In conclusion, the author of this work trusts that it may prove an
invaluable blessing as well to the unmarried as married, to those in
affluence as well as to those in penury. To the matured woman in the
full enjoyment of the elasticity and vigor of health, its pages direct
how to retain that precious boon. To the weak, sickly, debilitated one,
it lays bare the causes of her malady, and points out the remedy. To the
young female about blooming into maturity—that critical juncture,
involving her future health and welfare, its pages reveal the shoals and
quicksands, surrounding her on all sides, and the necessary steps to
avoid them. To the female already suffering from various complaints,
arising either from retention or stoppage of the menses, their
irregularity, or too profuse flow, the means of a thorough and effectual
cure are pointed out. To the woman suffering in health from a too rapid
increase of family, the perusal of these pages shows that pregnancy can
and should, under some circumstances, be prevented. To those unblessed
with children, from a supposed existence of barrenness, the indubitable
facts herein contained, demonstrate that by following certain
suggestions the result may not be _fruitless_.
In short, in all the relations of life in which a female can be placed,
whether as a daughter, a wife, or a mother—whether in the enjoyment of
good, or suffering under ill health—whether physically formed capable of
enduring the various trials imposed upon her by nature, or whether
mal-formed or physically incapable to endure them, this little book is
one that no female having a regard for her own welfare, or that of her
husband or children, will be without.
-----
Footnote 1:
The following table exhibits the ages of three hundred and twenty-six
females, at which they began to menstruate. It is furnished me by Mr.
Robertson, in the _North of England Medical and Surgical Journal_.
In their 11th year, 6
12th „ 12
13th „ 31
14th „ 60
15th „ 72
16th „ 54
17th „ 50
18th „ 19
19th „ 18
20th „ 4
To this list may be added the case related by Madame Boivin, in her
account of a new case of abortion. The subject of this case commenced
to menstruate at seven years of age, and did so regularly after her
tenth year.
Footnote 2:
We could record a number of instances where the menses were continued
much beyond their ordinary period, and where, after ceasing some time,
they were resumed with their accustomed regularity; but we shall limit
our observations to one case, and that because it is recent and well
authenticated. This case is recorded in the _Ann. Univ. de Med._ A
female aged ninety-four continued to menstruate from the fifty-third
to the ninety-fourth year. Her relatives were remarkable for their
longevity; she is at present in perfect health.—_American Journal of
the Medical Sciences for Feb. 1831._
Footnote 3:
_Diaphoretic Powder._
Take of Gum Opium, half a drachm
Camphor, two drachms
Pulverized Ipecacuanha, one drachm
Cream of Tartar, or super-carbonate of soda, one ounce
Pulverize all separately, then mix. It is best to use pulverized
opium.
_Dose_—Ten grains, or half a teaspoonful, as often as may be
necessary.
_Use_—This forms a valuable anodyne, diaphoretic and sudorific. It is
beneficially administered in fever, St. Anthony’s fire, diarrhœa,
dysentery, and cholera morbus, and in all cases where an anodyne,
combined with a sudorific, is required. In these diseases it should be
administered in small doses. It is also applicable to many other
diseases, such as rheumatism, gout, &c. It promotes perspiration
without increasing the heat of the body. It produces a constant
moisture of the skin for a great length of time, while it allays
irritation.
Footnote 4:
The most successful specific, and one almost invariably certain in
removing a stoppage, irregularity, or suppression of the menses
(monthly turn), is a compound invented by M. M. Desomeaux, of Lisbon,
Portugal, called the Portuguese Female Pills. It would appear that
they are infallible, and would, undoubtedly, even produce miscarriage,
if exhibited during pregnancy. And what is equally important, they are
always mild, healthy, and safe in their effects.
In the female hospitals in Vienna and Paris, their exhibition has
entirely superseded the use of the ordinary remedies; because, where a
cure is attainable by medicinal remedies, they are certain of success.
Their astonishing efficacy would be almost incredible, if not vouched
for by indubitable testimony, in numerous instances producing returns
of the monthly periods after all hope had been abandoned. A remarkable
case is related by Dr. A. M. Mauriceau, during his residence in Paris.
“While residing in Paris, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing
the astonishing efficacy of the Portuguese Female Pills in obstinate
cases of the suppression of the menses. Their effect, in one instance
in particular, seemed almost miraculous. A young lady, about twenty
years of age, of wealthy and respectable parentage, had not
menstruated for nearly two years before her application to me. On
inquiry, I ascertained that her health was not seriously affected
(except at intervals of about four weeks, occasioned, doubtless, by
the efforts of nature to perform her functions), until within the
preceding four months, when her symptoms began to assume an alarming
appearance. Her medical attendants here prescribed the usual remedies
without success.
