at once infer that the change of life merits little or no attention, if
it thus in nowise increases the bills of mortality. This would be a
serious error. All intelligent physicians know that there are in very
many cases a most unpleasant train of symptoms which characterize this
epoch in the physical life of woman. They are alarming, painful, often
entailing sad consequences, though rarely fatal. All physicians are,
however, not intelligent; and there are too many who are inclined to
ridicule such complaints, to impute them to fancy, and to think that
they have done their full duty when they tell the sufferer that such
sensations are merely indicative of her age, and that in a year or two
they will all pass away. Such medical attendants do not appreciate the
gravity of the sufferings they have been called to relieve. Says a
distinguished writer on the subject, after entering into some details in
the matter: 'I would not dwell on things apparently so trivial as these,
had I not seen some of the worst misery this world witnesses induced
thereby.' Such a conviction should be in the mind of the physician, and
lead him to attach their full weight to the vague, transitory, unstable,
but most distressing symptoms described to him.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.
We shall speak of the various signs and symptoms which occur at and mark
the change; and in commencing so to do, we call attention to an
interesting illustration of the rhythm which controls the laws of life.
As in old age, when we draw near the last scene of all, we re-enter
childhood, and grow into second infancy, so the woman, finishing her
pilgrimage of sexual life, encounters the same landmarks and stations
which greeted her when she first set out. She obeys at eve the voice of
her own nature which she obeyed at prime. The same diseases and
disorders, the same nervous and mental sensations, the same pains and
weaknesses which preceded the first appearance of her monthly illness,
will in all probability precede its cessation. Even those affections of
the skin or of the brain, as epilepsy, which were suffered in childhood,
and which disappeared as soon as the periodical function was
established, may be expected to reappear when the function has reached
its natural termination. Therefore if a woman past the change notices
that she suffers from bleeding at the nose, headache, boils, or some
skin disease, let her bethink herself whether it is not a repetition of
some similar trouble with which she was plagued before the eventful
period which metamorphosed her from a girl into a woman.
So true is what we have just said, that in detailing the symptoms which
frequently occur at the change of life, we could turn back to the
previous pages where we discussed the dangers of puberty, and repeat
much that we there said as of equal application here. For instance, the
green-sickness, _chlorosis_, is by no means exclusively a disease of
girls. It may occur at any period of child-bearing life, but is much
more frequent at the _beginning_ and the _end_ of this term. Hardly any
one has watched women closely without having observed the peculiar tint
of skin, the debility, the dislike of society, the change of temper, the
fitful appetite, the paleness of the eye, and the other traits that show
the presence of such a condition of the nervous system in those about
renouncing their powers of reproduction. The precautions and rules which
we before laid down, can be read with equal profit in this connection.
In addition to these symptoms, which in a measure belong to the
individual's own history, there are others of a general character which
betoken the approaching change. One of them is an increasing
irregularity in the monthly appearance. This is frequently accompanied
with a sinking sensation,--a 'feeling of goneness,' as the sufferer
says--at the pit of the stomach, often attended by flushes of heat,
commencing at the stomach and extending over the whole surface of the
body. The face, neck, and hands are suffused at inopportune moments, and
greatly to the annoyance of the sufferer. This is sometimes accompanied
by a sense of fulness in the head, a giddiness, and dulness of the
brain, sometimes going so far as to cause an uncertainty in the step, a
slowness of comprehension, and a feeling as if one might fall at any
moment in some sort of a fit.
This is not the worst of it. These physical troubles react upon the
mind. An inward nervousness, intensely painful to bear, is very sure to
be developed. She fears she will be thought to have taken liquor, and to
be overcome with wine; she grows more confused, and imagines that she is
watched with suspicious and unkind eyes, and often she worries herself
by such unfounded fancies into a most harassing state of mental
distress. Society loses its attractions, and solitude does but allow her
opportunity to indulge to a still more injurious extent such brooding
phantasms. Every ache and pain is magnified. Does her heart palpitate,
as it is very apt to do? Straightway she is certain that she has some
terrible disease of that organ, and that she will drop down dead some
day in the street. Is one of her breasts somewhat sore, which, too, is
not unusual? She knows at once it is a cancer, and suffers an agony of
terror from a cause wholly imaginary.
Vibrating between a distressing excitement and a gloomy depression, her
temper gives way; and even the words of the Divine Master lose their
influence over her. She becomes fretful, and yet full of remorse for
yielding to her peevishness; she seeks for sympathy, without being able
to give reasons for needing it; she annoys those around her by
groundless fears, and is angered when they show their annoyance. In
fine, she is utterly wretched, without any obvious cause of
wretchedness.
This is a dark picture, but it is a true one--inexorably true. Let us
hasten to add that such a mental condition is, however, neither a
necessary nor a frequent concomitant of the change. We depict it, so
that friends and relatives may better appreciate the sufferings of a
class too little understood, and so that women themselves, by knowing
the cause of such complaints, and the sad results which flow from them,
may make the more earnest efforts to avoid them.
Other symptoms are, a sense of choking, a feeling of faintness, shooting
pains in the back and loins, creepings and chilliness, a feeling as if a
hand were applied to the back or the cheek, a fidgety restlessness,
inability to fix the mind on reading or in following a discourse, and a
loss of control over the emotions, so that she is easily affected to
tears or to laughter. All these merely indicate that nature is employing
all her powers to bring about that mysterious transformation in the
economy by which she deprives the one sex for ever of partaking in the
creative act after a certain age, while she only diminishes the power of
the other.
EFFECTS ON THE CHARACTER.
The effects on the character of this 'grand climacteric' are often
marked. Not unfrequently the woman becomes more masculine in thought and
habit, as has been admirably described by Dr. Tilt:--'There are almost
always while the change is progressing various forms of nervous
irritability and some amount of confusion and bewilderment, which seem
to deprive women of the mental endowments to which they had acquired a
good title by forty years' enjoyment. They often lose confidence in
themselves, are unable to manage domestic or other business, and are
more likely to be imposed on either within or without the family circle.
When the change is effected, the mind emerges from the clouds in which
it has seemed lost. Thankful that they have escaped from real
sufferings, women cease to torture themselves with imaginary woes, and
as they feel the ground grow steadier underfoot, they are less dependent
on others--for, like the body, the mental faculties then assume a
masculine character. The change of life does not give talents, but it
often imparts a firmness of purpose to bring out effectively those that
are possessed, whether it be to govern a household, to preside in a
drawing-room, or to thread and unravel political entanglements. When
women are no longer hampered by a bodily infirmity periodically
returning, they have more time at their disposal, and for obvious
reasons they are less subject to be led astray by a too ardent
imagination, or by wild flights of passion.'
Changes in the moral character also frequently show themselves, and for
a time astonish friends and relatives. These shades of moral insanity
all disappear in a little while, if there be no family tendency to
insanity to prolong and intensify them.
THOSE WHO SUFFER MOST.
Those women especially may anticipate serious trouble at this epoch in
whom the change at puberty was accompanied by distressful and obstinate
disorders,--those in whom the menstrual periods have usually been
attended with considerable pain and prostration, and those in whose
married life several abortions or several tedious and unnatural labors
have occurred; also those who from some temporary cause are reduced in
health and strength,--as from repeated attacks of intermittent fever, or
disorders of the liver and digestive organs. Still more predisposed are
they who are subject to some of those displacements or local ulcerations
which we have mentioned in our chapter on Health in Marriage. It becomes
of great consequence, that any such deviation from the healthy standard
shall be corrected before a woman reaches this trying passage in her
career.
The constitution and temperament have much to do with the liability to
disease and suffering during the change of life. Those of weak
constitutions sometimes fail of the necessary stamina to carry them
easily through the trials of this transition period. It has been
remarked that the _lymphatic_ temperament is the most favorable to an
easy change. Women with this temperament suffer less from nervous or
bilious disorders, and quickly show signs of having been benefited by
what has occurred. Those of a _sanguine_ temperament are more liable to
floodings and to head symptoms; but such disorders with them usually
readily yield to treatment. The _bilious_ temperament predisposes to
disorders of the stomach and liver at this epoch; while the union of the
nervous with the bilious temperament seems to predispose to mental
diseases. The most suffering at this time of life is experienced by
women of a _nervous_ temperament.
