are too often preferred because they do 204 INFLUENCE OF DKESS. not show the dirt. What woman would like to wear a cotton waist and skirt six months without washing? Yet it would not be half so badly soiled as the more absorbent woolen dress that she would quite possibly wear as long without a scruple. For kitchen wear in par- ticular, washable gowns should be the invariable rule. DRESS FOR THE KITCHEN. When a woman has much household work to attend to, she will be wise to adopt the short skirt for kitchen wear; and it is more com- fortable if, as already suggested, it be buttoned to the waist. This brings the weight of the skirt on the shoulders, instead of the hips, and holds both waist and skirt securely in place with no tight bands. This arrangement is more convenient for kitchen wear than the one- piece dress, as it saves laundry work. Two or three waists are usually soiled before the skirt requires washing, especially if large aprons be used. One woman always makes her kitchen aprons with a ruffle at the bottom, not for ornament alone, but because the ruffle stands out just enough from the dress to catch any stray drops that may be spilled, making a better shield for the skirt than a plain apron, however long, can possibly be. Some housewives have discovered that the light, pliable, glazed oil- cloth used for shelves and tables makes capital aprons to slip on when a great deal of baking, canning or other work of the kind is apt to add seriously to the week's laundry list. IN THE AFTERNOON. It always pays the busiest housewife or farmer's daughter to " freshen up" by rearranging the hair and changing the dress at some time during the day ; either just after the midday meal is cleared away, or shortly before the evening one. Of course the morning toilet has been neat, but the afternoon one may and should be daintier. It is a satisfaction to yourself, even if there were no one else to notice the difference. INFLUENCE OF DBESS. 205 What the afternoon gown should be, depends upon whether you are going out or not. For indoor wear it may be longer, brighter in hue and more elaborate in trimming than the quieter street garb ; and the color and material in either case, should be suited to the face, form and purse of the individual wearer, no matter what fashion may say. Usually, however, one may now conform in a general way to prevailing styles without fear of return to the slavish tortures of other days. FOR EVENING PARTIES. No woman with beautiful neck and arms, can well resist the de- lights of occasionally wearing evening dress; it is as natural as for flowers to bloom. When the social gatherings are very informal, any pretty, light dress is suitable, and summer afternoon gowns may be made to do service at such times. But for the more formal occasions the dress cut low in the neck and short in the sleeves is desired; and may be worn, with proper precautions, by women in vigorous health. The daily cold sponge bath will do much to prevent one from taking cold; but in winter, the woman who indulges in evening dress must be careful to have extra wraps, and should not go out doors from a warm room while perspiring. Carelessness at these times has caused many a serious illness ; and no woman who has not first mastered the tendency to take cold ought to attempt evening dress at all. Eobust health is the very first requisite. English women, who are usually vigorous, wear dresses of this cut daily without injury. OUTER GARMENTS. Wraps, whether of light-weight wool or silk for cool summer days, or thicker ones for cold weather, should be so made as to protect throat and chest. The collarless jackets, open in front, leave exposed the very parts that should be most cared for. With this defect remedied, the fitted jacket is preferable to looser wraps, as it is warmer in proportion to its weight. A cape or wrap hanging loosely may be so heavy as to be burdensome, and yet allow the wind to cir- 206 INFLUENCE OF DEESS. culate beneath its folds ; and it is seldom as becoming as the trim coat or jacket. Hats or bonnets should be of light weight, so constructed as to shield the face, at least partially, from the sun. Parasols, so troublesome in the wind, will then be an unnecessary adjunct to the toilet, except when the heat is extreme. In very cold or windy weather it is well to wear a veil (not dotted), but too much muffling is undesirable. It is only where either the dress or the health is defective that it becomes necessary to piece out the deficiency with heavy furs or muf- flers. Not that any delicate, chilly woman should ever hesitate to pro- tect herself, but it would be far better to so improve the circulation as to get rid of the tendency to chill easily. THE MATERNITY DEESS. When a woman is preparing for her great task of bringing a new life into the world, the question of how she should clothe herself be- comes a vitally important one. At no time in her life does she need more comfortable clothing than during the few months preceding ma- ternity. At this time it is worse than foolish— it is criminal— for one to weight the body with clothing, which, bearing down upon the ab- domen and hips, causes pressure upon the delicate, maturing organi- zation, which may thus be deprived, not only of comeliness and perfect bodily structure, but of life itself. In this connection I am glad to endorse the Jenness-Miller maternity dress, with description and a plea for its adoption which I give largely, but not entirely, in Mrs. Miller's own language. A few years ago when the "maternity dress" was introduced, many women hailed it with delight as a solution of their most perplexing problem. To thousands, however, it is still unknown, and thousands more, alas! have been too unthinking to realize any need of adapting the clothing at such a time to their own highest physical well-being and that of the life in their keeping. Are such women ignorant of the mischief they do to theii offspring, or are they indifferent to conse- THE DAUPHIN —J. B. Greuze (Louis XVII) A king but still a boy, the unfortunate young Dauphin was deprived of his throne by adverse fate brought upon him by generations of eruelty to the people, and visited upon his innocent head. LAURETTA The olive branch in tender hands Bespeaks the peace the heart implores. Jules Lefebvre INFLUENCE OF DRESS. 2tr9 quences? Surely every child has a right to be well born! "Wealth may be a grand inheritance, but health is a better one, as any poor suffering creature will testify, whose misery the most expensive doc- tors have been called upon to alleviate without avail. And how can a child be well born unless its parents observe the laws of life bearing upon the birth and rearing of children? It is impossible. If a mother will so clothe herself that the vitality which properly belongs to her baby becomes exhausted and destroyed, the child is robbed, as a nat- ural consequence, and perhaps the weakened, puny, distorted, fretful little creature, who is innocent of the cause of its own sufferings, will live to become a curse to the world instead of the blessing that it would have been had rational conditions been observed before its birth. No doubt many vicious men and women have inherited the evil ten- dencies which make them loathed by their fellow-creatures; or unfor- tunately are the victims of causes directly connected with improper dress and food, the effect of which the mother has taken neither the time nor the trouble to study out for herself. Every woman knows that during the months prior to the birth of children the clothing should be loose, light, and in every way so com- fortable that the freedom of the body may be secured in all particulars. Yet many of those who aspire to the reputation styled "a fashionable woman" are perfectly indifferent to this plain, matter-of-fact demand of nature. Tight corsets grudgingly loosened a quarter of an inch at a time, heavy skirts, and all the evil conditions we are so familiar with, are still retained as the months pass, bringing ever nearer what should be the happiest hour of woman's existence— that in which she is to be intrusted with the keeping, training and guidance of a new human soul. Perhaps her baby comes into the world dead or deformed, perhaps deprived of certain of its faculties; or it may be that it pos- sesses life and all of its special senses and organs in such a diminished degree that the whole of its future becomes a pain rather than a joy, while its miserable, puny structure remains a lasting reproach to its parents as long as they live* 12 V. 210 INFLUENCE OF DBESS. How to avoid all this misery, both for herself and her offspring, should be a woman's first study from the moment when she becomes conscious of a new life dependent upon her own. Whatever the habits of dress may have been before, the time has now come for a woman to throw aside every manner of garment which compresses the body, and to relieve the waist and hips of bands and weight. In summer, wear next to the skin the jersey-fitting ribbed light wool or gauze union suit without bands or strictures; over this wear the cotton or linen chemilette if needed for warmth— not otherwise. This garment should be laced up over a gore at the front darts, so that the lacing can be loosened to meet the requirements of size. The Turkish leg- lette should be made on a plain low-necked waist, so that not even the weight of the bias yoke (very little as it is) may rest upon the abdo- men, and this garment also should be laced over the gore in front; and so of the gown, which should in every case be made in one piece on the princess foundation, with soft, loose, flowing fronts, under which the lacing should be adopted, as in the lower garment, a lacing running lengthwise of the darts, to admit of giving size to the waist, and one crossing the dress four inches below the waist-line to admit of lengthening the skirt. All of this lacing will obviate the necessity for further changes in the dress, and will be found perfectly con- venient in every way. For winter, the same general garments should be worn, but they should be made of heavier materials and with scrupu- lous regard for warmth and comfort. In this dress a woman can walk and take the necessary exercise without danger to herself or the new life of the child which should be welcomed by every fibre of her being as a gift from heaven, and an- ticipate with the joy which should in itself become the guide to sensi- ble dress, and to habits of eating, drinking, thinking, reading, and ex- ercise, all looking to the one grand result— a perfect child! CHAPTER XIII. CHOOSING A MATE. She Creative Principle Supreme — Three Great Sex-Functions — Transformation Wrought by Puberty — The Sexes Mutually Supplementary — The Time for Higher Ideals — The Mu- tual Stimulus — The Perfect Blending of Qualities — Well-Balanced Offspring — Scientific Mating the Key to Happy Love — It is Better to be Sure than Sorry — Seek Your Com- plement in Mating — Congeniality in Race, Religion, etc. — Bring Out the Best in Your Mate — Love the Crown of Woman's Life — Bequeath Health to Your Children — "Marry- ing to Reform" — The Martyr-Husband — Hope in Domestic Science — Letter-Writing, Conversation and Music — The Heritage of Integrity — Marriage of Relatives — The Reserve Power of Intuition. ONCE, tradition says, there was a Golden Age. It is past, but a Diamond Age is to come. In fact, who knows but it is already dawning? The Diamond Age, in all its glory, will be upon us when we can regard each individual human life as a priceless, sparkling gem, to be sought for its perfections and treasured above all else because of its physical, mental and moral brilliance and purity. Perfect men and women are indeed the diamonds of the race. The first step towards populating the earth with perfect men and women must be in the proper mating of the male and the female, out of which union will arise the representatives of the next generation. In order to have a race of human beings mentally and morally perfect they must also be made physically so ; for who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean! and how can a perfect mental and moral being be produced except there be a perfect physical body through which such a being may act? NATURE'S PROPHECY. The sex-element, as already explained, is the creative principle found in all nature ; the masculine and feminine attributes forming the 211 212 CHOOSING A MATE. constituent parts of life. Applying to each quality of the mind, each propensity, feeling, faculty and sentiment of the soul; to every ex- pression of life in the whole realm of nature, is this union and co- operation of masculine and feminine principles. Every new thought born in the brain, every idea created, is the child of these elements. It is well known by scientists today that both male and female ele- ments exist in every human being; but as one or the other predomi- nates, we have what are outwardly recognized as the divisions of sex —man and woman. The sex attribute, as thus recognized, has three great functions; those of development, attraction and creation. First, it is of prime importance in maturing the growth of the in- dividual. Second, by its magnetic power it draws men and women together in wedlock. Third, it combines in their lives to create a new life, that of the child. Let us follow briefly each of these processes. In early life this attribute develops the boy or girl into the mature man or woman. It rounds out the physical, gives animation, vigor, keenness, vivacity, ardor, courage; it gives independence and stability to the character. Splendid indeed is the result when this vital element is not wasted, but allowed to do its perfect work. This is what gives us the men and women of power to move the world. THE CHANGE AT PUBERTY. Up to the age of puberty the main differences between the sexes are mental rather than physical. The girl is naturally more quiet and domestic than the boy. She early shows the feminine trait of inviting attention indirectly. Quite young, also, the boy perceives that it is his part to make the advances. At the age of puberty there comes a change— so marked a change, at times, as to be almost startling. Although there have been many disputes as to the reality of definite physiological and mental changes in man and woman measured by a limited cycle of years— for instance, CHOOSING A MATE. 21S seven— there is no doubt whatever that at about the fourteenth year in both the boy and the girl so complete a transformation takes place as to make of them new beings. In temperate climates both the boy and the girl then assume their specific sexual functions. Heretofore each has been a separate and independent individual and felt no spe- cial need of the other, except in so far as the normal social nature called for companionship. With the deepening of the voice and the hardening and expansion of the masculine muscles, with the swelling of the femi- nine breast and the rounding of every outline, with all that these changes imply, there comes a marked difference in the bearing of the sexes toward each other. THE ATTRACTIVE POWER OF SEX. The second function of this wonderful sex-nature is now becoming dominant. The once bold boy, in spite of himself, shows a strange timidity when in the presence of the girl,, although he feels irresistibly drawn towards her. "When in his presence the girl's eyes brighten, and she may lose to a great extent those withdrawing, shrinking ways which were hers in earlier girlhood. For some years she may even become the aggressor, and her nature in this respect, becomes mascu- line. If she does not retain, at the same time, those distinctive femi- nine traits of vivacious delicacy and charming strategy, those little arts which unconsciously but irresistibly draw the boy toward her, those who have the girl in charge should look after her welfare. In fact, at this period, when each discovers with such uneasiness that the other is in some way a supplementary being, too much care cannot be given to either— care to ascertain whether they are developing into normal or abnormal men and women. It is undoubtedly true, as asserted by an eminent medical author- ity,, that "the appetite which brings the sexes together is founded upon peculiar secretions periodically arising after puberty and cre- ating an uneasiness until discharged or absorbed." It is also true that besides this physiological reason, both male and female natures begin 214 CHOOSING A MATE. at this time, with their changed constitutions, to demand a certain stimulus of body, mind and entire being, which can be obtained only by association with the opposite sex. This is a fundamental principle so generally recognized by physiology and mental science that the boy and girl developing into manhood and womanhood should be especially advised in regard to their relations to each other. As the child thus matures, under wise and loving guidance, the expanding wings of the soul will lift the pure young life to higher and higher planes of thought and action; for it is a striking fact that the majority of religious conversions occur during this period. Such experiences should never be forced, but should come as naturally and beautifully as the other wonderful and prophetic changes that are tak- ing place; until the child has become in the grandest sense the fully developed man or woman, ready to be entrusted with a share in the great and holy work of creation. PREPARING FOR LIFE'S GREATEST TRUST. No life is complete without its mate. As we have seen, man and woman apart represent an unrounded life; only by their union can perfection be approximated. A union by marriage is the proper and only course. It is apparent without argument that union of one man and one woman was Nature's design. "We have also seen that man as man possesses certain distinctive qualities which belong alone to the male sex, while woman possesses others distinctively belonging to the female sex. Many traits, however, appear in both men and women. These traits, common to both sexes, should be harmoniously blended. A perfect union, therefore, may be attained by a man selecting as his mate a woman possessing the quali- ties not possessed by himself. It is easy to perceive that in such a union Nature is represented as perfectly as may be, and a well-bal- anced couple, such as is sometimes seen, is the result; also, as the parent is represented in the offspring, well-balanced offspring is the further result. CHOOSING A MATE. 215 SCIENCE THE FRIEND OF LOVE. If we were as honest and careful in choosing a companion for life as we are in our business transactions, we should not run the risks we do. Most marriages would be fortunate in their outcome, because based on a more complete knowledge and understanding. Married without such knowledge, as many are, they are far more liable to error and even crime, than if single ; and their children grow up with reason to curse instead of to bless them. Yet the same persons, if rightly mated, would have made good husbands, wives, and parents, and would have been supremely happy in their married life. The quarrels, sep- arations and divorces now of such frequent occurrence would be un- heard of if all about to marry would be guided by judgment and science, which are the true friends, not the foes, of happy love. Now, youths and maidens, I adjure you with all the emphasis of my lifelong dealing with humanity on this subject, to be guided by your own carefully-studied ideals in making a life-choice ! If you have wise parents, consult with them early in life about the qualities you possess, and those your true affinity should possess. Equip your mind with these principles of science, so vital to your future happiness. Before you commit yourselves to a marriage engagement, be sure, be solemnly sure that you are adapted to make your companion happy in the years to come, and that that companion has like adaptation to you. As you approach the marriage altar, go forward thrilled by affirmative knowledge that all is well, and that nothing better could be desired. Then, and then only, can the future open before you with promise of absolute joy and delight in your union, and in the thought of those you may bring into life with the priceless heritage of being "well-born"! What general rules, then, may be laid down upon this important subject, that may serve as a guide for those who are not familiar with the laws governing the wonderful mechanism of the human body and mind? 216 CHOOSING A MATE. LAW OF OPPOSITES. There is a law of nature of which most people are cognizant, that " likes repel, while unlikes attract." Now, this law extends through all nature, and applies as well to man. A woman strongly feminine attracts and is attracted by a man strongly masculine ; and in propor- tion as a woman loses her femininity, and becomes masculine, does she lose her attractiveness to thoroughly masculine men. Tall people generally marry short ones; blue eyes find dark eyes most attractive; light hair and complexions mate with those of bru- nette type, etc. This rule of opposites is and should be applied in most things physical and temperamental. By " opposites" it must not be understood that the unlikeness need be extreme. People of medium complexion may marry those of lighter or darker; those of medium height, persons taller or shorter. The important point is to avoid sameness. For example, two hot tempers will continually clash; a cool and a hot head would better mate. Two strongly nervous tem- peraments should not marry ; they would chafe and irritate each other, and produce still more nervous, fretful offspring. If two persons of pronounced motive organizations (those of large bones and compact muscles, tall, angular build, prominent brows and retreating forehead) were to marry, their children would be strongly built physically, but homely and uncouth, wilful, gloomy and unsocial in disposition ; of slow mental growth, and subject to biliousness, rheu- matism and liver troubles. Two strongly vital, or sanguine temperaments (those of small bones but plump, round build and a jovial disposition), should not mate, as intellect and morality would be swallowed up in sensuality. They would burn out life 's forces too fast ; and their offspring would be deficient in bone and solidity of muscle and solidity of character as well; would have scrofulous or dropsical tendencies, and being more impulsive than constant, with strong appetites, they would be liable to become intemperate or dissipated. CHOOSING A MATE. 217 Eemember that the same physical or temperamental extremes united in both parents ivill produce still greater extremes in the off- spring. Whatever Is very strong or deficient in both parents alike, will be doubly strong, or doubly deficient, in the children. This is why Nature's law provides that unlikes rather than likes shall attract. "When a motive and a vital temperament, or a vital and a mental, or a mental and a motive are united, the chances for domestic happiness and harmonious children are much greater. Even the phlegmatic temperament will combine well with the motive or the vital. LAW OF SIMILARITY. Leaving the differences, we have now another law to consider. In certain great fundamentals such as race, religion, and general political and social views, Nature decrees similarity. There have been happy marriages where this rule was disregarded, but only in rare cases. The robin mates with a robin, never with an oriole. True, these are progressive days; the spirit of federation is in the air, yet in so vital a matter as marriage, it is better to think twice before attempting to blend elements which promise little of harmony and much of dis- cord. We are learning but slowly the lesson that "God created of one blood all the nations, ' ' and because we shall one day take our uni- versity degree in this wonderful education is no reason why we should be in haste to act the part of graduates while still in the kindergarten. One very striking instance of this law comes to my recollection. A beautiful white woman, a teacher, married an educated Indian. He seemed all that could be desired at the time of marriage; but alas! the race instincts were too strong. It was but a short time before he relapsed completely into the savage ways of his people, adding one more to the list of heartbroken wives, whose influence proved inade- quate to meet the tremendous strain brought upon it. Husband and wife must be adapted by nature as well as by education. Regarding the religious instinct, a glance at history's war pages will convince the most skeptical that, like love itself, it lies at the 218 CHOOSING A MATE. very root of humanity's greatest passions. The same emotion that raises the soul to transcendent heights, can, when misapplied and un- guided by reason, or when wrongly combined, plunge the entire being into the depths of misery. I have known many instances of the mar- riage of Catholics to Protestants, and wherever both husband and wife remained loyal at heart to their early religious training, sad discord, not happiness, has been the result. There is always great difficulty in such cases, in determining the question sure to arise, as to which faith is to be followed in educating the children. Even when there is outward acquiescence, that is not harmony; for wherever an inward protest remains, there can be no perfect soul-union. In fundamentals, therefore, it is best to marry one of similar views. LAW OF COMPLEMENTS. This is the safest of all laws to follow, with most persons; and /or those of extreme temperaments, it is the only one. It is merely to mate with one whose nature completes, or complements your own; possessing the qualities in which you are deficient. Thus the two halves blend into a perfect whole. Harmonious, well-balanced per- sons can afford to marry those of marked extremes, or even those like themselves ; but less evenly built natures must seek to round off their own sharp corners, not by collision with those equally sharp, but rather with the gentle friction which both magnetizes and polishes. THE ENCHANTER'S WAND. The best traits in men can be brought out only by the influence of women; and vice versa. We see, therefore, how important it is that the right choice be made of the one who is to wield this magic influ- ence. The young man starting in life full of hope and ambition may have his entire career gloriously helped or sadly marred, according to the nature of the feminine influence to which he is subject. Men of genius or of great attainments almost invariably owe much of their power to wife or mother, to sister or female friend. What would Charles Lamb have accomplished without his sister? Napoleon's CHOOSING A MATE. 219 downfall has been attributed very largely to bis parting with Jose- phine; while the influence of George Washington's mother played no small part in our nation's history. Some women have a gift of in- spiring a man to do far more and higher tasks than he would have believed within his power. Notice the effect on you of conversation with different ones of the opposite sex. One may arouse your most brilliant and noble self until you wonder at your own power of expres- sion ; while another calls forth only your lower impulses and thoughts. This is true throughout life. Few realize the extent of this power, yet it is the enchanter's wand indeed, for good or ill. If a woman can thus mold a man's destiny, even more true is it that a wise or unwise choice in marriage controls a woman's very life- springs. "A loving woman finds Heaven or Hell On the day she is made a bride." Love is the mighty, transforming, crowning gift of a woman's life; her all. Far better it is not to wed at all than consent to a loveless union, or to a marriage where undesirable traits in the chosen one cause constant friction and depression of spirits. Not that either hus- band or wife can be faultless; but great care should be taken that among the varied human imperfections are not those which will one day cause the soul of the mate to shrink in horror, or protest with vain distress, at the acts or words wholly out of keeping with its own ideals and habits of thought. QUALIFICATIONS FOR MARRIAGE. A sound mind in a sound body, both under perfect control, are the first requisites for all contemplating marriage. These can be culti- vated. Happily, Americans in increasing numbers are studying the laws of health, but many do not even yet give sufficient thought to the importance of a well-built physique. " There is no other thought in the world so appalling and so fraught with pathos, ' ' says Dorothy Dix, ' ' as that of millions of deformed and 220 CHOOSING A MATE. sickly children whose parents bequeath them nothing else but disease and death. Nothing can atone for the crime that unhealthy people commit against the individual child they bring into the world by mar- riage, and against society; and anything that will tend to lessen it, or even arouse the public conscience on the subject, is a blessing to humanity. "When a girl who falls in love with and marries a dissipated man, thinks of the future, she doesn't see herself dragged down to poverty, a hollow-eyed, anxious woman, getting up in the night to open the door for a maudlin man. Still less does she see herself the mother of sickly little children. She imagines herself, by virtue of that beautiful wifely influence of which we hear so much and see so little, leading him up to the higher life, and it is this picture of herself as a guardian angel that makes her rush into taking a step that she spends the bal- ance of her life in repenting. We can all count upon the fingers of one hand the women we have known that have actually reformed men, but it would take a patent adding machine to enumerate all the ones we know who have wrecked their lives trying to do it. ' ' The young man who marries a sickly girl makes an equally fatal mistake. When a warm-hearted and generous young fellow falls in love with an ethereal looking young creature, he pictures himself chivalrously protecting and cherishing her, and keeping the wind from blowing coldly upon her, and thus winning the roses back to her cheeks, as the hero does in a Laura Jean Libby novel, and he goes and mar- ries her on that romantic hypothesis. Do you suppose that if he had any conception of what having an invalid wife means to a man he would do it? If he is a poor man, it means that he spends his days toiling to pay drug bills and doctors' bills. Whether he is rich or poor it means that he goes home at night to an ill-kept house, to dark- ened rooms, to humoring a sick person's whims, to querulous com- plaints, and hysterics, and nerves. There is no martyr in all the calendar of saints more deserving of our reverence and adoration than the husband who bears patiently with an invalid wife; but any man CHOOSING A MATE. 221 who is kept from getting himself into such a scrape as marrying a delicate woman ought to erect a monument to the person who saved his life." But such sacrifices need not be, for a good physique is within the reach of all. Outdoor exercise will do and is already doing much to transform life from a pale dream into a rosy delight. Excess is to be avoided; that has always been the chief danger of the bicycle; but golf links, tennis courts, skating ponds and gardens alike testify to the presence of the bright, energetic and altogether charming modern American girl, who now bids fair to rival her sensible English sister in laying a good foundation for robust health and strength. This is the right tendency; and the best mothers will prove to be those who thus built up their own health before marriage, and insist upon a like wholesome exercise for their daughters. HOUSEWIFELY ARTS. In household skill also— another and important mark of fitness for marriage— the American girl is improving. The establishment of domestic science as a study in many of our public schools is a step full of hopeful significance for the future homes of our country. "We shall have less pale, overworked, dragged-out housewives when we have a larger proportion of trained minds combined with deft hands, to make the household routine a fine art instead of a wearisome drudgery. A CLEAR BRAIN. Character is often displayed in letter-writing. It is surprising how many graduates of high schools, and even higher institutions of learning, use slipshod English, spell incorrectly, and find great diffi- culty in expressing their thoughts. A clear brain is certainly an es- sential quality in a life-partner ; and this is shown in writing and also in the power to contribute a fair share to the conversation. This applies to women quite as much as to men. " Small talk," if of the right kind of smallness, is not to be despised. It helps another sympa- 222 CHOOSING A MATE. thetically over many a rough place, caused by some thoughtless remark or awkward silence. And to be able to converse well on topics of wider interest is still better. The chief value, however, of a ready flow of language is that the gift of eloquence passes down, often in an increased degree, to the children. Usually this occurs more readily through the mother ; hence in choosing a wife, a good talker is to be desired. Who knows but a great statesman may thus be called into being? Musical talent, also, is to be desired, for the same reasons; and a good general education. Still more essential is that intelligence which is equal to the emergencies of life, and shows ability to weigh facts and decide well in matters of practical moment. Seasoning powers are of priceless value, ranging far above superficial accom- plishments. STERLING MORAL INTEGRITY is, of course, the most important of all. Any lack in conscience or moral uprightness is readily transmitted, and the worst results fol- low. That wifely influence of which Dorothy Dix is a little incredu- lous, is a very real and a very powerful thing ; but just as in the work of a skilled gardener, there must first be the right seed, the aspira- tion and general tendency to right living, on the part of the one to be helped. With this once assured, a wife's loving, tactful influence can do much. Without it, an angel could not uplift anyone. SHOULD COUSINS MARRY? The danger to offspring where cousins wed, has been overrated. Much depends on the similarities and differences of the individuals. If they are much alike, it is unwise to marry, for in that case the children would be defective. But if cousins resembling the unrelated sides of the family wish to marry, they may do so with perfect safety. For instance, if a daughter resemble her father, other conditions being satisfactory, she may marry her mother's nephew; especially if he resemble the parent unrelated to her mother. CHOOSING A MATE. 223 Let no one be discouraged by the necessity for care in choosing a mate. It is the most important business in life, yet when the choice has been thoughtfully made, rest assured that minor mistakes will be overruled in the light of love and truth. "There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them though we may." For, after all the reasoning has been done, there is still the intu- ition, the inner, enlightened spiritual sense, which if followed, never leads astray. False education alone prevents it from becoming the safe, supreme and universal guide. CHAPTER XIV. CUPID'S CONQUEST. Love the Very Heart of Poetry — "The Spirit and Spring of the Universe" — A Sweet Love- Poem — Magnetism versus Soul-Affection — Both Essential — Difference, not Distance, Separates Souls — Decide When Alone — Testing by Separation — Tell the Love-Story O'er and O'er — "Congeniality" Desirable, hut Not All — Courtship a Universal Intui- tion — Safeguards of the Mating Period — Girls, Confide in Your Mothers! — Cultivating New Graces for the "Other's" Sake — A Sacredness that Banishes Early Follies — Marrying for Money an Insult to Nature — Dollars Not the Test — Know How to be Breadwinners — The Best Time to Marry — Arrival of the Day of All Days. NATUEE'S pencil never lingers so daintily and tenderly in any of her other pictures as in that of the mating-time. It is as natural to love and to marry as it is to breathe. And "when a man's in love" how the very rocks and clouds take on the aspect of the loved one's features! George Brimley says: "Only conceive the passion of love blotted out from the pages of our great poets— from Chaucer, from Spencer, from Shakespeare, from Milton; what a sky without its sun would remain, what an earth without its verdure, its streams, and its flow- ers!" And Helen Oldfield forcibly adds: "What would become of 'Borneo and Juliet,' of the ' Midsummer Night's Dream'? What of the ' Faerie Queene,' of Shelley's songs, of Keats' 'Endymion,' of Coleridge's ' Genevieve,' of Longfellow's 'Evangeline,' of Tennyson's 'Idylls'? Something, no doubt, would be left of their beauty and sweetness, something to attract in the grand thoughts, the vivid natu- ral descriptions; but even these would lack a charm which insensibly mingles with and enhances them now. Here and there some short lyric would hold its own, especially if wedded to fine music, but the bulk of poetry would be consigned to oblivion. By the light of love when the world was young, blind Homer told the tales of Troy, the story 224 INSTRUCTION -E. Munier At her mother's knee the child learns wisdom, the price of which is above rubies. "Who loves not knowledge? Who shall rail Against her beauty? But she is earthly, of the mind. And wisdom heavenly, of the soul." . GOLDEN BABYHOOD Will you ever be the man to tear apart The tendrils of your youth that twined your heart "With mine, your mother's, or her heart strings sever? In sweetest accents baby answers: "Never." — R. Epp CUPID'S CONQUEST. 227 Li which Helen has lived through all ages ; by the light of love Milton pictured the pure joys of Eden; by the light of love Shakespeare dreamed of Florizel and the fair Perdita ; by the light of love Spencer created the legend of the Red Cross Knight and i heavenly Una with her milk white lamb'; by the light of love Tasso sang the mystic strains of the ' Jerusalem Delivered'; by the light of love Petrarch was inspired to pour out in immortal song the praises of his Laura; and by the light of love Tennyson beheld the fair vision of Elaine, 'the Lily Maid of Astolat' "Yet, despite its prominence in romance and >n nistory, love in the abstract is a subject rarely discussed in the family circle, and upon such rare occasions it is more often treated as a joke than otherwise. Jest and teasing, ' making fun,' form the attitude usually assumed towards this central fact of life ; that which constitutes the holiest and strongest of human ties, the sweet passion which South has called 'the great instrument of nature, the bond and cement of society, the spirit and spring of the universe,' the feeling which rightly prompted and wisely controlled, elevates, warms and brightens life, which softens sorrow, mitigates suffering, and increases joy. Counsel concerning it is for the most part deemed unnecessary; counsel that it should not be lightly given nor carelessly accepted; that the heart should dis- criminate with care and serious thought between true love and evanes- cent fancy; that its sacred halo of glory should not be used to crown an unworthy object ; that it cannot lead to happiness when reason and judgment declare against it; such advice as this, so essential to the good of young people, especially young girls, is not often insisted upon by parents. Teachers of youth, as a rule, ignore love altogether in their scheme of instruction ; beaux are not allowed to pupils at female seminaries. Seldom, if ever, is the subject mentioned from the pulpit, although when the apostle sought a fitting simile for Christ's love for his church he could find none better than the tender affection be- tween true husband and faithful wife, and although the religion which teaches that God Himself is love, and love His best gift to human^ 13 V. 228 CUPID'S CONQUEST. ity, might well remind its disciples that no love can be blessed which is not purified by religions feeling; which they cannot take with them to the altar of God with thanksgiving and prayers for His blessing. 'Love one human being with warmth and purity,' says Jean Paul Richter, 'and thou wilt love the world.' " 'It is not because your heart is mine, mine only, Mine alone; It is not because you chose me, poor and lonely, For your own; But because this human Love, though true and sweet. Yours and mine, Has been sent by Love more tender, more complete, Love divine; That it leads our hearts to rest at last in Heaven, Far above you, Do I take you as a gift that God has given, And I love you.' " HOW TO DISTINGUISH LOVE FEOM FASCINATION. The world is growing more spiritual in its love-forces; yet how slowly. Thousands of men and women will never know the achieve- ments that might have been theirs, nor the heights to which they might have risen, had they but recognized the grand purpose of their own interior powers. For the sex-element, in its second or attractive function alone, manifests itself on two distinct planes— that of physical love, or personal magnetism; and that of the spiritual, or soul-affec- tion. The physical rises and falls with the vitality or animal vigor. The other, being an expression of the soul, is not subject to physical conditions or changes, but depends upon soul-harmony, and its action produces an intense longing for soul-sympathy and companionship. Both these phases of love exist in every normal individual. In man, the physical usually predominates ; in woman, the spiritual. Both are essential for health, harmony, happiness and the propagation of the species. The abnormal expression of the physical leads to sensu- CUPID'S CONQUEST. 229 ality and desecration; of the spiritual makes one unduly sentimental, but of this there is far less danger. Thousands of marriages, especially on brief acquaintance, are based on magnetic attraction or physical love alone, without soul union. These are the marriages that are apt to prove failures. Some- times, even in these, there develops a soul harmony, but otherwise the results are most unfortunate. Magnetic power and physical love increase by nearness and fre- quency of association, and diminish by separation, easily forming new attachments; while spiritual love, or soul-affinity is quite as strong under separation. Difference, not distance, separates souls. This ex- plains why woman's love, which partakes so largely of the spiritual quality, is stronger than death itself. It is the greatest power in the world. From these facts it will appear why it is best that the final decision be never made in the presence of the loved one. It is better to decide when alone. Judgment, if thus given a chance, will endorse a genuine soul-affection, but will save one from the mistake of yielding to a mere temporary physical fascination which would not lead to happiness. For the same reason, it is often well for an engaged couple, as an understood test, to separate for a time and communicate only at long intervals, and even associate with other company of a pleasing, agree- able character. If the inner self holds to its mate with undiminished interest, then the attachment may be relied on as being more than magnetic. LOVE'S GOLDEN RULE. Success in love, as in all else, comes from within. Those who would be loved have but to cultivate and manifest those qualities which they know to be lovable. Be manly, if you are a man ; be woman- ly, if you are a woman. Esteem, if you would be esteemed; admire, if you would be admired ; avoid all subjects and acts which are likely to be distasteful or to arouse antagonistic feelings. Men have long since noticed how fond women are of repetition of 230 . CUPID'S CONQUEST. specific announcements and declarations in all matters that pertain to love; it is one of woman's true feminine privileges to require these expressions. Eloquence stands a lover in good stead; but nobility of character and delicate thoughtfulness in all the little courtesies of life are of still more importance in determining his success ; while they are equally essential to every woman. In the early days of courtship it is well for the young people to meet often; but always in the presence of others. To learn each oth- er's tastes, preferences, habits and views; to see if they are indeed " congenial spirits" possessing similar likes and dislikes; for this pur- pose meeting in the presence of others is a better test than being much alone together. If under varied circumstances you find that the one whom you admire acts and feels as you yourself would act or feel, en- joys what you enjoy, dislikes what you dislike, and condemns what you condemn, not from a wish to agree with you, but of his or her own free will, that one is seen to be congenial. Yet this is not sufficient. The laws of selection are now to be considered ; for many people are so magnetic that they attract and are attracted by a large number of persons who make pleasing social companions, but who may or may not be suited for the tenderer and more lasting relation. A noted writer calls courtship "the very finest of the lost arts." In a deeper sense, the art was never lost; it is stored within the re- cesses of every human heart. In this as in all else pertaining to love and marriage, it is true that Intuition, the voice of the soul, is Nature 's highest teacher. Yet so many fail to follow this guide, and so many slips and sad mistakes result, that it is well to consider just what course to pursue in order to keep the rose-tinted promise of love's morning from turning to gray before the sun has fully dawned with its steadier glow. THE BEGINNINGS OF LOVE. At first, the young man and maiden are only "very good friends." They have found each other congenial, and enjoy meeting often. Be- fore this friendship gradually ripens into a warmer feeling, too much CUPID'S CONQUEST. 231 care cannot be taken to be sure that the selection is a wise one. Once let Cupid come within range, and he may destroy judgment before it has a chance to act. Lock him out until you are ready for his presence. It is the only safe way. SELECTION MUST COME FIRST. In France, Germany, Switzerland and other countries, the greatest safeguards surround young people in their mating period. They are never left alone together; are continually watched and guarded by parents and friends in a way that the American young person would deeply resent. Yet it is much the better way to insure the future hap- piness of both parties, and save them from being swept blindly along by unreasoning passion or at the best, by evanescent fancy, until it is too late to repair the mischief wrought. The result of the mildest of these errors is an extremely embarrassing tangle, forcing one or the other to withdraw promises made or assurances given; while no pen can portray the heartbreaking, terrible results where the error has been of the more serious nature, as it is in countless cases where the present American methods prevail. Not that our girls are less mod- est and self-respecting than those of other nations; but the tempta- tions are greater. Thousands of ruined lives, with the circumstances known only to the physician and parents, are my justification for say- ing that young people should not be thus left unguarded. I know whereof I speak; it is no theory, but an actual condition, that impels the warning. If young people once understood that wise parents can save them from endless minor hurts, embarrassments and disappoint- ments, as well as from the graver dangers, by their loving watchful- ness at such a time, it would be welcomed and not resented. A young woman who makes her mother her confidante has many advantages. The task of selection becomes easier ; she has a wise and loving coun- sellor to help her with the hardest problems which are likely to arise, and she has the satisfaction of knowing that her choice is approved by one whose affection for her has been of the purest and most un- selfish kind throughout her whole life. 232 CUPID'S CONQUEST. LOVE'S CASTLE-BUILDING. "If you have built castles in the air," says Thoreau, "your work need not be lost ; that is where they should be. Now put the founda- tions under them. ,, In the golden time of Love's castle-building, when the momentous question has finally been asked and answered, and the happy plans are being made for the future home, then is the time to adjust all the little differences and decide on the details of the change to be made. It is the woman's privilege to choose the day; and she should not be hurried. To adapt one's self to so important a change and prepare for it in the fullest sense, requires time, and meanwhile what happiness could be purer or sweeter than that of the lovers as they thus prepare for the eventful day when they are to assume life's greatest responsi- bilities? Each should strive to attain the highest degree of physical health; and each will find it a pleasant task to cultivate new graces and banish old defects for the sake of the greater happiness of the other. Then there are the practical questions regarding the new home life, to be considered ; whether the couple will board, rent a house or apartments, or build a nest of their own ; where it shall be located ; how it shall be furnished, and the like; together with the general rules of family life to be adopted. It is well to have all details which might occasion dis- pute or misunderstanding, adjusted in advance; it conduces to the greater harmony of the married life. Through all the happy waiting time, let Love reign supreme. Together or apart, the lovers will now own Cupid's sway, and affection should be freely expressed; remem- bering always that the best preservative of love is purity. HABITS TO BE AVOIDED. Lovers' quarrels often have sad endings; it is never wise to in- dulge in them with the mistaken notion that the reconciliation, if it come at all, can ever put matters quite on the old basis. A part, at CUPID'S CONQUEST. 233 least, of the perfect soul-harmony has been destroyed; mutual respect diminished, and Love cannot illumine the life with the same steady glow as before the foolish little shadow was allowed to creep in. For the same reason, a teasing or domineering manner, a too great fa- miliarity, flirting, even of a mild type, the gambling, drink or tobacco habit, extremes in dress, and all similar weaknesses should be ban- ished as unworthy to intrude on the sweet sacredness of the life that is now coming to mean so much. When young persons preparing for marriage lay aside the crude follies of their earlier years, it is a sign, not of weakness, but of strength; it indicates true love, with all its refining, maturing, uplifting power. Do not trifle with yourselves, or with each other, young folks, during this time of preparation; it is too beautiful and joyous a period to be thus spoiled. Happiness de- pends on keeping the standards of life high, that each may fulfill the other's ideals. MARRYING FOR MONEY. Those who marry for money or social position, without love, are short-sighted indeed. No one who thus insults Nature, and Nature's God, can expect any result but lifelong wretchedness. If they would but stop and think! Is it really the dollars that they want? or the satisfaction that they foolishly imagine that the money can buy? All the dollars in the world will not purchase peace and contentment, where those who should be mated in soul are unsuited and unloving, so that each finds the mere presence of the other an increasing cause of weariness and irritation. While on the subject of money, let me remark that sometimes pride leads a self-respecting young man to go to the other extreme and sacrifice years of happiness by deciding not to marry till he has made a fortune equal to that of the girl he loves. This is usually a mistake. If the friends of the girl are willing, the man worthy, and their love sincere, dollars should not be made the decisive test. Those parents who would disinherit their daughter for marrying the man of her, choice merely because he is poor, are happily more common in novels 234 CUPID'S CONQUEST. or on the stage than in real life. If such a tendency remains, let the parents think well before deciding on snch a course. It is impossible for them to rid themselves of the responsibilities of parenthood by denying themselves its rights and privileges; let them, instead, think the matter calmly over, apply the test of reason tempered with affec- tion, and remember that large fortune is not an essential part of hap- piness. If the young man is idle, shiftless or incompetent, so that the strong probabilities are that he cannot support a family, and is, in fact, a mere fortune-hunter, a kind, common-sense talk with the daugh- ter will do more to induce her to dismiss him, than angry expostula- tions or threats. If she has been rightly educated, her own good sense will come to the parents' aid. If it does not, their love should bear with her throughout the consequences of even this serious mistake. No girl should marry without a practical knowledge of some bread- winning art, profession or handicraft. It is one of the most important parts of her equipment; for though she possess all the graces of an ideal wife and mother, in the home, yet it often happens that misfor- tune, sickness or death leaves her to face the problem not only of bearing and rearing her children, but of supporting them as well. No woman is a less capable homemaker for having some one talent so thoroughly cultivated that it could be made the mainstay in case of need. It is my belief, nevertheless, that except in dire strait, a wife ought not to be a wage-earner. Domestic and economic reasons alike make this undesirable. Simply let her be prepared in case of emer- gency. It is not fortune-hunting, nor is it in any degree mercenary, to feel that as one of the requirements of marriage, a man ought to be able to provide a reasonable support. Mrs. Ethelbert Stewart gives some pathetic pictures of the heroic self-sacrifice required of a woman who marries a man earning nine dollars a week. Equally pathetic are the cases of many who wed struggling ministers, lawyers or farm- ers. In such cases, a cheerful economy becomes a necessity; and will often prove a blessing in unexpected ways. Plain food conduces CUPID'S CONQUEST. 235 to good health and clear mental powers ; while simple dress is infinite- ly better than aping the rich, which is something the self-respecting woman in moderate circumstances scorns to do. With industry, economy and dauntless courage, a family can meet the hard struggles of early days and be all the better for the experience ; but they should realize what they are undertaking. WHEN TO MARRY. The age at which people should marry is something which must be determined largely by circumstances; but from twenty to twenty- five is young enough, and in many cases educational or health require- ments would postpone marriage until several years later. The hus- band may suitably be a few years older than the wife; although the generally accepted fact that women age faster than men, will hardly prove true as the present century advances, and women become more and more versed in the art of so caring for their own health as to re- tain youth and beauty. The courtship and engagement should be extended enough to allow the two young people to become thoroughly well acquainted, and the younger they are, the longer this should be. Two years should be a reasonable time in many cases. Love, if of the right kind, only ripens and strengthens by waiting, but after such reasonable time, the wait- ing should not be needlessly prolonged. The most convenient time of year is often the vacation period, and June is so beautiful a month that it is little wonder it is the favored one in so many instances. As to the time in the month, a woman will naturally prefer that it be delayed until after the menstrual period. About twelve days after recovering from such period is the best time to choose; as this is said to be nature's time of sterility in woman. "When Cupid's conquest is complete— when the day of all day ar- rives, with the choice wisely made and the time of preparation well spent, how God and nature smile on such a union! How the heart- beats quicken with joy! 236 CUPID'S CONQUEST. "There has fallen a splendid tear From the passion-flower at the gate. She is coming, my dove, my dear; She is coming, my life, my fate; The red rose cries, 'She is near, she is near'; And the white rose weeps, 'She is late'; The larkspur listens, 'I hear; I hear'; And the lily whispers, 'I wait.' " CHAPTER XV. THE HONEYMOON. The Honeymoon Spirit for Life — Go Away for the Wedding Holiday — The First Wedded Privacy — The Maiden Wife's Embarrassment — The Husband's Best Policy — Love's Greatest Privilege — How to Prolong the Early Delights — Allow No Criticisms by Out- siders^ — A Mathematical Rule — How to Avoid Discord — Mutual and Perpetual Givers. THEEE was a custom in Bible times of excusing every young husband from war or public service during the first married year. He was to "stay at home" and "comfort his wife." What a happy idea! If this custom of extending the honeymoon for a year could be modernized, it would be a great improvement on the present method. But better still is the plan, within reach of all, of continuing the spirit of the honeymoon throughout the entire wedded life. As the shoals and quicksands are reached— and they are likely, indeed, to throng the first year of the marital voyage— they can be avoided and even turned to good account, with patience at the helm. They are inherent in the differing constitutions, educations, associations and views; yet if rightly met, will not long have the power to chafe, and may even be of mutual benefit. Love's magic turns the very stones into flowers. Let the newly married couple take a holiday, the longer the better, and enjoy together the beauties of Nature, and all that they can com- mand of the treasures of art, music and literature; let them read to- gether, and discuss what they read. Through the activity of the in- tellect the other faculties are developed and harmonized, and the affections cemented; and the long lovers' rides, walks, and talks thus store up treasures, not only in the memory, but in health and happi- ness, welding the two lives more perfectly into one harmonious, whole. "Perfect freedom from business and all other cares is required for 237 238 THE HONEYMOON. the real enjoyment of the honeymoon. During the sacred season of the first wedded privacy, the bride and groom do well to go away, and if possible spend it where curious neighbors, critical relatives or extremes of heat or cold will not add discomfort to the delicately try- ing situation of the new relationship. With the most favorable con- ditions, it will still be no slight task, for two persons accustomed to seeing each other well dressed, to prevent a slight feeling of disillu- sionment when the neglige is first donned in each others presence; when the curl-papers are in evidence and the quoting of poetry is pos- sibly replaced by, or mingled with, the sewing on of buttons. It re- quires time to learn to regard these little daily intimacies as a matter of course; but with love as a foundation, they soon come to seem natural, and grow more dear as the months and years pass. THE MARRIAGE CHAMBER. From time immemorial, custom has accorded to the newly-made husband and wife the privilege of occupying the same room and the same bed. The room should be one where the greatest privacy is assured; for of all experiences belonging exclusively to wedded lovers, this of the intimacy of marriage must be most sacredly respected. "For the fire Which burns upon that altar is of God. Its tongues of flame throughout all time and space Speak but one language, understood by all, But sacred ever to the wedded hearts That listen to their breathings/ ' THE FIRST NIGHT. Self-control, gentleness and kind thoughtful ness on the part of the husband are of the utmost importance at this most trying time for the young bride. As Dr. Florence Dressier well says: "The maiden-wife comes to the arms of her husband weighed down with embarrassment, which only time can dispel. If love and THE HONEYMOON. 239 kindness do not govern his heart at this time, the husband's chances for future happiness are slender. Passion, in young women, is rarely developed until after marriage. If its unfolding does not come "by degrees in the wooing winds of love, the deepest joys and benefits of marriage can never be realized. The memory of rudeness and lustful violence on the wedding night has made many a husband an object of repulsion thereafter. Disappointment too deep to be expressed comes to the bride who has found herself in the embrace of a human gorilla, when she had expected to find a man whose fine nature would recognize her rights and desires, and whose tender thoughtfulness would speak more eloquently than words, of the love in his heart.' ' There may be kindness without love, but there cannot be love without kindness. The more truly the newly wedded pair love each other, the more will their unselfish consideration overflow in the minutest actions. Let there be no neglect of the little attentions that help to keep love's flame burning brightly. The crowning desire of each should be to make the other as happy as possible. No human luxury equals this priceless privilege. PROVOKE LOVE BY ITS EXPRESSION. The expression or exercise of any faculty, as we have seen, in- creases the blood-supply to the part of the brain controlling that fac- ulty, and renders it still more powerful and active. Not only is this true, but its exercise awakens or enkindles the same faculty in those around. Anger, whether in man or beast, provokes anger. Laughter, as all know, is contagious; so is sadness. Religious revivals proceed on the same principle, the intense devotional spirit starting with one or more who, being magnetic, quickly inspire others with a similar feeling. Love is subject to the same law. If you would have your honeymoon last forever, beware of the time when the business and home cares which must be assumed, are gradually allowed to crowd out of the time and thoughts all expressions of tenderness. There is no need, however busy either may be, of this neglect to be" affection- 240 THE HONEYMOON. ate in manner. Whatever the duties, let love be kept bright. Enkindle the pure flame ever anew, by words and acts of affection; and let no mistaken sense of propriety stand in the way of these demonstrations. Loving courtesies between married folk should be the rule, in public as well as in private. Any lack of them is odious to all right-thinking observers. There is less danger, perhaps during the honeymoon than later in the year, of the little causes of discord that creep in; yet sometimes they appear even thus early, and one cannot be too careful to avoid the entering wedge of dissension. Instead, Love's welcome chains may be riveted firmly by making every act, word and thought in some way an expression of the wish of each to add to the happiness of the other. BEWARE OF MEDDLERS. Thousands of marriages, especially among young people, are rendered unhappy by the indiscreet, unkind criticisms of relatives. Sometimes these criticisms are made with the best of motives, but they almost invariably do harm. There are people with excellent intentions, whose only desire is to do good, but who are so narrow in their thinking as tb disapprove of everyone whose ways differ from their own. Trying indeed is the situation when a young bride or bridegroom has been unfortunate enough to fail to meet the cordial approval of such a member of the family into which he or she may have married. The atmosphere of cold, critical thoughts is felt even though not a word be spoken; but too often there are words of un- favorable comment as well, which sooner or later find their way to the ear of the one concerned. Such an experience would take the sweetness out of any honeymoon. It is cruel beyond description for any person to indulge in such a course of fault-finding, after the mar- riage has taken place. There may be imperfections, but if the two most concerned are satisfied with each other, the friends who profess to love them ought to rejoice in their happiness. Every effort of a real friend will be in the direction of increasing the young people's THE HONEYMOON. 241 contentment, and establishing more firmly their love for and belief in each other; not to unsettle it by constant expressions of disapproval and disparagement. It is not to be expected that everyone should like all new relations-in-law, but first impressions are often erro- neous, and quite frequently the liking will grow. Even if not, there is no excuse for permitting the disapproval to appear. Honeymoons are better spent entirely away from the relatives, that the newly-made husband and wife may be free from all possible hurts and annoyances of the nature described, and may establish their affection for each other without hindrance. At this time, and there- after as well, let them turn a deaf ear to all meddlers, and listen oniv to the voice of love. LOVE'S EQUATIONS. All those newly wedded who would keep the affections ever grow- ing in warmth and tenderness as the years pass, have but to remem- ber this one infallible rule; love grows in the exact proportion of the happiness bestowed. In proportion as the wife renders her husband happy, does she cause him to love her ; and exactly similar is the rule by which he may oblige her to love him. Every added pleasure which either bestows on the other, increases the other's love; while every word or act which wounds, brings with it a certain degree of dislike. It is a law which none can evade. Knowing it, a wife has it in her power to redouble her husband's affections, preserving them through life and increasing them to any desired extent. When a couple have not learned this law, and are not perfectly adapted, it often proves that certain characteristics of each will render the other happy, while in certain different traits they make each other miserable ; hence they are incessantly quarreling and making up, never being quite happy either with or without each other. The remedy for this unsatisfactory condition is very simple ; let each begin at once to study the other's happiness, forgetting his or her own; and the law of love will reward them with its richest treasures. 