charge committed to it by the Creator. The wonder is that intelligent,
educated woman has ordinarily no thought of her relation to posterity,
and her responsibility to offspring.
_Exercises_ adapted to develop the muscles of the trunk and abdomen,
giving breathing power and room for all the viscera will be found very
satisfactory in their results, to women who will arrange their clothing
suitably.
The restraint placed upon young girls, according to the usages of
society, at the time when they most need exercise and muscular
development, is not only mistaken wisdom, but a cruel physical wrong.
They _must be ladylike_! So, perforce, they must not jump nor skip;
they must not run up stairs two steps at a time, _like a boy_. _No
romping allowed!_ The physical freedom which is everywhere accorded to
a boy, and by which he, all unconsciously fits himself for manhood, is
forbidden the girl.
So she grows up without strength of nerve or muscle, and readily
becomes a victim to all the ills that woman is heir to.
A very little care and planning devoted to this subject would bring
to women both health and happiness. Like Rose, in Miss Alcott’s
delightful story, a naturally frail girl may be developed into a hearty
and vigorous young woman, and this too without unduly subjecting her to
the mortification of singularity.
Neither is it necessary, in order to preserve health, that her thorough
education should be neglected. The hue and cry that has been raised
against the higher education of woman, on the ground of her physical
incapacity to endure severe mental training, is not well founded.
The fact is that girls and women can bear study, but they can not bear
compressed viscera, tortured stomachs and a misplaced uterus. The
impure air, almost universal in schoolrooms, has much to answer for in
the alleged incapacity of girls for mental wear and tear. Given pure
air, the Delsarte training, loose and light clothing and unimpaired
digestion, and our girls will in due time prove to the world that,
notwithstanding a vigorous pursuit of study, “a girl is just as good as
a boy.”
Out-door games and amusements are becoming more and more fashionable.
Among these lawn tennis, croquet, archery, rowing, bean-bags and
tri-cycling are popular and healthful in their tendency.
Next to errors in _dress_ and deficient _exercise_, errors in _diet_
may be responsible for painful menstruation. How can this be? Once,
on inquiring of a class of young ladies the cause of this trouble, I
received various replies; as skating, jumping rope, climbing stairs,
improper clothing, etc.
A little eleven-year-old girl raising her hand, asked: “Is it not
eating too much candy?” The rest of the girls laughed. But I replied,
“You need not smile; this young lady has sounded the keynote of your
trouble. It is not only too much candy, but you eat too freely of the
carbonaceous foods, fats and sweets, without taking sufficient exercise
to have them appropriated. Inflammation is the result and hence
suffering ensues.”
TREATMENT for dysmenorrhea must be palliative and curative. No young
girl should be allowed to endure this pain. It gives a shock to the
nervous system, which sooner or later will act upon her general health,
and depreciate her vitality.
In palliative treatment it has been customary to use alcoholic
stimulant in some form. Symptoms at first are relieved, the blood being
caused to flow to the surface, thus lessening congestion. The patient
is made perhaps not actually drunk, but is stupefied. My observation,
however, is that menstrual pain removed by this agency, recurs more
severely at subsequent periods. The reason of this must be that the
alcoholic stimulant increases the already inflamed condition. It is not
good treatment.
_The application of heat_ in some form will safely relieve almost any
case. A relay of hot lamp chimneys is available in sudden attacks,
even if at night; or a hot plate or stove-lid, wrapped in cloths is
excellent in an emergency. In more severe cases, use hot fomentations
(Page 114) or the hot water bottle.
_A hot sitz-bath_ (Page 184) is the best resort where cramp-like
symptoms with vomiting or fainting are experienced, or where the
patient is threatened with spasms. Anticipate suffering by this
treatment as soon as indicated by premonitory symptoms. Continue the
bath until a copious perspiration is induced, probably from thirty
minutes to an hour. Then rub off lightly without exposure, keeping
wrapped in the blankets, and applying the hot water bottle, lie quietly
for some time. Many who ordinarily suffer from three to five days can
be relieved in one hour by this means alone. This course will prevent a
recurrence of so severe an attack.
The _curative_ measures employed must accord with the pathological
condition of the patient. For local ailments, treatments must be that
indicated for them; neuralgia and rheumatism will demand their own
suitable remedial agents.
A lady, thirty-five years of age, had been for a long time a great
sufferer at every menstrual period, five or six days being spent in bed
each month. There was apparently no uterine disease. Ordinary treatment
proved ineffectual. A casual inquiry at length disclosed the fact
that she had long been afflicted with rheumatism, not confined to any
locality. This gave a clue to her case, and a short treatment for this
affection resulted in entire recovery from both that malady and the
distressing menstrual attacks. The thermal bath (Page 118) was mainly
depended on in her cure.
_Local treatment_ or remedies will seldom be found necessary, if the
whole system is kept in the best hygienic condition. A young woman had
for nine years been a martyr to dysmenorrhea, spasms attending every
period, often continuing for days. Like the woman in Scripture, “She
had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that
she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,” having had
in all nine doctors, one of whom had performed a severe operation.
Although still young, she was almost a perfect wreck. She had no
strength for manual labor, often being unable to walk across the room.
Her mental condition was equally deplorable, being scarcely able to do
for herself. She was very sensitive to the cold, and consequently wore
much heavy clothing suspended around her hips.
In her case few remedies were used. She was induced to make a radical
change in her dress, and put upon a thorough course of exercises
adapted to develop and invigorate the muscles of the abdomen, and
insure a healthy action of the viscera. She was also encouraged to
assist daily in light housework, with much free exercise in the open
air.
The change was marvelous. Upon the recurrence of her next period, a
hot sitz-bath was administered at the first symptoms of distress, and
relief was speedy. Her improvement steadily continued; she was no
longer agonized with pain and subject to convulsions. Before the three
months of her treatment had expired, she was entirely restored to
health.
The alteration in her appearance was great, buoyancy of manner
and vivacity of expression taking the place of the look of dumb
hopelessness which had been hers. The leaden load of physical suffering
was lifted from her brain, and a new mental life began. No patient
could evince or express more hearty and grateful appreciation of the
great change which had been wrought.
This is only one of many instances illustrating the efficacy of simple
hygienic methods. The cases are infrequent that will fail to respond
favorably when nature is given an opportunity to rally her forces.
_Menorrhagia_, or profuse menstruation, accompanies inflammation,
ulceration, polypus and other uterine diseases. It is not unusual to
find it with dysmenorrhea, as it may be induced by the same causes.
_The general treatment and remedies_ are similar in both disorders.
_Aconitum, crude tincture._--This is one of the first remedies to be
sought in any kind of hemorrhage, especially where there is throbbing
pulse, with cold hands and feet. _Dose_:--Two drops in half a glass
of water, tablespoon doses every ten to thirty minutes, according to
severity of case. It is important to remember that aconite is a number
one remedy in the first stages of hemorrhage from any organ. One can
hardly go amiss in giving it. It has a specific effect in controlling
the heart’s action, and thus relieves congestion and hemorrhage. An
old lady had for twenty years been subject to frequent attacks of
hemorrhage of the lungs. She never allowed herself to be without her
bottle of aconite, and was always able to check an attack by using it
promptly.
_Aconitum, 2d._--Is also indicated in cases of inflammation or
congestion of the uterus or ovaries, especially if attended with
febrile symptoms.
_Cimicifuga, 2d._--Heavy, aching pain in the back, extending to limbs,
restlessness, cannot keep still. Rheumatic or neuralgic dysmenorrhea.
It is also valuable for preparatory treatment, taken two or three doses
a day for ten days previous to the recurrence of the period.
_Belladonna, 2d._--Congestive enlargement of the uterus or ovaries,
bearing down pains, and heat in the vagina.
_Pulsatilla, 2d._--Vomiting, fainting, scanty menses, chilliness,
moving pains in abdomen, mental depression, hysteria. Discharges bright
in color.
_Caulophyllum, 2d._--Painful menstruation, with a normal discharge.
May be used as a palliative during the menses, and as a curative agent
meanwhile.
_Ergot, 3d to 6th._--Very severe, cramp-like pains, can not be endured.
Discharge dark, clotted and fetid; surface and extremities cold;
features pinched.
_Dose_:--In each of the above remedies ten drops in eight spoonfuls of
water. Take one spoonful every half hour.
CHAPTER XXI.
DISEASES OF WOMEN.
UTERINE DISEASES are the cause of many of the pathological symptoms
accompanying pregnancy, and may be the cause of the pain in
parturition. To attain to the best conditions for maternity, the
removal of these disorders is essential.
Nine-tenths of American women are more or less afflicted with these
maladies. They are thus unfitted for ordinary vocations, and the
functions of reproduction are so perverted that maternity becomes a
dreaded burden.
This book is not a “doctor book” in the ordinary understanding of that
term, neither is this chapter a regular treatise upon the diseases
of women. The causes of these ailments, however, and some simple
common sense hints are given. These will enable women to avoid and
to alleviate suffering, without resorting to drugs, or severe local
treatment.
INFLAMMATION is the most common derangement of the uterus; indeed, some
authors claim that it causes or accompanies all other uterine diseases.
Inflammation may affect either the mucous membrane, the cervix or the
fundus, or the entire organ may be involved. When the lining membrane
only is affected, the patient has heat and burning in the pelvis; with
or without pain, and there is a light, glairy discharge which later
may become dark and offensive and often irritating.
Inflammation in the fundus or cervix gives at first a dragging, heavy
pain in the pelvis, extending down the thighs and legs, with heat and
pain in the lower part of the back. It is also attended with swelling
of the organ and more or less discharge.
As the disease progresses there are usually sympathetic or reflex
symptoms. These are heat and pain in the top of the head, aching,
sore pain at the base of the brain, a pain and burning between the
shoulders, which may extend up and down the spine, and to the arms.
Physician and patient both are often deceived, and diagnose this
last symptom as neuralgia or spinal complaint. The patient may have
stricture and pain in the throat, with a dry, nervous cough. She also
is liable to severe attacks of headache, suffers from dyspepsia, and
indeed her symptoms are apt to assume the form of, or resemble any
disease.
Her mental sufferings are even worse than her physical. She has loss
of memory, is fretful and irritable. Carried to the extreme, her mind
becomes unbalanced and insanity results. Statistics show that uterine
disease is a very common cause of insanity in women.
_Ulceration_ is usually found upon the mouth of the womb, or
occasionally on the lining membrane. _The raspberry ulceration_ is the
most common form. This appears like granulation on the eyelids, and is
always preceded and accompanied by inflammation. The surface becomes
red, swollen and then abraded, resulting in ulcers. This is accompanied
by a thick, purulent, yellow discharge, which, as the disease
advances, becomes thin and bloody, with an offensive odor. The pain and
reflex symptoms are much the same as in inflammation.
_Induration_, or thickening and hardening of the cervix is a frequent
sequel of inflammation, especially where caustic treatment has been
used.
_Violations of physical laws_ cause the occurrence of the above named
diseases.
Women take it as a matter of course that the organs of generation
should be diseased, without one thought of their responsibility in the
matter. Physicians, too, as specialists, treat woman much as though she
were a machine to be adjusted at will.
_Errors_ in dress, in diet, want of exercise and the abuse of the
sexual relation are the principal causes of these ailments. The
frequent use of drugs that act directly upon the generative organs
induce and enhance these affections.
There is no doubt that the customary dress of woman, causing such
deformity, and such perversion of all her powers, is the prime factor
in producing ailments peculiar to her sex.
Being unequal in distribution, it leaves the extremities unprotected;
by pressure it restricts digestion, respiration and circulation, while
by its weight it burdens the weakened muscles.
Who has the power to save women from this one sin? Who has the pen or
voice to present the claims of unborn generations? Many women who have
suffered years from uterine diseases have finally recovered by simply
adopting a hygienic dress. One thing is certain; it matters not what
treatment one takes for these ailments, she can not hope to get well
and keep well if she does not remove the restraints of clothing. (See
Chap. VII.)
