NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Bethesda, Maryland Gift of The National Center for Homeopathy AMI ymestmuna fxmning Panes Cibrary //or*. 19i- ^*L-i% \$00 s.^i OAtceo ■!74:; A. Gift o £ 1 J / O -v LIBRARY AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR HOMOEOPATHY r~ I LIBRARY AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR tiu.viUcOPATHY LIBRARY AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR HOMOEOPATHY WOMAN'S MEDICAL GUIDE; CONTAINING ESSAYS ON THE PHYSICAL, MORAL AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF FEMALES, AND THE HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF THEIR DISEASES IN ALL PERIODS OF LIFE, TOGETHER WITH Directions for the Remedial use of Water and Gymnastics By J. H. PULTE, M.D. PROFESSOR OF OBS ETRICS AND DISEASEg OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN; EMERITCi 1'ROfESSOP. OF CLINICAL MKDICINK IN THE WESTERM COLLEGE <"T HOMEO- PATHY; AUTHOR OF " HOMEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN, ETC. FOURTH EDITION, REVISED. CINCINNATI: SARGENT, WILSON & HINKLE. LONDON: JAMES EPPS, 170 PICCADILLY. 1863. LIBRARY AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR HOMOEOPATHY c i Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by J. H PULTE, M. D., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the District of Ohio. <@> PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. The continued attention every where be- stowed upon improvements in the education of youth, is one of the most cheering signs of modern progress in real civilization; right views on this subject seem to spread more rapidly than ever, and already we can perceive a change for the better in the health and vigor of our youth. The author feels thankful for having been permitted to contribute his mite to the pro- motion of this great and beneficent object, and this the more so, as his efforts in this respect, seem to have met with a general and hearty approval of the profession, the press and the public. He hopes that this second revised edition will meet with the same favor. THE AUTHOR. Cincinnati, May, 1859. (iu) PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. In offering this work to the Public, the Author deems it appropriate to state some of the reasons which prompted its publication. The spread of Homoeopathy throughout the country has been very great, beyond even the expectations of its most sanguine advocates, and is daily increasing. Thousands of families depend on its efficacy in the most danger- ous diseases, such as Asiatic Cholera, Scarlet and Typhus Fever, etc.; and thousands of intelligent mothers consider it the greatest blessing which science has yet bestowed upon them. While they have heretofore received their information respecting matters of general interest and usefulness, physical education, hygiene, etc. from Allopathic writers, they now, since thei 1 conversion to Homoeopathy, expect the Homoeopathic practitioner to furnish them with similar instruction. This reasonable desire the practicing physician, burdened with toil and care, can satisfy only at a great sacrifice of time and breath, if he attempts at all to convey the requisite information personally to each one of his lady patrons. Popular treatises devised for this purpose, will accomplish the object in every respect more satisfactorily. No such work, however, has, as yet, appeared in our Homoeopathic literature, at least none especially adapted to the instruction of woman, as to her physical and moral education, her destiny, and the treatment of female diseases. This want the author intended to supply, by discussing these important topics in a popular and lucid style. Whether or not he has succeeded in his task, is for the reader to decide: if not, then the failure has been one of judgment, not of motive. As to the latter, the Author is conscious of having spared neither time nor research in endeavoring to make the book indeed, what he intended it to be, a Woman's Medical Guide, forming as it wore, a supplement to his Homoeopathic Domestic Physician. THE AUTHOR. Cincinnati, May, 1853. (It) CONTENTS. Introduction, .......... 15-18 PART I. WOMAN'S PHYSICAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT; HSR SOCIAL POSITION AND DESTINT. CHAPTER I. WOMAN. 1.—Physical Character,........ 21-31 Anatomical difference between the two sexes, 21: Difference in the external appearance, internal organs and bony structure, 23: The female has a different sphere of action from the male, 24: Comparison of the female system with the male, 25: The destiny of either based on their physical constitutions, 26: Di- vision of the duties of life, 27: Organs peculiar to the female, 28: Description of their form, position and function. 