242 THE HONEYMOON. NOT FOE SELF, BUT FOR THE OTHER. Love seeks to bless its object— is all the while endeavoring to min- ister to the loved one's delight— is a perpetual giver. True marriage consists in the complete consecration of each to the happiness of the other. Let each live not at all for self, but for the other. Fancies, whims, caprices may seem foolish, but nevertheless it pays to indulge the loved one even in trifles. For a husband thus to gratify his wife in some wish, however slight, makes her inexpressibly happy because it is an added evidence of his love for her ; and her own affection for him is thereby increased. The wife, also, who tries in little ways and in all ways to conform to her husband's preferences, finds in doing so her greatest delight. The unselfishness must be mutual. To those who resolve at the outset never to forget or neglect this law, and who keep their resolution, life will be a continual honeymoon. CHAPTER XVI. WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. The Law of Opposites — Blending of Strength and Beauty — Reserve Power — Resolute Char- acter, with Deference — Absolute Sincerity — Never Depreciate Self or Others — Ardency and Eloquence — The Humility of Love — The Instinct to Hide Love — "Love's Pin- feathers Pricking" — Reticence of First Love — Tell Her Your Love — Love of Home Life — All Secondary; Love First — Purity Develops Men Who Command Love. IT IS a curious instance of the law of opposites, in selection, that a remarkably handsome woman rarely marries a man equally fine- looking. Beauty is attracted by strength, mental or physical ; strength, by beauty. In a woman, a beautiful mind can usually be relied on to "work out" in some degree, in beauty of face and grace of manner > as the years pass. Mere superficial prettiness is often mistaken for beauty, but after a woman of this type has become a mother she is likely to look more faded and plain than her sister who was more gifted in mind but less so in feature. This has occurred too many times to escape notice. A beautiful woman, as we have found, is one beautiful in mind as well as in person. How is it with man? Does his mental harmony, also, "work out" in harmonious outline of form and features? To some extent, undoubtedly; but in most cases not so readily as with woman. It must be remembered that man usually thinks more on the objective plane ; taking his impressions from reason instead of from intuition. This tends to strength rather than to beauty; and the stronger the sex of the individual, the more evident this rule becomes. As a consequence, we see many a surpassingly beautiful woman, who could have had her choice among scores of handsome admirers, married to a man of irregular, homely features, but strong frame, 14 v. 245 246 WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. superb physical powers and vigorous mental development. Such a couple are both well sexed and well mated. It is Nature 's law of selec- tion, again, thus to blend superior strength and superior beauty. Let no man, therefore, despair of winning a charming woman because he is less symmetrical in feature than others who flock around her. He may be more attractive to her than any one of them. RESERVE POWER. Strength, moral, mental and physical, is therefore the first requisite in the ideal man. That this strength should be combined with a gen- erous consideration for the weak, is also necessary to win a woman's admiration. No true woman but will shrink from exhibitions of sav- age brute force. No true man but will avoid them in her presence. "What the feminine nature loves is reserve power. A man who will needlessly cause suffering to any fellow creature, always repels. But a woman likes to feel that he could protect her if necessary ; and feats of manly strength in games or athletics are apt to awaken her enthu- siasm. DECISION OF CHARACTER. If there is any one trait that a woman most abhors in a man it is indecision. The weak, vacillating, undecided man is the one who arouses, at the best, a feeling of pity akin to contempt. Let a man be capable of managing his own affairs, of making his own resolute de- cisions, unaided, and a woman will respect him whether she agrees with him or not. Yet it pleases a woman to have her opinion asked. But her pleasure is that of the recognition of a compliment; of a chivalrous deference to her wishes on the part of one perfectly able to decide for himself. All the time she is thinking, "I know he is better informed than I am on this subject, but it is pleasant to see that he values my thoughts.' ' SINCERITY. With all his chivalry, however, a man must be truthful in his in- most nature. His compliments, his deference, must come from the WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. 247 depths of a sincere admiration, a sincere wish to promote the happi- ness and well-being of the woman with whom he is conversing. Re- member that to be deceived, even in trifles, is humiliating and exas- perating in its effects, when once the trick is discovered. A man so unfortunate as to try it and be detected is not likely to have a second chance with the same girl. EASE OF MANNER. In man or woman, there is an indescribable charm in a quiet, un- affected elegance of manner. This, like beauty and strength, comes from within; from a well-stored mind, a true refinement and genuine self-respect which may be developed as readily in the farm-house or mechanic's cottage as in the most palatial mansion. One great help towards cultivating this ease of manner, so desirable in all, is to never depreciate one's self or others, even in thought. This genuine self- respect, and respect for others, will prove the best of foundations on which the few necessary rules of outward conduct can rest; and it marks the true gentleman or gentlewoman. A woman cannot well respect a man who has not, to some extent, this innate respect for himself. APPRECIATION. Let no lover imagine that he can win a woman the more readily after a period of assumed indifference on his part. That piques a woman's pride, but it also repels her. She may, indeed, exert herself to attract but it is more likely to be with the unworthy object of tri- umphing over him than of returning his tardily expressed affections ; and in fact, he deserves nothing better; for insincerity begets insin- cerity, and a man's love, to appeal to a woman's heart, must be frankly and ardently expressed. It is at the very basis of feminine nature to require such expressions and assurances, oft-repeated. The selection once made, let Love be blind to the defects of the chosen one, seeing and magnifying only her good qualities; and let this admiration and tenderness be expressed without stint. Praise and compliments are 248 WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. indescribably dear to the heart of a woman when she knows they come straight from the inmost soul of one whom she is learning to regard as apart from all other men. It pleases her to find that she is the object uppermost in his thoughts, and the knowledge of his feelings will, if she is a true woman, soon lead to an understanding of her own. THE ELOQUENT MAN. Men who converse well have a great advantage; also those who have a gift at public speaking. Eloquence is one of Cupid's best weapons, and a man who can sway audiences in a noble cause is able both to win his bride and to make her position in life an honored one, for he will have many friends, and the key to success and the highest usefulness is within his grasp. Still, a woman may well recognize at the outset that she must pay some penalty for having a popular hus- band; for whether he is in the ministry or the legislature, or on a lecture platform, the public will make such heavy demands upon his time as to create some jealousy on the part of the wife, if such a feeling be not warded off by an admixture of mutual love, generosity, tact and common sense. SHYNESS OFTEN A PROOF OF LOVE. Sometimes the lover is tongue-tied from very shyness. "It is worthy of note," says Helen Oldfield, "that the bigger a man is, the more likely is he to tremble in the presence of some wee woman who probably is ready at the first call to fall down and worship his manly strength. But the fact never occurs to him. His fear paralyzes all his faculties. "The girl who would fain be altogether lovely to the man of her choice is stiff to the point of ungraciousness, not to say rudeness, re- pelling his advances, and making him believe himself indifferent to her, if not actually disliked. "This miserable frame of mind, which the English call bashf ill- ness, the French mauvaise honte, is, to those who have eyes to see be- low the surface, one of the surest indications of love. With the man WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. 249 it Is the effect of the exalted admiration which he entertains for the woman who has "enthralled him; the humility caused by the sense of his own unworthiness as compared with so much perfection. With the woman it is a more complex emotion; the instinct to hide her real feelings, to avoid giving herself away, literally and figuratively, com- bined with the harrowing doubt as to whether she may find favor in the eyes of her king among men. True love is always humble and self-abasing. u 'Love took up the harp of life, and smote on all its chords with might ; Smote the chord of self, which, trembling, passed in music out of sight.' "A lover's humility is an added sense, which, when it is not out of proportion, may be an attraction of no mean importance in the fur- therance of his suit, provided the woman he loves is clever enough to understand it and him. When the two who are interested have pre- viously been upon terms of ordinary friendship, this sudden shyness and standoffishness is all the more certainly a sign of the tender passion. The trouble is that it so often leads to misunderstanding. When a woman perceives an inexplicable and sudden change in the manner towards her of a man whom she has known for years; when in place of his accustomed politeness and good fellowship he becomes almost rude, even churlish in his behavior, she is naturally surprised, and if she is upon terms of intimacy with his sisters and cousins she is apt to be wounded or indignant at his apparent dislike for her— a dislike which she has done nothing to merit and cannot account for. However, she need not worry ; it is only the pinf eathers of love prick- ing as they grow. The dawning of affection is not infrequently ac- companied by the manifestation of such contrariness as this. Some- times, even, the man who finds himself smitten, and 'struck all of a heap,' as the saying goes, has been positively discourteous to the object of his love, simply because he was for the moment swept from 256 WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. his balance by the overpowering fear lest his suit might not be acceptable to her. Which is hard on the girl, who must leave it to him to make all the advances. So usual is this diffidence, as a trait of genuine love, that a woman is fairly justifiable in distrusting the sincerity of the admirer who woos her glibly and easily offhand. " 'It is with feelings as with waters; The shallow murmur, but the deep are dumb.' "First love, also, is usually more reticent than the attacks which come afterwards. The man who is in the toils, unaccustomed to the symptoms, scarcely understands what is the matter with him, and, being at a loss what to do, does nothing, and is in all probability morose and unsociable while doing it. Meanwhile, it occasionally happens that some other fellow, less in love, but with all his wits about him, and his head level above his heart, woos and wins the woman whom No. 1 adores at a distance. For in this world not much is to be had without an effort; not many things are given unasked." Let the faint-hearted lover, therefore, gather courage, for with most women, though a lover's humility be an added attraction if understood, it will make shipwreck of all their hopes when carried to extremes. A man of true heart and noble impulses, may well have confidence in himself enough to express his love. It is the manly, and therefore the successful course. DOMESTIC TASTES. A man who is fond of home life is more admired by women than one who has no such domestic tastes. So large a proportion of a woman's life and interests is centered in the home, that her husband, to avoid being a disappointment to her, must love and appreciate the home life, also. While business takes him out into the world for a large share of his time, it ought to be the case that neither club life, politics, amusements nor any other interest can have one-tenth the attraction for him possessed by the home delights shared with the life-companion he has chosen. WOMAN'S IDEAL OF MAN. 251 CONSTANCY. In all cases a woman wishes to feel assured that she is first in her husband's affections. Money-making, ambition to acquire fame, social popularity, all must be secondary, and forever remain secondary, with him if he would satisfy her. Hence a man's need of care to avoid wounding his bride by apparent decrease of interest as the honey- moon gives place to the work-a-day time when business distracts the mind but need not distract the heart. Eemember to give love the first place, then and always; and it will sweeten the toil unspeakably. To sum up, then, the ideal man, according to a woman's mind, is strong, brave, generous, kind and tender; full of reserve power; has decision of character; is sincere and self-respecting, ardent and elo- quent; exalts her far above himself, yet hesitates not too long to express his love; appreciates his home and is true as steel. In other words, he is a manly man. Purity of life, with conservation of the sex-force, will tend to the development of such men; reverent study of the creative principle will tend to produce them. As Dr. Hunter says in his "Manhood, Wrecked and Eescued": "There are speci- mens of manhood whom we cannot pass on the street without admira- tion; we involuntarily turn round and look at them as they move on with the tread of a giant. There are kings of the stage, the platform, the pulpit, the bar and the senate, who need but to speak and to stand erect, when all eyes are riveted and all hearts are carried away with a sweet captivity. These men inherited noble forms and high intel- lectual faculties, and have lived in obedience to natural law." CHAPTER XVII. WHAT MAREIAGE INVOLVES. *£&e Hope of the Race — The Foundation of Life — Artistic Weaving of Ideal into Common- place — Importance of Love-Courtesies — No Neglect for the Lonely One — Business Must Not Crowd Out Kisses — Gentle in Criticism; Lavish in Praise — Never Scold or Sneer — Exclude Meddlers and Critics — How One Couple Came to an Understanding — No Striving to Eule — Love's Enthusiasm Supplies Lack of Training — Co-operation of Both in Home Problems — Recreation Preserves Youth — The Italian Senator's Pungent Com- ments on Married Life — Love Begets Love — The Art of Putting Things — Taming the Male Animal — Establish a Home of Your Own — The Pedestal of Absolute Truthfulness — The Love that Grows — Wise Absences — Purity Love's Preservative — Growing Har- mony for Love's Sake — Hope for All. STRONGEST, most intimate, most enduring in the world is the relation of husband and wife. It is the hope of the race; the source of all other relations, and at the foundations of life itself. More tender than the tie between brother and sister ; before even that of parent and child is this holiest of all bonds, completing all that is incomplete in man or woman, and inciting to a higher moral de- velopment. To the rightly mated, many of the most disappointing experiences of married life will seem as a dream, a something distant and impos- sible—belonging to less fortunate lives, but not to theirs. Happy indeed are such willing captives of Cupid ! Wisdom and Love are safe and gentle guides to the entrance to the new home. Yet on the threshold, as the sericus tasks of life are assumed, even the happiest will find problems. To help in their solution let us consider a few of those most frequently arising. ESTABLISHING THE HOME. Life and its chief inspiration, love, are made up of the blending of two elements— the spiritual and the physical. The spiritual glori- 252 WHAT MAKBIAGE INVOLVES. 253 fies, while the physical sustains. In establishing family life, the rosy dreams of courtship and the honeymoon must have, not a rude, but a healthy awakening ; for such prosaic questions as those of food, shelter and clothing now occupy a prominent part in the thoughts of both, and to keep up the poetry and charm of life under such circumstances will require something of the artist's skill in weaving the beautiful threads of idealism into the commonplace. Yet it can be done, and by remembering to include love-making as an indispensable part of the daily routine of home-making, marriage can be kept from descending to the material plane, even in the midst of homely surroundings and prosaic tasks. The one thing of first importance in establishing a home, is to include in it the loving courtesies, the thoughtful attentions that mean so much. Especially are these needful to the happiness of the young wife, into whose life marriage has brought a greater change than it usually brings to her husband. A man may have the same business, the same associates, the same scenes during many hours of each day, as before marriage; but the girl who leaves her parents' home must at the best have long, lonely hours, deprived of all the old surroundings and not yet accustomed to the new. The thoughtful husband will con- sider this, and be careful to avoid even a trifling neglect of kindness to one who is thus struggling with a homesickness no less real because unacknowledged. THE FORGOTTEN KISS. Whatever else is forgotten or neglected, therefore, do not let it be this. "He did not even remember that in parting he had withheld the usual kiss. Thoughts of business had intruded themselves even into his home, and claimed to share the hours sacred to domestic tran- quillity. The merchant had risen for the time superior to the husband. "When Edward met his wife at the falling of twilight it was with a lover's ardor. Not only one kiss was bestowed, but many. In the 254 WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES. warm sunshine of his presence the clouds which had veiled her spirit for hours were scattered into nothingness. "And yet the memory of that forgotten kiss remained as an un- welcome guest. On the next day, and the next, and every day for a week, the expected kiss was given, yet ever and ever, in her hours of loneliness, would thought go wandering back to the hour when her husband left her without this token of his love, and trouble the crystal waters of her soul." POLISHING ROUGH DIAMONDS. Habits of order, neatness, industry and economy are desirable in one who is to help establish the new home. It is well to appreciate such traits at their full value, while remembering that Love is a wonderful teacher, and that in one otherwise suitable, such habits may be cultivated after marriage. One cannot reasonably expect to find many diamonds without a flaw. The young wife's over-critical hus- band may possibly even be an uncut diamond himself, and until the roughnesses are all polished away in one's own nature, it is well to be gentle in criticism of others, content with a general suitability and the great essentials. The molding power of a true marriage will accom- plish much, in the smoothing away of minor defects; and that, too, without even pointing them out. BETTER PRAISE THAN BLAME. The unpardonable offense of a blow to vanity— a sneer at defects, personal or mental, has created wider havoc amongst the domesticities of life than even ill usage. A woman is too often fed on flatteries by the lover to readily pardon the blunt truths of the husband. She can- not understand that having once been perfect in his eyes, she should ever cease to possess perfection. His one unpardonable sin is com- mitted when he points out her defects instead of magnifying her good qualities. Habitual scolding or fault-finding on the part of either husband or wife is fatal to the growth, or even the preservation, of love. Prof. Fowler does not state the case too strongly when he calls WHAT MABBIAGE INVOLVES. 255 the scolding mate "a fool." The habit is destructive of all that is most precious, and should be guarded against as if it were a pestilence. Each should be, if not perfect in the other's eyes, at least on the road to perfection. This, with every sincere, aspiring soul, is literally true, and it is the part of conjugal sympathy and discernment to see it. "When the failings appear, the less they are noticed the better, and no thanks are due to any outside critic who searches them out and pro- claims them. The same caution against meddlers in the honeymoon, applies all through life. Persons who would sow seeds of discord or introduce even the faintest shadow of discontent in the sacred precincts of home, should be avoided. Even the zealous, well-meaning missionary or reformer is no exception; for, as a rule, such fail to recognize that marriage itself, in its perfection, is the highest and holiest of life's missions, chosen by a wise Creator as the most powerful of all means of reforming the race. One who would say a word to make a wife dissatisfied with her husband's religious, political or other views, is far from being a true friend, and should be gently, but decidedly excluded from further intimate acquaintance, as long as such a ten- dency remains. While the soft answer will usually turn away wrath, yet there are exceptional times when a mistaken line of thought and conduct can be better changed by being first shown as in a mirror. A young husband was so annoyed by the lack of order displayed by his girl- wife, whom he loved dearly, that he spoke with unconscious and almost brutal sharpness, entirely out of proportion to the offence, concluding with, "The fact is, I am a little disappointed in you!" Then, amazed at the burst of grief which followed, he added, "Bessie, I thought you a reasonable woman, but all this is very unreasonable." But the little wife, for all her sensitiveness, had some spirit, and common sense as well. Her tears ceased to flow, and she made answer, "And I thought you a kind and reasonable man!" A little startled by this unlooked-for response, the husband asked, 256 WHAT MAEK1AGE INVOLVES. "In what respect, pray, have I shown myself lacking in kindness and reason?" "In making the position of a few books on a library shelf of more importance than a kind and gentle demeanor towards your wife, who has no thought or wish but to please yon ! ' ' And he was logical enough to see the matter thus presented to his reason in its true light, brave enough to acknowledge it ; and both were helped by the better understanding that followed. Disorder and im- patience were alike banished from that household ; not all at once, but by successive attempts, as each tried to please the other. A man will understand reasoning, when he will not understand tears or moody silence. It is not often, however, that the "clearing up showers" will need to intrude themselves. The fewer such encounters, the better as a rule ; and as the years pass, a perfect mutual understanding will prevent them from occurring at all. THERE MUST BE NO STRUGGLE FOR MASTERY. In a true marriage, there should be no thought of ruling or being ruled, yet it is not unusual to hear one woman say to another, "Oh! you spoil your husband! I wouldn't let mine do such a thing!" Such a remark is a sufficient guarantee of that household. It is eloquent of henpecking, squabbles, disagreements, and—most vital of all— the struggle for mastery which too often embitters home life and estranges hearts that once vowed love, honor and truth to each other. There are many men who are spoiled as husbands by the mere fact of being tied down to discipline and bondage. THE HOUSEKEEPING PROBLEM, It is often necessary for a young wife to learn all the mysteries of housekeeping after marriage. This is not the ideal condition of affairs, but the problem can be bravely met. Concentrating the mind on the work in hand, whatever it may be, makes of that work a delight as well as a piece of fine art. That is why some girls who have %hown WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES. 257 little inclination towards housework learn with surprising quickness when once in a home of their own. It is the enthusiasm born of love ; but how much better to have the knowledge as part of the education, thus avoiding the many absurd mistakes which are inevitable to the novice, however well-meaning. The time is surely coming when a girl who knows nothing of practical housekeeping will be considered as deficient in education as if she were unable to read and write. The woman of power and of practical resources will need to know something of household hygiene; of food values, the care of sleeping apartments, ventilation, heating, drains and the proper disposal of garbage. She should no more be expected to perform all the complex duties of the household without assistance than a man would be expected to carry on his own entire business without hiring help. Each should know something of the daily interests and duties of the other. Many a truly-loved wife has been sacrificed because neither she nor her husband realized that the strength of one is not sufficient to perform the work of two or three, including the work which requires the most vitality of all, the bearing of children. With suitable help, and a husband's appreciation, a wife will take delight in "looking well to the ways of her household/ ' however inexperienced she may be to begin with. A MAN'S BEST BUSINESS POLICY. A wife should have some insight into her husband's business; enough to enable her to bring her fine intuitional powers to his aid in advising on delicate points, and also to avoid mistakes in her own field of managing the household expenses. No woman can economize or plan wisely until she knows her husband's income, and the best thing he can do in all cases is to take her into his confidence and initiate her, in a degree, into the mysteries of how that income is produced. Both are equal partners ; he furnishing the source of supply for the household needs, she caring for, arranging and preparing the necessary materials. Neither should be wholly ignorant of the duties of the other. 258 WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES. DIVERSIONS. Both husband and wife must pay due attention to health, and to do this, recreation is essential. Indeed, it is a duty as imperative as any other. Overwork is the poorest sort of economy. That woman is wise who keeps herself young and bright by a quiet period of relaxa- tion once or twice during each day, even if for no more than twenty minutes; and that husband is wise who insists upon her doing it. It is so easy for women to drift into the habit of letting every moment be filled with cares, that even affectionate husbands are sometimes unobserving and in time grow seemingly indifferent to the exhausted conditions resulting, until sickness forces them on the attention. Fur- ther, it is well not only to provide for these " breathing spells" of perfect rest, but for occasional diversions in the form of rides, walks, music and social gatherings. If fond of dancing before marriage, by all means include that in the recreations afterwards; and let change of scene for a few weeks each year be a regular custom. It is a significant fact that MORE FARMERS' WIVES GO INSANE every year than any other class of women. The reason is obvious. No other class of women lead equally monotonous lives. Remember, change is Nature's law. It is of vital importance, and especially to women, and a loving husband who realizes this truth will seldom let a week pass without planning for his wife some little outside treat, or evening diversion if she is too absorbed in household cares to think of them herself. In fact, it is his thought for her pleasure that will render it infinitely the sweeter and more health-increasing. He will be amply repaid, even from a selfish point of view. ADVICE OF AN ITAUAN SPECIALIST. Paolo Mantegazza, a life member of the Italian senate, is called the world's greatest authority on love and marriage. For fifty years he has studied the subject, and is author of a score of books which WHAT MAERIAGE INVOLVES. 259 resulted in his appointment to the senate by King Victor Emmanuel. In a letter of advice which he wrote for his youngest daughter upon her marriage, are some interesting and excellent ideas, well worthy of my readers' attention. I give a liberal selection: "BLAME SELDOM UNDIVIDED." "It is seldom that, in an unhappy marriage, the blame is .entirely upon the husband or entirely upon the wife. In the majority of cases the fault lies with both. In some cases it is so evenly divided that each is able to look the other in the face, and say: 'It's your fault.' Commence then, my daughter, by bringing to this great partnership of happiness all the capital which you ought to contribute to it. You should consider your husband as a part of yourself and care for him as carefully as you do for your own face or hands. You care for your person according to established rules of hygiene. You ought to care for the other half of yourself, which is your husband, according to the rules of a wise domestic diplomacy. "Don't be shocked at the apparent brutality of these words. Al- though in the world of politics diplomacy means the art of being mutually deceived, in marital matters this term signifies merely the science of handling the other half of one's self with courteous gentle- ness, with unfailing love, and with a deep knowledge of the human heart. It is inspired by one of the truest sayings of the New Testa- ment: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' To a young wife I would say: 'Thou shalt love thy husband better than thyself.' Unless you have married a man unworthy of the name, an icy-hearted egoist or a self-indulgent brute, he will love you more and more in proportion as your love for him increases. Dante says that Cupid decrees that no one shall be loved who does not love in return, and this is almost an inspired saying, because it applies to all the affairs of the heart. And no matter how great changes there shall be in the laws and customs of mankind, love will surely beget love as long as the world turns round. 26D WHAT MAREIAGE INVOLVES. "AVOID PERPETUAL CONTRADICTION." "In all conflicts of tastes or ideas in the government of the house- hold, yon should always yield to yonr husband in the matters of detail, in order to be able to insist sometimes when an important subject is under discussion. Perpetual contradiction, even if it is generally reasonable and right, is a rust which corrodes love and eventually destroys it. If you wish to have your way in questions which concern your own dignity or the education of your children, you should prac- tice self -repression and subordinate your own desires in unimportant matters like the cooking or your relations with indifferent acquaint- ances. Whenever you have a wish— and you have the right to have them just as much as your husband— try to support it by some good reason and not by a mere quibble or caprice. And whenever you express a wish, try to put it in the most interrogatory and conditional terms, such as: ' Don't you think it might be a good thing V or ' Wouldn't it seem wise, to you!' That's diplomacy and wisdom; it may look like cheap politics, but it's also virtue. In the most difficult domestic crises, when you want to convince your husband that he ought to do something which he doesn't want to do, but which is nevertheless right, you should craftily soften your words and present your case in such a manner as to make him think that he himself is really eager to do the thing you are suggesting. "I know one husband who is always boasting that he has a wife who agrees with him in everything and contradicts him in nothing, not even in the most insignificant matters. Of course it is really the wife who has her own way in everything and imposes her own will upon him, and, luckily for all concerned, she seems only to wish for good and reasonable things. But she has erased from her vocabulary the verbs 'I want' and 'I command'; they seemed to her useless and dangerous words. In reality the women who have these two verbs always upon their tongues never succeed in ordering or commanding anybody, and have to resign themselves to a real matrimonial servi- tude which is most humiliating. The male animal is a ferocious wild WHAT MABBIAGE INVOLVES. 263 beast that may easily be tamed by caresses and soft words. But he rebels and shows his teeth against those who scold or abuse him; like the lion, he can be more easily influenced by sweetmeats than by blows. "PROBLEM OF THE MOTHER-IN-LAW." ' ' I know that you adore your mother, my daughter, and she is cer- tainly a saint who lives only for her husband and her children; but when you take a husband you must see to it that you have a separate home with him. I hope that you may be able to build your new nest near the one in which you were born, but whatever you do, don't live in the same house with your parents-in-law, and don't install yourself in your mother 's home. Your fiance at this time, when his whole heart is filled with the sweetest and most unselfish affection, will be sure to propose that you spare yourself the pain of being separated from your relatives. Be sure to refuse this offer, the acceptance of which he would be the first to regret. It is not without some excuse that proverb- makers, comic writers and playwrights have always chosen as the butts for their satire and ridicule the father-in-law and the mother-in-law. These jests are the kernels of the nuts of experience. And when one measures them by the probabilities of life, they become more true. The motives for discord are too numerous, the jealousies of contrast, the clashes of influence, the hatreds between son-in-law and mother-in-law are too frequent to permit peace to remain in such a divided house- hold. Never put your husband to the sad necessity of offending your mother and thus offending yourself. Love the old people from a dis- tance instead of hating them because of too close association. Be gracious, my daughter, in all your dealings with your relatives-in-law, and take care not to shock their incipient affection for you by some overgreat display of feeling for them. It is better to hold some store of tenderness in reserve. "TRUTH IS THE BEST POLICY." ' i And now, my daughter, you must not get angry at the next thing I Have to say to you. Never tell your husband the least, smallest 15 v. 264 WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES. suspicion of a falsehood. I know that yon are honest and incapable of a lie, but your marriage will so complicate your relations with people and things that some fine day you are likely to find yourself facing this dilemma: either to tell an untruth or to cause pain to the man you love. Most women in this alternative, I should say about eighty per cent of them, would choose the lie as the best way out. And they will often tell it in the most unimportant crises, to escape being criticised, or being compelled to justify their actions, or even to avoid any long and tiresome explanations. Alexander cut the G-ordian knot with a blow of his sword, and this solution of a problem has been famous in history ever since. Women every day cut the knots which form between their hands in the tangled threads of life by means of that little sword which they always carry with them and which is called a lie. " Never tell an untruth to your husband! Whatever may be the dilemma which confronts you, whatever may be the knot which forms itself in your hand, never cut it by means of a lie. You will thus preserve your own self-respect, and your husband will place you upon an altar-like pedestal. A man may be proud of having a young and beautiful wife, of hearing her praised by all for her culture and wit, but nothing will flatter him more than to be able to say: 'My wife does not know how to say what isn't so.' In this hypocritical age in which we live, where lying envelops us from head to foot, and leaves its slimy trail everywhere like a snail, to know one spot where false- hood has not penetrated and whither it is possible to flee as to a sacred refuge is such an uplifting and noble joy that it makes every function of life seem brighter. There should be for every man in this desert of deceit one oasis where the grass is always green, where the foliage conceals no vipers, where the rosebushes are without thorns, where the bees have no sting, where the skies are always cloudless; and that oasis should be the soul of his wife. Thither we should be able to flee, confident and serene, to hear a 'yes' that always means 'yes' and a 'no' which is always 'no.' WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES. 265 1 'ONE LIE BEEEDS DISTRUST." "If women only appreciated the value of truthfulness and sin- cerity, they would unquestionably abandon even the whitest of white fibbing. Women lie often and lie well, but no art has been invented which will prevent them from making an occasional mistake. Now, one lie discovered will make you lose the fruits of a thousand more successful falsehoods. From the day of discovery all serenity will become useless, every affirmation will leave some doubt; after each 'yes' or each 'no' your husband will put a question mark. You have lost your sanctity, you have profaned the temple in which he has placed you. You bring to your husband a veritable crown of flowers, your youth, your beauty, your accomplishments, and, sad to say, all these flowers must fade. But if among these blossoms you have inter- twined absolute sincerity, it will remain fresh and unwithered till the last breath of life, and your husband will be able to hold his head high in the presence of every one each time that he cries, 'She has said it,' meaning that its truth is therefore indisputable. Believe me that his eyes will moisten with tenderness when he adds by way of confirmation of this statement: 'My wife has never told me a falsehood.' "Your husband will swear eternal love and you will swear eternal love. Eternity belongs only to God, but it is constantly upon the lips of lovers. I am willing to agree that your love will die only with yourself, and that your husband's affection will end only with his life. But, for there is a but, how about the growth part of it? Will your mutual passion keep on expanding, as you think, or will it have inter- ruptions and seasons when it does not advance? Gautier has said that, 'In love, as in poetry, to stand still is to go backwards,' and although this saying is not entirely true, there is in it a great deal of truth. You should see to it, therefore, that from time to time, your husband for one reason or another, either because of his health or his business, should go away and leave you alone. Don 't follow him about everywhere at all times, and don't make a boast of having never passed a day without him. I believe that you will suffer because of his ab- 266 WHAT MAREIAGE INVOLVES. sence, and that lie himself will share your pain, bnt this will be two sorrows which will pave the way for one great joy. After a long fast all food tastes delicious, after a protracted thirst any drink is exquisite. It is necessary that you should occasionally deprive your husband of yourself in order that he may the better appreciate you. "This is the means of maintaining love at the required point of delicious tension. I, who adore your mother and shall adore her until I die, have made a habit since the first year of our marriage of going away from her now and then for a trip of a week or ten days, and up to the present day I have carefully kept up the custom. After each absence I find a new honeymoon, and even to-day I believe that our happiness is still in the period of growth. "BEST WAY TO PRESERVE LOVE." "I remember once being present at a conversation between a num- ber of witty people. There were pretty women and some wise old men in the circle and the talk turned upon the best methods of keeping love from fading away. A professor of psychology raised an uproar by advancing the theory that love could be preserved much as the botanists of Germany and Norway preserve flowers in all their orig- inal freshness. Jealousy, mutual trust, and other matrimonial attri- butes were suggested as the best preservatives, when an old man who had not said a word, and who had contented himself with listening to this discussion with a Voltaire-like smile, an old man who was not a professor of psychology, but who had long studied both men and women with great and wise charity, said: " 'Will you permit me to give my opinion in this matter! If I am not mistaken I have lived longer than any one of you, and I have seen more men and women than any of you. In my judgment the best preservative for love, beautiful ladies and honored gentlemen, is— is-' "'Is what?' " 'Is purity.' WHAT MAEKIAGE INVOLVES. 267 "All his hearers were silent, some with surprise, some because they did not understand. "But nevertheless, my daughter, that old gentleman was right, and I think the older you grow and the longer you live the more inclined you will be to agree with hhn." THE SECRET OF DELIGHT. In his concluding words, Dr. Mantegazza has struck the key-note. Purity is the best of all preservatives of love. And the way to keep the life pure and the love strong is to keep the spiritual, not the physical, uppermost in the thoughts. Eemember, sex is of the mind and soul. Its animal aspect is only its shadow, not its substance. There is a way which will be plainly shown, of so controlling the pas- sions as to purify the affections and increase life's delights, even on the physical plane; while the results of such a union are those price- less blessings— perfect, abounding health, superior offspring, and a harmony of life to which nothing can be compared. Alas! that such companionship should be so rare! That married life is too often a spoiled— patched— or harmful state and condition, instead of an evidence of a happy union. That love so seldom mates with comprehension of itself, of its infinite possibilities, desires and exactions. That even genius of high order has left records of miserable husbands— and misunderstood wives. And this because tact and sympathy and comprehension have been lacking in either nature; for apart even from love and devotion these qualities are of inestimable value. If they were joined to the love or devotion, the married state would become something at once unspoilable and unspoilt! If these words come before one who is conscious of having made a sad mistake in choosing, let them not cast you down completely. If there be a living love on both sides, there may yet be great peace and happiness for you. If you will turn to the chapter on "The Gift of Motherhood, " and observe how parents are instructed and helped to modify even their strongest characteristics for the sake of their mutual 268 WHAT MARRIAGE INVOLVES. love for the coming one, you will, I am sure, be prompted to do the like for your sacred, tender love for each other. And in so doing, the one right step helps the other ; so that in seeking the new harmony for love's sake, the foundation will be laid for fulfilling the supreme trust, the greatest of all duties and privileges involved in the marriage relation— that of parenthood. CHAPTER XVIII. THE EEPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. A Reverent Study of Life — Unfolding Principles — The Double Arch of Destiny-— Great Strength of Pelvic Framework — Wise Precaution for Girls — Woman's Organs Internal — The Mons Veneris — Labia Majora and Minora — Clitoris — Vagina — Hymen — The Uterus — The Point of Physical and Nervous Energy — Strong Supporting Ligaments — The Waving Cilia — Wonders of the Fallopian Tubes — The Ovaries, the Basis of Femi- ninity — The Life-Germ — The Ripened Ovum Set Free — Glands of Nourishment — Home of the Male Life-Germs — Four Hundred Lobules — Lace-Work of the Seminal Tubes — Life and Force From the Blood — A Twenty-Foot Tube — A Duct Which Distributes Vigor to the Whole Body — Cylinders Which Transmit the New Life — Circumcision — The Freshest and Best Blood — The Sources of Strength and Virility — All Under Abso- lute Control of the Will — Man Not at the Mercy of His Passions — Remedy Where Passions Exceed Will — A Splendidly Developed and Preserved Virility. WONDEBFUL indeed in structure are those portions of the human body designed to reproduce life. The tree, the rose, are full of marvelous beauty as we examine their life-unfolding prin- ciples; how much more, then, the mysteries of that life which is the material expression of a human soul. Eeverently keeping this thought in mind, knowing the so^ul to be of divine origin and its outward form a fitting temple, to be welcomed, guarded and cared for as a trust from the Most High, we will proceed to a study of the truths teaching us how we can best fulfil that trust. THE PELVIS. In the formation of this bony framework lies the destiny of the human race; for it is the arched case in which rest the organs of generation. Formed by the broad bones of the hips, and connecting the lower limbs with the trunk of the body, it constitutes a basin-like structure built on the principle of the double arch. In architecture this structure possesses the greatest possible firmness in proportion to the material used ; hence the pelvis peculiarly combines the qualities 269 270 THE EEPRODUCTIVE OEGANS, FEMALE PELVIS. The Brim, or Upper Portion. Lighter lines show the projection of adjoining processes. of strength and lightness. For convenience in explaining, phy- siologists usual- ly treat the up- per and lower portions separ- ately, as the ' ' Brim, "or "False,'-' and "Outlet," or "True," pelvis. Its brim is some- what oval ; the breadth of the bones at the posterior affording support for the weight that must rest upon them, and the lower portions supporting the body when it is in a sitting posture. The pelvic cavity is deep behind, but grows gradually shallower in front. The walls of the pelvis are composed of three large, irregular- ly shaped bones, joined at the base by a wedge- shaped piece known as the os sacrum. Upon this latter rests the spinal col- umn. As child-bearing produces a much greater strain upon the floor of female pelvis. the female pelvis than is The Outlet or Lower Portion* THE KEPBODUCTIVE ORGANS. 271 DEFORMED PELVIS. Might allow of delivery with great exertion. exerted upon that of the male, the female os sacrum is flatter and broader than that of man. The large bones of the female pelvis are also far more con- vex than those of the male. The male pelvis is deep in proportion to its width; the female pelvis, the reverse, and is more capacious than that of man. In the female pelvis its outlet is also more regularly oval, so that there may be less difficulty in the passage of the babe into the outer world. The position of the pelvis in regard to the trunk of the body is oblique, thus affording a better support to the viscera and the uterus during the last stages of pregnancy. Were it not so, the uterus, during pregnancy, would gravitate low into the pelvis and press in- juriously on the viscera, while in the early stages it might even protrude externally. The fact that the pelvic bones of the fe- male are more loosely set than those of the male suggests another wise provision of nature. They do not separate in childbirth, as was once thought, but they are deformed pelvis. slow of growth, and in A rare formation, resulting from disease. the Case of the girl are 272 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. DEFORMED PELVIS. Delivery possible only by abdominal incision. not completely ossified until near her twen- tieth year. The grave danger therefore is that if she is inclined to inactivity, or if her occupation or educa- tion forces her to sit too much on hard surfaces, the unde- veloped and unossi- fied pelvic bones will be forced out of place and so distorted as to incapacitate her for life to properly per- form the functions for which the normal pelvis is so admirably adapted. Parents of girls especially should therefore see to it that if it is necessary for their daughters to be employed in sedentary ways they should have comfortable seats and be forced to take a reasonable amount of active exercise, in order that a continuous strain upon the pelvic bones in one direction may not disturb its normal shape. FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. While in man the prin- cipal reproductive organs are external, in woman they are internal ; again illustrating deformed pelvis. Nature's plan of the one sex Instrumental delivery possible. THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 273 completing the other. The organs of woman thus protected within the body are the vagina, the uter- us, the Fallopian tubes and the ovaries. Accessory to these are the mons veneris, the labia majora, la- bia minora, clitoris and hymen. The mammary glands are also related to the organs of generation. Beginning with the external, in front is the mons veneris, a fat- ty cushion which at pu- berty becomes covered with hair. Extending back from this on each side are two lips or folds of skin, inclosing the urinal and vaginal orifices. The outer folds, partially covered with hair, are called the labia major a, or large lips. They extend from the mons veneris to the perineum, that part lying between the rectum and the vagina. The inner folds, called the labia mi- nora, or small lips, are similar in construction to the outer ones, but are covered with a pink mucous membrane. They are sometimes elongated, particularly in women who have borne many children ; while in the virgin the labia majora are more prominent. LATERAL SECTION OF THE FEMALE PELVIS, WITH ITS CONTENTS. 274 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. THE CLITORIS. At the arch formed by the union of the labia minora in front, is a small fold of membrane, sponge-like in substance, and plentifully supplied with nerves. This is called the clitoris, and in many respects its structure resembles the male organ of copulation. The clitoris is INTERNAL ORGANS OF GENERATION IN THE FEMALE. Showing the vagina, the mouth of the womb, the neck of the womb and its body, the broad ligaments, the round ligaments and the Fallopian tubes. usually about one-fourth of an inch long, but sometimes becomes greatly enlarged so as to be an inch or more in length. It is the seat of special sensation, and becomes enlarged and hardened when the passions are excited. In the disease Nymphomania, this organ is asso- ciated with the labia minora, and both become so abnormally sensitive that the slightest friction, even the contact of the clothing, or the leasi THE REPKODUCTIVE ORGANS. 275 sexual suggestion, is enough to excite the passion which can either uplift or ruin, according to whether it is or is not controlled by the mind. When this undue desire for intercourse exists, a reputable physician should be consulted, as its effects are most serious on health and morals alike. While immorality may not at first exist, a yielding to such abnormal desires would cause it. By the practice of unnatural vice the clitoris sometimes becomes enlarged to the length of several inches. Especially is this true in the gratification of sexual instinct Left hand: Cavity of adult uterus. Fallopian tubes enter diagonally crosswise at the up- per corner-like extremities. Center: Infantile uterus laid open. Whole inner membrane corrugated. Eight hand: Lateral section of unimpregnated uterus. between depraved women, which practice, said to have been common in the isle of Lesbos, is from this called "Lesbian Love." About an inch back from the clitoris is the urethra, or passage from the bladder for the discharge of urine ; and immediately back of this is the vulva, or opening to the vagina, which is the entrance to the internal generative organs. THE VAGINA. This is a narrow canal, from three to ^.Ye inches in length, leading to the womb. It is narrowest at the middle, widening towards the 276 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. ends ; and passes upward and backward in a curved direction, the curve rendering it longer on the posterior than on the anterior side. It has thick, elastic walls, capable of dilating and contracting to a consider- able extent. It is lined with a mucous membrane, arranged in many folds, or wrinkles, which grow fewer and gradually almost disappear after copulation and child-bearing. The offices of the vagina are to receive the intromittent male organ, and convey the semen to the uterus; also to afford a passage for the menstrual flow, and transmit the infant and placenta in labor. A circular or constrictive muscle tends to draw the walls of the vagina together, making it more firm, and enabling it to assist in the support of the uterus. THE HYMEN. A thin, somewhat crescent-shaped membrane near the external opening of the vagina, closing the canal more or less completely, is called the hymen. Its form is supposed to explain the origin of the symbol of the crescent, assigned by the ancients to Diana, the goddess of chastity; from the fact that the membrane is usually ruptured dur- ing the first sexual congress. The presence or absence of this mem- brane is not now, however, as formerly, regarded as an unfailing sign of virginity or its reverse, as it may be destroyed by accident or disease, may be entirely lacking from birth, or again, it is sometimes so firm as not to yield at the first or subsequent connections, and occa- sionally grows again in widows, or in wives long absent from their husbands. Normally, the hymen has a small aperture in the center, but sometimes this perforation is lacking, and the result is that the vaginal canal is entirely closed, causing great suffering at the time of the first menstrual period. When this is the case a perforation must be made before relief is obtained. THE UTERUS. In its virgin state, the uterus, or womb, under the influence of the ovaries, constitutes the pivot around which play all the physical and nervous energies of the female organism, and its functional per* THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 277 fection exercises a powerfully controlling influence upon the physical health and social and moral happiness. The generative organs constitute the grand center of female econ- omy. All the organisms and functions of the woman are more or less in sympathy with these, and from the full, healthy and harmonious develop- ment of the sexual system come the ruddy cheek, the elastic step, the buoyant, womanly spirit, and that constancy and affection which so pre-eminently characterize, beautify and ennoble the female sex. Formerly the uterus was thought to be the most im- portant of the reproduc- tive organs, but it is now known to be but the later receptacle for the egg, or ovum, which is first pro- duced in the ovaries and conveyed by the Fallopian tubes into the uterus, where, if conception takes place, it remains and de- velops into a new being; otherwise, after a short stay, it passes off. The uterus is be- tween the bladder and the rectum, above and continuous with the vagina, and is supported partly by eight strong ligaments, and partly by the tension of the vaginal muscles beneath it, which serve as pillars. In form, the uterus is much like a flattened ARTERIES OF THE UTERUS. The uterus is about the relative size found six days after labor. It is represented turned forward, exhibit- ing its posterior face. Besides the principal arteries the cut shows the kid- neys, the aorta, the ovaries and the Fallopian tubes. 278 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. pear, with the broad part upward. It is from two and a half to three inches in length ; nearly two in breadth at the top, and an inch or less at the cervix or neck, which is the lower part. In thickness, also, it is about one inch. Its internal cavity is very small compared with the size of the organ; this is owing to the extreme thick- ness of its muscular walls, so built as to accommodate the growing size of the fetus. This cavity in the upper part, or body of the womb, is triangular, with the Fallopian tubes opening from its up- per angles. In the lower part, or neck of the womb, the cav- ity becomes more long than broad, swelling somewhat at the middle, and ter- minating by what is called the os uteri, or mouth of the womb, opening into the vagina. The two principal ligaments holding the womb in place are of round, muscular fibrous tissue, arranged in bundles about five inches long, attached to the pubic or front bone. Two other ligaments are broa.i sheets of strong membrane passing NEEVES OF THE UTEEUS. a, spermatic vein; b, spermatic artery; d, aorta; e, e, nerves; f, g, fourth and fifth lumbar ganglia; h, i, k, first, second and third sacral; m, m, _i, the lumbar and sacral nerves cut which are to form the great sciatic; n, branch. A plexus of nervous filaments is seen where e, e join, called the superior hypogastric, or common uterine plexus. The inferior hypogastric is an extensive plexus visible at the side of the vagina rather above the center. This sup- plies the upper part of the vagina and the lower portion of the uterus. THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 281 from the top of the womb to the sides of the pelvis. Of the other four, two ligaments connect the womb with the bladder in front, and two with the rectum behind. At birth and throughout childhood the neck of the womb is larger than the body, the proportions being reversed with the advent of puberty, and attaining those of maturity, in temperate regions, at about the twentieth year. The fetal uterus is in the abdomen; the mature virgin womb has descended to the pelvis. These changes in form and in position are in evident preparation to perfect that organ for the development of the human organism before birth into the outer world. The substance of the uterus is muscular, and in its contractions is capable of exerting great force. The expansion which it undergoes during gestation, and its subsequent contraction to its original size are most extraordinary. In the smooth lining membrane of the body of the womb are tiny canals, which secrete nourishment for the embryo in its various, stages of growth. As this lining membrane enters the neck of the womb, and also as it enters the Fallopian tubes, there appear on its surface minute fiber-like projections, called cilia. These are always in motion, like a field of grain in the wind; and their motion assists in the various processes of conception and generation. THE FALLOPIAN TUBES. These are two fine, cone-shaped tubes, whose chief function is to convey the ripened ovum, or egg y to the womb. The tubes are four or live inches in length, and extend from the body of the uterus to the brim of the~pelvis. They are so narrow that at their juncture with the uterus they will scarcely admit a fine bristle; but about midway they begin to widen out until they form a trumpet-shaped extremity with fringed edges, large enough to admit an ordinary quill. The fringes, or fimbriae, perform a most wonderful part in the reproductive process. When the ripened egg is ready to burst from the ovary, the finger-like fringes reach over and grasp it, drawing it into the opening le v. 282 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. of the tube, where the inward motion of the cilia, together with mus- cular contractions, draw it into the cavity of the womb. THE OVARIES. These are the most important and wonderful of all the female generative organs. They are at the foundation, physically speaking, of all that makes a woman feminine. Their function is to produce the VIEW OF THE FLOOR OF THE FEMALE PELVIS— REGARDING IT FROM THE ABDOMEN. human egg; and so vitally does their presence affect a woman's nature. that if they are removed, menstruation ceases, the appearance becomes masculine, the voice coarse; a beard sometimes appears on the face, and the whole being in transformed. No longer a woman, the vital essence of all that was feminine destroyed, the person becomes a mere automaton, without animation, sparkle, magnetism or individual charm. THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 283 Yet all this power is centered in two almond-shaped bodies scarcely an inch and a half in length, and from a half inch to three-quarters of an inch in thickness. They are placed on each side of the uterus, about two and one-half inches apart ; are enveloped in the broad liga- ments of the uterus, and are attached to the sides of that organ by ligaments of their own. Each ovary is also attached at its outer extremity to one of the fimbriae of the Fallopian tubes. Their color is pale red, and their outer substance is a dense, fibrous material, inclosing a soft, fibrous tissue composed of numerous tiny transparent cells called the Graafian vesicles, after De Graaf, their discoverer. Each of these vesicles is filled with a whitish fluid in which is formed a single ovum, or egg. THE HUMAN EGG. About the size of the point of a pin, or so exceedingly minute that it requires from one hundred and twenty to two hundred and forty to fill an inch of space, the human egg consists of a transparent coat within which is the white and yolk as in the eggs of fowls; while imbedded in the yolk is the life-germ, only one three thousand six hundredth of an inch in diameter, which contains all the embryonic traits of the mother herself. Could any study be more beautiful and wonderful than that of the development, in its successive marvelous changes, of this complex life? If it be true that "the undevout astronomer is mad," surely this can be said with even more emphasis of one who could study these reproductive agencies without emotions of awe at the Infinite intelligence revealed. HOW THE EGG IS LIBERATED. Very curious is this process. Twenty or thirty of the Graafian vesicles are all that the ovary appears to contain at any one time, but there are probably many others in different stages of development. They ripen or develop, one after the other, beginning at the time of puberty and continuing until tne change of life, when all have been developed. One egg ripens, normally, in each twenty-eight days. As 284 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. the vesicle matures, it approaches the surface of the ovary, and finally oursts through it, like a plant emerging, from the ground. The vesicle itself also bursts open as does the membrane of the ovary; and the ripened ovum, or egg, is set free. This escape of the ovum occurs at the menstrual period. It requires from two to five days for the ovum to pass through the Fallopian tubes and reach the womb; it never reaches there until the flow has ceased, and after re- maining there from two to eight days, if no intercourse is had with the male, the egg then passes from the womb into the vagina and is expelled from the sys- tem. In case of intercourse occurring while the ovum is in the womb, the male element unites with the germ of the ovum, impreg- nation takes place, and life is begun. MAMMARY GLANDS. Closely relat- ing with the generative or- gans are these glands intended for the secretion of milk to nour- ish the infant after birth. They have been previously referred to in describing the breasts, but I will here mention a few further details as to their construction. At the time of delivery, the milk is secreted in follicles, grouped SECTION OF FEMALE PELVIS SHOWING POSITION OF THE VISCERA. THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 285 closely and opening into ducts, which meet and merge into larger and larger ones as they approach the surface, finally terminating in the nipples. To permit the milk to be drawn out by the infant in the process of nursing, the nipples are perforated with numerous open- ings; and to protect them from pain in the act of sucking, fat is lib- erally secreted by glands at their base. Fatty tissue is thus produced which forms the size and shape of the breasts. The breasts become considerably enlarged at puberty, and more so during pregnancy and after delivery. One of the signs of preg« nancy is the change of color in the areola, which surrounds the nipple In the virgin this is a delicate rosy pink, but in pregnancy it turns td a dark brown. Abundant blood-vessels and nerves are supplied to the mammary glands, connecting them closely with the generative organs, which are similarly supplied. These tend to keep the entire sexual system in health by building up the waste tissues and by warning in case of disease. MALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. As these serve only for copulation and fecundation, they are more external than those of the female, with whom the developing and nour- ishing processes must form a part. In the male, the organs consist of the testicles with their tubes, and the penis with its glands. THE TESTICLES. Corresponding to the ovaries in the female, the most important of the male sexual organs are the testicles, or testes. They produce the life-germs, or spermatozoa; and they are the centers of that mascu- line vigor which gives to its possessor manliness of form, bearing, voice, intellect and moral nature. The testicles are two glandular, bean-shaped bodies a little more than an inch long, nearly an inch wide, and about half an inch thick, suspended side by side by what are called the spermatic cords ; having six distinct coverings, including as the outer ones the dartos muscle 285 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. and the skin, forming the scrotum. In youth and health, the scrotum is short, wrinkled and adheres closely to the testes; in the old and in those who have abused themselves mentally, physically and sexually, it is flabby and elongated. A wall beginning at the root of the penis divides the testes. Cells, blood-vessels and ducts for the secretions are gathered into separate bundles called lobules, some four hundred of these lobules being contained in each testicle. Around these lobules are coiled Globus SperiitalQ %aileaVatfbnL/is K Tunica vaginalis Cornea albuginea. Jts septa, Vasa recta Right testis Spermatic artery. Fas deferens. Vasa effereniia. Mediastinal. Body of ' epididymis. Vas uberrans. Globus ffiu*.i TESTIS AND EPIDIDYMUS. STRUCTURE OF THE TESTES AND DUCTS. the seminal tubes, each finer than a hair, but lined with a network of capillaries, absorbents and nerves which under the microscope look like beautiful lace. Innumerable cells full of life and force here draw from the blood the nourishment needed for their work of secretion. The seminal tubes themselves, carrying the secretion, become straight before leaving the lobules, and are called the vasa recta. Next they meet, and passing upwards weave themselves into a network called the rete testis. This, at the top and rear, forms into some twenty or thirty larger ducts called vasa efferentia, which empty into and form THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 287 the epididymus, a convoluted tube twenty feet long or more, but bunched closely together and held in place by areolar tissue. At the lower end of the testicle, the epididymus, collecting all the semen, opens into the vas deferens, or great duct, which carries the fluid upward through the inguinal ring into the abdomen and pelvis. This great duct distributes the seminal fluid throughout the circulation, re-vitalizing the blood, or, being rendered contractile by muscles run- ning around it, by the exercise of these muscles projects the fluid, freighted with its life-germ contents, around and behind the bladder and empties it into the reservoir there. At the base of the bladder the vas deferens and seminal duct unite, forming the ejaculatory duct. THE PROSTATE GLAND, surrounding the neck of the bladder, in the lowest part of the body, is composed mainly of glands and in size and shape resembles a horse- chestnut. Within this gland the ejaculatory duct opens into the urethra through which the seminal fluid is discharged, when not re- absorbed. THE PENIS. This is the organ of copulation and urination. In structure it consists of two cones or oblong cylinders, placed side by side, very full of blood-cells, and capable of being greatly distended throughout its entire length by the flow of blood induced by exciting causes. A groove above these cones is filled by a large vein; one below, by the urethra, with its spongy, erectile walls which expand at its head to form the glans penis covering the ends of the two cone-shaped bodies. The urethra is the passage through which the urine is emptied from the bladder, and through which the seminal fluid is passed at the time of coition. THE PREPUCE, OR FORESKIN. Covering the body of the penis is a loose skin, continuous at the root with that of the pubis; at the head of the organ, leaving the surface, the skin is folded back upon itself, forming the prepuce, or 288 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. foreskin. The operation of circumcision, in practice among the He- brews, consisted in the removal of this foreskin ; a practice commended by many leading physicians at the present day as conducive to cleanli- ness and health. When care is not taken in bathing, to press back the foreskin, and give to the glans penis its full share of soap and water, the old secretions will induce tenderness and soreness of these parts, with resulting sympathetic disorders elsewhere throughout the system ; Bate of Bladder. Vas aejerens dissected. Ureter. Line of reflection of peritoneum. Vesic. seminales unravelled duct. Triangular space. Ureter. S Vas deferens. Vesiculcs teminatei dud. Right ejaculatory duct. Prostate gland. Urethras BASE OP BLADDER, VAS DEFERENS AND URETHRA. hence the operation is often found to relieve nervousness, epilepsy and similar diseases in both children and adults. All this wonderfully complex delicate sexual system with its abun- dant nerves and blood-vessels, is formed to produce and convey that subtle essence of the blood variously called semen, seminal fluid, seed, or sperm. The freshest and best blood from the heart is taken directly to the testicles to be there transformed into this vital fluid generating strength, virility, sturdiness and penetration in a man ; and the nerves of these portions are so connected with the brain as to leave no doubt that the sexual processes are under the control of the will. THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 289 Do not misunderstand me. This is a physiological fact, and brings with it a message of truth and hope to those who have long been de- luded by the terribly false education of the ages. Let it be written in letters of living light that man is not at the mercy of his passions. The continent life is the strong, healthful, abundantly satisfying life, and it is within the power of every man to attain it in high measure, and in the attainment bring untold blessings on himself, on the woman whose happiness is so largely in his keep- ing, and on posterity. Think a moment and I will make it clear why this is true. Re- member that the vital fluid, aftei leaving the testicles, is either distributed by the vas deferens throughout the sys- tem, or dispelled in the sexual act. If the greater part is dis- pelled, through fre- quent coition, how- ever lawful, such ex- THE MUSCLES OF THE THIGHS. cess not only causes local inflammations and disease, but deprives the whole system of virility and health ; while the more semen is retained, the more vigor is enjoyed and the keener become life's pleasures in consequence. Now nature, if left free, invariably deals out her gifts fairly. She either endows men with strong wills when she gives them strong passions, or in every case where the will is weak, she makes the nature plastic and easily subject to mental impressions, right or wrong. 