“I must confess, I thought her case desperate, and had but little hope
that Desomeaux’s celebrated Portuguese Pills, which I determined to
put to the test, would here avail, as I had never known them to be
administered under circumstances quite so apparently hopeless for a
cure. But I resolved upon a trial. Accordingly I recommended their
use, watching their effects upon the patient. At first their virtue,
so to speak, seemed to be only negative—that is, the young woman got
no worse. This, however, under the circumstances, I considered a point
gained. In the course of three weeks favorable indications began to
present themselves. The appetite was better; the deathly-sallow
complexion giving place to a healthy hue; the eyes, also, becoming
clearer, but still no menstrual discharge. The improvement, however,
meanwhile, became more and more apparent, till, at the end of the
ninth week after commencing their use, a slight, somewhat reddish
discharge took place. Here was a beginning; the patient still
improving, taking moderate exercise, with light but nourishing diet.
Their exhibition was then dispensed with until within five or six days
just previous to the expected return of the menses, when they were
again used, and their use continued during the seven days; on the
eighth the menses again appeared—on this occasion somewhat freer, but
still not in sufficient quantity. Their exhibition ceased with the
cessation of the menses, which lasted irregularly about four days.
This treatment continued to the end of the fourth month, when the
monthly returns were perfectly established. At each successive
appearance they assumed a healthier color, freer in quantity, and less
obstructed by coagula. The patient entirely recovered, and became
possessed of sound health.”
He then relates another instance still more surprising.
“A woman applied to be treated for suppression. It appeared that she
had been subject to irregularity, or stoppage of the monthly turns,
and as she appeared to be free from the usual symptoms attending
pregnancy, it was not supposed that the stoppage arose from that
cause. She commenced using Desomeaux’s Pills. After using them about
five days—from certain indications attending miscarriage—apprehensions
began to be entertained that the suppression might have arisen from
pregnancy, which, upon examination, proved to be the case—too late,
however, to prevent the miscarriage. In a short time the expulsion
took place, and on about the third day after she entirely recovered,
with but little comparative inconvenience to her general health.”
He further states that their efficacy and certainty are such, that
they are sometimes administered in cases of malformation of pelvis,
when the female is incompetent to give birth at maturity. But when
such is the case, M M Desomeaux’s “Preventive to Conception,” treated
of in another part of this work, under the head of “Conception, when
it should be Prevented,” is the proper remedy.
These proofs of their wonderful powers have induced Dr. Mauriceau,
since his return from France, to take the sole agency for the United
States. They are to be obtained of him only, as they can be
transmitted by mail to any part of the Union. For whole boxes the
price is five dollars; half-boxes, three dollars. Address to “Box
1224, New York City.” Dr. Mauriceau attends to all diseases of women,
especially those arising from suppression of the menses, in the
successful treatment of which M. M. Desomeaux’s Pills have been of
such eminent service to him. Office 129 Liberty street.
Footnote 5:
_Antimonial Powders._—Take of tartar emetic, three grains, nitre, two
drachms. Mix, and divide into two doses. One dose to be taken every
two or three hours by adults. In obstinate cases, the addition of ten
or twelve grains of calomel to the above recipe, will render the
medicine more salutary.
_Febrifuge Powders._—Take of ipecacuanha, two scruples; nitre, two
drachms.—Mix, and divide into twelve doses. One dose to be taken every
two or three hours by adults.
_Febrifuge Mixture._—Take of nitre, two drachms; lemon juice or
vinegar, one ounce; water, half a pint; sugar, a sufficient quantity
to sweeten.—Mix. A wineglassful to be taken by adults every two hours.
It will be rendered more active by the addition of two drachms of
antimonial wine.
Footnote 6:
_Pills of Sugar of Lead._—Take of sugar of lead and ipecacuanha, each
six grains; opium, one grain; syrup sufficient to form a mass.—Divide
in four parts; one part to be taken every three hours, until the
hemorrhage ceases; or pulv. opii, four gr.; pulv. sugar of lead,
twelve grs. Mix, and divide in four parts; give one in a little water,
in an hour give half of another.
Footnote 7:
I have had, very lately, a lady under my care, who menstruates with
the most perfect regularity; though she had labored under a prolapsus
of the uterus to a great extent for several years. She is now in her
sixty-fifth year. Her uterus is now effectually supported by a
pessary, which has much improved her general health.—_Dewees._
Footnote 8:
Indeed, it would seem that this period of female life is freer from
diseases causing death, than almost any other. By some late
observations made on the bills of mortality in France, by M. Boiniston
of Chateauneuf, it appears that fewer women die between the ages of
forty and fifty, than men, or indeed at any other period of their
lives, after puberty. And, further, that if this change is effected
without much disturbance, that they live not only longer than men, but
are free from morbid inconveniences.