29: Ex- planation of the changes in woman's physical economy, 30. 2.—Moral and Intellectual Character,.....31-43 No superiority of either sex in mental or physical endowments, 31: Difference of character based on unalterable laws of na- ture, 32: Woman physiologically considered, 34: Phrenological VI CONTENTS. analysis of the female mind, 35: Moral region. 36: Intel- lectual region, 37: Reflective and perceptive faculties, 39: Region of the sentiments—imagination, 40: Its importance as one of the faculties which render woman pre-eminently so- cial, 41: 3.—Destiny,...............43-52 Woman in every respect man's equal, 43 : Christianity the only true restorer of woman's rights, 45: Emancipation of woman, its true meaning and legitimate object, 46: Duty of legislation, 46: Her destiny, based upon her physical and moral peculiar- ities, 47 : Woman's true position in the light of the gospel 48' Her position in the family as wife, mother, sister or daughter, 49 : Duties and responsibilities of a christian mother, 50: Her position in society and the state, 52. CHAPTER II. GIRL. Its Infancy,..............53-60 Difference of action between the male and female infant, 53: Swelling of the breasts in female infants, 54: Hygienic rules, bathing, exercise, air, food, clothing, 55: Vaccination, 61. Its Girlhood,____.______________^___________________61-84 Importance of a proper development and early education of the physical system, 62: Danger of the intellectual education if too early commenced, 62: Our present system of education is wrong—the physical must precede the intellectual, 62: Each has separate ends to accomplish, 63: What they are and how they can be reached, 64: Dress of a girl, 66: Exercise, dancing, CONTENTS. vn gymnastics, 66: Danger resulting from infant schools, 72: Bad results from the practice of awarding preferments and premiums in schools, 74: How a system of education should be organized, 78: Music, vocal and instrumental, 80: Moral and religious training, 80: Boarding-schools inefficient and dangerous, 81. CHAPTER III. MAIDEN OR YOUNG LADY. Changes in the system, 85: Menstruation, 86: signs of maiden- hood, 87: Moral and physical changes, 88: Puberty, 89: Its causes, 90: Description of the internal organs of generation, 90: Nature and origin of menstruation, 92: Moral develop- ment of the maiden, 94: Education at home and abroad, 96: Gymnastic exercises, 97: Early marriages are injurious, 98: Their causes, 99: Their prevention, 100: Runaway matches, 100: Legitimate time of marriage, 102: Education never fin- ished, 103: Different kinds of education, 106: Dancing, arts and sciences, 107: Extravagance in dress, 109: Duty of pa- rents, 110: Show mania and fashions, 111: Necessity of useful occupations, 112: customs of old times, 116: Study of languages, 116: Moral and religious duties, 119. CHAPTER. IV. MAIDEN LADY. Law of development, 120: Exceptions, 121: Duty to marry, 122: Duty and worth of maiden ladies, 124: Their occupa- tions, 128: Their joys and pleasures, 130. VIII CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. MARRIED LADY. Civilization of the world by woman, 132: Position of a wife, 133: Affection the real talisman of the marriage union, 135: Other virtues 137: Physical changes during marriage, 142: Concep- tion, 143: Pregnancy, 144: Its signs, 145: TLe foetus and its development, 147: Rules to be observed during pregnancy, 14^: Its disorders, 150: Quickening—its meaning, 150: Dura- tion of pregnancy, 152: Labor, 152: Chloroform and ether— their use, 153: Duties of a mother, 153: In the family, 155: In society, 158: In the state, 159. CHAPTER VI. WIDOW. Widowhood, 161: External circumstances, 163: Duties of wi- dows, 164: Second marriages, 165: Education of children, 166: Physical welfare, 167. CHAPTER VII. MATRON. Her physical condition, 169: Herrelations to family and society, 170: Her position and needs, 173: Recapitulation, 175-178. CONTENTS. IX PART II. DISEASES OF WOMEN: THEIR DESCRIPTION AND HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT. CHAPTER I. DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. 1. Puberty and its Abnormal Appearance, - - - - 181-205 Chlorosis—green sickness, 182: Menstruation and its abnormal appearance, 186: Tardy menstruation, 187: Suppressed men- struation, 190: Too copious menstruation—flooding, 193: Menstruation of too long duration 196: Too late and too scanty, 196: Deviation of menses, 196: Too difficult, 197: Painful, 198: Their cessation or change of life, 199: Abnormal erotic sentiment—nymphomania, 200: Absence of erotic sentiment, 204: Sterility, 204. 