290 THE REPEODUCTIVE ORGANS. The great remedy, then, for those who find their passions stronger than their wills, is to regulate the mental impressions. Sex always obeys the strongest mental suggestion, whether it be pure or impure. To those who would completely rule their animal instincts instead of being in a greater or less degree ruled by them, I would recommend above all things, healthful mental occupation, either in the line of work, study or recreation. Keep the thoughts busy with useful, inter- esting, uplifting topics ; observe strictly the laws of physical health, as to frequent bathing, clean, comfortable clothing, unstimulating diet, early rising, fresh air and exercise ; but above all, let the mental asso- ciations be pure and actively at work. The benefit is beyond compute. It will appear in the perfect form, the musical, manly ring of the toice, the energetic, graceful movements, the sparkling eyes, fine com- plexion, magnetic influence and whole bearing, proclaiming a splen- didly developed and preserved virility. Such a man alone is fit mate for the woman of true feminine charm and power. I would proclaim the above as my message of hope and joy not only for the one addicted to immoderate practices in wedded life, but also for the one who, by self-abuse, perverts these wonderful powers, for there is hope for all! CHAPTER XIX. SPECIAL WARNING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. Respect the Bodies God Has Given — Take Your Questions to "Mother" — Life's Origin and Its Beautiful Shelter — Why Children are Dearly Loved — The Reproductive Organs — Right Care of Them Makes Men Strong and Women Beautiful — Saving Them for Maturity's Joy and Blessing — Perverting Them Depletes Blood — Inflames Nerves — Promotes Stupidity and Destroys Healthy Play-Faculties — You Want to Be Strong — Keep Away from Impure Companions — Keep Thoughts High — Tell Father or Mother— They Love You and Can Help You — The Conquest — You Become a Prince — The Girl's Treasure, Her Growing Womanhood — She Must Keep Herself Pure — What Is at Stake: Beautiful Home-Life; Husband's Affection; Darling Children of Her Own — The Sexual Organs Are Sacred — Controlling the Thoughts— ^he "Card Plan" for Boys or Girls — The "Friendly Witch" — Men and Women of Purity and Power. EVERYTHING good and beautiful can be misused ; and great suf- fering is the result. It is so terrible and unfortunate when boys or girls have once formed the habit of misusing the bodies God has given them, and such a happy and fortunate thing when they are early led to respect and treat these bodies rightly, that I cannot let my book go before the public without containing a warning that not only the older people, but the children themselves can understand, when- ever this book shall meet their eyes. It is not wrong to want to know about the many curious and won- derful works of God; and the human body is the most wonderful of all. But, do you know, my boy, my girl, that no one can tell you quite so many interesting facts about it as mother can? A wise, kind mother is the best friend of all. Take your questions to her, in the very first place, no matter what they are; and I think she will either answer them herself, or place in your hands one of the many books written on purpose for such a time, that will tell you all about it. THE FIRST QUESTION. She may first tell you this beautiful truth, if you have not already learned it from her; that all life comes from a tiny seed; that before 291 292 SPECIAL WARNING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. you were born you were growing, just as the seed grows in the ground, or as the bird grows within the egg ; that God so planned for your com- ing that He placed a sheltered nest for you within your mother's body, and there, like a fledgling with folded wings, soft-brooded in her very bosom, lulled by her loving heart-beats, you slept and grew, till from a shapeless seed you had grown into a human form. For many weary months she carried you about like this, then with much pain brought you into the world as a tiny baby, more precious to her than all the world beside, because of the pain your coming cost her, and because you had been thus a part of herself. All human life comes from the father and mother; it is God's way of creating, and the most beautiful way that could be, because a child, having been a part of its parents ' bodies, is the more dearly loved. FOR THE OLDER ONES. If you are older and just beginning to wonder about the bodily or- gans which have been provided for this wonderful work of bringing human beings into the world, you will be likely to turn to the chapter just before this one. After you have read it, you will know that the right care of what are known as the reproductive, generative, or sexual organs is what makes men strong and women beautiful ; you will begin to understand that their wrong use causes dreadful deformities and sickness too loathsome to be described. These organs are provided by God in order that children may be born. If they are never misused, never handled in any way, except to keep them clean, until they are fully matured, they may be the source of great blessing to the world and to those who possess them. But many, very many boys, and even girls, of all ages, form the habit of handling their sexual organs before they know the harm it will do. Let me tell some of the results of this terrible practice, which is called self-abuse. WHY IT DOES HARM. A boy who thus handles himself cannot possibly grow up happy, healthy and strong. This is true for two reasons. The sexual organs SPECIAL WARNING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. 293 have nerves running to all parts of the body. They have also a great many blood-vessels. Whenever these organs are handled, it draws too much blood to them, exciting and inflaming them, and leaving other parts of the body without enough blood to nourish them. The nerves, too, carry the inflamed condition from the sexual organs to other parts of the system. These nerves go so directly to the spine and the brain, that if you handle the sexual organs or even if you keep thinking about them, it excites and exhausts the nerves, making the back ache, the brain heavy and dull, and the whole body weak. It lays the foundation for consumption, paralysis and heart disease. It weakens the memory, and makes a boy careless, stupid and too lazy to study or even play with any keen enjoyment. It makes the form stooping, instead of erect ; it makes him narrow-chested and thin; causes the muscles to become flabby, so that he cannot excel in outdoor sports ; and even causes many to lose their minds, and others, when grown, to commit suicide. The results come so slowly that often the victim of self-abuse is very near death before he realizes that he has done himself any harm. A TRUE CONTRAST. My boy, would you be a strong man? Of course you would. What boy does not wish to be strong! Then never indulge in a practice so surely weakening as this one. Look at the picture here given of the healthy, robust, splendidly vigorous man who has never abused himself, and then look at that of the poor victim of this loathsome habit. Notice the stooping shoulders, the narrow chest, the exhausted look. Yet both represent men in their prime. If you have ever been taught this habit of self -abuse by companions, stop it now, and keep away from those books or men, as you value your life ! When tempted, take at once some interesting book, game, task, or sport, that will keep you from even thinking of this matter ; for a bad habit is not cured in a day, but perseverance will do it in every case. Your parents will help you if you confide in them. Make up your mind to be free, at all costs, rather than a slave to this miserable, ruinous practice. 294 SPECIAL WARNING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. In thus conquering, you will have made great progress in life. Solomon says, "he that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city. ' ' You have conquered yourself ; you have ruled your thoughts ; yes, you have made yourself master. It is a great step onward in your life. It is the hardening of your " character-muscle. ' ' Henceforth you will respect your own powers; and, moreover, your mates will instinctively respect you and defer to you. Such a conquest puts all slavery impulses out of your life. You move as a prince, born to rule ! You have acquired the self-respect native to princely life. It will mean much to your whole future— and the best of all is that there is not a single one of my readers but can do it! Be careful to observe the laws of health in other respects, also; they have much to do with this matter. Rise early, or as soon as you are awake; take a cold sponge bath and dress quickly; exercise a lit- tle before breakfast, in the open air if possible. Eat plenty of fresh ripe fruit, but avoid meat and highly seasoned dishes. Attend to the moving of the bowels at a regular time each day. Take a warm tub bath with soap twice a week ; and breathe plenty of fresh air. Garden- ing, farm work and the outdoor sports are excellent to build up a strong, clean body, free from all bad habits; but remember that the mind must be kept healthy too, for a poisoned mind always means an unhealthy body as well. It pays to read books by the best authors, both modern and stand- ard. Fine stories of heroic lives have been written, and it will prove intensely interesting to any wide-awake, energetic boy to read how Lincoln and other great men won their places in the world's history. You will want some fiction, too, of course, but let it be the best. Some books will reach your hands that should not be read by anyone. You do not want those; say to yourself, proudly, instead, "The best is good enough for me, ' ' and then stick to it. Any book that you would not like to have your mother see, is not good enough for you, for it is of the kind most likely to inflame the passions and bring on the very troubles I am warning you against. The mind as well as the body is too often SPECIAL WARNING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. 295 made the victim of self-abuse ; and when it starts in the mind the habit is more than likely to extend to the body also. HOW IT AFFECTS THE LOOKS. What I have said regarding the effect on the health of the boy is true also of the girl. How unspeakably sad to see a girl who has ig- norantly made shipwreck of that which should be her greatest treas- ure—her own growing womanhood ! Not only does self-abuse ruin the health and the mind ; but it so affects the appearance that, as a rule, all can tell what is the matter. The signs are unmistakable. There will be the bloodless lips, the dull, heavy eyes, surrounded with dark rings, the blanched cheek, the nerveless hand, the short breath, the old, faded look, the weakened memory, and silly irritability,— these tell the story all too plainly. CAN A GIRL AFFORD IT? A girl must keep herself pure, must be above yielding to the advice of ignorant servants or foolish schoolmates, if she would grow into a woman loved and trusted with the greatest and most desired of bless- ings—a beautiful home-life, a noble husband's affection, and darling children of her own. And it must be remembered that any disease of the sexual organs will take away that great privilege of happy mother- hood ; for if the mother is not healthy, the children, also, will be ailing, if indeed they can be born and live at all. Can any girl afford to lose her power to become a good wife and mother, just for the sake of yielding to a foolish temptation? THE SEXUAL ORGANS TO BE KEPT SACRED. Many have been taught that the sexual organs themselves are im- pure. This is not true. God made them, and they are the part of the body most sacred of all, for to them is given the honor and priv- ilege, under right conditions, after marriage, of creating life. But certain it is that they must be let alone until that time, except to keep them clean, if they are ever to fulfill this high mission in a way to bring happiness. Let them alone even with your thoughts. It is not wrong 296 SPECIAL WABNING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. to know about tliem; but I have told you why it is a mistake to keep thinking about them. Let them alone, to grow strong and mature and beautiful in the way that God has planned, and by and by you will be very glad and thankful that you did so. HOW TO CONTROL THE THOUGHTS; THE CARD PLAN. "But how can I stop thinking about them!" some of you will feel like asking. I will tell you one very successful way: Take a blank card, and write on it the names of seven things, as follows; the three outdoor sports you like best; the three indoor occu- pations most interesting to you; and your favorite school study. All must be good things for you to do and think about. Whenever you are not busy, and your thoughts run away with you and persist in dwelling on unhealthy subjects, look at this card or remember it, and begin right away to do or to plan, hard, some one of those seven things. For instance, if you are a boy, suppose your list includes skating, the use of carpenter's tools P and geography. If it is summer, and you can't go skating, you can plan to build a boat or an Indian wigwam, or you can read some interesting book describing travels by Livingstone, Peary, or some other explorer, telling about real countries and people so curious that they will make you forget everything else. Or if you are a girl, perhaps your list includes tennis, private theatricals and history. When your thoughts wander to undesirable subjects, and you have no task to perform, either take your tennis racquet and go out for a splendid bit of practice or read a story of early colonial days and then invite a girl friend or two to help you plan an entertainment with historical tableaux, perhaps, the costumes improvised from attic treasures. Or it may be that you do not care for these particular things, but prefer gardening, music, drawing or something else. You can apply this card plan, no matter whether you are a girl or a boy, and what- ever your tastes may be. It works just as well at night, too, after you have memorized your seven subjects ; for you can go to sleep thinking of SPECIAL WAENING TO THE BOY AND GIRL. 299 whichever one of them interests you most. Of course you can have more than seven if you like. Best of all is the pleasure of planning gifts, or helpful surprises for others. Vincent Van Marter Beede, in one of his plays for children, represents a "Friendly Witch," in the course of her broomstick travels, as bringing many delightful, funny surprises with her. Many a tired mother would welcome the presence of such a "friendly witch" in her own home I When you have once tasted the joy of helping others, not as a task but as a pleasure, your thoughts will soon learn to obey you ; all sorts of merry times, both work and play— for even work can and should be merry,— will fill the hours as a result; and you will grow up the healthy, happy creatures you were meant to be. May all sweet and healthful pleasures be yours! and may you become men and women of such power and purity as shall make the world a safer and hap- pier place than it has ever been before, and a fit dwelling-place for the healthy, beautiful, merry children that may one day add to your hap* piness ! ±7 V. CHAPTER XX. BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. Indicates Capability to Bear Children — The Time for Mother's Counsel— New *t>wers — The Brain Intensely Active — Mothers t Question Your Daughters — "Thought she Was to he Changed Into a Boy"— Menstruation Is Natural and Healthful — The Ripening of the Life-Germ — A Reminder of Womanhood and Coming Power — Physical Reasons Against Immature Marriage — The Normal Flow Painless — Cold Climates — Tropical Child-Brides — Menses at Five Months of Age! — A Ten- Year-Old Mother! — Symptoms of the First Menstruation — Avoid All Chilling — Relieve from Excessive Strain — Correct Irregularities — No Menstruation During Pregnancy; Rarely During Nursing — Thirty to Thirty-Five Years of Ripening — Preparing for the Rest-Period. NOT only does woman owe much of her beauty and power to the regular, healthy performance of this important function, but its significance becomes doubly apparent when it is remembered that where menstruation occurs properly, it indicates that the womb is healthy and capable of conception and child-bearing. To the young daughter just coming into possession of her womanhood the mother should explain the true, beautiful meaning of the new experiences through which she is passing. Tell her there is nothing to fear; that the process is natural and that if she takes proper care of her health at this beginning of her life as a woman, she will find each month a repeated proof of the new powers maturing within her being. Between the ages of eleven and fourteen, the girl arrives at puberty, when great changes take place in her physical and mental nature. Up to this time, if she has grown naturally, her shoulders, waist and hips are about the same in width ; the sexual organs have grown but little ; but now they take a sudden start and need more room. Nature comes to her aid, and the tissues, muscles and pelvic bones enlarge ; the limbs grow plump, the breasts grow round and full, the girl stops growing tall and her whole body begins to round out and increase in strength. 300 BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. 301 Tasks once hard are now easy. The voice becomes sweeter and richer; there is a new sparkle in her eyes, a new thoughtfulness and intelligence ; for the brain is intensely active now, and the mind is de- veloping even more rapidly than the body. Have a care, oh, mother, that the influences surrounding your daughter at this time are pure, healthful and uplifting; for as the bud blossoms into the rose it can be either a glorious unfolding or a sad blight ! If you take your daugh- ter early into your confidence and teach her wisely, tenderly, as only a mother can, she will be safe both from false views gathered from school- mates, and from the terrors of an unexplained mystery which should never be allowed to overtake her unprepared. Girls, in the absence of special instruction, have been greatly alarmed by the unexpected appearance of the menses, which they very naturally mistook for some dangerous internal hemorrhage; and in not a few cases instead of confiding in any one, have done themselves serious injury by the local application of cold water to stop the flow. This and other mistakes can be best avoided by taking the matter in time. THOUGHT SHE WAS TO LOSE HER SEX. It sometimes proves that the perforation in the hymen is lacking. When this is the case there will need to be a slight operation, otherwise the menstrual fluid, unable to escape, would cause constantly increas- ing inflammation and pain. The operation is nothing painful or tedious, but to illustrate the folly of failing to explain so simple a matter to the child, let me tell you of one case of utterly needless mental suffering, resulting from ignorance. The operation above referred to had to be performed. The little girl was terribly averse to it, and cried so pitifully that it was plain she had some great fear not to be easily ac- counted for. Years afterward she explained that she thought the operation was intended to change her from a girl into a boy! WHAT CAUSES THE MENSTRUAL FLOW. It is plain to my readers that all life, vegetable or animal, is from a seed or germ ; that in the animal kingdom every egg contains a germ, 302 BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. which when brought under proper conditions will produce after its own kind ; and that an organ must always exist for the production and throwing off of these life-germs. In woman this organ, as we have seen, is the ovary, which matures and deposits its ovum or egg every twenty-eighth day, from about the ages of fourteen to forty-five, except that it ceases during pregnancy and usually during nursing. While the ovum is ripening and during its passage from the ovary through the Fallopian tube into the womb, the generative organs become greatly congested; this congestion at last reaching such a height that their blood-vessels overflow, producing a discharge of venous blood and other fluids which is called the menstrual flow. Menstruation, therefore, is simply the ripening and regular de- posit of an ovum or egg, which when not impregnated, is washed away by its surrounding fluids, together with that poured out from the blood- vessels in the membrane of the uterus. The process is also commonly known under the various names of the "menses," the "courses," the "monthly periods," and "being unwell"; although when woman's health reaches the ideal state, she will menstruate without the slight- est pain, and with no thought of being other than perfectly well. During pregnancy, however, the fluid is retained and supplies needed nourishment for the growth of the embryo. When the young daughter arrives at the age of puberty, this monthly function is a continual re- minder, therefore, of her womanhood, and should be regarded, not with aversion, but as a proof that she is one of the class set apart by nature to be entrusted with life's highest and holiest responsibility— that of preparing, under wise guidance, for possible future mother- hood; and it is important that this task of preparation be neither slighted nor hurried. PRECOCIOUS MARRIAGES. At the time when menstruation first appears, the girl ceases* to be a child, yet is only beginning to be a woman. It cannot be said that she is mature. Eight or ten years more are required for perfect de- velopment. Should she marry when only seventeen or eighteen* the BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. 303 bones of the pelvis are not sufficiently developed; are not properly shaped for the purposes of labor; will not afford sufficient space for the head of the child to readily pass, as it would if she were of the riper age of twenty-three or twenty-five. It is for this reason that the woman who marries thus early, so often loses her health, through se- vere and dangerous confinements, and becomes the delicate mother of sickly children. Parents ought, therefore, to persuade their daughters not to marry until past twenty, and twenty-five is better. Physically and morally, they will be free, at this age, from many of those risks which precocious marriages bring in their train. The appearance of the menses, therefore, although a sign of dawn- ing womanhood, is not to be regarded as an evidence that the responsi- bilities of marriage are to be hastily assumed. HEALTHY MENSTEUATION. In a normal state the menstrual discharge is slight, amounting to three ounces or less, and lasting but three or four days. The process, as just stated, should also be entirely free from suffering, and a woman in perfect health need make no difference in her daily occupa- tions at this time. She will have no unpleasant symptoms and no reason for noticing the monthly period except the flow itself. But per- fectly healthy women are rare, and it is the exception rather than the rule, when one is found who suffers not at all in menstruation. Most women, under our present artificial manner of living, find it necessary to lighten their work somewhat, for a day at least ; headache and back- ache are all too common at these periods even among women who con- sider their general health fair ; and often serious disorders render the return of the menses a constantly recurring dread. This disturbed condition is both physical and mental. Often when there is congestion to a painful extent, it will be completely relieved by some pleasant occupation absorbing to the mind, together with physi- cal exercise which increases the circulation. 304 BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. The chief disorders of this function are suppressed, painful and profuse menstruation. A chapter will be given especially to their treatment. CLIMATIC INFLUENCES. In temperate climates, the age at which menstruation most fre- quently begins is fourteen or fifteen. In cold climates, such as Rus- sia, the beginning is much later in life, often not until women are be- tween twenty and thirty years of age, and as it lasts thirty or thirty- five years, it is not unusual for these women to bear children at a very advanced age— even as late as sixty. The menstrual discharge, with them, is spare in quantity, and occurs, in some cases, not oftener than three or four times a year ; while some women menstruate only in warm weather. In tropical countries, like Abyssinia and India, the function is earlier, the menses often appearing at the age of ten or eleven ; and as the customs in those lands include early marriages, we hear of the Persian child-brides and the Hindu child-widows, of matrons and even mothers of twelve or younger. In Abyssinia and Bengal travelers have frequently seen mothers eleven years of age; and Dr. Goodeve, when stationed at Calcutta, said: "The earliest age at which I have knoivn a Hindu woman to bear a child is ten years, but I have heard of one at nine ! ' ' We are not surprised to learn that in such countries the women be- come old and decrepit at the age when those of our own land are in the very prime of their strength and beauty. FREAKS OF NATURE. Not a few cases have been given to the medical world of girls men- struating, in temperate climates, previous to ten years of age; some prior to five and several instances of the menses appearing in infants of only a few months. One instance is recorded of a girl in Pennsyl- vania who was born with breasts as large as hen's eggs, which in a few months, with her external genitals, developed to maturity in every BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTEUATION. 305 respect. The menses appeared when she was five months old. They appeared irregularly up to her sixth year, their suppression being attended with the usual disturbances noted in females of mature years. Subsequently, this abnormality (one of the few cases of such early menstruation) was lost sight of. Many years ago there was exhibited in Barnum's Museum a baby three years of age who was known to have menstruated, had pubic hair, well-developed breasts and intense amorous desires. An old journal describes the case of a child who menstruated at one year of age and was delivered of a child at the age of ten years and thirteen days. In general, in our own land, the appearance of the menses before the fourteenth year indicates premature development of the organs and is therefore regarded as unfortunate ; while their delay until after the sixteenth year is generally an evidence of weakness, or of some de- rangement of the generative system. If, however, all the other func- tions are regular, the general health good and the mind clear and active, there is no necessity for alarm. Those who live luxuriously, and whose physical training has been such as to make their nervous systems more susceptible, menstruate at a much earlier period than those who have been accustomed to coarse food and laborious employment. THE FIRST MENSTEUATION". When a girl's first period is approaching, it is generally preceded by a sensation of heaviness and languor ; headache, pains in the back, loins and thighs; enlarged, tender breasts; sometimes a constriction in the throat; a peculiarly dark tint of the complexion, especially under the eyes ; the perspiration has a faint, sickly odor, and the smell of the breath is peculiar. The appetite is likely to be capricious and the digestion somewhat impaired. For one, two &r three days these symptoms continue, but subside as the menses appear. The flow varies greatly in quantity and duration, with different individuals, continuing 306 BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. from three to seven days. The best way to judge if the amount be normal is by its effect on the health. What would be a healthful flow in a strong, vigorous girl, would be excessive in one more delicate. The color of the fluid should be a bright red, resembling blood from a cut finger; but it is not wholly blood, and ought not to clot as blood does. Often there is a lapse of two or three months between the first and second menstruations. This in itself is not alarming; it merely indi- cates that the system is not quite ready for the permanent establish- ment of the function. Careful observation of the rules of health will usually be followed by regularity, as soon as the system becomes more thoroughly adjusted to the change. HYGIENIC PRECAUTIONS. During the menstrual flow, there must be no cold baths, foot baths, or wetting the feet by wearing thin shoes, as any one of these errors is almost certain to stop the flow, and sudden suppression is always most injurious. It was a barbarous custom that long made it neces- sary for women and girls to visit cold, draughty outhouses in all kinds of weather to obey nature's calls. Many serious derangements of the sex have resulted. Remember that the system is more easily chilled at this time of the month than at any other, and when chilled, suppression results. Over-exertion has equally bad effects, leading to displacements. At other times than during the flow, warm foot baths and sitz baths are valuable aids to the system in early life as well as later. Let a girl take plenty of sleep, exercise in the open air, wear light, loose, com- fortable clothing, eat nourishing, but easily digested food, and keep the bowels free, and there will be every reason to expect a healthy es- tablishment of the menstrual function. Gymnastics, when not carried to the point of fatigue, will be of assistance ; and sea-bathing is excel- lent. It is sometimes found best at this time to take an especially delicate girl from school life for a year, or until there has been a chance BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTRUATION. 307 to effect a complete adjustment of nature's plans. Physical freedom and absence from mental anxiety will alone often remove unfavorable tendencies. But in general, with the average bright, healthy American girl of to-day, the studies can proceed as usual, if only the rules of hygiene are carefully observed. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER, both before and during the menstrual period. Not only should a girl drink whenever she is thirsty, but take a large glass of water before breakfast, and at frequent intervals whenever it occurs to her. The body requires much water, and in all cases of disordered or pain- ful menstruation it assists in restoring healthful conditions. WHAT IS MEANT BY "REGULARITY." This includes quality, quantity and time. When fully established, the flow should be of the same quality each time, neither too thick nor too thin, too pale nor too dark; the quantity should be neither ex- cessive nor deficient; and the periods should recur at regular inter- vals. Very much depends upon this regular, healthy action of the menstrual flow, and where any irregularity exists a few months before marriage it is always best to consult an experienced physician and have the condition corrected at that time. If this is not done, either barrenness, miscarriage or ill health in some form will be likely to ensue. CESSATION DURING PREGNANCY. Some assert that women have been known to menstruate during pregnancy. This, however, would appear to be impossible; for the moment conception has taken place the neck of the womb becomes plugged up with mucus, and is, in fact, hermetically sealed. There is sometimes a very slight red discharge, coming on at the time of the monthly periods, but this does not come from the cavity of the womb, but from small blood-vessels at its mouth, and is not like the menstrual fluid at all, but a few drops of real blood, resulting from the rupture 308 BECOMING A WOMAN; MENSTEUATION. of some of these small blood-vessels. It would be quite impossible during pregnancy for menstruation to occur. In rare instances, women have been known to menstruate during lactation— while nursing an infant; but this is exceptional, and the double drain would tend to unduly exhaust the life-forces, and de- teriorate the milk. It is well, therefore, when this occurs, to wean the infant as early as it can safely be done. Except during pregnancy and lactation, the menstrual function extends through the child-bearing period of a woman's life; usually from thirty to thirty-five years from the time it begins. When it fin- ally ceases, at the age of forty-three to forty-eight years, there is likely to be some disturbance of the system, as in establishing it. Care is necessary, it is true; and this subject of the "change of life" will be treated more fully by itself. But in cases where a woman has observed the laws of health from childhood, she has a much better prospect for safe and easy transition through life's rest period, to the later activ- ities which will be different from those of early life, indeed, but no less womanly and satisfying as her children and children's children grow up around her. CHAPTER XXI. THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. To the Pure, Sex-Love is Not Degrading — Progressing Beyond the Alphabet — Wise Con- nubial Sex-Relations a Refining, Uplifting Power — Excess Fatal to Love — Impaired Powers and Puny Children the Result — Examples of Animal Life— Not Only Desire, but Love is Required — In Moderation, Intercourse Gives Mutual Gain — Equalizes Male and Female Magnetism — Nature Gives Woman the Selection of Time — The Husband Must Continue to be the Lover — Motherhood a Sacred Shrine, Not to be Polluted — Tenderness of the Normal Man — Intercourse under Control of the Enlight* ened Will — Continence Means Brain-Power — Diet and Hygiene of Continence — Love the Preserver of Purity — A Message of Hope to the Struggler — You Are Not "Chained" — Womanhood Appeals to Your Higher Nature — The Divine Within You — Your Gift of Manhood — The Psalm of Grace and Power — Mind-Pictures of Success — The "Line of Least Resistance" — The King Crowning His Queen. SO CLOSELY related are the sexual and mental powers that it is not strange that perverted thoughts on this subject so invari- ably lead to disorder in the physical manifestations of the sex-life. The faculty of amativeness, or sex-love, has long been regarded by the majority as a low instinct, and so, indeed, it becomes, when separated in thought from the higher faculties. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." To all who hold the idea that sex-love is degrading, it actually becomes such; because their thought has created a barrier between it and the feelings and emotions which elevate. THE LIGHT DAWNING. Love's alphabet teaches the pleasure of harmonious sex relations, and that children often result from the mere physical union, with or without recognition of the higher powers. But mankind is progressing beyond the alphabet, and glimpses of the grand possibilities of sex on the mental, and still grander on the spiritual plane are seen. Yet the most of humanity is only spelling out a few words of this wonder- ful life-lesson. The time will come when it will be recognized in its 309 310 THE SEXUAL EMBEACE. fullness. It is only when lowered to a mere selfish gratification that sex-love loses its power to bless and elevate. A happy marriage —one in which sexual relations are held in accordance with love and reason —affords the best condition for the development of a high spiritual life. Even when both husband and wife begin on the physical plane, not realizing the height to which their union is to lead them, if they love truly and unselfishly, if intelligence forbids excess and the wife be not overtaxed beyond her natural desire, the union will prove a re- fining, uplifting power, and its higher phases will dawn on the con- sciousness of both until they have a new and luminous understanding. EXCESSES IN EAELY MARRIAGE. I have already cautioned my readers against too early marriage because of the suffering resulting to the wife in such cases from physi- cal immaturity. There is another reason which must not be over- looked. Ordinarily a youthful couple, finding pleasure in the marriage relation, will repeatedly indulge in the sexual act until nature rebels and they become obnoxious to each other. For this is the natural and inevitable result of sexual excess. "When love gives place to lust, it must die, for as Prof. Fowler shows, the two are directly opposed to each other. Nor is this all. Continuing in ignorant excesses, the moral, intel- ligent and physical powers become impaired; puny, sickly children are born to be a care to every one and themselves while life shall last ; and after the first fires of youth have been thus extinguished, and sensuality has cut off its own pleasures, all ambition to be or do any- thing above the commonplace will have died out, leaving a stolid half- existence instead of the rich, ever-increasing life of power, based on love and knowledge. No young people should ever marry until they are strong enough and mature enough to control their passions, making unselfish love instead of temporary selfish pleasure, the guide. The lower animals and savages could teach civilized humanity a valuable lesson. Except in rare instances where animals are domesti- THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. 311 cated, the female admits the male in sexual embrace only for procrea- tion. Among many savage tribes the same rule has few exceptions. Should civilized human beings hold, teach and practice that sexual intercourse shall occur in season and out of season, and then blame nature for the results? Eemember that intense sexual excitement par- alyzes the sexual organism. As Prof. Riddell says: " Where the well-being of offspring is involved, there should not only be a magnetic, ardent desire, but strong, pure, conjugal love. Love is the awakener of all the powers. Where at this event it is strong and ardent, it marshals all the other forces into action ; so that a child of love, other things being equal, is always superior to one begotten when the af- fections are passive. There should be pure thoughts, tender affection, mutual love and sacred associations, all producing perfect soul-sym- pathy, awakened forces and perfect union.' 9 ACT MUST BE MUTUAL. If the lives of married people were always lived from the stand- point of this true, warm, pure, conjugal love, there would be self-con- trol, but not indifference. The demand of the man would be no more frequent than that of the woman; and let it be emphasized that the husband cannot sustain this relation satisfactorily and without injury to himself unless there is reciprocation on the part of the wife. Under the law of moderation there is no loss to either party, but a mutual gain; a compensation. Coition is a love act. It should never occur except where there can be this mutual participation on the part of both man and woman; and should be governed and guarded so as to control the creative power. By this act, the emblem of love, there is a mutual exchange of sub- tle elements which add to the health and vigor, more firmly cementing the union. Ever keeping the higher, the spiritual side of love uppermost in the thoughts will render the sexual embrace less frequent, but far more satisfying when it does occur ; children will come only when wel~ 312 THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. corned and desired; and the act under such circumstances will make both stronger instead of weaker. HOW FREQUENT SHOULD IT BE? "Intercourse, as to time and frequency/ ' says a well-known writer, "can be governed by no certain law. Yet experience has proved that it is far more satisfactory to have at least an interval of two to four weeks; and many find that even three or four months afford greater impetus to power and growth, as well as greater personal satisfaction ; in the interval, the thousand and one lover-like attentions give re- ciprocal delight, and are an anticipating prophecy of the ultimate union. ' ' It is of the utmost importance that both should be in a condition of high physical vigor. The sexual act should never be indulged in at a time when either participant is tired or debilitated. Children con- ceived at such a time would be lacking in vitality; and the coition would also add to the exhausted conditions. At the close of the menstrual period is the time, physically speak- ing, when coition is usually most agreeable to women ; but unless chil~- dren are desired, it is better to choose a time twelve or fourteen days later. After fourteen days from the close of the period there is usually little chance of conception, until the near approach of the next period. In any case woman must choose the time. "A genuine man," says Prof. Fowler, "never obtrudes, but instinctively waits till invited, or at least assured that he is more than welcome. Universal normal manhood is called upon to attest the truth that obtrusion, in married life, destroys much of the pleasure of love. Right intercourse only equalizes, instead of consuming, male and female magnetism, and thereby strengthens and benefits both, without exhausting or injuring either." He also calls attention to the fact that nature accords to all female birds, beasts, reptiles and insects, the right of full control over their sexual organs; that in no single instance except among human beings, does the male ever obtrude upon the unwilling female. If he THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. 313 sometimes makes advances first, it is by way of promoting desire in her; but they are at once withdrawn when not cordially accepted. Nature's law, therefore, is clearly for woman to determine the time. Inasmuch as desire is often lacking in woman and sexual congress must not take place when the desire for it is not mutual, how, then, it may be asked, may a right and healthy desire be promoted? By constant lover-like attentions on the part of the husband. Re- member that the key to woman's nature is in her affections, and that a woman's love is more mental and spiritual than physical. Let a hus- band ever remain the ardent lover of the courtship days, and his own efforts to exalt love to the highest plane will be rewarded by its physi- cal expression on the part of the wife. He will also be immeasurably benefited even aside from this ; for, as Ella Wheeler Wilcox says, "The highest plane of happiness is the result of self-conquest and the attain- ment of serenity— not the indulgence of the emotions, appetites and desires." CONTINENCE DUBING GESTATION. It seems incredible that any should need to be told nature's plain law that during pregnancy women should be exempt from the sexual relation ; yet many do practice coition at that time, and by so doing, im- plant in the coming life the seeds of sensuality, besides greatly increas- ing the suffering of the mother before and during the child's birth. The practice cannot be too strongly condemned. All the life-forces should be conserved and guarded at such a time ; and as Mrs. Chandler expresses it, "Undisturbed maternity, which was essential to the usher- ing in of the Prince of Peace, is equally in all cases a vital and indis- putable necessity for the improvement of humanity. Motherhood should be a shrine unpolluted by selfishness." Men naturally reverence the maternal in woman, and when they once understand that continence is necessary at such a time, to serve the best interests of motherhood and posterity, they will gladly prac- tice it. Dr. Alice B. Stockham relates the following, showing the ten- derness of a normal, pure-minded, high-souled man: 314 THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. "A principal of a high school in Iowa was a married man many- years before he knew that the sexual relation was ever sustained dur- ing pregnancy. When he learned it, he asserted that his whole soul was filled with shame and disgust that his sex had no better knowledge of their protective duties relating to maternity.' ' WHEN INFLAMMATION EXISTS. In all cases of sexual disease, also, especially in inflammation of the womb, there should be a total abstinence from sexual relations. As many husbands do not understand the necessity for this, it is often difficult to accomplish. But the fact is that anything which tends to attract the blood to the womb will increase the inflammation; hence all sexual intercourse and everything which would suggest it to the mind, or in any way excite the passions, should be strictly avoided. Travel, or anything which pleasantly diverts the mind from the dis- eased condition is of the greatest benefit. At the "change of life," also,— the period when the entire system is in a disturbed condition- it will be seen that continence is an important aid to its readjustment. THE LAW OF CONTINENCE. In youth or age, in health or disease, we thus see that the law of continence has both its warnings and its rich rewards. The highest physical, mental and moral vigor is attained and the grandest ideals of creation met, when sexual intercourse is so completely under the control of the enlightened will as never to be indulged in except for the the express purpose of calling into life a new being, and then at suf- ficient intervals and under the most favorable conditions. CONTINENCE ITSELF CREATIVE. Remember that the reabsorption and diffusion of the seminal fluid throughout the system is just as truly a part of the generative func- tion as is the begetting of physical offspring. It is creation on the mental and spiritual plane instead of the physical; for as surely as this vivifying life-current pervades the blood it is taken up by the brain and " coined' ' into new thoughts, perhaps new inventions— grand THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. 317 conceptions of the true, the beautiful, the useful,— or into fresh emo- tions of joy and impulses of kindness and blessings to all around. Men who have achieved great results in the field of science, invention, philosophy, religion and philanthropy have been those who led con- tinent lives. HOW TO ATTAIN TO THE HIGHEST. Perfect obedience to this greatest of all laws of the sex-nature is attainable by everyone, through intelligent endeavor. A few rules may help to direct the earnest seeker after the riches of the continent life. First, adopt a plain, unstimulating diet; avoid coffee, intoxicating drinks, highly seasoned dishes, oysters and eggs, and all animal food; and omit the evening meal. This is most important of all. Follow the ordinary hygienic rules as to dress, bathing, fresh air and exercise; sleep in separate beds, and rise early. Make the life a temperate one in all respects. We have seen that purity is the best preservative of love ; but the converse is also true. Love is the best preservative of purity. The continent life (by which I mean abstinence at unfavorable times, and moderation at all times) can be best attained under the influence of a strong, pure affection and its continual expression on the mental and spiritual plane. Go back to the days of courtship, and enjoy its pure delights now as you did then. The new regimen must be mental quite as much as physical; for the action of the mind controls the body. And right here is where many of you are likely to make a mistake. Do not concentrate your thoughts upon any struggle, or the difficulty you may experience in attaining. Read the following extract from a letter written by A. R. Heath, the President of the Prentice Mulford Club of Chicago, to one of the club's non-resident members, which was afterwards gratefully acknowledged to be the means of helping the member to the pure, free life he desired: "You speak of a sexual habit which you have. Now I do not wish to minimize the seriousness of that habit. But I do wish you to form 18 V. 318 THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. the clear and strong expectation of— not 'overcoming' it, but— leav- ing it behind. I do not wish you to form any mental conception that you are chained to a habit, and that it will take most gigantic effort to overcome it. I do not wish you to be living in the mental atmo- sphere of a terrible struggle, with the outcome in doubt. I do not wish you to concentrate on the 'struggle' at all. I intend you shall forget that. "Nor do I wish you to agonize in spirit over a yielding by you to the habit while you are following my instructions. If that occurs, it does not by any means call upon you to despair. Of course, if you aban- don yourself utterly to it, I can do little for you, for the basis of my help is for you to make up your mind definitely that you wish and intend to be free. But if that wish and intention is your prevailing habit of thought, I do not wish you to think of despairing if you are occasionally overtaken by a wave of the passion that has so long dominated you. Just be sorry, regret it, and be very sure that it is possible for you to grow out of it, and then proceed to jump right up, just as if you had not slipped, and keep right on in the better way. "Having said this much, I will now tell you to keep your mind full of sweet, pure thoughts. Think of womankind as the sweet counsellor, the sympathizing friend, the voice appealing to your higher nature. Never allow yourself to come into the presence of any other kind. But I think that for the present you will do well to think of sexual ideas as little as possible. There is a beautiful motto about 'conquer- ing by displacing.' Take care of your thoughts. By this I again say that I do not mean that you are to have a spirit of ' panic ' for fear that you will not be able to control yourself. But in the slang of the day, I advise you to 'forget it.' How? By thinking beautiful thoughts of what is really possible for you. You have the Divine within you. This body is the ' Holy Temple of God. ' Your mind is God in action. You can think God-thoughts. You can do God-deeds. Bead books that will tell you how to develop the God within you, and to make your manhood a sweet, pure, noble power in society. You are made for beautiful THE SEXUAL EMBRACE. 319 things. Your gift of manhood is to make yon a greater soul and a stronger, broader thinking power than yon have ever conceived. ' i If yon have a special taste for anything, so that when you see it, your soul is uplifted, and a psalm of grace and power seems to be sing- ing itself into your inner being, rest assured that that very thing, what- ever it may be, is the thing through which you are to develop a richer, fuller manhood, and attain to a high efficiency. Think earnestly upon that thing. Concentrate upon it. Believe in yourself. Form pictures in mind of yourself in the enjoyment of success in this lofty vocation, whatever it may be. Those pictures have their attractive power and will hasten your success. To think thus is a strictly scientific process which tends directly to breadth and growth. These are among the most powerful thoughts that we can have. Indulge in them. Not to become an idler, but to glorify your work, however humble, by visions of a beautiful success in life for you." Thus concentrating the mind upon some noble career, in accord with the individual tastes and therefore in the "line of least resistance, ' ' with the added sweetness of doing it all for the sake of the loved one, lightens the task unspeakably, and the victor comes forth a king among men, able to crown his queen with the greatest gift of a woman's life — that of a pure, ideal maternity. CHAPTER XXII. THE GIFT OF MOTHEEHOOD; CONCEPTION. Starting Points of Life — Meeting with God to Form a Human Soul — Lifelong Impres- sions from One Moment — The Father's Influence First — His Life-Germs are Living Beings — Their Extreme Activity — "A Serpent Bit an Egg" — Fish and Oysters Arti- ficially Multiplied — Double Impregnation — The Favorable Period — High Vigor Re- quired for Child's Sake — Spring the Time for New Life — The "Second Honeymoon" — Training to Prepare for the Best Offspring — The Food, the Breathing, the Baths and the Dress — Two Children Contrasted — Pre-ETatal Training Saves Much Time and Labor — A Splendidly Endowed Child — What to Cultivate; What to Restrain — You Can Counteract Heredity — A Stronger Force — The Supreme Moment — Pray as Never Before — God's Image to be Produced. THEEE are three moments of vital import to every human life; each in one sense a beginning. First of all is the initial moment of its very existence, when the creative forces of fatherhood and motherhood unite to form a new being. Second, birth ; when the child, parting from the shielding maternal nest, draws for the first time the breath of individual life. Third, regeneration, when the soul, quickened by a realization of its relation to an All-Loving, All-Wise and All-Powerful Source, takes up reverently the welcome task of developing those spiritual powers within, which are divine, but which have been hitherto lying dormant. Perhaps— nay, surely— death is a fourth beginning; but we are now concerned chiefly with the other three, which are to a greater or less extent under the conscious control of those on this side of death's portals. Well is it for the precious coming life if it be invited, and lovingly, wisely planned for in advance by those who have themselves reached the third of life's beginnings! It is a great responsibility to call into being an immortal life. How sacred should be this hour to the pros- 320 THE GIFT OF MOTHEEHOOD. 321 pective parents ! What a sense of reverence, of lofty, tender purpose and pure joy should animate them as they thus meet with God to give form to a human soul ! POWER OF IMPRESSIONS AT CONCEPTION. It is now an unquestioned fact that initial impressions, those stamped upon the nature of the child at the moment of conception, are sufficient to influence in a marked degree its physical, mental, moral and social traits. Knowing this truth, it will be seen what a power is given to parents, and with what care it should be used. Fowler tells of one child conceived after the parents had just spent an especially pleasant day and evening with friends. The child grew up to be a charming young woman, with unusual social gifts. She made friends easily and was a favorite everywhere. A boy who was conceived just after his parents had attended a course of lectures that were a great intellectual treat to them, was quite superior to his brothers intellectually. Another, conceived after the parents had attended and greatly enjoyed a concert, showed marked musical abilities not possessed by either parent, though both were fond of music. AS PARENTS, SO CHILDREN. Better known, and no less wonderful than the power of these im- pressions is the fact that the entire body, mind and soul of the parents are represented in the tiny sperm and germ cells; and as are the parents, so will be these life-messengers. The sperm cell, propelled by the semen on its journey towards the ripened ovum, therefore car- ries with it all the developed and undeveloped traits, peculiarities and characteristics of the father, as well as those suggested by the activ- ities of his mind most prominent at the time of the creative act. FATHERS NO LESS RESPONSIBLE THAN MOTHERS. This fact makes it clear that even before the mother's pre-natal in- fluence, comes the father's. Both parents are equally responsible for the right or wrong tendencies transmitted; and heredity thus becomes 322 THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. a powerful influence, excelled only by the wonderful secret enabling all to control and overcome it— a knowledge which is growing more and more luminous, and is to be one of the brightest lights of the twentieth century. Let us, then, take up in turn, the most significant questions con- nected with the moment of conception. What do we find, all things considered, to be the most favorable time and conditions for thus ushering a new being into existence? What specific preparation is necessary? and when should it begin ? If heredity is such a power, how can the transmission of undesirable traits in either parent be avoided? I will give to these questions an honest, conscien- tious answer, and then I shall expect the seekers after truth not only to accept it from me, but to seek rever- ently and earnestly for its further manifestations in their own experience. Truth is limitless and must be lived to be best understood. New light will certainly dawn, and each seeker will learn as the light is fol- lowed. Some of the less earnest ones, alas ! will learn through not following it, but it is a sad wisdom that comes through such experience— and comes too late! We must begin by a brief review of the process and the laws of conception. THE SPERMATOZOA. You will remember that in the chapter on "Life Centers," considering the physical beginnings of a human life, I spoke of the curious, exceedingly minute living beings consisting of oval-shaped bodies with long tails. These are the sperm cells, or spermatozoa; the life-germs of the male. They swim in the seminal fluid, a substance somewhat like the white of am egg. In full health and vigor these spermatozoa are both numerous and active ; in sickness or great debil- SPERMATOZOA (enlarged). The Life-germ supplied by the male. THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. 323 ity they are few and weak, and in certain states of the system they disappear, and the power of reproduction no longer exists. LIBERATION OF THE SPERMATOZOA. The primitive germ-cell in the testicles bursts, and sets the smaller cells free; and these, in turn, liquefy and set free the now perfected spermatozoa; the fluid containing them passes on, as described in the chapter on the " Reproductive Organs," and finally reaches the semi- nal vesicles, which act as a reservoir. It is here that the cells become vivified, beginning to rush madly about in all directions, lashing their tails as though endowed with conscious life. If now expelled by the action of the dartos muscle, the first sperm-cell brought in contact with a ripened ovum of the female, will unite with it to produce a new being. You will remember the wave-like motion of the cilia in the uterus and Fallopian tubes. The motion of the spermatozoa is supposed to be caused by a similar law, and they retain their power of motion for hours, sometimes for days, after being evicted. Hundreds of spermatozoa are contained in a single drop of semen; and when deposited in the After being quickened by vicinity of an ovum, they are attracted by it, seminal liquid, surround it, and the one nearest to the germinal spot of the ovum strikes it with open mouth, as though seeking food. Thus the two germs are merged into one and the new life begun. "A serpent bit an egg and the first man was born," says an old legend. We can easily see how the story may have been founded on this most curious physi- ological fact; the spermatozoa resembling a serpent, and the ovum being an egg. ARTIFICIAL IMPREGNATION. The power of motion, and the unerring attraction of the male ele- ment to the female, can be traced throughout all nature. In fish, for instance, which do not copulate, the spermatozoa swim about in the THE SPERMATOZOA. 324 THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. water until they come in contact with the eggs laid by the female. The ripe eggs or hard roe may be taken from the body of a female fish and the testicles or soft roe from the male, and by mingling them together they become fertilized. Ponds and rivers may thus be stocked with fish, and a similar means of artificial impregnation has proved successful with oysters. In mammals, including human beings, the seminal fluid containing the spermatozoa is thrown through the pe- nis, into the vagina of the female, and from there is conducted by the contractions into the uterus and up the Fallopian tubes toward the ovaries, to meet the ripened ovum. As these spermatozoa dart hith- er and thither in great numbers and with in- tense activity, some one of them is likely, if the time be favorable and there be no serious malformation, to reach the destined point, and impregnation results. But sometimes this fails to occur; when the womb is too low, for instance, as in the com- mon ailment of falling of the womb, the semen freighted with its nu- merous life-germs may proceed past instead of into the mouth of the womb, be lodged in some fold of the vagina and thus escape impreg- nation, HOW TWINS ARE PRODUCED. The spermatozoa are continually being formed by millions, while the ova are produced at the rate of only one or two as a rule, each month at the menstrual period. Usually one egg is discharged each month, the ovaries acting alternately; but sometimes both ovaries dis- OVUM. Blighted, about seven or eight weeks old. Too much gelatine formed in the funis, or umbilical cord. The chorion, sur- rounded by filament- ous vessels. THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. 325 charge their contents at once, or a follicle may contain two eggs. In either case, both eggs may be impregnated, and the result would be twins. As we have seen, the human egg is not unlike that of fowls except in its minute size. In the case of fowls, there must be contained within the shell of the egg all the matter of which the perfect bird is to be formed ; but in the human being, the embryo is nourished by the blood of the mother, while in the uterus. It does not need at the outset, therefore, the proportionate bulk of the fowl's ^j> egg, which receives no such additional nourish- j^^^^^ b ment. THE TIME CHOSEN. Since impregnation can only take place at some time when there is a ripened ovum set free, but still remaining in the generative regions, which process takes place in all healthy females at the time of the menstrual period, it follows Vessels mor6 numer . that the spermatozoa, if introduced either too °™ er at olnt^Tormm^a early or too late for the presence of the ovum. basis for the placenta. ** t At b the chorion is will not become thus united ; and as a rule, con- denuded of the shaggy ception ban only result, therefore, from the sexual congress within eight, or at most, twelve days of the menstrual period. The spermatozoa may meet the ovum when first liberated and drawn into the Fallopian tube; or the ovum may possibly find the spermatozoa awaiting its' arrival in the uterus ; or the connection may take place at the very close of the ovum's stay in the uterus. It follows, then, that if all conditions are normal, the sexual act, to result in conception at all, should occur within three days before the beginning, or within ten days after the close, of the menstrual period. For some reasons, the latter would seem preferable; and strict con- tinence for at least a month before would well repay both participants. To best endow the child, conception should be when the sex- vigor is at its height ; this usually being with women at the close of the menstrual 326 THE GIFT OF MOTHEEHOOD. flow, and with both men and women, at the close of at least a month of entire abstinence from the sexual relation. For it is an ascertained fact that even healthy parents can transmit their health, intellect and morals only according to the amount of sexual vigor that they possess at the moment of the creative act. PHYSICAL PREPARATION. It is important that physical vigor, also, be at high tide. Never should the new life be initiated at a time when either parent is tired, exhausted or in any way indisposed. Better by far would it be to take rips a month's vacation, and give the time wholly to bringing the health up to its highest possible condition. NATURE'S FAVORITE BIRTH-SEASON. It is noticeable that Nature usually seems to prefer the spring- time for the bringing forth of new life in both the plant and animal worlds. While man has more lati- tude in this respect than the lower animals, still it would seem not unwise to heed the hint that Na- ture gives. In climates where ex- tremes of temperature are common, a child born in the spring has many advantages over one born in summer or winter; the time for weaning is more favorable than with one born in the fall; and the mother recovers more rapidly as the early summer breezes coax her fre- uently into the open air. Summer, then, would be an especially favorable time of year for conception; and if the wedding was in June, what better plan could there be for the anniversary than to prepare (after a year's continent ov moderate love-expression) for the actual initiation of the little com- OVUM. Fig. 3. Progress of forming the placenta. Em- bryo seen at c, eight weeks old. The pel- lucid membranes a have increased in ex- tent. THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. 