Footnote 9:
A remarkable case is mentioned by Morgagni:—“I was acquainted,” he
says, “with a maiden of a noble family, who married before
menstruation took place, though the menses had been expected for some
years; nevertheless she became exceedingly fruitful. We were the less
surprised at this circumstance because the same thing had happened to
her mother.
Frank attended a patient who gave birth to three children without ever
having been unwell. Capuron, also refers to several cases of this
description, and Foderé assures us of the fact. A case of the kind
occurred too in the practice of Mr. Montgomery. Low likewise mentions
a similar instance. Sir E. Moore relates the case of a young woman who
married before she was seventeen, and never having menstruated, became
pregnant, and four months after delivery was pregnant a second time;
the same thing occurred again, and after the third pregnancy she
menstruated for the first time, continued to do so for several
periods, and became pregnant again.
It should be remembered, however, that some women are very irregular
in the return of their menstrual periods—having them prolonged much
beyond the usual interval. Mr. Montgomery once attended an unmarried
woman of forty, who assured him that returns of the menses had
frequently been delayed more than six months without causing ill
health. Instances of menstrual suppression for shorter periods are
frequent. Zacchias mentions that he attended a patient who used to
menstruate regularly, but who never conceived until the discharge had
been suppressed for three or four months previously. Mauriceau relates
a somewhat similar case, and remarks that cases of this character give
rise to the supposition of protracted pregnancy.
Footnote 10:
The following cases, as well as others, are extracted from my Note
Book.
Footnote 11:
Mr. Robertson of Manchester inquired minutely into the result of one
hundred and sixty cases, in which he found that eighty-one women had
become pregnant once or oftener during suckling.
Footnote 12:
Dr. Heberden was acquainted with a lady who never ceased to have
regular returns of the menses during four pregnancies, quite to the
time of her delivery.—_Heberden Commentaries._
This opinion is confirmed by Gardien, Dewees, Hamilton, Desormeaux,
Puzos, Francis, &c.
Footnote 13:
“A woman came to me one morning,” says Dr. Gooch, “with a note from a
medical man, containing the following statement: The patient’s age was
forty-two; she had been married twenty-two years without ever being
pregnant. About seven months ago she had ceased to menstruate; a few
months afterwards the abdomen began to enlarge, and was now nearly
equal to that of full pregnancy. For several months the practitioner
had been using various means for reducing the tumour, but in vain. I
examined the case, pronounced her pregnant, and seven weeks afterward
she brought forth a child at the full time.”
Dr. Montgomery says: “A lady in her forty-third year, who was married
to her present husband twenty years ago, remained without any promise
of offspring until within the last few months; but having missed her
menstruation in September last, and finding her size increasing, I was
requested to see her in January, when she exhibited evident symptoms
of pregnancy. She was subsequently delivered of a healthy boy, after a
natural labor of about four hours.”
Mosse, one of the medical officers of the Dublin Lying-in-Hospital in
1775, states, that eighty-four of the women delivered in the
Institution under his superintendence were between the ages of
forty-one and fifty-four; four of these were in the fifty-first year,
and one in her fifty-fourth.
In May, 1816, Mrs. Ashley, wife of John Ashley, grazier, of Frisby, at
the age of fifty-four years was delivered of two female children.
The succession to an estate was disputed in France because the mother
was fifty-eight years old when the child was born. The decision was in
favour of the fact.
Footnote 14:
It may, however, be considered almost a settled fact, that when a
female has menstruated regularly up to the time of cohabitation, and
immediately after ceases to menstruate at the time of their usual
return, especially if attended with morning sickness—that pregnancy
has taken place.
Footnote 15:
Cours de Méd. Légale, p. 52.
Footnote 16:
North of Eng. Med. and Surg. Journ., vol. i., p. 230.
That the presence of milk in the female breast shall take place
independent of pregnancy, from the above and other recorded facts,
there can be no doubt; but the following beautiful exemplification of
its formation in that of the _male_, places the question in a still
stronger light. This interesting fact is cited from Captain Franklin’s
narrative of his journey to the shores of the Polar Sea.
“A young Chipewyan had separated from the rest of his band, for the
purpose of entrapping beaver, when his wife, who was his sole
companion, and in her first pregnancy, was seized with her pains of
labor. She died on the third day, after giving birth to a boy. The
husband was inconsolable, and vowed in his anguish, never to take
another woman to wife; but his grief was soon in some degree absorbed
in anxiety for the fate of his infant son. To preserve its life he
descended to the office of a nurse, so degrading in the eyes of a
Chipewyan, as partaking of the duties of a woman. He swaddled it in
soft moss, fed it with broth made from the flesh of the deer; and to
still its cries, applied it to his breast, praying earnestly to the
Great Master of Life to assist his endeavors. The force of the
powerful passion by which he was actuated produced the same effect in
his case as it has done in some others which are recorded: a flow of
milk actually took place from his breast. He succeeded in rearing his
child, taught him to be a hunter, and when he attained the age of
manhood, chose him a wife from the tribe. The old man kept his vow in
never taking a wife for himself, but he delighted in tending his son’s
children; and when his daughter-in-law used to interfere, saying, that
it was not the occupation of a man, he was wont to reply, that he had
promised the Great Master of Life, if his child was spared, never to
be proud like other Indians. Our informant, Mr. Wenkel (one of the
Association) added, that he had often seen this Indian in his old age,
and that his left breast, even then, retained the unusual size it had
acquired in his occupation of nurse.” P. 157.