The social position exerts an influence on the pain and the tendency to
disease at this epoch. The poor who are forced to labor beyond their
strength and who are exhausted by fatigue, anxiety, and want, suffer
much. So also do those who have recently been exposed to some great
sorrow. As the poet says:--
Danger, long travel, want, or woe,
Soon change the form that best we know----
For deadly fear can time out-go,
And blanch at once the hair.
Hard toil can roughen form and face,
And want can quell the eye's bright grace,
Nor does old age a wrinkle trace
More deeply than despair.
The occupations of women also have an influence upon the change of life.
Washerwomen are said in particular to suffer more than others on account
of the exposure to which they are subject by their trade. Those who are
confined many hours a day in close or damp rooms are unfavorably
situated for passing through the various stages of the 'grand
climacteric.' The rich, with plenty of time and means to care for
themselves, often blindly or obstinately create an atmosphere about them
and follow a mode of life, quite as deleterious as the enforced
surroundings of their poorer sisters.
DISEASES AND DISCOMFORTS.
In rather more than one out of every four cases the change of life is
either ushered in or accompanied by considerable flooding. When this
occurs at the regular period, and is not in sufficient quantity to cause
debility, and is not associated with much pain, it need not give rise to
any alarm. It is an effort of nature to relieve the impending plethora
of the system, to drain away the excessive amount of blood which would
otherwise accumulate by the cessation of the flow. When it is remembered
that every month, for some thirty years of life, the woman of forty-five
has been moderately bled, we need not wonder that suddenly to break off
this long habit would bring about a plethora, which would in turn be the
source of manifold inconveniences to the whole system. Therefore this
flooding may be regarded as a wise act of nature, and, as such, allowed
to take its course so long as it is not attended with the symptoms
mentioned above. When this is the case, however, the doctor should be
consulted, as then the bleeding may be from inflammation or ulceration,
or even from that dreaded foe to life, cancer.
Instead of finding this exit, the blood occasionally is thrown off by
bleeding at the nose, or is spat up from the lungs, or is passed from
bleeding piles. Due caution must be used about stopping such discharges
too promptly. Rest, cool drinks, and the application of cold to the
parts, are generally all that is needed.
We have just spoken of cancer. This is a subject of terror to many
women, and their fears are often increased and deliberately played upon
by base knaves who journey about the country calling themselves 'cancer
doctors,' and professing to have some secret remedy with which they work
infallible cures. It should be generally known that all such pretensions
are false. It is often a matter of no little difficulty, requiring an
experienced eye, to pronounce positively whether a tumour or ulcer is
cancerous. These charlatans have no such ability; but they pronounce
every sore they see a cancer, and all their pretended cures are of
innocent, non-malignant disorders. Cancers are more apt to develope
themselves at this period. Their seat is most frequently in the womb or
the breast, and they are said to be especially liable to arise in those
women who have suffered several abortions or unnatural labours.
Undoubtedly they are more frequent in the married than the unmarried,
and they evidently bear some relation to the amount of disturbance which
the system has suffered during childbirth, and the grief and mental pain
experienced. For this reason a celebrated teacher of obstetrics insists
upon classing them among nervous diseases. The surgeon alone can cure
them, and he but rarely. Medicine is of no avail, however long and
painstaking have been its searches in this direction. A touching story
is related in this connection of Raymond Sully, the celebrated
philosopher. When a young man, he was deeply impressed with the beauty
of a lady, and repeatedly urged his suit, which she as persistently
repelled, though it was evident she loved him. One day, when he insisted
with more than usual fervor that she should explain her mysterious
hesitation, she drew aside the folds of her dress and exposed her
breast, partly destroyed by a cancer. Shocked and horrified, but unmoved
in his affection, he rushed to the physicians and demanded their aid.
They replied they could give none. He determined to find a cure, if he
had to seek in all parts of the earth. He visited the learned doctors of
Africa and Asia, and learned many wonderful things--even, it was said,
the composition of the philosopher's stone itself; but what he did not
find, and what has never yet been found, was what he went forth to
seek--a cure for cancer.
At this time, too, tumors or swellings of the ovaries are apt to
commence. They are nearly always preceded by scanty or painful
menstruation; and this, therefore, it is the duty of every woman, as she
values the preservation of her future health, to remedy by every means
in her power.
Generally, from the commencement of the change of life commences also a
steady diminution of the sexual passions, and soon after this period
they quite disappear. Sometimes, however, the reverse takes place, and
the sensations increase in intensity, occasionally exceeding what they
even were before. This should be regarded with alarm. It is contrary to
the design of nature, and can but mean that something is wrong.
Deep-seated disease of the uterus or ovaries is likely to be present, or
an unnatural nervous excitability is there, which, if indulged, will
bring about dangerous consequences. Gratification, therefore, should be
temperate, and at rare intervals, or wholly denied.
PRECAUTIONS AND REMEDIES.
To guard against the dangers of this epoch, those general rules of
health which we have throughout insisted upon should be rigidly
observed. If during the whole of her sexual life the woman has been
diligent in observing the laws of health, she has little to fear at this
period. Some simple remedies will suffice to allay the disagreeable
symptoms; and the knowledge that most of them are temporary, common to
her sex, and not significant of any peculiar malady, will aid her in
opposing their attacks on her peace of mind. When plethora, flooding,
or congestion is apparent, the food should be light, chiefly vegetable,
and moderate in quantity. Liquors, wines, strong tea, coffee, and
chocolate should be avoided; an occasional purgative or a glass of some
laxative mineral water should be taken, and cool bathing regularly
observed. Exercise should be indulged in with caution, and care taken to
avoid excitement, severe mental or bodily effort, and exhaustion. If the
system is debilitated, and the danger is rather from a want of blood
than too much blood, nourishing food, tonic medicines, and perhaps some
stimulant, are called for. When the perspiration is excessive, flannel
should be worn next the skin in the daytime, and a flannel night-dress
at night. A tepid bath before retiring is also useful. The 'goneness'
and other unpleasant sensations referred to the pit of the stomach may
be much relieved by wearing a well-made spice-plaster over the stomach,
or binding there a bag of gum camphor; or if these fail, an opium
plaster will hardly fail to be of service. Internally, we think, nothing
at all is needed; but as something must be taken, let it not be spirits
or wine, but half a tea-spoonful of aromatic spirits of ammonia in a few
table-spoonfuls of water. There is too much of a tendency among some
women to seek alleviation in intoxicating compounds, 'bitters,'
'tonics,' and so forth, at such times. They can only result in injury,
and should be shunned. The pains in the back and loins often
experienced, can generally be removed by rubbing the parts with hot
mustard-water and taking a gentle purgative, or by placing against the
lower part of the spine a hot brick wrapped in a flannel cloth wrung
out in warm water or laudanum and water.
Once safely through this critical period, the woman has a better chance
for long life and a green old age than the man of equal years. Tables of
human life show this conclusively. With the sweet consciousness of duty
performed, she is now prepared to assist others by intelligent advice,
cheerful counsel, and tender offices; she can now surround herself with
that saintly halo of kind words and good works which wins a worthier
love than passion offers; and, passing onward to the silence of eternal
rest, she will leave in the memory of all who knew her, pleasant
impressions and affectionate reminiscences.
NOTES.
P. 20. HERMAPHRODITES AND ASEXUALISM.--Rokitansky decides Hohmann to be
a case of _hermaphrodita vera lateralis_, and all who examine her say
the same. See _Wiener Medicin. Wochenschrift_, October, 1868, and the
_Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 487. A marked case of
asexualism, proven so by a _post mortem_ examination, is reported in the
_Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal_ for April, 1869, p. 338; and
another in the _Medical Times and Gazette_ of about the same date. We
might refer to many more recent and authentic cases.
P. 25. AGE OF PUBERTY.--See case by Dr. T. H. Twiner, in the _Richmond
and Louisville Medical Journal_, March, 1869, Raciborski, _De la
Menstruation et de l'Age Critique chez la Femme_, p. 130. The quotation
(p. 26) is from Dr. Edward Smith, _Cyclical Changes in Health and
Disease_,--a profound work. Raciborski is the principal authority for
this and the following section. Our own inquiries fully confirm his
statements.