IN DIET, highly seasoned food, rich pastries, and indeed all food
containing in excess the carbonaceous elements, especially the fats and
sweets, will produce an inflammatory condition. Some irritating cause
locates the affection in certain organs. Constipation also will induce
and aggravate any uterine affection.
The _treatment_ of these disorders should be less local than
constitutional. The whole system must have the best conditions for
health, giving nature a chance to restore harmony in organic powers.
The _tepid sitz-bath_ will be found invaluable in both inflammation
and ulceration of the womb. It should be taken in most cases as often
as every other day, preceded by exercise, and followed by friction and
rest. Half the value of this bath is lost if one fails to lie down
after it. The best time for the bath is in the forenoon, but if, on
account of daily duties, this time is unavailable, there is no special
objection to taking it just before retiring. It is very quieting, and
prevents sleeplessness.
_The thermal bath_ (page 118) is especially desirable if the
circulation seems sluggish, the skin inert, and the patient sensitive
to cold. Take it twice a week.
_Hot vaginal injections_ are found invaluable for these affections.
They should be taken with a fountain syringe, using a large quantity of
water as hot as can be borne. If practicable the patient may recline
over a bed pan. Not having this, she should stand over a vessel,
elevated upon a chair. If the discharge from the womb is offensive, use
carbolic soap in the water.
Glycerine diluted one-third with water and applied by inserting
absorbent cotton or oakum, is excellent to reduce inflammation and
induration. This at first increases the discharge. In severe cases it
can be applied daily, but ordinarily every other day is sufficient.
Some mild remedies like hydrastis or calendula are useful in
stimulating healthy action, and can be used under the direction of the
physician.
_Exercise_ is one of the most valuable therapeutic measures for uterine
affections. If one is quite feeble, applied motion in the form of
Swedish movements, massage or muscle-beating is most desirable. Women
suffering from uterine diseases are unable to take needful exercise
in an erect position. Walking, riding, housework, etc., aggravate the
symptoms, increasing the local irritation and inflammation.
In most women the muscles of the trunk or the abdomen, and the
involuntary muscles of respiration, from lack of proper use, are weak
and atrophied. “They have not been trained to life’s occasions.” The
following exercises, taken in a reclining posture, will serve the
purpose of producing attrition and vigor of muscles, accelerating the
circulation of the blood, and developing the involuntary muscles used
in respiration; at the same time they increase the action of all the
digestive organs, and by a derivative effect remove local inflammation,
besides mechanically correcting mal-positions:
1. Reclining on back, holding knees and shoulders firm, move hips from
side to side ten times.
2. Same position, on spring bed, move hips up and down fifteen times.
This exercise can be taken by one that is weak, as the springs aid the
motion.
3. Flex knees, same as No. 1, twenty times.
4. Flex knees, same as No. 2, twenty times.
5. Flex the knees and sway them from side to side twenty times.
6. Flex the knees and elevate the hips, resting the body on shoulders
and feet. Move slowly up and down ten times, holding to count ten.
7. Elbows flexed to the sides, hands grasped by an assistant and slowly
brought to a horizontal position parallel with the head, patient
resisting. Bring them back to the sides, assistant resisting, ten times.
8. Same, only bring arms to a perpendicular position.
9. Reclining, face downward, flex knees and sway feet from right to
left fifteen times.
10. With the help of an assistant, flex and extend the limbs, using
resistance as in No. 7.
11. Rest on elbows, and sway shoulders from right to left ten times.
12. Elevate the body slowly five times, resting only on toes and
elbows. Hold to count ten.
13. Recline on back and make hand thrusts, with or without weights,
upward, outward, forward and downward.
14. Same position, flex and thrust the limbs downward alternately.
15. Kneel face downward, gradually raise the hips until the whole
weight rests upon the shoulders. Remain in this position for five
minutes. This is invaluable for prolapsus and retroversion, and should
be resorted to several times a day. One may get the position more
readily by sliding off from a bed or lounge head first; relatively,
standing on one’s head.
16. Lie face downward on two stools, 18 to 24 inches apart, resting the
knees upon one and the shoulders upon the other, five minutes.
17. Same position; have an assistant knead the bowels by gentle
pressure with clenched fists five minutes.
18. Same position, elevating hips five times.
The last three are quite severe, but if there is strength to adopt
them, they are valuable in retroversion of the womb.
If there is no pelvic inflammation, and it is required to aid digestion
and develop the muscles of trunk, the following are invaluable:
19. Sit upon a stool, feet firmly upon the floor, hands upon sides,
hips firm; sway body from side to side as far as possible.
20. Same position, hands clasped over the head; sway body backward and
forward.
21. Same position; combine Nos. 19 and 20 in a twisting motion of the
body. The effect of the three last can be varied by holding one or both
hands perpendicularly over the head.
22, 23, 24. Same as 19, 20 and 21, only standing position.
The beneficial effects are increased in the six last by inflating the
lungs.
THE SEVERE CAUSTIC TREATMENT that has been so universal in these
affections is greatly to be deprecated. There are fashions in medicines
as in other things, and the one fashion the last twenty-five years
has been local treatment for diseases of women. In no department of
medical practice has the physician’s prerogative been more abused. For
the slightest ailments the severest applications are often employed.
_Nitrate of silver_, _sulphate of zinc_, _corrosive sublimate_, _tannic
acid_, _nitric acid_, all violent in their action, are in common use.
Physicians are known to resort frequently to the application of a
probe, heated to a white heat, and, what is just as bad, to wet a swab
in fuming nitric acid, and introduce it into the womb. The delicate
mucus membrane is burned and scarified, the patient tortured, and the
nerves receive a severe shock. Patients able to be about are often laid
up for several days by one of these treatments.
One day I met a lady upon the street who had been confined to the house
for two years. I expressed pleasure at seeing her out. She told me that
she could get out because her doctor was absent and her local treatment
suspended. She said: “That always makes me sick in bed three or four
days.”
“What! do you permit such treatment?”
“The doctor says I cannot get well without it.”
She, like many other poor suffering women, was persuaded that all this
torture was necessary to her final recovery.
Physicians are known to keep women under treatment two or three years,
yet frequently, instead of improvement, there is only a constant
decline in health and strength.
The tide is now turning, and both physicians and patients begin to see
that a great wrong has been done. So high an authority as Dr. Gaillard
Thomas says: “Every one who has had experience in the treatment of
these disorders must have been impressed with the wonderful improvement
in cases _which have long resisted local treatment_, resulting from a
sea voyage, a visit to a watering place, a course of sea bathing, or a
few months spent in the country.”
Dr. George T. Elliott says:--“In cases of uterine diseases, the best
success will be attained by securing for patients a life of muscular
activity, so equalizing the circulation. And that thus the local
treatment, now so much in vogue, might commonly be dispensed with.”
“It is easy for a sensitive woman to persuade herself that her
afflictions from the toothache downward, are due to diseases of the
womb. Here comes in the charlatan, to exaggerate the disease, if any,
and to beguile the patient with promises of cure. The speculum, the
caustic and the knife look like work, and she feels that _something is
being done_ for her.
“By and by the bubble bursts, and for all the good that this torture
has accomplished, the poor woman might as well have adopted the
scientific treatment of La-potai, namely, the application of a blister
to the top of the head, to raise the fallen womb.”
Dr. E. R. Peaslee says of local treatments: “They have thus far
produced, on the whole, more evil than good.”
Dr. Taylor, in his valuable little volume, “Health for Women,” assures
us “that by using mere local treatment, the essential disease itself
is left neglected, untouched, and even unsought; that symptoms only
command the attention, and they will subside and become of trifling
account whenever the essential malady is recognized and provided for.”
Such words as these, from men high in the profession, give hope of
a tendency to a reaction from the prevalent dependence on local
treatment. When such men take the back course, and condemn their own
uterine surgery, hope may arise for long-suffering woman. _This local
treatment should be protested against by women._ It is a relic of the
past, and is contrary to science and common sense.
Within the memory of many now living, every patient under treatment for
acute or chronic diseases was bled. He was also tortured by blisters,
leeches and setons. Had he fever, he was denied water to quench his
thirst. How the mother’s heart has been wrung with anguish when her
darling babe, lying sick in her arms, has pleaded again and again for
water? Who has not heard “Drink! mamma, drink!” and turned to hide the
sympathetic tear, for, by the doctor’s orders, the little one must be
denied!
To-day, where is the physician who bleeds his patient, and applies the
blister? Many young doctors have never even seen a leech. Who would
think of denying the fever patient water, and all that he desires? What
has wrought this change? Mainly the protest of the people. Reforms in
medical practice have come because the people have demanded them.
Severe local treatment should be classed with the bleeding and
blistering, and, with them, be relegated to the past. Women must
protest positively and persistently against the burning, probing
and scarifying of the womb. As you value health and life, seek such
measures for restoration as are more in accordance with nature. With
these diseases as with others the simplest measures are the most
effective.
LEUCORRHEA is not a disease, it is only a _symptom_ of uterine
derangement, as a cough is of a lung or throat affection. It is an
increase of the normal mucus secretion, being an effort of nature to
throw off inflammation. As a symptom it need cause no uneasiness, and
should not be interfered with, unless by an occasional warm vaginal
bath to insure cleanliness. The conditions which cause the discharge
being removed, it will give no farther annoyance.
_At all events styptics and astringents_ should not be resorted to.
They only arrest the discharge temporarily, and do not remove the
cause. The general and local treatment for inflammation is usually
sufficient. Remember that as long as the uterine irritation exists one
is better to have this discharge than to have it suppressed.
THE DISPLACEMENTS of the uterus most frequently found are prolapsus,
retroversion and anteversion. Very much the same causes induce these
different deviations. The supporting muscles in the perineum become
weakened, it may be from a lack of exercise, or from the constant
pressure of hardened feces, consequent upon constipation, or sometimes
as the result of long continued inflammation.
The viscera are pressed down from above by the stricture and weight of
clothing. The mobility of the organ renders it susceptible to change of
position under these circumstances.
These conditions must be overcome, or treatment will prove futile. In
most cases the uterus can be readily restored to its natural position.
First remove the pressure from above, and then take the exercises
prescribed on page 267. This will give room for the pelvic viscera, and
strengthen the supporting muscles. Nature’s recuperative powers are
never more remarkably demonstrated.
The prevailing custom of introducing pessaries of rubber, glass,
etc., is to be deprecated. While they may give temporary relief, they
increase the relaxation of the vagina and muscles, besides constantly
drawing the attention of the patient to her ailment.
The connection of mind and thought with pelvic disorders is close,
and is susceptible of becoming permanently fixed upon any organ. The
effect is highly injurious. It must result in increasing this kind of
morbid action, thus fixing and perpetuating the disease. This should
most carefully be guarded against. In every way divert her mind from
the subject. Let her but forget that she has a womb, and she will have
found the best remedy for her affection.
HYSTERIA is only a culmination or exaggeration of the reflex or nervous
symptoms in diseases of the uterus. It is simply temporary insanity,
and should be treated as such. The patient loses self-control, and
gives way to violent paroxysms of laughing or crying, possibly fainting
fits and convulsions.
Some quiet, decisive means will restore her. Inhalation of ammonia,
cold water on the head, a hot foot bath, a full bath, or even a decided
word from a friend readily establishes her balance. The spoken word
must not be given in a combative spirit, but simply with cheerfulness
and decision. Banish fear from your own heart, and agitation from your
manner, and then say to the patient, “Why, you are all right! Listen to
me a moment.” Get her attention, then with tact relate some incident,
or make some startling statement that will change the current of her
thought. To prevent the attacks, treat the uterine affection from which
they arise.
_The mind can rise_ superior to the body in uterine affections, as in
all other bodily ailments, and thus aid in establishing harmony. One
can, by persistent argument with himself, conquer or dispel the thought
of pain or disease. Also, by engaging in some work which calls forth
the highest impulses.
