Chapter XX: Part VII: The Change of Life (12)

In rather more than one out of every four cases the change of life is either ushered in or accompanied by considerable flooding. When this occurs at the regular period, and is not in sufficient quantity to cause debility, and is not associated with much pain, it need not give rise to any alarm. It is an effort of nature to relieve the impending plethora of the system, to drain away the excessive amount of blood which would otherwise accumulate by the cessation of the flow. When it is remembered that every month, for some thirty years of life, the woman of forty-five has been moderately bled, we need not wonder that suddenly to break off this long habit would bring about a plethora, which would in turn be the source of manifold inconveniences to the whole system. Therefore this flooding may be regarded as a wise act of nature, and, as such, allowed to take its course so long as it is not attended with the symptoms mentioned above. When this is the case, however, the doctor should be consulted, as then the bleeding may be from inflammation or ulceration, or even from that dreaded foe to life, cancer.

Instead of finding this exit, the blood occasionally is thrown off by bleeding at the nose, or is spat up from the lungs, or is passed from bleeding piles. Due caution must be used about stopping such discharges too promptly. Rest, cool drinks, and the application of cold to the parts, are generally all that is needed.

We have just spoken of cancer. This is a subject of terror to many women, and their fears are often increased and deliberately played upon by base knaves who journey about the country calling themselves 'cancer doctors,' and professing to have some secret remedy with which they work infallible cures. It should be generally known that all such pretensions are false. It is often a matter of no little difficulty, requiring an experienced eye, to pronounce positively whether a tumour or ulcer is cancerous. These charlatans have no such ability; but they pronounce every sore they see a cancer, and all their pretended cures are of innocent, non-malignant disorders. Cancers are more apt to develope themselves at this period. Their seat is most frequently in the womb or the breast, and they are said to be especially liable to arise in those women who have suffered several abortions or unnatural labours. Undoubtedly they are more frequent in the married than the unmarried, and they evidently bear some relation to the amount of disturbance which the system has suffered during childbirth, and the grief and mental pain experienced. For this reason a celebrated teacher of obstetrics insists upon classing them among nervous diseases. The surgeon alone can cure them, and he but rarely. Medicine is of no avail, however long and painstaking have been its searches in this direction. A touching story is related in this connection of Raymond Sully, the celebrated philosopher. When a young man, he was deeply impressed with the beauty of a lady, and repeatedly urged his suit, which she as persistently repelled, though it was evident she loved him. One day, when he insisted with more than usual fervor that she should explain her mysterious hesitation, she drew aside the folds of her dress and exposed her breast, partly destroyed by a cancer. Shocked and horrified, but unmoved in his affection, he rushed to the physicians and demanded their aid. They replied they could give none. He determined to find a cure, if he had to seek in all parts of the earth. He visited the learned doctors of Africa and Asia, and learned many wonderful things--even, it was said, the composition of the philosopher's stone itself; but what he did not find, and what has never yet been found, was what he went forth to seek--a cure for cancer.

At this time, too, tumors or swellings of the ovaries are apt to commence. They are nearly always preceded by scanty or painful menstruation; and this, therefore, it is the duty of every woman, as she values the preservation of her future health, to remedy by every means in her power.

Generally, from the commencement of the change of life commences also a steady diminution of the sexual passions, and soon after this period they quite disappear. Sometimes, however, the reverse takes place, and the sensations increase in intensity, occasionally exceeding what they even were before. This should be regarded with alarm. It is contrary to the design of nature, and can but mean that something is wrong. Deep-seated disease of the uterus or ovaries is likely to be present, or an unnatural nervous excitability is there, which, if indulged, will bring about dangerous consequences. Gratification, therefore, should be temperate, and at rare intervals, or wholly denied.

PRECAUTIONS AND REMEDIES.

To guard against the dangers of this epoch, those general rules of health which we have throughout insisted upon should be rigidly observed. If during the whole of her sexual life the woman has been diligent in observing the laws of health, she has little to fear at this period. Some simple remedies will suffice to allay the disagreeable symptoms; and the knowledge that most of them are temporary, common to her sex, and not significant of any peculiar malady, will aid her in opposing their attacks on her peace of mind. When plethora, flooding, or congestion is apparent, the food should be light, chiefly vegetable, and moderate in quantity. Liquors, wines, strong tea, coffee, and chocolate should be avoided; an occasional purgative or a glass of some laxative mineral water should be taken, and cool bathing regularly observed. Exercise should be indulged in with caution, and care taken to avoid excitement, severe mental or bodily effort, and exhaustion. If the system is debilitated, and the danger is rather from a want of blood than too much blood, nourishing food, tonic medicines, and perhaps some stimulant, are called for. When the perspiration is excessive, flannel should be worn next the skin in the daytime, and a flannel night-dress at night. A tepid bath before retiring is also useful. The 'goneness' and other unpleasant sensations referred to the pit of the stomach may be much relieved by wearing a well-made spice-plaster over the stomach, or binding there a bag of gum camphor; or if these fail, an opium plaster will hardly fail to be of service. Internally, we think, nothing at all is needed; but as something must be taken, let it not be spirits or wine, but half a tea-spoonful of aromatic spirits of ammonia in a few table-spoonfuls of water. There is too much of a tendency among some women to seek alleviation in intoxicating compounds, 'bitters,' 'tonics,' and so forth, at such times. They can only result in injury, and should be shunned. The pains in the back and loins often experienced, can generally be removed by rubbing the parts with hot mustard-water and taking a gentle purgative, or by placing against the lower part of the spine a hot brick wrapped in a flannel cloth wrung out in warm water or laudanum and water.

Once safely through this critical period, the woman has a better chance for long life and a green old age than the man of equal years. Tables of human life show this conclusively. With the sweet consciousness of duty performed, she is now prepared to assist others by intelligent advice, cheerful counsel, and tender offices; she can now surround herself with that saintly halo of kind words and good works which wins a worthier love than passion offers; and, passing onward to the silence of eternal rest, she will leave in the memory of all who knew her, pleasant impressions and affectionate reminiscences.

NOTES.

P. 20. HERMAPHRODITES AND ASEXUALISM.--Rokitansky decides Hohmann to be a case of _hermaphrodita vera lateralis_, and all who examine her say the same. See _Wiener Medicin. Wochenschrift_, October, 1868, and the _Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 487. A marked case of asexualism, proven so by a _post mortem_ examination, is reported in the _Buffalo Medical and Surgical Journal_ for April, 1869, p. 338; and another in the _Medical Times and Gazette_ of about the same date. We might refer to many more recent and authentic cases.