327 ing life by first taking a restful, invigorating trip during which the " honeymoon' ' can be renewed and the health of both parents brought up to its full standard? This plan would serve a double purpose, in- vigorating not only the health but the love-faculties. As shown in the preceding chapter, a child conceived when the affections are active, pure and intense is immeasurably superior to one begotten when the love-powers of either parent are passive. As for the time of day, that time is best which has been preceded by a good night's sleep. One author says that the bodily and mental functions are most active near noon, and recommends that hour for the procreative embrace. Early morning, however, if the health be normal, and the sleep restful, would also seem a good time to insure perfect physical freshness, sexual vigor and intellectual clearness. Previous to the time chosen, there should always be thorough self- examination by both parents to discover in what traits they are lack- ing, and in what ones over-strong; they should study their ancestry, not with a thought of fear, but of hope, to see what slumbering talents and virtues may be now re-awakened ; should study their likeness and unlikeness to each other, and decide what qualities they desire to have strongest in their offspring— and then train for it. Wonderful results are thus achieved. The more thorough the preparation by both parents the better. It is a labor of love that brings rich rewards. PHYSICAL TRAINING. The blood is the life. To make sure that its quality is the best, and thus worthy of transmission, two things are necessary; wholesome, well-digested food, and plenty of oxygen. Develop strong digestive powers by eating nourishing, rather than stimulating food. As Prof. Riddell says, hygienic cooking for two generations would substantially improve the race. Eat slowly ; take plenty of time, and let the thoughts and conversation at table be always on cheering topics. Drink little or nothing at meals, but eat plenty of fruit. Never worry or fret while eating ; never overload the stomach, and do not expect to cure dyspep- 328 THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. SYSTEMATIC CIECULATION. Heavy lines indicate the arteries. The right upper figure shows in detail the heart and its blood ves- sels, heavy lines indicating arteries all through. The right lower figure shows the connection of the circulation of heart, lungs and abdomen. THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. 329 sia or kidney trouble while using tobacco. Alcohol should never enter the stomach; and pastry, confectionery, condiments, pork and fried meats are also to be avoided. Breathe plenty of fresh air; do not have rooms overheated; give great attention to ventilation; and it is well for both parents to make a practice of regular deep breathing in the open air at stated periods at least twice daily. In the chapter on "A Breath of Air," you will re- call, are instructions for deep breathing. Exercise the whole body, especially any weak or undeveloped por- tions, but avoid overwork. A man of sedentary occupation— a writer —was deficient in physical strength at the time his first child was con- ceived. The child had a fine brain but low vitality. The father then look ap systematic physical culture, and the next son had a fine physi- que and as good a brain as his brother. Bathing should include the daily morning sponge-bath and the warm tub-bath twice a week. The dress should be rational; corsets should be abandoned by the prospective mother long before conception, and the weight of the clothing hung entirely from the shoulders. Never resort to opiates ; instead, cure nervousness or wakefulness by a proper diet, abundant fresh air, the warm bath and physical culture. Seven or eight hours of sound, refreshing sleep every night, with open windows, should be the rule. Be continent; for this strengthens the sex powers, increases the love-faculty and promotes harmony; and it gives a pure inheritance. Sir Isaac Newton was conceived after two years of continence. He had a splendid inheritance. MENTAL AND MORAL PREPARATION. If possible, the specific training should begin at least a year before conception and continue until birth. It is a great saving of time, for two years of systematic study and training by the prospective parents will actually go farther than ten years of the most careful and pains- taking instruction of the child after birth. It will count for more, in the long run, in the child's education. 330 THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. A girl of ten, in Michigan, was observed to be unusually well- formed, pretty, highly magnetic, pleasing in manner and intellectual, easily excelling her schoolmates of the same age. Inquiry revealed the fact that the little life had been carefully planned for ; that the parents, neither of whom was remarkable, had followed sedentary occupations, but had taken physical training for a year before the child's concep- tion, and had lived hygienically ; that the mother had given much at- tention to elocution and art, the father being an artist. The child ex- celled in all studies, but particularly in art ; and was highly dramatic, graceful, self-possessed and lady-like; an exceptionally, but intention- ally, well-born child. Cultivate self-respect, dignity, and some worthy ambition. If a specific mental or moral power is very strong or very weak in both parents, that strength or that weakness is likely to be greatly exagger- ated in the child. Suppose, for instance, that both parents are firm and positive ; not to the extent of a serious fault, in themselves, yet if this quality is kept active, the child will have a double supply and be wilful and stubborn. It is better, therefore, for such parents to culti- vate a more yielding spirit. The child may then have less obstinacy than either but still retain a desirable degree of pertinacity. The same rule applies with all other mental and moral traits. In this training, some qualities will need to be earnestly cultivated, oth- ers will require restraining, all with a view to establishing a well-bal- anced, strong, harmonious nature. "When both parents are extremely active and energetic, the chil- dren tend to be bundles of transmitted nervous activity, to go pell-mell into everything and wear out before they are thirty; or else they are sadly deficient in energy, seemingly "born tired," which results from the parents' completely exhausting their energy and having none left to transmit. The training in such a case would lie in the direction of moderation, both parents learning the art of resting, and of working more slowly. On the other hand, when both parents are sluggishly inclined, they THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. 331 should train physically, by diet and exercise, to get rid of fat; should work hard several hours each day; and strive to feel vigorous and active, cultivating the will. In this way they can transmit a fine de- gree of physical courage, energy and aggressiveness not naturally possessed by themselves. Mechanical ingenuity may be transmitted by devoting a little time each day to the use of tools, machinery, or some study which, like architecture, or dressmaking, requires close observation, a knowledge of proportions, and care in putting together. Memory can be strengthened and transmitted by concentration. Get a clear, vivid mental picture of what is to be remembered; and repeat it over and over again to yourself. Try to memorize bits of poetry, philosophy or historical facts, giving a half hour or more every day to the practice. Any study or art in which it is desired that the child shall excel, should have this special, systematic attention by both parents, whether their own talents lie in those directions or not. It will be found that persistent mental force, thus directed, is a stronger power than heredity. One prospective mother, herself de- ficient in musical ability, determined that her child should be better endowed in this respect. She took music lessons during the latter months of pregnancy, and the result was that the child learned music easily. Had she known, she could, with her husband's help, have still further increased the child's talent by giving it special attention before and at conception. The moral faculties, justice, truth, honesty, temperance, cheerful- ness, generosity, kindness, should be cultivated and strengthened in precisely the same way— by systematic thought and practice, avoiding every approach to their opposites. Reverence for things sacred, for old age, for superiors, and the power of seeing good in all things, is a heritage greatly to be desired. It can be given, in every instance, by these methods. Whatever is lacking in yourself which you would see in your child, practice assiduously; and the longer before conception this is begun, the better. 332 THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD. Finally, as the moment arrives to bestow the gift of life, the pros- pective parents should enter the silence and hold communion with the living God, until they have subordinated the carnal self and exalted the spiritual. If they have never prayed before, they should now ; not in fear, but in reverence and awe. If ever two souls needed the bap- tism of the Holy Spirit, it is in the performance of this sacred func- tion. If they would create a child in God's image, His spirit must ani- mate their natures at this time when they unite to give form to a soul. CHAPTER XXIII. LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING. Joy of Parenthood — Perversion of the Function — Unwelcome Children — Consider This Seriously — Over-Population Feared — Records of Norway and Switzerland — Limitation a Duty — One Preventive Check — Nursing No Preventive — Abortion is Criminal — Malformation Alone Justifies It — Limitation is Not Infanticide — Limitation Destroys No Life — Mechanical Appliances Dangerous — Prof. Fowler's Objections — The Discov- ery of Limitation by Control — Objections Answered — Another Method — Love's Highest Plane — Striking Quotations — The Woman Who Cursed God — The Coming "Diamond Age." NO JOY on earth can equal that of parenthood. It is the greatest of blessings. But blessings, perverted, change to curses. While prudence suggests that the number of children born to any married couple be limited in accord with the ability to care for them, it is yet few, comparatively speaking, who will listen to the voice of prudence in this respect. Unfortunately for the race, irresponsible sexual in- tercourse is so largely the rule among the married, that unwelcome, sickly and viciously inclined children are thrust into the world with no chance to make their own lives such as will be worth living. A SERIOUS PROBLEM. For the sake of society as it is and as it should be ; for the sake of those wives whose husbands have not learned self-control, and those children who are robbed of their just heritage by this ignorant, im- moral practice of calling them into life when life has nothing to offer them, I advocate a brave and serious consideration of this problem. There is a tendency in all animated existence to increase faster than the means of subsistence. In plant-life, the soil, moisture, sunlight, may all be favorable, but if seeds are allowed to multiply until the plants become overcrowded, the result will be weak, dwarfed, sickly 19 v. 335 336 LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING. plants. It is the same with human plants. As advancing civilization gradually subdues the three great life-destroyers— war, famine and pestilence— the problem of increasing population will stand out with even more clearness than it has done in the past. LIFE PROLONGED BY SELF-CONTROL. "So far as is known,' ' says Anna Besant in her "Law of Popula- tion, " * ' the countries which have practiced a great degree of voluntary prudence for the longest time are Norway and Switzerland. In both countries the increase of population is very slow, and what checks it is not multitude of deaths but fewness of births. Both the births and deaths are remarkably few in proportion to population; the average duration of life is longest in Europe, undoubtedly due to the fact that the population contains fewer children, and consequently a greater proportion of persons in the vigor of life than is found in any other part of the world. "The fewness of births tends directly to prolong life by keeping the people in comfortable circumstances. " HOW NUMBER MAY BE LIMITED. Montague Cookson says and urges that the number of children born after marriage should be limited and that ' ' such limitation is as much the duty of married persons as the observance of chastity is the duty of those who are unmarried." He goes on to recommend, as a pre- ventive check, the observance of certain natural, physiological laws such as I have mentioned elsewhere. "The family may be limited," he says, "by obedience to natural laws which all may discover and verify if they will. A woman is more apt to conceive soon after men- struation than at any other time; so much is this fact recognized by the medical profession that in cases of sterility a husband is often recommended only to visit his wife immediately after the cessation of the monthly flow; since women conceive more easily at this period, the avoidance of sexual intercourse during the few days before and after menstruation has been recommended as a preventive check." LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING. 337 Dr. Tyler Smith writes: "In the middle of the interval between the periods there is little chance of impregnation taking place.' ' The same kind of knowledge is of use, by the way of cantion, to women who menstruate during lactation, in whom there is a great aptitude to conceive; pregnancy, under such circumstances, would be injurious to the health of the foetus, the child at the breast, and the mother herself, and should therefore be avoided. Only six or seven per cent of conceptions take place during this interval between the menses. Women are far less likely to conceive midway between the menstrual periods than either before or after them. NURSING NO CHECK TO CONCEPTION". There is a preventive check attempted by many poor women which is most detrimental to health, and should therefore never be employed ; namely: The too long persistence in nursing one baby, in the hope of thereby preventing the conception of another. Nursing does not prevent conception. For a mother to nurse during pregnancy is highly improper; it not only injures her own health, and may bring on a miscarriage, but it is also prejudicial to her babe, and may produce a delicacy of constitution in both from which they may never recover. ABORTION. Another class of checks is distinctly criminal; the procuring of abortion. Various drugs are taken by women with this intent, and too often their use results in death, or in dangerous sickness. Yet there are cases in which, because of some malformation, the child cannot be born alive, when physicians are compelled to induce premature delivery to save the life of the mother. Dr. Fleetwood Churchill gives various methods of inducing labor prematurely, and argues, justly, that where the delivery of a living child at the full time is impossible, it is better to bring on labor than to be compelled to perform later either crani- otomy or the Caesarian section, But he goes further: "There are cases where the distortion (of the pelvis) is so great as to render the passage 338 LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING. of a seven months' child impossible, and others still worse, where no reduction of a viable child's bulk will enable it to pass. I do not see why abortion should not be induced at an early period in such cases." And Dr. Churchill quotes Mr. Ingleby as saying: "Premature labor may, with great propriety be proposed on pregnancy recurring, as- suming the delivery of a living child at term to have already proved impracticable." But if the delivery of a living child has proved to be impossible, surely the prevention of conception is far better than the procuring of abortion. The destruction of the foetus is the de- struction of life ; and it is immoral, where a woman cannot bear a living child, that she should conceive at all. I cannot agree with those who consider it wrong lO limit the birth- rate, even by continence and self-control. Let the distinction between right and wrong in this matter of limitation be clearly made. "An extraordinary confusion exists in some minds," says Mrs. Besant, "be- tween preventive checks and infanticide. People speak as though pre- vention were the same as destruction. But no life is destroyed by the prevention of conception, any more than by abstention from marriage. * * * Life is not made until the male and female elements are united; and if this is prevented, either by absention from intercourse among the unmarried, or by preventive intercourse among the mar- ried, life is not destroyed, because the life is not yet in existence." * * * "To limit the family is no more a violation of nature's laws than to preserve the sick by medical skill ; the restriction of the birth- rate does not violate nature's laws more than does the restriction of the death-rate." FOREIGN SUBSTANCES INJURIOUS. The use of certain mechanical appliances, common among dissolute classes, does not and cannot protect them from the ill effects of their debauchery. Inflammations and venereal diseases, the most loathsome and frightfully painful known, are certain to overtake them if they persist in such practices, either with or without the mechanical checks LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING. 339 to conception. The insertion of pessaries or their equivalents, recom- mended by some as preventive checks, is not to be advised. Prof. 0. S. Fowler speaks emphatically on this point. He says : "Pessaries neces- sarily injure. Foreign substances must needs inflame, and create ulcers/ ' PREVENTIVE INTERCOURSE THROUGH CONTROL, There is, however, a method of prevention depending on the com- plete control of both husband and wife throughout the entire relation, so that unless procreation is desired the final orgasm is entirely avoided. In a pamphlet giving the history of the discovery, the author explains how he was brought to the experiment. Said he : " The discovery was occasioned and even forced upon me by very sorrowful experience. In the course of six years my wife went through the agony of five births ; four of them premature ; only one child lived. This experience is what directed my studies and kept me studying. After our last disappoint- ment I pledged my word to my wife that I would never again expose her to such fruitless suffering. I made up my mind to live apart from her rather than break this promise. I conceived the idea that the sex- ual organs have a social function which is distinct from the propagative function, and that these functions may be separated practically. I experimented on this idea, and found that the self-control which it re- quires is not difficult; that my enjoyment was increased; that my wife's experience was very satisfactory, as it had never been before; that we had escaped the horrors and fear of involuntary propagation. This was a great deliverance. It made a happy household. I communi- cated my discovery to a friend. His experience and that of his house- hold were the same. In normal condition, men are entirely competent to choose in sexual intercourse whether they will stop at any point in the voluntary stages of it, and so make it an act of communion, or go through to the involuntary stage, and make it an act of propaga- tion." Noting the objections urged against this method of connubial em- brace, the author continues: "The wholesale and ever-ready objec- 340 LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING. tion to this method is that it is unnatural, and unauthorized by the example of other animals. I may answer, in a wholesale way, that cooking, wearing clothes, living in houses, and almost everything else done by civilized man is unnatural in the same sense. * * * But I will come closer to this objection. The real meaning of it is, that male continence, as taught by us, is a difficult and injurious interrup- tion of a natural act. * * * If it is noble and beautiful for the betrothed lover tG respect the law of marriage in the midst of the glories of courtship, it may be even more noble and beautiful for the wedded lover to respect the unwritten laws of health and propagation in the midst of the ecstasies of sexual union. The same moral culture that ennobles the antecedents and approaches of marriage will some- time surely glorify the consummation. ' ' ANOTHER METHOD. Here is a practical suggestion by Dr. T. R. Allison, which, if heeded, would surely result in fewer and superior children, and greatly im- proved health of the parents as well. He says: "From a health point of view, it is better to occupy separate beds. Women are affectionate, and when they nestle close to a man, they excite sexual desire on the part of the man. Married couples will do well to sleep in separate beds. By this means, intercourse occurs less often, and health is pre- served; for opportunity is the cause of much useless and injurious intercourse. ' ' CREATIONS HIGHEST LAW. Best of all is the cultivation of that high altitude of thought and life which lifts love above the physical plane, and counts it no privation to refrain altogether from the sexual act save at the times most favor- able for the welfare of parents and child alike. Sexual intercourse should be only for the purpose of procreation. Invite children only when welcome. Obedience to this, creation's highest law, would solve the whole painful problem of limitation ; besides immeasurably in- creasing the health of both parents. This ideal condition is becoming LIMITATION OF OFFSPEING. 341 real in instance after instance, as the light dawns on growing souls. It is to be the condition of the future. Meanwhile, in humanity's im- perfect development, there are so many authorities agreed on the importance in many instances of making the sexual act fruitless, that I give quotations from several of them : Sismondi, who was among the most benevolent of his time, and the happiness of whose married life was celebrated, says: "When dan- gerous prejudices have not become accredited, when our true duties toward those to whom we give life are not obscured in the name of a sacred authority, no married man will have more children than he can afford to bring up properly.' ' Dr. Elliot says: "There are times and conditions when the birth of children is a wrong to the community. It is wrong, either know- ingly or ignorantly, to bring into the world through no fault of its own, a being impure, unhealthy and incomplete, only to suffer and die, or to live a life of misery and imperfection, and perpetuate the curse in succeeding generations. ' ' Dr. Nichols says: "The world is full of miserable wretches, the results of sexual commerce forced upon a loathing wife by a drunken husband. ' ' Prof. H. Newell Martin says: "Many a wife who might have led a long and happy life is made an invalid, or brought to premature death or insanity, through being kept in a chronic state of pregnancy." Eichard Carlile says: "It is not wise, not parental, not kind, to breed children to such disasters (disease, pestilence, fa mi ne). It is better that they should not be born than be cut off prematurely by dis- ease, or struggle through a life of disease, poverty and misery— a life of pain to themselves, and both a pain and burden to their parents.'' "The world is groaning," says another, under the curse of chance parenthood. It is due to posterity that procreation be brought under the control of reason and conscience." Dr. Dressier gives a forceful illustration, one woman's confession to another, revealing the agonizing state of mind she was in: "There 342 LIMITATION OF OFFSPEING. was the eternal round of hard duties ; no rest for body or mind. There was the unending sickness that precedes childbirth, and the heavy dragging at back and brain. Life was nothing but the acute conscious- ness of imposition and cruel wrong. I turned away from prayer, with a mental curse upon God for making men the lustful creatures they are, and creating women as the tortured receptacles of their lusts/ ' "This is an instance desperate in the extreme/ ' comments Dr. Dress- ier, "but motherhood does become a curse and terror to nearly all women who are deprived of the control of the maternal function, when it should be the choicest of blessings. Nothing will so surely destroy the mother instinct as the enforced intimacy of marriage, from which escape seems impossible. Not until enforced motherhood ceases to be, not until such children are conceived as are desired by both parents, will abortion cease. These are two evils which destroy the finer instincts of women in the havoc caused by loss of health and hope, through the slavish drudgery to maternal requirements. ' ' Oh, for the coming of the "diamond age" of the world's history, when such abnormal horrors shall cease to exist ! The curse shall yet give way to the blessing, and motherhood be the great privilege, the sacredly guarded trust, that it was divinely meant to be. Thank God that in many, very many instances it is so even now! This, and this alone, is normal maternity. CHAPTER XXIV. THE MOTHEB-ABTIST. (PRE-NATAL CULTURE.) An Endless, Widening Stream — The Ennobling Art — A Co-Laborer with the Divine — Intelligent Breeding of Animals — Shall Humanity be Left Behind? — Tenfold Harder by Deferring — Joyous Greeting for the Little One — "I Never Dreamed How Happy You Were!" — "Lovin' 'em Right Along from the Beginning" — No Limit to the Mother's Power — Hygiene and Beauty the Earliest — Surroundings of Greek Mothers — The Reason for the Italian Madonna-Type — Two Sisters Contrasted — You Can Counteract a Repulsive Sight — Implanting the Mental and Moral — Acquisition — Honesty — Sociability and Good Cheer — Literature — Your Child a Leader — Build Up the Soul! — The Father a Sympathetic Helper — Four Sons; All Planned For — Life a Wonderland of Treasures. IF THE fairy godmother of some olden tale were to appear to-day and offer you the proverbial granting of three wishes for your child, would it not seem like a wonderful treasure indeed— this power bestowed upon you? Yet a power even more marvelous is actually in the keeping of every mother. It is a power beginning to be recognized, yet even now immeasurable, and, like that of electricity, is as yet im- perfectly studied and exercised. When it is more widely understood, we shall have a race of beings as far surpassing the present-day hu- manity as these surpass the semi-barbarous nations of the world's cruder ages. THE INCOMPETENT MOTHER. "Ignorant and undeveloped motherhood, ' ' says a writer, "has been a terrible curse to mankind. An incompetent artist is simply a pathetic failure. A superficial woman lawyer simply goes clientless. A trivial woman doctor may get a chance to kill one or two patients, but her ca- reer of harm will be brief. A shallow or lazy woman journalist will be crowded out and back by the bright and industrious fellows who are her competitors. But a superficial, shallow, incompetent or trivial mother has left a heritage to the world which can and does poison the 343 344 THE MOTHER-ARTIST. stream of life as it flows on and on in an endless widening of incompe- tence, or pain, or disease, or insanity, or crime.' ' A MOTHER'S INFLUENCE. Napoleon uttered a great truth when he said, "The future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother.' ' It is a work which must be begun before the child is born ; and what art so ennobling, so far-reaching in its results, as the perfect molding of a human life in all that beautifies and uplifts. Truly the mother-artist is a co-laborer with the Divine. An artist, to be successful, must have a continual mental picture of the perfected work— must think of it by day, dream of it by night, and always delight in it as a vision of beauty. So with the mother; for there is no limit to the perfection that is attainable through intel- ligent transmission. The stream of improvement, once started, will not stop with our children, but go on and on for centuries. As a writer has said, "We can provide two hundred years in advance for the wel- fare of our progeny. By preparing wisely and conscientiously for the happy birth of our children, we implant a tendency in them to like wisdom and consecration. By continuing this for six generations, they will be vastly superior to us. Analogies exist in all our fine plants and animals which originally came from wild and crude stock. Their perfection is the result of intelligent breeding and cultivation. It is only in ourselves that we neglect this forethought and care. We have not yet reached, and never will reach the limit of perfection in im- proving the human species." In illustration, the facts are cited that our race-horses are becoming faster and finer every year ; that in England, stock-breeders study with the most painstaking care how to improve animals by judicious mating and breeding ; that Japanese jugglers and acrobats are the finest in the world simply because they are trained to be acrobats for generations back. No less is it possible to control the tide of human destiny in our THE MOTHER-AKTIST. 345 own land, in our own homes, by coming into conscious harmony with the Creator's plan and giving to our children exactly such physical, mental and moral qualities as we wish them to possess in order to add honor and delight to the world they are to inhabit. What sacrifices would a true mother not make to give to her dearly- loved invalid child the single blessing of health? or to the fretful one, happiness? or to the mentally deficient one, a new brightness of intellect? But she often makes the task needlessly hard by deferring it. The time to bestow all priceless gifts on the little one is before its advent into the visible world. How is this to be done? First of all, by A LOVING WELCOME. First of all requisites is joy at this great privilege. Lucinda Chandler says: "The most precious blessing of a human life is a welcome into existence through the baptism of love. That children are coming into the struggle of mortal experience the victims of parental ignorance, weakness and unwillingness, is the saddest of all human shortcomings. ' ' Yes, give the little ones a loving, joyous welcome from the very first. In one of Saxe Holmes' stories telling of life in a town where the old heedlessness and ignorance prevailed, we have a beautiful picture of the power of loving thoughts on the coming life, and of how such thoughts illumined other lives as well: "In the early days of the second winter came the Angel of the Annunciation, bearing a white lily to Draxy. Her joy and gratitude were unspeakable, and the exquisite purity and elevation of her nature shone out transcendent in the new experience. " 'Now I begin to feel surer that God really trusts me,' she said, * since He is going to let me have a child of my own.' '0, my dear friends!' she exclaimed more than once to others, 'I never dreamed how happy you were. I thought I knew, but I did not.' " Draxy 's spontaneous and unreserved joy of motherhood, while 346 THE MOTHER-AETIST. yet her babe was unborn, was a novel and startling thing to the women among whom she lived. The false notions on this point, grown ont of ignorant and base thoughts, are too wide-spread, too firm-rooted, to be overthrown in an hour or a day, even by the presence of angelic truth incarnate. Some of Draxy's best friends were annoyed and disquieted by her frankness and unreserve of delight. But as the weeks went on, the true instinct of complete motherhood thrilled for the first time in many a mother's heart, under Draxy's glowing words, and women talked tearfully one with another, in secret, with lowered voices, about the new revelation which had come to them through her. " 'I've come to see it all quite different, since I've talked with Mis' Kinney,' said one young married woman, holding her baby close to her breast, and looking down with remorseful tenderness on its placid little face. 'I shan't never feel that I've quite made it up to Benjy, never, for the thoughts I had about him before he was born. I don't see why nobody ever told us before, that we was just as much mothers to 'em from the very first as we ever could be'; and tears dropped on Benjy 's face; 'an' I jest hope the Lord '11 send me's many more's we can manage to feed 'n clothe, 'n I'll see if lovin' 'em right along from the beginning, with all my heart, '11 make 'em beautiful an' happy an' strong an' well, 's Mis' Kinney says. I b'lieve it's much's ef 'twas in the Bible, after all she told me, and read me out of a Physiology, an' it stands to natur', which 's more'n the old way of talkin' did.' "This new strong current of the divinest of truths, stirred the very veins of the village. Mothers were more loving and fathers more tender, and maidens sweeter and graver— all for the coming of this one little babe into the bosom of full and inspired motherhood." The result, a child whose every physical, mental and moral trait was a continual delight to all who knew him, merely illustrates a truth greater than any fiction. There is no limit to a mother's power to influence the destiny and character of her child if she will begin in time. THE MOTHER-ARTIST. 347 In the embryo the physical takes form first, then the brain areas that control mentality. Hence the first influences upon the coming child are chiefly physical. In the early months of pregnancy, a mother should pay special attention to hygiene, and to beautiful surround- ings. Not that the physical and mental activities of the mother can or should ever be wholly separated. That were a task at once im- practicable and undesirable. But in early pregnancy let the attention dwell strongly on everything which tends to suggest perfect physical health and beauty, because the prospective mother is now to enter upon a sweet and delightful work of molding the body, mind and soul of the darling one who is now all hers. Greek mothers, before the birth of their children, lived in rooms which were made beautiful in every manner the Grecian artistic taste could suggest. Beautiful statues were placed in the mother's room that her eyes might rest on them and her mind follow in the direction of her eyes. From her surroundings she was expected to assimilate ideas of strength and loveliness which would be transmitted to her children. Her physical and mental condition were regulated as wisely as 'possible. Her dwelling-place was illustrative of the ideas it was desired the child should have. Italian beauties, it has long been observed, conform to one type: that of Raphael's masterpiece, the Madonna. Copies of this painting are found on the walls of almost every Italian home, and are regarded with great affection and reverence by the people; which fact easily accounts for the many reproductions of these features in living works of art— the children— found even in the humblest homes of the peasants. Two sisters in our own country presented a great contrast; one. born on a Western ranch, was strong, practical, matter-of-fact, un- couth, with no artistic or decorative ability. The other, born twenty years later in a comfortable home surrounded by beautiful grounds, and furnished with many works of art, is herself an artist, refined, poetic, graceful. 348 THE MOTHER-AKTIST. Prospective mothers, therefore, should carefully select their com- pany, their hooks, their thoughts and their ideals. All repulsive, hideous sights must be carefully avoided; they may result in mental impressions which deform the child. I do not need to emphasize a fact already so well known; and though I mention it to warn the careless, do not let it make you nervous and fearful. There is a stronger power than even these impressions, and that is THE POWER OF A TRAINED WILL. The expectant mother should know at the outset that by the right exercise of thought and will, she can control and counteract the results of undesirable sights and impressions. If she has been unexpectedly confronted by the sight of severed fingers, she can counteract the shock by the instant strong thought of a perfect hand. The mental and moral attributes should have attention during the whole period of pregnancy, but especially from the fourth month on. The acquiring impulse should be carefully directed. It may be cultivated by the practice of economy, by saving for some special purpose, or by entering into some actual business enterprise for a time. The thought of honesty must be kept strongly uppermost in it all; for what seems like a trifling advantage taken or deception prac- ticed at such a time has been quite enough to make the child a thief. The social nature must not be neglected. Too much retirement on the part of the mother often leads to an inborn tendency of the child to shrink from society, to manifest a cold, shy, super-sensitive nature from which he or she may suffer during the whole life. It is a great misfortune to have this tendency, and a naturally retiring prospective mother may well make some sacrifices of her own feelings and attend social gatherings occasionally in the later months of pregnancy; for then is the very time it will help the child most. TALENTS MUST BE EXERCISED. At this time, too, the reading and study should receive most careful attention. Eemember that the mother's superior culture in music, art, THE MOTHER-ARTIST. 349 or any study, must be exercised during gestation, if it is to have any effect on the child. The mother's mind and talents should be kept especially and regularly active during the later months. THE KIND OF READING. Avoid trashy literature as you would avoid poison! "If the pub- lished accounts of fiendish crimes cause these crimes to become epi- demic among hundreds/ ' says Prof. Riddell, "how much more among the embryonic lives in the formative period! The reading should be the very best literature, varied, to cover art, science, commerce, law, government, philanthropy and religion. Try to impress the thoughts on the mind of the child, just as if reading to a friend. Have reading that creates an intense interest." "Highways of Literature, ' ' a little book by David Pryde, published by the Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York, will help greatly to a keen enjoyment and intelligent understanding of the best literature. It explains just how to acquire this taste and appreciation, and opens before the reader new avenues of delight. YOUR DARLING A LEADER. The reasoning and thinking faculties, judgment and originality may be greatly strengthened, in the little coming life, if the mother will make it a point to do her own thinking; to inquire into the causes of things, learn the facts, and then form an independent judgment concerning them. The reason we have so few leaders and so many who are led, incapable of deciding questions for themselves, is that mothers so often allow their own powers of judgment to lie dormant at this critical time. BRINGING GOOD CHEER. Mirthfulness, a sense of humor, or the power of seeing the sunny side of every subject, is an essential trait, and should be especially cultivated both because of its value to the child throughout life, and 350 THE MOTHER- AKTIST. because the average prospective mother is inclined at times to be gloomy and depressed in spirits. She should remember that her con- dition is normal, that there is everything to hope for and rejoice in; and she should surround herself with jolly, happy, fun-loving people whose high spirits willl)e irresistible; she should never lose an oppor- tunity to laugh ; and if she will remember to make smiles the rule, she will be rewarded by seeing them reflected in a darling, dimple-cheeked child of joy. Surely it is worth the endeavor! SOUL-POWER! Make the religious life natural to a child. Some children have to be driven to church and Sunday School, others cannot be kept away. The difference is very largely in the pre-natal molding power of the mother's thought. The moral and religious nature of the unborn child, so plastic now, can be given any direction desired. Many are the striking illustrations of this truth; in the Bible, in history, in the church. Preachers of great devotion almost invariably are observed to strongly resemble their mothers. Martin Luther was one striking instance; Prof. George D. Herron says, "I may have been converted before I was born"; and Dr. Drummond expresses the opinion, "The Christian, like the poet, is born, not made. ' ' In observing what Chris- tian Endeavorers call the " quiet hour" daily, during this time, a mother can wield a power for her child's happiness that will be of untold good for ages to come. She should enter the silence, alone with an infinitely loving God; she should become restful, passive, as in the exercise for relaxation given in the chapter on "A Breath of Air"; then with long, deep, easy breaths, she should mentally picture the Holy Spirit as filling her being and that of the child with all pure, loving, holy purposes. But remember, no self-reproaches; no agoniz- ing petitions for what is already hers; no anxiety nor feeling of unworthiness. Just a restful, happy expectation. It will repay her a thousand-fold. She will not be disappointed! God listens to all such! THE MOTHER-AETIST. 353 THE FATHER'S CONTINUAL HELP. Read once more the chapter on "The Gift of Motherhood,' ' for the same rules there given for pre-natal culture by both parents, apply also to the mother during gestation. The father can encourage and help her greatly even now; he can give her his sympathetic, thought- ful care and co-operation, and as far as possible provide the facilities for her best accomplishment of the task before her; but the work itself is now hers. When the parents have decided upon the occupa- tion they would like for the child, the mother may, by her thoughts, aided by the father, create exactly the atmosphere necessary to the realization of their plan. Whether a poet, artist, teacher, lawyer, merchant, doctor, mechanic, engineer, farmer, preacher,— whatever it may be, it is only necessary that the mother dwell as constantly as she can on the subject in view, meanwhile being surrounded by those things which keep her comfortable, serene and happy. ONE MOTHER'S EXPERIENCE. A mother relates her experience in character-molding, in the lan- guage ensuing : ' ' About a month before the birth of my first, thinking it about time for me to learn something about confinement, because unwilling to trust all the doctors, I got various books to mothers. I found not only what I wanted touching confinement, but also how I could shape the original character by self-culture before birth. Sorry I had not known this earlier, I determined to 'put my house in order' for next time, and see what I could do to improve subsequent ones. I had always wanted an eloquent son, and when I found myself likely to bear my second, gave myself up wholly to hearing orators, reading poetry and classical works, and listening to every good speaker in the pulpit and lecture room, at the bar and in the legislature, on the bench and political rostrum; which accounts for the speaking instincts of my second son. "While carrying my third, desiring a painter and artist, I visited, with a trained artist, the art studios of New York, Boston, Phila- 20 v. 354 THE MOTHER-ABTIST. delphia and other places, giving myself up wholly to the study and admiration of the fine arts; which accounts for the third son's artistic tastes and talents. While my fourth was coming forward, we were building our new country home. My husband was obliged to leave before it was completed. I had to be head mechanic, contrive this, that, and other mechanical matters, pay the men, look after the farm, econ- omize material and labor; see that farmers and workmen did not impose on us. Consequently this son has extraordinary ability as a business man." WHATEVER YOU WILL! A mother can thus give to her unborn child whatever she will. Can anything tempt one who realizes this truth to be indifferent to the limitless power bestowed upon her? And let it be remembered that in so occupying her thoughts as to transmit the desired gifts, her own mind is cheered and lifted far above any physical discomforts or tendency to worry and unhappiness. Life becomes a wonderland of treasures to be explored, to be freely taken and freely transmitted; and as the mental pictures of the mother-artist glow at last in living colors before her delighted gaze she will thank God she had the courage and devotion to accept the charge and complete her task aright. CHAPTER XXV. SIGNS AND PBOGRESS OF PREGNANCY. "Rational" Signs — Rapid Pulse — "Morning Sickness" — Changes in the Breasts — "Quick- ening" — Globules in the Urine — "Sensible" Signs — Pulsation of the Foetal Heart — Growth of the Embryo — Villi — How Placenta Acts as Lungs and Digestive Organs — The Umbilical Cord — Various Interesting Stages of Growth — The Last Two Months — The Mother's Time to Perfect the Child — Valuable Table of Dates of Confinement — Conception While Nursing — Miscarriage — Promptness Can Avert It — Miscarriage More Painful Than Natural Delivery — Requires Same Care as After Confinement — Guarding Against Tendency to Miscarry — Treatment After Once Miscarrying — Four Theories of Determining Sex — No Satisfactory or Final Test — The "Mental Domi- nance" Idea. THE determination of pregnancy at the earliest possible period forms one of the most frequent, difficult and important prob- lems in the practice of medicine. The physician will often be called upon to decide this question. For some to become pregnant is the realization of the highest ambition, while for others it is a dread. Signs of pregnancy are divided into two classes, "rational," and "sensible." The earliest ones observed are called "rational," and those appearing subsequently are termed "sensible," or "positive." GENERAL EFFECTS. The "rational" signs are derived from the circumstantial history of the woman. Among these may be classed the general effects ob- served in the female economy, such as a more rapid pulse and respi- ration; greater activity of the circulation of the blood; greater sensibility of the nervous system ; suspension of the menses or monthly flow, especially if she has been very regular before; and "morning sickness," which arises from sympathy of the solar plexus with the organic nervous system of the uterus. This morbid condition may not appear until the fifth or sixth week after conception, and cease at the third month. 355 356 SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. Some are so unfortunate as to be troubled with nausea through the entire period of nine months, unless alleviated with proper treat- ment. Most frequently, however, there is more trouble some mornings than others, and this sign usually disap- pears after two or three months. (See "Diseases of Pregnancy/') There are other derangements of the digestive or- gans, such as eructations, heart-burn, VESICLE IN OVUM. Loosely suspended floating vesicle c" in ovum of five or six weeks. longing for some particular article of food or drink, also aversions to some par- ticular kind of food. The abdomen, by its changes in size and form, furnishes one proof as the pregnancy advances. The umbilicus affords some in- dications of value. During the first two months the depression of the umbilicus is greater than usual owing to the descent of the uterus into the pelvis, and to its dragging down the fundus of the bladder. ££*3?«Sto>> CHANGES IN THE BREASTS. About the end of the second month, the breasts become enlarged, and a change is perceptible about the nipple. It swells, becomes sensi- tive and projecting, its color is also deeper; and by the end of the fourth month a dark brown areola is seen to surround the nipple in every direction, for a distance of three- quarters of an inch from its base. In brunettes the color of the areola is deeper than in blondes. As pregnancy advances, especially if it be a first pregnancy, the areola themselves become moist, and little follicles studding their surface become prominent, distended and bedewed with transuded fluid. These follicles, or little glandules which appear near the base of vesicle in ovum. xi • t -n • ,-. t ,. . -. Vesicle at a in ovum of seven tne nipple withm the areola, attain an el- weekt. SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. 357 evation of one or two lines above the surface of the skin. Each little gland has an excretory duct, and by pressing upon its base a little serous fluid is made to escape. Sometimes these glandules become very sore, when an application of Calendula will effect a speedy cure. These appearances of the mammary organs, occurring in regular order, when taken in connection with other "rational" signs, afford almost conclusive evidence of the existence of pregnancy. QUICKENING, where it can be distinctly recognized, becomes of course a conclusive evidence of pregnancy; but it can not be thus positively determined except in those whose previous experience leads them to interpret aright the sensa- tions which com- pose it. The term ' ' quickening, ' ' as originally applied, was the period at which the foetus in utero first became possessed of its living principle, or was united to its physical soul, which was believed to be the cause of the changes and the unusual sensations experienced by the mother at that time. But let it be understood that from the moment of conception the embryo is a "living soul." By "quickening," therefore, we merely understand those sensa- tions which indicate the escape of the uterus from the pelvic region into the abdominal cavity. It is not the result, alone, as formerly supposed, of movements of the foetus itself, but of the intrusion of the uterus among the other organs of the abdomen, and of the removal of the pressure hitherto exerted by the uterus upon the large blood DECIDUOUS MEMBEANE. Smooth^ glossy face next the ovum. DECIDUOUS MEMBRANE. Flocculent surface in con tact with uterus. 358 SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. vessels in the pelvis. The sudden intrusion of the volume of the uterus among the abdominal viscera (organs of high sensibility), accompanied by a sudden removal of pressure from the iliac vessels, is equal to the production of the sensation called "quickening." Quickening occurs in various periods in pregnancy in various women. It may occur as early as the tenth week, or it may not be observed till the six- ^wlte^ teenth week, the eight- */* & — - -Thm\ f _. 0£ ^ eenth, or the twentieth week. THE "RIE3TEINE." Changes in the urine are among the "ra- tional' ' signs of preg- nancy, and much val- uable labor has been spent in attempting to render the alterations of the urine useful as a rational sign of pregnancy. These changes consist briefly in the formation of a gelatino - albuminous Double membrane shown m uterus with ovum of seven weeks old. These two membranes separate at the placenta, product in the urine of and enclose it. pregnant females sub- sequent to the first month of gestation, which is separated from th^ other elements of that fluid by standing, to which is given the name of "Riesteine." This consists of certain globules held in suspension in the urine when secreted, which rise to the surface and there form a pellicle which resembles the thin scum of fatty substance covering soup as it cools. When thick, this pellicle is said to give off a strong cheesy odor e This pellicle makes its appearance on the second or third day's DECIDUOUS MEMBRANE. SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. 359 standing, though it is sometimes not observed until the urine has stood eight days. The experiments of Dr. Rane and others prove that the Reisteine is not peculiar to pregnancy alone, but that it has special relation to lactation, either prospective or actually present; since it makes its appearance either where the milk is imperfectly withdrawn from the breasts, or in those cases in which, as in preg- nancy, nature is preparing for the further function of lactation. THE FOETAL HEART-BEAT, ETC. " Sensible " signs of preg- nancy are observed through the medium of touch and hearing. By the touch we examine the condition and position of the uterus and its relations to the adjacent parts, externally through the vagina, and if necessary through the rectum. By auscultation we ascertain the probable existence of preg- nancy from hearing at a little later period, the pulsations of the foetal heart. The term " touch' ' signifies the means whereby knowledge is Obtained of the condition of the woman. THE PLACENTA. Foetal face, next the embryo. This surface has a glistening appearance, with numerous dark ridges or vessels, the largest being veins, and the color of* the blood shining through. HOW THE EMBEYO IS NOURISHED. While passing through the Fallopian tube the ovum increases in size from one one hundred and twenty-fifth of an inch to one-fiftieth or one twenty-fifth of an inch by a process of yolk nutrition. As soon as the spermatozoa penetrate the outer membrane of the egg, the yolk contracts, leaving a space filled with a transparent fluid. In 360 SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. contracting, the yolk begins a rotary movement and gradually breaks up into fine granular masses, which about six days after conception become united again by their adjacent edges, forming a continuous deposit of albumen called the chorion. This, on its outer surface, has a number of hollow, hair-like tubes called villi, projecting in all direc- tions and attaching themselves to the walls of the uterus. Through these hair-like tubes nour- ishment is drawn from the mucous membrane lining of the uterus, for the embryo in the first stages of its existence. It is transmitted from the tubes of the cho- rion to the embryo by an organ called the allantois; an organ which in time de- velops into the umbilical cord. The lining membrane of the uterus undergoes cer- tain changes after concep- tion, to prepare it for this Maternal face, in apposition to the uterus. This surface has a fleshy appearance, divided into nourishment of the embryo. irregularly shaped lobes. „. , „ . The placenta purines the blood of the foetus, and Glands Or iollicles m the also conveys nourishment to the foetus. t . membrane pour out a secre- tion that fills the cavity of the uterus; and in this secretion the embryo is embedded, deriving nutrition as described. In time, as the embryo grows, the villi diminish and finally disap- pear, except at the junction of the allantois with the chorion. Here they rapidly enlarge, and by the end of the second month form the placenta, the allantois becoming the umbilical cord. During the remainder of the intra-uterine life of the foetus, the placenta, by aid of the umbilical cord, performs the same work as do THE PLACENTA. SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. 361 the lungs and digestive organs* after birth. It absorbs nourishment, replenishes the blood, and discharges waste matter. In form it is a nearly circular, soft, spongy mass, from six to eight inches in diameter, and one inch or more in thickness at the center, weighing about one pound, and having two flattened surfaces. One side adheres closely to some portion of the in- ner surface of the womb, having little absorbent ves- sels which extract oxygen and nutriment from the circulation of the mother. On the other side, towards the foetus, the vessels unite at the center in two arteries and one vein, which with their covering form the umbilical cord. Here, the vein carries the pure blood, and the arter- ies the impure. THE GROWTH OF THE EMBRYO is very rapid. By the four- teenth day it is large enough to be visible to the naked eye as a curved or oblong body. At the twen- ty-first day it resembles a lettuce-seed, and the rudiments of heart, brain and spinal column can be discerned. On the thirtieth day the embryo is the size of a horsefly, and re- sembles a worm bent together. When straightened it is nearly a half BATTLEDORE PLACENTA. (The navel string entering at or near the edge, in- stead of at the center.) This shape calls for special care in its removal at delivery. 362 SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. inch in length. No limbs have yet appeared, and the head is larger than the rest of the body. About the fifth week the head is greatly increased in size in proportion to the remainder of the body, and rudimentary eyes appear in the^form of two black spots turned towards the sides. The heart also acquires its external form at this time. In the seventh week, the embryo is about three-fourths of an inch in length. Rudimentary ribs appear, as narrow streaks on each side of the spinal column. The brain is enlarging, the eyes and ears de- veloping, the heart is perfecting in form, and the limbs are sprouting from the body. The ggfe^ lungs are tiny sacs, |§|sllk about one line in -.y%, length, the trachea f is a delicate thread, : ; 11 but the liver is very \'<^0jj large ; the renal cap- |||f sules and kidneys are formed ; and the sex organs are be- ing evolved. In the eightK twin placentas. week, the embryo is Separate placenta and separate funis or navel string for an inch long, Weighs each child in plural gestation. ., - .. , a drachm, and be- gins to show the division of fingers and toes; and growth continues. At two months, the eyes enlarge but are not covered with lids ; the nose is prominent but shapeless, with only the nostrils distinct; the external ear is formed; the mouth enlarges and is open; the brain is soft and pulpy, the neck well-defined and the heart fully developed. The embryo is nearly two inches long, weighs from three to five drachms, and the head forms more than one-third of the whole. By the end of three months, the eyelids are distinct, covering the eyes; the lips are drawn together; the forehead and nose clearly SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. 363 shaped, the fingers and toes well defined, and the organs of sex very prominent. The heart beats forcibly, the larger vessels convey red blood, and the muscles begin to be developed. The embryo is now four or five inches long and weighs two to four ounces. The fourth month, and thereafter until birth, the embryo bears the name of foetus. It has now greatly expanded in all its parts. The muscles produce sensible motion, the skin has a rosy color ; the abdominal mus- cles are formed, and the intestines are no longer vis- ible. The foetus is from six to eight inches long, weighs from sev- en to eight ounces, and if born at this time, might live several hours. The fifth month, the lungs are more fully de- veloped, the skin and nails are being perfected, and the growth goes steadily on. Length, eight or ten inches; weight, ten to fourteen ounces. At six months, fine downy hair appears upon the head, eyebrows and eyelids; fat begins to be deposited; the length is nine to twelve inches, and the weight one pound. At seven months, the bony system is near completion ; all parts of OVUM OF FIVE MONTHS AGE. Showing the membranes enveloping the foetus. 364 SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. the body have increased in volume and perfection ; the length is twelve to fourteen inches; weight, two and a half to three ponnds. This is believed to be the earliest period at which the child will live, if expelled from the womb. From this time on, the mother may do a great deal to assist nature UTERUS AT FIFTH MONTH. Back face of womb and anterior face of vagina at beginning of fifth montH. in the finishing touches of perfection. It is the completion of the most marvelous work known; and though the changes of the final two months are less marked than the previous ones, every part becomes more beautifully perfect, and fitted to bring joy to those who are to welcome the new being. SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. 365 At eight months the growth is rather in thickness than in length. The foetus is only sixteen to eighteen inches long, yet weighs four or five pounds. The skin becomes very red, downy and covered with sebaceous matter. The lower jaw, at first very short, now becomes as long as the upper one. Finally, at full term, the red blood circulates freely in the capil- laries, the nails are fully developed, and the skin performs its function of perspiration. The length is from nineteen to twenty-three inches, and weight from six to nine pounds. The healthy infant, born at full term, is firm and plump ; the skin is very pink, having been nourished by the purest oxygenated blood of the mother. NORMAL POSITION OF THE FOETUS. It lies curved within the bag of membranes, immersed in the liquid secreted in the inner one. The head is bent forward, the chin resting on the breast; the feet are bent upward in front of the legs; the legs flexed at the thighs ; the knees are apart, but heels close together ; the arms folded across the chest. In this position, the child forms an oval about eleven inches in diameter. HOW TO RECKON THE TIME. The period of gestation is usually two hundred and eighty days- forty weeks— ten lunar, or nine calendar months. As a woman is more likely to conceive a few days after menstruation ceases than at any other time, it is well to make the estimate beginning three days after the last day of the menstrual flow. The importance of making a note of the last day of the period, each month, thus becomes evident. It may save much inconvenience and uncertainty. The following is the plan I would recommend: Let forty weeks and three days from the time above specified be marked on a calendar, and the calculation will seldom be found far out of the way. Suppose, for instance, the last day of the menses was February 26th, the patient may expect confinement on or about December 6th. Every lady can make her own estimate by this rule ; yet as a convenience, I will include 366 SIGNS AND PEOGRESS OF PREGNANCY. a table arranged on the above basis, showing the probable beginning, duration and completion of pregnancy, indicating the date on or about which confinement is likely to occur: A PBEGNANCY TABLE. Last Day Labor Last Day Labor of the Period on or about of the Period on or about Jan. 1 to 10 Oct. 11 to 20 July 1 to 10 Apr. 10 to 19 11 to 21 21 to 31 11 to 21 20 to 30 22 to 31 Nov. 1 to 10 22 to 31 May 1 to 10 Feb. 1 to 10 11 to 20 Aug. 1 to 10 11 to 20 11 to 20 21 to 30 11 to 21 21 to 31 21 to 28 Dec. 1 to 8 22 to 31 June 1 to 10 Meh. 1 to 12 9 to 20 Sept. 1 to 10 11 to 20 13 to 23 21 to 31 11 to 20 21 to 30 24 to 31 Apr. 1 to 10 11 to 20 Jan. 1 9 19 to to to 8 18 28 Oct. 21 to 30 1 to 10 July 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 23 29 to 31 11 to 21 21 to 31 24 to 30 Feb. 1 to 7 22 to 31 Aug. 1 to 10 May 1 to 10 8 to 17 Nov. 1 to 10 11 to 20 11 to 21 18 to 28 11 to 21 21 to 31 22 to 31 Mch. 1 to 10 22 to 30 Sept. 1 to 9 June 1 to 10 11 to 20 Dec. 1 to 10 10 to 19 11 to 21 21 to 31 11 to 21 20 to 30 22 to 30 Apr. 1 to 9 22 to 31 Oct. 1 to 10 It will be seen that if the last day of the period was January 1, labor should be expected on or about October 11. Hence it is easily seen that if the last day of the period was January 4, it would carry the labor to October 14. Another illustration: as May 1 (period) will indicate February 8 for labor, then 5 days later, May 6, will call for 5 days later for labor, or February 13. By advancing as many days in one column as-you advance in the other, the required date for labor can be readily found for every day in the year. This pregnancy table may, as a rule, be safely relied upon. Many of my patients have for years, on these estimates, been confined on the very day specified. But there are exceptional cases where a woman is at her full time as early as the thirty-seventh week; while others, although very rarely, have been known to go until the forty-fifth week. Hence there must be some uncertainty in such cases. It is utterly impossible to fix upon the exact day, and we must be content with the nearest practicable approach to it. SIGNS AND PEOGRESS OF PEEGNANCY. 367 A woman may sometimes become pregnant while nursing; and not having her menstrual periods at such a time, does not know how to count. In that case she should reckon from the time of quickening as a starting point, counting ahead one hundred and fifty-six days. As quickening varies in time, however, in different individuals, it must AN OVUM OF FIVE MONTHS WITHIN THE UTERUS; PORTIONS OF DECIDUOUS MEMBRANE ARE ATTACHED TO THE CHORION. be borne in mind that an estimate on this basis can never be regarded #s so reliable as that based on the menstrual periods. Occasionally, too, a wrong estimate may result from a slight dis- charge occurring early in pregnancy, which is mistaken for menstrua- tion. Such a discharge ought not to be reckoned in the count ; the esti- mate should be made, instead, from the last normal period. 368 SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY. MISCARRIAGE. The premature expulsion of the contents of the impregnated womb, is always a disaster, and the results are usually more trying to the system than a natural delivery. If extreme care is not taken to insure perfect recovery, serious and lasting womb disease is the result. Among the most common general causes of miscarriage are, deficient vitality of the expectant moth- er; sexual indulgence during gestation; and any severe shock, ex- posure or great fa- tigue. When a wo- man's system has not sufficient strength to nourish the embryo, and her generative or- gans are not healthful enough to shield and protect it, the life- germ is often lost through sheer inabil- ity to retain and de- velop it. Or when the sexual indulgence has been excessive, the germs in both male and fe- male become themselves so deteriorated as to lack vitality enough to live and grow. As it is claimed that eight out of every ten wives miscarry at some time or other, and as it can generally be avoided, it will be seen that the pregnant woman should guard against a first miscarriage, for the first one renders others more probable. NATURAL POSITION OF THE FOETUS WITHIN THE UTERUS, WHEN READY FOR LABOR. SIGNS AND PEOGEESS OF PREGNANCY. 371 Unusual exertion, over-fatigue, violent emotion, any severe shock to the nervous system such as a fall, a jar, or having a tooth extracted ; exposure to extremes of weather, great worry or privation, prolonged constipation or diarrhea, or an acute attack of fever, are all causes that may produce separation of the embryo from its surroundings and its consequent death and expulsion. Women who become pregnant while nursing are apt to miscarry, their systems not being equal to the double strain. The most usual time for miscarriage to occur, is from the eighth to the twelfth week; though it may occur at other times. A miscar- riage before the fourth month is attended with little danger at the time, but if neglected, may permanently injure the health. SYMPTOMS OF MISCARRIAGE. The first indications are usually a feeling of great lassitude and depression of spirits, with backache and uneasiness about the loins, hips and thighs, the feeling being similar to that of painful menstrua- tion. At this stage, if proper measures are taken, the threatened mis- carriage can almost to a certainty be averted. If neglected, however, after a day or two there will be a slight show of blood. This soon increases to flooding, and becomes clotted. Even at this stage the miscarriage can sometimes, though not always, be warded off. When allowed to proceed, the final symptoms are labor pains ; and the patient is now sure to miscarry. A miscarriage is always attended by flooding and by pain. It some- times lasts but five or six days ; at other times continues two, and even three weeks. The pain is more severe and exhausting than in natural delivery. TREATMENT. At the first symptoms, the patient should immediately confine her- self to the bed, and keep perfectly quiet. A hair mattress is safer than a feather bed, which enervates and predisposes to miscarriage; an AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. General Instructions — Overalls for Children — The Sand-Heap — Lunch Between Meals- Fruit and Jam — Vegetables — Milk the Stand-by — Ailments — Cankered Sore Mouth — Cholera Infantum — Whooping Cough — Convulsions, Fits or Spasms — Croup — Diphtheria — Scarlet Fever — Mumps — Earache — Ear-Discharges — Colic — Constipation — Diarrhoea — — Worms — Chicken Pox — Measles. THE general directions already given for keeping infants in health will apply in great measure all through childhood. That is to say, a child of whatever age should be clothed with sufficient warmth, but not heavily, nor tightly; should eat simple, nourishing food, with much milk and little or no meat; should have an abundance of sleep, fresh air and sunshine; a warm tub bath twice a week and cold or tepid sponge baths daily. THE "SUNBONNET BABIES" RIVALLED. I heartily approve of the sensible twentieth century fashion of dress- ing tiny tots, whether boys or girls, in blue overalls and sending them out to play in the sand for the greater part of each day. The combined delights of a sand-heap and unrestricting clothing are decided health- producers, and not even the famous "Sunbonnet Babies" could look more picturesque than do the happy, "overall babies' ' when thus en- gaged. MEALS, AND THE LUNCH BETWEEN MEALS. When children want something to eat between meals, give them an apple, a graham cracker, or zwieback, or a slice of not too new whole wheat bread and butter; and if you remember your own child- hood days, you will be glad to have me tell you that it will do no harm to add to the bread and butter an occasional layer of light browa 510 . INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. 