By seeking to ennoble and enrich the lives of others, by ignoring
personal sense and pleasure, the soul, the _ego_, becomes in harmony
with the spirit of the universe, and this harmony should give health of
body, as well as peace of mind.
The body is only a reflection of the spirit, is constantly and entirely
subject to it, and if the spirit rises above error, discord and sin,
dwelling in the realm of truth and love, disease and infirmity of the
flesh cannot exist.
CHAPTER XXII.
CHANGE OF LIFE.
CHANGE OF LIFE is one of the scape-goats of physicians and bugbears
of patients. If any lady from thirty-five to fifty-five years of age
is afflicted with dyspepsia, neuralgia, rheumatism, consumption or
any other ailment, the doctor, not being able to cure her, pronounces
it the meno-pause, or “change of life,” and that time alone can bring
relief. Most women plan and expect to give up from eight to ten years
of the best part of their lives to this climacteric period. They
consider themselves of little account for business or social duties.
They must be petted and nursed, and have every passing whim gratified.
The _meno-pause_ is simply a cessation of ovulation. It is the
exhaustion of the germ-making power. If a woman menstruates because of
the monthly ovulation and deposit, she will cease to menstruate because
ovulation has ceased to be a physiological operation.
At puberty the ovaries enlarge. When fully developed they begin casting
off each month perfected ovula, which are taken up by the fimbriated
extremities of the oviducts and conveyed to the uterus. This function
of the uterus continues on an average thirty-two years. After the
meno-pause begins the ovaries become small and shriveled, resembling a
peach stone in shape and appearance.
“At the same time that the ovaries are undergoing this remarkable
degenerative change, a similar change is taking place in the other
organs of generation. The uterus diminishes in size, as does also the
vagina. The mouth of the womb becomes contracted and after a time
entirely closed. The upper part of the vagina is often contracted
to such a degree as to produce folds closely resembling those which
result from serious inflammation about the uterus. The breasts usually
diminish in size. These changes indicate unmistakably the decline of
the function of reproduction, preparatory to its entire suspension.
“As a rule, the capability of procreation ceases with the cessation
of menstruation; but this is not universally the case. Instances are
on record in which pregnancy has occurred before the appearance of
menstruation. This seeming anomaly is due to the fact that ovulation
and menstruation are really two distinct acts, although usually
coincident.”
Although menstruation usually ceases from the forty-fifth to the
fiftieth year, cases are on record in which “change of life” occurred
at much earlier, as well as later periods. Dr. T. J. Patchen relates
a remarkable case where a girl ceased menstruation at twenty-two,
accompanied by all the physical changes of the organism as well as
attended by the usual symptoms of that period. Cases are recorded where
menstruation continued with regularity until the seventieth year, and
the reproductive function remained unimpaired.
In a state of health the meno-pause should be attended by no unpleasant
symptom, by no change from the normal condition. Ordinarily all the
sufferings and ailments incident to this period can be accounted for
from some ovarian or uterine disease, dyspepsia, or other deviation
from health. Irritation or congestion in the ovaries, more than any
other cause, decides the numerous symptoms of the climacteric. Uterine
inflammation or derangement also causes many of the distressing
ailments of the meno-pause.
_Irregularity_ in menstruation may be looked for about the forty-fourth
year in temperate climates. In the torrid zone, where girls menstruate
as early as the tenth or twelfth year, it may occur much earlier. But
in this country it is often delayed even far beyond the fiftieth year.
There may be occasional absence of the menses, or it may first be
indicated by frequent and profuse menstruation. In rare cases the
menses cease suddenly, without any warning or any special derangement.
Women often feel alarmed at the sudden suspension of this discharge,
but their fears are groundless if all other functions are normal. With
some women the flow is alternately scanty and profuse for months.
The length of time in which these symptoms occur is extremely variable.
It may be only a few months or it may be several years. In extreme
cases the symptoms have continued nearly twenty years. The average
period, however, is about three years.
These changes are accompanied by various pathological symptoms. _Hot
flashes_ or “flushings” are especially peculiar to this period. First
one feels a decided glow or heat, as if suddenly transported to a hot
room; this is soon followed by a perspiration which may terminate in
a chill. They are often accompanied with a sense of suffocation or
violent throbbing. The phenomenon is precisely the same as blushing,
and indeed this may be said to be a sort of pathological blushing.
With some the chill is the precursor of the “hot spell.” The flashes
occur at all times of day, and often one awakens with them in the
night. They may occur but two or three times a day or every ten or
fifteen minutes, making one wretched by their frequency. They are often
the result of some sudden emotion as fright, anger, grief or anxiety.
They are wonderfully the product of thought. By observation the patient
will notice that they are also more frequent after drinking wine, tea
and coffee, or partaking of stimulating food. Sometimes nausea and
vomiting accompany flushings, as well as a feeling of weakness and
_malaise_.
_Profuse perspiration_, sometimes so copious as to saturate the bed
clothing, is also a common symptom of this period. This may follow the
hot flushes or occur independently, but occurs more usually during
sleep. It may accompany mental excitement of any kind.
_Uterine Hemorrhage_, common to the “change of life,” is the only
peculiar symptom which really need cause any special anxiety. This may
occur once a month or at longer intervals, or may be almost constant.
It may become so profuse as to endanger the life of the patient.
Indeed, one is often surprised that life can be sustained under the
great loss of blood that some experience.
The _appetite_ is sometimes capricious and fitful, as during
pregnancy, or at the beginning of menstruation. Frequent derangements
of stomach, liver and kidneys occur.
_Skin diseases_, often accompanying this period, are especially
distressing from being attended with great itching. One also may have
constipation, or diarrhea, swelled limbs or joints, swelled breasts,
headaches, with heat and burning in top of the head or a sore pain at
base of the brain; dizziness, dimness of vision with floating specks
before the eyes, loss of voice and aching at the base of the tongue,
insomnia, strange cravings, difficult breathing, neuralgia, hysteria,
etc.
_Tumors_, _cancers_, _polypi_, etc., are more frequent during the
meno-pause than at any other time of life. If the neck of the womb has
been injured by attempts at abortion or indurations caused by frequent
applications of caustics, conditions are produced that are liable to
result in cancer.
“_The mental symptoms_ are quite as marked and prominent in most
cases as are those which relate to any part of the system. _Loss
of memory_ to a greater or less extent is apt to be first and most
noticeable. Frequently there is an entire and most remarkable change
in disposition. A kind, patient mother, or forbearing, confiding,
exemplary wife, becomes irritable, unreasonable and suspicious.
“Her natural modesty may even give place to wantonness in extreme
cases, and the mother instincts may become so thoroughly obliterated
as to cause an almost uncontrollable desire to take the lives of
her little ones. The once happy woman becomes despondent, moody and
taciturn. She avoids company, has no taste for amusements, and spends
her time in watching the varying symptoms, and bewailing her real and
imaginary woes. In many cases, actual insanity, usually of a temporary
character, is the result of the profound disturbance which the system
undergoes at this time.”
_Constipation_ is not unfrequently attendant upon, and the cause of,
many symptoms of the meno-pause.
GENERAL TREATMENT.--First: Convince yourself that there is no actual
need of any indisposition connected with the “change of life.” Forget
all the traditions and teachings upon this subject, and learn that
_nature creates no pathological conditions_, and that if you live
according to her laws you can by no possible means experience suffering.
_You have no use for these ailments._ If you are possessed of any
stubbornness in your nature, bring it into requisition at this time.
Plant your foot down with emphasis, and say, with one of old, “Get thee
behind me, Satan.”
It is thoroughly proven that mind can control even malignant diseases,
and a woman that has lived until she is forty-five should know enough,
and be strong enough in her mental organization to say to these
symptoms, “I will not be your slave, you cannot dominate my life and
chain my energies.” Do not wait for some doctor to cure you with
bread-pills or placebo powders.
The _physical should be subjective to the mental_, and can be if one
learns the law. The world is only beginning to know how much can be
accomplished for physical health by the controlling power of the mind.
The charge must be laid to physicians that women have made such a
mountain of the meno-pause, and they must undo their work by teaching
that this is only a natural change, and removing it from the category
of diseases.
Before and during this period observe all conditions of hygiene.
Perfect health and vigor is more frequently attainable than women are
apt to believe. The maintaining of a hygienic life by proper dress,
diet, etc., will go far toward causing the “change of life” as a
deranged condition to be unknown.
SLEEP IN ROOMS so thoroughly ventilated that the air will be as pure
and sweet as the out-door atmosphere. If women would increase the
capacity of their lungs and breathe air abundantly charged with oxygen,
four-fifths of their ailments would be prevented. But who has the
wisdom to convince them of this?
THE DRESS AND EXERCISE that increase ability to breathe with the
diaphragm and abdominal muscles do more to prevent and cure diseases
of women, if not all diseases, than all other possible preventives or
medicines. When a mother thinks her rosy nine-year-old daughter is
deformed, and she must begin to put her in stays to change her _horrid_
figure to one that is trim and neat, what can we hope for the daughter
when she takes the responsibility of her own garments? If I could do
the greatest thing to stay degeneracy and disease of the human race
it would be to convince women that lung power more than anything else
contributes to health, longevity and power of endurance. To attain this
a radical change must be made in clothing.
A _sponge bath_ (page 112), upon arising in the morning, taken quickly,
three or four times a week, is valuable during change of life.
Accompany it by friction from the hand, a Turkish towel or flesh brush.
Follow it by a draught of cold or hot water, the latter if there is
dyspepsia.
_A hot sitz-bath_ should be taken in case of inflammation of the
ovaries or uterus. (See page 184.) This may be taken every day for a
week, and then every other day. In case of hemorrhage this bath is
invaluable, and will relieve it when all other means have failed. It
can be taken during the hemorrhage or at frequent intervals between
times.
_Hot or tepid vaginal injections_ are invaluable for controlling
hemorrhage and removing congestion of the uterus. For this it is best
to use a fountain syringe, hung very high so as to get good force to
the water. This measure alone often removes many of the unpleasant
symptoms of the meno-pause.
_Hot fomentations_ may be applied twice a day for pain in the back. The
hot water bottle is the best for this. Should be very hot and continued
thirty or forty minutes, or even longer. If there is pain at base of
the brain or in the pelvic region this same application is invaluable.
The _Thermal bath_ (page 118) taken three times a week will be found
invaluable in all the ailments of the meno-pause.
_Sanguinaria, 2d_, will give temporary relief from hot flashes. Dose,
six pellets every two hours.
_Alcohol_ and aqua-ammonia, equal parts, heated over steam, as hot as
can be borne, and applied with the hand, relieves profuse perspiration.
Or rub the entire surface with very _hot fine salt_. Hot baths will be
found useful for this also.
THE DIET during the change of life should be simple, consisting largely
of fruits and grains, moderate in quantity. These can be prepared in
many palatable and dainty dishes. (See Dietetics.) If one has been
accustomed to high living, to rich and greasy food, composed largely of
the carbonaceous starch, sugar and fat, a change to a simple diet will
work wonders in a short time.
The habit once established for a diet that furnishes the nutriment
demanded for the system, one cannot be induced to return to that which
gorges, stimulates and fattens, but does not nourish. The real relish
and gustatory pleasure found in a fruit and grain diet can never be
appreciated by those who indulge in inconsistent mixtures of stimulants
and disease-producing elements. If there is no appetite, wait for its
bidding; do not coax it by stimulants and appetizers. Rest of the
digestive organs is often the best and surest cure for many diseases.