P. 25. AGE OF PUBERTY.--See case by Dr. T. H. Twiner, in the _Richmond and Louisville Medical Journal_, March, 1869, Raciborski, _De la Menstruation et de l'Age Critique chez la Femme_, p. 130. The quotation (p. 26) is from Dr. Edward Smith, _Cyclical Changes in Health and Disease_,--a profound work. Raciborski is the principal authority for this and the following section. Our own inquiries fully confirm his statements.

P. 32. INFLUENCE OF THE MOON ON MENSTRUATION.--On this question, see the researches of M. Parchappe, _Comptes Rendus de l'Académie des Sciences_, tom. xvi. p. 550. See also Dr. Shrye, _Tractatus de Fluxu Menstruo_, in the _Acta Lipsiensia_ for 1686, p. 111; Dr. W. Charleton, _Inquisitio Physica de Causis Catameniorum_, p. 78; and Galen, _De Diebus Decretoriis_, lib. iii., for other curious particulars.

P. 37. CHLOROSIS.--For the pathology of this disease, see Dr. Gaillard Thomas, _Diseases of Women_, p. 625, and Dr. C. H. Bauer, in the _Weiner Medicin. Zeitung_, No. 33, 1868. Occasionally the change at puberty leads to an affection very closely resembling typhoid fever, but which is strictly due to the sexual crisis; and often goitre commences at this period. See a review of Raciborski, in the _Bulletin de Therapeutique_, June, 1869.

P. 39. MASTURBATION IN GIRLS.--See Miss Catherine E. Beecher, _Letters to the People on Health and Happiness_, p. 159. The late medical literature on the subject is abundant. See _Ueber die Behandlung der Masturbation bei kleinen Mädchen, Journal jür Kinderkrankheiten_, Bd. li. p. 360; H. R. Storer, _Western Journal of Medicine_, July, 1868; and _Journal of the Gynecological Society_, vol. i. No. 1.

Pp. 50, 51. PREMATURE MARRIAGES.--See Dr. Duncan, _Fecundity, Fertility_, etc., p. 241; Reich, _Natur und Gesundheitslehre des Ehelichen Lebens_, p. 518.

P. 56. HOLY LOVE.--The distinction between [Greek: haghapê] and [Greek: irhôhê] is too familiar to all scholars to need extended mention. See Trench, _Synonyms of the New Testament, sub voce._

Pp. 57, 58. SINGLE LIFE IN ITS RELATION TO SANITY AND MORTALITY.--The extraordinary statements in the text are vouched for by Dr. Casper, _Medicinische Statistik_, vol. ii. p. 164, and Dr. Reich, _Geschichte, Natur, und Gesundheitslehre des Ehelichen Lebens_, pp. 510, 511. We have compared the reports of a number of asylums for the insane, and find the proportions very nearly as great as stated by these authorities.

P. 70. INTERMARRIAGE OF RELATIVES.--The view we advocate on this point, we know, is neither the received nor the popular one. In the middle ages it was forbidden to intermarry within the seventh degree of consanguinity; but this and all other regulations were based on theological and political, not physiological, grounds. Among others, Dr. Nathan Allen has insisted on the danger of consanguineous marriages (_Journal of Psychological Medicine_, Volume ii). But other very careful and recent students adopt the view of our text: for instance, Dr. F. J. Behrend, _Journal für Kinderkrankheiten_, December, 1868, p. 316; Dr. A. Voisin, in the reports of the _Paris Académie de Médecin_,1864, 1865, and 1868; and Dr. H. Gaillard, in the last edition (1868) of the _Dictionnaire de Médecine et de Chirurgie Pratique_. All the statements in the text are supported with incontrovertible evidence by these writers. If we are asked how to meet the seemingly alarming array of allegations by Dr. Bemiss, the Kentucky physician referred to in the _Transactions of the American Medical Association_ for 1859, we would refer to Dr. Behrend's articles, where the researches of Bemiss are severely criticised. For Dr. Edward Smith's assertion, see his _Essay on Consumption_, p. 244 (Philadelphia, 1865).

P. 80. COMMUNICATION OF VENEREAL DISEASES.--Many instances are recorded where a drinking-glass, a spoon, a fork, or a handkerchief has infected innocent persons with these terrible diseases (see Cullerier, _Atlas of Venereal Diseases_, p. 43). They are communicated from the male to the female, or from the female to the male, with equal facility, and either parent can transmit them to the children. The physician referred to is Dr. Sigmund, in the _Humboldt Medical Archives_, 1868.

P. 83. SYMBOLISM.--See Dr. Carus, _Symbolik der Menschlichen Gestalt_, the most scientific work ever written on physiognomy, phrenology, and allied subjects.

Pp. 90, 91.--See Raciborski, _De la Puberté et de l'Age Critique chez la Femme_, p. 133; Tilt, _Uterine Therapeutics_, p. 315.

P. 94. CONTAGION OF PHTHISIS.--See Dr. William A. Hammond's _Treatise on Hygiene_, p. 438, for air-space required by a healthy person. The contagion of phthisis is maintained by many authorities--among others, Dr. W. W. Gerbard (see Pennsylvanian Hospital Reports for 1868, p. 266). Professor Castan has recently collected, in the _Montpelier Médicale_, a variety of facts, which seem to show that tuberculosis may be communicated from a diseased to a healthy person by transpiration, breathed air, and living together (_Press and Circular_, March 10, 1869). In regard to the inoculation of tubercle, we have reference to the well-known experiments of M. Villemin, of the Hôpital Val-de-Grace, Paris. In this connection we may record an instance of recent medical heroism. M. Lespiaud, attached to the surgical department of the Val-de-Grace, in presence of several of his colleagues, extracted granular matter from the body of a phthisical subject, and introduced it under his own integument. This zealous investigator into the etiology of tuberculosis has thus exposed himself in a courageous way for the benefit of science, to the effects of a most dangerous and merciless disease.

P. 96. THE DIGNITY AND PROPRIETY OF THE SEXUAL INSTINCT.--Dr. Edward John Tilt is the medical writer referred to (see _Uterine Therapeutics_, pp. 95, 313). See also Bosquet, _Noveau Tableau de l'Amour Conjugal_, vol. ii. p. 2, etc.; Rousel, _Système Physique et Moral de la Femme_, p. 211; Menville, _Histoire Médicale et Philosophique de la Femme_, vol. i. p. 36 et seq.; Raciborski, _De la Puberté_, etc., p. 45.