P. 32. INFLUENCE OF THE MOON ON MENSTRUATION.--On this question, see the
researches of M. Parchappe, _Comptes Rendus de l'Académie des Sciences_,
tom. xvi. p. 550. See also Dr. Shrye, _Tractatus de Fluxu Menstruo_, in
the _Acta Lipsiensia_ for 1686, p. 111; Dr. W. Charleton, _Inquisitio
Physica de Causis Catameniorum_, p. 78; and Galen, _De Diebus
Decretoriis_, lib. iii., for other curious particulars.
P. 37. CHLOROSIS.--For the pathology of this disease, see Dr. Gaillard
Thomas, _Diseases of Women_, p. 625, and Dr. C. H. Bauer, in the
_Weiner Medicin. Zeitung_, No. 33, 1868. Occasionally the change at
puberty leads to an affection very closely resembling typhoid fever, but
which is strictly due to the sexual crisis; and often goitre commences
at this period. See a review of Raciborski, in the _Bulletin de
Therapeutique_, June, 1869.
P. 39. MASTURBATION IN GIRLS.--See Miss Catherine E. Beecher, _Letters
to the People on Health and Happiness_, p. 159. The late medical
literature on the subject is abundant. See _Ueber die Behandlung der
Masturbation bei kleinen Mädchen, Journal jür Kinderkrankheiten_, Bd.
li. p. 360; H. R. Storer, _Western Journal of Medicine_, July, 1868; and
_Journal of the Gynecological Society_, vol. i. No. 1.
Pp. 50, 51. PREMATURE MARRIAGES.--See Dr. Duncan, _Fecundity,
Fertility_, etc., p. 241; Reich, _Natur und Gesundheitslehre des
Ehelichen Lebens_, p. 518.
P. 56. HOLY LOVE.--The distinction between [Greek: haghapê] and [Greek:
irhôhê] is too familiar to all scholars to need extended mention. See
Trench, _Synonyms of the New Testament, sub voce._
Pp. 57, 58. SINGLE LIFE IN ITS RELATION TO SANITY AND MORTALITY.--The
extraordinary statements in the text are vouched for by Dr. Casper,
_Medicinische Statistik_, vol. ii. p. 164, and Dr. Reich, _Geschichte,
Natur, und Gesundheitslehre des Ehelichen Lebens_, pp. 510, 511. We have
compared the reports of a number of asylums for the insane, and find the
proportions very nearly as great as stated by these authorities.
P. 70. INTERMARRIAGE OF RELATIVES.--The view we advocate on this point,
we know, is neither the received nor the popular one. In the middle ages
it was forbidden to intermarry within the seventh degree of
consanguinity; but this and all other regulations were based on
theological and political, not physiological, grounds. Among others, Dr.
Nathan Allen has insisted on the danger of consanguineous marriages
(_Journal of Psychological Medicine_, Volume ii). But other very careful
and recent students adopt the view of our text: for instance, Dr. F. J.
Behrend, _Journal für Kinderkrankheiten_, December, 1868, p. 316; Dr. A.
Voisin, in the reports of the _Paris Académie de Médecin_,1864, 1865,
and 1868; and Dr. H. Gaillard, in the last edition (1868) of the
_Dictionnaire de Médecine et de Chirurgie Pratique_. All the statements
in the text are supported with incontrovertible evidence by these
writers. If we are asked how to meet the seemingly alarming array of
allegations by Dr. Bemiss, the Kentucky physician referred to in the
_Transactions of the American Medical Association_ for 1859, we would
refer to Dr. Behrend's articles, where the researches of Bemiss are
severely criticised. For Dr. Edward Smith's assertion, see his _Essay on
Consumption_, p. 244 (Philadelphia, 1865).
P. 80. COMMUNICATION OF VENEREAL DISEASES.--Many instances are recorded
where a drinking-glass, a spoon, a fork, or a handkerchief has infected
innocent persons with these terrible diseases (see Cullerier, _Atlas of
Venereal Diseases_, p. 43). They are communicated from the male to the
female, or from the female to the male, with equal facility, and either
parent can transmit them to the children. The physician referred to is
Dr. Sigmund, in the _Humboldt Medical Archives_, 1868.
P. 83. SYMBOLISM.--See Dr. Carus, _Symbolik der Menschlichen Gestalt_,
the most scientific work ever written on physiognomy, phrenology, and
allied subjects.
Pp. 90, 91.--See Raciborski, _De la Puberté et de l'Age Critique chez la
Femme_, p. 133; Tilt, _Uterine Therapeutics_, p. 315.
P. 94. CONTAGION OF PHTHISIS.--See Dr. William A. Hammond's _Treatise on
Hygiene_, p. 438, for air-space required by a healthy person. The
contagion of phthisis is maintained by many authorities--among others,
Dr. W. W. Gerbard (see Pennsylvanian Hospital Reports for 1868, p.
266). Professor Castan has recently collected, in the _Montpelier
Médicale_, a variety of facts, which seem to show that tuberculosis may
be communicated from a diseased to a healthy person by transpiration,
breathed air, and living together (_Press and Circular_, March 10,
1869). In regard to the inoculation of tubercle, we have reference to
the well-known experiments of M. Villemin, of the Hôpital Val-de-Grace,
Paris. In this connection we may record an instance of recent medical
heroism. M. Lespiaud, attached to the surgical department of the
Val-de-Grace, in presence of several of his colleagues, extracted
granular matter from the body of a phthisical subject, and introduced it
under his own integument. This zealous investigator into the etiology of
tuberculosis has thus exposed himself in a courageous way for the
benefit of science, to the effects of a most dangerous and merciless
disease.
P. 96. THE DIGNITY AND PROPRIETY OF THE SEXUAL INSTINCT.--Dr. Edward
John Tilt is the medical writer referred to (see _Uterine Therapeutics_,
pp. 95, 313). See also Bosquet, _Noveau Tableau de l'Amour Conjugal_,
vol. ii. p. 2, etc.; Rousel, _Système Physique et Moral de la Femme_, p.
211; Menville, _Histoire Médicale et Philosophique de la Femme_, vol. i.
p. 36 et seq.; Raciborski, _De la Puberté_, etc., p. 45.
P. 99. ON THE INDULGENCE AND RESTRAINT OF SEXUAL DESIRE.--Menville, vol.
ii. p. 91; Bosquet, vol. ii. p. 280; _Economy of Life--or, Food, Repose,
and Love_, by George Miles. Dr. Edward Smith, in his valuable work on
_Cyclical Changes in Health and Disease_, has collected extensive
statistics showing the effect of the time of conception on the viability
of the foetus. The quotation is from Carpenter's _Human Physiology_, p.
753.
P 103. See _Lancet_ for March 6, 1869, p. 337, for report of discussion
in the Pathological Society of London upon the physical degeneracy
resulting from procreation during intoxication. Authorities could be
cited at length upon this subject, but it is not necessary. See
Huleland's _Art of Prolonging Life_, p. 207.
Pp. 106-114. STERILITY.--For statistics referred to, see Dr. Matthews
Duncan, _Fecundity, Fertility, and Sterility_ (Edinburgh, 1866), p. 181
_et seq._; Dr. Tilt, _Uterine Therapeutics_, p. 291; Dr. Edward Reich,
_Gesundheitslehre des Ehelichen Lebens_, Th. ii.
Dr. J. Marion Sims, _On the Microscope as an Aid in the Diagnosis and
Treatment of Sterility_, _New York Medical Journal_, January 1869, p.
406; Charles Darwin, _The Variation of Animals and Plants under
Domestication_, vol. ii. p. 198; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical
Reporter_, November 2, 1867, p. 384; A. Debay, _Hygiène et Physiologie
du Mariage_, p. 288 (Paris, Quarante-quatrième édition); Raciborski, _De
la Puberté_, etc., p. 451; Virey, _De la Femme sous ses Rapports Phys._,
etc., p. 332; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _The Principles and Practice of
Obstetrics_, p. 107.
P. 115. THE LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING.--We have taken great pains to avoid
giving false or dangerous impressions in this section. The references in
the order of quotation are:--Dr. Tilt, _Hand-Book of Uterine
Therapeutics_, p. 317; Dr. Duncan, _Fecundity, Fertility, Sterility, and
Allied Topics_, pp. 289, 290; Dr. Hillier, _Diseases of Children_, p.
114; John Stuart Mill, _Principles of Political Economy_, p. 591; Dr.