Let the woman who is a sufferer from hot flushes, dizziness, neuralgia,
etc., give up strong tea and coffee, hot bread, pork, and rich pies
and cake. Eat only what the appetite demands; and until the severest
symptoms are relieved, partake of food not more than twice a day,
and possibly only once. In fasting, if the stomach has a feeling of
_goneness_ or craving, drink a cup of hot water, hot lemonade or thin
gruel, made from wheat, barley or oats. A sense of faintness and the
inability to omit or postpone a single meal is almost a sure indication
of dyspepsia. In hundreds of cases all the symptoms and diseases of
change of life will yield to treatment for this common ailment. (Page
42.)
Look to it that a constipated habit is entirely overcome. Study and
follow the hints in Chap. V., and the cases are rare that torpidity
of the bowels cannot be removed. For any serious illness accompanying
the change of life, a physician should be consulted. In all ordinary
cases, however, one can be relieved entirely and that in a short time
by religiously following the foregoing advice. Nature is kind and heals
all our maladies if we only give her the shadow of an opportunity. In
the climacteric period put yourself in harmony with nature’s laws and
you will have no occasion for the physician’s potions.
CHAPTER XXIII.
DIETETICS.
In what thou eatest and drinkest, seek from thence
Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,
So mayest thou live, till, like ripe fruit, thou drop
Into thy mother’s lap; or be with ease
Gathered, not harshly plucked; for death mature.
--MILTON.
DRINKS FOR THE SICK.
LEMONADE.
Juice of half a lemon, one tea-spoon white sugar, one goblet water.
Grate into it a little peel if desired.
HOT LEMONADE.
Is made the same way, only using hot water. Is good for colds and
biliousness.
ORANGE WHEY.
The juice of one orange to one pint sweet milk. Heat slowly until curds
form, strain and cool. Good drink after confinement.
RENNET WHEY.
One quart milk, almost boiling; two table-spoons prepared rennet or a
piece of rennet which has been soaked in water. Sugar to taste. Stir
the rennet into the milk; let it stand until cool, then strain.
EGG LEMONADE.
White of one egg, one table-spoon pulverized sugar. Juice of one lemon,
one goblet water. Beat together. Very grateful in inflammation of
lungs, stomach or bowels.
GUM ARABIC WATER.
One tea-spoon gum arabic, one goblet cold water, stand until it
dissolves. Flavor with juice of lemon, orange, or any other fruit.
JELLY WATER.
Sour jellies dissolved in water make a pleasant drink for fever
patients.
OATMEAL TEA.
Two table-spoons raw oatmeal to one quart cold water, stand two
hours in a cool place, then drain off as it is wanted. Nourishing in
convalescence, and an unequalled drink for harvesters or moulders.
TOAST WATER.
Toast slowly a thin piece of bread till it is extremely brown and hard,
but not black. Put it in a bowl of cold water, and cover tightly. Let
it stand an hour before using.
SAGO MILK.
Three table-spoons sago, soaked in a cup of cold water one hour; add
three cups boiling milk, sweeten, and flavor to taste. Simmer slowly
half hour, eat warm. Tapioca milk is made in the same way.
FLAXSEED LEMONADE.
Two table-spoons of whole flaxseed to a pint of boiling water; let it
stand until cool, then strain and add the juice of two lemons and two
table-spoons honey. Invaluable for coughs and suppression of urine.
TAMARIND WATER.
One tumbler of tamarinds, one pint cold water. Turn water over
tamarinds and let it stand an hour; strain before using. Currant jelly
or cranberry jelly can be used similarly.--_Mrs. Owens’ Cook Book._
BEEF TEA.
One pound lean beef cut into small pieces, put into a bottle without
a drop of water, cover tightly and set in a pot of cold water; heat
gradually to a boil, and continue boiling steadily for three or four
hours, until the meat is like rags, and the juice all out. Salt to
taste.
Beef tea does not afford as much nutrition as people have been taught.
It is readily taken up by absorption, and is desirable where a mild
stimulant is required. In fevers and inflammations bran or oatmeal
gruel furnish much more desirable nutrition.
BEEF TEA A STIMULANT, AND NOT A FOOD.
Notwithstanding it has been repeatedly shown that beef tea is not a
food, the laity, and to a considerable extent the profession, are
slow to be convinced. That patients fed on beef tea slowly starve is
a fact, which the analysis only too conclusively supports, and which
is sustained by accurate clinical observation. In the _Lancet_ for
October, 1880, p. 562, Mr. G. F. Masterman publishes an analysis, which
shows that beef tea has a chemical composition similar to urine. Beef
tea, most carefully prepared, says Dr. Neale in the _Practitioner_
(November, 1881), does not contain, including alkaline salts, more than
from 1.5 to 2.25 per cent. solid matters, and such matter is mainly
composed of urea, kreatin, kreatinin, isolin and decomposed hematin. As
a stimulant, beef tea may be, and often is, highly serviceable, but as
a means of support during the exhausting drain of a long illness, it
does not compare in nutritive value to milk. Dr. Lauder Brunton raises
the question whether beef tea, a product of muscular waste, may not
under some circumstances be actually poisonous!--_Medical News_.
RICE GRUEL.
Two table-spoons rice, one quart cold water; steep slowly one hour;
strain through a gravy strainer; add a little cream and salt.
GRUEL FROM RICE FLOUR.
Wet one table-spoon flour, stir into boiling water, cook five minutes.
CORN TEA.
Parch common corn until browned through, grind, and pour on boiling
water. Drink with or without cream. Excellent for nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.
WHEAT, OAT OR BARLEY COFFEE.
Brown the grain thoroughly, and grind. Can be mixed if desirable. Take
three table-spoonfuls. Mix with the white of an egg, pour over it one
quart of boiling water. When it comes to a boil, set it on the back
part of the stove and steep slowly fifteen minutes. A nourishing drink
and a good substitute for tea and coffee. When made right is very
palatable.
BRAN GRUEL.
Boil for half an hour one pint of bran of white wheat, in three pints
of water. Strain through a gravy strainer and add a little salt. This
is a good gruel for fevers and inflammations. Makes a good drink by
thinning and adding lemon juice.
CORN MEAL GRUEL.
One table-spoon finely sifted corn meal wet in cold water. Have one
quart boiling water in a gruel pan, dip a spoonful of this thin cold
batter into the water, stir, let it boil up, and then add another
spoonful, and so on until the gruel is of the right consistence. Let it
boil briskly twenty minutes or more. Salt to taste.
GRAHAM GRUEL.
Make like cornmeal gruel. Can be strained or not, as desired.
OATMEAL GRUEL.
Stir two table-spoons of oatmeal in one quart boiling water. If the
meal is coarse, boil one hour and strain through a gravy strainer.
Wheatlet gruel prepared in same manner.
MILK PORRIDGE.
One and a half table-spoons flour, wet to a paste, stirred in a quart
of boiling milk; add a pinch of salt; can substitute rice flour,
oatmeal, arrowroot, corn starch, or the Lockport entire wheat flour.
BAKED MILK.
Put half a gallon of milk in a jar and tie over it writing paper. Let
it stand in a moderate oven eight or ten hours. It will be like cream,
and is good for consumptives and invalids generally.--_Mrs. Owens’ Cook
Book._
HOT MILK.
Take nine parts of milk and one part of water, and heat to 110° F. in
a milk boiler. Sipping this slowly, the saliva combines with the milk,
and this with the added water will prevent coagulation in the stomach;
hence will be taken up at once by the absorbents. This is valuable food
in morning sickness of pregnancy and for nursing women. It is also good
in low fevers and nervous dyspepsia.
The _Medical Record_, speaking of hot milk as a beverage, says: “Milk
heated to much above 100° F. loses for the time a degree of its
sweetness and its density. No one who, fatigued by over-exertion of
body or mind, has ever experienced the reviving influence of a tumbler
of this beverage, heated as hot as it can be sipped, will willingly
forego a resort to it because of its having been rendered somewhat
less acceptable to the palate. The promptness with which its cordial
influence is felt is indeed surprising. Some portion of it seems to be
digested and appropriated almost immediately; and many who now fancy
they need alcoholic stimulants when exhausted by fatigue, will find in
this simple draught an equivalent that shall be abundantly satisfying,
and far more enduring in its effects.”
BUTTERMILK.
Buttermilk, when sweet and fresh from the churn, is nutritious and
wholesome. It contains about 88 per cent. of water, 4 of nitrogenous
food, 3 of sugar, only a trifle of fat, and considerable mineral
matter, by some estimated at over 5 per cent. There is also a small
amount of lactic acid. As a heat producing food, it is poor. There
are many forms of dyspepsia in which it “will set on the stomach”
when hardly anything else will. Often in fevers this organ becomes
rebellious from the effects of large amounts of medicine, and it is
then a serious question how to nourish the patient. In such cases
buttermilk is sometimes found to be the best food that can be given.
In diabetes it may be employed as a chief article of diet to great
advantage. Corpulent people who will not adopt the bread and fruit
regimen and take much exercise, may use buttermilk in preference to
milk. It may be put in clean bottles and canned or sealed, as in
preserving fruit, and kept for a long time. After a little, one becomes
fond of the taste and relishes it. It ought not be allowed to stand
till it is bitter before using.--_Dr. Holbrook._
BUTTERMILK POP.
Put one quart of buttermilk in the milk boiler. When nearly boiling,
add two table-spoons flour which has been rubbed with one tea-spoon of
milk. Stir until boiling. Good in nausea and heartburn of pregnancy.
Also for nervous dyspepsia. I knew one man that lived on buttermilk pop
alone for six months, and cured himself of dyspepsia.
CHICKEN BROTH.
In one quart of water boil the dark meat of half a chicken with a
table-spoon of rice or barley; skim off the fat; use as soon as the
rice is well done. When taken up, add a few narrow strips of bread
toasted--not too brown.
MACARONI SOUP.
Into a quart of boiling water put a handful of macaroni broken into
inch pieces. Let it boil an hour, then add two cups of strained
stewed tomato, and just before serving pour in half a cup of cream. A
delicious soup.
FARINA SOUP.
Add to any kind of soup stock one half cup of farina, the same of
cream, or an egg well beaten, and let it cook gently half an hour
before serving.
TOMATO SOUP.
Put one pint of canned or fresh tomatoes and one quart of water, in
a granite stew pan. When boiling, thicken with three table-spoons of
graham flour mixed with cold water. Add one quart milk and stir until
it boils, this prevents curdling. Season to taste. Can be made in ten
minutes.
PUREE OF SPLIT PEAS.
One cup of split peas. Soak over night. Put on in cold water. Boil two
hours slowly. Put through the colander. Heat in the kettle a cup of
sweet cream, into which has been stirred two large spoonfuls graham
flour, or that of entire wheat, and a pinch of salt. When it thickens,
return the peas to the kettle and stir. Then set back.
LEMON JELLY.
Moisten two table-spoons corn starch, stir into one pint boiling water;
add the juice of two lemons and one-third cup of sugar. Grate in a
little of the rind. Put in moulds to cool.
LEMON GELATINE.
Soak one ounce of gelatine in a quart of water. When dissolved, pour it
in a saucepan and let it come to a boil. Add the juice of three lemons,
a little grated rind, and one cup of sugar. Strain through a thin
cloth, put into moulds, and set on ice to cool.
SAGO JELLY.
Soak five table-spoons sago in half a pint cold water thirty minutes,
then add one cup sugar and two table-spoons lemon juice. Pour over
three cups boiling water; boil the whole in a farina boiler one hour;
pour into moulds; when cold turn out and serve with fruit juice.
SAGO CURRANT JELLY.
Soak in cold water five table-spoons sago one hour; strain off the
water, add half pint currant juice (strained); boil slowly fifteen
minutes, stirring occasionally, then add half a cup sugar. Pour into
moulds; serve the following day without sauce. Cranberries or other
acid fruits can be used. Makes a very tempting dish for an invalid.
NUTRINA OR BRAN JELLY.
1st. Go to the mill _yourself_, and watch the miller while he gives you
clean wheat bran.