P. 99. ON THE INDULGENCE AND RESTRAINT OF SEXUAL DESIRE.--Menville, vol. ii. p. 91; Bosquet, vol. ii. p. 280; _Economy of Life--or, Food, Repose, and Love_, by George Miles. Dr. Edward Smith, in his valuable work on _Cyclical Changes in Health and Disease_, has collected extensive statistics showing the effect of the time of conception on the viability of the foetus. The quotation is from Carpenter's _Human Physiology_, p. 753.

P 103. See _Lancet_ for March 6, 1869, p. 337, for report of discussion in the Pathological Society of London upon the physical degeneracy resulting from procreation during intoxication. Authorities could be cited at length upon this subject, but it is not necessary. See Huleland's _Art of Prolonging Life_, p. 207.

Pp. 106-114. STERILITY.--For statistics referred to, see Dr. Matthews Duncan, _Fecundity, Fertility, and Sterility_ (Edinburgh, 1866), p. 181 _et seq._; Dr. Tilt, _Uterine Therapeutics_, p. 291; Dr. Edward Reich, _Gesundheitslehre des Ehelichen Lebens_, Th. ii.

Dr. J. Marion Sims, _On the Microscope as an Aid in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sterility_, _New York Medical Journal_, January 1869, p. 406; Charles Darwin, _The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication_, vol. ii. p. 198; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, November 2, 1867, p. 384; A. Debay, _Hygiène et Physiologie du Mariage_, p. 288 (Paris, Quarante-quatrième édition); Raciborski, _De la Puberté_, etc., p. 451; Virey, _De la Femme sous ses Rapports Phys._, etc., p. 332; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _The Principles and Practice of Obstetrics_, p. 107.

P. 115. THE LIMITATION OF OFFSPRING.--We have taken great pains to avoid giving false or dangerous impressions in this section. The references in the order of quotation are:--Dr. Tilt, _Hand-Book of Uterine Therapeutics_, p. 317; Dr. Duncan, _Fecundity, Fertility, Sterility, and Allied Topics_, pp. 289, 290; Dr. Hillier, _Diseases of Children_, p. 114; John Stuart Mill, _Principles of Political Economy_, p. 591; Dr. Drysdale, _London Medical Press and Circular_, December, 1868, p. 478; Raciborski, _De l'Age Critique chez la Femme_, p. 484; _The Nation_, June 1869; Dr. Edward Reich, _Natur und Gesundheitslehre des Ehelichen Lebens_, p. 493; _Boston Medical and Surgical Journal_, February 1867; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 305; Sismondi, _Principles of Political Economy_, book vii. chap. v.; Dr. MacCormac, in _London Medical Press and Circular_, March 1869, p. 244; Dr. Gaillard Thomas, _Diseases of Women_, p. 58; _Leavenworth Medical Herald_, April, 1867; Dr. N. K. Bowling, in _The Nashville Journal of Medicine and Surgery_, October 1868. We have rather let others speak than spoken ourselves, and have collected the opinions of many most distinguished physicians and statesmen, who thus pronounce against excessive child-bearing. Any intelligent physician will acknowledge the weight to be assigned to such names.

P. 128. SIGNS OF FRUITFUL CONJUNCTION.--Carpenter, _Human Physiology_, p. 772; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _Principles and Practice of Obstetrics_, p. 304; Menville, vol. i p. 295; Montgomery, _Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy_, p. 90.

P. 132. INHERITANCE.--Darwin, _Animals and Plants under Domestication_, pp. 42, 473; Sir Henry Holland's _Medical Notes and Reflections_, p. 30; Pritchard, _Researches into the Physical History of Mankind_, vol. ii. p. 551; Carpenter, _Human Physiology_, p. 779; A. Debay, _Hygiène et Physiologie du Mariage_, p. 173; Fleurens, _De la Longévité et de la Quantie de Vie sur le Globe_, p. 256 (Paris, 1860); Hufeland, _Art of Prolonging Life_, pp. 91, 206; Hammond's _Hygiene_, p. 116; _American Journal of Medical Sciences_, July, 1865, p. 82; Francis Galton, _On Hereditary Talent and Character_, in _Macmillan's Magazine_, vol. xii. pp. 157, 318; Madden, _The Infirmities of Genius_, vol. ii. p. 107; _Lancet_, December 22, 1868, p. 825; _The British Medical Journal_, January 11, 1868, p. 25; Dr. Prosper Lucas, _Traité de l'Hérédité Naturelle_; Victor Hugo, _L'Homme qui Rit_, le seconde chapitre préliminaire; Watson's _Practice_, p. 1153; Dr. Daniel G. Brinton, _Guide-Book to Florida and the South_, Pt. iii.; Dr. J. V. C. Smith, _Physical Indications of Longevity in Man._

P. 163. PLURAL BIRTHS.--Duncan, _Fecundity, Fertility, and Sterility_, p. 69; Ramsbotham, _System of Obstetrics_, p. 461; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 508, xx. p. 98.

P. 167. PREGNANCY.--Menville, i. p. 299; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _System of Obstetrics_, p. 144 et seq.; Montgomery, _Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy_; Dr. Edward Rigby, _System of Midwifery_, p. 47.

P. 180. MOTHERS' MARKS.--See a very interesting article by Professor Wm. A. Hammond, in _The Quarterly Journal of Psychological Medicine and Medical Jurisprudence_, January, 1868, p. 1, in which he says, in regard to the influence of the maternal mind over the foetus _in utero_: 'The chances of these instances, and others which I have mentioned, being due to coincidence, are infinitesimally small; and though I am careful not to reason upon the principle of _post hoc ergo propter hoc_, I cannot--nor do I think any other person can, no matter how logical may be his mind--reason fairly against the connection between cause and effect in such cases. The correctness of the facts only can be questioned: if these be accepted, the probabilities are thousands of millions to one, that the relation between the phenomena is correct.' See also Dr. J. Lewis Smith, _Diseases of Infancy and Childhood_, 1869, p. 21; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 359.

Pp. 192-197. CONCURRENT PREGNANCIES.--Raciborski, _De la Puberté_, etc., p. 491; Dr. Gunning S. Bedford, _System of Obstetrics_, p. 442; _Dict. des Sciences Médicales_, t. L. iii.; _Lancet_, August, 1856, p. 131; Carpenter, _Human Physiology_, p. 779; Beck's _Elements of Medical Jurisprudence_, art. 'Superfoetation;' Rokitansky, _Pathological Anatomy_; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, May 1, 1869, p. 335.--Professor Pancost removed some years since, from the cheek of a child some months old, a rudimentary second child.