Drysdale, _London Medical Press and Circular_, December, 1868, p. 478;
Raciborski, _De l'Age Critique chez la Femme_, p. 484; _The Nation_,
June 1869; Dr. Edward Reich, _Natur und Gesundheitslehre des Ehelichen
Lebens_, p. 493; _Boston Medical and Surgical Journal_, February 1867;
_Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 305;
Sismondi, _Principles of Political Economy_, book vii. chap. v.; Dr.
MacCormac, in _London Medical Press and Circular_, March 1869, p. 244;
Dr. Gaillard Thomas, _Diseases of Women_, p. 58; _Leavenworth Medical
Herald_, April, 1867; Dr. N. K. Bowling, in _The Nashville Journal of
Medicine and Surgery_, October 1868. We have rather let others speak
than spoken ourselves, and have collected the opinions of many most
distinguished physicians and statesmen, who thus pronounce against
excessive child-bearing. Any intelligent physician will acknowledge the
weight to be assigned to such names.
P. 128. SIGNS OF FRUITFUL CONJUNCTION.--Carpenter, _Human Physiology_,
p. 772; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _Principles and Practice of Obstetrics_,
p. 304; Menville, vol. i p. 295; Montgomery, _Signs and Symptoms of
Pregnancy_, p. 90.
P. 132. INHERITANCE.--Darwin, _Animals and Plants under Domestication_,
pp. 42, 473; Sir Henry Holland's _Medical Notes and Reflections_, p. 30;
Pritchard, _Researches into the Physical History of Mankind_, vol. ii.
p. 551; Carpenter, _Human Physiology_, p. 779; A. Debay, _Hygiène et
Physiologie du Mariage_, p. 173; Fleurens, _De la Longévité et de la
Quantie de Vie sur le Globe_, p. 256 (Paris, 1860); Hufeland, _Art of
Prolonging Life_, pp. 91, 206; Hammond's _Hygiene_, p. 116; _American
Journal of Medical Sciences_, July, 1865, p. 82; Francis Galton, _On
Hereditary Talent and Character_, in _Macmillan's Magazine_, vol. xii.
pp. 157, 318; Madden, _The Infirmities of Genius_, vol. ii. p. 107;
_Lancet_, December 22, 1868, p. 825; _The British Medical Journal_,
January 11, 1868, p. 25; Dr. Prosper Lucas, _Traité de l'Hérédité
Naturelle_; Victor Hugo, _L'Homme qui Rit_, le seconde chapitre
préliminaire; Watson's _Practice_, p. 1153; Dr. Daniel G. Brinton,
_Guide-Book to Florida and the South_, Pt. iii.; Dr. J. V. C. Smith,
_Physical Indications of Longevity in Man._
P. 163. PLURAL BIRTHS.--Duncan, _Fecundity, Fertility, and Sterility_,
p. 69; Ramsbotham, _System of Obstetrics_, p. 461; _Philadelphia Medical
and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 508, xx. p. 98.
P. 167. PREGNANCY.--Menville, i. p. 299; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _System
of Obstetrics_, p. 144 et seq.; Montgomery, _Signs and Symptoms of
Pregnancy_; Dr. Edward Rigby, _System of Midwifery_, p. 47.
P. 180. MOTHERS' MARKS.--See a very interesting article by Professor Wm.
A. Hammond, in _The Quarterly Journal of Psychological Medicine and
Medical Jurisprudence_, January, 1868, p. 1, in which he says, in
regard to the influence of the maternal mind over the foetus _in utero_:
'The chances of these instances, and others which I have mentioned,
being due to coincidence, are infinitesimally small; and though I am
careful not to reason upon the principle of _post hoc ergo propter hoc_,
I cannot--nor do I think any other person can, no matter how logical may
be his mind--reason fairly against the connection between cause and
effect in such cases. The correctness of the facts only can be
questioned: if these be accepted, the probabilities are thousands of
millions to one, that the relation between the phenomena is correct.'
See also Dr. J. Lewis Smith, _Diseases of Infancy and Childhood_, 1869,
p. 21; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 359.
Pp. 192-197. CONCURRENT PREGNANCIES.--Raciborski, _De la Puberté_, etc.,
p. 491; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _System of Obstetrics_, p. 442; _Dict.
des Sciences Médicales_, t. L. iii.; _Lancet_, August, 1856, p. 131;
Carpenter, _Human Physiology_, p. 779; Beck's _Elements of Medical
Jurisprudence_, art. 'Superfoetation;' Rokitansky, _Pathological
Anatomy_; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, May 1, 1869, p.
335.--Professor Pancost removed some years since, from the cheek of a
child some months old, a rudimentary second child.
P. 198. CAN THE FOETUS CRY IN UTERO?--Dr. Bedford Obstetrics, p. 264;
_Lancet_, January 23, 1869.
P. 199. IS IT A SON OR DAUGHTER?--_Philadelphia Medical and Surgical
Reporter_, vol. xvii. p. 495; Dr. Frankenhauser, in the _Monatschrift
für Geburtskunde_; Dr. Packman, _On Impregnation_, _Lancet_, July 18,
1863.
P. 202. GARDNER PEERAGE CASE.--Dr. Bedford, _System of Obstetrics_, p.
299.
P. 204. PROLONGED PREGNANCIES.--Taylor, _Medical Jurisprudence_, p. 586;
_Report of Proceedings against the Rev. Fergus Jardine_ (Edinburgh,
1839).
P. 207. CARE OF HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.--Churchill, _On Women_, p. 451;
Menville, ii. 114; Tilt's _Elements of Health_, p. 271.
P. 236. TO HAVE LABOR WITHOUT PAIN.--Professor T. Gaillard Thomas says,
'The rule should be to employ an anæsthetic in every case of labor,
_during the second stage_, unless some contra-indication exists. After a
delivery, under its influence patients recover more rapidly, are freer
from complications, and show fewer signs of prostration.' See _Lecture
on the Management of Women after Parturition_, in the _Richmond and
Louisville Medical Journal_, February, 1869, p. 145.
P. 238. WEIGHT AND LENGTH OF NEW-BORN CHILDREN--_Philadelphia Medical
and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 388; Carpenter, _Human Physiology_,
p. 810; Ramsbotham, _Obstetrics_, p. 111; _Detroit Review of Medicine
and Pharmacy_, March, 1869, p. 150.
P. 271. THE CHILD.--Dr. J. Lewis Smith, _A Treatise on the Diseases of
Infancy and Childhood_, 1869, p. 28 _et seq._; Dr. Thomas Hillier,
_Clinical Treatise on the Diseases of Children_, p. 17; Dr. Edward
Smith, _Cyclical Changes in Health and Disease_; Dr. John Marshall,
_Outlines of Physiology, Human and Comparative_, pp. 761, 765, 998; Dr.
Charles A. Cameron, _Lectures on the Preservation of Health_, 1868, p.
174; Dr. Charles J. B. Williams, _Principles of Medicine_, p. 480; Dr.
J. Forsyth Meigs, _Diseases of Children_; Dr. E. J. Tilt, _Elements of
Health and Principles of Female Hygiene_, p. 50 _et seq._; Dr. Andrew
Combe, _The Management of Infancy_, p. 73 _et seq._ (ninth ed.
Edinburgh, 1860), _Report of Board of Health of Philadelphia_ for 1868,
p. 43; _British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review_, April 1868, pp.
382, 454; _Southern Journal of the Medical Sciences_, November, 1867, p.
555; Dr. Thomas Hawkes Tanner, _Practice of Medicine_, p. 108; Dr.
William A. Hammond, _Treatise on Hygiene_, p. 95 _et seq._;
_Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xvi. p. 530, xix. pp.
37, 59, 119, 134, 382; Edward C. Seaton, M.D., _A Hand-Book of
Vaccination_; Professor J. B. Fonssagrives, _L'Education Physique des
Filles; Le Rôle des meres dans les maladies des Enfants_; Sir James Y.
Simpson, _Selected Obstetrical and Gynecological Works_, etc., etc.
INDEX.