2d. Have a kettle of boiling soft water on the stove. Sift with one
hand, stirring briskly all the while with a paddle or wooden spoon,
held in the other, until the mass is about the consistency of a thick
gruel. Let this boil slowly two hours. Place a sieve over the top of
a pan and pour this gruel in it to drain. When well drained place the
pan on the stove and allow it to come to a boil. Mix with cold water
a spoonful or so of sifted graham flour, enough to bring the boiling
gruel to about the consistency of a smooth gravy, or thick gruel.
Dip into moulds--coffee cups are nice for this--and allow to become
cold, when, if right, it will be a trembling, delicate jelly. Perhaps
it will be necessary to experiment a little, as the first trial may not
be entirely successful, but depend upon it, the outcome is well worth
painstaking.
Nutrina accompanied with various sauces makes a welcome dessert. People
who use milk or cream would like nutrina with a cream sauce. Nutrina
can not be too highly recommended, for it suits so wide a range of
conditions.--_Dr. M. Augusta Fairchild._
Nutrina contains the phosphates of the grain, hence it is a valuable
nerve nutritive. Is especially excellent for nursing mothers and
children when first weaned.
CEREALS.
Every table should be abundantly supplied with well-cooked cereals.
Cook in a farina or milk boiler. No housekeeper should be without this
important utensil. Do not soak cereals in cold water over night. All
of them, even rice, are far better to be put to cook in boiling water.
This bursts the starch cells at once, and prevents the raw taste and
stringy, dark look these preparations frequently have. Should not be
stirred while cooking, as it breaks the grains and makes them pasty.
CRACKED OR ROLLED WHEAT.
In two quarts boiling water stir one pint cracked wheat. Half
tea-spoon salt. Use a farina boiler or double kettle, and cook three
hours without stirring. When done, mould in dishes. Eat hot or cold
with fruit sauce or cream and sugar. Excellent in constipation or
biliousness. The rolled wheat is preferable. Not being able to procure
it ready prepared, one can crack wheat in an ordinary coffee mill.
OATMEAL MUSH.
Coarse oatmeal should be cooked like rolled wheat. If desired warm for
breakfast, can be left in a granite or porcelain farina boiler over
night, and heated in a few minutes. Do not soak oatmeal over night, nor
try to cook it sufficiently in the morning. It must never be stirred
while cooking. Fine oatmeal can be made in a mush, like Indian meal,
and be ready for the table in twenty minutes.
INDIAN MEAL MUSH.
Take fine meal of northern corn, a little salt; stir slowly in boiling
water until as thick as can be stirred easily. Stand it on back of the
stove and cook slowly one hour. Is better cooked in a milk boiler.
GRAHAM MUSH.
Stir graham flour in boiling water slowly, until it makes a thick
batter. Set on the back part of the stove ten minutes, then beat two
minutes and turn into the dish. To be eaten with fruit juice or cream
and sugar.
FARINA MUSH.
Stir a half cup of farina slowly into a quart of boiling water; cook
fifteen minutes in a milk boiler without stirring; add one-half cup of
cream just before removing from the fire. Served with stewed fruit or
fruit sauce.
HOMINY.
Mix one cup of hominy with three and a half cups boiling water, a
little salt. Cook in farina boiler four hours. Delicious eaten with
milk with or without sugar.--_Hygienic Cookery._
WHEATLET MUSH.
Use water, or equal parts of milk and water. Salt to taste. Have
_boiling_, _foaming_, _scalding_ hot, then sprinkle into it from the
hand sufficient wheatlet to make a thin pudding.
Keep it boiling hard for five minutes. Then set it back to cook slowly
ten minutes longer.
WHEATLET BLANC MANGE.
Pour wheatlet mush into forms and serve cold.
WHEATLET PUDDING.
Break up cooked wheatlet with a fork, add milk enough to make a thin
pudding; two eggs, currants and raisins to suit. Brown in a moderate
oven.
WHEATLET AND APPLE PUDDING.
Make as cracked wheat pudding, (page 311).
GRANULA.
Take equal parts of graham flour, fine oatmeal and cornmeal, mix to
a batter thick enough to cling to the spoon. Bake in thin cakes in a
quick oven. When baked, break into pieces and dry out thoroughly in a
slow oven until crisp. Then roll with the rolling pin into fine crumbs.
Delicious eaten in milk. Many families prepare it from their cold gems,
bread and corn bread, thus finding an economical use for “dry bread.”
RICE AND APPLE PUDDING.
One quart boiled rice, three pints tart chopped apples, half cup sugar,
put in layers in earthen baking dish, add half cup water, and bake two
hours slowly. Raisins, plums or prunelles can be used to flavor if
desired. Serve warm or cold, with cream.
RICE AND RAISINS.
Three cups boiling water, one cup sweet milk, one cup rice, half cup
raisins. Mix well together. Cook in steamer or farina boiler. Mould and
eat warm or cold, with cream or fruit sauce.
RICE SNOW.
One quart sweet milk, five tablespoonfuls rice flour or corn starch,
one-half cup sugar, whites of four eggs. Boil the milk, stir in the
rice flour moistened, and add the sugar. When cold whip a little at a
time into the eggs, after they are well beaten. Mould and serve with
cream or fruit sauce.
RICE SNOW BALLS.
Two quarts boiling water, one pint boiling milk, two cups rice; cook
two hours in farina boiler without stirring. Mould in small cups, and
serve with boiled custard or fruit sauce.
RICE GRIDDLE CAKES.
Two cups boiled rice, one cup sweet milk, two eggs, one cup sifted
flour. Bake slowly.
RICE OMELET.
Two cups boiled rice, one cup sweet milk, two eggs. Stir together
with egg beater, and put into a hot buttered skillet. Cook slowly ten
minutes, stirring frequently.
RICE AND BERRY PUDDING.
Two cups sweet milk, two cups cold rice, samp or barley; two cups
blueberries, currants, strawberries, seeded cherries or chopped apples;
one-third cup sugar, two eggs--yolks and whites separate. Time, one
hour; slow oven. Soften the cold rice (or other grain) with the milk,
working out all the lumps; then stir in the yolks and sugar beaten
together, and also the well whipped whites. Add the fruit, mixing it
in lightly; pour the batter into a dish, set in a dripping pan of
boiling water, and bake slowly one hour. Serve cold or lukewarm, with
or without a dressing of cream.--_Health in the Household._
BROWNED RICE.
Parch or brown rice slowly; steep in milk for two hours. The rice or
the milk only is excellent in summer complaint.
RICE CREAM.
Thicken a pint of scalding milk with rice flour to the consistency of
cream; sweeten and flavor to taste. Beat the whites of two eggs to a
stiff froth, put a half ounce of gelatine to half pint of cold water;
when well soaked, place over the fire until the gelatine is dissolved;
when cool, beat to a froth with an egg-beater; mix with the egg and
milk.
BOILED RICE.
Put two cups of rice to three pints of boiling water, half teaspoon
salt. Cook in a farina boiler four hours.
RICE.--JAPANESE METHOD.
Only enough water is poured on the rice to prevent burning. Cover
tightly and set over a moderate fire until nearly done. Remove cover
to allow moisture to escape. The rice turns out a mass of snow-white
separate kernels, each burst open like a mealy potato.--_Hygienic
Cookery._
It is far less trouble to cover the dish tightly and cook it in a
steamer.
BREAD.
Bread is the representative of human food, because wheat, of which it
is made, embraces all the elements of nutrition necessary to build
up and sustain every part of the system, keeping it in good working
condition and preserving it unimpaired to ripe old age. It is the only
single article of food upon which man can live after he is weaned,
without danger of impoverishing his system.
Bread to serve the best purposes of nutrition should contain all the
elements of the grain. White bread that holds a popular place as an
article of diet, is greatly deficient in the nitrates or muscle-feeding
elements. The gluten of the grain, in which these are found, is removed
in the bran. Besides, fermentation of flour is at the expense of the
gluten. Consequently to obtain bread that contains all the elements
of nutrition in the right proportion, it must be made from the popular
graham or Lockport entire wheat flour, and not raised with yeast or
chemicals. If raised with yeast, the less number of times it is mixed
the better. The most popular unleavened breads are gems, muffins and
rolls.
GRAHAM GEMS.
Take three cups of entire wheat flour or graham made from white wheat,
two cups of cold water, half cup of milk. A little more wetting may
be needed for graham. Omit salt. Heat gem pans very hot on the top of
the stove, fill them even full with the batter, place on the grate of
a very hot oven. Let them remain ten minutes, then bake thirty minutes
on the bottom of the oven. The “acorn” gem pans are essential. These
are small, round, deep iron pans. Notice, three things are necessary
for good gems: The _best white wheat_ flour, _very hot_ pans and oven,
and the “acorn” gem pans. No beating is required. These conditions
observed, the gems will be as light as sponge cake. They can be eaten
warm or cold, but are best heated over in a quick oven. They make
excellent toast and pudding. I was many years in learning to make good
gems without yeast or soda. This receipt never fails, even with a
“green” cook.
GRAHAM MUFFINS.
Take one pint of new milk, one pint graham or entire wheat flour. Stir
together and add one beaten egg. Can be baked in any kind of gem pans
or muffin rings. Salt must not be used with any bread that is made
light with egg.
UNLEAVENED BREAD.
Mix entire wheat flour with ice cold water, to a stiff dough; knead
for four or five minutes; cut in small pieces and roll into cakes size
of clothes-pins. Bake on wire pan or toaster in hot oven, leaving room
to rise. Very light and sweet. An addition of raisins and hickory nut
meats is much enjoyed.--_Mrs. Purdy._
OATMEAL AND GRAHAM GEMS.
Mix equal parts of graham and fine Irish oatmeal into a thick batter,
with equal parts of milk and water, fill hot gem pans, and bake with a
brisk heat. Very sweet and tender.--_Dr. Holbrook._
WHITE FLOUR GEMS.
Stir briskly into new milk, or milk and water, sufficient flour to
make a batter not too stiff to drop from a spoon--much depends on the
consistency; experiment only will decide. Add the whites of two eggs
whipped to a stiff froth and beat all together thoroughly. A little
cream put in at the last makes the gems more tender. Bake in hot gem
pans in a quick oven.
BROWN GEMS.
Mix with water equal quantities of rye and Indian meal, beat it to a
cream, perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, bake in thin cakes in flat gem
pans.
BEST GRAHAM BISCUITS.
Make as thick a graham mush by stirring the flour into boiling water,
as is possible, then take it from the stove to the moulding board,
knead into it more graham flour, roll about an inch thick, cut into
biscuits, and bake in a hot oven.
LIGHT GRAHAM BISCUITS.
Make the dough of graham yeast bread a trifle stiffer, roll and cut
into biscuits. When light, bake thirty minutes.
DELICIOUS CORN BREAD.
One quart corn meal, partly scalded with one pint boiling water. Add to
this one pint sweet milk, stir to a smooth batter, dip a large cooking
spoonful at a time on your hot griddle in separate cakes, let it stand
to get the lower crust well started, then place the griddle in the hot
oven, on the top grate, and allow the baking to be finished there. The
cake should be a nice brown. About half an hour’s time will be required
for baking.--_Dr. M. A. Fairchild._
OATMEAL CAKE.
Take one pint of fine oatmeal, and warm water enough to stir up a
batter, like griddle cakes. Pour it into a shallow baking pan or
griddle, and bake twenty minutes in a hot oven. Or bake in small cakes
on the griddle, first putting in a handful of wheat flour and a little
more water.
BOSTON BROWN BREAD.
Three cups graham flour, one cup Indian meal, one cup molasses, two
cups sweet milk, one cup sour milk, one teaspoon soda. Steam three
hours and bake two hours.
GRAHAM BREAD.
Soak half a cake of compressed yeast, stir it into one quart warm
water and two quarts graham flour. Put into a deep sheet iron bread
pan which has been well greased. When light bake one hour or more. If
compressed yeast cannot be obtained, use home-made or baker’s yeast.