P. 198. CAN THE FOETUS CRY IN UTERO?--Dr. Bedford Obstetrics, p. 264; _Lancet_, January 23, 1869.

P. 199. IS IT A SON OR DAUGHTER?--_Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xvii. p. 495; Dr. Frankenhauser, in the _Monatschrift für Geburtskunde_; Dr. Packman, _On Impregnation_, _Lancet_, July 18, 1863.

P. 202. GARDNER PEERAGE CASE.--Dr. Bedford, _System of Obstetrics_, p. 299.

P. 204. PROLONGED PREGNANCIES.--Taylor, _Medical Jurisprudence_, p. 586; _Report of Proceedings against the Rev. Fergus Jardine_ (Edinburgh, 1839).

P. 207. CARE OF HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.--Churchill, _On Women_, p. 451; Menville, ii. 114; Tilt's _Elements of Health_, p. 271.

P. 236. TO HAVE LABOR WITHOUT PAIN.--Professor T. Gaillard Thomas says, 'The rule should be to employ an anæsthetic in every case of labor, _during the second stage_, unless some contra-indication exists. After a delivery, under its influence patients recover more rapidly, are freer from complications, and show fewer signs of prostration.' See _Lecture on the Management of Women after Parturition_, in the _Richmond and Louisville Medical Journal_, February, 1869, p. 145.

P. 238. WEIGHT AND LENGTH OF NEW-BORN CHILDREN--_Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xix. p. 388; Carpenter, _Human Physiology_, p. 810; Ramsbotham, _Obstetrics_, p. 111; _Detroit Review of Medicine and Pharmacy_, March, 1869, p. 150.

P. 271. THE CHILD.--Dr. J. Lewis Smith, _A Treatise on the Diseases of Infancy and Childhood_, 1869, p. 28 _et seq._; Dr. Thomas Hillier, _Clinical Treatise on the Diseases of Children_, p. 17; Dr. Edward Smith, _Cyclical Changes in Health and Disease_; Dr. John Marshall, _Outlines of Physiology, Human and Comparative_, pp. 761, 765, 998; Dr. Charles A. Cameron, _Lectures on the Preservation of Health_, 1868, p. 174; Dr. Charles J. B. Williams, _Principles of Medicine_, p. 480; Dr. J. Forsyth Meigs, _Diseases of Children_; Dr. E. J. Tilt, _Elements of Health and Principles of Female Hygiene_, p. 50 _et seq._; Dr. Andrew Combe, _The Management of Infancy_, p. 73 _et seq._ (ninth ed. Edinburgh, 1860), _Report of Board of Health of Philadelphia_ for 1868, p. 43; _British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review_, April 1868, pp. 382, 454; _Southern Journal of the Medical Sciences_, November, 1867, p. 555; Dr. Thomas Hawkes Tanner, _Practice of Medicine_, p. 108; Dr. William A. Hammond, _Treatise on Hygiene_, p. 95 _et seq._; _Philadelphia Medical and Surgical Reporter_, vol. xvi. p. 530, xix. pp. 37, 59, 119, 134, 382; Edward C. Seaton, M.D., _A Hand-Book of Vaccination_; Professor J. B. Fonssagrives, _L'Education Physique des Filles; Le Rôle des meres dans les maladies des Enfants_; Sir James Y. Simpson, _Selected Obstetrical and Gynecological Works_, etc., etc.

INDEX.

Abdomen, changes in, during pregnancy, 173
pain in, during pregnancy, 355

Abortion, crime of, how to stop, 122
evils of, 123

Advantages of the games and plays of children, 314

Advice to wives who desire to have children, 113

After birth, 230

Age of husband, 75
nubility, 50
puberty, 23, 25

Air and ventilation during infancy, 307

Air space required in bed-room, 94

Anger, effect of, on the mother's milk, 252

Appetite, depraved, a sign of pregnancy, 175

Approaching labor, signs of, 223

Arrowroot, how to prepare, for children, 275, 291

Articles wanted for confinement, 221

Atavism explained, 133

Attendants during confinement, hints for, 229

Avoidance of hereditary tendencies, 151

'Bad-getting-up,' causes of, 241

Bandage after confinement, how to make, 221
how to apply, 230

Barrenness, its causes and cure, 106

Bath, hour of, for infants, 303
drying of the skin after, 304
during pregnancy, 212
value of, in infantile diseases, 305

Beautiful children, how to have, 140

Beauty, inheritance of, 135

Bedroom, size of, for the married, 94

Bed-wetting, causes and cure, 337

Bed, for married persons, 95
clothing, 96
the most healthful, 95
in confinement, how to 'dress it', 222

Binder, how to make, 221

Births, relative proportion of male to female, 54

Blondes, age of puberty of, 28

Boarding school life, effect of, on girls, 47, 289

Body, changes in, at puberty, 30
symbolism of, 83

Bowel complaints of children, 339

Boys, more born than girls, 154

Braces, abdominal, 376

Breasts, attention required towards the end of pregnancy, 219
changes in, during pregnancy, 170
first application of child to, 232
inflammation and abscess of, 382
management after confinement, 246

Bringing up by hand, 274

Brunettes, age of puberty of, 28

Care of infancy, 271

Carrying an infant, manner of, 309

Celibacy not chastity, 57
results of, 58

Change of life, regimen and perils of, 389

Changes, the monthly, precautions during, 45
precautions in the intervals of, 46
when delayed, 48
painful, 49
worked by puberty, 30

Child, the, 271
attention to, at birth, 231
can it cry before birth?, 198
education, of before birth, 191

Child-bearing, excessive, 115

Childbed, diseases of, 361
mortality of, 237

Childbirth, imprudence after, 240
preparations for, 219
to preserve form after, 242

Children, bathing of, 303
bed for, 297
clothing of, 300
decreased number of, 73
diet for, 288
new-born, weight and length of, 238
three and more at a birth, 164

Children's diseases, home management of, 325

Chlorosis, 36

Choice of a husband, 69

City life, effect of, on puberty, 29, 47

Cleanliness, curative influence of, 378
importance of, to wives, 131

Climate, effect of, on puberty, 27

Clothing at puberty, 43
at confinement, 227
during pregnancy, 209
of new-born infants, 222
of young children, 300

Cold, effect of, on infants, 300

Color of infant, influence of mind of mother on, 182

Completion of puberty, 32

Complexion, 136
inheritance of, 125

Conception, is it possible during pregnancy?, 192
nature of, 125
signs of, 128

Confinement, bed for, 226
day of, how to calculate, 206
dress for, 227
hints for attendants at, 229
imprudence after, 240
preparations for, 219