Abdomen, changes in, during pregnancy, 173
pain in, during pregnancy, 355
Abortion, crime of, how to stop, 122
evils of, 123
Advantages of the games and plays of children, 314
Advice to wives who desire to have children, 113
After birth, 230
Age of husband, 75
nubility, 50
puberty, 23, 25
Air and ventilation during infancy, 307
Air space required in bed-room, 94
Anger, effect of, on the mother's milk, 252
Appetite, depraved, a sign of pregnancy, 175
Approaching labor, signs of, 223
Arrowroot, how to prepare, for children, 275, 291
Articles wanted for confinement, 221
Atavism explained, 133
Attendants during confinement, hints for, 229
Avoidance of hereditary tendencies, 151
'Bad-getting-up,' causes of, 241
Bandage after confinement, how to make, 221
how to apply, 230
Barrenness, its causes and cure, 106
Bath, hour of, for infants, 303
drying of the skin after, 304
during pregnancy, 212
value of, in infantile diseases, 305
Beautiful children, how to have, 140
Beauty, inheritance of, 135
Bedroom, size of, for the married, 94
Bed-wetting, causes and cure, 337
Bed, for married persons, 95
clothing, 96
the most healthful, 95
in confinement, how to 'dress it', 222
Binder, how to make, 221
Births, relative proportion of male to female, 54
Blondes, age of puberty of, 28
Boarding school life, effect of, on girls, 47, 289
Body, changes in, at puberty, 30
symbolism of, 83
Bowel complaints of children, 339
Boys, more born than girls, 154
Braces, abdominal, 376
Breasts, attention required towards the end of pregnancy, 219
changes in, during pregnancy, 170
first application of child to, 232
inflammation and abscess of, 382
management after confinement, 246
Bringing up by hand, 274
Brunettes, age of puberty of, 28
Care of infancy, 271
Carrying an infant, manner of, 309
Celibacy not chastity, 57
results of, 58
Change of life, regimen and perils of, 389
Changes, the monthly, precautions during, 45
precautions in the intervals of, 46
when delayed, 48
painful, 49
worked by puberty, 30
Child, the, 271
attention to, at birth, 231
can it cry before birth?, 198
education, of before birth, 191
Child-bearing, excessive, 115
Childbed, diseases of, 361
mortality of, 237
Childbirth, imprudence after, 240
preparations for, 219
to preserve form after, 242
Children, bathing of, 303
bed for, 297
clothing of, 300
decreased number of, 73
diet for, 288
new-born, weight and length of, 238
three and more at a birth, 164
Children's diseases, home management of, 325
Chlorosis, 36
Choice of a husband, 69
City life, effect of, on puberty, 29, 47
Cleanliness, curative influence of, 378
importance of, to wives, 131
Climate, effect of, on puberty, 27
Clothing at puberty, 43
at confinement, 227
during pregnancy, 209
of new-born infants, 222
of young children, 300
Cold, effect of, on infants, 300
Color of infant, influence of mind of mother on, 182
Completion of puberty, 32
Complexion, 136
inheritance of, 125
Conception, is it possible during pregnancy?, 192
nature of, 125
signs of, 128
Confinement, bed for, 226
day of, how to calculate, 206
dress for, 227
hints for attendants at, 229
imprudence after, 240
preparations for, 219
Constipation of pregnancy, 358
Constitution, effect of the, on puberty, 21
on change of life, 398
Consumption, 41, 71, 94, 148, 151
Continence demanded from husbands, 121
Cough of pregnancy, 359
Count, how to make the, 206
Country life, effect of, on puberty, 29
Courtship, 65
Cousins, shall they marry?, 69
Crime of abortion, 122
Croup, home treatment of, 325
Culture of the skin, 306
Dangers of puberty, 35
Daughters, influenced by fathers, 144
Deformities, are they hereditary?, 139
Degeneracy, cause of, 349
of the human race, a query, 348
Diet for infants, 274, 288
children, 292
the pregnant, 208
Diarrhoea during pregnancy, 357
of infants, 339
Directions for mothers who cannot nurse their own children, 267
Dignity and propriety of the sexual instinct, 96
Disease, communication of, 80
Diseases, hereditary, 148
of children, home management of, 325
of wives and mothers, 352
Distinction of the sexes, 18
Divorce, unnatural and improper, 63
Dress, attention to, during pregnancy, 209
for confinement, 227
Dressing of the new-born child, 231
Drying up of the milk, 258, 279
Duration of labor, 239
Dyspepsia of children, 342
Ear, the hygiene of, in childhood, 323
Education, influence of, over hereditary qualities, 147
of the child in the womb, 191
special senses in children, 318
Emotion, influence of, on unborn child, 185
Emotions, stimulation of, effects of, on puberty, 29
Engagement, the, 85
Engagements, long, 86
Epilepsy, a cause of, 255
Eruptions of childhood, how to prevent, 106
Eternity of love, 60
Exercise at puberty, 42
during pregnancy, 210
of children, 309
Excessive child-bearing, 115
Eyes, the education of, in childhood, 319
Falling of the womb, 368
False labor pains, 225
Fathers, influence of, on daughters, 144
Feeding of infants, manner of, 291
Fertility, hereditary, 138
laws of, 109
First application of child to breasts, 232
cares to the child newly born, 231
mother after childbirth, 230
labors, 51
seven years of life, 314
Fits of children, home treatment of, 330
Flat nipples, how to remedy, 245
Food, during pregnancy, 207
of infants and children, 288
bill of fare for, 292
Foreigners, should native women marry, 73
Form, to preserve after confinement, 242
Frigidity, 109
Galen, anecdote of, 127
Games and plays, advantages of, 314
Gardner, Lord, the case of, 202
Garters, danger of, during pregnancy, 355
Gathered breasts, 382
Goftr, story of, 166
Government of children, hints on, 344
Green sickness, 36
Growth of children, 287
Habits, dangers and advantages of, 316
Hair, its significance, 84
transmission of, 137
Hardening of infants, dangerous theories on the, 303
Hearing, the training of, in children, 323
Head colds of children, home treatment of, 329
Health, care of, during pregnancy, 207
effect of pregnancy on, 216
in marriage, 351
Hereditary diseases, 148
qualities influenced by education, 147
Hermaphrodite, a true, 20
Hindrances to nursing, 245
Hints for attendants at confinement, 229
Home government, hints on, 344
management of some common children's diseases, 325
treatment of female ailments, 377
Husband, age of, 75
and wife, during pregnancy, 216
shall they occupy same room and bed, 93
character of, 79
how to choose, 69
retain the affections of, 130
Husbands, plurality of, 64
Hygiene of puberty, 41
the monthly periods, 45
pregnancy, 207
of infancy, 271
of the special senses, 318
Hygienic habits, importance of teaching children, 316
treatment of inward weakness, 377
Hysterics, 38
Imagination of mother, influence of, on unborn child, 186
Imprudence after childbirth, 240
Indigestion of childhood, 342
Indulgence and restraint of sexual desire, 99
Infancy, care of, 271
deaths in, 272
Infant, first clothing of, 222
washing of, 231
how to carry, 309
lift, 310
teach to walk, 313
Infants' food, 288
Inheritance, 132
how to avoid evil tendencies of, 151
how to have beautiful children, 140
influence of education over, 147
each parent over, 144
of beauty, 135
of diseases, 148
of longevity, 138
of mutilations, 149
of personal qualities, 139
of physical " , 136
of talent and genius, 141
of temperament, 137
late manifestations of, 151
the effects of, 151
Injections, 379
Injurious exercises for infants, 311
Intemperance, of several kinds, 117
Intermarriage of relatives, 69
Inward weakness, 368
Irregularities, causes of, 46
Irrigations, 381
Knowledge, safety in, 17
Labor, cause of, 225
duration of, 239
dress during, 227
false and true, 225
how to calculate time of, 170
how to have, without pain, 236
mortality of, 237
signs of approaching, 223
symptoms of actual, 224
Late manifestations of the effects of inheritance, 151
Late marriages, offspring of, 388
Length of pregnancy, 200
Liebig's soup for infants, 289
Lifting an infant, manner of, 310
Light, necessity of, for children, 308
Limitation of offspring, 115
Long engagements, 86
Longevity, hereditary, 138
Longings in pregnancy, 186
Love, at first sight, 67
differs from lust, 50
is a necessity, 57
is eternal, 60
its power on humanity, 52
what is it?, 54
Looseness of bowels in children, 339
during pregnancy, 357
Lying-in room, the management of, 226