The dough should be as stiff as can be stirred with a spoon. Make bread
from fine flour of the entire wheat the same way, only a trifle stiffer.
YEAST BREAD FROM WHITE FLOUR.
Make a sponge by boiling one pound of potatoes in two quarts of water;
stir up a pint of sifted flour as for starch, and pour the boiling
water over it, adding the potatoes when well mashed; when cool, add a
cup of yeast, or two ounces dried yeast soaked, and a table-spoon of
salt. Make this the day previous to baking; it will save labor to do it
at the same time you boil potatoes for dinner.
To make the bread, take three quarts sifted flour warmed, and wet with
the sponge, adding no more liquid or salt; knead at least half an hour,
keeping the dough soft and warm; put it in the baking pans, which are
well greased, and when it is light it is ready for the oven. Bake forty
minutes. The dough must be soft and _thoroughly_ kneaded.
This method preserves the gluten.
OATMEAL SNAPS.
Mix one cup sweet cream and three table-spoonfuls sugar; add fine
oatmeal till stiff; knead slightly; roll to the thickness of an eighth
of an inch; cut in shapes; bake crisp in moderate oven.--_Hygienic
Cookery._
GRAHAM FRUIT CRACKERS.
Two-thirds cup sweet cream; one cup dried currants picked and washed,
one-fourth tea-spoonful soda, one-half tea-spoonful cream tartar.
Use equal parts graham and white flour to make a very stiff dough.
Roll out less than an eighth of an inch in thickness. Cover thickly
with the fruit. Lay on another sheet of the dough, pass the rolling
pin over it. Cut in shapes; prick deeply; bake in a moderate oven
thoroughly.--_Hygienic Cookery._
GRAHAM WAFERS.
Take graham flour. Mix with pure cold water. _No salt._ Knead
thoroughly fifteen minutes; roll very thin, about half as thick as soda
crackers; cut in two inch squares and bake quickly. These will keep for
months in a dry place. It makes them crisp to place them in the oven
a few minutes before bringing them to the table. Better if made by a
baker, using the cracker machine. These are the best dyspeptic bread
made, and are soon relished by all who eat them.
GRAHAM CRACKERS.
Take one part cream to four parts milk, mix with flour, as soft as can
be handled; knead twenty minutes; roll very thin; cut square or round,
and bake quickly twenty minutes. Handle carefully while hot; pack away
when cool in a stone jar.
RICE MUFFINS.
One cup of boiled rice, two eggs, two cups of sweet milk, two cups of
flour. Beat well. Bake in gem pans or muffin rings.
BUCKWHEAT CAKES.
One quart of warm water, one quart of buckwheat flour, a cup of bread
sponge, one tea-spoon salt. Make over night, or will rise in three or
four hours in the daytime. Some batter being left will raise cakes the
following day.
Buckwheat contains a large proportion of gluten, and is very desirable
for batter cakes. It has been brought into disrepute for two reasons:
First, sufficient pains has not been taken to cleanse out the smut of
the grain, which is poisonous, producing eruptions, etc. Second, too
much butter and syrup are consumed with the cakes, supplying to the
system a superabundance of carbon. Substitute honey or fruit sauce to
make the cakes relish.
WHEATLET CAKES.
Make like buckwheat cakes. These are delicious, and are destined to
become very popular.
GRIDDLE CAKES FROM “SHORTS.”
Shorts, or middlings, are obtained in grinding wheat, between the fine
flour and bran. These are rich in gluten, and, prepared in the same
way, make cakes equal to buckwheat. Not being able to procure “shorts,”
use graham, wheatlet, or entire wheat flour.
RICE GRIDDLE CAKES.
One cup boiled rice, one egg, one cup sweet milk, one cup water, two
cups of white flour, entire wheat flour or “shorts.”
CORN GRIDDLE CAKES.
Pour boiling water on a pint of corn meal to make a stiff batter; let
it stand over night. In the morning add one cup of graham flour and
one cup of sweet milk. If not light, add a tea-spoon of baking powder;
except in cold weather, the corn will ferment sufficiently to make it
light. Can be baked in gem pans if preferred.
BREAKFAST PATTIES.
Make a thick gruel of equal parts of graham and corn meal. Let it stand
over night. Add sifted graham flour, or flour of the entire wheat,
until the batter is thicker than for batter cakes. Bake as griddle
cakes, giving them plenty of time. If just right, most delicious
breakfast cakes.
MILK TOAST.
Heat six slices of graham or entire wheat bread in the oven; toast an
even brown over coals. Boil one pint of milk and half a cup of cream.
Thicken with one tea-spoon corn-starch; half a tea-spoon salt. Pour
over the toast and serve hot.
GEM TOAST.
Split graham gems, toast the same as the bread, and cover with the same
dressing. This is the best toast made. Is not harmed by standing.
OYSTER TOAST.
Pour stewed oysters over graham gems or bread toasted. An excellent
breakfast dish.
CODFISH TOAST.
Toast graham bread or gems; lay upon a platter and cover with codfish
prepared in milk.
TOMATO TOAST.
Stew one quart tomatoes; season with one tablespoon sugar and half a
teaspoon salt; pour over graham bread or gems toasted.
EGGS ON TOAST.
Soften brown bread toast with hot water, put on a platter and cover
with poached or scrambled eggs.
ASPARAGUS ON TOAST.
Cut the green of one pound of asparagus in one pint hot water. Stew
thirty minutes; add half a cup of cream, a little salt, turn over
graham toast.
RHUBARB TOAST.
Take one pint water, half a cup of sugar; when boiling, put in two
pounds rhubarb cut in small pieces. Stew until done; when cold, pour
over a platter of hot toasted graham bread, having a little butter upon
it. This is an excellent breakfast dish, and as the toast absorbs the
peculiar rhubarb flavor, can be eaten by those who usually dislike it.
Gooseberries, tart apples, peaches and other acid fruits can be
prepared in the same way.
NOTE.--Never use white bread for toast when bread of the unbolted or
entire wheat flour can be had. The latter never becomes doughy, and is
much better flavored, besides being more nutritious.
EGGS AS FOOD.
Eggs, at average prices, are among the cheapest and most nutritious
articles of diet. Like milk, an egg is a complete food in itself,
as is manifested from the fact that from it a chick draws all the
nourishment needed in its development. This is one of the mysteries of
nature that the yolk and white of an egg can contain elements capable
of producing so many and such varied parts as constitute a living fowl.
An egg is easily digested if not damaged in cooking. Indeed, there
is no more concentrated and nourishing food than eggs. The albumen,
oil and saline matter are, as in milk, in the right proportion for
sustaining animal life. Two or three boiled eggs, with the addition of
a slice or two of toast, will make a breakfast sufficient for a man and
good enough for a king.
BOILED EGGS.
An egg should never be boiled. Immersed in boiling water for a few
moments the white part coagulates and becomes hard, and more or less
indigestible. If cooked at a temperature of 165° for fifteen or twenty
minutes the white part coagulates into a tender, delicate, jelly-like
substance, which is not only very digestible but delicious, while at
the same time the yolk becomes sufficiently hard. If placed in boiling
water and set back for ten minutes it will cook to perfection. A little
experience will enable any one to do it successfully.
POACHED EGGS.
In a skillet of salted boiling water, place muffin rings. Drop the egg
in them and let them stand ten minutes without boiling. Remove the
rings, and the eggs will be nicely moulded and evenly cooked.
EGGS POACHED IN MILK.
Take one cup of milk, half a cup of water, when boiling break in six
eggs. Cook slowly and serve on toast. A lady told me she cured herself
of nervous headaches by eating an egg every morning cooked in this way.
The milk prevents the poisonous effect of the sulphur in the egg, and
the nerves get decided nutriment.
SCRAMBLED EGGS.
Beat six eggs and one cup of milk together. Cook in a buttered skillet,
stirring occasionally. Take up before it is quite thickened.
STEAMED EGGS.
Break into egg cups and steam ten minutes.
BAKED EGGS.
Put unbroken eggs in one dripping pan and cover with another the same
size; bake in a quick oven twenty minutes.
EGG OMELET.
Beat the whites of six eggs separately. Beat the yolks with three
table-spoons of milk and one table-spoon of flour; stir the whites in
lightly. Cook in a hot buttered skillet. When the edge is cooked, turn
over carefully. In two minutes more, double together on a hot platter.
Use no salt.
ESCALLOPED EGGS.
Cut light bread in pieces about three inches square and one and a half
inches thick; dip in milk, then scoop out about two-thirds of the
center. Fill with egg prepared as for omelet, and bake in a quick oven.
RAW OYSTERS.
It is an old theory that a raw oyster digests itself. This is owing to
the diastase or glycogen in the liver. A fat oyster is half liver.
Cooking destroys this diastase. So also much vinegar and condiments
make it slow to assimilate. Alcohol also destroys the diastase.
Valuable in nervous dyspepsia, and consequently useful in the early
months of pregnancy.
STEWED OYSTERS.
Take one pint of milk, one cup of water, a tea-spoon of salt; when
boiling, put in one pint of bulk oysters. Stir occasionally and remove
from the stove before it boils. An oyster should not be shriveled in
cooking.
BROILED OYSTERS.
Put large oysters on a wire toaster. Hold over hot coals until heated
through. Serve on toast moistened with cream. Very grateful in
convalescence.
GRAHAM GEM PUDDING.
Take six cold gems, baked the day before, break into small pieces and
pour over them a pint of hot water and half cup of sugar; stir in six
large tart apples, cut in thin slices. Bake two hours. Other fruits are
sometimes used.
CRACKED WHEAT PUDDING.
In a deep two-quart pudding dish put layers of cold, cooked cracked
wheat, and tart apples sliced thin, with four table-spoons sugar.
Raisins can be added if preferred. Fill the dish, having the wheat
last, add cup of cold water. Bake two hours.
FARINA BLANC-MANGE.
Stir into a quart of boiling milk farina enough to make a thin pudding,
then set away to cool. Before the farina is quite cold, stir in the
yolk of one egg and a little sugar, then add the whites of two eggs
whipped to a stiff froth and beat thoroughly. It is more creamy if not
made too thick with farina. Serve cold with fruit or jelly.
RICE PUDDING.
One quart new milk, two table-spoons rice, two table-spoons sugar,
pinch of salt, one tea-spoon lemon extract, or if preferable, half cup
of raisins. Bake three hours in a moderate oven.
For summer it is delicious cold. Better made in a large quantity.
APPLE TAPIOCA PUDDING.
Soak a tea-cup of tapioca in a quart of warm water three hours. Cut in
thin slices six tart apples, stir them lightly with the tapioca, add
half cup sugar. Bake three hours. To be eaten with whipped cream. Good
either warm or cold.
INDIAN FRUIT PUDDING.
One pint cornmeal mush made with water. Add one pint stewed dried
apples, peaches or prunes, one half pint water, one cup sugar. Stir
ingredients well together. Bake five hours.
ORANGE PUDDING.
Pare and slice five large oranges, removing seeds. Lay in a deep dish
and sprinkle with half cup sugar; let them stand two hours. Make
a custard of one pint milk, yolks of three eggs, two table-spoons
corn-starch. When cool, pour over oranges. Beat the whites with two
table-spoons of powdered sugar and place on the top; brown quickly in
the oven.
CORN MUSH PUDDING.
One quart milk, one pint corn mush (page 296), two-thirds cup molasses,
one tea-spoon cinnamon. Bake four hours.
BAKED INDIAN PUDDING.
Boil one quart of milk, stir in seven table-spoons meal. Take from the
stove, add one quart cold milk, one cup molasses, one tea-spoon ground
mace. Bake in an earthen pudding dish five hours. Double the recipe
makes a better pudding, and it is good cold.
MOTHER’S APPLE PUDDING.
One pint rolled bread crumbs; two pints of tart apples, chopped; one
cup seedless raisins, half a cup sugar. Place in layers in an earthen
pudding dish; add one cup water; bake slowly two hours. Requires no
sauce. Peaches, cherries, plums, etc., can be used in place of apples,
and also stewed dried fruits.