Constipation of pregnancy, 358

Constitution, effect of the, on puberty, 21
on change of life, 398

Consumption, 41, 71, 94, 148, 151

Continence demanded from husbands, 121

Cough of pregnancy, 359

Count, how to make the, 206

Country life, effect of, on puberty, 29

Courtship, 65

Cousins, shall they marry?, 69

Crime of abortion, 122

Croup, home treatment of, 325

Culture of the skin, 306

Dangers of puberty, 35

Daughters, influenced by fathers, 144

Deformities, are they hereditary?, 139

Degeneracy, cause of, 349
of the human race, a query, 348

Diet for infants, 274, 288
children, 292
the pregnant, 208

Diarrhoea during pregnancy, 357
of infants, 339

Directions for mothers who cannot nurse their own children, 267

Dignity and propriety of the sexual instinct, 96

Disease, communication of, 80

Diseases, hereditary, 148
of children, home management of, 325
of wives and mothers, 352

Distinction of the sexes, 18

Divorce, unnatural and improper, 63

Dress, attention to, during pregnancy, 209
for confinement, 227

Dressing of the new-born child, 231

Drying up of the milk, 258, 279

Duration of labor, 239

Dyspepsia of children, 342

Ear, the hygiene of, in childhood, 323

Education, influence of, over hereditary qualities, 147
of the child in the womb, 191
special senses in children, 318

Emotion, influence of, on unborn child, 185

Emotions, stimulation of, effects of, on puberty, 29

Engagement, the, 85

Engagements, long, 86

Epilepsy, a cause of, 255

Eruptions of childhood, how to prevent, 106

Eternity of love, 60

Exercise at puberty, 42
during pregnancy, 210
of children, 309

Excessive child-bearing, 115

Eyes, the education of, in childhood, 319

Falling of the womb, 368

False labor pains, 225

Fathers, influence of, on daughters, 144

Feeding of infants, manner of, 291

Fertility, hereditary, 138
laws of, 109

First application of child to breasts, 232
cares to the child newly born, 231
mother after childbirth, 230
labors, 51
seven years of life, 314

Fits of children, home treatment of, 330

Flat nipples, how to remedy, 245

Food, during pregnancy, 207
of infants and children, 288
bill of fare for, 292

Foreigners, should native women marry, 73

Form, to preserve after confinement, 242

Frigidity, 109

Galen, anecdote of, 127

Games and plays, advantages of, 314

Gardner, Lord, the case of, 202

Garters, danger of, during pregnancy, 355

Gathered breasts, 382

Goftr, story of, 166

Government of children, hints on, 344

Green sickness, 36

Growth of children, 287

Habits, dangers and advantages of, 316

Hair, its significance, 84
transmission of, 137

Hardening of infants, dangerous theories on the, 303

Hearing, the training of, in children, 323

Head colds of children, home treatment of, 329

Health, care of, during pregnancy, 207
effect of pregnancy on, 216
in marriage, 351

Hereditary diseases, 148
qualities influenced by education, 147

Hermaphrodite, a true, 20

Hindrances to nursing, 245

Hints for attendants at confinement, 229

Home government, hints on, 344
management of some common children's diseases, 325
treatment of female ailments, 377

Husband, age of, 75
and wife, during pregnancy, 216
shall they occupy same room and bed, 93
character of, 79
how to choose, 69
retain the affections of, 130

Husbands, plurality of, 64

Hygiene of puberty, 41
the monthly periods, 45
pregnancy, 207
of infancy, 271
of the special senses, 318

Hygienic habits, importance of teaching children, 316
treatment of inward weakness, 377

Hysterics, 38

Imagination of mother, influence of, on unborn child, 186

Imprudence after childbirth, 240

Indigestion of childhood, 342

Indulgence and restraint of sexual desire, 99

Infancy, care of, 271
deaths in, 272

Infant, first clothing of, 222
washing of, 231
how to carry, 309
lift, 310
teach to walk, 313

Infants' food, 288

Inheritance, 132
how to avoid evil tendencies of, 151
how to have beautiful children, 140
influence of education over, 147
each parent over, 144
of beauty, 135
of diseases, 148
of longevity, 138
of mutilations, 149
of personal qualities, 139
of physical " , 136
of talent and genius, 141
of temperament, 137
late manifestations of, 151
the effects of, 151

Injections, 379

Injurious exercises for infants, 311

Intemperance, of several kinds, 117

Intermarriage of relatives, 69

Inward weakness, 368

Irregularities, causes of, 46

Irrigations, 381

Knowledge, safety in, 17

Labor, cause of, 225
duration of, 239
dress during, 227
false and true, 225
how to calculate time of, 170
how to have, without pain, 236
mortality of, 237
signs of approaching, 223
symptoms of actual, 224

Late manifestations of the effects of inheritance, 151

Late marriages, offspring of, 388

Length of pregnancy, 200

Liebig's soup for infants, 289

Lifting an infant, manner of, 310

Light, necessity of, for children, 308

Limitation of offspring, 115

Long engagements, 86

Longevity, hereditary, 138

Longings in pregnancy, 186

Love, at first sight, 67
differs from lust, 50
is a necessity, 57
is eternal, 60
its power on humanity, 52
what is it?, 54

Looseness of bowels in children, 339
during pregnancy, 357

Lying-in room, the management of, 226

Maiden, the, 23

Manner of feeding infants, 291

Mania, puerperal, 362

Marital relations, times to suspend, 103
when painful, 92, 104

Marriage, age for, 50
health in, 351
time of month for, 87
year for, 87

Marriages, second, 62

Maternity, duties and privileges of, 243
perils of, 352

Matrimony, necessity of, for happiness, 58

Matron, the happy, 243

Memory, visual, cultivation of, in childhood, 320

Men, as wet-nurses, 260

Menstruation explained, 24

Mental impressions, effect of, on hysterics, 39
on unborn children, 180
troubles of girlhood, 47

Milk, mother's, effect of anger on, 253
effect of retention in the breasts, 249
influence of diet on, 249
pregnancy on, 250
over-abundance of, 258
scantiness of, 259
quantity required by infant, 256
when poisonous, 252
value as food, 42

Milk-leg, causes and treatment of, 367

Mind, changes in, at puberty, 31
during pregnancy, 175, 214
influence of over conception, 126
nursing child, 251
unborn child, 182

Miscarriage, 176
causes and dangers of, 178
frequency of, 176
influence of age of mother on, 177
prevention of, 179
symptoms of, 180

Mixture of races by marriage, 71

Month, right time of the, to marry, 87

Monthly changes, precautions in the intervals of, 46
precautions during, 45
when delayed, 48
when painful, 49