2. Pregnancy,.............206-240 Plethora—congestion—fever, 206: Hemorrhages, 209: Hemor- rhoids—piles, 210: Varicose veins, 212: Swelling of the feet and lower limbs, 213: tooth-ache, 214: Salivation, 214: De- rangement of appetite, 215: Nausea and vomiting, 217: Diarrhea, 219: Constipation, 221: Dyspepsia—heart-burn— acid stomach, 222: Difficulty of swallowing, 222: Spasmodic pain and cramps, 223: Colic pains, 224: Disury—strangury— ischury, 224: Incontinence of urine, 225: Jaundice (icterus,) 225: Pain in the right side, 227: Asthma—congestion of the lungs—palpitation of the heart—spitting of blood—pleurisy, X CONTENTS. 228: Hacking cough, 229: Vertigo—congestion of the head, 229: Headache—fainting—sleeplessness—depression of spir- its, 230: Neuralgic pains, 230: Spasmodic laughter—crying —sneezing—yawning, 231: Puerperal convulsions (Eclampsia gravidarum,) 232: Miscarriage (abortion.) 234 3. Parturition,.............240-273 Labor, 243: Natural and preternatural, 244: Protracted, 246: Sudden cessation of, 247: Spurious or false labor-pains, 248: Excessively painful labor, 250: The waters (child's water,) 251: Delivery, 253: Apparent death—asphyxia of the infant, 254: After-birth, 256: Hemorrhage—flooding, 258: After-pains, 260iy Confinement, 261: Lochial discbarge, 264: Suppression of, 266: Excessive and protracted, 267: Offensive, sanious, 267: Childbed fever. 268: Milk-leg {Phlegmasia alba dolene,) 270: Mania in childbed, 272. 4. Nursing,..............273-291 Milk-fever, 27^9: Ague in the breast—gathered breast, 280: De- terioration of milk, 283: Suppressed secretion of milk, 287: Excessive secretion of milk, 288: Deficiency of milk, 289: Sore nipples, 290. CHAPTER II. DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. Imperforation of the Hymen, 292: Inflammation of external parts, 293: Wounds on the same, 294: Oedematous swelling of the labia, 294: Pruritus—itching of the private parts, 295: Diseases of the vagina, 297: Leucorrhea {ftuor albus,) 298: Dis- eases of the uterus, 302: Prolapsus uteri (falling of the womb,) 303: Its retroversion and anteversion, 308: Inflammation of the womb, 309: Irritable uterus (rheumatism and neuralgia of CONTENTS. XI the womb,) 310: Polypus of the uterus, 312: Scirrhns and cancer of the womb, 315: Ulceration of the womb, 316: Dropsy of the womb, 317: Inflammation of the ovaries, 3i9: Ovariau dropsy, 322: Diseases of the breasts, 322: Scirrhus and can- cer of the breasts, 324. CHAPTER III. DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. Hysteria,...............325-332 Hysteria or vapors was formerly a fashionable disease, 325: Has become quite obsolete at the present day, 326: Derivation and signification of the word hysteria,326: Its chronic character,327: Description of an hysterical paroxysm (globus hystericus,) 328: Resembling epileptic fits, 329: Its mental causes, excess of joy, fear fright, anger, grief, home-sickness, unhnppy love, jealousy, mortification insult, contradiction, chagrin and indignation, 330: Hysterical constitution, its treatment, 331: Hysteria di- minishes of late years in intensity and frequency—the proba- ble causes of this singular phenomenon, 332. NOTICE TO PHARMACEUTISTS. The medicines prescribed in this work are generally found among those usually contained in the boxes ac- companying the books for domestic practice; it has been the intention that their potency or attenuation should be the same as recommended in the Author's " Homoeopathic Domestic Physician," viz : the medi- cines taken from the vegetable kingdom in the third attenuation, those from the mineral in the sixth. If separate medicine chests should be made to accompany this book, Pharmaceutists will please to put them up in accordance with the above rule; containing the following medicines: Aconite, Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea carbon., Cantharides, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomile, China, Cocculus, Coffea, Colocynth, Conium, Crocus, Cuprum, Drosera, Dulcamara, Ferrum, Graphites, Hepar sulph., Hyos- camus, Ignatia, Iodium, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Mercurius (vivus,) Natrum mur., Nitric acid, Nux vomica, Opi- um, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Platina, Pulsatilla, Rheum, Rhus toxicodendron, Sabina, Secale, Sepia, Silicea. Spigelia, Stannum, Staphysagria, • Stramonium, Sulphur, Tabacum, Tartar emetic, Thuja, Veratrum album; also the tinctures named in the Author's work on Domestic Practice. INTRODUCTION. It would be almost superfluous, at the present day, to preface a treatise like this with an apology for its appearance. Society in modern times, and particularly in our country, has assumed a de- cided direction towards the diffusion of knowledge amongst all classes and ages; the rich and the poor, the mechanic, merchant and literary devotee; the child, young man and woman, parents and aged persons—all are provided for