Man possesses the same organization as woman for secreting and
conveying milk, which enables us readily both to understand and
believe in the truth of the foregoing singular statement.
Footnote 17:
I have found a Burgundy pitch plaster, the surface of which has been
well sprinkled with powdered opium, an admirable application to the
pit of the stomach. In many cases the nausea has been soon relieved,
and the irritability of the stomach subdued.
Footnote 18:
A teaspoonful of pulverized prepared charcoal in a tablespoonful of
lime-water, is oftentimes very useful in these cases.
Footnote 19:
Seidlitz powders with a little syrup of ginger are frequently
efficient, particularly if followed by a large draught of pure water.
Many who have taken the Seidlitz powders with little or no effect,
would be surprised at their efficacy, if one or two tumblers of water
be taken immediately afterwards.
Footnote 20:
In these cases, the oil of kreosote will be found a most valuable
remedy. It is given in doses of from half a drop to one drop. This
medicine, however, ought not to be used without the sanction of a
medical man.
Footnote 21:
Besides the morning sickness, the period of pregnancy is often
attended with another distressing symptom, described as a sinking at
the pit of the stomach: the patient complains, to use a common
expression, that she feels _all gone_. This feeling I have often
relieved by the free use of soda water. Another remedy which I have
often used, and which is by no means disagreeable, is a fresh egg,
beaten up with a tumbler of milk, and sweetened.
Footnote 22:
The _Red_ mixture, prepared by suspending equal parts of pulverized
rhubarb and magnesia in mint water, is a favorite prescription with
many.
Footnote 23:
In these cases medicine is not always necessary. Much benefit may be
derived from the use of a laxative diet. Brown bread, mush, or hasty
pudding made from rye or Indian meal, and eaten with molasses, the
free use of the dried laxative fruits, as figs, dates, stewed prunes,
and our native fruits when ripe, will often enable the patient to
dispense with medicine.
Footnote 24:
Mild lavements or enemata are here highly serviceable. Where the
excrementitious matter is hardened or compacted, the distension of the
bowels by from a quart to three pints of starch water, followed by
weak soap suds, is a very efficient remedy.
Footnote 25:
In many parts of New England, the moccasin root is much used to allay
the motions of the child. One tumblerful of the infusion of this root
is the usual quantity.
Footnote 26:
This decoction is made by taking four ounces of poppy-heads, breaking
them up, putting them into a vessel, pouring upon them four pints of
boiling water, boiling the whole for fifteen minutes, and then
straining off the liquor.
Footnote 27:
There are one or two complaints to which the pregnant female is
subject, upon which a few remarks seem advisable. Speaking of
headache, Mr. Fox remarks:—
“Headache, independent of accidents, may be a sympathetic affection
arising from disorders of the digestive, or other organs. It may be
the consequence of a feeble, or disturbed state of the nervous system:
or it may be the effect of the vessels of the head being distended
with too much blood; or even of a deficiency of blood in the head.
“Where headache arises from a disordered condition of the digestive
organs there will generally be an inactive, or irritable, state of the
stomach or bowels, which will frequently be accompanied by giddiness,
imperfect vision, or by specks floating a short distance from the
eyes, by loss of appetite, sickness, acidity of the contents of the
stomach, and by flatulence.
“If the stomach be loaded with undigested, or irritating food, it is
to be relieved by a gentle emetic. Having drunk a pint of warm
chamomile tea, or common tea from one ounce to one ounce and a half of
ipecacuanha wine should be taken, after which vomiting will ensue
almost immediately, and without any straining, or painful effort. If
ipecacuanha wine is not at hand, two or three teaspoonfuls of powdered
mustard, mixed in a little water, may be used in its stead.
“In almost every case, it will be found necessary to administer mild
aperients every four or five hours, till the bowels are emptied. The
aperients may be, rhubarb and Castile soap, of each one drachm, oil of
cloves six drops, mixed with a simple syrup, and divided into thirty
pills, of which from three to six are to be taken every four or five
hours, till the bowels act. Where no disposition to pills exists, from
one to two table spoonfuls of compound decoction of aloes may be taken
every four or five hours, till the bowels are relieved freely. Where
much acidity in the stomach is present, from fifteen to twenty grains
of magnesia, combined with six grains of powdered rhubarb, and the
same quantity of ginger, may be substituted for the above aperients,
and repeated in a similar manner.