HUCKLEBERRY BREAD PUDDING.
Heat one quart milk and pour it over one pint dry graham bread crumbs;
cool; add two beaten yolks, three table-spoons sugar, two well-whipped
whites. Stir in one pint huckleberries, dredged with flour, bake
in a pudding dish, set in a pan of boiling water forty or fifty
minutes.--_Hygienic Cookery._
PLUM PUDDING.
One cup seedless raisins, one cup currants, one quart chopped apples,
one cup sugar, one cup graham flour mixed in a pint of water. Mix all
together, and bake five or six hours.
STRAWBERRY DESSERT.
Place alternate layers of hot cooked cracked wheat and strawberries in
a deep dish; when cold, turn out on platter; cut in slices and serve
with cream and sugar, or strawberry juice. Wet the moulds with cold
water before using. This, moulded in small cups, makes a dainty dish
for the sick. Wheatlet can be used in the same way.
PIES.
A very palatable pie crust can be made of sweet cream and graham or
entire wheat flour. Should be worked soft, made thin, and baked in
a hot oven. Eaten the day it is baked. In a dietetic point of view
there is little objection to this crust. Any acid fruit can be used
for the filling. A crust of fine flour and lard does not make suitable
nutriment for sick or well.
PIE FOR DYSPEPTICS.
Four table-spoons of oatmeal, one pint of water; let stand for a few
hours, or till the meal is swelled. Then add two large apples, pared
and sliced, a little salt, one cup of sugar, one table-spoon flour. Mix
all well together and bake in a buttered dish; makes a most delicious
pie, which can be eaten with safety by the sick or well.--_Dr.
Holbrook._
STRAWBERRY PIE.
Place the under crust upon a deep plate, and the upper one--cut
just the right size--on a flat tin or sheet iron; prick to prevent
blistering, and bake. Fill the deep crust while hot with strawberries,
and cover with the flat crust. If the fruit is rather hard, replace in
the oven till heated; if quite ripe, the crust will steam sufficiently.
Raspberry and blackberry pie can be made in the same way. The flavor
of these delicious berries, when quite ripe, is greatly impaired by
cooking; they are also changed to a mass of little else than seeds and
juice.--_Mrs. Cox’s Hygiene Cook Book._
APPLE PIE CAKE.
Of flour of the entire wheat and cold water, make a batter soft enough
to level itself. If shortening is desired, use sweet cream. Fill a deep
pie-platter a third full of the batter, sprinkle over a little sugar.
Wash, quarter and core tart apples and place as many in the batter
(skin side up) as it will hold. Press down and level with a spoon. Over
the top sprinkle sugar and bake till brown.--_Dr. Holbrook._
CAKE.
Cake is hardly considered a dietetic food. A few recipes, however,
are given that experience has proved good, and may be eaten by
convalescents or invalids at the seaside or in the mountains.
STRAWBERRY SHORT-CAKE.
Bake a short-cake in three thin layers. Then put strawberries between,
having them mashed and sweetened, and on the top layer and all about
the side of a dish, put your finest large berries. This needs no sauce.
We also make a simple pudding, which is well cooked cracked wheat, with
the whole berries stirred in when done, and put in moulds. To be eaten
cold. Rice and corn mushes may be treated in the same way.
But best of all, is strawberries and plain unleavened bread. This
exceeds in wholesomeness, and really in gustatory delight, all the ways
that man has invented to punish strawberries.--_Dr. Fairchild._
The short-cake should be made of cream and graham or entire wheat flour.
GRAHAM CAKE.
One cup sugar, two eggs, half a cup sweet cream, one cup of flour, one
tea-spoon of baking powder. Bake in a deep tin. Adding currants and
chopped raisins and baking in small cake tins makes a nice children’s
cake.
EUREKA SPONGE CAKE.
Four eggs beaten with one and a half cups of sugar, two cups of sifted
flour, baking powder and lemon extract, each one tea-spoon. Beat
thoroughly together, and add three-fourths cup of boiling water. Is
very thin, but makes a delicious and wholesome cake. It is good made
from white or graham flour. Makes a nice layer cake by baking it in
jelly tins.
CORALINE CAKE.
Half a cup of sweet milk, half a cup of rich cream, one cup of sugar,
one egg, two cups graham or entire wheat flour, one tea-spoon baking
powder. Bake in two pie tins. When done split open with a sharp knife,
and fill in with raspberry or strawberry juice that has been thickened
with corn starch or gelatine. By using boiled custard for filling, it
will make what cooks call a French pie.
GRAHAM FRUIT ROLL.
To two and a half cups sifted graham flour add three cups sifted white
flour. Mix with two cups sweet cream, one teaspoon soda and two of
cream tartar. Roll the dough into two oblong sheets about a quarter of
an inch thick. Put layers of fruit between and on them, using one cup
each of chopped raisins and dried currants. Roll closely, pinching the
ends firmly together to secure the fruit. Bake in a moderate oven one
hour.--_Hygienic Cookery._
HUCKLEBERRY CAKE.
Beat together one-half cup butter and two of sugar. Then add one cup
of sweet milk, three of flour and four eggs. One tea-spoon of soda
dissolved in a little hot water. Add last one quart ripe berries.
FRUIT SAUCE.
Boil the juice of any acid fruit, adding an equal part of water. To
one pint put one table-spoon of sugar and one tea-spoon corn starch.
This makes a clear juice about the consistence of syrup, and is very
desirable to eat with wheat, mush, gems, griddle cakes and plain
puddings. Jellies and jams can be made into fruit sauce by adding four
parts of water, and thickening. Will not require sugar. These are
valuable sauces for invalids and children. Once learning how delicious
they are, persons in health will demand them. In many of the small
fruits the seeds are very objectionable. This method of using the
fruits obviates that.
PEACHES A LA STRAWBERRY.
Ripe peaches cut in small pieces, with soft, mild eating apples in the
proportion of three peaches to one apple, mixed with sugar, and left to
stand two or three hours, makes excellent mock strawberries. _Kansas
Home Cook Book._
BAKED APPLES.
Pare tart apples; core with a corer or small knife. Place them in pans
and fill cavities with sugar. Bake in a _slow_ oven until tender. If
sweet apples are used, it is better not to pare; sugar not needed.
APPLE SNOW.
Take apples, not very sweet ones, and bake till soft and brown. Then
remove the skins and cores; when cool, beat them smooth and fine; add
half cup of granulated sugar and the white of one egg. Beat till the
mixture will hold on your spoon. Serve with soft custard.--_V. Mills._
BAKED PEARS.
Take a stone jar, and fill it with alternate layers of pears (without
paring) and a little sugar, until the jar is full, then pour in
as much water as the jar will hold. Bake in a moderate oven three
hours.--_Kansas Home Cook Book._
BAKED PIE-PLANT.
Cut two pounds of pie-plant into a pudding dish, sprinkle over it half
a cup of sugar and half a cup of rolled bread crumbs or granula. Add
water until the pie-plant is two-thirds covered. Bake in a quick oven,
thirty or forty minutes. This method of preparing pie-plant removes the
medicinal taste, and makes an acceptable spring dish.
FRUIT BLANC-MANGE.
One quart of juice of strawberries, cherries, grapes or other juicy
fruit; one cup water. When boiling, add two table-spoonfuls sugar,
and four table-spoonfuls corn-starch wet in cold water; let boil five
or six minutes, then mould in small cups. Serve without sauce, or
with cream or boiled custard. Lemon juice can be used the same, only
requiring more water. This is a very valuable dish for convalescents
and pregnant women, where the stomach rejects solid food.
FRUIT ICE.
Apples, pears, quinces, or any fruit grated fine, sweetened to
taste, and frozen is delicious. May be taken where there is fever or
inflammation.
GRAVY FOR CHILDREN.
Stir a heaping table-spoon of whole wheat flour smoothly in half cup
cold milk. When a pint of milk boils, stir the above in slowly; add a
half tea-spoon salt. To prevent burning, melt a little butter in the
spider before pouring in the milk. It is more nutritious and wholesome
than meat gravy.
MACARONI, STEWED.
Cover half pound of macaroni with plenty of boiling water and stew
slowly two hours, without stirring. Before taking up, season with salt
and cream.
MACARONI, BAKED.
Break in small pieces half a pound of macaroni; mix with a half cup
shavings of cheese and a half tea-spoon salt. Put into a baking dish,
cover with boiling milk or water, and bake two hours in a moderate
oven. If cheese is not relished, use bread-crumbs and cream instead.
CRACKER OMELET.
Break one quart of oyster crackers in small pieces; pour over them one
pint of hot milk, with half tea-spoon salt. Stir in three eggs well
beaten and put into a hot buttered skillet. Cook slowly ten minutes,
stirring frequently.
TOMATOES WITH CORN.
Cook the tomatoes half an hour; then add one-third as much green
corn, cut from the ear. Stew slowly for half an hour, stirring
occasionally.--_Hygienic Cookery._
SCALLOPED TOMATOES.
Place in a pudding dish alternate layers of tomatoes and bread crumbs,
or thin slices of toast, letting the topmost layer be tomatoes. Add a
little salt. Bake slowly, covered an hour or more; uncover and brown
ten minutes.
A FAMILIAR LETTER
TO THE READER FROM THE AUTHOR.
In presenting a revised edition of _Tokology_, the author takes the
liberty of responding to inquiries upon different subjects of vital
importance.
“Can a law be given for regulating the sex of offspring?” This
is a subject which has elicited much study and discussion among
physiologists. Various theories have received the support of
investigators.
Dr. Sixt, a German physician, asserts that the right testicle and the
right ovary secrete the male principle, and the left the female, and
that in coition the sperm is injected from one testicle only. He claims
that experiments upon animals prove his theory; that whenever the left
testicle is removed, the animal begets males only, and when the right
one is wanting, females.
Mrs. Duffey, in mentioning this theory, very shrewdly adds: “He does
not, however, tell us what would be the result if the germ and the
sperm should proceed, the one from the right ovary and the other from
the left testicle.”
The fact also remains that a man who has been deprived of one testicle
has become the father of children of both sexes. Also, that a woman
having lost one ovary has conceived and brought forth both sons and
daughters.
Prof. Thury, of Geneva, gives the following theory: That if
impregnation takes place immediately or very soon after menstruation,
the child will be a female; but if not till some days later, the child
will be a male.
This theory is pretty generally depended upon by stock breeders,
who claim that _early_ union after _heat_ produces _females_, while
the _late_ produces _males_. Yet Darwin affirms that the results of
experiments have gone far to disprove Thury’s theory.
Girou, a French scientist, as well as some French and German
physiologists, claims that experiments show that if the male is older
and stronger than the female, the offspring will be more largely males,
and _vice versa_.
_Samuel Hough Terry_ gives as a tested and proved theory that if the
wife is in a higher state of sexual vigor and excitement at the time of
conception, boys will be conceived; but if the reverse is true, girls
will be the result.
A study of these various theories confirms our doubts as to whether
the true law has as yet been discovered. If, as I believe, sex is in
the soul, then the sex of offspring must be determined by a law of the
soul. So far human knowledge has not arrived in its investigations at
sufficient data for understanding that law.
The probabilities are that it will eventually be proven that the parent
whose mental forces previous to, and at the time of conception, are
most active and vigorous, controls the sex of the child.
Facts proving any of the above theories are solicited.
The _desirability and practicability of limiting offspring_ are the
subject of frequent inquiry. Fewer and better children are desired by
right minded parents. Many men and women, wise in other things of the
world, permit generation as a chance result of copulation, without
thought of physical or mental conditions to be transmitted to the
child. Coition, the one important act of all others, carrying with it
the most vital results, is usually committed for selfish gratification.