in the distribu- tion of intellectual food. The presses are teeming with the various productions, suitable for popular education, diffusing a mass of knowledge, which, in time, will ameliorate the condition of society. The most abstruse sciences, heretofore strictly and carefully hidden from the eyes of the people at large, now make their appearance in crowded halls before popular audiences, being received with applause and eagerly absorbed, when brought be- fore them in language appropriate and easily understood. Thus, Astronomy and Metaphysics have been successfully treated of in popular lec- tures ; natural sciences, in all their various phases, XIV INTRODUCTION. are familiar and pleasant visitors at the gatherings of the people. It may be truly said, our lecture- rooms continue to do, what the school-rooms have had no time to finish; and an intelligent, well- educated people, like ours, will pursue its studies, in spite of old-fashioned barriers and scientific cliques; having once imbibed the thirst for know- ledge, it cannot be restrained in continuing to satisfy its cravings. Another question, however, might be raised, as regards the propriety of treating in books of subjects, so delicate and private, that the modesty of the female sex naturally would shrink from their perusal. But it is an old adage, and a very true one: To the pure all things are pure; where the heart does not already yearn after the evil, and the imagination is not already perverted, finding her sole delight in the contemplation of impure pic- tures, a truthful and severe exposition of the laws governing the female system, cannot intoxicate the senses or degrade the moral taste; on the contrary, must ennoble the impulses of the heart by increasing the knowledge of laws and destinies in connection with the immense responsibilities, thus given to the choice of each one's judgment. Beside, we are convinced that it is possible to treat of the laws of nature within the limits of perfect decorum; and this without suppressing the truth or becoming unintelligible. INTRODUCTION. XV No one will deny the propriety of giving to woman all the instruction needed for herself and off- spring, and as this knowledge has to be presented to her in some way, that which least offends her finer feelings will be considered the best. Woman is naturally timid, and refrains as long as possible from making inquiries and asking advice from male persons about her own health or that of her daugh- ters, where the subject is a delicate one. And yet she must seek for information, or else irreparable damage might be done. She fears exposure, if it be only in conversation; her nature instinctively revolts against it. Here it is that a book, contain- ing all the information she wants, frequently comes to her as a great relief; she can receive instruction through it, without exposing her needs to the ear of a male person, be he ever so well known to her. This reluctance and fear of exposure is so deeply rooted in females, that they frequently rather seek advice, if absolutely needed, from the physician, who is a stranger to them, than from their own family-physician. How much easier is it to con- sult the pages of a book, which written for their especial benefit, will inform them privately about subjects, on which they hesitate to converse in the presence of others. Again, is it not all important that woman, the mother and guardian of our infants and children, should possess all the knowledge possible as to XVI INTRODUCTION. their rational training and education. An igno- rant mother will have an excuse for the neglect which her offspring has to suffer; she can say it is not her fault; if she knew more about the education of children, she would not allow them to fall under the supervision of nurses, or persons still more incompetent. Give to the mother the requisite knowledge in this respect, and thousands of evils will be corrected, under which at present our infant world has to suffer. Inform the mother thoroughly as regards the physical and moral training of the young girl, and soon society will feel the blessing of such beneficent undertaking; the next generation will already tell of the differ- ence. Instead of sickly and nervous women, whose sole duty seems to consist in cultivating fashionable life, with its soul and body-destroying consequences, you will behold strong and vigorous bodies and enlightened and sprightly minds, whose duty will not be to run constantly after pleasure or external ornaments, but who would rather want to be themselves a pleasure in the family-circle, and an ornament to society. Our present system of female education, its workings in the school and at home, are entirely wrong and deleterious for the physical and moral welfare