Moon, connection of monthly periods with, 32

Morning sickness of pregnancy, 169, 353

Mortality of childbed, 237
comparative, of the two sexes in early life, 154

Mortality of infants, causes of, 271
relative to married life, 57

Mother, the, 243
diseases of, 361
duties of, towards daughters at puberty, 44
influence of, over sons, 144
position in nursing, 225
who is unable to nurse her child, 267

Mothers' marks, 180

Music, influence of, 99

Mutilations, are they inheritable?, 149

Native women, shall they marry foreigners?, 73

Near-sightedness, how to prevent, 322

Neck, form of, 83
its significance, 84

New-born babe, first cares for, 231
weight and length of, 238

Night dress of children, 301
covering of children, 298
the wedding, 91

Nipples, how to harden, 220

Nose-bleed in childhood, 333

Nubility, the age of, 50

Nursing, 244
care of health during, 263
diseases of, 382
hindrances to, 245
position during, 225
prolonged, 262
rules for, 248
when improper, 245

Nursing mother, qualities of good, 257

Offspring, the limitation of, 115
influenced by the mind, 126

Over-nursing, signs of, 265

Overlaying of children, deaths from, 273

Over-production, evils of, 115
remedies for, 121

Ovulation, the meaning of, 24

Painful monthly changes, causes and treatment, 49

Pains of labor, true and false, 225

Painless labors, how to have, 236

Parr, Thomas, the long life of, 139

Pendulous abdomen after confinement, how to escape, 242

Perils of maternity, 352

Persons of both sexes, and of neither sex, 20

Perspiration, fetid, 131

Phases, the three, of woman's life, 22

Piles, during pregnancy, 356

Plays, the, of children, advantages of, 314

Plural births, 163

Plurality of wives or husbands, 64

Position of child while eating, 294
of child while sleeping, 299

Position of mother while nursing, 255

Precautions necessary at the time of the monthly changes, 45

Precocity, remarkable instances of, 25

Pregnancy, 167
bathing during, 212
care of health during, 207
causes of protracted, 205
can a woman again become pregnant during, 192
clothing during, 209
diseases of, 352
double, 192
effect of, on the health, 216
exercise during, 210
food during, 208
influence of, on the milk of nursing mother, 250
length of, 200
relation of husband and wife during, 216
signs and symptoms of, 168
sleep during, 213
ventilation of sleeping-room during, 212

Premature marriages, 50

Preparations for confinement, 219

Prolific wives, 115

Puerperal mania, 362

Qualities transmitted by parents, 132

Quantity of milk required by infant, 256

Quickening, as a sign of pregnancy, 170
flatulence mistaken for, 172
how caused, 171
time of, 171

Race, the human, is it degenerating?, 348

Races, mixture of, 71

Relation of husband and wife during pregnancy, 216
nursing, 264

Relative age of man and wife, 76
proportion of men and women living, 153

Religion, mistaken notions of, 57

Rest, after delivery, 241
during pregnancy, 211

Re-vaccination, 286

Right time of the month to marry, 87
time of the year to marry, 87

Schooling, the, of the first seven years of life, 316

Scrofulous diseases, a cause of, 309

Second marriages, 62

Secret bad habits, 39

Self-deceptions regarding pregnancy, 172

Senses, training of the special, in childhood, 318

Sex of child, how to predict before birth, 198

Sexes, distinction of, 18
laws which determine the relative numbers of the, 155
persons of both and of neither, 20
production of, at will, 157

Sexual desire, indulgence and restraint of, 99
moderation in, 100
instinct, dignity and propriety of, 96
false notions about, 97
desire, influence of on offspring, 98

Sexuality, what it implies, 18

Sickness, morning, during pregnancy, 353
during labor, 225

Signs of approaching labor, 223
puberty, 30
conception, 128
over-nursing, 265
pregnancy, 168

Sight, the training of, in childhood, 319

Single life, the, 386
in its relation to sanity and mortality, 57

Skin, changes in, during pregnancy, 174
culture, of, in infancy, 306

Sleep, amount required in early life, 295
at puberty, 42
during pregnancy, 213
position in, 299

Sleeplessness during pregnancy, 360

Small pox, death rate from, 283
the only preventive against, 284

Son or daughter?, 198

Sore nipples, 246

Soup, Liebig's, 289

Sphere of woman, 21

Spinal disease, 36

Spring-time, 101

Spurious labor pains, 225

Stages of labor, 123

Starvation of girls, 41

Sterility, 106
how to remedy, 113

Still-births, 240

Stilling Jung, anecdote of, 67

Stimulation of the emotions, dangers of, at puberty, 29

St. Pierre, anecdote of, 78

Sully Raymond, anecdote of, 401

Swimming, benefit of, 306

Symbolism of the human body, 83

Syringes, and how to use them, 379

Talent, hereditary, 141

Teething, period of, 279

Temperament, transmission of, 137

Temperaments, explained, 77
influence of, 101
in marriage, 77

Things wanted during confinement, 221

Tight-lacing, 43, 374

Time of expected labor, how to calculate it, 206
of the year to marry, 87
of the month to marry, 87

Times when marital relations should be suspended, 103

Toilet, innocent arts of, 132

Tour, the wedding, 87

Toys, a mean of infantile education, 315

Twins, how to predict, 199
why born, 161

Twin-bearing, 160
influence of, on size of families, 163

Thury, Prof., discovery of, 157

Unborn child, education of, 191

Vaccination, age for, 285
importance of, 282

Varicose veins of pregnancy, 355

Ventilation of sleeping rooms during pregnancy, 212

Virgins, wet-nursing by, 260

Voice, change in, at puberty, 30

Wakefulness of pregnancy, 360

Walk, how to teach a child to, 313

Washing of the new-born infant, 231

Weakness, inward, 368

Weaning, 277

Wedding tour, the, 87
night, the, 91

Weight and length of new-born children, 238

Wet-nurse, how to select, 269

Wet-nursing by virgins and men, 260

White-flowing, 365

Wives famous in history, 59
plurality of, 64

Woman, the three phases in the life of, 22
physical differences from man, 19
sphere of, 21
to be sought, 65

Womb, falling of, 368

Worms of children, home treatment of, 335

Women, diseases peculiar to, 352
treatment of, 377
why redundant, 153

Young wives, 50
mothers, 51

Year, right time of, to marry, 87

Zurich, curious custom in, 93

TESTIMONIALS

OF

EMINENT MEN AND OF THE PRESS

TO THE

PHYSICAL LIFE OF WOMAN

AND ITS AUTHOR.