“If the pain in the head continues to be severe, after an emetic has
operated, or before the aperients begin to act, it will be often
greatly mitigated by taking a moderate dose of some opiate; this,
however, should not be employed where attacks are frequent, as a habit
of taking opiates is productive of much injury.
“There are persons who do not experience relief from opiates, but on
the contrary, have the pain aggravated by their use. Strong green tea,
or hop tea, will occasionally give relief in mild attacks, or where
decided opiates are not productive of benefit.
“Where a feeble, or disturbed state of the nervous system gives rise
to headache, aperients are to be taken as recommended above; and
stimulants are to be employed, as camphor, ammonia, compound tincture
of valerian, æther, &c.
“Four grains of carbonate of ammonia, or fifteen or twenty drops of
spirit of hartshorn, are to be mixed in a wineglassful of camphor
julep.
“One or two teaspoonfuls of compound tincture of valerian are to be
added to a wineglassful of water, or camphor julep.
“From twenty to forty drops of æther are to be mixed in a wineglassful
of water or camphor julep.
“Any of the foregoing forms may be taken several times during every
twenty-four hours, if necessary.
“If the head is hot, linen wet with vinegar and water, or eau de
Cologne and water, is to be repeatedly applied to the temples and
forehead; or those parts may be occasionally moistened with æther, the
evaporation of which will cause the head to become cool.
“Where reducing the temperature of the head does not diminish the
pain, it will be well to try the effect of heat, which may be
accomplished in the following manner: pour a little æther into the
palm of the hand, and apply it to the forehead, or temples. The heat
will be kept up so long as the hand is pressed to the part, and any of
the æther remains.
“In severe cases of headache, the patient is to lie perfectly quiet,
with the head moderately raised by pillows, and the room is to be
darkened.
“If the feet are cold, they should be put into warm water; and if they
have a disposition to become chilled again soon, they are to be kept
warm by heated flannels, or bottles filled with hot water.
“During an attack of headache, arising from disordered digestive
organs, it is essential that the food be very simple, and small in
quantity.
“In headache, from nervous disorders, requiring stimulants, the food
may be of a nutritious quality; the quantity, however, should be
moderate.
“The foregoing remarks apply to sudden, or severe attacks of headache.
When slighter affections of the same nature often occur, strict
attention to diet, exercise, and the use of aperients, as recommended
in a previous chapter, will greatly tend to mitigate the suffering,
and to keep off the complaint altogether.
“Where headache comes on in consequence of fulness of the
blood-vessels of the head, it will be indicated by a sense of weight
within the skull, drowsiness, giddiness, particularly on stooping,
sickness, ringing or other sounds in the ears, and bright flashes, or
sparks in the eyes. In these cases, it will generally be necessary to
bleed the temples with eight or ten leeches; and if their application
to those parts is known to produce swelling of the eyes and face, the
leeches may be placed behind the ears. The head is then to be kept
cool by applying cold vinegar and water to it; and purgatives are to
be administered.
“The diet is to be very simple, animal food is to be avoided, and no
stimulants are to be taken.
“Headache may arise from whatever induces debility. It is generally
experienced where great loss of blood has taken place, and it may seem
singular that the symptoms and sensations of this kind of headache,
appear to be the consequence of the vessels of the head having too
much blood in them. For instance, there are usually noises resembling
the violent beating of a hammer, the rushing of water, the blowing of
wind, ringing, &c. It is therefore necessary to notice the condition
of the system, to be enabled to decide whether the pain arises from a
deficiency, or from an over supply of blood to the head.
“A correct decision should be formed upon this point, by ascertaining
whether there is a disposition to fulness of the system, or a state of
emptiness of the vessels from great loss of blood, with general
debility.
“In the latter case, quietness is most essential: wine and other
stimulants, will be necessary; together with a light nutritious diet.
“Opiates also will generally be found requisite, such as have been
previously enumerated in this chapter.
“In all cases of headache, mental tranquillity is of much importance;
and the patient should not persevere in the pursuit of any occupation
which materially increases the pain.
“In this disorder, as well as in many others, accompanied by much
irritability, the sleep is often seriously interrupted by slight
noises; in most cases, this may be prevented by stopping the ears with
small plugs, three quarters of an inch in length, and about one
quarter of an inch in diameter. If the plugs be made of white wax,
they will generally answer the best, as they admit of being accurately
moulded to the form of the openings of the ears. Plugs made of turned
wood will sometimes be sufficient.
“If such plans as the foregoing do not soon give relief, medical
advice should be had, especially where it is supposed that there is
too much blood in the vessels of the head.