of the daughters of the land, who soon will have to be its mothers. But the evil does not stop here; it increases in a fearful ratio, as generation follows generation, INTRODUCTION. XVII until society and the state itself is brought to the verge of ruin and destruction. "Well may the philanthropist shudder at the prospect in the future, on beholding the present mode of female education among the wealthier classes. From over-tasking the young mind with studies for hours and days, interrupting thereby the growth of the physical system, the inevitable result is a morbid development of the nervous system, a damage, which in most cases is irreparable. An undue degree of ambition is the cafTse of this growing evil. Each mother wants to see her daughter excel above all others, in what? In strength, health, good sound sense, modest be- havior, sprightly, cultivated mind, knowledge of house and social duties ? No, not in these quali- ties ; no, but in a display of mental and bodily fineries, called fashionable accomplishments. Ambition is a noble quality of the soul, when followed within the limits of reason; but it becomes a scourge and a destroyer of life and happiness, if immoderately indulged in. In the case of education it becomes more than that; it becomes a crime. How many a naturally strong constitution has been thereby enfeebled for life, and how many a naturally feeble one has been made thereby to de- part this life. These are weighty considerations which, we hope, will receive all the attention from those, for whose benefit they are here introduced. 2 xvm INTRODUCTION. Let each mother reflect well and deeply, before she allows her daughter to be thrown into the whirl- pool of modern education; let her consider first, whether the child is physically strong enough, to go through with it; because it is indeed hard labor, to perform all that modern education proposes to have done. In the following pages we hope to convince parents, that substantial wrong is done to their children by too early and closely pursued studies; that the body must be allowed to develop itself first, before the mind is taxed so severely, as is the case at present. This relates particularly to the education of girls. Our plan will be, to present first, in a general review, the character and destiny of woman— physically, morally and socially; after which we intend to contemplate woman in her different stages of development, as a girl, wife, mother and matron. In each of these periods she will be subject to physical changes, and have to perform different duties. It shall be our especial duty to give a clear and faithful picture of these different periods of development and to show how woman ought to be in each of them, in order to deal out and receive the greatest amount of real happiness in this world, in which she decidedly is the most beautiful as well as the noblest of sojourners. PART I. WOMAN'S PHYSICAL AND MORAL DEVELOPMENT; HER SOCIAL POSITION AND DESTINY. CHAPTER I. — Woman Generally Considered. 1. Physical Character. 2. Moral and Intellectual Character. 3. Destiny. II. —Girl. III. — Maiden or Young Lady. IV. — Maiden-Lady. V. — Married Lady. VI.—Widow. VII. — Matron. CHAPTER I. WOMAN. 1. PHYSICAL CHARACTER. In treating on this subject, we pre-suppose that the reader is familiar with the general outlines of human anatomy, and even with such details as have reference to the principal organs and their functions, necessary for the maintenance of life. These the female system shares in common with the male. It is our object here to point out only that, wherein they difier; and moreover to show that this difference in their physical nature is the cause of their respective destinies and duties. In comparing the female with the male body, we find at once the former less in stature and weight, but more rounded and graceful in form. It exhibits not so much strength of the muscles; these being less developed than in the male. But its motions, if less agile and strong, evince more graceful elasticity; in this respect, as also in the weaker but clearer voice, the female has retained more or less the character of the child. We shall have occasion afterwards to remind the reader again on the many analogies between the 22 WOMAN. female constitution and that of the child in general. This is mentioned here at once, in order to draw the attention to a fact, which will have great influence in the better understanding and appre- ciation of the female character and destiny. Thus in the outer appearance a great difference is noticed between the two sexes, and this in- creases as we proceed to a closer examination of the several parts of the system. In doing so, we have to compare the female organization with the male. The female face is