Of the _very numerous_ testimonials in our hands we select those of earlier date in preference, as showing the acumen of the writers and the warmth with which they welcomed the book.

FROM WILLIAM A. HAMMOND, M.D.,

Late Surgeon-General of U. S. Army; Professor of Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System and of Clinical Medicine in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York.

NEW YORK, Aug. '69.

DR. NAPHEYS--

_Dear Sir_: I have read with much interest and satisfaction your very admirable book on "The Physical Life of Woman." I am glad that the subject has been taken up by one who shows himself so thoroughly qualified for the task, and I trust the instruction and advice contained in the volume will reach every woman in the land.

Yours, sincerely,

WILLIAM A. HAMMOND.

* * * * *

FROM REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER.

BROOKLYN, N. Y., Sept. 1869.

DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS--

_Dear Sir_: I have examined your volume: "The Physical Life of Woman," and desire to thank you for performing a work so long needed, so difficult to perform, and now, at length, so well done by you. Every mother should have this book, nor should she suffer a child to be married without the knowledge which this work contains. Thousands have dragged through miserable lives and many have perished for want of such knowledge. It is to be hoped, too, now that these delicate topics have been so modestly and plainly treated, that your work will supersede the scores of ill-considered and often mischievous treatises addressed "to the married," which too often serve the lusts of men under the pretence of virtue.

HENRY WARD BEECHER.

* * * * *

FROM REV. HORACE BUSHNELL, D.D.

HARTFORD, CONN., Sept. 1869.

GEO. H. NAPHEYS, M.D.--

_Dear Sir_: I have read a large part of your book with interest. I shrink from expressing any estimate of it as respects its physiological merit, but it seems to be a book well studied, and it is written with much delicacy and a careful respect, at all points, to the great interests of morality. It will certainly be a great help to intelligence on the subject, and ought, therefore, to be correspondingly useful.

Very respectfully yours,

HORACE BUSHNELL.

* * * * *

FROM HARVEY L. BYRD, M.D.,

Professor of Obstetrics in the Medical Department of Washington University of Baltimore, Maryland.

BALTIMORE, Sept. 1869.

DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS, Philadelphia--

_Dear Sir_: I have examined with much pleasure and satisfaction your work on "The Physical Life of Woman," and do not hesitate to commend it most warmly to our countrywomen, for whose benefit it is intended. I congratulate you on the felicitous manner in which you have treated so difficult a subject, and would recommend it to the public as supplying a want that has long been felt in this country.

_Omne verum utile dictu_, and what can be more proper or more useful than that woman should be made acquainted with the great laws of her being and the duties for which she was created?

Very respectfully, your obed't servant,

HARVEY L. BYRD.

* * * * *

EXTRACT FROM LETTER RECEIVED FROM EDWIN M. SNOW, M.D., OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND.

PROVIDENCE, Sept. 1869.

DR. NAPHEYS--

_Dear Sir_: I have examined with much interest the advance sheets of your book, "The Physical Life of Woman:" I am highly pleased with it. The advice given seems to me to be generally correct, and judiciously expressed; and, in my opinion, the wide circulation of the book would be a benefit to the community,

Truly yours,

EDWIN M. SNOW.

* * * * *

FROM REV. GEORGE ALEX. CROOKE, D.D., D.C.L.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1869. DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS--

_Dear Sir_: I have carefully read your work entitled "The Physical Life of Woman," and, as the result, I must candidly say that I believe the information it contains is well calculated to lessen suffering and greatly benefit the human race. I know there are some falsely fastidious persons who would object to any work of the kind, but "to the pure all things are pure." You have done your part fearlessly and well, and in a popular manner, and I trust that your work may be productive of all the good you design by its publication.

Very faithfully, GEO. ALEX. CROOKE.

* * * * *

OPINION OF LLOYD P. SMITH, Esq.

Librarian Philadelphia Library.

LIBRARY CO. OF PHILADELPHIA, FIFTH ST. BEL. CHESTNUT, PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1869.

It is an open question whether books de _secretis mulierum_ should be written for the general public; but there is no doubt that, when they are written, it should be done by the regular faculty, and not by ignorant quacks. Dr. Napheys' "Physical Life of Woman" shows not only the scientific attainments of the author, but also a wide range of miscellaneous reading. The delicate subjects treated of are handled with a seriousness and earnestness becoming their importance, and the author's views are expressed in excellent English.

LLOYD P. SMITH.

* * * * *

OPINION OF S. W. BUTLER, M.D.

Editor of the Philadelphia "Medical and Surgical Reporter."

I have carefully examined "The Physical Life of Woman," and find it a work at once thoroughly representing modern science, and eminently adapted for family instruction. It is well suited to female readers, to whom it is especially addressed both in the matter it contains and in the delicacy with which points relating to their physiological life are mentioned.

S. W. BUTLER.

* * * * *

EXTRACT FROM LETTER RECEIVED FROM JOHN H. GRISCOM, M.D.

NEW YORK, Sept. 1869. DR NAPHEYS--

_My Dear Sir_: The "Physical Life of Woman" is a very scientific and intellectually written work, and contains almost all the physiological and sanitary facts and directions needed for the preservation of the health and longevity of the maiden, wife, and mother. It must prove attractive and useful for any lady who reads it.

Your sincere friend, JOHN H. GRISCOM.

* * * * *

FROM THE NATIONAL BAPTIST, PHILA., DEC. 30, 1869

We join in the cordial welcome which this book has received. There is no other work which tells so well just what every woman--and every considerate man also--ought to know. Maternity is the one great function of woman, according to God's ordinance, and for this marvelous and holy mission her physical, intellectual, and moral constitution has been designed. Dr. Napheys, in his wise "Advice to maiden, wife, and mother," passes in review the cardinal facts respecting woman's physical life. The book is written in a very clear and simple style, so that no one can misunderstand it, while there is nothing to disturb or offend the most sensitive. A judicious mother would do her maturing daughters great service by first carefully reading this volume herself, and then have them read it under her guidance.

* * * * *

OPINION OF MRS. R. B. GLEASON, M.D.

ELMIRA, N. Y., Sept. 1869.

The advance sheets of "The Physical Life of Woman" have been read with much interest. In this book Dr. Napheys has well met a real need of the age. There are many things incident to woman's physical organization which she needs to know, and concerning which she still does not want to ask a physician, and may not have one at hand when she most desires the information. This book can be easily read and perfectly understood by those not familiar with medical terms. All matters of delicacy are treated with freedom, and still with a purity of thought and expression which is above criticism.