511 sugar, or of raspberry jam. It is an excellent plan, at one meal, to let children eat jam, such as strawberry, raspberry or gooseberry, with rice or with batter puddings. Baked apples are among the best of cooked fruits ; and as to vegetables, mashed potatoes should be the staple, varied occasionally with Lima beans, peas, turnips, cauliflower, and asparagus. Oatmeal and other mushes are excellent for break- fast. Never give strong tea or coffee to a child; and it is better that meat shall form no part of the diet up to the age of eight years, at least. Milk contains every ingredient necessary to build up the body, and the larger proportion it forms of the daily bill of fare, the better ; but the food may be varied according to the hints given above and in "Beauty Diet." A child thus reared will have a good start on the road to solid, substantial health. In spite of all care, however, occasional disorders common to infancy and childhood will appear, and it is every mother's desire to know how to deal with them. I give, therefore, the follow- ing instructions as to the most usual ones: CANKERED SORB MOUTH. This affection is generally due to a disordered condition of the organs of digestion. Merc. corr. is a specific for simple ulcers in the mouth; but if the trouble has been caused by the abuse of mercurial preparations (i. e., salivation), Hepar sulph. and Hydrastis are indicated. See also indications for Arsenic, alb. and Baptisia. Staphysagria is also a valuable remedy when the gums bleed easily. CHOLERA INFANTUM. Symptoms: Diarrhoea with vomiting.— This disease is always serious, and, if possible should receive the prompt attention of a homeopathic physician. Much can be done by careful attention to diet, giving the child plenty of fresh air and sunlight. Treatment.— Veratrum veride; 4 drops of the tincture in a glass of water; a teaspoonful every 20 minutes. See "Teething." 512 INFANTS' AND CHILDEEN'S DISEASES. WHOOPING COUGH. This is said to be "nine weeks coming and nine weeks going," an old saying that does not apply to a proper homeopathic treatment of this affection. For two or three weeks there is a slight cough, with every appearance of a common cold, during which period it ought to be cured if handled properly. Halsey's Whooping Cough Syrup will always prevent whooping cough if it is given in this early stage, and can be relied upon, if given later, to check the disease entirely or greatly lessen its severity and shorten its duration. Treatment.— During the first stage treat it as a common cold. If the whooping begins, Belladonna and Nux vomica are the most ser- viceable remedies. If the chest seems full of mucus that cannot be raised, or only when a fit of gagging and vomiting sets in, give Ipecac, and Tartar emetic. If the paroxysms are long and violent, and ex- hausting, spasms or suffocation being threatened, give Drosera and Cuprum met. Directions.— In severe cases give a dose every half hour until bet- ter; then every three or four hours. Ordinarily a dose, every two hours will be sufficient. A light diet should be persisted in. Drafts of air and fresh colds must be prevented if quick results are wanted. CONVULSIONS, FITS OR SPASMS. At no period of life are convulsions so liable to take place as in infancy. During the teething period convulsions occur more frequently than at any other period. Convulsions are generally preceded by some changes in the countenance; the upper lip will be drawn up and is occasionally bluish, and there may be squinting, or a singular rotation of the eye upon its own axis, and alternate flushing or paleness of the face. These premonitory signs will sometimes manifest themselves many hours or some days before the attack occurs, and if noticed in time the occurrence of a fit may be altogether prevented. Some, however, are unavoidable and the question comes, what INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. 513 course is the mother to take at the moment of a fit. Instantly put the child up to the hips in a warm bath and apply cold water compresses to the head, frequently changed. Sometimes the convulsions begin and continue on one side of the body, and require great care in their treatment. As teething and intestinal troubles are mostly the cause of con j vulsions or spasms I deem it important for guardians of infants and children to become familiar with the chapter on "Teething and Its Treatment.' ' I can conscientiously say that during the large expe- rience I have had with infants' and children's diseases, not a death is recorded tc my name. In every case I deal with the causes and not the effects. The death rate is alarming among infants and children before the age of five years. By following instructions for teething, convulsions of every phase are prevented, or cured if advice is heeded. The Ostine, Nature's Teething Powder, which I so often prescribe in diseases of infants and children, is a compound formula covering every necessity of infants, sick or well. Avoid all opiates to quiet the nervous, sick infant as you would any deadly poison. As I have so frequently remarked, "in reality there is no disease," but a disturbance of the vital force. Even in the hands of a physician there is no medicine the administration of which requires greater caution and judgment than that of opiates. (See Chamomile and Ostine No. 1 in Materia Medica.) CROUP. Two forms of croup are recognized. False or spasmodic croup is a purely nervous affection of the muscles of the upper windpipe. True croup is characterized by an excessive accumulation of mucus in the windpipe and the growth of a false membrane on the windpipe, which in severe cases, closes it up, causing death by suffocation. FALSE CROUP. The attack comes on suddenly, usually in the night; the breathing becomes very difficult, with a noisy, crowing or wheezy sound. Aco- 514 INFANTS' AND CHILDKEN'S DISEASES. nite and Spongia alternately; a dose every 15 minutes usually suffices to promptly relieve this form of croup. MEMBRANOUS CROUP. The attack of true croup is always gradual. For several days there is all the appearance of a common cold, which seems to settle in the throat and windpipe; the voice becomes husky and the cough gradually hoarser. In from two to five days the breathing becomes more difficult; the inspiration causes a crowing, hissing sound; there may or may not be a rattling of mucus in the windpipe; the climax may occur in from five to ten days from the commencement of the cold, and unless promptly relieved may then result fatally in a very short time, in from twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Treatment.— During the catarrhal stage Aconite and Spongia alter- nately, a dose every hour or two, will usually check further progress of the disease ; but if the first stage was neglected and there is a loose, rattling, choking cough, great difficulty in breathing, and the air pas- sages seem clogged with mucus, alternate Hepar sulphur and Tartar emetic, a dose very fifteen minutes until relieved. If the cough becomes hoarse, dry and barking, the tonsils and larnyx red, swollen and covered with a deposit of false membrane, the wheezing and rattling in the windpipe so violent as to be heard at a distance, give Kali bichr. 2x and Spongia in alternation, a dose every fifteen minutes until relieved. The true croup is always a serious disease, and should, if possi- ble, receive the prompt attention of a homeopathic physician. Where this is impossible provide plenty of fresh air in the room, without a draft; keep a kettle of boiling water in the room for moisture, and have the temperature of the room as near 70 degrees F. as possible. Immerse the child to its knees in water kept constantly as hot as can be borne, rub the limbs well and when removed from the bath wrap in warm flannel after wiping them dry. Apply a cloth wet with cold water to the throat and cover with a flannel ; renew hourly. INFANTS' AND CHILDEEN'S DISEASES. 515 DIPHTHERIA. Symptoms.— Slight fever, loss of appetite and strength, with some soreness and pain in the throat, also swelling of the glands near the throat. In the first stage, there is only a reddening of the surface of the affected parts, but within twenty-four hours small yellowish white patches may be seen which in mild cases loosen and are thrown off in four or five days. In severe cases these increase in extent and thickness, and assume a grayish color. Strips of the false membrane may be thrown off by coughing, only to be immediately formed again. As the severer conditions set in, the patient becomes restless, this con- dition being followed by great prostration. Treatment.— Belladonna third, and Aconite third should be given in alternation, every thirty minutes. The throat should be gargled thoroughly every hour with alcohol and water, equal parts. The water may be either hot or cold. This gargle readily destroys the false membrane. Give very hot baths when the patient is first stricken, also use the foot bath of alternate cold and hot water. Place over the throat a well salted slice of fat pork. Diet.— Milk, beef juice, soups, chicken broth and mutton or other nutritious stimulating food is necessary. Bits of ice or ice-water may be allowed in small quantities at short intervals. In bad cases, when the vitality is at a low ebb, administer stimulants. (See and treat as fevers,) SCARLET FEVER. This affection, as with diphtheria and several other diseases in this book, is not a fit subject for home treatment. It begins with the ordinary symptoms of fever— shivering, hot skin, frequent pulse, thirst, sore throat, enlarged tonsils, and often, vomiting. On fhe sec- ond or third day an eruption appears, first on the neck and breast, then on the larger joints and body generally. The eruption is minutely point shaped, but not raised above the 516 INFANTS ' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. surface of the skin so as to be felt. The color is a bright scarlet, some- what resembling a boiled lobster shell. In measles this color is darker, and the eruption renders the skin rough or uneven to the touch. Scarlet fever may be known by (1) the scarlet rash; (2) the high temperature of the skin and blood, rising often to 105 and 106 degrees ; (3) the sore throat. This last symptom is not always present. About the fifth day after its appearance the eruption usually begins to de- cline and gradually goes off, the outer skin peeling off in large flakes. Scarlet fever is very contagious, and the utmost care must be taken to avoid its spread. (See index for "Sick Room in Contagious Dis- eases. ,, ) Treatment.— Aconite and Belladonna may be given alternately, a dose every hour or two. If ulcers appear in the throat, alternate Belladonna with Mercurius viv., a dose every hour. If the rash dis- appears suddenly, give Byronia every two hours, and if there is a disturbance of the stomach with nausea and vomiting alternate it with Ipecac. If the disease assumes the malignant form— recognized by the depression of strength, brown tongue, delirium, dark, imperfectly appearing and disappearing eruption, dark, livid, diphtheretic appear- ance of the throat— alternate Lachesis with Merc, vivus, a dose hourly. If these do not relieve in twenty-four hours, give Arsenic, alb. and Carbo. veg. alternately in hourly doses. Directions.— Sponge the body with tepid water two or three times daily, place on a dry sheet and allow the skin to dry without rubbing. A wet bandage on the throat will greatly relieve the swelling. Prevention of contagion.— If given soon enough, Belladonna 2xd. never fails to prevent scarlet fever; a dose three times daily. Diet.— Milk and water will be sufficient during the high fever; as the fever lessens, thin gruels, broths, beef juice and cream toast may be given. (See Fevers.) MUMPS. This is a swelling of the gland that lies beneath the jaw bone near the ear. It rarely requires the administration of any other remedy INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. 517 than Mercurius vivus, which should be given every two or three hours. Carefully avoid taking cold, especially while recovering, as the in- flammation is liable to spread in the case of females to the breast, and in males to the testicles. When the breasts are affected give Pulsatilla every two hours. When the testicles are involved, alternate Arsenicum alb. and Pul- satilla, a dose every two hours. If the swelling about the neck be- comes very severe and suppuration seem inevitable, a poultice may be applied, and the abscess opened when it points or comes to a head. EARACHE. Belladonna and Mercurius viv. alternated are generally sufficient to remove this difficulty. But if suppuration threatens, Hepar sulph. and Mercurius viv. should be used. A few drops of Mullein Oil placed in the ear is said to be a specific for earache. It is also very good for the gradual approach of deafness in the aged. If caused by exposure to cold winds and the ear is hot, swollen and red, Aconite is indicated. If it results from measles, Pulsatilla is the remedy. Belladonna and Chamomilla are useful remedies for the earache in children. Directions.— A dose every half hour until relieved, then every two or three hours. A teaspoon quarter full of sweet oil, with one drop of laudanum, warmed and put in the ear, will generally stop the pain at once. If not, this will : Put five drops of chloroform on some cot- ton, place it in the bowl of a pipe, insert the mouth-piece in the ear and gently blow the vapor in the ear. Warm poultices are necessary if an abscess forms. A large amount of hard wax will often be found in the ear, the product of an inflammation, from a previous cold in the head. This is a frequent cause of earache and should be removed. Sweet oil will soften it and in a day or two it may be carefully picked out or syringed out with warm water. 518 INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. DISCHARGES FROM THE EAR. This affection is often very persistent, even when one is under the care of a skillful specialist. Especially is this true with scrofulous children. The .disagreeable possibility of partial or total deafness should lead one to seek the best medical advice. A cold in the head that produces an abscess in the ear requires Hepar sulph. and Merc. viv. (See earache.) Such discharges as a rule soon disappear. If, however, the ear continues to discharge a thick, yellowish fluid that does not make the outer ear sore ; and espe- cially if the discharge follows measles or scarlet fever, give Pulsatilla and Merc. viv. If the parts are red, the pain comes in paroxysms, the discharge makes the outer ear sore and there are occasional hemorrhages, give Ferrum Phos. 3xt. If there is a partial deafness, with snapping noises in the ear, the whole inner ear seems to be inflamed and ulcer- ated, Kali Mur. 3xt. is indicated. Silicea is also a valuable remedy in such cases. If the discharge is very offensive, the odor resembles that of rotten meat, Psorinum 30xd. should be given. Directions.— A dose should be given before meals and on retiring. The ear must be cleaned with some antiseptic powder or solution at least once a day. Halsey's Surgical Dressing is a splendid applica- tion for such cases. The size of a pea may be blown into the ear through a quill or straw, or it may be dissolved in a little warm water and dropped in the ear, or used in a glass syringe. Never inject fluids forcibly into the ear. Cotton should always be worn in the ear while the discharge continues. COLIC OF INFANTS. If the child screams out suddenly, draws its limbs up and writhes, it probably has the colic. Give Chamomilla and Colocynth alternately, a dose every fifteen minutes or half hour. Immediate relief can usually be given by putting hot, dry, woolen _. INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. 519 cloths to the abdomen, or what is better, a rubber bag filled with hot water. CONSTIPATION. The immediate cause of constipation is generally a weakness or deficiency of the worm-like motion of the larger bowel, but the secre- tions and peristaltic activity of the smaller intestines may also be at fault, or the liver may not secrete sufficient bile. Treatment.— See "Teething." DIARRHOEA OF CHILDREN. Tne general treatment is about the same as in Cholera Infantum. We give a few special indications. If it is due to errors in diet, changing the food, or occurs in hot weather, alternate Ipecac and Nux Vomica. If indigestion has been caused by fats or pastry, Pulsatilla should be given. If accompanied by slow, difficult teething, Chamomilla and Calc. carb. are indicated. If the stools are dark brown or yellow, Bryonia and Podophyllum 3xd. should be given alternately. If the stools are mostly a greenish, slimy mucus or streaked with blood, al- ternate Ipecac and Merc. cor. If accompanied by Thrush, it must be treated as such. See "Nursing." If thin and watery, accompanied by extreme exhaustion, Arsenic, alb. and Veratrum alb. are indicated. Directions.— Give a dose after each movement of the bowels. If hand-fed, extreme care must be observed with the diet. TIN WORMS. These are also called thread and seat worms, and are very slender and less than an inch long. They occur chiefly in children and are generally found in the lower part of the large bowel, near the rectal orifice. In females the worms sometimes work their way into the urethra and vagina. The chief symptom is the intolerable itching within and about the anus; the general health is affected much the same as is described under Eound or Stomach Worms. Treatment.— Prepare a small quantity of starch as it is generally 520 INFANTS ' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. used in starching clothes, only a trifle thinner; to 4 tablespoonfuls of this add 2 drops of spirits of turpentine, mix it thoroughly and inject into the rectum. A second application would not be required if the eggs could be killed by such treatment. It must be repeated, there- fore, at intervals of two or three days until all the eggs have been hatched and the worms expelled. At least once every day the rectum should be well greased with lard, being careful to apply it thoroughly in all the small folds near the opening of the rectum, both inside and outside, and as far into the bowel as the finger will reach. This will prevent the propagation of the worms. The size of a pea of Santonine lx in powder form (or two tablets mashed into powder) mixed with the lard will increase its efficacy. A dose of Mercurius viv. should be given in the morning and one of Silicea at night for one month to remove the predisposition to worms. Observe directions for diet under Bound Worms. EOXTND OE STOMACH WORMS. These usually affect children and are generally found in the small intestines, though they sometimes work upward into the stomach or downward into the large bowel and are passed in the stools. The worms are from four to twelve inches long. Their presence in the body causes symptoms to arise which will often lead parents to think that the child does not digest or assimilate its food properly. The food is usually digested all right; but the system does not get an opportunity to assimiliate it; the products of digestion are what the worms live upon; they therefore rob the body of a portion of the nutriment designed for it. Aside from the actual presence in the stools, the clearest indications of the existence of worms are: rubbing and picking the nose, grind- ing the teeth; restless slumber, the child starting and crying out dur- ing: sleep ; bloating of the belly. Aside from these symptoms we nat- arally find those that result directly from the loss of the food material . INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. 52X that is absorbed by the worms. The child grows thin, with a sallow or very pale complexion, dark rings under the eyes, a variable, ca- pricious appetite, fetid breath, the stools contain much slimy mucus; sometimes a cough develops. Treatment.— Santonine lx is the best remedy to give. A dose be- fore meals and on retiring for two days, followed by a dose of Castor Oil which expels the worms whole. It can be safely asserted that no worms are present if none are passed after the oil is given. Continue this treatment until no more worms are passed. Santonine lx should always be given as follows: Under two years, half the size of a pea of the powder, or one tablet per dose. Under four years, the size of a pea of the powder or two tablets; for those over four years, the last dose may be doubled. CHICKEN-POX. This is a pustular eruption similar in appearance to small-pox, only there is less fever, and the pustules about the second or third day be- come filled with a watery fluid that does not become yellow, as in small- pox; also the duration of the disease is shorter in chicken-pox. The pustules generally dry up about the third day, forming crusts or scabs. Treatment.— But little medical assistance is required. Attention should be given to the diet, which should be light and nutritious. Aco- nite may be given if the fever is high, a dose every hour, but Rhus tox. is the best remedy and should be given every two or three hours until the scales disappear. If there should be headache and distur- bance of the brain, with flushed face, alternate Rhus tox. with a few doses of Belladonna. MEASLES begins with all the symptoms of an ordinary cold. About the fourth day a small red eruption appears in the form of minute pimples, which gradually join and form slightly raised blotches. In four or five days the fever subsides, the eruption declines, and a bran-like scurf is 522 INFANTS' AND CHILDREN'S DISEASES. thrown off the skin. Measles 'usually run a very mild course. The bad results occasionally following this affection are generally due to neg- lect or improper treatment. Treatment.— During the fever Aconite will generally be the only remedy required. As the fever subsides gives Pulsatilla, which will prevent any bad effects following the measles. If the eruption dis- appears suddenly or is imperfectly or slowly developed, and there is a disorder of the stomach, difficult breathing and a severe cough, al- ternate Bryonia with Ipecac. Directions.— A dose every three or four hours. Fresh colds should be carefully avoided. A temperature of 70 degrees F. is the proper warmth of the room; ventilate well, but avoid drafts. "Warm, baths will develop tardy eruptions. Darken the room if the eyes are affected CHAPTER XL, NERVOUS TROUBLES; THE POWER OF MIND, §g¥ally Affect or Spring from the Mentality — Sympathetic Nervous System — Controls All Vital Processes — "The Silent Schoolmaster" — Treat the Solar Plexus — Bodily Changes Arising from Emotions — "They are Able Because They Think They are Able" —Close Eelation of Brain to Nervous System — Instance of the Power of Suggestion — Dressing in Black . Mistake — Put Brightness in Your Clothing — Danger in Frighten- ing Children — Help Your Child by Being Cheerful — Nervous Diseases to be Treated both Mentally and Physically — Neuralgia — Nervous Debility — Sleeplessness — Nervous- ness — Hysteria — Hypochondria — Chorea, or St. Vitus' Dance — Nervousness from Teething — List of Special Remedies — Pregnancy — Overstudy — The Temples We Are Building — Broad Field of the Mind's Work — The Art of Teaching — Genius Knows No Rules — Work by Yourself First; then Go to a Teacher. PERSONS of the mental temperament are peculiarly subject to disorders of the nervous system. The origin of these troubles may be either physical or mental. Even when the cause is wholly physical, however, the diseased condition nearly always becomes men- tal as well; being carried by the sympathetic nervous system directly to the brain. This sympathetic system of nerves, you will remember, controls the circulation of the blood, respiration, nutrition and all the various vital processes; it has been called the "silent school-master " ovsr the sensory nerves of the body; and its center, the solar plexus, situated behind the stomach, controls the viscera of the abdomen and chest, in- fluencing the heart, stomach and womb. The treatment of this plexus, important as it is, has been generally overlooked. To develop and keep it in a strong, healthy condition, follow the directions given in "A Breath of Air." POWER OF MENTAL S&EASKESre. Chemical analysis of the perspiration of criminals has proved that the secretions of the body undergo certain distinct changes under the 30 v - 525 526 NERVOUS TROUBLES; POWER OF MIND. influence of different emotions; so that it has been found possible to trace the existence of hidden anger, fear, grief or remorse and dis- tinguish one from the other, merely from this chemical difference in the fluids. The perspiration of an angry man contains deadly poison. It is a familiar fact that extreme fright or anger will poison or dry up the milk in the breasts of a nursing mother, and that even the lesser emotions of worry or annoyance will vitiate its quality; that violent grief or terror will so affect the coloring matter of the glands at the roots of the hair as to turn the hair white in a few hours ; that good news brightens the eyes and straightens the stooping figure; that bad news blanches the cheek and destroys the appetite ; and that confirmed invalids have many times found undreamed-of strength when obliged to meet some great emergency unaided. Virgil said of his soldiers, "They are able because they think they are able," and Mulford's theory that the quality of thought determines the body's condition is well founded. This is no more true in nervous ailments than in others, but in these it is more quickly and easily proved, be- cause of the close, direct relation between brain and nervous system. THE TRANSFORMED MUSIC LESSON. Nervous disorders can be controlled and cured by strong auto-sug- gestion; that is, by deliberate, firm statements of health made by the conscious to the subconscious mind of the patient. Let me give a simple illustration which will help to make this clear. ; J[n girls of eleven or upwards, there is often considerable nervous- ness, with backache, headache and irritability caused by the physical disturbances of approaching puberty. This discomfort is far from being imaginary alone; it is as real as any other disorder. Yet here is an instance of the power of suggestion to conquer the trouble. A noted author's young daughter was taking music lessons. As she was about to take her place at the piano one day, she complained of not feeling well. "My back aches,' ' she said, languidly, "and I dread practicing those tiresome scales and exercises \ they; are so dull," NERVOUS TROUBLES; POWER OF MIND. 527 "I can tell you of a way to change all that," said the sensible mother, not pityingly, but brightly. " Just say to yourself, 'My back doesn't ache ; and I like to practice ! - Then tell me afterwards how it turned out." The little girl caught the spirit of the experiment, and prom- ised, laughingly, to try the new "medicine." At the end of the prac- tice-hour she was back again, her face glowing with animation and surprise. "Why, mamma," she said, "those exercises are really pretty! Al- most as pretty as a piece! and my back stopped aching!" The same principle applies more widely than is generally believed. The mind controls the body whether it consciously tries to do so or not ; but through ignorance, this control is often exercised in the wrong direction, suggesting and bringing weakness rather than strength. EFFECT OF WEARING BLACK. The custom of dressing in black because of the death of friends is, in my opinion, a great mistake. It does no good, is a direct contradic- tion of the Christian's professed belief in eternal life, and sheds gloom and depression of spirits on all around. The sensitively organized are often made ill from no other cause than this depressing mental sug- gestion. Mourning garb should be banished to the Dark Ages, and with it, the notion that elderly people should confine themselves to black clothing because of their years. From what superstition did the belief ever arise that an exemplary life must needs be sad or express sadness, simply because it is prolonged! Without going to the ex- treme of dressing in all colors of the rainbow, there is certainly a mul- titude of quiet, soft, becoming hues in perfect taste for those over as well as under fifty ; white in summer is not a forbidden luxury ; and a frequent touch of brightness in the wardrobe will do much to banish the aches and pains. Try it and see. Akin to the error of dressing in funeral style is the still worse custom of frightening children with terrifying stories. Many a child has had the nervous system thoroughly deranged by this practice on 528 NERVOUS TROUBLES; POWER OF MIND. the part of foolish servants or schoolmates. Never permit it m any- one, as you value your child's health. HOW THE MOTHER'S THOUGHT-ATMOSPHERE AFFECTS THE CHILD. No child is too young to be favorably affected by the bright, serene health-thoughts of the mother; on the contrary, the younger the child, the more easily influenced by the nature of the surrounding mental atmosphere. The subconscious mind of the infant will take suggestions for good or ill long before the conscious mind is able to grasp them. A nervous, over-anxious mother will, therefore, help her child best by first cultivating health and cheerfulness in herself. SOME COMMON NERVOUS TROUBLES. The treatment for all nervous diseases should be both mental and physical; each helps the other. Following are some of the most com- mon ailments of the nervous system, and the method of dealing with them: NEURALGIA. This is a functional disorder of some particular nerve. Physiolo- gically, it is an irritation in the course of one or several sensory nerves. Causes.— Hereditary predisposition, malaria, painful, critical or censorious thoughts, exposure to cold, thinness of blood. Treatment. —For constitutional debility, enrich the blood, and ex- cite its circulation with hot baths. Iron phosphate, third attenuation, is the remedy. Keep the feet warm. Diet.— Bread made of whole wheat flour, eggs, vegetables, oatmeal at breakfast, and fruit; indulge in plenty of fresh air. (See "A Breath of Air.") Apply friction over the entire body night or morn- ing with a little good olive oil. Tell yourself, and insist upon it, that you have not an enemy in the world. NERVOUS DEBILITY, OR BRAIH FAG, This condition may be caused by excessive study and constant mental application; by chronic diseases that lessen vital activity; by NEEVOUS TBOUBLES; POWER OF MIND. 529 sexual excesses, or self-abuse. The symptoms are low spirits, ner- vousness, palpitation of the heart, groundless fears of financial ruin. For treatment, see Brain Food in Materia Medica. Diet.— Eat sparingly of solid food when tired; take liquid foods, hot milk, buttermilk, soups, and the lemon and egg tonic. (See Index.) SLEEPLESSNESS OR INSOMNIA is often caused by overwork or mental strain. The patient is irritable and easily excited, weak and nervous; under such conditions one can hardly expect sound, refreshing sleep. The cause must be removed to obtain permanent results. Avoid tea and coffee. Treatment.— Belladonna and ignatia, six drops of each in separate glasses of water taken alternately, one teaspoonful every half hour. Hot foot baths ; brisk friction of body after a hot bath. Liberate the mind from all business cares and worry. Change the thoughts en- tirely. See "Mental Therapeutics." NERVOUSNESS. If caused by general debility, Nux Vomica is the best remedy, in connection with hot baths. If by mental anxiety, read ' \ Mental Thera- peutics.' ' If the cause is a disease of the uterus, use hot injections, two or three times a week. Take Pulsatilla and Helonias, night and morning. Dyspepsia is one of the greatest sources of debility, causing various degrees of nervous disturbance. Kemove the cause by eating with great precaution only such food, in small quantities, as is easily digested. Eead Diseases of "Women, and "Brain Food." (See In- dex.) HYSTERIA. Hysteria is a disease of the nervous system, almost wholly con- fined to females. Usually, the attacks are sudden and irregular, though in some cases periodical. The patient bursts into fits of weep- ing, soon to be followed by convulsive laughter. The disease gener- ally makes its appearance before puberty, and is supposed to have its origin in deranged uterine action, also debility and nervous exhaus- 530 NERVOUS TROUBLES; POWER OF MIND. tion. Ignatia is the remedy for nervous exhaustion; macrotin and Pulsatilla for the menstrual derangement. Exercise, deep breathing and outdoor life are very important. HYPOCHONDRIA. In this, the patient is afflicted with a morbid melancholy, especially in regard to disease. Give ignatia and phosphoric acid prepared as lemonade. See Brain Food, Materia Medica; also Mental Therapeu- tics. CHOREA, OR ST. VITUS* DANCE. Symptoms.— Chorea is defined as a nervous disease, the seat of which is supposed to be at times in the brain, and at other times through the entire nervous system. By degrees, the voluntary mus- cles of the whole body become affected, the limbs jerk about in every possible direction, and the face is contorted by all sorts of involuntary grimaces, much to the annoyance of the patient. Children between the ages of five and fifteen years are most subject to this affection. Treatment.— Plain, nutritious diet. Bathe the body in hot water, and sponge off with cold. If constipated, give a powder of Nux Vom- ica every night. If there is a pale, bloodless condition, give ferrum phosphoricum, first decimal trituration, one grain after every meal. If there are symptoms of coma, give Santonine. If there is delayed menstruation, give Pulsatilla every morning; 4 drops in a glass of water, a teaspoonful every thirty minutes; and two drops of strych- nine in the same way alternated with the Pulsatilla. NERVOUSNESS FROM TEETHING. If an infant is restless during the teething period, give Ostine No. 1. (See "Teething.") For this, and for nervousness from anger or vexation, or from the use of coffee or tobacco, or for sleeplessness in children, Chamomilla is also good. Other remedies are especially helpful, as follows: Gelsemium, for neuralgia in left side of face, and many nervous troubles. mm NEKVOUS TEOUBLES; POWER OF MIND. 531 Hyoscyamus, for spasms, with jerking and twitching of every. muscle; nightly sleeplessness, and hysteria. Ignatia, for nervous headaches, sleeplessness, and other nervous disorders. Nux Vomica, for all nervous affections due to depression resulting from excessive study, haste or worry in business, anxiety; or by in- dulging in strong coffee or other stimulants. Coffea Cruda, for sleeplessness, restlessness and nervous disor- ders of women, children and aged persons ; neuralgia of the right side of the head and face. Caprum Met. for nervous derangements characterized by cramps, convulsive movements and spasms; St. Vitus' dance of upper extremi- ties or at one side of the body. These, with the Ostine and Brain Food already mentioned, consti- tute several of the most valuable remedies known for nervous dis- eases. NERVOUSNESS IN PREGNANCY. In the chapter on "Discomforts of Pregnancy,' ' are given hints on overcoming the difficulties that threaten the pregnant woman. Con- centrating her mind on the qualities desired for the unborn child will help towards a normal condition. OVERSTXTOY. In many public schools, this is a frequent cause of illness of the pupils. Such schools need to change their methods from the cram- ming to the free unfoldment taught by Pestalozzi and FroebeL MAN AN UNCONSCIOUS ARTIST. Every man is the builder of a temple after a style purely his own, to the God he worships. We are all sculptors and painters, and our material our own flesh, blood, and bones. Man is mind. He is an unconscious artist, dwelling in the midst of an endless variety of men- tal pictures. True education is the increase of the richness of the mind for its own sake. If we would reap joys, our own hands must 532 NEEVOUS TROUBLES; POWER OF MIND. hold the sickle. Time, patience, and indefatigable labor will do the rest. Any nobleness of mind begins at once to refine a man's features; any meanness or sensuality to imbrute him. Ugliness of expression in the old or young comes of unconscious ugly thoughts; the law for beauty, and the law for perfect health are the same. Both depend very much upon the state of your mind, or upon the kind of thoughts you put out and receive. A TEACHER'S TRUE PROVINCE. The true art of teaching or how to learn, is not to make any study "hard." There should be no hard study, at any age. Real study is easy and pleasing mental effort. Genius knows no "old master"; it knows no set rules made for it by others. It makes its own rules as it goes along, as did Shakespeare, Byron and Scott. Your mind may have in it the seed of some new idea, discovery or invention; some new rendering of art in some form, which the world never knew be- fore. If you take up any trade, art, or profession all by yourself, and grope along in it by yourself for a few weeks, at the end of that time you will have many well-defined and intelligent questions to ask about it of some one more experienced in it than yourself. That is the time to go to the teacher. The teacher should come in when an interest in the art or study is awakened. All work, study, and mental applica- tions, to become useful in life, are recreative unless too long prolonged ; then they become irksome. CHAPTER XL1. FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. Symptoms of Fevers — Classification — Eruptive Fevers — Typhoid — When It is JBpidemic — Purgatives Dangerous — Fever a Warfare to Expel an Invader — Successful Treatment Derived from Experience — Where to Place the Patient — The Hot Bath — Perfect Quiet — The Eruption — Guard Against Taking Cold — Convalescence and Its Dangers — Lung Complications — Dress Warmly on Eecovery — Pure Air the Best Appetizer — Caution in Eating — Preserving the Hair — Massage Parts that are Weak or Inactive — Drink Water — Bathe — Rub with Olive Oil — Diet — Constipation — Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, and Measles — The Gargle — Intermittent Fever — Small-pox — Chicken-pox— Diarrhoea — Ague and Malarial Fever — La Grippe — Asiatic Cholera — Successful and Energetic Work for Two — Quick, Self-Possessed and Fearless Attendants — Preventive Treat- ment — Predisposing Causes of Cholera. THE symptoms of all fevers are languor, headache, chilliness, weak- ness and loss of appetite. Fevers are classified as contagions, non-contagions, idiopathic and symptomatic. Typhoid fever, scarlatina or scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles, small-pox, erysipelas and malarial fever come nnder the head of erup- tive fevers, the prognosis of which is favorable or unfavorable in pro- portion to the previous state of health of the patient. TYPHOID FEVER. In this disease the stage of incubation is generally three weeks, in some cases four, and in others two. Typhoid fever epidemics are most prevalent from August to November, although under favorable cir- cumstances, they may occur at any time of the year. The symptoms of typhoid fever are, a sense of general indisposition, weakness and debility, with headache, dizziness, soreness of the limbs, sometimes bleeding at the nose, and chilly sensations. These occur several days before the attack, which is ushered in with a violent chill, or repeated 533 534 FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. chilly sensations daily. This is followed by fever, the pulse rising during the first week from ninety to one hundred beats per minute, and the temperature from one hundred and one to one hundred and four degrees. STRONG PURGATIVES DANGEROUS. From the earliest history of medicine until the present day, many and various theories have been advanced relative to disease, as well as much unsuccessful practice founded upon them. One of the most erroneous ideas is that which leads to the administering of purgative medicine at the commencement of a fever, in order to expel it from the system. This practice has been the means of increasing mortality to an alarming extent, as, after a drastic purgative has been given, it is almost impossible to effect a cure. The greater the malignity of the fever, the more serious the danger. This habit is very prevalent in private or domestic practice. The idea is to lessen the fever by removing the poison in the system through purgation, which treatment has often imperilled the life of a patient before a physician could be summoned, although in typhoid fever this almost fatal mistake has frequently been made by members of the medical profession. The ancients, to whom we are indebted for much knowledge, be- lieved fever to be the result of a warfare between the vital forces of the body, and some noxious element invading it. This is also the opinion of Ray, Rush, Sydenham, and other radical and progressive thinkers of the present day. Our object, then, is to remove this offending ele- ment from the system by the most natural, safe and reliable method known, thus arresting disease if in the premonitory stage, and shorten- ing its duration or lessening its severity in the second stage, eventually curing it without destroying the health and constitution of the indi- vidual. The following system is not based upon untried theory, but upon practical experience. Sufferers from typhoid fever, even in the last stages, have recovered by this method. FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 535 SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF FEVERS. When any fever symptoms are manifest, medicate two glasses of Water, one glassful with ten drops of veratrmn veride, the other with two drops of strychnine. Give the medicated one with veratrum veride a teaspoonful every twenty minutes until the skin is moist; of the glass in which two drops of strychnine have been dropped give a tea- spoonful once in two or three hours. Have the patient placed in the sunniest and best ventilated room in the house ; the parlor, should that answer the description. Before placing the patient in bed, bathe his feet thoroughly in hot water, then in cold, and again in hot water. If a bath tub is convenient, give the patient a hot bath as soon as possible. While he is in the water, increase the temperature gradually by pouring hot water over the chest from a dipper. Continue until the heat is as great as the patient can bear. While in the bath, the body should be covered with a piece of flannel or a heavy towel. If the head should feel full or dizzy, place a wet, cold towel around it. Wipe until thoroughly dry, place in bed with warm coverings, and a jug of boiling water at the feet. Do not neglect to administer the medicated water as directed. The hottest summer weather will admit of this treatment. Allow no one in the sick-room, and avoid all conversation. Perfect quiet must positively be maintained. AVOID SUDDEN COOLING. If normal conditions do not assert themselves in a few hours, and the fever should continue, with great thirst, keep the patient carefully covered, being particular not to check in the least any moisture of the skin, or any rash that may now be making its appearance on the sur- face of the body. Words cannot describe with what rapidity a too sudden cooling of the skin will cause any eruption, which may be about to make its appearance, to recede. This eruption is sometimes so faint as to escape detection by an inexperienced person. In some patients in presents itself only as a slight redness of the surface, or in spots 536 FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. on some portion of the body. This may be regarded as unimportant by a person unskilled in sickness, when in truth it is a critical moment. A reaction of the entire system occurs— an effort to expel the obnox- ious irritant poison of the blood from the system. The combined action of the medicine and the external stimulation of the bath causes in- creased heat and, consequently, a nervous condition of the entire system. If at this moment the patient throws off the clothes, or is uncovered, the chill thus received causes the eruption to recede to the interior, where it fastens upon the lungs, bowels, or perhaps upon the entire tract of mucous membrane. The veratrum veride acts as a general sedative, eliminative, and diaphoretic, acts as a powerful assistant in bringing a retarded or checked eruption to the surface. The unquenchable thirst must be gratified by pure spring or cold boiled water prepared as follows: Medicate one quart of water with ten drops of veratrum veride. Of water thus medicated, the patient may consume two or three quarts during the twenty-four hours. All food must be withheld until the fever has abated. Then gruels (see chapter on Dishes for Invalids) may be given in moderation, until sufficient strength is established to enable the patient to take solid food. This is best withheld as long as possible. CAUTIONS FOR CONVALESCENTS. The greatest liability of the patient is to take cold, consciously or unconsciously, and suffer frequent relapses, which weaken his power of endurance. Do not be in too great haste to remain out of bed long at a time, when convalescing from fever; as soon as slightly fatigued, lie down, cover up warmly, and rest. Take food often, in small quantities, until health is restored. If the symptoms indicate a recession of the rash to the lungs, bowels, or both, the case has become complicated, and a serious disturbance of the entire system prevails. The veratrum must be renewed, and given as in the commencement of the disease, a teaspoonful every five or ten minutes. This will bring about a reac- FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 537 tion, but the bowels and lungs must, from the very commencement, be well cared for. If the bowels show any signs of looseness or irregu- larity, cover them completely with a poultice made as follows : to one quart of corn meal, add boiling water sufficient to make a thick pan- cake batter. Add two tablespoonfuls of red pepper and one of ground mustard, mix thoroughly, and spread between cloths. This poultice should be one inch In thickness, and should be held in position by means of a long bandage, securely pinned. Should there be difficulty in breath- ing, indicating complications of the chest and lungs, with a dry, brown tongue and parched lips, put four drops tincture of baptisia in a glass of water, and give a tablespoonful every hour. Also apply a poultice large enough to cover the entire chest, prepared as for the bowels. Keep the feet warm with jugs of hot water. Bathe the patient in equal parts of hot water and alcohol, once a day, in a warm room, being care- ful to expose only one part of the body at a time, keeping the doors and windows closed. Change the body garments once a day when per- spiration is established. Perspiration usually induces sleep, thus re- lieving the nervous tension. The odor emitted from the patient is something indescribable, but need not cause alarm, for as soon as this stage is reached the patient is out of all danger from the disease. The only peril which still threatens him is a tendency to become easily chilled, which would probably result in a relapse. Should this occur, treat as in the beginning of the disease, giving the medicines internally, and applying stimulants externally to feet, bowels, or wherever most required. The hot poultices need seldom be renewed. They can be retained on the afflicted parts until relief is obtained from pain and tenderness, and easy respiration is established. After the poultice is removed, line a piece of oiled silk, large enough to cover the surface of the lungs and bowels, with a piece of cloth on which is spread cosmoline. In the absence of oiled silk, thin, tough paper may be used, though silk is much to be preferred. Use this upon the lungs and bowels until the patient is entirely recovered, renewing the cosmoline every day. 538 FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. DRESS THE BODY AND FEET MUCH WARMER, when emerging from the sick bed, than was the custom before illness. Give the exhausted vital energies time and opportunity to regain strength; nothing is gained by undertaking any work or occupation before the full strength of the system is re-established. Rest, with a little moderate exercise, is absolutely necessary for perfect recovery. The administration of tonics or stimulants to hasten this result is erroneous, as an artificial stimulant for the overtaxed system is very injurious. Rest and moderate exercise are the only natural and per- manent restoratives known to nature. A little tonic to strengthen a feeble appetite is occasionally advisable, but breathing an extra quan- tity of pure air into the lungs when convalescent is the greatest appe- tizer in the universe. This— with plenty of sunshine and bright and happy thoughts— is the best tonic for weakened nerves. Administer- ing tonics and stimulants is parallel to lashing a horse when over- worked, instead of giving him the required rest and food. CONVALESCENCE. Hunger is one of the best indications of returning health. Great care should be taken in the selection of proper food and drink. Self- control and judgment are required of the patient, not to gratify the palate too much. Many serious relapses have occurred from over- indulgence of the appetite when recovering from sickness. During convalescence the hair should be looked after to prevent its falling out. (See chapter on Care of the Hair and Teeth.) Application of the hair tonic well rubbed into the scalp will prevent the falling out of the hair and eyebrows. With proper bathing, correct thinking and breathing, convalescence is quickly established. When any part of the system feels weaker or more inactive than the rest, massage with the finger by pinching and rubbing that part of the body, to invite a vigorous flow of blood to that part, thus establishing a normal circulation, as it is through the FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 539 blood that all parts of the body receive their strength. Drink plenty of cold or hot water to increase the fluidity of the blood. Take a full bath once a week, followed by a rub of olive oil. The diet when recovering from sickness should consist of chicken or lamb broths seasoned with celery, Horlick's Malted Milk, sani- tarium crackers or well-toasted whole wheat bread. For constipation take a table spoonful of olive oil night and morning in a cup of hot water with a little salt ; eat prunes, apples and other fruits, and nuts. Avoid cathartics and physics as you would a deadly poison, which, in- deed, most of them are. Read the chapter on bathing. If the rectum or bowels feel full take an injection to remove the contents of the lower bowels ; one quart of hot or warm water with a little castile soap. SCARLET FEVER AND DIPHTHERIA, MEASLES AND SMALL-POX are treated in the same manner as typhoid fever, the same remedies beiiig used, with the exception of an additional gargle of hot water and alcohol, equal parts, where throat is affected. Use according to the severity of the case. The unhealthy membrane is destroyed rapidly, and the virulency of the disease is abated. In scarlet fever, if the fauces of the throat are sore and full, use the same gargle, the hot, stimulating poultice around the throat, close up to the ears. (See Infants' and Children's Diseases.) For intermittent fever, give thirty drops of veratrum in a glass of water, an hour or two before the expected chill, the same as in typhoid fever. If the chill is not broken the first or second day repeat the above treatment two or three times in succession. The treatment for small-pox and chicken-pox is the same as that for typhoid fever, with the exception that the face should be covered with oiled silk or soft tissue paper, spread with cosmoline or fresh lard, to prevent pitting. Cut a place for the nose and eyes. For diarrhoea, use veratrum, six drops of the tincture in a glass of water, a teaspoonful every twenty minutes, or diluted in one quart of water, which is to be given as a drink if there is great thirst. Appty 540 FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. artificial heat when the vital forces have become positive or negative to excess. I could give a list of hundreds of cases of typhoid, ague, sewer-gas and malarial fevers, small-pox, diphtheria, cholera infantum, scarlet fever and measles, that I have cured with the above remedies and treatment. LA GRIPPE is treated very successfully in the same manner as fevers, and with the same remedies. Apply the hot poultices as described in the chapter on Peritonitis, on any part of the body where most needed. My la grippe patients all convalesced on the third or fourth day, and were out at the end of a week, perfectly able to resume business. For the relief of the suffering, and for the instruction of those who feel the truth of my assertions, I give my knowledge and experience of the dreaded disease, ASIATIC CHOLERA, in its most malignant form, together with its infallible treatment and cure. The commencement of this terrible disease is often unnoticed until the system is fully prepared for the sudden and violent outbreak. The slight, painless diarrhoea, and depression of the nervous power, with occasional dizziness, may pass unheeded and the patient may be apparently well, yet after a sound and undisturbed sleep for hours, he may be awakened by a remarkably violent illness, perhaps vomit- ing, accompanied by profuse discharges from the bowels, attended with severe pams extending down the legs, and a sense of complete exhaustion. The physical powers and vital energies are immediately prostrated. The temperature sinks below the normal standardj the body becomes benumbed with an icy coldness, the skin becomes shriv- eled up and almost insensible to heat or stimulating fomentations. The breath, too, as it comes from the lungs, appears to partake of the same icy quality. The patient complains of being greatly oppressed, throws off the bedclothes and calls for cold water, which he eagerly drinks, and which should never be withheld. The hands and feet turn FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 541 blue or purple, as will, sometimes, the entire body. There are severe spasms and cramps in the ringers, toes, legs and bowels, which cause him to writhe and groan in agony; a wild, terrified expression over- spreads the face, and the eyes appear dead and glassy. These impor- tant changes may all take place in a few minutes. Additional symptoms are, increased purging and vomiting, with low pulse. The only faculty which seems to preserve a good degree of power is the brain. The disease is now fully developed, and progress is rapid. The above symptoms of genuine, malignant Asiatic cholera can be controlled to complete and perfect recovery of the patient, if the treat- ment is fearlessly carried out. At this stage of the disease, the patient will calmly tell you that all is over, and that nothing can save him. Pay no attention to this, but boldly and fearlessly keep at your post, allowing no thought of fear to creep in. When purging and vomiting begin, use the most diffusive stimulants externally and internally. Keep a window open in the patient's room. It is necessary for two people to work together. One should prepare a poultice as follows: scald two quarts of common corn meal until of the consistency of pan- cake batter, and mix thoroughly with it six tablespoonfuls of red pepper, and four of ground mustard; spread one-half inch thick be- tween two layers of cheesecloth, and place over the entire stomach and bowels, the soles of the feet and calves of the legs. Pin flannel over the poultices, to keep them in position, and place jugs and bottles filled with boiling water, also hot bricks wrapped in pieces *)f cloth, about the bed. Rub the base of the brain with alcohol. To relieve the un- quenchable thirst, give veratrum veride, six drops of the tincture to a quart of water, without ice, every ten minutes, in very small quan- tities, as large quantities increase the tendency to vomit; this induces a copious perspiration. Cover the patient warmly. While one attendant is making the poultices, a second should pre- pare the following:— chloroform, four drachms; tincture capsicum, three drachms; essence of peppermint, two drachms; glycerine, three ounces. Mix, and give one teaspoonful in two large tablespoonfuls of 31 v. 542 FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. water. In thirty or forty minutes, if the symptoms have not sufficiently abated, repeat the dose. In connection with this, continue to give the medicated water as a drink every ten or fifteen minutes, until the patient breaks out in a warm perspiration. Then allay his thirst with larger quantities of the medicated water, which he will be able to re- tain on his stomach in large quantities after perspiration sets in. Keep up the sweating from six to nine hours, at least. Allow him to drink all the medicated water he craves. The stimulating poultices ma v y remain until the patient is so far advanced toward recovery that they may be removed altogether. The patient will fall into a sleep almost immediately after perspira- tion sets in, from which he must not be awakened. Boil strong vinegar in the room until purging is controlled; place cloths, old sheets, old quilts, or cotton batting on the bed to absorb the watery stools. Reach under the bedclothes and remove them as fast as the evacuations occur Then immediately burn or bury them deep under ground at some dis- tance from the house. It is not well to allow the patient to use the vessel or water-closet, as in so doing he disarranges all poultices and dissipates the artificial heat, thus hindering the progress of treatment. This disease requires all present to be quick, self-possessed and fear- less. It is difficult to say when a case has become hopeless. The blue look, the cold extremities, the deeply sunken, glassy eyes, the almost imperceptible pulse are not indications that the case is hopeless. All modifications of the disease require the same treatment, the only difference being that in the milder form the dose of cholera medi- cine should be lessened to a half teaspoonful. The external stimulants need not be quite so strong. "When a cholera epidemic prevails, the premonitory stage should receive immediate attention. The symptoms are, lassitude, depression of nerve power, pains in the forehead, slight dizziness, and oppression at the chest. These, in most instances, can be promptly removed. The patient should at once be put to bed ; hot, stimulating poultices should be placed over the stomach, and a large jug of boiling water wrapped FEVERS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 543 in flannel should be placed against the soles of the feet. In a glass of water, put one drop of the tincture of veratrum veride. Give a tea- spoonful every fifteen minutes. Perspiration will begin shortly, elimi- nating all cholera poison through the skin, kidneys and bowels. This is a simple and reliable treatment for the premonitory stage of cholera. PREVENTIVE OE PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT. Pure air, pure water, plain and nutritive diet are nature's great preventives against the countless ills of life, sustaining a healthy and normal condition of the system, especially during epidemics. This cannot be maintained ivitliout pure air, whether our dwellings are in the city or country. Pay special attention also to diet. Abstain from all pastry. A good, plain, nutritious diet is indispensable in the pre- vention of disease. Moderation in all things should be the rule. Predisposing causes of cholera are, derangement of the stomach, great anxiety of mind, excessive fear of an attack, unwholesome diet, exhaustion from overwork, mental or physical, neglect of personal and domestic cleanliness, irregular habits, and excesses of every de- scription. Any one of these may be sufficient to induce an attack; all are direct incentives and stimulating agents in the production of cholera. CHAPTER XLII. GENEEAL DISEASES. 3 'Running Their Course' ' — The More Modern Way — Treatment of Many Ailments— Bright's Disease — Bronchitis — Catarrh — Cholera — Constipation — Consumption — Cor* pulency— Coughs—Diabetes — Diarrhoea — Dropsy — Epilepsy — Erysipelas— Menin- gitis — Liver Trouble — Pneumonia — Rheumatism — Softening of the Brain, and Many Other Diseases. THE old belief that most diseases must "run their course" is giv- ing way before the improved modern methods of treatment, and it is proving true that as people become more enlightened, many an illness which would otherwise be severe, is checked at an early stage and either completely dispersed or rendered comparatively light and of short duration. As knowledge is extended, suffering decreases, and it is seen to be possible to work so in harmony with nature's laws as to assist materially in the restoring process which she is ever trying to establish. From my experience I will here give what have proved effectual methods of recognizing and treating some sixty of the common dis- eases in such a way as to leave the patient in the most favorable con- dition, or, better still, to guard against contracting the diseases at alL ASTHMA. There are two classes of asthma. One is developed and brought on in highly nervous people, very sensitive to taking cold; the other is of the hay-fever type appearing late in the summer and early in the fall and at no other time of the year. The latter should be treated as hay fever and the former similar to a chronic cold. The causes are a low, debilitated condition of the general system, hereditary tendency to bronchial affections, and neglected colds. The 544 GENEKAL DISEASES. 545 symptoms are difficult breathing, inability to lie down, the chest feels heavy and oppressed, shortness of breath, and palpitation. Treatment is hot bathing and friction with cold water all over the surface of the body, to establish resistance to colds by making the surface of the body more positive against attacks. When a patient sutlers from asthma, it is plain that the internal surface or mucous membrane is in the positive condition, overcharged with vital fluid in the blood, which condition must be reversed, making the internal less positive by attracting the blood to the outer surface of the body which is normal, also apply compresses to the chest, hot or cold water. Ob- serve also the treatment of the solar plexus, as given in "A Breath of Air. ' ' ( See Index. ) BILIOUS FEVER. In this disease, when the temperature never rises very high but the fever is persistent, with a bad taste in the mouth, headache, dark, heavily coated tongue, foul breath, with derangement in the stomach and bowels,— such fevers are readily cured by taking gelsemium tinc- ture, ten drops in a glass of water, and tincture of podophyllum, six drops in another glass of water. Alternate. A tablespoonful every hour. "When there are severe pains in the bones, the back feels as if broken, and there is a sore, bruised feeling over the entire body, give tincture of baptisia, four drops in a glass of water and alternate with the gel- semium as above ; alternate dose every hour. BLEEDING FEOM THE STOMACH, LUNGS, AND NOSE. Salt compresses laid on the diseased parts. CHRONIC NEPHRITIS, OR BRIGHT 'S DISEASE. Symptoms.— Gradually increasing debility, a frequently irritable pulse, dyspepsia and vomiting. Pale, bloated appearance, occasional loss of appetite, dropsy, and frequent desire to urinate. The urine is light in specific gravity, and forms a thick, white deposit of albumen 546 GENEEAL DISEASES. when boiled. Causes.— Hereditary tendency, frequent exposure to cold, cold feet, gout, scarlet fever or dyspepsia. Treatment.— The secretions of the skin should be kept active by frequent hot baths. Turkish, Eussian, hot water and alcohol baths are all excellent, and should be taken in a warm room two or three times a week. The bath is necessary for cleanliness, and for its tonic effect. Arsenicum 6th and helonias 3d are the principal remedies. The condition of the stomach, bowels and skin should receive special attention, as the disease results principally from a defective condition of these emunctories. One of the most important features in the treat- ment is to maintain a free action of the skin, as by this means the blood is diverted from the kidneys, and purified. All stimulants and diuretics must be avoided. The specific treatment for degeneration of the kidneys consists in the building up of the system by extra breathing, diet, bathing, and rest from mental worry. Bathe the lower hklf of the back, also the base of the brain, if pain exists, and the bowels, if inactive, with alcohol and hot water, equal parts of each. Bathe and rub freely every other night, using only cold water over the parts, with a sponge or coarse cloth, then drying thoroughly. Diet.— The diet given here is unlike that usually prescribed for Bright 's- disease. The most nourishing food is selected, that which does not contain sugar or starch, as these ingredients do not give strength but only produce heat, thereby causing inflammation. Bread made from entire wheat flour, beef, mutton, tongue, oysters, raw or cooked without flour, and all kinds of fish or poultry not cooked or thickened with flour. Lettuce, cucumbers, onions, sour apples, peaches with cream, strawberries without sugar, asparagus, cold slaw, celery, string beans, coffee and tea in moderation, milk and buttermilk, are all beneficial. Eat slowly in moderate quantities, and take as little liquid as pos- sible at meals. Sleep eight hours of the twenty-four. Patients in the last stages of the disease have been perfectly restored to health, under GENERAL DISEASES. 547 the above treatment, even when able to pass only two-thirds of a tea- spoonful of urine at a time, which being set in the sun, would almost entirely coagulate into albumen. BRONCHITIS (ACUTE). Symptoms.— First, a feeling like that of a bad cold in the head, followed by a burning sensation beneath the breast-bone, with hurried, labored breathing, accompanied by wheezing or whistling sounds. The cheeks and lips are pale and livid; the throat is sore and the voice is hoarse; the severe cough at first is dry and hard, but later becomes loose; a thick, frothy substance that may be streaked with blood is expectorated; there is high fever, rapid pulse, highly colored, scanty urine. Treatment.