“Tenderness and irritability of the external parts sometimes come on
to an almost intolerable extent, in consequence of inflammatory
action. They are most effectually relieved by bathing the parts
occasionally with cold or hot water, or decoction of poppy-heads, or
of laurel leaves, and by using a soothing lotion. The soothing lotion
may be made of two drachms of acetate of lead, commonly called sugar
of lead, and an ounce of laudanum, in seven ounces of water. It may be
applied three or four times during every twenty-four hours.
“In these troublesome affections the bowels must be kept rather more
active than usual by gentle aperients. The aperients to be, from two
to four drachms of Epsom salts. From one to two teaspoonfuls of
electuary of senna. From one to two spoonfuls of castor oil. Or from
fifteen to thirty grains of magnesia. Any of which may be taken every
second night, or every night, as circumstances may require. The diet
should be mild, and there must be a total abstinence from spirit,
wine, and malt liquor. If these means fail to give the desired relief,
it will be advisable to bleed the parts occasionally with six or eight
leeches, and to apply poultices of the same kind, and in the same
manner, as recommended in another chapter.
“A discharge frequently appears from the passage, which is either
white, or slightly tinged with green, or blood; in such cases, the
parts are to be washed, or the passage injected with a syringe, twice
daily, with tepid milk and water, or a weak solution of alum in water.
For the wash or injection, twelve grains of alum may be dissolved in
six ounces of water, and about two tablespoonfuls injected at each
time.
“Means should be used to secure the regular action of the bowels, by
employing mild aperients and injections, as previously recommended.
“More vigorous measures than the above might be productive of much
mischief.”
Footnote 28:
One of the English kings, Edward III., in the year 1344, picked up
from the floor of a ball-room, an embroidered garter, belonging to a
lady of rank. In returning it to her, he checked the rising smile of
his courtiers with the words, “Honi soit qui mal y pense!” or,
paraphrased in English, “Shame on him who invidiously interprets it!”
The sentiment was so greatly approved, that it has become the motto of
the English national arms. It is one which might be not inaptly nor
unfrequently applied in rebuking the mawkish, skin-deep, and
intolerant morality of this hypocritical and profligate age.
Footnote 29:
It may perhaps be argued, that all married persons have this power
already, seeing that they are no more obliged to become parents than
the unmarried; they may live as the brethren and sisters among the
Shakers do. But this Shaker remedy is, in the first place, utterly
impracticable, as a general rule; and, secondly, it would chill and
embitter domestic life, even if it were practicable.
Footnote 30:
Will our sensitive fine ladies blush at the plain good sense and
simplicity of such an observation? Let me tell them, the indelicacy is
in their own minds, not in the words of the French mother.
Footnote 31:
For a vice so unnatural as onanism there could be no possible
temptation, and therefore no existence, were not men unnaturally and
mischievously situated. It first appeared, probably in monasteries;
and has been perpetuated by the more or less anti-social and
demoralizing relation in which the sexes stand to each other, in
almost all countries. In estimating the consequences of the present
false situation of society, we must set down to the black account the
wretched consequences (terminating not unfrequently in incurable
insanity) of this vice, the preposterous offspring of modern
civilization. Physicians say that onanism at present prevails, to a
lamentable extent, both in this country and in England. If the
recommendations contained in these pages were generally followed, it
would probably totally disappear in a single generation.
Footnote 32:
See letter of Percy Bysshe Shelley, published in the “Lion,” of
December 5, 1828.
Footnote 33:
Every reflecting mind will distinguish between the
unreasoning—sometimes even generous, imprudence of youthful passion,
and the calculating selfishness of the matured and heartless
libertine. It is a melancholy truth, that pseudo-civilization produces
thousands of seducers by profession, who, while daily calling the
heavens to witness their eternal affections, have no affection for
anything on earth but their own precious and profligate selves. It is
to characters so utterly worthless as these that my observations
apply.
Footnote 34:
Jesus said unto her, “Neither do I condemn thee.” _John_ viii., 11.
Footnote 35:
I should like to hear these gentlemen explain, according to what
principle they imagine the chastity of their _wives_ to grow out of a
fear of offspring; so that, if released from such fear, prostitution
would follow. I can readily comprehend that the unmarried may be
supposed carefully to avoid that situation to which no legal cause can
be assigned; but a wife must be especially dull, if she cannot assign,
in all cases, a legal cause; and a husband must be especially
sagacious, if he can tell whether the true cause be assigned or not.
This safeguard to married chastity, therefore, to which the gentlemen
of the Committee alluded to seem to look with so implicit a
confidence, is a mere broken reed; and has been so ever since the days
of Bethsheba.
Yet _conjugal_ chastity is that which is especially valued. The
inconstancy of a wife commonly cuts much deeper than the dishonour of
a sister. In that case, then, which the world usually considers of the
highest importance, the fear of offspring _imposes no check whatever_.