Maiden, the, 23
Manner of feeding infants, 291
Mania, puerperal, 362
Marital relations, times to suspend, 103
when painful, 92, 104
Marriage, age for, 50
health in, 351
time of month for, 87
year for, 87
Marriages, second, 62
Maternity, duties and privileges of, 243
perils of, 352
Matrimony, necessity of, for happiness, 58
Matron, the happy, 243
Memory, visual, cultivation of, in childhood, 320
Men, as wet-nurses, 260
Menstruation explained, 24
Mental impressions, effect of, on hysterics, 39
on unborn children, 180
troubles of girlhood, 47
Milk, mother's, effect of anger on, 253
effect of retention in the breasts, 249
influence of diet on, 249
pregnancy on, 250
over-abundance of, 258
scantiness of, 259
quantity required by infant, 256
when poisonous, 252
value as food, 42
Milk-leg, causes and treatment of, 367
Mind, changes in, at puberty, 31
during pregnancy, 175, 214
influence of over conception, 126
nursing child, 251
unborn child, 182
Miscarriage, 176
causes and dangers of, 178
frequency of, 176
influence of age of mother on, 177
prevention of, 179
symptoms of, 180
Mixture of races by marriage, 71
Month, right time of the, to marry, 87
Monthly changes, precautions in the intervals of, 46
precautions during, 45
when delayed, 48
when painful, 49
Moon, connection of monthly periods with, 32
Morning sickness of pregnancy, 169, 353
Mortality of childbed, 237
comparative, of the two sexes in early life, 154
Mortality of infants, causes of, 271
relative to married life, 57
Mother, the, 243
diseases of, 361
duties of, towards daughters at puberty, 44
influence of, over sons, 144
position in nursing, 225
who is unable to nurse her child, 267
Mothers' marks, 180
Music, influence of, 99
Mutilations, are they inheritable?, 149
Native women, shall they marry foreigners?, 73
Near-sightedness, how to prevent, 322
Neck, form of, 83
its significance, 84
New-born babe, first cares for, 231
weight and length of, 238
Night dress of children, 301
covering of children, 298
the wedding, 91
Nipples, how to harden, 220
Nose-bleed in childhood, 333
Nubility, the age of, 50
Nursing, 244
care of health during, 263
diseases of, 382
hindrances to, 245
position during, 225
prolonged, 262
rules for, 248
when improper, 245
Nursing mother, qualities of good, 257
Offspring, the limitation of, 115
influenced by the mind, 126
Over-nursing, signs of, 265
Overlaying of children, deaths from, 273
Over-production, evils of, 115
remedies for, 121
Ovulation, the meaning of, 24
Painful monthly changes, causes and treatment, 49
Pains of labor, true and false, 225
Painless labors, how to have, 236
Parr, Thomas, the long life of, 139
Pendulous abdomen after confinement, how to escape, 242
Perils of maternity, 352
Persons of both sexes, and of neither sex, 20
Perspiration, fetid, 131
Phases, the three, of woman's life, 22
Piles, during pregnancy, 356
Plays, the, of children, advantages of, 314
Plural births, 163
Plurality of wives or husbands, 64
Position of child while eating, 294
of child while sleeping, 299
Position of mother while nursing, 255
Precautions necessary at the time of the monthly changes, 45
Precocity, remarkable instances of, 25
Pregnancy, 167
bathing during, 212
care of health during, 207
causes of protracted, 205
can a woman again become pregnant during, 192
clothing during, 209
diseases of, 352
double, 192
effect of, on the health, 216
exercise during, 210
food during, 208
influence of, on the milk of nursing mother, 250
length of, 200
relation of husband and wife during, 216
signs and symptoms of, 168
sleep during, 213
ventilation of sleeping-room during, 212
Premature marriages, 50
Preparations for confinement, 219
Prolific wives, 115
Puerperal mania, 362
Qualities transmitted by parents, 132
Quantity of milk required by infant, 256
Quickening, as a sign of pregnancy, 170
flatulence mistaken for, 172
how caused, 171
time of, 171
Race, the human, is it degenerating?, 348
Races, mixture of, 71
Relation of husband and wife during pregnancy, 216
nursing, 264
Relative age of man and wife, 76
proportion of men and women living, 153
Religion, mistaken notions of, 57
Rest, after delivery, 241
during pregnancy, 211
Re-vaccination, 286
Right time of the month to marry, 87
time of the year to marry, 87
Schooling, the, of the first seven years of life, 316
Scrofulous diseases, a cause of, 309
Second marriages, 62
Secret bad habits, 39
Self-deceptions regarding pregnancy, 172
Senses, training of the special, in childhood, 318
Sex of child, how to predict before birth, 198
Sexes, distinction of, 18
laws which determine the relative numbers of the, 155
persons of both and of neither, 20
production of, at will, 157
Sexual desire, indulgence and restraint of, 99
moderation in, 100
instinct, dignity and propriety of, 96
false notions about, 97
desire, influence of on offspring, 98
Sexuality, what it implies, 18
Sickness, morning, during pregnancy, 353
during labor, 225
Signs of approaching labor, 223
puberty, 30
conception, 128
over-nursing, 265
pregnancy, 168
Sight, the training of, in childhood, 319
Single life, the, 386
in its relation to sanity and mortality, 57
Skin, changes in, during pregnancy, 174
culture, of, in infancy, 306
Sleep, amount required in early life, 295
at puberty, 42
during pregnancy, 213
position in, 299
Sleeplessness during pregnancy, 360
Small pox, death rate from, 283
the only preventive against, 284
Son or daughter?, 198
Sore nipples, 246
Soup, Liebig's, 289
Sphere of woman, 21
Spinal disease, 36
Spring-time, 101
Spurious labor pains, 225
Stages of labor, 123
Starvation of girls, 41
Sterility, 106
how to remedy, 113
Still-births, 240
Stilling Jung, anecdote of, 67
Stimulation of the emotions, dangers of, at puberty, 29
St. Pierre, anecdote of, 78
Sully Raymond, anecdote of, 401
Swimming, benefit of, 306
Symbolism of the human body, 83
Syringes, and how to use them, 379
Talent, hereditary, 141
Teething, period of, 279
Temperament, transmission of, 137
Temperaments, explained, 77
influence of, 101
in marriage, 77
Things wanted during confinement, 221
Tight-lacing, 43, 374
Time of expected labor, how to calculate it, 206
of the year to marry, 87
of the month to marry, 87
Times when marital relations should be suspended, 103
Toilet, innocent arts of, 132
Tour, the wedding, 87
Toys, a mean of infantile education, 315
Twins, how to predict, 199
why born, 161
Twin-bearing, 160
influence of, on size of families, 163
Thury, Prof., discovery of, 157
Unborn child, education of, 191
Vaccination, age for, 285
importance of, 282
Varicose veins of pregnancy, 355
Ventilation of sleeping rooms during pregnancy, 212
Virgins, wet-nursing by, 260
Voice, change in, at puberty, 30
Wakefulness of pregnancy, 360
Walk, how to teach a child to, 313
Washing of the new-born infant, 231
Weakness, inward, 368
Weaning, 277
Wedding tour, the, 87
night, the, 91
Weight and length of new-born children, 238
Wet-nurse, how to select, 269
Wet-nursing by virgins and men, 260
White-flowing, 365
Wives famous in history, 59
plurality of, 64
Woman, the three phases in the life of, 22
physical differences from man, 19
sphere of, 21
to be sought, 65
Womb, falling of, 368
Worms of children, home treatment of, 335
Women, diseases peculiar to, 352
treatment of, 377
why redundant, 153
Young wives, 50
mothers, 51
Year, right time of, to marry, 87
Zurich, curious custom in, 93
TESTIMONIALS
OF
EMINENT MEN AND OF THE PRESS
TO THE
PHYSICAL LIFE OF WOMAN
AND ITS AUTHOR.
Of the _very numerous_ testimonials in our hands we select those of
earlier date in preference, as showing the acumen of the writers and the
warmth with which they welcomed the book.
FROM WILLIAM A. HAMMOND, M.D.,
Late Surgeon-General of U. S. Army; Professor of Diseases of the Mind
and Nervous System and of Clinical Medicine in the Bellevue Hospital
Medical College, New York.
NEW YORK, Aug. '69.
DR. NAPHEYS--
_Dear Sir_: I have read with much interest and satisfaction your very
admirable book on "The Physical Life of Woman." I am glad that the
subject has been taken up by one who shows himself so thoroughly
qualified for the task, and I trust the instruction and advice contained
in the volume will reach every woman in the land.