— At the onset of the attack, aconite and bryonia are to be given alternately as in pneumonia. Hot cornmeal poultices, con- taining two table spoonfuls of red pepper and one of ground mustard. Fresh poultice to be applied every six hours. Diet.— Liquid and nutritious. CATARRH. If precautions are taken with every new cold to maintain an in- creased capillary action over the entire surface of the body, until normal and healthy action of the mucous membranes be established, catarrh of any kind could not become chronic. If the feet are permanently kept warm by proper dressing, and bathing two or three times a week, as described in previous chapters, by placing the feet in hot and cold water alternately, from thirty to forty minutes at a time, until they feel hot and look red, one of the greatest causes of disease would be removed. Patients who are subject to the use of tobacco, in any form, need never look for a permanent cure or relief from catarrh or dis- ease of any kind until this habit is overcome, and the system rid of the tobacco poison. There are numerous nervous coughs that arise from irritation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi and capillaries of the lungs, caused by the tobacco. Give two or three doses of nux 548 GENERAL DISEASES. vomica, third trituration, two or three times a day, dry on the tongue, for two or three days, and the cough readily disappears, but not per- manently unless the tobacco habit is discontinued. With Turkish or hot baths of any kind, taken twice a week, including free perspiration, to eliminate the offending poison of the tobacco from the system, the most obstinate catarrh can be permanently cured if the treatment is persevered in. Nux vomica is an antidote for the tobacco, and is the best local and constitutional tonic in the Materia Medica. Deep, extra breathing is also an important essential. CHOLERA. Simple Cholera. Definition.— An acute catarrhal inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms.— Nausea, vomiting, purging of bilious, watery fluid, thirst, coldness, and sometimes cramps of the legs and abdomen. Treatment.— If there is coldness and prostration, or cold sweat, give two or three drops of the strong tincture of veratrum veride, one drop in a glass of water ; dose, one teaspoonful every ten minutes. If there is vomiting and purging, give veratrum veride once an hour. If thirst predominates, give arsenicum 3d. Apply heat to the extremities, also hot capsicum. Prepare poultices of corn meal mixed with boiling water, and two table spoonsful of red pepper; mix, spread between flannels, and lay over the abdomen and stomach. Asiatic Cholera. Symptoms.— Sudden prostration of strength, coldness of the sur- face, with great internal heat and thirst, cramps in the thighs, legs, toes and fingers, cold tongue and breath, vomiting and purging re- sembling rice water. In the advanced stage, the pulse is hardly per- ceptible, the eyes are sunken, the face is pinched, the voice reduced to a hoarse whisper; there is extreme restlessness and thirst, with cold, clammy sweat. For treatment, read chapter on " Fevers and Con- tagious Diseases, " which contains directions for the treatment and cure of malignant Asiatic cholera. GENEBAL DISEASES. 549 (DOLDS. Treatment.— For muscular soreness and tenderness, headache, cold feet, stiff, sore feeling over the entire body, take aconite and bryonia in alternation, wrap up warmly, and promote perspiration. See catarrh, neuralgia and sore throat. Six drops of aconite tincture in a glass of water ; a teaspoonful given every twenty minutes in alterna- tion with bryonia prepared in the same way. COLIC. Causes.— Exposure to cold, also indigestion, worms, and lead poison- ing. It is distinguished from inflammation of the bowels, in that pres- sure relieves pain, while in inflammation pressure is painful. Treatment.— The hot corn meal and red pepper poultice (see in- dex) placed between flannel cloths, and laid over the entire bowels. Wrap the patient warmly, and give a little nux vomica, third attenua- tion in some water; also six drops of veratrum veride in a glass of water; a teaspoonful every twenty minutes. INTESTINAL COLIC. This affection is characterized by severe griping or twisting pains in the abdominal region, particularly about the navel. The pain is somewhat relieved by pressure, and is caused by either a cold or the passage of some 'rritating food through the bowels. It may also occur as a symptom in the course of a different disease. If due to a sudden cold, a few doses of aconite or Eubini Compound Camphor Pills will afford prompt relief. If caused by some error in diet, nux vomica and colocynth should be given alternately every fifteen minutes until relief is had. If it occurs with diarrhoea and vomiting, see Cholera Morbus. CONSTIPATION. Causes.— Mental trouble, anxiety, the use of too much pastry, fine flour, the habitual use of purgative medicines, intemperance, lead in the system, tobacco. A tendency to costiveness is not so grave as many 550 GENERAL DISEASES. people believe; indeed, individuals thus predisposed generally live long, unless injured by purgatives, while those who are subject to frequent attacks of diarrhoea are soon debilitated, seldom attaining old age, The common idea that aperients or laxatives contribute to health, and that the impurities are thereby expelled from the body, is erroneous. Treatment.— Regular exercise, regular food, and a regular time for the evacuation of the bowels are extremely important in the preven- tion and treatment of this disorder. Entire wheat or graham bread should be used exclusively. If entire wheat bread cannot be obtained, substitute corn bread, rolled oats eaten raw in milk every morning, and ground wheat and barley mixed, also eaten raw in milk. Drink a glass of water before breakfast. Indian meal mush, with molasses, and ripe fruits and vegetables should form a large portion of the diet. Tea and coffee should be used sparingly. Washing the rectum every night or morning with cold water and a sponge, I have found to be, for many, an infallible cure. Drink plenty of cold water before and between meals, without ice. If the rectum is full of accu- mulated feces, remove them with an injection of warm water. If the obstruction be very obstinate, use castile soap and water. If the symp- toms are dull headache, with irregular action of the bowels, itching of the anus, with piles, and sleeplessness from over-eating, use nux vomica and cascara sagrada alternately, every hour; if very obstinate, take bryonia every two hours. These remedies will also remove the yellow discoloration of the skin. AN INFALLIBLE REMEDY FOR CONSTIPATION. An infallible cure for chronic constipation consists in living for a few days entirely upon good ripe apples eaten at regular meal time, and after that, adding a slice of graham, oatmeal or any of the grain- flour toasts. Any of the ripe tart fruits are excellent as an occasional change. A man came to me at one time, saying that life had become a misery. He said he had taken such a sea of drugs that it seemed tQ GENERAL DISEASES. 551 him his bowels must be dead, and that it was not unusual for an entire week to elapse without an action of the bowels. At that time it had been ten days since he had had a movement, and he was terribly dis- tressed. I directed him to get some good apples, eat two or three for supper, with an abundance of not another thing, this to be continued a day or so, or two or three days at a time. At the end of a week I met him, and, with profuse thanks, he said he had learned a lesson that would lead to a renewed life. How simple is the true way, and how effectual. Another simple method of overcoming obstinate constipation is to take a teaspoonful of pure olive oil before breakfast every morning, until a normal habit is established. Pay attention to diet, and take no liquids during meals. All liquids must be taken before meals, or from one to two hours subsequently. PULMONARY CONSUMPTION OR TUBERCULOSIS. The more modern and technical name for this disease, in former years called consumption, is Tuberculosis. It is the great destroyer of civilized life, carrying off prematurely one-fifth of the entire popula- tion. Remedy after remedy has been found and tried, and proved a failure. There are several other terms for consumption, but they all mean one thing, that is, wasting away. Phthisis, Marasmus, Tabes, all imply emaciation, which is one of the prominent symptoms of Pulmonary Consumption. Tuberculosis is not always confined to the lungs, but is more commonly used as a synonym of Phthisis or Pulmonary Con- sumption. The other most prominent symptoms, besides emaciation, are a distressing cough with expectoration, night sweats, and very often in later stages, diarrhoea. Hemorrhage from the lungs or spitting of blood frequently terminates in Phthisis. Causes.— Unsanitary houses and work shops, lack of fresh air, grief, melancholy, misanthropy, fear, anxiety, as well as all great disap- pointments which paralyze the vital organs. One of the greatest causes 552 GENERAL DISEASES. of consumption is to be found in neglected colds, causing constant cold feet ; fear blanches the cheeks and drives the blood from the capillaries to the heart and lungs, and all depression of spirits retards or stops entirely the respiration. The Treatment and Cure.— The mind must be uplifted and the spirit be joyous and free in order to enjoy health. Thoughts are things, and constitute for the wise ideal remedies. Correct the soul, the conscience, the food, the exercise, and draw life and power from the vital air. Learn the art of breathing given in this book. If you can not breathe, practice Dr. Edwards' and the author's exercises by an open window. The chest is elastic and can be kept so if we use it rightly. Keep the mind and all the joints of the body in play by frequent use as long as you live. For the cough take honey, best Jamaica rum, raw linseed oil, equal parts; mix well, add one drachm of wild cherry extract. Dose, tablespoonful every hour. Also juice of lemons mixed with honey. Medicines the same as for colds. Baths, Turkish, sun, hot and cold bathing. (See Bathing.) CORPULENCY. Very corpulent people are neither strong nor vigorous, and an excess of this kind should be treated as an abnormal condition. Causes.— Heredity, excess of sweets, fine flour, sugar, potatoes, pastry, fats, or creams. Treatment.— Hot baths of all kinds, exercise, moderation in eating, friction over the entire body with a Turkish bath brush, very deep breathing a few minutes, three to four times a day. Diet,— Bread made from the entire wheat flour; beef, mutton, tongue, lobster, all kinds of fish, oysters, raw or cooked without flour, poultry, all kinds, but not thickened with flour ; lettuce, onions, aspara- gus, cold slaw, celery, string beans, sour apples, peaches, strawberries without cream or sugar, coffee and tea in moderation. Eat slowly, in moderate quantities, and take as little liquid as possible at meals. If constipated, wash the bowels and rectum every night with cold water. The bowels will regulate themselves after this diet has been GENERAL DISEASES. 553 adhered to for a few days. Use injections to clear the rectum of feces until a natural movement has been restored. See Materia Medica for Constipation. CORNS. Treatment. —Bathe the feet well until the hard skin is softened about the corn, and apply strong nitric acid to the horny center, with a camePs hair brush. Then take a sharp penknife and peel away the soft, deadened skin. Apply the acid two or three times during the treatment. The acid destroys the horny center COUGH. Causes.— Taking cold; but a cough is also a symptom of some other troubles, such as bronchitis, dyspepsia, or consumption. It may also result from the use of tobacco, which produces a nervous cough. Treatment.— A cough, with a dry, inflamed throat, requires bella- donna, which should be taken as frequently as the severity of the case may justify. Six drops of the tincture in a glass of water ; a teaspoon- ful very twenty minutes. For a dry, hard, painful cough, with " stitches' ' in the chest, bryonia should be given in the same way as the belladonna. If the cough is caused by irritation owing to the poison of tobacco, give nux vomica, night and morning. For a loud, hollow, ringing cough, give spongia. For a short, hacking cough, with a tight feeling in the chest, and a frothy, rust-colored sputa, give phosphorus three times a day. CRAMPS. Cramps are a violent involuntary action of a few of the voluntary muscles. Causes.— Cramps of the muscles of the stomach and bowels are caused by worms, or by indigestible food, poisons or ice water. Cramps of the legs and arms occur in cholera. They may also be produced by exposure to cold, as in bathing, or may be the result of a deficient supply of blood to the parts. Treatment,— Hot poultice— a quart of scalded corn meal and two tablespoonfuls of red pepper and a tablespoonful of ground mustard placed between two flannel cloths 554 GENERAL DISEASES. and laid over the bowels. If from worms, give cina or santonine, night and morning. DEAFNESS AND EARACHE. (Mullein Oil Treatment.) First, irrigate both ears with water as hot as can be borne, using two quarts of water and a fountain syringe. Follow the irrigation with an injection of three drops of mullein oil into each ear. Then place the thumb over the ear and massage the ear well, working the thumb in and out of the ear. Irrigate two or three times a week; use the oil every evening until the deafness is removed. Will cite several cases whe.re this treatment proved of utmost benefit. Dr. Gushing, of Springfield, Mass., relates the case of his father, who had been deaf for months and after but one treatment was well. Also, Dr. H. C. Houghton, the well known ear specialist of New York City, in the Homeopathic Recorder, tells of having prescribed it in a great number of cases with good results. Dr. Gushing also tells of a patient, aged about 60 years, who, after a few treatments, could hear a clock tick in an adjoining room. The author has used this treatment extensively in her practice, always followed by good results. DIABETES. Definition.— A constitutional disease characterized by an excessive discharge of pale, sweet and heavy urine, containing grape sugar. Dia- betes is a morbid condition of the blood, characterized by an abnormal increase of sugar. In healthy blood, it exists in an extremely minute quantity, and is most abundant a short time after meals. Causes.— Diabetes is considered by most physicians a nervous dis- ease, and incurable. There is a defect in the chemical process by which the sugar and starch of the food are appropriated to the nutrition of the body. The natural process is interrupted at the point where grape sugar is produced, and the excess of this substance in the blood is carried off by the kidneys. GENERAL DISEASES. 555 Treatment.— The same as prescribed for Bright 's Disease. Deep breathing, and hot baths, concluding by sponging off with cold water, are most important. All diseases of the kidneys are curable under this treatment. The remedies used are phosphoric acid water, pre- pared as lemonade, for the thirst, and uranium nitricum, third tritura- tion. Give a powder every night. Diet.— The same as for Bright 's Disease. DIARRHOEA. Causes.— Usually, the causes are, taking cold, indigestion, or den- tition. Symptoms.— Frequent fluid evacuations from the bowels. Treatment.— If the attack is caused by taking cold, aconite should be given, in connection with a hot foot bath and hot applications over the bowels. If the result of indigestible food, nux vomica is the most ef- ficient remedy, in connection with the hot local applications. Food should be taken in liquid form, at regular intervals. Corn starch is excellent, as well as oatmeal or farina gruel. When diarrhoea is the result of teething, use chamomile. DROPSY. Causes.— Dropsy may be induced by chronic or acute disease of the kidneys, or by chronic disease of the liver. Dropsy of the brain or chest, by inflammation of the serous membranes. Symptoms.— Dropsy from disease of the kidneys, may early be noticed under the eyes; it also begins at about the same time in different parts of the body. It is accompanied by pain in the region of the kidneys, and scantiness of the urine. If the cause is in the liver, the swelling begins in the cavity of the abdomen, afterwards in the feet, and working upward in the same manner as in eases of heart or kidney disease. Dropsy of the brain is usually confined to children. Dropsy of the chest is generally the result of chronic pleurisy, as manifested in the swelling of the affected side of the chest. Treat- ment.— Arsenicum is one of the best remedies for dropsy of the tis- sues, from whatever cause* Apis mellifica is the best known remedy 556 GENERAL DISEASES. for acute dropsy arising from disease of the kidneys. Hot baths are excellent; also bathing and friction over the region of the kidneys with alcohol. Excite capillary action by wearing a capcine belladonna plaster over the kidneys for two days, then remove and use the alcohol again in the same manner. In this way a healthy action of the kid- neys will be restored. Keep the feet warm, and bathe them every other day in hot and cold water alternately. DYSPEPSIA AND INDIGESTION. Causes.— Dyspepsia may be produced by various causes. It may result from an abnormal condition of the nervous system, or from overstimulating food or drink, such as mustard, pepper, fermented liquors, ice cream, tea or coffee. Worry and anxiety of the mind, or depression of the spirits from any cause, are the principal sources of dyspepsia. So long as the mind is dull and gloomy, from disappoint- ments in business or love, the effect is the same,— direct oppression of the vital forces. All food becomes poisonous to the system in time, if retained in the stomach until soured and fermented. Sour and fer- mented food produces acid blood. By the action of blood thus impov- erished, the mind becomes permanently gloomy, causing chronic dys- pepsia. Symptoms.— These complaints are readily recognized by the fol- lowing conditions ; namely, accumulation of wind, and the formation of acids in the stomach. The patient feels unfit for mental or physical labor; the hands and feet are generally cold. There is either a lack of appetite, or morbid craving for spicy and acid articles ; with a grad- ual failing in flesh and strength. Treatment.— Correct diet is of the most importance. Plain food is necessary, with no fluids at meals. Soups and fluids of every kind should be taken before meals, or two hours after. If corpulent or lean, avoid all sweets, and all strong acids. Abstain from a meal frequently, to give the stomach rest. Take hot baths of all kinds, keeping the feet warm by bathing frequently, and wearing thick-soled shoes. The GENEKAL DISEASES. 557 remedies for dyspepsia are nux vomica, subnitrate of bismuth, and lacto pepsine. Mix, and take two grains after each meal. EARACHE. Causes.— Taking cold; the extension of inflammation, as in scarlet fever, chronic catarrh, etc. Symptoms.— Buzzing in the ears, with pain, headache, and dullness of hearing. Treatment.— Aconite in the first stage; copious hot douches into the ear by means of a fountain syringe. Also mix a few drops of chloroform with a teaspoonful of cosmoline, place on cotton batting and lay in the ear. EPILEPSY. Symptoms.— Sudden loss of consciousness, and disturbances in the form of more or less severe convulsions. These attacks recur at irregu- lar periods in the beginning of the disease. Causes.— Hereditary dis- position, digestive disturbances, masturbation, over-exertion, and great fatigue. The loss of consciousness may be either sudden and complete, the patient being stricken down as if by lightning, or it may be a little more gradual; in this case, the patient, when falling, partly realizes his condition, and endeavors to save himself from injury. Treat- ment.— The patient should be firmly held, or sufficiently restrained to prevent self-injury. After the attack, allow him to sleep as long as possible. Belladonna should be given in the premonitory stage, if there is congestion in the face, or headache. Nux vomica is useful between attacks, to regulate the digestive functions. ERYSIPELAS. This disease is caused by exposure to cold, by wounds, or contagion. At first, the eruption is of a bright red color, later assuming a livid hue. There is a constant burning of the skin, and sometimes pus is formed and discharged. Treatment.— Veratrum veride is the specific remedy for this disease. Aconite and belladonna, in alternation, are the best remedies in the early stage. Cantharis, ten drops in one pint of water, is the best local application. Wet a linen handkerchief in 32 V. 558 GENERAL DISEASES. the lotion and spread over the face or any part of the body where the eruption appears. SYNCOPE OR FAINTING. Causes.— Sudden fright, violent injuries, severe pains, oppressive odors, the presence of indigestible matter in the stomach, loss of blood. Treatment.— Ammonia or camphor held to the nostrils. The patient should lie flat on the floor, or a bed, and the feet placed first in hot water 2 then in cold. FELON. Causes.— Blows and bruises, or an impoverished state of the blood. Symptoms.— Loss of appetite, with headache, backache, and pain in the limbs. The patient is feverish, and unable to sleep, with flushed face and strong pulse. Treatment.— Dip the felon in lye water, to keep it soft, or apply a soap poultice. When the part begins to swell, lance it to the bone. Give two grains of silicia, third decimal tritura- tion, three to four times a day. FEVERS OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN. Feverish conditions are apt to arise in children during infancy and early childhood. The child's head is hot, the face flushed and the eyes bright. These fevers are generally transient and need occasion no alarm, but should be given prompt and proper attention. Treatment.— Tincture of aconite, six drops to a glass full of water; santonine, two grains to a glass of water. Alternate, giving a teaspoon- ful every quarter of an hour. If the above do not have the desired effect, see the chapter on teething. GALL STONES. This disease is characterized by a severe pain in the region of the liver, that stops as soon as the gall stone leaves the duct. Treatment.— Give two ounces of pure olive oil every three hours until the pain ceases. Nux vom. 3d, and colocynth, a dose alternately until relieved ; hot applications to the painful part. China is the remedy to prevent GENERAL DISEASES. 559 the formation of gall stone. A dose should be taken night and morn- ing for six months or more. GOITEE. Goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, or a thickening of the neck, and is of slow growth. In time this gland becomes enormously swollen, producing shortness of breath, and in some cases, obstructing the circulation of blood in the brain. Treatment.— Give two grains of spongia three times a day, or two drops of the tincture in glass of water. As an external treatment, bathe the neck daily with cold salt water. GOUT. This is an inflammatory disease produced by morbid matter in the blood. Causes.— Luxurious living and the use of intoxicating drinks; also taking cold. Symptoms.— Pain in the small joints, com- mencing in the great toe, the heel, the knee, the hand, the wrist, or the elbow. Treatment.— Wrap the afflicted parts in cotton batting. Make a liniment of one pint of sweet oil and one ounce of ammonia. Mix, and apply freely. Give colchicum tincture internally, four or five drops in a little water every hour. Also make frequent use of hot baths. The diet should be light, with no animal food or pastry. GBAVEL. Causes.— Exposure to cold, extreme fatigue, hereditary tendency, and luxurious living. Symptoms.— Uneasiness in the back and loins, thirst, a dry tongue, and constipation. Treatment.— Avoid all intoxi- cating drinks, taking soft or boiled water only. Chamomile tea will aid in dissolving the stone, and tends to prevent its formation. Take from one to four teaspoonfuls of olive oil before breakfast. HAY FEVEB. This is a supersensitive condition of the mucous membrane, aggra- vated by the pollen of various growths, principally the ragweed. Treat- ment.— Turkish baths, or hot baths of any kind, concluding with cold 560 GENERAL DISEASES. water. Electricity, scientifically applied, is also beneficial. The posi- tive pole should always be used internally over the highly irritable mucous surface, with a small nasal electrode covered with a fine sponge. Make a bath of some kind a daily custom. Patients addicted to the use of tobacco cannot be cured unless this habit is discontinued, as the poison of tobacco nullifies any remedy. Take iodide of potassium, five grains, in a glass of water ; a tablespoonful every hour. HEADACHE. Treatment.— When headache results from cold, bathe the feet in hot and cold water, alternately. Aconite is the remedy. For periodical headaches, omit food twenty-four hours. Ignatia 3d is the remedy. Headache occurring before and after menstruation should be treated with nux vomica and Pulsatilla; if caused by anxiety or excitement, give ignatia, third attenuation, in water, every hour. Bryonia will cure a headache which is more painful when the patient moves about. This headache is characterized by irritability. DISEASE OF THE HEAET. The most common disease of the heart is fluttering and palpita- tion. The distinction between organic and functional diseases of the heart is far from being easily made. The causes of heart diseases are constitutional tendencies, grief, melancholy, shocks, disappointments in love, financial losses, excesses of life, intemperance, and dyspepsia. Treatment : Hot baths, compresses to the heart, cactus grandiflora, digitalis, tinctures; two drops of the digitalis in full glass of water, tablespoonful every hour; of the cactus grandiflora, 6 drops of the tincture in full glass, tablespoonful every hour ; avoid all excitements, anger, grief and worry. Abstain from coffee, tea, and potatoes, and select food most easily digested. Cultivate repose and tranquillity of mind. PALPITATION OF THE HEAET. The most common disease of the heart is palpitation, caused by mental troubles, dyspepsia, suppressed menstruation, or an impover- GENERAL DISEASES. 561 ished condition of the blood. If the disease results from mental troubles, give ignatia. If from dyspepsia, nux vomica and Pulsatilla. If caused by worms, give santonine or cina. Pulsatilla is the best remedy if the patient is suffering from suppressed menstruation. Cactus grandiflora is also good. (See Materia Medica.) HIP DISEASE. The location of the pain is foreign to the real seat of the disease, the pain being in the knee, foot or leg ; the foot or leg is turned inward against the other. As the disease advances, there is pain and swelling in the hip. Causes.— Falls, and bruises to the hip joint; dislocations, scrofula. Treatment.— Ostine No. 2 (see index). Diet.— Nutritious food, nuts, fruits; fresh air; frequent bathing. HOARSENESS OR LOSS OF VOICE. when caused by a cold, generally disappears with the cold in the head or cough that gave rise to it. If it shows a tendency to be chronic it should receive treatment. Aconite and bryonia; of each six drops in a full glass of water; a dose every thirty minutes. Poultice of hot corn meal with a tablespoonful of red pepper and tablespoonful of ground mustard. Mix and place between two cloths, cover the chest and throat. Make the poultices as thick as corn meal mush. Take hot baths. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. Causes.— Taking cold, intoxicating drink, cold feet, too long reten- tion of urine. Symptoms.— Pain and weight in the sides and lower part of abdomen. Treatment.— Aconite is the remedy in the first stage, given in alternation with cantharis; also hot baths. Eest in bed is necessary. Apply external heat over bladder, give mucilaginous drinks, plain food, and see that the bowels are kept regular. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. This is an inflammation of the inner covering of the bowels; the mucous membrane. It is known by a griping pain about the navel and 562 GENERAL DISEASES. a tenderness in the abdomen on pressure or motion. The usual causes are inclement weather and attacks of gastritis. Diet.— Light, nutri- tious food only, preferably liquids. Treatment.— Same as peritonitis; see index. INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, OR MENINGITIS. Symptoms.— Meningitis is characterized by rigors, a hot, dry skin, hard and frequent pulse, hurried respiration, depression of spirits, vertigo, intense headache, loss of appetite, vomiting and constipation. The eyes have a wild expression. Delirium sets in early, the patient being noisy, violent and restless. These symptoms continue three or four days, after which the fever abates, the pulse flags, the tongue is dry and brown, and the delirium is apt to pass into stupor or coma. In a few days there is extreme prostration, the symptoms resembling those of typhus fever. When the disease terminates favorably, the improvement is gradual. Treatment.— Gelsemium or veratrum veride every half hour. Bathe the feet in hot water, then cold, alternating in this way for thirty minutes, two or three times a day, gradually increasing the tempera- ture of the hot water, and decreasing that of the cold. Also bathe the head in hot water, then in cold. In the intervals of treatment, keep a wet cloth on the head. Induce free perspiration. The nourishment should be mild, such as lamb broth, and gruels made from the cereals. INFLAMMATION OF THE BREASTS. This develops chiefly during the period of nursing. Causes.— Stag- nation of the milk within the glands, from taking cold, or external in- juries. Symptoms.— Cold chills and rigors, with severe pain in the breasts, which feel hard and congested. Treatment.— Aconite every half hour. Prepare a poultice of flaxseed, adding a teaspoonful of black pepper. Mix thoroughly and spread on a cloth the size of the breast, cutting a hole for the nipple. Soak the feet in hot salt water, and remain in bed, covering warmly, keeping an even heat over the entire body. GENERAL DISEASES. 563 INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER, or congestion of the liver, is characterized by a feeling of soreness and tenderness upon pressure below the ribs, usually in the right side. Often this tenderness amounts to a dull, heavy, aching pain. These symptoms are accompanied by a tired, worn-out feeling, loss of appe- tite, heavily coated tongue, the bowels are generally constipated, occa- sionally there is a greenish appearance to the skin, and the whites of the eyes look yellow. Treatment.— Podophyllum and nux vomica, given in alternation, six drops of nux vomica in a glass of water, and six drops of the tincture of podophyllum in another glass. Dose.— A table- spoonful every hour until relieved. Apply plain hot water compresses to the afflicted side, or a capcine and corn meal plaster. Drink freely of hot water ; avoid eating for a day. Light, vegetable diet, with fruits. INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT. This is an inflammation of the upper and back portions of the throat. Symptoms.— Pain, swelling, and a dark red color of the mucous mem- brane. In the chronic condition, ulcers may appear scattered over the surface. Treatment.— Belladonna, 3d attenuation. Gargle the throat with alcohol and water, equal parts, every hour. JAUNDICE. Symptoms.— Yellowness of the skin and whites of the eyes. Treat- ment.— Hot baths of all kinds, and hygienic living. Massage the liver every night with olive oil. Podophyllum and nux vomica, same as for inflammation of the liver. LEANNESS AND NERVOUSNESS. Causes.— Excess of sweets, acids, spices, fine flour, pastry, mental worry, or weak digestion. Thin people having a weak digestion are often kept thin by the same food which causes others to be corpulent. If the starch, butter and fine flour cannot be digested, the system is kept in a feverish, dyspeptic state, and nervousness or consumption results 564 GENEEAL DISEASES. for no other reason than that life is burned out by a diet which only produces heat and does not renew the tissues. Treatment.— Attend well to cleanliness, so as to eliminate all impure secretions that tend to the surface. This aids in purifying the blood and strengthening the muscles. Hot baths are best, such as are directed for corpulency, except that a thin person should use oils very often after hot baths, rubbing well into the skin, with a piece of flannel or Trukish bath towel, until the skin is dry and soft. This induces a feeling of strength and health. Practice the deep breathing two or three minutes from three to five times daily. NAUSEA, OR VOMITING. Causes.— Eating improper food, inflammation of the kidneys, preg- nancy, overeating, indigestible food, scarlet fever, small-pox, intermit- tent fever. Treatment.— Drink a tumbler of hot water to expel the offending substance, and abstain from all food for twenty-four hours or more. Use an injection of warm water in the rectum, to remove all accumulated fecal matter. Eest and do nothing else, until the dis- turbance abates. ACUTE NEPHRITIS. Symptoms.— Chilliness, vomiting, pain each side of the spine just above the hip bone, and painless swelling of the feet, legs and other parts of the body. The urine thickens if boiled, showing the presence of albumen. Causes.— It has been found by experiment, that out of two hundred cases, sixty-eight were produced by intoxicating drink and taking cold ; sixty by exposure, and twenty-five by scarlet fever. Treat- ment.— Give the patient hot baths, exciting perspiration as soon as possible. In this way the skin is kept moist during the course of the disease. Bathe the spine and the region of the kidneys three or four times a day with alcohol, diluted one-third with hot water. Aconite 3d is the remedy used for the chilliness, fever, thirst and scanty urine, arsenicum 6th for dropsical swelling, mercurius corrosivus for mucus, blood or pus in the urine. Apis mellifica^ sixth decimal trituration, GENERAL DISEASES. 565 may also be given in alternation with arsenicum for dropsical swelling. Diet.— Abstain from all solid food for a few days, using only slippery elm tea, crust coffee, and lemonade without ice. If the above remedies cannot be procured, take four drops of aconite tincture in a half glass of water ; teaspoonful of the medicated water every twenty minutes until moisture of the skin is established; then give every hour. DISEASES OF THE NOSE. General observations.— An habitual pointed nose denotes derange- ment in the mesenteric glands of the bowels, and generally atrophy. When the nose becomes suddenly pointed in children, it denotes an im- pending spasm. A thick, swollen nose indicates inflammation, if ac- companied by pain, heat and redness, or scrofula; rachitic diseases. If the nose becomes suddenly pointed during the act of parturition, it indicates internal hemorrhage, complete exhaustion, or threatening con- vulsions. The pointed nose of a nursing mother indicates her complete unfit- ness for that office. When observed during severe illness, it is always a grave symptom, indicating extreme exhaustion and collapse. A heavy motion of the nasal wings during respiration is a sign of impeded respiration, due either to asthma, pneumonia, croup, dropsy in the chest, or incipient paralysis of the respiratory muscles; also utter prostration. Circumscribed redness of the point of the nose, cheeks, and fore- head, with paleness, denotes, in pneumonia, that suppuration has taken place. A coppery, shining redness of the root of the nose, is a sign of existing syphilitic ulcers within the nose. An habitual cold nose is found in disordered states of the abdominal viscera, in dropsical complaints, and in chlorosis. A grayish, lead-colored nose is found in dropsy of the chest and pericardium, in induration of the lungs, and in some malignant forms of typhoid fever. 566 GENERAL DISEASES. Single, lead-colored stripes on the nose have been observed in obstruction of the portal vein. A bluish color of the nose is found occasionally in apoplexy, croup, diseases of the lungs, heart, and larger blood vessels; in short, in all morbid conditions which cause stagnation of the blood. Brownish, yellowish spots on and over the nose, in the form of a saddle, usually indicate a diseased liver, or chronic leucorrhoea. "A blackish fur at the base of the nostrils, is found in typhus epi- demic, dysentery, cholera; in fact, in any condition of great prostra- tion. ' '— Cowperthwaite. PARALYSIS OF THE BLADDER. This occurs more frequently in people of advanced age. Electricity is most effectual in its removal. PERITONITIS. Causes.— Absorption of animal poisons after childbirth, surgical injuries. Ushered in with chills, fever, and small, quick, hard pulse. Also extreme pain, and tenderness of the abdomen. See " Peritonitis ; Author's Experience. ' ' EXCESSIVE PERSPIRATION. Ammonia bath once a month. Half pint of ammonia to the full bath of hot water, tablespoonful of borax in the water ; wash off with good soap ; let the water gradually cool ; wipe dry. Replace the natural oil of the body with olive oil and a teaspoonful of alcohol 4Z. Mix; rub all over the body, including the scalp. Wonderfully strengthening to the sweat glands and general system. HEMORRHOIDS OR PILES. Piles are formed by an accumulation of blood in the small branches of the veins. This blood coagulates, and forms a complete obstruction to the venous circulation. Piles are rendered more common by habitual constipation, pregnancy, abdominal tumors, inflammation of the vagina, displacement of the womb, diseases of the bladder, and pin worms in GENEEAL DISEASES. 567 the rectum. Treatment.— Internal and external piles should be bathed daily with cold water. Also bathe the lower part of the spine. The extended intestine should be replaced after each evacuation, by the forefinger, well oiled and pushed up the rectum as far as possible. Bathe the parts thoroughly with cold water. Inflammation and swell- ing can be reduced by the application of very hot water, followed by cold, and the use of a cold wet compress at night. Constipation must be avoided. Use Tricura Capsules. (See Materia Medica.) PNEUMONIA. This is an inflammation of the lung-tissue. It is generally sudden in its appearance and manifests itself by a severe chill, soon followed by a high fever. A hard, dry, painful cough comes on, with difficult breathing, and a dull, heavy, aching pain in the chest, especially aggra- vated by breathing and coughing. The pain at first is wandering, but finally fixes itself, usually just below the nipple on either the right or left side. The cough is dry and hard for the first two or three days, but then changes to one with a rust-colored, tough mucus, which is raised with much difficulty. As the disease advances the expectorated substance has a very offensive odor. Diet.— Liquids, such as hot soups, hot lemonade, oatmeal gruel. Treatment.— Take six drops of tincture of aconite in a glass of water; six drops of tincture of bryonia in another glass of water. Dose.— Alternate, taking one teaspoonful every thirty minutes. Apply corn meal poultice to the chest as for hoarseness. RHEUMATISM (ACUTE). This occurs suddenly, with a chill, then often a high fever; there is soreness, extreme tenderness and painfulness of a joint, which be- comes red and swollen. Treatment.— Belladonna and bryonia; six drops of the tincture of each in separate glasses of water. Dose.— Alternate, teaspoonful every half hour. "Wrap the afflicted joint in a cloth saturated with a solution 568 GENERAL DISEASES. of vinegar and salt, using as much salt as the vinegar will dissolve. Place hot water bags, bricks or flatirons around the part. SCURVY. is characterized by a peculiar, debilitated state of the system; a de- praved condition of the blood, especially of the gums. Causes.— Exposure to cold and wet; deficient ventilation, unwhole- some food, to the exclusion of vegetables and fruits, too much salt meat, impure water, want of cleanliness, debility or old age. Treat- ment.— Hot and cold bathing, plenty of lemonade, wash the surface with citric acid water. Diet.— Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit; fresh air. (See chapter on "A Breath of Air.") SEASICKNESS. Phosphoric acid, six drops in a glass of water, taken daily, is a prevention of this complaint. Eat sparingly the first two or three days, or until the system becomes accustomed to the swaying of the boat. Vomiting.— This is generally the result of overloading the stomach, and requires no treatment. SOFTENING OF THE BRAIN. Causes.— Imperfect nutrition, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, injuries to the brain, growth of tumors upon the inner surface of the skull. Symptoms.— Similar to those in inflammation of the brain. There is an impairment of the intellectual faculties, embarrassment in asking questions, melancholy, drowsiness, particularly after eating, impaired vision and hearing, and pricking and twitching of the limbs, sometimes accompanied by pain, or by numbness. In the inflammatory form, the limbs are more frequently the seat of painful cramps, stiffness, and contraction. There may be nausea, constipation, difficult matricula- tion, and labored respiration, which becomes stertorous towards the last. A state of coma ensues, which may pass off in a day or two, but only to return and become more profound, until terminating fatally. GENERAL DISEASES. 569 Softening of the brain occurs more frequently after the fiftieth year, although it is possible at any period of life. Treatment.— Turkish and vapor baths, hot and cold foot baths, daily. Rest from mental application is necessary, also abstaining from all liquors. If addicted to the use of tobacco, the habit must be dis- continued. Diet.— Select food from that prescribed for lean and ner- vous people. The best remedies are, phosphoric acid prepared as lemonade, and nux vomica, 3d trituration, three times a day. Take plenty of outdoor exercise, and live in an atmosphere of music and agreeable company. This will assist in maintaining a cheerful frame of mind. (See Brain Food in Materia Medica.) SORE THROAT AND QUINSY. These affections will be considered under one head, as the treat- ment is nearly identical. Either can be occasionally aborted during the feverish state by the medicines and treatment recommended under Colds, but it is best to begin at once the alternate administration of Belladonna and Merc, biniod. a dose every hour for six doses, then every two or three hours. A cold compress on the throat, covered with a dry flannel, aids greatly in sore throat and during the first stage of quinsy; but if an abscess forms, apply a hot corn meal poultice with a tablespoonful of red pepper and a tablespoonful of ground mustard mixed into the hot mush ; or a poultice of raisins. VARICOSE VEINS. Causes.— Pregnancy, leading to pressure of the uterus on the blcod vessels; congestion. Symptoms.— Enlarged, distended veins, swelling and pain in the legs. Treatment.— Adopt a fruit diet, avoiding all food leading to thickened blood or congestion; wear a silk elastic stocking on the affected limb, over a gauze stocking; and if the veins become more painful, it is best to call in a physician, as it may be necessary to have them enveloped in mild plasters, and then rolled. 570 GENERAL DISEASES. FOMENTATION. Every home should have a pair of fomentation cloths in its emer- gency outfit. These are pieces of woolen blankets nearly a yard square. To give a fomentation: Place one of the cloths dry over the part affected, being careful not to expose any part of the body. Fold the other blanket twice lengthwise, then by holding firmly at each end dip it in boiling water nearly to the ends, see that it is wet through, then begin twisting each end in an opposite direction until it is quite tight, then stretch it above the vessel of boiling water so that the water drips into it. Keep the cloth so wrung until you reach your patient when it should be opened large enough to cover the afflicted part ; fold the ends of dry cloth over it. A little practice will enable anyone to wring a cloth so dry and hot in this way that it will remain hot for ten minutes. This should be repeated three or four times or until relief is obtained, when the part should be cooled off by a sponging of cold water and quickly dried. To apply to the head, spine or extremities it is best to fold the hot damp cloth in the dry one and apply all at once to the part. Unless this treatment can be skillfully given— i. e., so as to avoid exposing the patient by wet clothing or to cold air, poultices had better be used. FOMENTATION NO. 2 consists of cloths wrung out of hot water, placed over some dormant, stiff or troubled part of the body and covered with a dry towel or flannel. These fomentations are made of hops. A soft rubber water bag filled with hot water is much better; it can be placed under the spine during the passing of calculi, or can cover the lungs or womb. INTERNAL USE OF WATER. Observation and experience teach that the free use of drinking water is a necessity. All solids give way to a fluid. Water is the system's natural purifier. A full glass of cold water should be drunk GENERAL DISEASES. 571 every hour by those who are well and desire to remain well ; while in sickness, the plentiful drinking of water serves to increase the activity of the skin, and kidneys, thus assisting in throwing off the disease. "Water and air are nature's disinfectants in or out of the body. The most obstinate stomach troubles are curable by drinking a glass of very hot water in the morning before breakfast, followed by a half cup of very hot water containing a tablespoonful of the best olive oil. The above treatment must be continued for several weeks to get per- manent results. Apply a compress of cold water over the stomach and heart at night, covered with dry flannel. CHAPTER XLIII. ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. Be Prepared Beforehand — Quick and Effective Action — Bruises — Splinters — Cuts— Lacera- tions — Profuse Bleeding — Nail Wounds in Foot — Lockjaw — Nosebleed — Stings — Bites from Serpents — Bites from Mad Dogs — Poison Ivy, etc. — Sprains — Broken Bones — Cramps — Poisoning — Chill from Dampness — Freezing — Restoring the Drowned — Falling into the Water — Choking — Swallowing Pins, etc. — Foreign Bodies in Eye or Ear — Stunned from a Fall — Escape from Fire — Clothing on Fire — Burns — Scalds— Powder Burns. EVERY household is subject to occasional mishaps, and it is well to be prepared to think and act quickly and effectively when these times come. I give some hints, therefore, as to a number of the emergencies and accidents which most frequently occur. BRUISES; TO PREVENT AND CURE. Children in playing often fall or otherwise hurt themselves, result- ing in the discolored, swollen spots known as bruises. These come from the rupture of small blood vessels and the blood escaping from them. Either hot or cold water, arnica or witch hazel extract, applied to the surface, immediately, will ease the pain and contract the blood vessels. This prevents the escape of the blood, and its consequent changes, which, if allowed to proceed, would make the flesh at that point successively blue, bluish-green, green, and yellow ; finally return- ing to its normal color, as the escaped blood is gradually absorbed. Its absorption will be hastened by applying vaseline or olive oil twice daily. TO EXTRACT A SPLINTER from a child's hand, fill a wide-mouthed bottle half full of very hot water and place its mouth under the injured spot. If a little pressure is used the steam in a few moments will extract the splinter. 572 ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. 573 OUTS. Before bandaging a cut wash it thoroughly with some antiseptic solution. When it is perfectly clean bring the edges together and hold in place with warm strips of adhesive plaster. Leave a place between them for the escape of blood, and apply a dressing of absorbent gauze. When the wound is entirely healed the plaster may be easily removed by moistening at first with alcohol. If no adhesive plaster is at hand, for a slight cut hold the part in a basin of tepid water while someone prepares a small pad of clean linen or cotton folded, to place against the wound. Bind it on with a narrow bandage, wet with arnica if the cut is painful. Do not bandage too thickly. A small pad will arrest bleeding quite as well as a larger one. LACERATIONS. These, generally caused by some blunt instrument such as a nail or piece of broken crockery, require somewhat different treatment from an ordinary cut. Tepid water poured over it from a height of ten or twelve inches will cleanse it best. It may be then gently dried by patting the surface with a soft napkin or towel, after which it should be dressed with carbolated vaseline, and bandaged. ABRASIONS. Falling on some hard, rough surface like the dry earth or gravel, will scrape the skin, causing abrasions. These, like lacerations, should be thoroughly cleansed with tepid water, gently dried and dressed with carbolated vaseline. TO ARREST PROFUSE BLEEDING. It sometimes saves life for one to know the difference between blood from an artery, which is bright red and escapes in jets or spurts, and blood from a vein, which is bluish-red and trickles steadily. If an artery in a limb is cut, place a finger firmly just above the wound, between it and the heart. Send for a surgeon immediately, and mean- while, to relieve the person holding the finger as described, take A 33 v. 574 ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. square piece of cloth cornerwise, twist it and tie a hard knot in the middle. Place the knot over the artery, between the wound and the heart; bring the ends around the limb and tie loosely; place a stick under the last tie and twist it until the end of the artery is closed; and the finger pressure is no longer needed. While awaiting the doctor's arrival, keep the patient quiet, with hot water bottles to his feet, give him nourishing drinks and let him drink all the water possible. NAIL WOUNDS IN THE FOOT. To relieve from the suffering produced by running a nail in the foot of a horse or man, take peach leaves, bruise them, apply to the wound, and confine with a bandage. They give relief almost imme- diately and help to heal the wound. Renew the application twice a day if necessary, but one application goes far to destroy the pain. TURPENTINE FOB LOCKJAW. A simple remedy recommended for lockjaw is ordinary turpentine. Warm a small quantity of the liquid and pour it on the wound, no matter where the wound is, and relief will follow immediately. Noth- ing better can be applied to a severe cut or bruise than cold turpentine, which is very prompt in its action. NOSEBLEED. Bathe the face in cold water ; press with the finger upon the small arteries of the side of the nose, or between the eyes; or apply ice to the nose, middle of the forehead or back of the neck. STINGS OF INSECTS. A beekeeper advises that those who are around bees should have a small bottle of tincture of myrrh. As soon as one is stung apply a little of the tincture to the sting, when the pain and swelling cease. It will also serve well for bites of spiders and poisonous reptiles. OTHER REMEDIES FOR STINGS. If an onion be scraped and the juicy part applied to the sting of wasps or bees the pain will be relieved quickly. Ammonia applied to ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. 575 a bite from a poisonous snake, or any poisonous animal, or sting of an insect, will go far toward completely curing the injury. It is one of the most convenient caustics to apply to the bite of a mad dog. Another remedy for insect bites is to dissolve one ounce of borax in a pint of water and bathe the parts affected. This is good for the irritation of mosquito bites and even for prickly heat and like summer irritations. For the stings of bees and wasps the solution should be twice as strong. Or a teaspoonful of salt and another of soda in a little warm water may be used in the same way. BITES FROM POISONOUS SERPENTS. If the bite is on an arm, limb, hand or foot, the first thing to be done is to bind a ligature or cord very tightly between the wound and the heart, so as to keep the poison from circulating through the system. Then the affected part should have the poison sucked out. No danger attends this unless a cut or sore exists on the lips or in the mouth. A few drops of sweet oil taken in the mouth before beginning will insure exemption from any disagreeable results. If water is at hand, make a mud poultice and apply to the wound until a caustic can be obtained. Then wash the wound thoroughly, cauterize freely with nitrate of silver, ammonia, or other caustic, and give the patient tonics and nourishing food. RATTLESNAKE BITES CURED WITH SWEET OIL. Few people know that sweet oil, the common olive oil of commerce, the salad oil used on our tables, is a specific for rattlesnake bites. Use both internally and externally. Give the patient a teaspoonful of oil every hour while the nausea lasts. Dip pieces of cotton two inches square in the oil and lay the saturated cloth over the wound. In twenty minutes or less bubbles and froth will begin to appear on the surface of the cloth. Eemove the square, burn it, and replace it with a fresh square until all the swelling has subsided. Where rattlesnakes abound every household should keep a six or eight ounce vial of the best oil ready for emergencies. Avoid rancid or adulterated oil. No whiskey or other stimulant is needed. 576 ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. MAD DOG BITES. Take the same precautions as in snake-bites to prevent the poison from circulating through the system. Apply a ligature between the wound and the heart; then the wound should be first sucked, next washed, and caustic applied. A physician should be called as quickly as possible, and the dog must be either shot at once, or if any doubt exists as to whether it had hydrophobia, it should be kept confined until the facts are known. POISON IVY, OAK AND SUMAC. It is unfortunate that some of the most attractive plants that grow in woods, ivy, oak and sumac, for instance, are poisonous in their effects. They act differently, however, on different people, for some seem not to be susceptible under any circumstances, while others are poisoned by simple contact with clothing that has touched the noxious plant. The remedies likewise do not in every case affect people with the same degree of success. Various remedies are used in case of poisoning from ivy. The affected parts may be bathed with water in which hemlock twigs or oak leaves have been steeped. Fresh lime water and wet salt are likewise good. Spirits of niter will help to heal the parts when bathed freely with it. Another plan is to bathe the poisoned part thoroughly with clear hot water, and when dry paint the place freely three or four times a day with a feather dipped in strong tincture of lobelia. A similar application of gelsemium sempervirens (yellow jessamine) is likewise very effective. Permanganate of potash is also an excellent remedy. Dissolve a few crystals in hot water till of a light wine color and after cooling bathe the parts frequently with it. SPRAINS. These occur when, from a sudden irregular movement, or a fall, the ligaments about the joints are stretched, twisted or torn. Usually some of the small blood vessels are also ruptured, and the surrounding tissues injured. There is always more or less inflammation. ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. 577 Bathe the part with hot or cold water and arnica or witch hazel, as for a bruise. If the sprain is in an ankle or knee, let the patient sit in one chair with the injured limb extended on a pillow in another chair. Apply a compress and bind the leg and pillow firmly but not too tightly together. If the sprain is severe, the patient should be placed in bed; and in all cases where recovery does not ensue within a few days, a physician should be called, for some sprains are more serious than broken bones. When the sprain is in the wrist or elbow, if severe, the patient should lie in bed with the affected arm upon a pillow ; if slight, he may go about with it in a sling. Frequent bathing with arnica or witch hazel assists nature in removing the soreness. As soon as exercise of the injured limb is possible, practice light movements so as to pre- vent any permanent stiffness. BROKEN BONES. A bone fracture may be simple or compound ; the bone only may be broken, or there may be combined with it the injury to an artery, nerve- center, or joint; or there may be a wound opening to the surface; or the bone may be splintered. The accident usually occurs in the limbs, and may be known by an unusual twisting, bending, or shortening of the injured member. Send at once for the surgeon, but before attempting to move the patient, gently cut away the clothing from the broken arm or leg, and let one person take hold of the injured limb below the break and pull firmly, steadily, but of course, not roughly, until it reaches its normal length. This will ease the patient, as it pulls the bone fragments from the surrounding tissue and prevents painful muscular contractions. A temporary splint dressing may then be applied, made of shingle or lath. Place pads above and below the fracture and secure the splints to them with a cord in such a way as to hold the limb in normal posi- tion. The person holding the broken limb may then release it, and the patient can be taken home. In preparing his bed, it must be made firm, with neither springs nor feathers ; just the mattress, sheets and covers. 578 ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. CRAMP. Muscular contractions occurring after any unusual exertion cause the sudden, severe pains called cramps. Liniments may be applied, but often rubbing the affected part briskly with the hand is all that is necessary. When cramps come during sea bathing, throw the affected arm or leg suddenly and vigorously out of the water; this usually relieves it; and try to reach the shore as soon as possible. Hot appli- cations are best for cramps in the stomach or bowels, often caused by indigestion. POISONING. Those who carelessly leave external applications, lotions, liniments, etc., unlabeled, or who leave them standing within reach of children, or who try to find and take medicine in the dark, are liable to have some startling experiences. Many liniments contain opium, a tea- spoonful of which would cause the death of a child ; many lotions con- tain sugar of lead, which is also poisonous. When poison has been swallowed, every instant of time is valuable. Call a physician, and immediately go to work to empty the stomach. A safe emetic is made of a tablespoonful of ground mustard to a half- cup of warm water. Give only half of it at first, then in fifteen minutes the other half unless vomiting has resulted. Let the patient drink copiously of warm water besides; it helps to dilute the poison and so weaken its effect before it can permeate the system. For the same reason, if pain in the bowels indicates that some of the poison has reached that portion, inject warm water repeatedly. Most poisons have their antidotes. If nitric, sulphuric, muriatic or oxalic acid has been swallowed, give quickly either magnesia, soap- suds or chalk, to neutralize the effect on the lining of the stomach. If potash, lye, ammonia or soda in too large quantities has been taken, give vinegar or lemon juice. Follow this by olive oil, cream, uilk or flaxseed tea. If the poison swallowed was laudanum, paregoric, or any other article containing some preparation of opium, the mustard emetic is ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. 579 the first thing. Tickling the upper part of the throat with a feather will usually induce vomiting, if the emetic is not at once effective. Do not forget the copious drinking of warm water; and above all, keep the patient awake. Dash cold water over his head, throw open the windows, walk him about, or plunge him in a hot and then in a cold bath; rouse him by shaking, slapping, shouting to him— indeed by every means in your power ; for if he once yields to the power of the drug enough to go to sleep, it is likely to prove the sleep that knows no waking. For a poisoning with lead, give first the mustard emetic, then let him drink vinegar and water, sweetened with sugar or with honey. The following emetic is also good, if it can be procured quickly from a druggist: Sulphate of zinc, one scruple; Simple syrup, one dram; Distilled water, seven drams. This makes one dose, which generally proves sufficient. The stomach pump is useful but not always at hand ; and even when it is, the emetic will assist. CHILL FROM DAMPNESS. When one has been caught in a drenching rain, or is wet from hav- ing fallen partly or entirely into the water, there is little danger of a chill while exercising; but the exercise should be kept up vigorously until the clothing can be changed. When changing it, rub the whole surface of the body thoroughly with a rough, dry towel until a warm glow results. When the chill has been unavoidable, follow the rubbing by going to bed with hot-water bottles placed to the feet and body, drink hot water or hot teas every quarter of an hour, and bring out a thorough perspiration, which should be kept up for hours. This pre- caution will ward off many a prolonged illness. FREEZING. In cases of severe freezing, when a person is apparently frozen to death, great caution is needed. Keep the body in a cold place, handle 580 ACCIDENTS AND EMEEGENCIES. it carefully, and rub it with cold water or snow for fifteen or twenty minutes. When the surface is red, wipe it perfectly dry and rub it with bare warm hands. The person should then be wrapped in a blanket and breathing restored in the same way as with those appar- ently drowned as given in the next paragraph. It may be necessary to continue the treatment energetically for several hours. A little lukewarm water or ginger tea is recommended for the patient to swallow as soon as possible. TO RESTORE THE APPARENTLY DROWNED. Efforts to resuscitate should not cease for twelve hours, if not pre- viously successful. Life has been known to return after many hours of failure to respond. The following method is the most successful: 1.— Eemove the froth and mucus from the mouth and nostrils, and the mud, too, if any has been drawn in. Hold the body for a few seconds with the head sloping downwards, so that the water may run out of the lungs and windpipe. 2.— Place the patient on his back with a roll made of a coat or other firm support under his shoulders. Grasp the arms by the elbows and draw them upwards until the hands are carried above the head and kept in this position until one, two, three can be slowly counted. This movement elevates the ribs, expands the chest and creates a vacuum in the lungs into which the air rushes, or in other words, the movement produces inspiration. The elbows are then slowly carried downward, placed by the sides and pressed inward against the chest, thereby diminishing the size of the latter and producing expiration. These movements should be repeated about fifteen times during each minute. 3.— As soon as natural breathing is fully established, discontinue the artificial means, and apply friction and hot applications to the body, leaving the head free access to the air. 4.— As soon as the patient can swallow, give warm milk, beef tea, or other warm, nourishing drink; or inject it by means of a stomach pump. ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. 581 5.— Put the patient in a warm bed with hot water bottles to his feet, and encourage sleep. But he should be watched, and at the first indication of relapse, friction and stimulants and even the artificial respiration, must be employed. WHEN ONE FAiLS INTO THE WATER. If a person who cannot swim falls into deep water, it is still pos- sible in many instances for him to save his own life if he can keep his wits about him. Remember that one always rises to the surface at once after falling into deep water, and that the person must not raise his arms or hands above the water unless there is something to take hold of, for the weight thus raised will sink the head below the point of safety. Motions of the hands under water, however, will do no harm, for in quiet water, with the head thrown back a little, the face will float above the surface unless heavy boots and clothing drag the person down. The slow motion of the legs as if walking up stairs, keeping as nearly perpendicular as possible, will help to keep one afloat until aid comes. CHOKING. A child will often fill his mouth too full, and swallow food or other hastily, causing him to choke. Feel with the finger if the substance is within reach. If it is food, force it down, so as to liberate the breathing; if this is impossible, give one or two sudden blows with the fiat of the hand on the back or chest. If on the chest, first place the child between your knees sidewise, so that the abdomen will be compressed, otherwise the effect of the blow on the respiratory pro- cesses will be lost by a yielding of the diaphragm. If this does not take effect, tickle the throat with your finger, so as to induce immediate vomiting. SWALLOWING PINS, ETC. If a child has swallowed a pin, a bit of broken glass, or other sharp substance, do not give purgatives, as the action of the bowels would then be likely to force the sharp article into the mucous mem- 582 ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. brane, tearing it and causing ulceration if nothing more serious. In- stead, give solid, farinaceous food, such as rice, that the foreign sub- stance may be well enveloped in the other contents of the intestines; when it will usually pass without difficulty. FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EYE OR EAR. Sometimes a bit of quicklime enters the eye, causing intense pain. Remove, by means of a camePs hair brush or a paper spill, any particle adhering to the eyeball or lashes, and then bathe the eye for a quarter of an hour with vinegar and water, using one part vinegar to three of water. After doing this, bathe it for another quarter of an hour with warm water, and finally drop into the eye two or three drops of pure olive oil. Make an eye-shade of three thicknesses of linen covered with green silk. This should be worn until the eye has fully recovered. Prompt and careful attention to these directions is of the utmost importance, for otherwise the patient may lose his eye- sight. For removing cinders, grit, etc., in fact, any ordinary substance, from the eye, the flaxseed treatment is best, as described in "Care of the Eyes/' but when the substance is burning quicklime, there is no time to be lost, and the above treatment is necessary. FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR. A few drops of olive oil inserted with a teaspoon is likely to remove the offending substance. If it is a living insect, it has been found that holding a lighted candle near the ear would cause the insect to leave the cavity. The patient should be in the dark when this is done. STUNNED FROM A FALL. When a child falls upon his head and is stunned, he will look deadly pale, much as if he had fainted. Consciousness usually soon returns, but sometimes, if the brain has been injured, sickness follows. Quickly loosen his collar and tie, lay him flat upon his back, avd sprinkle cold water upon his face, wetting the scalr> als*» ? Ug$en the ACCIDENTS AND EMEBGENCIES. 583 windows to admit plenty of fresh air. Should there be any after ill effects, it would be well to consult a physician. SUN STROKE. Hot and cold water to the head. Place feet in hot water, then in cold. Alternate for ten minutes. ESCAPE FROM FIRE. These are a few of the most important things to remember in escaping from a burning building: 1.