For many years we have been often asked for just such a book, and shall gladly commend it to the many wives and mothers who want for themselves and grown-up daughters such a book of helps and hints for home life.

MRS. R. B. GLEASON.

* * * * *

FROM PROFESSOR JOHN S. HART, LL.D.

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, TRENTON, N. J. GEO. H. NAPHEYS, M.D.--

_Dear Sir_: I have read with attention the advance sheets of your book, "The Physical Life of Woman:" and take pleasure in saying that you have handled a most difficult and important subject with equal delicacy and ability.

Yours truly, JOHN S. HART.

* * * * *

OPINION OF MARK HOPKINS, D.D., LL.D.,

President of Williams College.

"Your book is conscientiously written, and will be likely to do good."

* * * * *

FROM THE N. Y. EVANGELIST, NOV. 18, 1869.

This is a plain and practical treatise, prepared by a physician of skill and experience, in which he aims to furnish information to women, in their peculiar conditions and relations, married and single, so as to enable them to preserve their own health, and perform their duties to themselves and their children. The most delicate subjects are treated in language so chaste as not to offend any pure mind.

* * * * *

OPINION OF DR. R. SHELTON MACKENZIE.

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1869.

"Believing that such a work as Dr. Napheys' 'Physical Life of Woman,' giving a great deal of valuable information, explicitly and delicately, is likely to be of very essential importance to the fair sex, I cannot hesitate to express my favorable opinion of its object and execution."

* * * * *

LETTER RECEIVED FROM REV. GEO. BRINGHURST,

Rector of the P. E. Church of the "Messiah," Philadelphia.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1869. DR. GEO. H. NAPHEYS--

_My Dear Sir_: I have perused with considerable care and pleasure the work on the "Physical Life of Woman," and feel no hesitation in pronouncing it admirably composed, honest, succinct, refined, and worthy of the companionship of every lady of this age. I hail its appearance with gratitude, and look upon it as a valuable contribution to those efforts which are making in various directions to elevate the tone of morals of the nineteenth century, and to enable mothers to discharge faithfully the duties they owe their children.

Sincerely yours, GEORGE BRINGHURST.

* * * * *

FROM H. N. EASTMAN, M.D.,

Professor of Practical Medicine in Geneva Medical College.

GENEVA, Sept. 1869. GEO. H. NAPHEYS, M.D.--

_Dear Sir_: I have just completed a careful reading of your advance sheets of "The Physical Life of Woman," and I unhesitatingly pronounce it an admirable work, and one especially needed at this time. The book is written in a chaste, elevated, and vigorous style, is replete with instruction indispensable to the welfare and happiness of woman, and should be placed in the hands of every mature maiden and matron in our land.

H. N. EASTMAN.

* * * * *

EDITORIAL FROM PHILADELPHIA MEDICAL AND SURGICAL REPORTER.

It is a singular fact, that in this country, most of the works on medical and hygienic matters have been written by irregular practitioners in order to help on its legs some ism or pathy of their own. The public is really desirous of information about the great questions of life and health. It buys whatever is offered it, and cannot tell of course the tares from the wheat. In fact, as we have said, there has been very little wheat offered it. Scientific physicians do not seem to have taken the pains in this country, as in Germany, to expand sound medical information among the people.

We therefore welcome all the more warmly a work which, under any circumstances, would command our praise, advance sheets of which are now before us. The author is Dr. George H. Napheys, of this city, well known to all the readers of the "Reporter" as a constant contributor to its pages for a number of years, a close student of therapeutics, and a pleasing writer. The title of the book is "The Physical Life of Woman: advice to the Maiden, Wife, and Mother." It is a complete manual of information for women, in their peculiar conditions and relations, married and single.

The style is simple, agreeable, and eminently proper and delicate, conspicuously so when treating of such difficult topics to handle in a popular book, yet so necessary to be handled, as the marital relations of husband and wife, the consummation of marriage, etc.

We do not doubt that this work will find as large a sale both in and out of the profession in this country, as the works of Bock and Klencke in Germany, and of Tilt and Chavasse in England.

* * * * *

FROM THE NASHVILLE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY FOR NOVEMBER, 1869.

The outside of this book is more stylish and artistic than any the market has owed to the press this season. The type and paper of the inside are in keeping with the elegant exterior. The work contains much valuable matter, in a style peculiarly attractive. It is intended to treat woman as a rational being, to let her know much about herself as a woman, that from this knowledge she may prevent and therefore escape much of the suffering endured by her sex.

And who can do this but a physician? This may be regarded as the first attempt of the kind in this country.

* * * * *

FROM THE MEDICAL RECORD, NEW YORK, JAN. 15, 1870.

Doctor Napheys, in his work on "The Physical Life of Woman," has acquitted himself with infinite credit. The subject, which for a work of its size takes a very wide range, is treated in choice, nay elegant language, and we have not noticed a single expression upon the most delicate matter that could offend the most refined taste. There are, too, a great many interesting historical facts connected with the general topic, both in an ethical and physiological point of view, which show much discrimination in their production, and a good amount of sterling scholarship. To the medical reader there are many points in the book that are worthy of attention, prominent among which are remarks bearing upon the right of limitation of offspring. We sincerely hope that, for the real benefit of American women, it may meet with a hearty reception, and be productive of great good, in preventing many of those disorders now so rife in the community, which are solely the result of ignorance of the ordinary laws of female hygiene.

No one, however scrupulous, need fear to admit the work within the pale of his family circle, and place it, with confidence, in the hands of his daughters.

* * * * *

FROM THE NEW YORK MEDICAL GAZETTE, JAN. 8, 1870.

Though professedly written for popular instruction, this little book will not fail to instruct as well the professional reader. We cordially recommend the perusal of Dr. Napheys' book to every woman seeking a fuller acquaintance with her physical organism.

* * * * *

FROM THE BOSTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL JOURNAL, NOV. 25, 1869.

Most valuable for the perusal of mothers, and of those fathers who may be equal to the task of advising sons liable to commit matrimony. The style--of the text--is unexceptionable. Words are not wasted, and those used are to the point. The volume is not a mere _resumé_ of others' opinions; but the author has made the topics of which he treats his own.

* * * * *

FROM THE CHICAGO MEDICAL EXAMINER OF NOV. 1869.

This work is written in a plain and pleasing style, well calculated both to please and instruct. There is nothing of the _sensational_ or imaginative character in it. On the contrary, its teachings are in strict accordance with scientific facts and good sense. Though designed specially for females, yet a careful perusal would be productive of much benefit to both sexes.

* * * * *

FROM THE METHODIST HOME JOURNAL, DEC. 4, 1860.