It cannot make one iota of difference whether a married woman be
knowing in physiology or not; except perhaps, indeed, to the husband’s
advantage; in cases where the wife’s conscience induces her at least
to guard against the possibility of burthening her legal lord with the
care and support of children that are not his. Constancy, where it
actually exists, is the offspring of something more efficacious than
ignorance. And if in the wife’s case, men must and do trust to
something else, why not in all other cases, where restraint may be
considered desirable? Shall men trust in the greater, and fear to
trust in the less? Whatever any one may choose to assert regarding his
relatives’ secret inclinations to profligacy, these arguments may
convince him that if he has any safeguard at present, a perusal of
these pages will not destroy it.
’Tis strange that men, by way of suborning an argument, should be
willing thus to vilify their relatives’ character and motives, without
first carefully examining whether anything was gained to their cause,
after all, by the vilification.
Footnote 36:
Instances innumerable might be adduced. Not one young person, for
example, in twenty, is ever told, that sexual intercourse during the
period of a woman’s courses is not unfrequently productive to the
woman of a species of fluor albus, and sometimes (as a consequent) to
the man of symptoms very similar to those of urethritis or gonorrhœa,
but more easily removed. Yet what fact more important to be
communicated? And how ridiculous the mischievously prudish refinement
that conceals from human beings what it most deeply concerns them to
know? The following case is related by Dr. Dewees in his work on
Diseases of Females: “We have known a complaint communicated to the
male by intercourse with a woman labouring under _Pruritis_. It was
very similar to that which affected the female in its general
character. When this occurs with the married man, much disturbance is
sometimes created from a supposition that the wife has been
unfaithful, and the contrary. Indeed, it has occurred in more
instances than one, within our own knowledge, where the woman has
thought herself the injured party; and in one case the recrimination
was mutual. In this instance, the friends of the parties assembled to
determine on the terms of separation, when it was suggested, by one of
those who happened to be more rational than the rest, that before they
proceeded to such an extremity, their family physician should be
consulted. We were accordingly sent for. After an attentive hearing of
both parties, and an examination of the parts, we were satisfied that
there was not the slightest ground for either to be charged with want
of fidelity, and we assured the parties that this was the case, and
were fortunate enough to cause all further proceedings to be
suspended.”
Footnote 37:
Le premier serment que se firent deux êtres de chair, ce fut au pied
d’un rocher, qui tombait en poussiere; ils attestèrent de leur
constance un ciel qui n’est pas un instant le même: tout passait en
eux, et autour d’eux; et ils croyaient leurs cœurs affranchis de
vicissitudes. O enfans! toujours enfans.
DIDEROT; _Jacques et son Maitre_.
Footnote 38:
Some German poet, whose name has escaped me, says,
“Tapfer ist de Lowensieger,
Tapfer is der Weltbezwinger,
Tapferer, wer sich selbst bezwang!”
“Brave is the lion-victor,
Brave the conqueror of a world,
Braver he who controls himself!”
It is a noble sentiment, and very appropriate to the present
discussion.
Footnote 39:
The author of these pages having resided many years in France, where
this preventive has been used with infallible and invariable success,
can vouch for its efficacy, healthiness and certainty. While there, he
was importuned to take the agency for its disposal in the United
States. But aware of the extreme sensitiveness, verging upon
mawkishness, with which the agitation of a question of this nature
would be viewed; the misapprehension to which it might give rise, and
the difficulty of presenting it to the consideration of the public, it
was not without some reluctance that he was induced to take the
exclusive agency for its sale in this country. The numerous
testimonials, however, of its efficacy, and the warm expressions of
gratitude and thankfulness he has received since taking the agency,
have convinced him that this invaluable preventive has been
appreciated.
Its efficacy is beyond question, as in Europe, among the higher
classes especially, it is universally used, and of late among all
classes. Thousands of married persons have for years used it with
invariable success. Instances are related by the author from whom we
have liberally quoted, exactly similar to hundreds which have come to
the knowledge of the writer of these pages. The principle upon which
it prevents conception, is to neutralize the fecundating properties in
semen, and it preserves and conduces to the health of the female, by
eradicating all predisposition to sexual weakness, fluor albus, or
whites, the falling of the womb, &c., and restores and maintains that
elasticity and firmness of the generative functions (appertaining only
to a young female) for many years. The French, who are scrupulously
observant of themselves in these particulars, and who retain their
health, vivacity, and capacity to receive and impart enjoyment, to a
remarkable age, would not for worlds abstain from the use of M.