Yours, sincerely,
WILLIAM A. HAMMOND.
* * * * *
FROM REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER.
BROOKLYN, N. Y., Sept. 1869.
DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS--
_Dear Sir_: I have examined your volume: "The Physical Life of Woman,"
and desire to thank you for performing a work so long needed, so
difficult to perform, and now, at length, so well done by you. Every
mother should have this book, nor should she suffer a child to be
married without the knowledge which this work contains. Thousands have
dragged through miserable lives and many have perished for want of such
knowledge. It is to be hoped, too, now that these delicate topics have
been so modestly and plainly treated, that your work will supersede the
scores of ill-considered and often mischievous treatises addressed "to
the married," which too often serve the lusts of men under the pretence
of virtue.
HENRY WARD BEECHER.
* * * * *
FROM REV. HORACE BUSHNELL, D.D.
HARTFORD, CONN., Sept. 1869.
GEO. H. NAPHEYS, M.D.--
_Dear Sir_: I have read a large part of your book with interest. I
shrink from expressing any estimate of it as respects its physiological
merit, but it seems to be a book well studied, and it is written with
much delicacy and a careful respect, at all points, to the great
interests of morality. It will certainly be a great help to intelligence
on the subject, and ought, therefore, to be correspondingly useful.
Very respectfully yours,
HORACE BUSHNELL.
* * * * *
FROM HARVEY L. BYRD, M.D.,
Professor of Obstetrics in the Medical Department of Washington
University of Baltimore, Maryland.
BALTIMORE, Sept. 1869.
DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS, Philadelphia--
_Dear Sir_: I have examined with much pleasure and satisfaction your
work on "The Physical Life of Woman," and do not hesitate to commend it
most warmly to our countrywomen, for whose benefit it is intended. I
congratulate you on the felicitous manner in which you have treated so
difficult a subject, and would recommend it to the public as supplying a
want that has long been felt in this country.
_Omne verum utile dictu_, and what can be more proper or more useful
than that woman should be made acquainted with the great laws of her
being and the duties for which she was created?
Very respectfully, your obed't servant,
HARVEY L. BYRD.
* * * * *
EXTRACT FROM LETTER RECEIVED FROM EDWIN M. SNOW, M.D., OF PROVIDENCE,
RHODE ISLAND.
PROVIDENCE, Sept. 1869.
DR. NAPHEYS--
_Dear Sir_: I have examined with much interest the advance sheets of
your book, "The Physical Life of Woman:" I am highly pleased with it.
The advice given seems to me to be generally correct, and judiciously
expressed; and, in my opinion, the wide circulation of the book would be
a benefit to the community,
Truly yours,
EDWIN M. SNOW.
* * * * *
FROM REV. GEORGE ALEX. CROOKE, D.D., D.C.L.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1869.
DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS--
_Dear Sir_: I have carefully read your work entitled "The Physical Life
of Woman," and, as the result, I must candidly say that I believe the
information it contains is well calculated to lessen suffering and
greatly benefit the human race. I know there are some falsely fastidious
persons who would object to any work of the kind, but "to the pure all
things are pure." You have done your part fearlessly and well, and in a
popular manner, and I trust that your work may be productive of all the
good you design by its publication.
Very faithfully,
GEO. ALEX. CROOKE.
* * * * *
OPINION OF LLOYD P. SMITH, Esq.
Librarian Philadelphia Library.
LIBRARY CO. OF PHILADELPHIA, FIFTH ST. BEL. CHESTNUT, PHILADELPHIA,
Sept. 1869.
It is an open question whether books de _secretis mulierum_ should be
written for the general public; but there is no doubt that, when they
are written, it should be done by the regular faculty, and not by
ignorant quacks. Dr. Napheys' "Physical Life of Woman" shows not only
the scientific attainments of the author, but also a wide range of
miscellaneous reading. The delicate subjects treated of are handled with
a seriousness and earnestness becoming their importance, and the
author's views are expressed in excellent English.
LLOYD P. SMITH.
* * * * *
OPINION OF S. W. BUTLER, M.D.
Editor of the Philadelphia "Medical and Surgical Reporter."
I have carefully examined "The Physical Life of Woman," and find it a
work at once thoroughly representing modern science, and eminently
adapted for family instruction. It is well suited to female readers, to
whom it is especially addressed both in the matter it contains and in
the delicacy with which points relating to their physiological life are
mentioned.
S. W. BUTLER.
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EXTRACT FROM LETTER RECEIVED FROM JOHN H. GRISCOM, M.D.
NEW YORK, Sept. 1869.
DR NAPHEYS--
_My Dear Sir_: The "Physical Life of Woman" is a very scientific and
intellectually written work, and contains almost all the physiological
and sanitary facts and directions needed for the preservation of the
health and longevity of the maiden, wife, and mother. It must prove
attractive and useful for any lady who reads it.
Your sincere friend,
JOHN H. GRISCOM.
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FROM THE NATIONAL BAPTIST, PHILA., DEC. 30, 1869
We join in the cordial welcome which this book has received. There is no
other work which tells so well just what every woman--and every
considerate man also--ought to know. Maternity is the one great function
of woman, according to God's ordinance, and for this marvelous and holy
mission her physical, intellectual, and moral constitution has been
designed. Dr. Napheys, in his wise "Advice to maiden, wife, and mother,"
passes in review the cardinal facts respecting woman's physical life.
The book is written in a very clear and simple style, so that no one can
misunderstand it, while there is nothing to disturb or offend the most
sensitive. A judicious mother would do her maturing daughters great
service by first carefully reading this volume herself, and then have
them read it under her guidance.
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OPINION OF MRS. R. B. GLEASON, M.D.
ELMIRA, N. Y., Sept. 1869.
The advance sheets of "The Physical Life of Woman" have been read with
much interest. In this book Dr. Napheys has well met a real need of the
age. There are many things incident to woman's physical organization
which she needs to know, and concerning which she still does not want to
ask a physician, and may not have one at hand when she most desires the
information. This book can be easily read and perfectly understood by
those not familiar with medical terms. All matters of delicacy are
treated with freedom, and still with a purity of thought and expression
which is above criticism.
For many years we have been often asked for just such a book, and shall
gladly commend it to the many wives and mothers who want for themselves
and grown-up daughters such a book of helps and hints for home life.
MRS. R. B. GLEASON.
* * * * *
FROM PROFESSOR JOHN S. HART, LL.D.
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, TRENTON, N. J.
GEO. H. NAPHEYS, M.D.--
_Dear Sir_: I have read with attention the advance sheets of your book,
"The Physical Life of Woman:" and take pleasure in saying that you have
handled a most difficult and important subject with equal delicacy and
ability.
Yours truly,
JOHN S. HART.
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OPINION OF MARK HOPKINS, D.D., LL.D.,
President of Williams College.
"Your book is conscientiously written, and will be likely to do good."
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FROM THE N. Y. EVANGELIST, NOV. 18, 1869.
This is a plain and practical treatise, prepared by a physician of skill
and experience, in which he aims to furnish information to women, in
their peculiar conditions and relations, married and single, so as to
enable them to preserve their own health, and perform their duties to
themselves and their children. The most delicate subjects are treated in
language so chaste as not to offend any pure mind.
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OPINION OF DR. R. SHELTON MACKENZIE.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1869.
"Believing that such a work as Dr. Napheys' 'Physical Life of Woman,'
giving a great deal of valuable information, explicitly and delicately,
is likely to be of very essential importance to the fair sex, I cannot
hesitate to express my favorable opinion of its object and execution."
* * * * *
LETTER RECEIVED FROM REV. GEO. BRINGHURST,
Rector of the P. E. Church of the "Messiah," Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1869.
DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS--
_My Dear Sir_: I have perused with considerable care and pleasure the
work on the "Physical Life of Woman," and feel no hesitation in
pronouncing it admirably composed, honest, succinct, refined, and worthy
of the companionship of every lady of this age. I hail its appearance
with gratitude, and look upon it as a valuable contribution to those
efforts which are making in various directions to elevate the tone of
morals of the nineteenth century, and to enable mothers to discharge
faithfully the duties they owe their children.
Sincerely yours,
GEORGE BRINGHURST.
* * * * *
FROM H. N. EASTMAN, M.D.,
Professor of Practical Medicine in Geneva Medical College.
GENEVA, Sept. 1869.