— Keep doors closed as much as possible. Smoke follows drafts, and fire follows smoke. 2.— There is always eight to twelve inches of pure air close to the floor. In thick smoke, when it is impossible to walk erect, drop to the hands and knees with the face close to the floor. 3.— A wet flannel, or wet silk handkerchief bound over the mouth, helps to keep smoke out, while it permits breathing. 4.— A woolen blanket or shawl wrapped about one, will help to keep off flames. 5.— If other escape from an upper story is cut off, tie the sheets and bed covers together, attach one end of this improvised rope to some heavy article of furniture, drop the other end from the window, and go down hand over hand. Never jump from an upper window unless the firemen urge it and have a net spread ready to break the fall. Of course children or helpless invalids must be rescued first. CLOTHING ON FIRE. Let one whose skirts have caught fire, instantly lie down on the floor or ground, and try to smother the flames by rolling over and over. The upright position should not be kept, as it lets the flames spread and increases danger from inhaling. A woolen rug, blanket, or garment should be wrapped quickly about the sufferer. If a child, he should be kept from running about, and enveloped quickly with whatever woolen is nearest, and saturated with water. 584 ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES. BURNS AND THEIR TREATMENT. Common cooking soda, as found in every kitchen, is a convenient remedy for burns and scalds. Moisten the injured part and then sprinkle with dry soda so as to cover it entirely and loosely wrap it with a wet linen cloth. The stinging pain of a superficial burn may be instantly allayed by painting with flexible collodion, white of egp-, or mucilage. If the skin is broken apply a dressing of boracic acid ointment, lard or vaseline. In burns from gunpowder, where the powder has been deeply imbedded in the skin, a large poultice made of common molasses and wheat flour, applied over the burnt surface, is the very best thing that can be used, as it seems to draw the powder to the surface, and keeps the parts so soft that the formation of a scar does not occur. It should be removed twice a day, and the part washed with a shaving brush and warm water before applying the fresh poultice. The poultice should be made sufficiently soft to admit of its being readily spread on a piece of cotton. In cases in which the skin and muscles have been completely filled with the burnt powder we have seen the parts heal perfectly without leaving the slightest mark to indicate the position or nature of the injury. To relieve a scald on the interior of the mouth from taking hot liquids, gargle with a solution of borax, and then hold in the mouth a mucilage of slippery elm, swallowing it slowly if the throat also has been scalded. The slippery elm may be mixed with olive oil. CHAPTER XLIV. HYGIENE IN THE HOME. Home the Woman's Pride — "Planning to Neglect" — Keeping Work Within Strength- Order is a r Xime-Saver — Look After Cellars — Beware of the Drains! — Woman's Un- ending War Against Filth — Stoves Exhaust Oxygen as Fast as Twelve Men Do- Absorbents in Sleeping Rooms — Individual Beds — Preserve Your Nerve Force — Lengthen Your Honeymoon — Banish the Musty Odors — The Sick Room in Contagious Diseases — Isolation Necessary — Three Disinfectants — How to Fumigate — Non-Con- tagious Sickness — Watch the Water Supply — "Boil It" — Planning the Meals. IT IS the pride of every true woman to have a dainty, well-kept home, whether it be a cottage, a palace or a three-room flat. But the young housewife must not be discouraged by mistakes; neither should she, if she is wise, attempt to follow grandmother's example of mercilessly overtaxing her own strength that a certain quantity of work be gone through, thus robbing her own children of their heritage of vitality. This would be the worst mistake of all. Rather let the ambitious home-maker survey her field calmly, gauge her own strength, and then adopt the plan of one wise woman who made a list of her various household duties and deliberately planned to neglect a few of the least essential of them each week, but arranged that no two successive weeks should find the same ones neglected. In this way she kept her work well within her strength; nothing suffered long; and you may be sure that among the neglected matters were never found those which would affect the health of any member of her family. Dirt and disorder are the reverse of health-producers. The dirt is disease-breeding, while the disorder is a constant source of racked nerves, irritated tempers and lost time. Order is a great time-saver. Important to the utmost degree is cleanliness in the care of sinks, refrigerators, cellars, etc., the disposal of garbage and the right condi- 585 586 HYGIENE IN THE HOME. tion of drains. Many households are poisoned by bad sanitary condi- tions. It is a safe rule that wherever offensive odors exist, there is an enemy to health that should be fairly met and put to rout. If such an odor comes from sinks, basins or cellar, something is wrong. Send for the plumber, if the matter is not easily remedied without. Flush the drains daily with hot water containing a little ammonia, washing soda, chloride of lime, or potash; or pour some clear lye in them over night, and flush in the morning. Burn all the garbage, or else remove it to a remote dumping ground. Stores of fruit and vegetables should be examined from time to time, that any decaying may be removed. Refrigerators should be emptied and scalded out, at regular intervals, and the same treatment given the bread and cake receptacles, that no mould may collect. Precautions such as these are of much more im- portance than shining faucets, polished range, and pans scoured till they are like mirrors— however alluring may be the pictures drawn by the advertisers of scouring soaps! Let the cleanliness come first, and the polish afterwards. STOVES ARE OXYGEN-CONSUMERS. Ventilation and heating arrangements should be well looked after. Stoves are not a very desirable method of heating a room. A fire burn- ing in a stove uses up the oxygen in the air as fast as twelve men would use it in breathing; and it emits impure gases besides. The fireplace, or open grate, is best for heating and ventilation combined. These do not make the house so warm as stoves, steam heat or hot air furnaces, but it is better to dress a little more warmly than to suffer from the diseased conditions sure to arise from overheated houses and lack of pure air. SLEEPING ROOMS. The windows of sleeping rooms during the night, even in winter, should be opened at top and bottom, an inch for every occupant. Char- coal or unslaked lime, a small quantity, may be kept in the room to advantage. These substances purify the air by absorbing poisonous HYGIENE IN THE HOME. 587 gases, as is more fully explained in the chapter on "A Breath of Air." Did you ever stop to consider that one-third of every normal human being 's life is spent in bed? This fact makes the wholesome furnishing of the sleeping room exceedingly important. Uncarpeted floors are by far the best. If the floor is soft wood, it may be stained and oiled. The wall paper and rugs should be harmonious and restful in tone; window shades and draperies soften the light, and there should be in a bedroom but few ornaments of the kind that harbor dust. Eather, let the necessary furnishings themselves be tasteful and well chosen, and the whole effect will be pleasing and restful. The beds should be separate in every instance unless in the guest chamber. That might be supplied with a double bed, to satisfy old-time preju- dices, but the family sleeping rooms should have a bed for each mem- ber. Sleeping alone is the only healthful method of resting, and there will be invalids as long as it is not made the rule. Let me make it clear why this is so. WASTING THE NERVE FORCES. Some persons are so constituted that they are continually giving out nervous energy; others are more likely to absorb it. In the "Laws of Life, ' ' a paragraph states : ' ' There is nothing that will so derange the nervous system of a person who is eliminative in nervous force, as to lie all night in bed with another person who is absorbent in nervous force. The absorber will go to sleep and rest all night ; while the eliminator will be tumbling and tossing, restless and nervous, and wake up in the morning, fretful, peevish, fault-finding and discouraged. No two persons, no matter who they are, should habitually sleep to- gether. One will thrive, and the other will lose. This is the law, and in married life it is defied almost univer sally. ' ' WHY THE HONEYMOON WAN£3S. Not only nervous, but magnetic force is thus given out and ab- sorbed. Dr. E. B. Foote, Sr., says: "Married people make a great mistake in allowing themselves to sleep together. This practice, in a measure, leads to uncongeniality. From five to eight hours bodily 588 HYGIENE IN THE HOME. contact in every twenty-four, with one person, not only causes an equalization of those magnetic elements which, when diverse in quan- tity and quality, produce physical attraction and passional love, but it promotes uncongeniality by making the pair grow physically alike.' ' And in my chapter on "Limitation of Offspring," still further rea- sons are shown why single beds should be given the preference. Mattresses should be of husks and cotton, hair and cotton, or hair and wool. Feathers are not advisable. The mattress should be brushed and aired regularly; bed coverings should be light, and always such as can be easily laundered. Sheets, blankets and light- weight comfortables covered with cheesecloth supply a bed satisfac- torily. Air the beds at least an hour, preferably two, before making them up. Both windows and beds should be thrown wide open, and shades raised as high as they will go, during the airing, that the sun's rays may have free course, for they help to destroy disease germs. KEEP VESSELS COVERED. No custom is more common than that of allowing a vessel contain- ing urine to stand uncovered in the sleeping-room all night. This should never be done. The poisonous gases arising from urine always vitiate the air, and saturate the bedding or whatever is near, with impurities. Keep the vessel covered. To prevent any unpleasant rattling of crockery, it is a good idea to slip over the lid one of the easily made, easily washed open crocheted covers, which will effec- tually stifle the sound. Any little girl who can crochet a plain line of stitches, can make these. They are made of coarse crochet or darning cotton, a straight chain of a length so that with the ends joined, it forms a cord ring a little smaller than the part of the lid that touches the rim of the vessel; then successive rows of open scallops made by chains of six or eight stitches each, hooked into the foundation chain first and continued several times around; the last row drawn up with a crocheted cord and tied around the knob or handle. They are a great convenience, to save the rattling. HYGIENE IN THE HOME. 589 Bugs and draperies should be taken outdoors and thoroughly shaken and aired, twice a month, even in the rooms not much used. This, together with making the sunlight a welcome visitor, helps to keep the air of the rooms free from the musty odor often observable in rooms left shut up for weeks at a time. DANGER IN DAMP SHEETS. Among the dangers which beset travelers in strange hotels and elsewhere is the really great peril of sleeping in damp sheets. It is hard enough to secure the proper airing of linen and clothes at home. Unless each article is unfolded and its position changed until all the moisture has been driven out of it, it is really not fully dried. As a matter of fact heavy articles, such as sheets, are scarcely ever thor- oughly dry, and when delicate persons, perhaps fatigued by a journey, seek rest in a bed made of them, they risk rheumatism and other mis- chief. In case of doubt it is better to remove the sheets from the bed and sleep in the blankets until assured that the linen is thoroughly dry. THE SICK ROOM IN CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. In spite of the additional labor that it makes, the ideal place for a sick room in a private house is as far from the ground as possible. To be of any service at all, isolation must be real and complete. A room should be selected in the topmost story, the door kept closed, a fire, large or small, according to the weather, kept burning, and the windows open as much as possible. Even in the winter this can be done without danger under most circumstances by lowering the upper sash and breaking the draft by a blind or screen. The staircase and hall windows should be kept open day and night. The other inmates of the house should keep their own rooms thoroughly ventilated. The persons nursing the patient should on no account mix with other members of the family, or, if that cannot be helped, they should take off their dresses in the sick room, and after washing their hands and faces, put on other dresses kept hanging outside the room, or in an adjoining apartment. 34 v. 590 HYGIENE IN THE HOME. All dishes used in the room should be washed separately, and not with others in the kitchen. The room itself, except in cases of measles and whooping cough, the poison of which does not retain its vitality for any length of time, should be as scantily furnished as possible, containing nothing which can retain infection. All woolen carpets, curtains and bedhangings should be removed, and only wooden or cane-bottomed chairs retained. There should be no sofa, and iron bedsteads are better than wood. A straw mattress of little value, which may be destroyed afterward, is better than a hair one, which can be disinfected, but feather beds and such furnishings should be absolutely forbidden. DISINFECTANTS. Three different preparations are to be commended for use to make the purifying of a house, where infection has been, complete. The first is ordinary roll sulphur or brimstone, for fumigation; the second is a copperas solution, made by dissolving sulphate of iron (copperas) in water in the proportion of one and one-half pints to one gallon, for soil, sewers, etc. ; the third is a zinc solution, made by dissolving sulphate of zinc and common salt together in water in the proportion of four ounces of the sulphate and two ounces of the salt to one gallon, for the clothing, bed-linen, etc. In the sick-room, the most valuable agents are fresh air and clean- liness. The clothing, towels, bed linens, etc., should, on removal from the patient, and before they are taken from the room, be placed in a pail or tub of the zinc solution, boiling hot if possible. All discharges should either be received in vessels containing the copperas solution, or, when this is impracticable, should be immediately covered with the solution. All vessels used about the patient should be cleansed or rinsed with the same. Unnecessary furniture— especially that which is stuffed— carpets and hangings, should, when possible, be removed from the room at the outset; otherwise they should remain for subse- quent fumigation, as next explained. HYGIENE IN THE HOME. 591 FUMIGATION. Fumigation with sulphur is the method used for disinfecting the house. For this reason the rooms to be disinfected should be vacated. Heavy clothing, blankets, bedding and other articles which cannot be treated with the zinc solution, should be opened and exposed during fumigation, as next directed. Close the rooms tightly as possible, place the sulphur in iron pans supported on bricks placed in wash tubs containing a little water; set the sulphur on fire with hot coals or with the aid of a spoonful of alcohol, and allow the room to remain closed twenty-four hours. For a room about ten feet square at least two pounds of sulphur should be used ; for larger rooms proportionally increased quantities. Cellars, stables, yards, gutters, privies, cesspools, water closets, drains, sewers, etc., should be frequently and liberally treated with the copperas solution. The copperas solution is easily prepared by hanging a basket containing about sixty pounds of copperas in a barrel of water. (This would be about one and one-half pounds to the gallon. It should all be dissolved before use.) THE SICK-ROOM IN NON-CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. When there is sickness that is not contagious, the care of the patient's room is still important. A sunny exposure, an open fire, and in summer an open fireplace, are the greatest aids. Under all circum- stances, keep the air pure in the sick-room. Cut flowers should not be allowed to remain any length of time; as soon as their first freshness is gone, remove them. The presence of carbon in the room, due to the wick of a lamp being turned too low, or to any cause whatever, is to be avoided as a deadly poison. It is well to use the "door-fan" occasionally, as directed in the chapter on "A Breath of Air." Place the bed where all danger from drafts may be avoided, and always protect the patient's eyes from the direct rays of sun, or lamp, or other light. It is of the utmost importance that all bed-linen and clothing should be changed very frequently; it should be washed and 592 HYGIENE IN THE HOME. sunned thoroughly, previous to using. Sweep the floor with a damp broom, to prevent dust rising, or remove dust with a damp cloth. GUARD YOUR WATER SUPPLY. Pure water is essential. If any doubt exists, boil it— the water, not the doubt!— as the boiling process eliminates all impurities, if con- tinued long enough. If it be urged that boiling makes the water ' ' flat ' ' and insipid, there are many refreshing drinks that can be made, as described in the chapter on " Dishes for Invalids." Water that has stood long is unfit to drink, as it absorbs the im- purities of the atmosphere. That which remains in the pipes all night should be allowed to run off quite largely, before any is used. The less ice-water drank, the better, as it checks the natural flow of the gastric juice and is apt to cause irritation of the bowels; sometimes even fatal inflammations. The nature of the water supply should be one of the first things considered in choosing a location for a home. When a good and whole- some water cannot be obtained from springs or rivers, as in malarial districts, and when there is reasonable ground for thinking that the ordinary sources are contaminated by epidemics, it is well to fall back on the rainfall for drinking purposes, with special care that it is col- lected in a cleanly manner. Surface wells are always to be viewed with suspicion when they are in the vicinity of stables and cesspools, farm yards, cemeteries, and anywhere in the towns. The filtration of the water through the soil removes the suspended matters, so that it may be clear enough to the eye, but it has no power to remove impurities actually dissolved. The eye cannot be trusted to judge t^e impurities of drinking water. Water which appears absolutely clear may be unwholesome in the extreme, and water with sediment floating in it may be in no way unwholesome. Nothing but an analysis of the water can settle this with absolute certainty. Deep wells and artesian wells which pene- trate the surface strata are likely to be safe. Marsh waters carry HYGIENE IN THE HOME. 593 malaria, and should never be drunk without boiling. Indeed, sus- picious water of all sorts may be made safe by boiling, although it is not sufficient always to merely bring it to a boil. Thirty minutes above the boiling point is a safe rule to follow. Best of all is distilled water. That can be relied on as absolutely pure. Typhoid, diphtheria, dysentery, cholera, diarrhea, and other dangerous diseases are caused by impure water, either by suspended mineral matters acting as irritants, by suspended animal and vegetable matters, or by dissolved animal impurities. Sewer gases dissolved in water, in addition to these diseases, cause sore throats, boils and other ailments. It must not be forgotten that water closets, stable yards, manure piles, decaying kitchen slops and all sorts of filth are responsible for many of the most serious diseases, either by draining into the well, and so contaminating the water supply, or by direct breeding of dis- ease-germs carried as dust and inhaled. Health is one of the rewards for household cleanliness of the most careful kind. FOOD PREPARATION. The nutritive value of different foods, and the preparation of them, are among the most necessary things for the housewife to understand. The health and temper of the whole family depend largely upon the cooking. Unwholesome or ill-cooked food causes dyspepsia or indi- gestion, which expresses itself in irritability long before the stage of recognized illness is reached. In our temperate climate, very little meat should be served in the summer, as it is heating to the blood. The hints given in the "Beauty Diet" chapters, including the advan- tages of much fruit and little meat, will serve as a guide, very largely, in planning the family meals. When meats are used, which should be mainly in the winter, the best are beef, veal, mutton, lamb and poultry, eaten in moderation. CHAPTER XLV. DISHES FOE INVALIDS. Oare Necessary — Milk — Fruits — Gruels — Porridge — Jellies — Custards and Creams — Blanc Mange — Meats, Soups and Broths — Eggs — Oysters — Soups Without Meat — Panadas — Mushes — Rice — Entire Wheat Bread — Grains — Zweiback — Toasts — Beverages — Tonics — Fruit Combinations. DURING recovery from sickness, of whatever kind, the diet is important. It should be light, yet nourishing; should be made attractive and appetizing; but when, after eating any article of food, ill effects are felt in the form of headache, pains in the stomach or bowels, nausea, flatulence, or an abnormally quickened pulse, it is an indication that such article is injurious. MILK. Almost invariably easy of digestion, and useful in many ways, this article of diet may be given at all times during sickness and con- valescence, as well as in health. (See "Beauty Diet.") Warm milk is particularly good. For patients suffering from diarrhoea, dysentery, etc., it should be boiled; and nursing mothers who have insufficient milk in the breasts will be greatly benefited by drinking at least a pint of new milk one or two hours before breakfast. Add one-tenth water, and heat to a temperature of 110 or 120 degrees. The warm water prevents the formation of curds, and the milk at that temperature, uncurdled, will be taken up by the absorbents of the system and con- veyed directly to the blood without going through the usual digestive process. Commenting on the effectiveness of this plan, Dr. R. P. Harris says: "Those who with ordinary food invariably fail to nurse longer than a few weeks, are capable by this diet of becoming not only good nurses, but also of gaining flesh while secreting the milk in abundance. 594 DISHES FOK INVALIDS. 595 When a delicate mother of 86 pounds weight, who had failed after a month with each of three infants, is enabled by it to nurse a child eighteen months and gain at the same time nineteen pounds, the diet must be an effective one. ' ' When the flow of milk is excessive, avoid salt and liquid foods. Boiled rice is another food easily digested. Beef tea, mutton broth and chicken are useful in convalescence, though less nourishing in pro- portion to their digestibility than is the warm milk. FRUITS. These are sometimes of great benefit, but should not be given to « patients indiscriminately. The juice of ripe oranges is good in fever, but the pulp should be discarded. Grapes, minus their seeds and skin ; lemon juice, and the juice pressed out of strawberries and strained, are all refreshing and permissible in fevers. For convenience, I here give a classified list of some of the foods most useful and desirable in sickness and during recovery, while the patient is still weak: GRUELS. The way to make a palatable gruel is to mix smooth two large tablespoonfuls of cornmeal or oatmeal in enough cold water to make a thin paste; pour a quart of hot water into a clean granite saucepan over a brisk fire; when it boils add a small lump of butter and when the butter is melted, stir in the paste of meal; stir for about half an hour; then add a teacupful of sweet milk, and when it boils again, throw in the upper crust of a loaf of hard baked bread cut into small pieces ; let it boil still longer and add a little black pepper, a little salt, a pinch of grated nutmeg and a little more butter. The butter and spices, however, should be omitted when the illness is serious. BARLEY GRUEL. Take one ounce of pearl barley, boil it a few moments to cleanse it; pour off the water, add a quart of cold water, a half teaspoonful of salt; let simmer slowly till reduced to half the quantity, and strain. Excellent in fevers and gastric inflammation. 596 DISHES FOR INVALIDS. RICE GRUEL. Two tablespoonfuls rice, one quart cold water; steep slowly one hour; strain and add a little salt and cream. BRAN GRUEL. One pint bran of white wheat, three pints water ; boil half an hour ; strain and add a little salt. Good gruel for fevers and inflammations. CORNMEAL GRUEL No. 2. This is a simpler method than the one first given. One tablespoon- f ul finely sifted cornmeal mixed in cold water to a thin paste ; have one quart boiling water over the fire ; dip a spoonful of the paste into the hot water, stir, let it boil up, then add another spoonful and so on until of the right consistence. Boil briskly for half an hour. Salt to taste. Cornmeal is too heating to be advisable where there is fever. Graham Gruel is made in the same way as the cornmeal, given above. It can be strained or not, as preferred. OATMEAL GRUEL No. 2. Two tablespoonfuls coarse oatmeal stirred directly into one quart boiling water. Boil one hour; strain; serve with milk or cream. ARROWROOT GRUEL. One tablespoonful arrowroot mixed to a paste in cold water; stir this into half a pint of boiling water ; when smooth, add half a pint of milk, boil all together for three minutes ; salt or sweeten to taste. FARINA GRUEL. One tablespoonful farina, one teaspoonful salt, one cup boiling water, cooked all together for fifteen minutes or until it thickens ; then add one cup milk and boil again. Farina is one of the many whole- some preparations of wheat. CORNMEAL GRUEL No. 3. Two tablespoonfuls cornmeal, one teaspoonful flour, one teaspoon- ful salt, one quart boiling water. Mix the flour, meal and salt into a DISHES FOE INVALIDS. 597 thin paste with cold water ; stir the paste into the boiling water ; boil half an hour, stirring frequently. Thin with milk or cream. CRACKER GRUEL. Four tablespoonfuls powdered Uneeda Biscuit or other good cracker; one cupful boiling water, one cup milk, and a little salt. Boil up once and serve fresh. EGG GRUEL. The yolk of one egg well beaten, one teaspoonful sugar, one cup hot milk, the white of the egg beaten to a foam. Flavor with lemon or nutmeg. Good for a cold, if taken very hot before retiring. MILK PORRIDGE. One tablespoonful flour, two cups milk, two dozen raisins quartered and seeded. Boil raisins in water twenty minutes. Allow the water to boil away; then add the milk. When it boils, add the flour rubbed to a thin paste with a little cold milk. Boil ten minutes and season with a little salt. The beaten white of one egg, added after the por- ridge comes from the fire, improves it. JELLIES. When not too sweet, jellies are usually a welcome part of the invalid's meal. Those made from, or flavored with the acid fruits, are usually relished best. LEMON JELLY. Two lemons, two tablespoonfuls cornstarch, one pint boiling water, one-third cup sugar. Wet the cornstarch to a paste in cold water; stir this into the boiling water; add the sugar, the juice of the lemons, and a little of the lemon-peel grated in. Pour into moulds to cool. LEMON JELLY No. 2. One ounce gelatine, one quart water, three lemons, one cup sugar. Soak the gelatine in the water ; when dissolved, pour into a saucepan and let come to a boil. Add the juice of the lemons, a little grated peel, and the sugar. Strain through cheesecloth, pour into moulds and cool on ice. 598 DISHES FOE INVALIDS. SAGO JELLY. Five tablespoonfuls sago, half a pint cold water, one cup sugar, two tablespoonfuls lemon juice. Soak the sago in the cold water half an hour, then add the sugar and lemon juice. Pour into this three cups boiling water; boil the whole in a farina boiler one hour; pour into moulds. When cold turn out and serve with fruit juice. RICE JELLY. Two tablespoonfuls rice ; cook in water one hour, or until dissolved. Salt, sugar, and lemon juice to taste ; strain into a mould. Serve cold, with sugar and cream. Good in diarrhoea and dysentery. 3STUTRINA, OR BRAN JELLY. Dr. M. Augusta Fairchild gives this recipe, which makes an excel- lent dish for nursing mothers, for children when first weaned, and for all invalids requiring a nerve nutritive: "1st. Go to the mill yourself and watch the miller while he gives you clean wheat bran. "2d. Have a kettle of boiling soft water on the stove. Sift with one hand, stirring briskly all the while with a wooden spoon or paddle, held in the other, until the mass is about the consistency of a thick gruel. Let this boil slowly about two hours. Place a sieve over the top of a pan and pour this gruel into it to drain. When well drained place the pan on the stove and allow it to come to a boil. Mix with cold water a spoonful or so of sifted graham flour, enough to bring the boiling gruel to about the consistency of a smooth gravy or thick gruel. "Dip into moulds— coif ee cups are nice for this— and allow to become cold, when, if right, it will be a trembling, delicate jelly. Per- haps it will be necessary to experiment a little, as the first trial may not be entirely successful, but depend upon it, the outcome is well worth painstaking. "Nutrina accompanied with various sauces makes a welcome des- DISHES FOR INVALIDS. 599 sert. People who use milk or cream would like nutrina with a cream sauce. Nutrina cannot be too highly recommended, for it suits so wide a range of conditions." TAPIOCA RASPBERRY JELLY. One-fourth cup pearl tapioca, one pint cold water, one-half cup raspberry jam, one heaping tablespoonful sugar, salt to taste. Pick over and wash the tapioca, add the cold water, and cook in a double boiler until entirely dissolved. Then add the salt, jam, and sugar. Turn into a mould; and when cold, serve with sugar or cream. SAGO CRANBERRY JELLY. Soak five tablespoonfuls sago in cold water one hour ; strain off the water; add a half pint strained cranberry juice; boil slowly fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally; then add a half cup of sugar. Pour into moulds ; serve the following day without sauce. IRISH MOSS JELLY. One-half cup Irish moss, one lemon, one-third cup sugar. Soak the moss in cold water until soft, pick over and wash again, then put into the boiling water and simmer until dissolved. Add the lemon juice and sugar and strain into a mould. Especially good in rheumatic diseases. FIG JELLY. Make the Irish Moss Jelly as above described, but steep four or five figs with the moss ; omitting the lemon, or not, as preferred. JELLY AND ICE. Chip a half cup of ice fine. Mix with it currant, barberry, black- berry, cherry or lemon jelly. Excellent in fevers. CUSTARDS, CREAMS, ETC. Some of the delicate dishes made with milk and eggs are digestible by weak stomachs ; others are not. When properly made, the dainty custards, creams, blanc manges, etc., are both nourishing and tempting. Ice cream, eaten slowly in small quantities, is excellent. 600 DISHES FOR INVALIDS. The well-known plain boiled cornstarch custard is good ; also baked custard; and baked milk alone prepared according to Mrs. Owen's directions : BAKED MILK. Put half a gallon of milk in a jar and tie over it writing paper. Let it stand in a moderate oven eight or ten hours. It will be like cream, and is good for consumptives and invalids generally. SNOW BALLS. Two cups rice, two quarts boiling water, one pint boiling milk; cook two hours in double boiler without stirring. Pour into small moulds, and serve with boiled custard. BUTTERMILK POP. One quart buttermilk, two tablespoonfuls flour, one teaspoonful cold milk. Heat the buttermilk in the double boiler ; when nearly boil- ing, thicken with the flour, which has first been wet to a paste with the cold milk. Stir until boiling. Excellent for nervous dyspepsia, and of great value in heartburn and nausea during pregnancy. FRUIT BLANC MANGE. Four tablespoonfuls cornstarch wet in cold water; one quart fruit juice (blackberries, grapes, cherries or strawberries, etc.) ; one cup water; two tablespoonfuls sugar. Put the fruit juice and water on to boil ; when boiling add the sugar and cornstarch ; let boil five minutes ; then pour into moulds. Serve with cream or boiled custard. If lemons be the fruit chosen, use more water. This dish is especially valuable in pregnancy and for convalescents where the stomach will not bear solid food. MEATS, SOUPS AND BROTHS. When used at all for the sick, meats must have eveiy particle of fat, skin and membrane removed. Beef, mutton and chicken are the meats best adapted, and here are a few of the best recipes : BROILED BEEF PULP. Scrape raw beef to a pulp, maKe into small cakes and broil as steak. Season with salt and a little cayenne pepper. Serve hot. DISHES FOR INVALIDS. 601 MUTTON BROTH. A quick method is to chop one pound of lean juicy mutton very fine ; pour over it one pint of cold water ; let it stand until the water is red ; then heat slowly, and let simmer ten minutes, strain, season, and either add two tablespoonfuls of soft boiled rice, or thicken a little with rice flour wet with cold water. Serve warm. BEEF TEA. Cut one pound of lean beef into fine pieces; put it into a bottle without a drop of water; cork tightly and set the bottle in a kettle of cold water. Heat gradually, to a boil, and let boil steadily for three or four hours, until the meat is like rags, its juice all extracted. Pour out, salt to taste, and give a teaspoonful at a time. Beef tea, it is now known, is more of a stimulant than a food, and is much less valuable from a nutritive standpoint than was once sup- posed. It should not be given in fevers or inflammations. In such cases bran or oatmeal gruel is far better. BARLEY SOUP. One tablespoonful barley, one pound of neck of mutton, one pint of cold water. Wash the barley well. Eemove the fat and bones from the mutton, cut it into slices, add the barley and the water, and hea't slowly. Let simmer two hours. Put the bones into a cup of cold water, boil slowly half an hour, and strain into the meat and barley. Season with salt; skim off the fat and serve with whole wheat or graham wafers. CHICKEN BROTH, No. 1. Clean and disjoint a small chicken; cut the meat into half inch pieces. Kemove all fat; break or pound the bones. Dip the feet in boiling water and scald till the skin and nails peel off. The feet con- tain gelatine, and well cleaned may be used for jelly. Cover the meat, feet and bones with cold water, heat very slowly, and simmer till the meat is tender. Strain, and when cool, remove the fat. Season with - 602 DISHES FOR INVALIDS. salt, pepper and lemon to taste, and add the white of one egg. Place over the fire, stir well, and boil five minutes. Skim, and strain through a fine napkin. Serve warm; or if intended for jelly, pour into small moulds to cool. CHICKEN BEOTH, No. 2. Select the dark meat only, from half a chicken ; boil it in one quart of water with a tablespoonful of rice or barley; skim off the fat and serve as soon as the rice is well done. A little lightly browned toast is nice served with the broth. poached eggs. If cooked for ten minutes at a temperature of 165 degrees, eggs will be much more digestible and delicious than by boiling. An egg either in its shell or out of it, should never be boiled. To poach them, place muffin rings in a skillet of salted boiling water; break the eggs in these and let them stand ten minutes without boiling. Remove the rings and the eggs will be nicely molded and evenly cooked. EGGS POACHED IN MILK FOR NERVOUS HEADACHE. For six eggs, take one cup milk, one-half cup water; heat to boiling point, then break in the eggs. Cook slowly and serve on toast. A case is recorded of a lady curing herself completely of nervous head- aches by eating an egg every morning cooked in this way. OYSTERS, RAW AND BROILED. Eaten raw, oysters are more digestible than when cooked. This is because a fat oyster is half liver ; the diastase in the liver causes the oyster, when taken raw, to digest easily, but this diastase is destroyed in cooking. Raw oysters are therefore valuable in nervous dyspepsia and in the early months of pregnancy. Convalescents will often find the following dish agreeable: Select large oysters, hold over hot coals on a wire toaster until heated through ; serve on toast moistened with cream. Oysters will sometimes prove useful by increasing the flow of milk in nursing mothers. DISHES FOR INVALIDS. 603 SOUPS WITHOUT MEAT. Delicious and nourishing soups may be made without meat. Here are a few: TOMATO SOUP. Place one pint of tomatoes and one quart of water in a granite kettle. Let it come to a boil ; thicken with three table spoonfuls graham flour wet to a paste with cold water. Add one quart milk, and stir until it boils. This prevents curdling. Season to taste. MACARONI SOUP. Break a handful of macaroni into inch pieces. Place this in a quart of boiling water, then add two cups of strained stewed tomato, and just before serving pour in one-half cup cream. PEA SOUP. One pint stewed or canned green peas; one quart milk; flour or cornstarch enough to thicken, and seasoning to taste. While the milk is coming to a boil, rub the peas through a colander ; stir them into the hot milk, and when it reaches the boiling point, thicken with flour or cornstarch wet to a paste with cold milk. Add the salt, butter and pepper and set back. This soup is good if made with part water instead of all milk. SPLIT PEA SOUP. Soak one cup of split peas over night. Put on in cold water, and boil slowly for two hours. Rub through the colander. Stir two table- spoonfuls graham flour into a cup of sweet cream, with a pinch of salt ; heat this by itself in the kettle, and when it thickens, return the peas to the kettle and stir all together. Then set back. CHICKEN PANADA. Pound to a paste one cup of cold roasted or boiled chicken. Add one-half cup of stale bread crumbs, and enough boiling chicken liquor to make a quart. Serve hot a cup at a time. 604 DISHES FOR INVALIDS. EGG AND RAISIN PANADA. Two eggs, one cup bread crumbs or two slices toasted bread, one table spoonful of sugar, one cup of stoned raisins, one quart water. Boil the raisins one hour, skim them out, add the bread to the boiling water; boil fifteen minutes, stirring well. Beat the eggs, adding the sugar; pour the panada over them, stirring constantly. CRACKER PANADA. One tablespoonful cracker crumbs boiled five minutes in one cup water slightly sweetened, and flavored with lemon or strawberry. GRAHAM CRACKER PANADA. This requires no actual cooking. Split two fresh graham crackers ; put them into a bowl, sprinkle with a little sugar and cover with boil- ing water. Slip them out and serve with a little cream. MUSHES. These semi-solid foods are useful and may be made palatable when correctly cooked. GRAHAM MUSH. Wet one-half cup graham flour with enough cold water to make a thin, smooth paste. Add one-half teaspoonful salt. Stir into one pint of boiling water and cook twenty minutes, stirring frequently. Serve with cream. RYE MUSH. Make like the above, using rye flour, and serve with sugar and cream. OATMEAL MUSH. One cup granulated oatmeal, a pinch of salt, one scant quart boiling water. Put meal and salt into a double boiler, pour over them boiling water, and cook two or three hours. Remove the cover just before serving and stir slightly with a fork, allowing steam to escape. Serve with sugar and cream. Baked apples, apple sauce, and apple jelly are DISHES FOE INVALIDS. 605 delicious eaten with the oatmeal. They should be eaten with the mush, the cream being poured over both mush and fruit. WHEAT MUSH. Use the rolled or cracked wheat, or if this is not easily procured, crack the wheat in an ordinary coffee mill. Stir one pint of the wheat into two quarts of boiling water in a double boiler. Add a half tea- spoonful salt, and cook three hours without further stirring. Serve hot or cold, with cream and sugar or fruit juice. If to be eaten cold, it should be poured into moulds. This is one of the best foods in con- stipation or biliousness. CORNMEAL MUSH. Mix one cup of fine cornmeal with one cup of cold water, adding a little salt. Stir gradually into boiling water. Cook three-quarters of an hour in a double boiler, stirring frequently. BRAIN FOOD. One cup entire wheat flour, one quart boiling water, salt to taste. Wet the flour in a little cold water, and stir it into the salted boiling water. Cook over brisk fire one hour and a half. Serve hot or cold, with sugar and cream. BOILED RICE. This is one of the most valuable foods in sickness, as it is easily digested and assimilated. It is especially useful in diarrhoea or dysentery. Two cups of rice to three pints of water, with a half table- spoonful of salt ; cook slowly, tightly covered in a double boiler, three to four hours. Do not stir it until nearly done ; then remove cover to let steam escape, and stir lightly with a fork. BROWNED RICE. Brown or parch rice slowly in the oven, then steep it in milk for two hours. The rice alone or the milk alone is excellent in summer complaint. 35 V. I 606 DISHES FOE INVALIDS. BREADS FOR INVALIDS. Those made from graham or entire wheat flour are best, and they should usually be served in the form of toast, granula or zweiback. ENTIRE WHEAT BREAD. To three pints of water add a small cake of yeast and a teaspoonful of salt. Mix with this a sufficient quantity of entire wheat flour to make a soft dough, and mold into baking pans. Let it rise about half as much as is usual with other breads before baking. Allowing bread to rise but once increases its nutrition. As the flour is very coarse, making the dough soft allows for swelling. Bake in a hot oven the same as other bread ? with the exception that it should be baked a trifle longer. GRANULA. Mix equal parts of graham flour, cornmeal, and fine oatmeal, with cold water, making a batter thick enough to cling to the spoon. Bake in thin cakes in a quick oven. When baked, break into small pieces and dry in a slow oven, until crisp. Then roll into fine crumbs. Served in milk, this is delicious and nourishing. It may be prepared from cold gems or corn bread by re-baking and crumbling as described. ZWEIBACK. Cut slices of bread into thin strips and dry in the oven. Serve with soups. GRAHAM AND OATMEAL GEMS. Equal parts graham flour and fine oatmeal; add equal parts milk and water sufficient to make a thick batter. Have the gem pans very hot, fill with the above mixture, and bake in a quick oven. CREAM TOAST. Heat three slices of bread in the oven; toast an even brown over coals. Boil a half pint of milk and three tablespoonfuls of cream; thicken with cornstarch, salt to taste and pour over the toast. Serve hot. DISHES FOR INVALIDS. 607 TOMATO TOAST. One quart stewed tomatoes; season with one tablespoonful sugai and one-half teaspoonful of salt; pour over graham bread or gems toasted. RHUBARB TOAST. Two pounds rhubarb (pieplant), one pint water, one-half cup sugar. Cut the rhubarb into small pieces and stew until done. When cold, pour over hot graham toast. Those who dislike rhubarb will be sur- prised to find how different it tastes prepared in this way. OYSTER TOAST. Stew the oysters and pour over toasted bread or gems. GEM TOAST. Graham gems may be split, and toasted like bread; then served with the same dressing as ordinary toast. They make, in fact, a better toast than bread. BEVERAGES. These for invalids are quite as important as foods. Many times they must serve as both food and drink. Alcoholic drinks do not benefit the patient as much as they harm. I cannot emphasize this too strongly. They give no nourishment, and the brief stimulating effect is followed by a reaction. In no case will wine or other alcoholic stimu- lants revive a patient as effectually as would a glass of hot milk. ORANGE WHEY. An excellent drink after confinement is made as follows : Add the juice of one orange to a pint of sweet milk. Heat slowly until the curds begin to form. Strain, and cool. BUTTERMILK. In diabetes, it has been found of great advantage to make butter- milk a chief article of diet; and in dyspepsia it will often be relished and retained when the stomach refuses almost everything else. Corpu- lent people will find it of benefit, and in serious cases of fever when 608 DISHES FOE INVALIDS. nourishment becomes a problem, it is sometimes the best food that can be given. It should be either served fresh from the churn, or put in clean bottles and canned or sealed as in preserving fruit. The taste for it can be cultivated. OATMEAL TEA. Two tablespoonfuis raw oatmeal to a quart of cold water ; let stand two hours in a cool place, then drain off as wanted. Nourishing in convalescence, and unequalled as refreshment for harvesters, etc. EGG LEMONADE. Beat together the juice of one lemon, the white of one egg, one tablespoonful of pulverized sugar, one glass water. Excellent in in- flammation of the lungs, stomach, or bowels. FLAXSEED LEMONADE. Two tablespoonfuis whole flaxseed to a pint of boiling water; let it stand until cool, then strain and add the juice of two lemons and two tablespoonfuis honey. For coughs and suppression of urine, this is invaluable. APPLE AND FIG JUICE. Six figs, two apples, two quarts of boiling water. Cut the apples and figs into small pieces; pour over them the boiling water, and boil all together twenty minutes. Cool and strain when wanted. The figs and apples may be eaten with a little boiled rice. EGG TONIC No. 1. Beat one egg very light; add the juice of one lemon and a very little sugar. To be taken before breakfast while the egg is still light. Better than any alcoholic stimulant known. EGG TONIC No. 2. Same as No. 1, except that a half glass of new milk is substituted for the lemon juice. Good for nursing mothers, delicate children ana all weak persons. DISHES FOE INVALIDS. 60© TAPIOCA MILK. Soak three tablespoonfuls tapioca in a cup of cold water for one hour ; add three cups boiling milk, sweeten, and flavor to taste. Simmer slowly a half hour ; serve warm. GUM WATER. One ounce clean gum arabic, one-half ounce sugar, one pint boiling water, juice of one lemon. Add the lemon juice after the other articles are dissolved, and strain. Soothing in inflammation of the mucous membrane. RICE OR CORN COFFEE. One cup rice or dried sweet corn ; pound or grind fine, and brown. Add one pint cold water, and steep one hour. Strain and serve with cream and sugar. BARLEY, WHEAT, OR OAT COFFEE. Thoroughly brown the grain, then grind. Mix three tablespoonfuls with the white of an egg ; pour over it one quart of boiling water. Let come to a boil, then set back and steep slowly fifteen minutes. Serve with cream and sugar. SLIPPERY ELM TEA. Pour one cup hot water over one teaspoonful powdered slippery elm bark, or over a piece of the fresh bark. Cool, strain and flavor with a very little lemon and sugar. Good for inflamed mucous surfaces. CRUST OR TOAST COFFEE. Pour one pint boiling water over two slices browned crust or toasted bread. Steep ten minutes and strain. Serve with sugar and cream. IRISH MOSS LEMONADE. One cup Irish moss, one pint boiling water. Soak, pick over and wash the moss; add the boiling water. Let it stand at the boiling point for a half hour, without actually boiling. Strain, add the juice of one lemon, and sugar to taste. 610 DISHES FOR INVALIDS. ACID FRUIT BEVERAGES. Podr boiling water on mashed cherries, cranberries or other acid fruits. Cool, strain and sweeten. Or stir a table spoonful of any acid jelly or fruit syrup into a glass of ice water. FRUIT RELISHES. The possible combinations of fruits with other dishes are as end- less as they are delicious. Baked apples, apple sauce, berries of various kinds, are all good served with rice or other mushes. Here is an improvement on the ordinary apple sauce: APPLE CREAM. Pare, slice and stew apples as for apple sauce. Pass through a colander, and stir into it the white of an egg beaten to a stiff froth. BAE2ID APPLES. Wash and core several tart apples; fill the openings with sugar; pour a little water in the bottom of the baking tin, and bake until soft. FRUIT ICE. Grate apples, pears, quinces or other fruits fine ; sweeten and freeze. Very refreshing in fever or inflammation. PIE FOR DYSPEPTICS. Dr. Holbrook gives the following recipe, which will be welcomed by every lineal descendant of the immortal Jack Horner: Four tablespoons of oatmeal, one pint of water ; let stand for a few hours, or till the meal is swelled. Then add two large apples, pared and sliced, a little salt, one cup of sugar, one tablespoon of flour. Mix all well together and bake in a buttered dish; makes a most delicious pie, which can be eaten with safety by the sick or well. Ber- ries or other fruit may be substituted for the apples. CHAPTER XLV1. MATERIA MEDICA. List oi Mild, Yet Powerful Eemedies — Forms in which They Are Prepared — Doses — Frequency in Chronic Cases — In Acute Cases — Strength of Preparation — Effect Can Be Gauged Beforehand — Advantages of Refined Remedies — Reaching the Nervous System and Spiritual Energies — Analogies with Nature's Other Forces — The Family Medicine Chest — Eighty Leading Remedies — Covering a Wide Scope — Where Ob- tained — Plain Directions — The Pulse — Exercises — Flexibility of Body at 62 — Mental Therapeutics — Costless Mental Treatment — The Principle which Underlies It — The Power of Auto-Suggestion — The Harmony of All Nature. HOMEOPATHIC remedies are now prepared in the form of pills, powders, disks, tablets and liquids, differing in degrees of strength. A dose, when prepared as a powder, is an amount that can be held on a dime; when prepared as pills, five or six every hour, and in the form of a liquid, five or six drops in half a glass of water. In the latter case ; give one teaspoonful every twenty to thirty minutes. The frequency with which medicine is administered depends entirely on existing conditions. In chronic diseases, give from one to three doses a day. In acute diseases, remedies are given more frequently, every thirty or sixty minutes, or every two hours, according to the severity of the case. In regard to the strength of the medicine, the third attenuation is generally preferred of the vegetable remedies. Of the mineral compounds, such as iron, arsenicum, phosphates, silica, sulphur, carbonates of lime, phosphates of lime, mercury, bromides, etc., the sixth attenuation is preferable. Homeopathic remedies act on all temperaments through their physiological action, and in a most satisfactory way. The effect of their application is known beforehand, and can be gauged with abso- lute certainty. Eefined remedies are more powerful than those which are coarse or crude ; their points of advantage are such as the follow- 611 612 MATERIA MEDICA. ing: 1st. They are more swift and penetrating. 2nd. In the process of cure they reach the nervous system and spiritual energies, and thus prove upbuilding to the mind as well as the body, embracing as they do those basic principles of power which underlie all others. 3rd. Acting as they do fundamentally they are more enduring in their effect. 4th. They are more safe. 5th. They are more pleasant. 6th. They are more easily acquired. The swiftness and penetrating power of the fine forces may be seen by the following: Steam is more potent than water, or ice; electricity is still more swift and powerful; sunlight starts the whole vegetable world into life; gravitation sways all worlds, and Spirit, the most refined principle of the universe, is the positive law of all power. Minerals and other solids are the weakest of all elements. THE MEDICINE CHEST. Homeopathic cases are specially adapted to the re- quirements of families and travelers. These cases con- tain the most valued remedies used in Homeopathic medical practice, expressly prepared at a potency or strength suitable for home treatment; also a Medical homeopathic Index and Chart of the most frequently occurring dis- F <^^ch3^t* eases > D y reference to which any intelligent person can scientifically treat the ailments therein designated. The following list comprises remedies most used in Homeopathy, and embracing a wide sphere of curative action. It is a wise economy, and one very generally practiced at the present time, for families to supply themselves with these cases or chests. The remedies can also be procured separately, at small expense; the bottles come in quarter- ounce, half -ounce, ounce, two-ounce and four-ounce sizes: MATERIA MEDICA. In this we have mentioned only the most prominent uses of each remedy, but in most instances have given the particular symptoms MATEBIA MEDICA. 613 and general conditions under which the remedy proves curative. No drugs, medicines, patent medicines, or coffee should be taken while using these remedies, as they may interfere with or defeat their proper action. Aconite.— Useful in the beginning of all inflammatory conditions, and especially if arising from exposure to cold, dry winds. For colds, catarrhal fever, croup, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, inflammatory rheumatism, simple fevers, hard, dry, croupy coughs, etc. "When aconite is indicated the patient is restless, anxious and fearful. This remedy is used in the first stage of fevers and colds, also for restless- ness, hysteria, vertigo, fulness in the head, and early stages of inflam- mation of the eyes. Antimonium Crud.— Useful in derangements due to overloading the stomach; bilious headaches ; milky- white coating on the tongue; nausea; weakness of the stomach; vomiting and diarrhoea; particularly in old people. Apis Mettifica.— Erysipelas with considerable swelling. Eruptions resembling bee-stings, hives, nettle-rash. Dropsy following scarlet fevers. Dropsy without thirst, with dark-colored, scanty urine. In- voluntary emissions of urine while coughing and sneezing. Is par- ticularly indicated by a puffy swelling under the eyes, retention of urine and burning or stinging pains in the affected part. Carbuncles. Arnica Montana.— Useful in bad effects (whether external or in- ternal) from mechanical injuries, sore, aching pains, as if from a bruise. A succession of small boils. Gout, sprains, clergymen's sore throat. Arsenicum Alb.— Disorders of the stomach or bowels from drink- ing ice- water, or from eating ice cream or fruit, especially when ac- companied by sudden and rapid prostration, and attended with violent thirst, the patient drinking often, but little at a time; burning pains in the stomach and bowels. Catarrhal discharge of a watery nature from the nose, with burning feeling. Cankered sore mouth. Scaly eruptions, with itching and burning. Diarrhoea, with watery burning 614 MATERIA MEDICA. discharge* Asthma, with burning in the chest. Warm applications re- lieve. In catarrhal affections Arsenic iod. is preferred by many. Aurum. Met.— Of great value in old catarrhs, melancholy with ten- dency to suicide, falling out of the hair, chronic swelling of the testicles, styes. Baptisia.—In gastric or typhoid fever, given early in the attack, it will frequently break the fever and produce perspiration. Useful in all stages of typhoid when there is a confusion of ideas, dull, stupefying headache; patient's hands feel too large, and he feels scattered about. Useful also in diphtheria and dysentery with similar symptoms. Belladonna.— Throbbing headache, periodical nervous headache. Diphtheria, throat red and shining, face flushed. Bleeding of the nose when menses should appear. Sore throat, tonsilitis, scarlet fever, con- vulsions in infants; wetting the bed in little children; sleeplessness, the patient feeling drowsy but unable to sleep ; erysipelas, with smooth, shining shin, not much swelling; inflammation of the eye, with intol- erance of light. Preventive in scarlet fever. Uterine congestions, in which pains appear suddenly and disappear just as suddenly. Symp- toms aggravated by noise, light and motion. Bryonia.— Rheumatism, lumbago, pleurisy and gout; when these diseases are aggravated by the least motion and relieved by perfect rest; in bronchitis affecting large tubes only; cold on chest, with dry cough. Chronic constipation with torpor of the bowels; biliousness, congestion and rheumatic headache. Frontal headaches that are worse on stooping. Cactus Grandiflora.—F 'or all troubles of the throat. Sensation of constriction of the heart as if an iron band prevents its normal move- ments, very acute stitches in the heart, palpitation of the heart, con- gestion of the chest which prevents lying, pains in apex of heart, shoot- ing pains in the left arm to the fingers, spasmodic cough with mucus expectoration, oppression of breathing, worse on motion; the patient has an inclination to weep, and is irritable and melancholy; there is irregularity of heart's action. MATERIA MEDICA. 615 Tincture 6 drops in glass of water, tablespoonful every hour. Calcarea Carb.— Best adapted to the diseases of women and chil- dren, i. e., scrofulous, tuberculous and rachitic conditions; difficult teething, retarded development of the bones in children who sweat a great deal about the head. Diarrhoea of children during teething, and of consumptives. Premature and profuse menstruation, leucorrhcea, burning and itching. Calendula.— Used locally in the form of a cerate, or aqueous ex- tract (Fluid Calendula), in open, ragged or torn wounds, jagged cuts, sores, bed sores, old ulcers, to heal boils, burns, scalds, stings and bites of insects. Camphor.— As a preventive in the beginning of catarrh, colds and diarrhoea. Useful in sudden prostration, from any cause. A palliative in hay-fever, collapse stage; also early stage of cholera or cholera- morbus, with prostration, blue lips, cold sweat and cramps. Cannabis Sativ a.— Gonorrhoea in all stages; relieves the pain and shortens the duration of disease. Chordee. Cantharis.— Acute inflammation of the bladder or kidneys. Con- stant desire to urinate but only a few drops each time, with more or less burning. Urine is generally high colored and scanty but is often bloody. Capsicum or Red Pepper.— Is an excellent stimulant in stomach troubles by stimulating the mucous membrane of stomach to increase its vitality to digest food; it is also a remedy for fat, lazy, uncleanly, clumsy, awkward, peevish, easily offended people, with blue eyes and light hair. Carbo Veg.—ls useful in flatulency, acidity of the stomach, and heart-burn, accompanied by distressing oppression. "The sufferer wants to be fanned." Ailments after the abuse of mercury. Caulophyllum.— Threatened miscarriage, with cramps and hem- orrhages. Painful menstruation, leucorrhoea in child, suppression of menses, with menstrual colic. Causticum.— Wetting the bed in children. Paralysis of the blad- 616 MATERIA MEDICA. der, paralysis of the vocal cords, rawness and soreness of the larynx and trachea, with loss of voice, particularly in speakers and singers. Chamomilla.—A. good remedy for cross, teething children. Teeth- ing diarrhoea, stools green, watery and corroding, smelling like rotten eggs and containing white particles; child wants to be carried all the time; one cheek red, the other pale; very nervous. Sleeplessness in children. Nervousness, palpitation, etc., from the use of coffee or tobacco. Nervous or biliary derangements from anger or vexation. China.— Complaints of a periodical character. Physical weakness from loss of blood or animal fluids. Intermittent fever. Painless di- arrhoea from eating fruit. Menstruation, too early and too profuse. Malaria. Chinin Arsen.— Useful in affections accompanied by depressed, debilitated or malarial conditions of the system; when patient aches all over and complains of a tired, languid feeling. As in colds, neu- ralgias, malarial fevers, etc. Especially useful when there is a marked tendency toward periodical recurrence of attacks. Cimici fug a.— Painful menstruation, with neuralgic pains or head- ache (top of head feels as though it would fly off). Suitable to person of neuralgic or rheumatic nature, or one troubled with uterine dis- eases. Cina.— Worms in children. Child constantly picks the nose; very fretful, cries out at night, wets the bed; unnatural hunger. Cries for sweet things; has a peculiar pinched appearance; abdomen bloated; child grinds teeth at night. See Santonine. Cocculus Ind.—Siek headache, diarrhoea or vomiting induced by riding on the cars, in carriages, or in boats. Sea-sickness. Coffea Cruda.— Useful in sleeplessness, restlessness and nervous disorders of women, children and aged persons. Neuralgia of the right side of the head and face. Colchicum.— Gout and gouty affections, with tearing and lacerat- ing pains. Asthma and heart affections with paroxysms of gout. MATERIA MEDIOii. 617 Swelling, pain, heat, redness and lameness of the extremities. Useful in many complaints of gouty persons. Co locynth.— Colic, with diarrhoea. Neuralgia of the face, chiefly on the right side. Sciatic rheumatism, darting down the leg from the hip to the foot. Dysenteric diarrhoea, colicky pains, passing a great deal of blood. Collinsonia.— Bleeding piles, with constipation. Painful menstrua- tion with piles. Obstinate constipation, with protruding piles. Itch- ing of the vulva. Crocus Sativus.— Excessive flow of the menses; the blood is black- ish and clotted. Also rush of blood to the head with nose bleeding. Hysteria, with laughing-fits. Sensation as if something living were jumping about in the pit of the stomach, or abdomen. Croton Tig.— Diarrhoea, with yellowish or greenish watery stools coming out in one gush. Diarrhoea worse after drinking; while nurs- ing, while eating during summer. Intense itching and burning of the skin. Cuprum Met.— Derangement of the nervous system, characterized by cramps, convulsive movements and spasms. St. Vitus' dance of the upper extremities, or of one side of the body. Epilepsy, hysteria, an- gina pectoris ; spasmodic asthma, spasmodic cholera, and gastrointes- tinal inflammations; also for wetting the bed at night, and scantiness or entire suppression of urine. Digitalis.— Heart-disease and dropsy, with dizziness, faintness, shortness of breath, palpitation, slow, irregular and intermittent pulse, or quickened and feeble action of the heart. Dropsy of the kidneys and suppression of the urine. Br o sera.— "Whooping-cough, paroxysmal, with hemorrhage from the mouth and nose, or ending with choking or vomiting. Dulcamara.— Chronic muscular rheumatism, aggravated by cold weather; headache, earache or diarrhoea, caused by cold. Diseases brought on by exposure or cold. Eupatorium Perf.— Useful in bilious intermittent fever with intol- 618 MATEKIA MEDICA. erable aching and soreness of the limbs. Severe colds with derange- ment of the liver ; influenza ; la grippe with chilliness, headache, nausea, biliousness, coryza and bodily soreness. Ferrum Phos.— Anemia, headache, following loss of blood. First stages of catarrh; first stage of diphtheria. Articular rheumatism. Fever. Gelsemium.—A valuable remedy in the first stages of many fevers, —as Catarrhal and eruptive fevers; malaria; bilious, remittent or in- termittent fevers. Fevers without thirst, with chilly sensations along the spine, and goose flesh all over the body, cold extremities, head and face hot, dull headache, suffused eyes, etc. Useful in fresh colds, in- fluenza or la grippe. Painful menstruation with sick headache. Many nervous disorders. Neuralgia of the left side of face. Headache with pain over right eye. Sunstroke. Diarrhoea produced by fear or fright, etc. Under Gelsemium the patient is drowsy when fever is high, thus distinguishing it from aconite. Graphites.— For eruptions which contain a thick, honey-like fluid; unhealthy skin, cracks and excoriations. Constipation, with large, knotty stools, coexisting with a dry, harsh skin. Glonoine.— Congestion of blood to the head; temples and top of head feel as if it would burst; violent, throbbing headaches, vertigo, fainting and headaches at change of life or during menses. Sunstroke. Golden Seal.Same as Hydrastis. Hamamelis.— Varicose veins, bleeding piles, internal hemorrhage, painful menstruation and inflammation of the ovaries. Should be used locally (in the form of the Distilled Extract of Witch Hazel) as well as internally. Catarrh, particularly that form with nose-bleed. Sore eyes, scalds, burns, erysipelas, etc. Helonias.— This remedy is peculiarly a female remedy, regulating and controlling the sexual organs, the womb and ovaries, where there are dragging, aching pains in lower part of back, excessive uterine hemorrhage, a sensation of weight and soreness of the womb, leucor- MATERIA MEDICA. 619 rhea or whites, prolapsus, with ulceration, and a constant dark bloody fetid discharge. Hepar Sulphur.— For glandular affections. Chronic glandular swellings, ulcers and scaly eruptions. Suppuration from any part in scrofulous persons. Hoarse cough, following measles. Membranous croup. Skin unhealthy, disposition to eruptions and boils— when every scratch festers. Painless diarrhoea, whitish and sour smelling. Pa- tient longs for acids, wine and strong-tasting food. Hydrastis.— Indigestion with sensation of weakness at pit of stom- ach. Chronic constipation, cankered sore mouth. Physical exhaustion as the result of or accompanied by indigestion or dyspepsia. Hyoscyamus.— Spasms, with jerking and twitching of every muscle. Dry spasmodic cough, with tickling in the throat. Nightly sleepless- ness. Delirium, with muttering and picking at the bed-clothes. Hys- teria. Ignatia.— Hysteria and other nervous disorders, sleeplessness and the consequences of fright and grief. Nervous headaches. Ipecac.— Nausea, desire to vomit, accompanying diarrhoea; stools green with considerable griping. Mild forms of cholera-infantum. Menstruation too early and too profuse. Cough, with rattling of phlegm in throat and bronchials. Spasmodic asthma. Morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting with almost all ailments. Iron.— See Ferrum Phos., the same as phosphate of iron. Kali Bichrom.— For diphtheria, with tough, stringy, ropy mucus. Catarrh, with inflammation and ulceration of the nose, purulent and bloody discharge, sometimes coming in tough elastic plugs, green and fetid. Fetid smell from nose. Frontal headache. True, membranous croup. Chronic bronchitis, coughing up tough, stringy mucus. Kali Iodatum or Iodide of Potassium.— Its main action is upon the lymphatic and glandular system. The best antidote to mercury; ex- cellent in syphilitic diseases, scrofula, enlarged atrophied glands, deep- eating ulcers, chronic rheumatism, diseases and swelling of bones, con- tractions of muscles and tendons, stinging, burning, smarting, prick- 620 MATERIA MEDICA. ling, itching of the skin, eruption like nettle rash over entire body, and hives. Kali Muriaticuni.—See Belladonna, which has the same influence. Lachesis.— Diphtheria, beginning on the left side and extending to the right ; throat is dark purplish in appearance. Particularly adapted to women during the change of life. Symptoms all worse after sleep. Patient cannot bear anything tight about the waist. Left side most affected. Lobelia In.— Very valuable in spasmodic asthma, with sick head- ache, hacking cough, violent nausea, vomiting and great weakness. Lycopodium.