smaller, its front not so high, but the neck is longer; the chest is not so capa- cious, but the abdominal region more developed particularly across the hips, which thus forms in the female the basis-line of a triangle, whose apex rests in the region of the shoulders; while in the male system the order is reversed, the shoulders forming the basis-line and the hips the apex of the triangle. The female has shorter, but rounder and fatter arms, with softer contours; the hand also is smaller, whiter and softer, the fingers are finer and more pointed. The lower limbs, on the contrary, although shorter, are stouter, particularly from above downwards to the inner corners of the knee, which are generally rounder; the feet are shorter and smaller. The female skin is finer, softer and more transparent, the veins are easier discernable; on the more delicate parts of the skin, such as the face and neck, the blush appears PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 23 quicker and easier. The hair grows more abun- dantly and longer on the head, but less so on other parts of the body; the hair itself is finer, softer, more elastic and glossy, the nails are more transparent and tender. The areolar tissue, which contains the fat, is more abundant and firmer; the museles display a lighter color, are softer, thinner and weaker; the single muscles less protruding. The diaphragm is less in size and lies higher up, enlarging thereby the abdominal cavity; the heart is smaller; the walls of the whole vascular system are thinner; particularly does the arterial system lack the same density of texture in proportion to the venous, as this is the case in the male, although the female possesses a larger amount of blood in pro- portion. The lungs are smaller, and the apertures of the nose and the whole wind-pipe narrower. The brain, in proportion to the body, is heavier in the female, than in the male; the cranial cavity is more elevated as regards the position of the face, and the mass of the brain in proportion to the nervous system and the cranial arteries is larger than in the male. The nerves themselves, however, are finer, more tender and weaker. The bones are thinner, smoother, less firm, their processes and indentations less distinct; there is less bony matter in general; the bones of the face are finer, with a more even surface; the cavities in the front part of the head and cheeks are nar- 24 WOMAN. rower; the ribs are thinner, flatter, shorter, starting in a more decided curve from the spine; the spinal column therefore reaches deeper in the cavity of the chest, and the spinal processes are less discernable in the back-bone; the breast-bone is shorter; the cavity of the chest generally less capacious; the spinal column, as a whole, is rather longer in the female. But the greatest differences exist in the region of the hips, the bones of which are broader, although they are thinner and lighter: the cavity of the pelvis inside, formed by the hip- bones and the small of the back, is every way longer, wider and more uniformly so, above as well as below. We must be convinced by the above comparison, of the female system with the male, that the former was destined to move in a different sphere of ac- tion from the latter, and that this cannot be changed without serious danger for its physical welfare. The duties and mode of life seem to be clearly pointed out to the female in her bodily construction, which we now will proceed to con- sider, before we come to describe those organs, peculiar to the female sex, in which the greatest part of her destiny is fixed. As a prominent difference, we find the frame- work of her system less in size and strength; the muscles, attaching to it, are also smaller and weaker^ This fact shows that the female body is PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 25 less capable than the male of undergoing toil and hardships, which require mostly muscular effort. Neither would it be possible to make her equal in that respect to the male, because her muscles are softer, thinner, not so compact and of lighter color; this physiological difference precludes them from ever becoming so compact, hard and strong, as the muscles of a man, even if ever so much exercised for that purpose. Besides, it states that the female has a firmer areolar tissue, and in greater abundance than the male; consequently is more inclined to become fat, and her form rounded, a circumstance which prevents any extraordinary degree of muscular development by exercise. Yet this latter is on that account not the less needed; enough of it must be taken by the female to develop those changes within her system, which, as we will see hereafter, are a peculiar charac- teristic of her sex. Another marked difference