GEO. H. NAPHEYS, M.D.--
_Dear Sir_: I have just completed a careful reading of your advance
sheets of "The Physical Life of Woman," and I unhesitatingly pronounce
it an admirable work, and one especially needed at this time. The book
is written in a chaste, elevated, and vigorous style, is replete with
instruction indispensable to the welfare and happiness of woman, and
should be placed in the hands of every mature maiden and matron in our
land.
H. N. EASTMAN.
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EDITORIAL FROM PHILADELPHIA MEDICAL AND SURGICAL REPORTER.
It is a singular fact, that in this country, most of the works on
medical and hygienic matters have been written by irregular
practitioners in order to help on its legs some ism or pathy of their
own. The public is really desirous of information about the great
questions of life and health. It buys whatever is offered it, and cannot
tell of course the tares from the wheat. In fact, as we have said, there
has been very little wheat offered it. Scientific physicians do not seem
to have taken the pains in this country, as in Germany, to expand sound
medical information among the people.
We therefore welcome all the more warmly a work which, under any
circumstances, would command our praise, advance sheets of which are now
before us. The author is Dr. George H. Napheys, of this city, well
known to all the readers of the "Reporter" as a constant contributor to
its pages for a number of years, a close student of therapeutics, and a
pleasing writer. The title of the book is "The Physical Life of Woman:
advice to the Maiden, Wife, and Mother." It is a complete manual of
information for women, in their peculiar conditions and relations,
married and single.
The style is simple, agreeable, and eminently proper and delicate,
conspicuously so when treating of such difficult topics to handle in a
popular book, yet so necessary to be handled, as the marital relations
of husband and wife, the consummation of marriage, etc.
We do not doubt that this work will find as large a sale both in and out
of the profession in this country, as the works of Bock and Klencke in
Germany, and of Tilt and Chavasse in England.
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FROM THE NASHVILLE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY FOR NOVEMBER, 1869.
The outside of this book is more stylish and artistic than any the
market has owed to the press this season. The type and paper of the
inside are in keeping with the elegant exterior. The work contains much
valuable matter, in a style peculiarly attractive. It is intended to
treat woman as a rational being, to let her know much about herself as a
woman, that from this knowledge she may prevent and therefore escape
much of the suffering endured by her sex.
And who can do this but a physician? This may be regarded as the first
attempt of the kind in this country.
* * * * *
FROM THE MEDICAL RECORD, NEW YORK, JAN. 15, 1870.
Doctor Napheys, in his work on "The Physical Life of Woman," has
acquitted himself with infinite credit. The subject, which for a work of
its size takes a very wide range, is treated in choice, nay elegant
language, and we have not noticed a single expression upon the most
delicate matter that could offend the most refined taste. There are,
too, a great many interesting historical facts connected with the
general topic, both in an ethical and physiological point of view, which
show much discrimination in their production, and a good amount of
sterling scholarship. To the medical reader there are many points in the
book that are worthy of attention, prominent among which are remarks
bearing upon the right of limitation of offspring. We sincerely hope
that, for the real benefit of American women, it may meet with a hearty
reception, and be productive of great good, in preventing many of those
disorders now so rife in the community, which are solely the result of
ignorance of the ordinary laws of female hygiene.
No one, however scrupulous, need fear to admit the work within the pale
of his family circle, and place it, with confidence, in the hands of his
daughters.
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FROM THE NEW YORK MEDICAL GAZETTE, JAN. 8, 1870.
Though professedly written for popular instruction, this little book
will not fail to instruct as well the professional reader. We cordially
recommend the perusal of Dr. Napheys' book to every woman seeking a
fuller acquaintance with her physical organism.
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FROM THE BOSTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL JOURNAL, NOV. 25, 1869.
Most valuable for the perusal of mothers, and of those fathers who may
be equal to the task of advising sons liable to commit matrimony. The
style--of the text--is unexceptionable. Words are not wasted, and those
used are to the point. The volume is not a mere _resumé_ of others'
opinions; but the author has made the topics of which he treats his own.
* * * * *
FROM THE CHICAGO MEDICAL EXAMINER OF NOV. 1869.
This work is written in a plain and pleasing style, well calculated both
to please and instruct. There is nothing of the _sensational_ or
imaginative character in it. On the contrary, its teachings are in
strict accordance with scientific facts and good sense. Though designed
specially for females, yet a careful perusal would be productive of much
benefit to both sexes.
* * * * *
FROM THE METHODIST HOME JOURNAL, DEC. 4, 1860.
Hitherto, the subjects so honestly and so skilfully treated in this
volume have, to a very great extent, been ruled out of the realm of
popular knowledge, and information of this class sought only in a
clandestine manner. The people have suffered by deplorable ignorance on
those topics, which should be as familiar to us as the alphabet. Dr.
Napheys, by his scientific handling of the physiological points which
relate to health, training, and development, has rendered a great
service to the world. This, the press, and public men, have not been
slow to acknowledge. The book has gained unqualified praise, and well
deserves it.
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FROM THE PRESBYTERIAN, OF PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 4, '69.
A book which treats wisely and delicately of very important subjects,
and subjects which ought to be treated by competent hands, instead of
being left to quacks and the venders of nostrums. Dr. Napheys is
evidently a conscientious and intelligent physician, and his counsels
are such as may be put in the hands of all persons needing such
counsels. We commend it for its judicious exposition of the laws of
nature.
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FROM THE NEW YORK CHRISTIAN UNION, JAN. 8, 1870.
Society owes a debt of gratitude to this brave and scientific physician
for the unexceptionable way in which he has performed a work that has,
up to the publication of this book, been a paramount need, not to be
satisfied anywhere in the English language. If the volume contained only
the chapter on the influence of the mother's mind upon her unborn child,
we would recommend its purchase by every family in the United States.
* * * * *
FROM THE PHILA. EVENING TELEGRAPH, OCT. 6, 1869.
This is a work by a physician of reputation on the hygiene of woman,
designed for popular use, and introducing a variety of topics not
generally discussed outside of regular scientific medical works. Dr.
Napheys writes with dignity and earnestness, and there is not a chapter
in his book that may not be read by persons of both sexes. Of course
such a work as this is intended for men and women of mature years, and
it is not suitable to be left lying about for the gratification of idle
curiosity. The author has been careful to write nothing that can
possibly give offence, and he conveys much sound instruction that, if
heeded by those to whom it is particularly addressed, will save much
suffering.
* * * * *
FROM THE INDEPENDENT, NEW YORK, NOV. 11, 1869.
It required a brave but sensitively pure man to provide for the want
which existed for some reliable medical instruction upon points which
every woman and every married man ought to know, and few do. Dr. Napheys
we do not know personally. But his book is at once brave and pure. It is
written in such a spirit that she who really desires to learn the truths
of which she cannot with justice to herself or others be ignorant, may
do so without being shocked; while he who hopes to stimulate a vicious
imagination by its perusal will turn from its pages disappointed away.
* * * * *
FROM REV. HENRY CLAY TRUMBULL,
Secretary of New England Department of Missions of the American
Sunday-school Union.
HARTFORD, CT., Oct. 1869.
GEO. H. NAPHEYS, M.D.--
_My Dear Sir_: Understanding, from my long acquaintance with you, your
thoroughness of mental culture, your delicacy of sentiment, and your
sound good sense, I was prepared to approve heartily the tone and style
of your new work, "The Physical Life of Woman," when its advance sheets
were first placed in my hands.
A close examination of it convinces me that it is a book which can be
read by every woman to her instruction and advantage. Its manner is
unexceptionable. Its style is remarkably simple. Its substance evidences
your professional knowledge and your extensive study. I believe it needs
only to be brought to notice to commend itself widely. I think you have
done an excellent work in its preparation.
Sincerely your friend,
H. CLAY TRUMBULL.
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FROM THE REV. W. H. H. MURRAY,
Pastor of the Park Street Church, Boston, Mass.
DEC. 2, 1871.
It is with sincere gratitude to the author that I give my endorsement to
the book entitled "The Physical Life of Woman." Never was such a work
more needed anywhere, or in any age, than it is in America at this time.
I should rejoice at its introduction among the people until every wife
and mother in the country and the world had a copy in her possession. In
it the author has indeed given needed instruction and warning. He
deserves the thanks of every Christian and well-wisher of the race.
W. H. H. MURRAY.