Desomeaux’s Preventive to Conception, merely from its effects in
preserving their youth to an old age, and would not permit a sexual
act to transpire without its use. When used under these circumstances,
the directions are somewhat varied. It is well known that the French
always have intervals of three, four, or more years, between the birth
of children, depending upon either the health of the wife, or
inclination or judgment of parents. In cases of malformation,
deformity of pelvis, low state of health, its use is indispensable. In
obtaining this celebrated preventive, it is advisable in all cases to
communicate directly with him, the sole agent of the United States,
for the disposal of “_M. Desomeaux’s Preventive to Conception_.” The
packages can be forwarded to all parts of the United States. Letters
must be postpaid, and addressed to Dr. A. M. Mauriceau, Box “1224,” N.
Y. Office 129 Liberty street, N. Y. Price of packages Ten Dollars.
Footnote 40:
In France, and on the Continent of Europe generally, a covering (used
by the male), called a _baudruche_ (known as the French Secret), is
used with success, with the view of preventing pregnancy. Its
intention, however, and for which, perhaps, it is specially adapted,
is to obviate the penalty incurred by prostitution, and thereby guard
against the contraction of syphilis. But as the object of the author
is not to facilitate, but, on the contrary, effectually to prevent the
degrading intercourse the consequences of which are sought to be
avoided, in adverting to it therefore, he has only in view its
adaptation to prevent conception. If made of proper material and
texture, it can, to a certain extent, be relied upon. Deeming this
latter consideration of essential importance, and having been applied
to in regard to it, he has imported them made of the only material of
which they should be composed. Address Dr. A. M. Mauriceau, Box
“1224,” N. Y. City, who will send them by mail to any part of the
United States. Price $5 a dozen.
Footnote 41:
“This, of course, must be rather a matter of conjecture and
approximation, than of accurate calculation.”
Footnote 42:
“Any young man who will carefully note and compare his sensations,
will become convinced, that temperance positively forbids such
indulgence, at any rate, more than twice a week; and that he trifles
with his constitution who neglects the prohibition. How immeasurably
important that parents should communicate to their sons, but
especially to their daughters, facts like these! It is true that much
depends upon habit, as some individuals can indulge even daily without
apparently sustaining any physical injury; but such a frequency may
not be compatible with the well-being of both parties, and should
therefore not be encouraged.”
Footnote 43:
The writer, under the circumstances just mentioned, in the course of
his practice as Professor of the Diseases of Women, has been called
upon to effect miscarriages, and in all cases, it has proved perfectly
safe, recovery following in about three days. When necessary to be
attended to, the earlier the better, but in no case, if properly
effected, with ordinary care on the part of the patient, is it
attended with any danger. A skilful and practised obstetrician will
impart no pain.
Footnote 44:
_Anodyne Clyster._—A gill of new milk, or thin starch, or the same
quantity of any of the mucilaginous substances composing Simple and
Emollient Clysters, which consist of milk and water in equal parts:
flax-seed tea; infusion of quince-seed; barley water; mucilage of gum
Arabic, or slippery elm; thin starch. From half a pint to a pint of
either of these should be administered a little more than milk warm,
with the addition of one or two teaspoonfuls of laudanum, for adults.
In general, a patient will bear three times the quantity of laudanum
administered in this way, than would be a proper dose when taken into
the stomach: so that, when to procure rest, twenty-five drops would be
given in a draught, seventy-five may be administered in a clyster, and
the sickness, and other ill consequences, which some persons complain
of after laudanum has been taken into the stomach, seldom follow when
administered by clyster.
Footnote 45:
If faintness occurs from the loss of blood by flooding, a little
brandy, with two-thirds cold water, should be given in frequent and
small quantities at a time. Nothing so speedily restores the strength
in such cases.
Footnote 46:
As in most cases the predisposition to miscarry arises from a very
weakened or diseased state of the uterus, or general debility of the
system, which is mostly caused by one period of pregnancy followed by
miscarriage, too closely succeeding another with the same results, it
is obvious that the prevention of pregnancy by the use of M.
Desomeaux’s “_Preventive of Pregnancy_,” (treated of in the preceding
pages,) for about two years or so, or until health and strength are
restored, is the proper remedy; thereby enabling the system to correct
the predisposition, by improving the tone and vigour of the uterus.
The writer can vouch that by the use of this “Preventive,” many women
who had before constantly miscarried, at particular periods, entirely
recovered, and gave birth to full grown and healthy children, after
trying all other means without avail.
Footnote 47:
Interdiction of marriage is not necessary, all that is required is
that _pregnancy should be prevented_; this, thanks to M. Desomeaux’s
discovery can be attained by the use of his “Preventive to Pregnancy.”
Footnote 48:
This is true when it is a right presentation (the head), or when the
duration and severity of labor may not induce convulsions.
Footnote 49:
That barrenness, in most cases, arises from some defect or
obstruction, susceptible of cure, the fact, that those who for a
number of years have had no children, when once becoming pregnant—the
defect or obstruction being eradicated—have children in close
succession, may be adduced as almost conclusive proof.
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