— Indigestion, water-brash, heart-burn. Flatulency in the intestines, with constipation. Kidney troubles ; dark, scanty urine, deposits red, sandy sediment. Consumptive cough, with expectoration of large quantities of gray salty pus ; fan-like motion of the nostrils. M aero tin.— Same as Cimicifuga. Mercurius Biniod.— Nasal catarrh which also affects back of mouth and throat, constant desire to hawk up phlegm, ulcerated sore throat and tonsilitis ; alternate with Belladonna. Diphtheria and diphtheritic croup. Mercurius Corr.— Very useful in dysentery, or cold in the bowels, mucus discharges ; persistent desire to stool, with burning pains, and a peculiar feeling of misery in the rectum after stool. Catarrhal inflam- mation of the bowels. Mercurius Sol.— Very similar in its action to Mercurius vivis; but preferred by many physicians. Mercurius Viv.— Impoverished, pale, sallow and unhealthy appear- ance. Biliary or liver derangements. Impaired appetite. Cold in the head, sore throat, sensitiveness to cold and damp, with chilliness. Head- ache from catarrh. Rheumatic headache, bilious and syphilitic sub- jects. Diarrhoea, with much straining at stool. Mercurius patient's symptoms are worse at night and in damp, rainy weather. Profuse perspiration, with all complaints, but it affords no relief. Natrum Mur.— Fever-blisters or cold sores about the mouth. Inter- MATERIA MEDICA. 621 mittent fever after abuse of quinine. Chill about 10 a. m. Catarrh worse at the seaside. Nitric Acid.— Ulceration, syphilitic or mercurial, of the mouth and throat, foul-smelling, and spreading rapidly. Secondary syphilis, and after abuse of mercury. Corns and bunions. Nux Vomica.— Dyspepsia and constipation; suited to all affections of the nervous and digestive system due to depression, consequent on over-stimulation; as overstraining the nervous system by haste and worry in business, excessive study, anxiety, etc., by the abuse of alco- holic drinks, coffee and other stimulants. Opium.— Constipation of children, stools resemble round, hard black balls. Useful in affections or diseases that originate from fright. Phosphoric Acid.— Nervous debility and prostration. Debility of male sexual organs. Chronic or painless diarrhoea. Diabetes. Invol- untary seminal emissions. Typhoid fever, with debility, stupor, di- arrhoea and indifference. Phosphorus.— Inflammation of the lungs, consumption, pneumonia, hectic fever, paralysis, epilepsy and spinal paralysis from debilitating causes. Cough irritating, with rusty-colored or greenish expectora- tions, loss of voice, hoarseness, nightsweats. Suitable to tall, slender people. Pneumonia after febrile symptoms have partially subsided. Phytolacca.— Diphtheria, ulcerated sore throat, enlarged tonsils. Inflammation of the breasts; nipples sore and cracked (Phytolacca Cerate should also be used locally). Syphilitic rheumatism. Chronic ulcers. Podophyllum.— Biliousness and bilious diarrhoea, alternated with constipation. Gall-stone colic. Chronic inflammation of the liver. Morn- ing diarrhoea. Podophyllin, the active principle of Podophyllum, is generally preferred. Psorinum.— Acts especially upon the skin and mucous membrane, for troubles such as herpes, salt rheum, chilblain and seasickness; and also upon affections arising from anger, vexation, etc. Pulsatilla.— Female derangements, suppressed or delayed menses, 36 v. 622 MATEEIA MEDICA. painful menstruation from getting the feet wet; leucorrhcea from de- layed menses. Nasal catarrh, with greenish or yellowish discharge, and a loss of taste and smell. Swelling of ovaries, or testicles. Measles, earache. Patients requiring Pulsatilla are usually of a mild, yielding disposition. Symptoms worse at night, in a warm room; dislike to fat, greasy food; patient craves air and acids. Rhus Tox.— Eheumatism, lumbago, acute and chronic from get- ting wet or taking cold, or from checking perspiration. Indicated by increase of pain while at rest, while in bed, or on first moving around, relieved by continual motion and warmth. Valuable in strains, ery- sipelas with vesicles. Sanguinaria.— Coughs that sound loose but in which expectoration is difficult. Sick headaches, the pain commencing at the back of the neck, spreading over the head and settling above the right eye, with nausea and vomiting. Menses too early or too profuse, with sick headaches. Santonine.See Cina. This is the active principle of Cina and should be used for worms in preference to Cina. Secale Cor.— Menses too profuse and too long continued, discharge dark, liquid blood, increased by motion. Threatened abortion in later months. Uterine hemorrhages. Sepia.— Periodical headaches, particularly of women suffering from uterine derangements. Yellow spots on the face, scanty menstruation and leucorrhcea. Constipation of pregnancy. Nasal catarrh, with dis- charge of solid pieces. Moth-spots on face; yellow bridge across the nose; pimples on the forehead near the hair. Silicea.— Suitable to scrofulous persons suffering from eruptions. Often aborts boils if taken when they first appear. Catarrh, with ulcers in the nose, loss of smell, and itching of tip of nose. Spigelia.— Periodical attacks of neuralgia affecting the left side of the face; toothache; faceache; palpitation. Pinworms (i. e., seat or thread worms) in weak, puny or scrofulous children. Spongia.—A valuable remedy in croup (alternated with Aconite, MATEEIA MEDICA. 623 Hepar sulphur or Kali bichr.). The Spongia cough is dry, hoarse, hol- low, rough and irritating. Useful also in chronic hoarseness, loss of voice, goitre, etc. Staphy sag via.— Often useful in affections of the eyelids; especially for styes, tumors, nodosities. For caries of the teeth when they turn black and crumble; and cankered sore mouth. Strychnine.— Same as Nux Vomica. Sulphur.— Diseases of the skin and mucus membrane. Ill-health of children and others, without definite cause. Scrofulous disorders. Use- ful in beginning the treatment of chronic diseases. Early morning diarrhoea. Pimples on the face. Chronic catarrh. Chronic constipa- tion and piles. Unhealthy eruption in children. Strychnine.— Same as Nux Vomica. Tartar Emetic— Cough, with rattling of mucus in throat and lungs, with inability to get it up. Skin eruption, resembling that in the small- pox and leaving pits. Cough and croup, with inclination to vomit. Uranium Nitricum.— Its chief action is upon the kidneys; its chief therapeutic application is in the treatment of diabetes and Bright 's disease; also in dropsy. Veratrum Alb.— Asiatic cholera, with vomiting and purging. Chol- era-morbus and cramps in the abdomen and legs. Cholera-infantum, with cold sweat on the forehead, worse after drinking; considerable thirst and great weakness. Veratrum Veride.—S&me as Veratrum Alb. Viburnum Opulus.— This remedy exerts its most marked action upon the female generative organs for the treatment of congestions, neuralgia of the womb, painful menstruation, and threatened abortion. Brain Food.— Unexcelled for conditions brought on by sexual de- bility, worry, grief, excessive study, mental strains from any cause, low spirits, nervousness, palpitation of the heart, groundless fears of jmancial ruin. This medicine is not the dish for invalids, page 604. Ostine No. l.—A bone and nerve food for babies, and the sovereign remedy for the ills of the teething period. (See Chapter on Teething.) 624 MATERIA MEDICA. Ostine No. 2.—K brain, nerve and bone food for boys and girls who are ailing from any source and also for those who appear well but are slow to grasp ideas, deficient in memory or backward in studies Balm Palmetto Capsules.— These are non-narcotic and non-astring- ent. The process is called the absorption treatment, which applies the soothing, life-giving balm directly to the afflicted part, nature's own cure. Brings permanent relief and cure to all the female organs and surrounding parts. So far it is the only cure known for barrenness (sterility) and displacements of the womb, congestion, inflammation, ulceration, etc. Tri-Cura Cap sules.— Specific for all rectal diseases, chronic consti- pation, painful hemorrhoids, piles of all kinds, ulceration, fistula, pro- Japsus of the bowels; relieves nocturnal emissions, rejuvenates the sex- ual organs and restores vigor to body and mind. Tolcoine.— The purpose of Tokoine is to make the labor of confine- ment absolutely safe and practically painless. It does all of this without the least danger to the lives or health of either mother or child. Homeopathic medicines are now sold in the following forms: Dilutions, which are attenuated liquid potencies. Pellets (globules), medicated with the dilutions. Disks (cones), medicated with the dilutions. Triturations, remedies in the powder form. Tablets, triturations pressed into tablet form. When not to be obtained locally, the remedies, including those spe- cially compounded by the author, can be procured by mail, at slight ex- pense, of Dr. Melendy, 3815 Ellis Avenue, Chicago, and also of any leading Homeopathic Pharmacists in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco and other large cities, as well as in numerous smaller places the country over. PLAIN DIRECTIONS FOB USE OF THESE REMEDIES IN THE WITHIN NAMED DISEASES. Dose of Tinctures. —Four drops for adults; two drops for children; MATERIA MEDICA. 625 one drop for infants, in a glass of water. A teaspoonful every twenty minutes and less often as the patient improves. Dose of Pellets.— Six pellets for adults, four for children, two for infants. To be dissolved on the tongue. Alternately— Means first a dose of one, and after a length of twenty minutes, a dose of the other. Frequency of Dose.— This depends so largely upon the nature of the disease that specific directions are given in each instance. As a general rule, in chronic diseases, a dose should be given one-half hour before meals and on retiring; as improvement takes place, a dose night and morning will be sufficient. In acute diseases of a painful character a dose may be given every fifteen to twenty minutes until relief is obtained ; then every one, two or three hours according to the circumstances. Ordinarily in acute diseases, a dose every one or two hours will be sufficient. Occasionally a disease may seem aggravated by the medi- cine; in homeopathy this is a good sign. It indicates that you have chosen the right remedy, but it is too strong and must be diluted with more water, or given less often. If the 2x was used try 3x; if a 3x caused the aggravation, use the 6x. THE PULSE. The average number of pulse beats per minute will be found as follows: First year, 125; second year, 110; third year, 95; fifth to eighth year, 58 to 90 ; near puberty, 80 to 85 ; adult life, 70 to 75 ; old age, 50 to 65. In females it averages 10 beats faster than in males. Each person has a normal number of beats per minute, from which there are only trifling and temporary variations, except in disease. MENTAL THERAPEUTICS. A costless cure for every ailment, to combine with physical exer- cises. This whole treatment, with but slight variations, is practiced among some of the Orientals, who thus dispel an attack of indigestion or any other attack including the " blues.' ' After the exercise prac- 626 MATERIA MEDICA. tice the breathing, inhaling and exhaling, counting 7 at each inhalation ; continue breathing three minutes, then sit quietly in your room, free- ing your mind of every care and worry and repeat audibly or inaudibly to yourself the following affirmations: I now close myself to all outside influences, and open myself wide to the inflow of the divine spirit. I am now filled with divine spirit. I am now filled with divine love. I am now filled with divine power. I am now filled with divine knowledge and wisdom to control this power. I am now filled with divine faith ; faith in this infinite power, and in myself through it. I am now filled with divine life and health. I am now filled with divine success, prosperity and plenty. And I radiate all these divine qualities to the whole world. Repeat this exercise for a month once a day and observe the mar- velous results. This costless treatment practiced ten minutes once a day does not in the least conflict with any remedy or treatment given in this book ; on the contrary it aids and stimulates the action of them. I need not repeat what has already been explained in the chapters on Nervous Troubles, The Change of Life, Education in the Family, etc., but to sum up, here is the principle of mental treatment. Remem- ber that the mind is the real self; that certain brain cells control the action of the subconscious mind, which takes its suggestions from the conscious mind; that these brain cells are the very ones most closely connected with the sympathetic nervous system, which controls all the vital processes; and you will see why auto-suggestion has this seem- ingly magical power to draw from both physical and spiritual forces to give new life and health to the body. All nature is harmonious, be- cause divinely created; and the divine good flows without stint into every mind open to receive it. INDEX Page Abdomen, Bath to Eeduce 121 Bath to Strengthen 121 Exercise to Eeduce 192 Puffy 63 Troubles in Pregnancy 378 Abortion 337 Labor after 398 When Permissible 338 Abrasions 573 Absence Enhances Married Love 265 Absorption of Seminal Fluid 314 the Key to Health 289 Accidents and Emergencies 572 Preparing for 572 Acid Fruit Beverages 610 Acquisition Pre-Natal Culture 348 Acting, Women in 486 Acute Bronchitis 547 Diseases 611 Nephritis 564 Advertising Solicitors, Women 486 Affirmations 626 Age to Marry 235 Air, A Breath of 122 Bath 115 Cells, 600 Millions 124 How Composed 124 Pure, for Infant 424 Shafts 123 Alcoholics Inferior to Hot Milk 607 Alcoholism, Fruits Bemedy for 97 Aloes for Weaning 440 Ammonia Bath 112 for Snakebites 575 Ancient Standard of Beauty 74 Anecdote, German Scientist 43 Anger Deforms Beauty 80 Poisons Mother's Milk 434 Animals, Breeding of 344 Answer Questions 40 Anteflexion of the Womb 494 Anteversion of the Womb 492 Antidotes for Poisons 578 Aperient, Colostrum 427 Olive Oil 428 Aphthae 429 Appetite, Excessive, in Pregnancy 383 from Breathing 538 Lack of, in Pregnancy 382 Page Appetites Arise from Food 454 Apple and Fig Juice 608 Cream 610 Apples, Baked 610 for Constipation 550 Aprons, Oilcloth 204 Ardency, Woman Values 248 Areola, The 285 Arms, Berry Bath for 186 Electricity for 185 Massage for 186 Bough 186 Tapering 63 Arrowroot Gruel 596 Art, Pre-Natal Culture 348 Women in 485 Asiatic Cholera 540, 548 Asthma 544 Attraction, Magnetic 229 Attractive or Magnetic Force 125 Attractiveness Increased by Dress 196 "Aura" of Strong Personalities 126 Author's Own Case of Peritonitis 500 Portrait and Sketch 29 Auto-Suggestion, Power of 626 Back, Strengthening the 191 Baked Apples 610 Milk 599 Baldness 178 Ballot, Woman's, Based on Health 489 Balm Palmetto Capsules. 624 Barley Gruel 595 Soup 601 Barrenness, Indian, a Disgrace 392 Bashf ulness 248 Bath, Air 115 Ammonia 112 Bed 119 Borax for 107 Bran, for Complexion 113 Cabinet, Making a 119 Cold Ill Drying the Baby 420 Ear 157 Earth-Cure 116 Foot 116 for Bright 's Disease 546 for Infant 419 for Infant's Ankles 423 627 628 INDEX. Page Bath — Continued. for Nervous People 114 for Painful Menses 497 for Slender Woman 187 General Directions 110 Hot Ill Indoor Salt 112 Medicated 113 Nose 158 Olive Oil 114 Oriental 116 Plunge 110 Eeaction from 110 Eestful Sleep from 113 Sand, for Feet 166 Sea 112 Sitz 119 Soft Water Bequired 107 Sponge 110 Sponge, How Taken Ill Sun 115 to Eeduce Abdomen 121 Vapor 120 Vinegar -Brush 114 Warm 113 When, for Baby 421 Bathing for Boils 507 for Change of Life 470 for Womb Displacement 491 in All Lands 108 Preceding Conception 329 Baths for Falling of the Womb 491 for Fevers 535, 537 for Peritonitis 503 Good for Every Disease 107 of Historic Beauties 108 Bearing, Graceful 66 Beautiful at 50 as at 15 78, 473 Love of 83 Teeth 89 Beauty, American, Surpasses Grecian... 76 Artificial, Not Transmitted 86 Attracted by Strength 246 Baths 107 Blonde 66 Breakfast, Ideal 96 Brunette 66 Deeply Planted 78 Deformed by Anger 80 Deformed by Hatred 80 Diet 87 from Plainness 79 Greatest after 25 77 Inborn Love of 474 in Form 77 Jaded and Worn 79 Mental, Admired 68 Mental Laws of 473, 532 Plump Type ' . 66 Page Beauty — Continued. Preserved by Mind 474 Producing Foods 87 Promise of Maternity 62 Eacial Standards 67 Eestored by Love 80 Sex Sources of 80 Slender Type 66 Special Treatment for 113 which Endures ., 78 which Fades 78 will "Work Out" 245 Beauty's Cardinal Points 86 True Basis 80 Bed Bath a 119 Clothing 588 for Childbirth 403 Bedding for Sick Eooms 590 Bedrooms, Charcoal in 586 Close 123 Lime in 586 Ventilation of 586 Beds, Airing 588 Separate, Why 587 Beef Pulp, Broiled 600 Tea 601 Tea, Not for Fevers or Inflamma- tions 601 Beginnings of Life 56 Beverages, Acid Fruit 610 for Invalids 607 Bilious Fever 545 Biliousness, Diet for 98 Birds in the Schoolroom 459 Bites from Mad Dogs 575 from Poisonous Serpents 575 Black Garments, Effect of 527 Blackheads 148 Bladder, Diabetes 554 Gravel 559 Inflammation of 561 Irritated in Pregnancy 384 Paralysis of 566 The, in Labor 404 Blanc Mange, Fruit 600 Bleeding from Lungs 545 from Nose 545 from Stomach 545 How to Arrest 573 Blood, Controlled by Nervous System. . .525 Depletion of 293 Iron in 125 Massage for Circulation of 538 35,000 Pints through Lungs 125 Blotches 148 Body-Builders Want Material 445 Sacredness of 461 Young in Spirit 475 Boiled Eice 605 INDEX. 629 Boiling the Water. . . , 592 Boils 504 Bathing for 507 Dressing of 507 Opening of 504 Poultices for 504 Suppuration of 504 Bones, Broken 577 Bonnets 206 Borax for Bath 107 Bottle, Nursing, The 442 Bowels Collapsed 503 Cosmoline Dressing for 537 Infant's, Colostrum for 427 Inflammation of 561 Bash in 536 The, After Childbirth 409 The, in Childbirth 405 Boys, Adopted Mother's Lessons to 465 Special Warning to 291 Boy, The Chivalric 488 Brain-Cells 41 Brain, Clear, for Marriage 221 Comparative Weight of 43 Convolutions 41 Exercise 46 Fever 51 Pood Dish for Invalids 604 Food, Valuable Medical Compound. 623 Inflammation of 562 Male and Female 42 Belation with Nerves 526 Budiments of 361 Softening of the 568 The 40 "Brain-Fag," or Waste 51 Treatment of 528 Bran Bath 113 Gruel 596 Jelly 598 Bread, Hot 101 Breads and Toasts 606 Breakfast, Fruit for 95 Breast-Bone Muscles, Developing 185 Breast, Gathered 431, 499 Pump 430 Breasts, Cabbage Leaves for 431 Female 284 Full 63 Glass Nipple Shields 431 Inflammation of the 562 Pregnancy Alters 356 Swollen, in Pregnancy 384 Wash for 440 "Breathe Like a Horse" 130 Breathing, After Fevers 538 . an Appetizer 538 at Change of Life .469 Correct, Creates Magnetism. ... .126 Pagd Breathing — Continued. Deep, for Pregnancy .402 Deep, Impossible with Corsets. . . .199 Exercises, Five 132 for Bright 's Disease 546 for Neck and Chest 185 for Slender Woman 187 in Childbirth 406 Incomplete 127 Labored 537 Limited by Corsets 127 Marion Harland 's 128 Preparation for Conception 329 Bemedies Blue Veins 132 (Bight) a Salvation 128 Bhythmical 130 "Ten Times Ten" 128 to Cure Fatigue 133 to Bestore Calmness 130 Breath of Air, A. 122 Breeding of Animals 344 ' ' Bright 's Disease " 545 Brimstone for Disinfecting 590 for Fumigation 591 Broiled Beef Pulp 600 Broken Bones 577 Breasts 499 Hearts 53 Bronchitis, Acute 547 Brooding on One Thing 520 Broths, Meats and Soups 600 Browned Bice 605 Bruises 572 Turpentine for 574 Brushing the Hair 175 Burgdorf , Author 's Birthplace 29 Burning Feet 166 Burns 584 Business, Mutual Interest in 257 Bust, Delsarte Exercises for 191 Electricity for 185 Exercise for 187 Well-Bounded 64 Buttermilk 607 Pop 600 Cabbage Leaves for Breasts 431 Cabinet, Bath, Making a 119 Cakes, Griddle 101 "Camping Out" 139 Cancer of the Womb 495 Cankered Sore Mouth 511 Capsules, Balm Palmetto 624 Tri-Cura 624 Cardiac Plexus 52 Card Plan, The, to Control Thought 296 Catarrh 547 Arsenic iod. for 614 Caused by Tobacco 547 630 INDEX. Page Catarrhal Sore Mouth 429 Cathartics, to be Avoided in Fevers 539 Cellars 585 Cereals, Cooking 104 Chafing, Infant 421 Chalk-Dust in Hair 176 Chamomile Flowers 507 Tea, How Prepared 497 Change of Life, Cheerful During 470 Duration of 470 in Man 472 Men Vigorous After 472 Men's, Treatment for 473 Natural 469 Normal Eesults 469 Prolong the Menses 471 Symptoms of 469 Time of 469 Treatment of 470 Changing Your Mind 52 Chapped Hands 163 Charcoal in Sleeping Eooms 586 Cheese 91 Chest, Broadening the 129 Growth 186 Chicken Broth No. 1 601 Broth No. 2 602 Panada 603 Chickenpox 521, 539 Chilblains 167 Child Affected by Mother's Thought 528 a Gift to Society 412 a Welcome 320 His Natural Faults 463 Kindergarten Training of 412 Loved and Well Born 346 Loved from the Beginning 346 Molded by Mother 344 Mother Guardian of 462 4 'Mothers Help a Lot" 467 New-Born, Care of 407 of Love, The 311 Overstudy by 531 Part of Parents' Bodies 292 Punishing, Not in Anger 463 Pure Training, or Impure 462 Saxe Holmes' Story 345 Teach, to Admire Creation 462 the "Figure of Pathos" 487 Trained through Feeling 463 Training Delayed Invites Impur- ity 463 Training, Never Hasty 463 Value of 412 Childbirth, Age No Hindrance 406 at Seven Months 397 Bed for 403 Care After 409 Page Childbirth — Continued. Correct Breathing in 406 Delivery of Placenta 408 Dress for 407 Drink During 407 Instrumental 410 Made Easy 391 My First Attendance 396 Never Lost a Case 399 Oiling Vagina in , 405 Pain, a Perversion 392 Painless, with Indians 391 Perspiration Needed in 406 Eelief After 409 Swiss Herb Tea in 399 Tokoine in 399 Without Aid 399 Childhood's Sense of Kinship 452 Children, Constipation of 519 Diarrhoea of 519 Diet for 510 Froebel's "Graded Gifts" for... 454 Help a Nursing Mother 434 Keeping, Healthy 510 Lovingly Welcomed 345 Milk for 511 Not to be Frightened 527 Overalls for 510 "Playing House" 481 Pre-Natal Environment of 347 Singing Games for 454 Sloyd System for 454 Teach, Sacredness of Body 461 Thrust into the World 335 to Play in Sand 510 Water for 444 Youngest, Education of 452 Children 's Diseases 510 Child's Confidence Held by Mother 464 Pre-Natal Culture 343 Purity, Safeguarding a 465 Chill from Dampness 579 in Fever, Dangerous 535, 536 Chills and Fever 539 Chin, Double 184 Chloroform, Flooding from 400 Eelaxation Better Than 400 Choking 581 Cholera, Asiatic 540, 548 Asiatic, the Patient's Despair. . . .540 Causes of 543 Collapse in 540 Infantum 511 Preventive Treatment 542 Simple 548 Choosing a Mate 211 Chorea , 530 Christian Endeavor 483 Chronic Diseases 61J INDEX 631 Page Cilia 281 Circulation, Controlled by Nervous Sys- tem 525 in Feet 166 Restricted 163 Circumcision 288 Cleanliness Imperative 585 Infant 's Training in 417 Cleansing, Nature's Four Methods 109 Clitoris, The 274 Clothing for Elderly People 527 on Fire 583 Warmer after Fevers 538 Coffee, Barley 609 Corn 609 Crust or Toast 609 Giving Up 101 Oat 609 Rice 609 Wheat 609 Cold Baths Ill Sores on Lips 158 Taking, in Fevers 536 Colds 549 Egg Gruel for 597 Colic 549 Intestinal 549 of Infants 518 Collars 201 Colostrum is Healthful 427 Comb. The 174 Complements, Law of 218 Complexion Affected by Nervous Sys- tem 148 and Generative Organs 148 Bath, Strawberry 144 Blotches and Pimples 148 Bran Bath for 113 Brush 143 Care of 141 Cosmetic Jelly 147 Cream 143 Cream, Cucumber 145 Cream from Berries 145 Cream, Lettuce 145 Eruptions 147 Inflamed 150 Moles 149 Moth Patches ,..150 Oily, Lotion for, .....147 Paleness 148 "Pits' > or "Pock Marks" 149 Powder 142 Redness 148 Rough 143 Rules for 142 Scars 150 Sunburn 146 Page Conception 320 After the Menses 336 Bathing and Dress 329 Conditions of 322 Continence to Precede 329 Diet Preceding 327 Exercise Preceding 329 in Drunkenness 341 Initial Impressions 321 in Summer Time 326 Mental Preparation for 329 Physical Training for 327 Prayer Before .332 Preceded by Self -Study. 327 Prevention of .335 Time of 325 Training Morally for 331 Cones 624 Confidence, Mutual; Absolute..,. 263 Confinement, Good Health after. ... 401 Orange Whey after. 607 Surgical Aid in 402 the "Show" 405 Congeniality Not Sufficient 230 Congestion of the Uterus 492 Constancy, Woman Requires 251 Constipating Foods, Lists of, 103 Constipation 549 Diet for 102 Fruit for 102 in Convalescsnce ... . 539 in Pregnancy 380 of Children 519 Consumption 551 Breathing in 128, 129 Consumptives, Baked Milk for. 600 Contagious Diseases 533 Diseases, Nurses in 589 Diseases, Sick Room 589 Controlling People 126 Continence 289 Based on Affection 317 Diet for 317 Gives Wife a Chance 394 Hygiene for 317 is Creative , . . . . 314 Makes Strong Lives 314 Male, Healthy 393 Rewards of 314 Contradiction, Perpetual 260 Convalescence, Signs of 538 Convalescents, Caution for 536 Diet for 539 Fruit Blanc Mange for 600 Fruits for 539 Convolutions of Brain 41 Convulsions 512 Infants \ Belladonna for 614 632 INDEX. Page Cooking Cereals 104 Dried Fruit 104 Meats 104 Vegetables 104 Cwjrperas for Disinfecting 590 Cordials 447 Cornmeal Gruel No. 1 595 Gruel No. 2 596 Gruel No. 3 596 Mush 605 Poultice 501, 537 Poultice for Bronchitis 547 Corns 167, 553 Corpulence, Buttermilk for. . . . „ 607 Corpulency 552 Corsets, Mischiefs of 197, 199, 200, 201 Mean Imprisonment 197 Corset, Substitutes for 202 Cosmetic Jelly 147 Cosmoline for Lungs and Bowels 537 Cough 553 Whooping 512 Coughs, Flaxseed Lemonade for 608 Country, Welfare of 481 Courtship, Early 230 How Long? 235 Cracked Hands 164 Cracker Panada 604 11 Cramming' ' in Schools 531 Cramp 578 Cramps 553 in Pregnancy 381 Creams and Custards 599 Cream Toast 606 Creative Principle, The 211 Croup 513 False 513 Membranous 514 Crust or Toast Coffee 609 Crying of Infant 413 Mothers Can Interpret 413 Cucumbers, Milk of 146 Curling Iron, Use of 174 Custards and Creams 599 Cuts 573 Turpentine for 574 Dandruff 177 Dartos Muscle, The 285 Dates 98 Daughter-in-Law 263 Deafness 554 Decayed Teeth 182 Decay Not a Law of Nature 474 Decide When Alone 229 Decision, Woman Admires 246 Delayed Menses 497 Depreciation of Self 54 Depression, Cure for 137 Page Designers, Women as 486 Developing Limbs 193 Diabetes 554 Buttermilk for 607 Diaphragm, Action of 125 Diarrhoea 539, 555 Boiled Milk for 594 Boiled Rice for 605 in Pregnancy 379 of Children 519 Rice Jelly for 598 Diet after Fever 539 a Wise . 95 During Pregnancy 401 for Bright 's Disease 546 for Children 510 for Continence 317 for Skin Diseases 507 for Vigorous Workers 106 Infant's, after Weaning 442 Milk, for Children 511 of Invalids Important 594 Slum, of Infants 435 to Increase Flesh 105 to Reduce Flesh 106 Digestion Affected by Mind 476 Dilutions 624 Dining at Mid-day 106 Diphtheria 515, 539 Gargle for 539 Directions for Using Remedies 624 Dirt Produces Disease 585 Discharges from the Ear 518 Disease from Dirt 585 from Self-Abuse 293 of the Heart 560 Remedies for 611 Diseases, Acute 611 Contagious 533 Contagious, Nurses in 589 Contagious, Sick Room 589 Chronic 611 General 544 of Infants and Children 510 of Skin 504 of the Nose 565 of Women 489 Dishes for Invalids 594 Dishwashing 161 Disinfectants 590 Disks (Cones) 624 Remedies in 611 Disposition, Building a New 83 Rules for 83 Distilled Water 593 Diversion a Fine Medicine 434 Doctors, Women as 487 Dogs, Mad, Bites from 575, 576 INDEX. 63S Page Domestic Tastes in Man 250 Doses of Eemedies 611 Double Chin 184 Drains 585 Drama, The, Women in 486 Draperies 589 Dress 203 after Fever 538 Afternoon 204 Colors 203 Evening 205 for Kitchen 204 for Labor 407 for Nursing 433 Freedom in 196 Increases Attractiveness 196 Influence of 196 Jenness Miller Maternity 206 Maternity 206 to be Comfortable 196 Trained 203 Dressing the Hair 176 Drink, Between Meals 102 for Harvesters 608 Drinks, Iced 89 Dropsy 555 Drowning, Treatment for 580 Drying the Baby after Bath 420 the Hair 173 Dying Woman's Demand, The 502 Dysentery, Boiled Milk for 594 Boiled Eice for 605 Eice Jelly for 598 Dyspepsia 556 Buttermilk for 607 Buttermilk Pop for 600 from Wrong Weaning 435 Nervous, Eaw Oysters for 602 Dyspeptics, Pie for 610 Earache 517, 554, 557 Ear Bath 157 Discharges from 518 Foreign Bodies in 582 Earl> Courtship 230 Ears, Clogged 156 Outstanding 157 Earth-Cure Bath 116 Economy 234 Education Affected by Food 454 Applies to Causes 453 Early 452 "Graded Gifts" 454 in the Family 451 Means at Hand 453 Patriotic 459 Sloyd System 454 Widespread Agitation on 452 Educational Walks 458 Page Egg and Lemon Tonic 91 and Eaisin Panada 604 Gruel 597 Lemonade 608 Eipening of the Human 283 Shampoo 178 The Human 283 Tonic 91 Tonic No. 1 608 Tonic No. 2 608 Eggs 91 Poached 602 Poached in Milk 602 Ejaculatory Duct, The 287 Elasticity of Woman's Nature 55 Electricity for Arms, Neck and Bust . . . 185 Elixir, The True 393 Eloquence, Transmitted 222 Woman 's 68 Woman's Love of 248 Embryo, How Nourished 359 Physical Comes First 347 Progress of 361 Emergencies, Accidents and 572 Emotions Change Secretions 525 Enema for Change of Life 470 Enemas for Infant 421 Entire Wheat 102 Wheat Bread 606 Epidemics 533 Epididymus, The 287 Epilepsy „ 557 Epworth Leagues 483 "Equestrian Tights" 202 Erectness 131 Errors of Love, Terrible 231 Eruption in Fever 535, 536 Eruptions, Treatment of 147 Erysipelas 553, 557 Escape from a Fire 583 Evening Dress 205 Excitement Poisons Mother's Milk 434 Exercise for Double Chin. 184 for Infant 422 for Neck 185 for Nursing Mothers 433 of Brain 46 Wasteful 51 Exercises, Five Breathing 132 for Slender Woman 187 Expecting the Best 487 Experiences with Ostine 447 Expression Built by Thought 532 Facial 151 Extremes of Qualities in Offspring. ... .217 Eyebrows 156 Eye, Foreign Bodies in 582 Eyelashes »......„..».,. 156 634 INDEX. Page Eyes, and the Love-Xature 152 Brightened by Good Xews 526 Discolored or "Black" 155 Fascination of 152 Lotions for 152 Protect Infant's 425 Protecting Patient 's 591 Removing Objects from 156 Eules for 155 the Key to the Temperament. .. .152 Face, Care of 141 Covering in Small Pox 539 Fainting 558 in Pregnane v 381 Falling of the Womb 490 FaUopian Tubes, The 281 Fall, Stunned by a 582 False Croup 513 Family Medicine Chest 612 Farina Gruel 596 Fascination and Love 228 Hair a Factor in 169 Fashion, Babies' Gowns 197 High Heels 198 Pull-back Skirts 198 The Bustle 198 Tight Sleeves 198 Underwear 201 Fashions, Hoop Skirts 197 Low Xeck 197 Fate, Xot Slaves of 61 Father's Influence First in Time 321 Father's Part in Pre-Xatal Culture 351 Fatigue, the Breathing Cure for 133 Fear Invites Cholera 543 Overcoming 397 Poisons Mother's Milk 434 the Great Eobber 127 Feathers 588 Features Helped by Bath 10S Ideal, Described 77 Feet and Hands 159 and their Coverings 164 Bathing the 166 Burning and Smarting 166 Chilblains 167 Circulation of Blood 166 Enlarged or Inflamed Joints 166 Going Barefoot 166 Sand Bath 166 Felon 558 Female Brain 42 Love 228 Reproductive Organs 272 Fever, Bilious 545 Chills and 539 Hav 559 Intermittent 539 Malarial 533 Page Fever — Continued. Milk 430 Scarlet 515, 539 Taking Cold in 535 Typhoid 533 Fevers 533 Action of Yeratrum Yeride 536 Avoid Sudden Cooling in 535 Barley Gruel for 595 Beef Tea Xot for 601 Bran Gruel for 596 Buttermilk for 607 Classified 533 Convalescence 536, 538 Fruit Ices for 610 Jelly and Ice for 599 Xo Purgatives in 534 Xo Solid Food in 536 of Infants and Children 558 Perspiration in 537 Poultice for 537 Relapses in 535, 536 Successful Treatment 535 Svmptoms of 533 Theory of 534 Fibrous Tumors of the Womb 494 Fiction, Women Writers of 486 Fig JeUy 599 Figs 98 Figure, Straightened by Good Xews. . . .526 Finger Xails .' 164 Fire, Escape from 583 in Clothing 583 Fireplace 586 Fish as Food 90 Stocking of Streams with 324 Fits 512 Flatulence in Pregnancy 376 Flaxseed Lemonade 608 Flesh, Diet to Increase 105 Diet to Reduce 106 Fleshy Person, Labor of 397 Flooding from Chloroform 400 Floors 587 Flowers in Sick Room 591 Foetus, Growth of 363 Fomentation Cloths 570 Foreign Safeguards in Love 231 Foreskin, The 287 Form, Helped by Bath 108 Food a Factor in Education 454 and Beauty 87 Brain 604, 623 Farinaceous 442 for Infants 412 for Xursing Mothers 433 Heat Producers 87 in Fevers, Withhold 536 its Offices 87 INDEX. 635 Page Food — Continued. Overeating Causes Eelapse 538 Preparation of 593 Unwise, Creates Appetites 454 Foods, Carbonaceous 88 Constipating, List of 103 Laxative, List of 103 Nitrogenous 88 Phosphates 88 Table of Nutrition 93 their Values 87 Foot Bath 110 Nail Wounds in 574 Force, Magnetic Wasted 587 Nervous, Wasted 587 Frances E. Willard 483-487 Freckled Hands 163 Freckle Lotions 144 Freckles 143 Freezing 579 Fresh Air in Sick Eoom 590 Froebel 29, 451 Coming to Pestalozzi 458 Tribute to 457 Froebel's "Graded Gifts" 454 Logical Teaching 452 Theory Wide-Keaching 453 Frost-Bites, Cure for 146 Fruit, Acid Beverages 610 Antidote for Drink Craving 97 Blanc Mange 600 for Biliousness 98 for Breakfast 95 for Constipation 102 for Nursing Mothers 429 Ice 610 Eelishes 610 the Ideal Food 94 Fruits, Dried 104 for Bright 's Disease 546 for Invalids, with Care 595 in Convalescence 539 Fulmer, Harriet, on Visiting Nurses... 485 Fumigation 591 Functions of the Skin 109 Furnaces 586 Furnishings for Sick Eoom 590 Furs 206 Garbage 585 Gall Stones 558 Gargle for Diphtheria 539 for Scarlet Fever 539 Garters 201 Gathered Breast 431, 499 Gems, Graham and Oatmeal 606 Gem Toast 607 General Diseases 544 Generation, Female Organs of 272 Generative Functions Sacred 85 Page Gentleness, Woman's 73 Germ-Cells 56 of Life, The 283 The Male 288 German Chamomile Tea 497 "Gertrude" Suit for Infants 416 Gestation, Beautiful Treatment in 414 Table of 366 The Wife's Privacy 394 Girls, Care in Sitting 193 Nervousness of 526 Self -Abuse Wrecks 295 Special Warning to 291 to Keep Themselves Pure 295 Glands of the Skin 109 Glans, Penis, The 287 Glass Nipple Shields 431 Glibness is Suspicious 250 Globules 624 Glossary of Technical Terms 28 Gloves for Housework 162 Goitre 559 Gout 559 Government of Children 463 Graceful Posture 194 Walk 194 Grace, How to Acquire 183 Graham Cracker Panada 604 Mush 604 and Oatmeal Gems 606 Grains 92 Grandmothers, The Up-to-Date 484 Granula 606 Grate, Open 586 Gravel 559 Gray Hair 179 "Gretchen" Suit for Infants 416 Griddle Cakes 101 "Grippe" 540 Growing Taller 76 Gruels 595 at Close of Fevers 536 Gum Water . . , 609 Hair a Fascination 169 Affected by Health 170 Baldness 178 Brushing a Tonic 175 Care of 169 Chalk Dust in 176 Dead 174 Dressing the 176 Drying 173 Egg Shampoo 178 Gray 179 Gray, Caused by Terror 526 in Convalescence, The ; 538 in Oriental Countries 169 Eecords Any Shock 179 Einsing 173 636 INDEX. Page Hair — Continued. Shampooing 170 Splitting 174 the, at Night 175 the Curling Iron 174 "Waking Up," the 177 Hands and Feet 159 Chapped 163 Conic Type 160 Cracked 164 Dishwashing 161 Freckled 163 Gloves for 162 Lotion for 163 Pointed Type 161 Eed 163 Square Type 160 Spatula 160 Stained 162 Types of 160 Very Dirty Work 164 Happiness a Breath Tonic 123 Adaptations for 215 Harmony in Eace for Marriage 217 in Eeligion for Marriage 217 Harvesters, Oatmeal Tea for 608 Hatred Deforms Beauty 80 Hats 206 Hay Fever 559 Headache 560 in Pregnancy 377 Nervous, Poached Eggs for 602 Healthfulness of Clostrum 427 Health in Tenements 485 is "Catching" 480 Mental Laws of 473 of Infant, How Seen 425 Preserved by Mind 475 Eequired for Woman's Best 489 Struggle Back to 503 Teaching Needed 489 Heart, Beginning of 362 Diseases of the , 560 Foetal, Beating 359 Influenced by Solar Plexus 525 Palpitation in Pregnancy 381 Palpitation of 560 Rudiments of 361 Heartburn, in Pregnancy 376 Heath, Mr., on Self -Abuse 317 Heating 586 Hemorrhoids 566 Hens Laying Eggs 395 Heredity, Its Influences 321 Mental Force Overcomes 331 Overcoming 322 Hip Disease 561 Hips, Delsarte Exercise for 191 to Reduce . . . . * . . . „ <> . . . „ . .... . .194 Page History, Women in 482 Home Atmosphere, The 481 Establishing the 252 Ethics, Teaching 482 Hygiene in the 585 Interests Supreme With Woman. .486 Lovers Planning 232 to Include Loving Courtesies. .. .253 Treatment for Women's Ills.... 489 Well-Kept 585 Honeymoon, a Second 327 Courtesies 239 Disillusionment 238 for the Intellect 237 Freedom from Care 237 Husband's Duties in 238 Journey 238 Kindness 239 Lifelong, Conditions of 239 The 237 The Bible 237 Why It Wanes 587 Hoarseness 561 Homeopathic Eemedies, Success of 503 Eemedies 611 Honesty, Pre-Natal Culture 348 Hope, Message of 290, 317 Horlick's Malted Milk 442 Horticulture, Women in 486 Hot Bath Ill Bread 101 Housekeeping Learned after Marriage. .256 Learned before Marriage 256 Mutual Help in 257 Housewife 's Ambition, The 585 Housework a Fine Medicine 434 and Tenement Inspection 484 for Mothers 433 to Develop Grace 194 Human "Stock" Valuable 392 Sun, The 53 Humility, Power of 249 Humor, Pre-Natal Culture 349 Hunger after Fever 538 Husband, Help a Nursing Wife 434 not to become Repulsive 239 Thoughtful of Bride 's Loneliness . 253 Duties in Honeymoon 238 Tenderness in Pregnancy 389 to Assist Wives 392 Hygiene in the Home 585 Hypochondria 530 Hysteria, Treatment of 529 Hymen, Perforation of 301 The, 276 Ice-Box, Cleanliness of 585 Iced Drinks 89 Fruit 610 Ignorance Entraps to Euin. ........... .461 INDEX. 637 Illusions 45 Imbecility 51 Increasing Flesh, Diet for 105 Indians ' Painless Childbirth 391 Indigestion 556 Tnfant, Cold Water for 421 Enemas for 421 Exercise for 422 Great Essentials for 426 Learning to Walk 423 Method of Weaning 439 Not to be Jolted 414 Not to be Kocked 414 Nursing Begularly 432 Only Medication Through Mother.,412 Powder for 420 Protect Eyes of 425 Pure Air for 424 Quickly Dressed 416 Beautiful Poem on 411 Infants, Air Bed-Clothing of 424 Bathing 419 Chafing 421 Clothes, Shortening of 418 Clothing, Changes in 419 Clothing Loose 415 Colic of 518 Crying 413 Dietary 442 Diseases 510 Face, Interpretation of 425 Farinaceous Foods for 442 First Artificial Diet 439 First Nursing 427 First Toilet 416 First Travels 422 Food 412 Foot Coverings 417 Freedom to Kick 422 Gradual Weaning 436 Horlick's Malted Milk for 442 "Hungry Ball" 413 Keeping Healthy 510 Long Skirts 415 Mellin's Food for 442 Milk Best for 442, 444 Mortality in Teething 445 Mortality of 435 Need Warmth 415 Nightclothing 418 Nose Obstructed 425 Not to Have Purgatives 412 Olive Oil Massage 413 Soothed by Massage or Eubbing.413 Opiates Fatal to 447 Ostine for 442 Refusal of Breast 430 Rest, Not Excitement 423 Bestlessness of ,424 37 V. Page Infants — Continued. Slum Diet of 435 Sore Mouth 429 Stomach Trouble 445 Training in Cleanliness 417 Two Kinds of Dirt 419 Water for 444 Wraps 418 the First Nap 427 to Have Water 428 Tongue-Tied 430 Weaning the 435 Wet Nurse for 436 When to Bathe.... 421 With a Fair Start 414 Inflammation, Beef Tea Not for 601 Bran Gruel for 596 Egg Lemonade for 608 Fruit Ices for 610 Gastric, Barley Gruel for 595 Gum Water for 609 of the Bladder 561 of the Bowels 561 of the Breasts 562 of the Brain 562 of the Liver 563 of the Throat 563 of the Uterus 491 Slippery Elm Tea for 609 Ingrowing Nails 164 Insanity 51 Insects, Stings of 574 Insomnia 44 Lemons for 97 Treatment of 529 Integrity Eequired for Marriage 222 Intestinal Colic 549 Intestines, Nettle Eash from 508 Intuitions a Guide 399 Woman 's 44 Intuition the Highest Teacher .230 Invalids, Alcoholics Bad for 607 Beverages for 607 Dishes for 594 Investors, Women as 487 Inventors, Women as 487 Irish Moss Lemonade 609 Jelly 599 Iron in Blood 125 Isolation for Sick Eoom 589 Itch ; or Scabies 508 Ivy, Poison 576 Jaundice 563 Jellies 597 Jelly and Ice 599 Kidneys, Bright 's Disease of 545 Kindergarten Principles 457 Training 412 Kiss, the Forgotten .252 638 INDEX. Page Knowledge Not a Crime.... 461 Labor after Abortion 398 Pains, False 386 Premature 338 Signs of 404 Without Aid 399 Labia Majora 273 Minora 273 Lacerations 573 La Grippe , 540 Landscape Gardening for Women 486 Large Feet 167 Lawyers, Women as 487 Laxative Foods, List of 103 Leadership, Pre-Natal Culture 349 Leanness 563 Legs, Swollen, in Pregnancy 379 Lemonade -. 96 Egg 608 Flaxseed 608 Irish Moss 609 for Nursing Mothers 429 Lemon and Egg Tonic 529 Jelly 597 Jelly No. 2 597 Lemons for Insomnia 97 Letter Writing 221 Leucorrhea in Pregnancv 385 or "Whites" 498 Liberty is Woman 481 Life, AIL from a Seed 56 Beginnings 56 Centers 39 Depends on Knowledge 500 from a Seed or Egg 291 Germ, The 283 Growth of 292 Life's Central Fact, Love 227 Three Beginnings 320 Work of Woman 57 "Lifters" and "Leaners" 53 Limbs, Rudiments of 362 Tapering 63 to Develop 193 Lime in Food and Drink 89 Sleeping Eooms 586 Limitation, Duty of 336 Not Unnatural 340 of Offspring 335 Through Control 339 Lincoln's Large Feet 168 Lips, Cold Sores 158 Color of 158 Show Circulation 158 Show Digestion 158 Liquids, Remedies in 611 Literary Standard, High 294 Literature, Women in 486 Liver, Inflammation of , 563 Page Liver, Rudiments of 362 Lobules, The 286 Lockjaw 574 Longings in Pregnancy 383 Lotion for Hands 163 for Oily Skin 147 Lotions 142 for the Eyes 152 Love and be Lovable 229 and Fascination 228 a Wonderful Teacher 254 Blesses Its Object 242 Counsel Withheld 227 Courtesies of 230 Destroyed by Scoldings 254 Eloquence and Ardency of 248 Faculty in Head 52 Female 228 Frequent Declarations 229 Growth after Marriage 265 How to Redouble 241 is Natural 224 Keep Spiritual Uppermost 226 Life's Central Fact 227 Made a Jest 227 Male 228 More than Congeniality 230 Nature, Woman's 44 of Children, Why? 292 Physical 228 Planning the Home 232 Poem 228 Poetry Deprived of 224 Preserved by Purity 266 Requires Expression 229 Restores Beauty 80 Seeks to Make Happy 242 Spiritual 228 Terrible Errors of 231 Tested by Separation 229 the Basis of Continence 317 to be Tenderly Expressed 239 Lover, His Noble Course 340 the Fainthearted 250 Love 's Happy Plans 232 Misunderstandings 241 Mutual Duties 241 Quarrels, Avoid 232 Rule of Proportion 241 Unselfishness 242 Loving Courtesies at Basis of Home. . . .253 Lunch ; Fruit for Children's 510 Sweets for Children's 510 Lung, Membrane, 20,000 Inches 125 Pores Closed by Stooping 127 Starvation Unnecessary 122 Lungs, Bleeding from 545 Cosmoline Dressing for 537 Mechanism of 124 INDEX. 639 Page Lungs — Continued. Kash in 536 Kudiments of 362 Macaroni Soup 603 Mad-Dog Bites, Caustic for 575 Mad-Dogs, Bites from 575, 576 Magazines, Women on 486 Magnetic Attraction 229 Magnetic "Aura," The 192 Force 125 Force Wasted 587 Magnetism from Correct Breathing. .. .126 How Acquired 73 Malarial Fever 533 Male Brain 42 Continence Healthy 393 Love 228 Eeproductive Organs 285 Seed or Germ 288 Mammary Glands 284 Manhood, Stronger by Absorption 314 Why Admired 251 Manly Decision, Admired by Woman.. 246 Ease Admired by Women 247 Self-Eespect 247 Shyness 248 Man Builds His Temple 531 Not at Mercy of His Passions. .289 Not to Criticise Wife 254 Man's Appreciation to be Expressed. . . .247 Constancy Eequired 251 Deference to Woman 246 Domestic Tastes 250 Eloquence and Ardency 248 Glibness Suspicious 250 Humility, Power of 249 Ideal of Woman 62 Eeserve Power 246 Sincerity Admired by Woman. . . .246 Strength ^ . . 44 Wise Choice in Marriage 218 the Manly 251 Thoughtful of Wife's Cares 258 to Confide Business to Wife 257 Woman 's Ideal of 245 Marasmus 551 Mare, Foaling 395 Marriage, Age for 303 Chamber, The 238 Clear Brain for 221 Continence in 317 Decide When Alone 229 Demands Integrity 222 Dismisses Follies 233 Early, Why Unwise 302 Exercise to Prepare for 221 Great Change for Woman 253 Hope in Uncongenial 267 Hope through Intuitions 223 Page Marriage — Continued. Household Training for 221 How to Increase Love 265 Ignorant, Eisks in 461 is Natural 224 Its Prosaic Questions 253 Man's Wise Choice in 218 of Cousins 222 Qualifications for 219 Quarrels 241 Reasoning Powers for 222 Separate Home for 263 the Hope of the Eace 252 Tropical Child- Wives 304 Unhappy, Blame Mutual 259 Unhappy Through Meddlers. .240, 255 What It Involves 252 When 235 Woman's Wise Choice in 219 Marrying a Sickly Girl 220 for Money 233 to Eeform Men 220 Massage for Arms 186 for Falling of the Womb 491 for Neck 185 for Slender Woman 187 for Weak or Inactive Parts 538 Invigorates Infants 414 Soothes Infants 413 Massaging Scalp 174 177 Mastery, No Struggle for .'.256 Materia Medica 611 Maternity, Beauty Promises 62 Demands Vitality 63 Dress 206 Not a Curse 391 Mating of Male and Female 211 Mattresses 588 Measles 521,"539 Meat 89 Meats, Cooking 104 Soups and Broths 600 Mechanical Ingenuity Transmitted 331 Meddlers Cause Unhappy Marriages, 240,255 Medical Terms, Glossary 28 Medicated Bath 113 Medication Only Through Mother 412 Medicine Chest, The 612 Medicines and Eemedies 611 Melendy, Dr. Mary E 29 Mellin 's Food 442 Membranous Croup 514 Memory, How Weakened 293 Transmitted 331 Men, Change of Life, Continence in 472 Men, Change of Life in 472 Change of Life, Symptoms 472 Happiness of at Stake 452 How Made Strong 292 640 INDEX. Page Meningitis 562 Menses Delayed 497 Painful 497 Profuse 497 Should Stop Nursing 436 Suppressed 498 Menstruation 300 a Sign of Womanhood 300 at Five Months Age 305 End of 469 Hygienic Precautions for 306 Ignorant Alarm at 301 in Cold Climate 304 Initiation of 304 in Temperate Climates 304 in Tropical Climates 304 Life-term of 308 None During Pregnancy 302 Eegular 307 Simple and Natural \ .. .302 Suspending School Life 306 Usually Painful 303 Mental Condition Determines Physical. .526 Discipline in Pregnancy 415 Distress in Pregnancy 339 Force Stronger than Heredity. . .331 Influenced by Genetic 462 Law for Health 532 Laws of Beauty 473 Laws of Health 473 Occupation Relieves Menses. . . .303 Preparation for Conception 329 Eelated to Sexual 289 Sex Differences 57 Sources of Dyspepsia 556 Temperament Nervous 525 Therapeutics, Principles of 626 Treatment 626 Treatment for Falling Womb 491 Treatment for Self -Abuse 318 Treatment Illustrated 526 Treatment of Solar Plexus 54 Treatment, Power of 525 Mentality of Sex 374 Midwife ; A, at Seventeen 395 Milk 90 Always Best for Infants 442, 444 Anger Poisons Mother's 526 Baked 599 Boiled 91 Boiled, for Invalids 594 Crust 507 Diet for Children 511 Fever 430 for Invalids 594 Fright Poisons Mother's 526 Hot 90 Hot, a Superior Stimulant 607 Mother's, How Poisoned 434 Page Milk — Continued. Mother's, Hurt by Worry 434 Porridge 597 Tapioca 609 Mind a Magnet, The 479 Conscious 526, 528 Effective Demands of 475 Power of The 525 Power Over Health and Beauty.. 475 Pre-Natal Culture 349 Subconscious 526, 528 to be Kept Healthy 294 Mineral Eemedies 611 "Miracles" 480 Miscarriage 368, 498" Causes of 368 Prevention of 372 Symptoms of 371 Treatment after 372 Treatment of 371 Mistakes in Marriage, Hope for 267 Modern Proportions of Woman 75 Moles and Warts 149 Money, Marrying for 233 Monogamy Nature's Design 214 Mons Veneris, The 273 Moral Faculties — Training for Concep- tion 331 Influenced by Genetic 462 Morals, Pre-Natal Culture 350 ' ( Morning Sickness " 375 Mother, All Should Help 434 and Teacher, Woman is 487 Artist, The 343 Ask Questions of 291 Bedtime Talk of 467 Care after Labor 409 Controls Child's Destiny 344 Expectant, to Keep Cheerful 349 Health Eequires Weaning 436 Joy of Helping 296 Keeps the Open Heart-Way 488 Kind to Faults Not Wilful 463 Lofty Ideas of 346 Loving Child at Beginning 346 Nervous, Advice to 528 Not to be Kept "at Bay" 466 Eecreation of 434 Motherhood 320 a Holy Power 391 Joy of 346 Saxe Holmes' Story 345 The Outreaching 483 Mother-in-Law ,. 263 Mothers, Expectant, Cheer for 395 Fruit for 429 Mother's, Glass Nipple Shields 431 Govern Through Feelings 463 Greek, Artistic Surroundings 347 INDEX. 641 Mother 's — Continued. "Help a Lot" 467 Housework for 433 Ideal, The 344 Influence Begins Early 347 Inspiring the Young 484 Interpret Cries 413 Invite Child's Confidence 464 Italian, Study the Madonna 347 "Know More than Boys" 465 Lemonade for 429 Mentality and Spiritually 483 Milk Fever 430 Molding Power 344 Need to be Educated 451 Never Punish in Anger 463 Never to be Hasty 463 Nursing Dress 433 Nursing ; Exercise 433 Nursing, Fatigued 434 Nursing, Food for 433 Nursing, New Milk for 594 Nursing, Nutrina for 598 "Sparrows or Wrens?" 467 Pre-Natal Culture Shown 353 Questions, The 411 "Quiet Hour" 350 Eead the Best 349 Sore Mouth 428 Study Child's Motives 464 Thirst in Weaning 440 Thought Affects Child 528 Train by Example 464 Trained Will of 348 Train Through Love 463 The Adopted 465 the Child's Guardian 462 the Incompetent 343 The, to be Undisturbed 409 Think Independently 349 Moth Patches 150 Motive Organization 216 Temperaments United 216 Mountain Travelers 132 Mourning Garb 527 Mouth, Cankered 511 Catarrhal Sore 429 Infant's, Sore 429 Sore, Mother's 428 Wash 181 Mumps 516 Mushes 604 Music Lesson Transformed 526 Pre-Natal Culture 348 Women in 486 Muscular Women 63 Mutton Broth 601 Nails, Finger 164 Nail Wounds in Foot 574 Page Nature's Law of Selection 246 "Nature Study" 458 Nausea 564 Neck, Breathing for 185 Electricity for 185 Massage 185 Neglect, What to 585 Which Meant Death 502 Nephritis, Acute 564 Chronic 545 Nerve-Cells, Brain 41 Nutritive, Nutrina for 598 Nerves, Child's Deranged by Fright 527 Controlled by Suggestion 526 Eelation with Brain 526 Nervousness 45, 563 Nervous Debility, Treatment of 528 Excitement 293 Exhaustion 293 Force Wasted 587 Nervousness from Teething 530 in Pregnancy 531 of Girls 526 Treatment of 529 Nervous People, Bath for ...114 Temperaments United , . .216 System, Scope of „ . .525 Systems, Sympathetic . * . 40 Troubles 525 Troubles, Mental Tendency of... 525 Troubles, Origin of 525 Troubles, Eemedies for 530 Troubles, Treatment for 528 Nettle Eash 508 Neuralgia in Pregnancy 378 Treatment of 528 Newspapers, Women on 486 Writing Dignified 486 Night Clothing 202 Nipples, Hardening the 384 Eetracted 431 Nipple Shields, Glass 431 Sore 430 The 285 Norway Prudent in Parentage 336 Nose Bath 158 Bleeding from 545 Diseases of 565 Enlarged Pores 158 Infant 's, Obstructed 425 Nosebleed 574 Nurse, A Sleepy 502 Nurses in Contagious Diseases 589 Visiting 458 Nursing 427 Anger Poisons Milk 526 Baby, the First 427 Dress for 433 Fright Poisons Milk 526 642 INDEX. Page Nursing — Continued. Improper During Pregnancy 337 Infant's Eefusal 430 Mothers, Egg Tonic for 608 Mother 's Exercise 433 Mother's Inability for 441 Mothers, Nutrina for 598 Mothers, Oysters for 602 Mothers, "Warm Milk for 594 No Check to Conception 337 Only When Calm 434 Eegular 432 Stopped by Menses 436 When to Withhold 434 Nutrina 598 Nutrition Controlled by Nervous System.525 Nuts 92 Nux Vomica's High Bank as Tonic... 548 Oak, Poisoned by 576 Oatmeal Gruel No. 2 596 Mush 604 Tea 608 Occupation Needed by the Tempted. .. .290 Odors, Offensive 586 Offspring, Deformed and Sickly 219 Extremes in 217 Limitation of 335 Well-balanced 214 Oil Bath 114 Oil for Infant 407 Oilcloth Aurons 204 Open Air Life 139 Opiates Fatal to Infants 447 for Infants Condemned 424 Opposites, Law of 216 Orange Whey 607 Organs of Eeproduction 55 Oriental Sun Bath 116 Ostine > 442 Experiences with 447 for Convulsions 513 for Teeth 182 for Teething Sickness 446 No. 1 623 No. 2 624 Outdoor Games 140 Outer Garments 205 Ovaries, The 282 Overstudy at School 531 Ovum, The 283 Oxygen Consumed by Stoves 586 Indispensable 124 Its Affinity for Iron 125 Oysters. Eaw and Broiled 602 Oyster 'Toast 607 Toasted 602 Painful Menses 497 Paleness 148 Palmetto Balm, Capsules 624 Page Palmistry a Science 159 Palpitation of the Heart 560 of the Heart; Pregnancy 381 Panadas 603 Paralysis of the Bladder 566 Parental Duties in Advising 233 Warnings .234 Parenthood Greatest of Blessings 335 Prudent 335 Parents, Be First Teachers 460 Children are Like 321 Passions Controlled by High Thinking 290, 317 Hope for All 290, 317 Occupation Gives Eule Over.... 290 Paste for Teeth 180 Pastry 101 Patriotic Education 459 Pea Soup 603 Pellets, Dose of 624 (Globules) 624 Pelvis, Ample Size 63 Female, The 271 Healthy 193 Male, The 271 The 287 Peritonitis 566 Corn Meal Poultice for 501 Simple Treatment of 500 Treatment of 500 Perspiration 109 Angry, Contains Poison 525 Excessive 566 in Cholera 542 in Fevers 537 Not Weakening 406 Pestalozzi 29, 457 Phthisis 551 Physical, Influenced by Genetic 462 Love 228 Sex Differences 57 Physics to be Avoided 539 Pie for Dvspeptics 610 Pike's Peak Party, The 132 Piles 566 in Pregnancy 380 Pills, Preparations in 611 Pimples 148 "Pinfeathers of Love" 249 Pins, Swallowed 581 "Pit of Stomach," Sinking at 54 "Pits" or "Pock Marks" 149 Placenta, Delivery of 408 The 360 Plasters for Peritonitis r 503 "Playing House" 481 Plexus, Cardiac 52 The Solar 53 Plunge Bath 110 INDEX. 643 Page Pneumonia, 567 from Fashion 197 Poached Eggs 602 "Pock Marks" 149 Poem, Love 228 Poetry Deprived of Love 224 Poisoned by Ivy, Oak or Sumac 576 Poison in Angry Perspiration 525 Ivy 576. Poisoning, Internal 578 Police Matrons 484 Polypus of the Womb 495 Porridge, Milk 597 Poultice, Corn Meal 501, 537 Cornmeal, for Bronchitis 547 Poultices for Boils 504 of Comfort 501 Which Lasts, A 501 Powder for Infant 420 for Teeth 180 Powders, Eemedies in 611 Power of Mind, The 525 Eeserve, Woman Admires 246 Praise, between Wife and Husband 254 Woman Values 247 Prayer before Conception 332 Preachers, Women as 487 Pregnancy, Abdomen Troubles in 378 at Sixty Years 304 Buttermilk Pop for 600 Constipation in 380 Cramps in 381 Deep Breathing in 402 Diarrhea in 379 Diet During 401 Discomforts of 375 Excessive Appetite in 383 Fainting in 381 False Pains in 386 Flatulence in .376 Fruit Blanc Mange in 600 Good Cheer for 395 Headache in 377 Heartburn in 376 Husband's Help in 392 Husband's Tenderness in 389 Irritated Bladder in 384 Key to Happy Motherhood 390 Lack of Appetite 382 Leucorrhea or "Whites" in 385 Limiting Food in 402 Longings in 383 Mental Discipline in 415 Mental Distress in 389 Menses Cease During 302 Miscarriage 368 ' ' Morning Sickness " in 375 Naturally Healthful 375 Nervousness in 531 Page Pregnancy — Continued. Neuralgia in 378 Palpitation of Heart in 381 Piles in 380 Pruritis in 385 Eaw Oysters for 602 Sick Headache in 377 Signs of 355 Sleeplessness in 382 Swollen Breasts in 384 Sympathy in 389 The Nipples in 384 Thrush in 385 Toothache in 378 Water-Brash in 377 Water During 402 Words of Hope in 390 Pre-Natal Culture 343, 414 Culture,. Father 's Part 351 Culture Illustrated 353 Prepuce^ The 287 Prevention Not Destruction 338 Preventions of Conception 335 Probation Officers, Women as 484 Professional Women 486 Profuse Menses 497 Progress in Switzerland 457 Prostate Gland, Men's, in Age 472 Gland, The 287 Pruritis in Pregnancy 385 Puberty, Changes at 212, 300 Public Life, Problems of 482 Pulmonary Consumption 551 Pulse, Beats per Minute 624 Punishment, Not to be Hasty 463 Pure Water 592 Purgatives in Fevers 534, 539 Not for Infants ..412 Strong, Dangerous 534 Purity in Training 462 Preservative of Love 266 Quarrels Deplored 254 Quarrel, Settlement of 255 "Quickening" Shows Pregnancy 357 Quiet for Infants 423 "Quiet Hour," The Mother's 350 Quinsy 569 Eemedies, Crude or Coarse 611 Eash in Lungs and Bowels 536 Nettle 507 Eattlesnake Bites 575 Eeaction from Bath 110 Eeason, Cultivate, for Marriage 222 Eecreation a Fine Eemedy 434 Importance of 258 Eed Face, Plain Diet for 98 Eedness of Complexion 148 Reducing Flesh, Diet for 106 Hips 194 644 INDEX. Page Eef rigerators 585 Kelaxation 133 Natural 400 Superior to Anodynes 400 Eeligion, Pre-Natal Culture 350 Eeligious Conversions at Puberty 214 Kemedies for Nervous Troubles 530 Frequency of Dose 611, 624 How to Use 624 List of, Materia Mediea 611 Mild, yet Powerful 611 Kefmed, Points of 611 Strength of v . 611 Where Procured 624 Eepose a Fine Eemedy 434 Eeproduction, Female Organs of 272 Eeproductive Organs, Male 285 Organs 55, 269 Eeserve ; Woman 's 73 Eespiration, Controlled by Nervous Sys- tem 525 Eestlessness, Infant's - .424 Eete Testis, The 286 Eetroversion of the Womb 493 Eheumatism, Acute 567 Irish Moss Jelly for 599 Ehubarb Toast 607 Eice, Boiled 605 Browned 605 Gruel 596 Jelly 598 Eound Shoulders 151 Shoulders, Swimming for 188 Eubbing Soothes Infant 413 Bugs 589 Euined Lives 231 Euts, to be Avoided 52 Eye Mush 604 Eythmical Breathing 130 Sacredness of the Body 461 Saddle ; Importance of Correct 193 Safeguards, Foreign, in Love 231 Sago Cranberry Jelly 599 Jelly 598 Saint Vitus Dance 530 Salt Bath, In-door 112 in Bag, for Heating 381 Sand Bath for Feet 166 for Children 's Play ' 510 Sanguine Temperaments, United 216 Saxe Holme's Story 345 Scabies, or Itch 508 Scalp, Dandruff 177 Massaging 174, 177 Milk Crust on 507 Scarlet Fever 515 Fever, Gargle for 539 Scarlatina 539 Scars, To Eemove .150 Page School, Pigeons Living in the 459 Schools, Overstudy in 53] Science, Domestic 221 the Friend of Love 215 Scolding, Habitual, Fatal to Love 254 Scrotum, The 286 Sculpture, Women in 486 Scurvy 568 Sea Bathing 112 Sea Sickness 568 Seed, All Life from a ._. 56 The Male 288 Selection, Nature's Law of 246 Self-Abuse 293 Attaining Your Ideals 319 Becoming Kingly Over 319 Brings Disease 293 Confide in Parents 293 Girls Cannot Afford 295 High Thoughts Possible 318 Hope for All 290, 317 How to Leave Behind 317 Invites Cholera 543 Line of Least Eesistance 319 Mental Treatment 318 Need Not Involve Struggle 318 Never Despair 318 Perseverance Will ,Cure 293 Weakens Memory 293 Self -Depreciation, No 54 Self-Eespect Attracts Woman 247 of Young Conquerors 294 Semen, The 288 Seminal Fluid, The 288 Sentiment in Woman 44 Separation the Test of Love 229 Separate Beds for Couples 340 Beds, Why 587 Serpents, Bites from 575 Sex- Attribute Attractions of 213 Effect on Character 212 Functions of 212 Sex Desire, How to Promote 313 Determining, in Generation 373 Differences, Mental 57 Differences, Physical 57 Element, the Creative Principle .. 211 Health Makes Beauty 84 How Caused 373 is Mental 374 Magnetism, Secret of 126 Nature Largely Mental 85 Organs, Eudiments of 362 Eelations, at Call of Woman 312 Eelations, Harmonious 309 Eelations, Never During Preg- nancy 313 Eelations, Never While Inflamed. 314 Eelations, Normal, are Uplifting. .310 INDEX. 645 Page Sex — Continued. Kelations of Animals 310 Eelations on Spiritual Plane 310 Eelations Should be Mutual 311 Eelations, Time for 312 Sexual Embraces Only When Vigorous. .312 Embrace, The 309 Excesses Bring Puny Children. . .310 Excesses Impair Health 310 Excesses in Early Marriage 310 Organs Sacred 295 Organs, to Grow Strong 296 Organs, Wrong Use of 292 Vigor Transmits Strength 325 Shampoo, Egg 178 Shampooing the Hair 170 Sheets, Damp 589 Shields, Glass Nipple 431 Shirt Waists 203 Shoes, ' ' Common Sense ' ' 198 Short Women 63 Shyness, a Proof of Love 248 Extreme 84 Sick Headache 101 Headache in Pregnancy 377 Eoom Bedding 590 Flowers in 591 Fresh Air in 590 Furnishings of 590 in Contagious Diseases 589 Isolated 589 Non-Contagious 591 Sweeping 592 Ventilated and Sunny 535 " Silent School-Master, The" 525 Similarity, Law of 217 Sincerity, Woman Demands 246 Single Women 483 Sinks 585 Sitz Bath 119 Skin Diseases 504 Texture 109 The, and its Functions 108 Whitening the 162 Wrinkles 150 Slaves of Fate, Not 61 Sleep, Infant's First 427 Sleeping Face of Child Interpreted. .. .425 Booms 123 Booms, Charcoal in 586 Sleep, Bestful, from Bath 113 Sleeplessness 44 in Pregnancy 382 Treatment of 529 Slender Woman's Treatment 187 Slippery Elm Tea 609 Small-Pox 539 Covering for Face 539 Snakebites 575 Page Snow Balls 600 Sociability, Pre-Natal Culture 348 Social Settlements 485 Society Women 486 Softening of the Brain 568 Soft Water to be Used 107 Solitude, for Marriage Decision 229 Solar Plexus, How to Develop 54 Mental Treatment 54 Strong 54 The, 53 The Nerve Center 525 the Personality 126 Treatment of 525 Son-in-Law , 263 Soothing Syrups 447 Sore Nipples 430 Sore Throat 569 Soul-Culture 68 Soul-Power 68 Pre-Natal Culture 350 Soups 603 Meats and Broths 600 Spasms 512 Spectacles, Blue 155 Spermatic Cords, The 285 Spermatozoa, Liberation of 322 Path to Impregnation 323 Sperm-Cells 322 Spine, Eudiments of 361 Spirits Depressed by Black 527 Spiritual Love 228 Splinter, To Extract a 572 Sponge Bath 110 Sprains 576 Sprightliness 65 Squaws in Childbirth ...391 Stimulant, Egg Tonic. 608 Stimulants After Fever Injurious 538 Avoid, in Bright 's Disease 546 Stimulus from Association 214 Stings of Insects 574 Stomach, Bleeding from 545 Influenced by Solar Plexus 525 Stooping Caused by " Hurry Thoughts' '.478 Exercise for 188 How to Check 188 Story, Saxe Holmes ' 345 Stout Women 63 Stoves Consume Oxygen 586 Strawberries for Breakfast 96 Strergth Attracted by Beauty 246 Man 's . 44 of Bemedies 611 Study, Independent at First 532 Stunned from a Fall 582 Suggestion, Auto, Power of 626 Illustrated 526 of Black Garments 527 646 INDEX. Page Sulphur for Disinfecting 590 for Fumigation 591 for Itch 509 Sumac, Poisoned by 576 Sun Bath 115 "Sunbonnet Babies" 510 Sunburn 146 Sunstroke 583 Sun, The Human 53 Support, Man's Equipments for 234 Woman's Equipment for 234 Suppressed Menses 498 Swallowing Pins, etc 581 Sweeping Sick Eoom 592 Swimming 112 Helps Eound Shoulders .188 Swiss Herb Tea in Childbirth . .399 Standards of Education 457 Switzerland, Progress in 457 Prudent in Parentage 336 Swollen Legs in Pregnancy 379 Sympathy in Pregnancy 389 Symptoms of Fevers 533 Syncope 558 Tabes 551 Tablets 624 Kemedies in 611 Tact, Woman's 68 Talents, Pre-Natal Culture 348 Tall, Growing 76 Women 63 Tapioca Milk 609 Easpberry Jelly 599 Tattoo Marks 149 Tea, Beef 601 German Chamomile 497 Giving Up 101 Oatmeal 608 Tokoine 396 Teacher, When to Call the 532 Woman is Mother and 487 Teacher's Art, The 532 Training School 458 Teachers, Women as 483 Teaching Sacredness of Body 461 Technical Terms, Glossary 28 Teeth, Hard Water for 89 Care of 169, 179 Enhance Beauty 179 Brushing 180 Paste for 180 Powder for 180 Wash for 181 Polishes for 181 Cavities of Decay 182 "Ostine" for 182 Decay of 446 Teething 445 a Critical Period 446 a Natural Process 447 Page Teething — Continued. Mortality in 445 Nervousness from 530 Preparation, A 445 Symptoms of 446 Temperament, Bilious 57 Lymphatic 57 Mental 57 Mental, is Nervous 525 Motive 57 Nervous 57 Phlegmatic 57 Sanguine 57 Yital 57 Temperature of Bath 112 Tenement Inspectors, Women as 484 "Ten Times Ten" Breathing 128 Testicles, The 285 Text-Books by Women 486 Therapeutics, Mental 626 Thin People, Diet for 105 Thirst in Fever 536 Thought, Influence Upon Disease 490 the Master-Builder 183 Thoughts Build Expression 532 Controlling by "Card Plan" 296 Happy, the Best Tonic 538 Throat, Inflammation of the 563 Sore, and Quinsy 569 Thrush 429 in Pregnancy 385 Tight Lacing Disfigures 77 Tinctures, Dose of 624 Toasted Oysters 602 Tobacco a Cause of Catarrh 547 Habit, The 547 Retards Eecovery 547 Toes, Ingrowing Nails 164 Tonic, Egg 91 Egg and Lemon 91 Toothache in Pregnancy 378 Tokoine 624 in Childbirth 399 Tea 396 Tomato Soup 603 Toast 607 Tongue-Tied, Infant 430 Tonic, Egg, No. 1 608 Egg, No. 2 608 Nux Vomica as a 548 Training by Example 464 Delay Favors Impurity 463 Delay is Fatal 462 Do Not Wait for Eeason 463 for Conception 329 Pure or Impure 462 Eestraint and Stimulation 463 "Sparrows or Wrens?" .467 Special, to Begin Early 462 Studying Motives 464 INDEX. 647 Page Training — Continued. Teachers 458 Through Feelings 463 Through Love 463 Trains for Dresses 203 Traits Eeadily Transmitted 73 Traveling Medicine Chest 612 Treating Mv Own Case 500 Treatment, Mental 626 Tri-Cura Capsules 624 Triturations 624 Truth, Absolute 263 Tuberculosis 551 Tubes, Seminal, The 286 Tumors of the Womb 494 Turpentine for Lockjaw 574 Twins, How Produced 324 Two-Meal Plan, The 101 Typhoid Fever 533 Ulceration of the Uterus 496 Ulcers 507 Chronic 507 Umbilical Cord, How to Cut 407 Cord, Its Origin 360 Uncleanliness Invites Cholera 543 Underwaists 202 Underwear 201 Union, Conditions of Perfect 214 Garments 202 Urethra, The 287 Urine Changes in Pregnancy 358 Suppressed, Flaxseed for 608 Uterus, Eupture of 410 Nervousness from 529 The 276 Vagina, Oiling, in Labor. 405 Eupture of 410 The 275 Vaginal Syringe at Change of Life 471 Vapor Bath 120 Varicose Veins 569 Vasa Efferentia, The 286 Eecta, The 286 Vas Deferens, The 287 Vegetable and Animal Breathing 123 Eemedies 611 Vegetables 92 Cooking 104 Veins, Varicose 569 Ventilating Sleeping Eooms 123 Ventilation 586 Tested with Fowls 138 The "Door-Fan" 138 Using Lime or Charcoal 138 Vessels, Care of 588 Crocheting the Cover 588 Vinegar Brush Bath 114 Vitality, Maternity's Demand 63 Vital Organs Affected through Skin. . . .108 Temperaments, United 216 Voice, Loss of 561 Eich, Musical 65 that Eings 128 Vomiting 564 Waist, Eound and Supple 191 Walk, Graceful 194 Learning to 423 Warm Bath 113 Warning, Special, to Boys and Girls 291 Warts* 149, 164 Water, Boiling the 592 Brash in Pregnancy 377 Cold, for Infant 421 Distilled 593 Falling into the 581 for Baby 428 for Children 444 for Pregnant Woman 402 Gum 609 Impure, Diseases from 593 in Convalescence 539 Internal Use of 570 Medicated, in Cholera 543 Pure 592 Soft, for Bath 107 Supply 592 Weak Back, Massage for 191 Weaned Children, Nutrina for 598 Weaning 435 Aloes for 440 Children, Nutrina for 598 Drying Up the Milk 440 Dyspepsia from 435 Gradual 436 Method of 439 Mother's Diet for 440 Time for 436 Usual Ninth Month 436 Wash for Breasts 440 When Milk Falls Off. 441 Wedded Privacy, The First 238 Welfare of Country, Conditions of 481 Wells 592 Wet Nurse for Infants 436 Wheat Mush 605 Whey, Orange 607 "Whites" in Pregnancy 385 Whooping Cough 512 Wife, Continence Helpful to 394 Husband to Help 434 to Advise in Business 257 Wife's Insanity, Cause of 258 Willard, Frances E 483, 487 Mary B 487 Will Power Controls Sexual Processes. . .288 Power of Mother "s 348 Wills, Strong, for Strong Passions 289 Woman Admires Decision 246 Admires Manly Ease 247 648 INDEX. Woman — Continued. Admires Self-Eespeet 247 Becoming a 300 Both Mother and Teacher 487 Has Advanced 484 is Liberty" 481 Loves Domestic Tastes in Man... 250 Loves Praise 247 Love's Eeserve Power 246 Man 's Ideal of *. . . 62 Not to Criticise Husband 254 Pregnant, Cheer for 395 Eequires Appreciation 247 Eequires Constancy 251 Eequires Sincerity in Man 246 the True Educator 451 Womanhood, Highest Conception of . . . .318 Woman's Best Work Eequires Health. . .489 Christian Temperance Union 483 Domestic Diplomacy 259 Eloquence 68 Exhaustion Seen by Husband. . . .258 Finer Nerves 55 Gentleness 73 Home Interests Supreme 486 Ideal of Man 245 Influence in Public Affairs 481 Influence over Man 218 Intuition 68 Intuitions 44 Intuitions in Business 257 Larger Work 482 Later Power 482 Life-Work 57 Lonely Hours 253 Love-Nature 44 Nature Elastic 55 Prospects in Public Affairs 487 Eeserve 73 Eight to Name the Day 232 Sublime Mission 451 Tact 68 Where Ballot is Hers 489 Wise Choice in Marriage 219 Work of To-Day 484 Womb ; Anteflexion of 494 Anteversion of 492 Cancer of 495 Congestion of 492 Displacements, Mental Treatment for 491, 494 Falling of 490 Inflammation of 491 Influenced by Solar Plexus 525 Ligaments of 277 Miscarriage 368 Nervousness from 529 Polypus of 495 Eetroflexion of < . - 494 Retroversion of ...... 493 Page Womb — Continued. Eupture of 410 The 276 Tumors of 494 Ulceration of 496 Women as Advertising Solicitors 486 as Authors of Text-Books 486 as Designers 486 as Editors 486 as Fiction Writers 486 as Illustrators 486 as Police Matrons 484 as Preachers 487 as Sculptors 486 as Teachers 487 at Head of Institutions 485 Change of Life in 469 Doctors 487 How Made Beautiful. 292 in Art 485 in History 482 in Horticulture 486 in Landscape Gardening 486 in Literature 486 in Music and Acting 486 • in Politics 487 in Social Settlements 485 Inventors 487 Investors 487 Lawyers 487 Muscular 63 on Magazines 486 on Newspapers 486 Probation Officers 484 Professional and Society 486 Short 63 Should "Will to be Well" 489 Single 483 Stout 63 Tall 63 Tenement Inspectors 484 Two Types of 482 Who Persuade from Platform 482 Who "Eadiate" 482 Young, Need to be Educated 451 Work a Fine Medicine 434 Worms, Pin 519 Eound 520 Seat 519 Stomach 520 Thread 519 Worry at Meals 106 Impoverishes Milk 434 Wraps 205 Wrinkles 150 Dislike of 474 Young Women Need to be Educated. . . .451 Youth, Organizations of 483 Zinc for Disinfecting 590 Zweibaek 606 1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 021 064 106 3 M IBHi v V «--ur,,.;.i-.-cr. ! ?:^ , «-f aflmSBH