Many a drunkard owes his life-long appetite for alcohol to the
fact that the inception of his life could be traced to a night of
dissipation on the part of his father. Physical degeneracy and mental
derangements are too often caused by the parents producing offspring
while laboring under great mental strain or bodily fatigue. Drunkenness
and licentiousness are frequently the heritage of posterity.
Future generations demand that such results be averted by better
pre-natal influences. The world is groaning under the curse of chance
parenthood. It is due to posterity that procreation be brought under
the control of reason and conscience.
It has been feared that a knowledge of means to prevent conception
would, if generally diffused, be abused by women; that they would to so
great an extent escape motherhood, as to bring about social disaster.
This fear is not well founded. The maternal instinct is inherent and
sovereign in woman. Even the pre-natal influences of a murderous intent
on the part of parents scarcely ever eradicate it.
With this natural desire for children, we believe few women would
abuse the knowledge or privilege of controlling conception. Although
women shrink from forced maternity, and from the bearing of children
under the great burden of suffering, as well as other adverse
conditions, it is rare to find a woman who is not greatly disappointed
if she does not, some time in her life, wear the crown of motherhood.
An eminent lady teacher, in talking to her pupils, once said: “The
greatest calamity that can befall a woman is never to have a child.
The next greatest calamity is to have one only.” From my professional
experience I am happy to testify that more women seek to overcome
causes of sterility than to obtain knowledge of limiting the size of
the family, or means to destroy the embryo. Also, if consultation for
the latter purpose is sought, it is usually at the instigation of the
husband.
Believing in the rights of unborn children, and in the maternal
instinct, I am consequently convinced that no knowledge should be
withheld that will secure proper conditions for the best parenthood.
Many of our advanced physiologists and philanthropists teach that the
law of continence should be the law to govern married people in the
sexual relation. (See page 157.) However, if a woman is not convinced
of the truth of this theory, or is practically unable to accord her
life to it, we would suggest to her the study of the physiological laws
of ovulation.
Conception can take place any time after ovulation until the ovum
passes from the uterus. The time of viability is from two to fourteen
days. The balance of the month conception cannot ordinarily take place.
Sterile women desiring offspring should seek sexual union soon after
the appearance of the menses. Those not desiring offspring should avoid
copulation until the ovum has passed the generative tract.
Married people, in normal health, temperate in the sexual relation,
desirous of controlling the size of their family, can usually depend
upon this law.
Can conception possibly take place after sufficient time has elapsed
for the ovum to have left the uterus? Dr. Cowan says: “Sexual
excitement hastens the premature ripening and meeting of the germ-cell
with the sperm-cell, and impregnation may result, although intercourse
occurs only in the specified two weeks’ absence of the egg from the
uterus.”
Possibly this may be the case under some circumstances, such as
diseased conditions, or after long separation of husband and wife.
It is, however, of rare occurrence, where one’s life is governed by
moderation, and the act is mutual.
Many of the means used to prevent conception are injurious, and often
lay the foundation for a train of physical ailments. Probably no one
means is more serious in its results than the practice of withdrawal,
or the discharge of the semen externally to the vagina.
The act is incomplete and unnatural, and is followed by results similar
to and as disastrous as those consequent upon masturbation. In the male
it may result in impotence, in the female in sterility. In both sexes
many nervous symptoms are produced, such as headache, defective vision,
dyspepsia, insomnia, loss of memory, etc. Very many cases of uterine
diseases can be attributed solely to this practice.
The objection to the use of the syringe is that if the sperm has passed
into the uterus the fluid cannot reach it. A cold fluid may in some
instances produce contractions to throw it off, but cannot be relied
upon. Drugs that are used to destroy the germ are usually injurious,
and cannot accomplish the purpose beyond the vagina.
A theory has been advanced that conception is under the control of the
woman’s will; that by avoiding the last thrill of passion herself,
during coition, she can prevent the ovules being displaced to meet
the male germs. This is, however, inconsistent with the teaching that
ovulation is coincident with menstruation.
By some also a theory called sedular absorption is advanced. In this,
intercourse is had without culmination. No discharge is allowed. People
practicing this method claim the highest possible enjoyment, no loss of
vitality, and perfect control of the fecundating power.
When men and women learn that the procreative function is the highest
function of their nature, and consequently that passion instead of
dominating their lives should be under the reign of reason, then may we
hope for a wiser, happier and purer race of beings. Wiser parenthood
and intelligent generation is the surest regeneration.
In answer to inquiries for knowledge upon pre-natal culture, we refer
to A. E. Newton’s estimable work upon this subject. At first we were
jealous that such a needed work was not written by a woman, but we have
become thankful that that man lives whose heart is in sympathy with the
needs of the race, and was inspired to give us such words of wisdom.
He teaches us that we may take the crude metal, fashion and burnish it
into a thing of beauty.
He directs the attention especially to the truth that the father’s
responsibility to the child is equal to the mother’s. That his life
must be pure, his appetites subservient, and his soul filled with high
aspirations. To attain to such a life he must avoid stimulating food
and drink, as well as tobacco.
Few realize the ill effects of the latter, especially upon the
pregnant woman, the fetus and the infant. In the mother the sick
headaches, nausea, and many nervous ailments of pregnancy are directly
attributable to the effect of tobacco smoke which she must inhale.
The child _in utero_ and in the cradle, is also poisoned by it. Chorea,
paralysis, heart disease, convulsions, and many other maladies are the
result of the father’s tobacco habit.
TESTIMONIALS.
Many testimonials have been received from people who have derived
benefit from following the teachings of _Tokology_. By permission a
few extracts are taken from letters which are only similar to hundreds
received, giving wonderful proof of the efficacy of its teachings. In
some families the work is used as a reference book, while others loan
it to friends and neighbors, keeping it on its mission of health and
happiness. Frequently the writer says: “I would not take $10 for my
copy if I could not procure another.”
One writes: “It has been such a comfort to prepare dainty and
palatable dishes for an invalid mother from the recipes in dietetics.
It is a great gratification to her that she can have even pies and
puddings that can do her no possible harm.”
Mrs. W., of Forest City, says: “I have depended on _Tokology_ for
knowledge in bringing up my twin babies. Have taken them through
attacks of croup and summer complaint, and have never called a doctor.”
Mr. J. C. A., of Henderson, Ky., says: “I have been afflicted
twenty-five years with constipation, and rejoice to say I am entirely
relieved by following the diet and exercises recommended in _Tokology_.
I wish every one knew the value of these simple measures.”
Mrs. E. J. McElwain, of Michigan, says: “A friend of mine, advanced to
the seventh month of pregnancy, bought _Tokology_. She lived entirely
by the instructions contained therein. Last Monday was confined. The
child was born before the doctor or any one could get there. She is
a true woman, and desires every woman to have the benefit of her
experience.” This is only one of many similar testimonials.
Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago, says: “I consider _Tokology_ _the very best
book_ that can be put into the hands of a girl or young wife.”
MY DEAR DR. STOCKHAM:--I have had three children, and in the delivery
of each have suffered comparatively no pain. With the two first the
physician was not in the house ten minutes before the birth of the
child, while the last was born half an hour before his arrival,
although he made all possible haste. I had never heard anything in
regard to painless childbirth. I never was strong, and being over
thirty before my first child was born, it was a mystery to myself
and friends why I should have such easy labors. Several months ago I
read _Tokology_, and then I understood it, for accidentally I have
lived according to its teachings. My diet was entirely of fruits and
grains. Meats I had a positive dislike for, and never ate them. Lemons
I craved, and would eat three or four a day, also all kinds of fruits.
Pastries I cared nothing for, living on rice, oatmeal, etc., and the
result was, as you teach, a painless child-birth. One of my friends,
Mrs. M. H., of Springfield, Ohio, in her first confinement, which was
severe and prolonged, came near losing her life, with that of her
babe. The cervix and perineum were lacerated, and her confinement was
followed by inflammation and prolonged prostration. Her physician said
she probably could not again become pregnant; if she did she would
surely die. This was five years ago. Last spring she again conceived,
and was very despondent, fearing the worst. When I heard of it I sent
her _Tokology_. Hopefully she began following its teachings. She was
amply repaid by being safely delivered, comparatively without pain,
and having no subsequent illness, in her own language, “feeling so
well, it seemed an absurdity to remain in bed.” I have known several
others who have followed _Tokology_, and in each case it has proved
equally successful. How I wish that every pregnant woman could have
this grand work. I know then that the agony so many women endure would
be prevented.
MRS. S. A. GOFF, _Lincoln, Kan._
DEAR DOCTOR:--I am astonished at the benefits derived from _Tokology_.
I had the book only a few weeks before confinement; when I procured
it my feet were so bloated I could scarcely walk across the room. I
followed the advice in the book faithfully, and in a short time got
so smart I could do my work with ease. The night before confinement I
walked two miles and came home, feeling well. I got up in the morning
and gathered up my clothes for washing, but soon found I had other
business on hand. At 10 o’clock A. M. I had a nice little daughter;
was sick only one hour, and no very hard pain. Always before, my
sickness at such times had been long and severe; have lain unconscious
for hours. My recovery, too, from previous labors, has been very
lingering. This time in five days I was dressed and stood upon my
feet; in two weeks was able to take care of my child, and do much
besides. No money could buy my book from me. I most cheerfully give my
experience for the benefit of others.
MRS. MAGGIE MEAD,
_Friend, Neb._
TO DOCTOR STOCKHAM, whom I call my best friend:--When about three
months advanced in pregnancy I bought _Tokology_. My health was very
poor; I was a constant sufferer. My children had all been weak and
puny, and died when from three to six months old. With the last I
lost my own health; many said I would not live to have another child.
I have followed the directions of _Tokology_ to the letter. From the
first my health improved, and I had a comfortable confinement. The
contrast to the previous labors was as day is to night. I can truly
say I owe my life to _Tokology_. Could I not get another, I would not
take $100 for it. I wish every woman knew the value of the work as I
do.
MRS. A. R. STEWART,
_St. Paul, Minn._
MY DEAR MISS STOCKHAM:--In presenting me your mother’s book, you add
another one to your many kind and thoughtful deeds, which will aid
me wonderfully in my mission as wife and mother. _Tokology_ contains
a wealth of enlightenment calculated to promote all that is pure and
noble. You and your mother are truly great philanthropists.
MARIE F. BORNEFELD,
_Galveston, Tex._
DEAR DR. STOCKHAM:--My delivery was the shortest and easiest I
ever had. The Lord was good to me in giving me what I needed.
_Tokology_ proved a great blessing, as my health improved all the
time. I have a fine little girl, who is perfectly healthy. I can,
with good conscience, recommend _Tokology_. My sister officiated as
midwife by the instructions in the book, though previously entirely
inexperienced, and did well. How can any one help understanding your
plain directions? I feel very grateful that _Tokology_ ever came into
my hands. Some of the suggestions are invaluable. Bathing the babe in
sweet oil worked like a charm. “Not tying the cord,” of which some
were fearful, worked nicely. I thank the Lord for giving you the power
to write such a valuable book.
MRS. L. A. SHERMAN,
_Litchfield, Ill._
MY DEAR MRS. TALBOT:--Your invaluable gift, _Tokology_, reached me
Christmas morning. I was in bed, suffering intensely from uterine
disease. I eagerly grasped the book and read as I never did before.
Many times I have said that God had shown no consideration for
_frail_, _delicate_ women; that bearing children was a _blight_ to
womanhood and a _curse_ to the marriage vow. Why was this? My heart
has been in one life-long rebellion. I could not be resigned to
the agony endured by wives and mothers. I knew there was something
terribly wrong. _Tokology_ has solved the problem for me. You cannot
imagine how happy it has made me. Already I begin to feel the joy of
returning health. I want all my friends and neighbors to have the
book. My parents and sisters must read it. I can never tell what a
blessing your gift has bestowed on me and _us_. I thank you a thousand
times.
S. L. PIGGOTT,
_Shreveport, La._