consists im the form and capacity of the chest and abdominal cavity, compared with that of the male. The cavity of the chest is smaller, while that of the abdomen is larger. Here we find a wonderful and wise pro- vision made for the respective duties of the two sexes. The male is destined to labor harder; to him is given the large wide chest, attached to which are the powerful muscles of the trunk and arms; his lungs are of greater expanse, his arterial 26 WOMAN. system, including the heart, is more developed; all this is needed for a more vigorous and pro- longed prosecution of his daily manual work; his system is fitted out for that especial purpose; the abdominal region is less in size, but nevertheless strong and compact, while his lower limbs princi- pally excel in elasticity and propelling power. How beautifully is his destiny written in the frame- work of his body and the display of his muscles. On the other hand, the female is larger across the hips, because there nature needed above all other parts room to fitly prepare woman for her destiny. From this is easily seen, how perverse to nature that fashion is, which compresses the female waist and makes of her literally an hour-glass, or a wasp, while, indeed, her form ought to be broad across the hips, gradually, but regularly tapering off up- wards ; the male form being just the reverse of this. The nervous system and the brain of the female show another great difference, indicative of her duty and destiny. Her brain is proportionally larger than that of the man, in comparison to the size of the body; but her nerves are finer, more tender and weaker, making them disproportionate to the size of the brain. The nerves, which are the carriers of the brain-power, ought to be de- veloped, in proportion to the size of the brain, in order to fulfil its demands; they are, however, PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 27 finer and weaker in the female, hence she lacks power of execution, which compels her to look for other help to have her designs executed. By this arrangement she has become pre-eminently the counsellor and constant companion of man, who is well fitted by nature to carry out her designs, to- gether with his own. This is one of the most wonderful arrangements in nature, by which the two sexes are bound indissolubly together, as the intellectual intercourse between them is rendered thereby a natural necessity. He flies to her in time of need for counsel and advice, and she looks to him for action and execution. We can here only slightly touch upon this interesting condition of the two sexes. Hereafter, however, we will treat of it more fully. Thus, we see, that the domain of action for the female is at the side of man, not ahead of him, nor in his rear. These two have to accomplish together, what it would be impossible for one to perform alone. The hardships of life's duties are thus wisely divided, while the results from their faithful performance are mutually enjoyed, each one receiv- ing a double share of benefits for one share of labor. The female, physically disabled from participating in life's hardest struggles, receives a higher trust in the composition of her moral faculties, by which she is enabled to buoy up the toiling partner, when he seems almost to sink under the too heavy burden. 28 WOMAN. Her sphere of action will be always more or less the house, with its manifold labors and attractions; there the daughter, wife or mother finds room and time enough to exercise her physical and moral powers; and if no morbid craving has taken pos- session of her mind, she will find real contentment and happiness. Beside, the social circle, the school, lecture-room and church offer sufficient opportuni- ties for the display of her intellectual faculties, in giving or receiving instruction. If inclination or necessity prompts her to devote herself to duties out of the house, society presents thousands of occupations, which she can fill honorably and pro- fitably, without risking her health or exposing her feelings. We will now proceed to call the reader's attention to those physical peculiarities, which belong to woman exclusively, and form her sexual character, determining thereby more than by any thing else her true destiny. It would be impossible to give an anatomical description of all the organs peculiar to the female system, without illustrations; yet some definite idea must be had about their position and structure, in order to show their harmonious co-operation and complex relation to each other. We prefer, however, not to introduce into this work illustra- tions, which might be considered objectionable on the score of propriety and good taste. To obviate this difficulty, therefore, we will compare the posi- PHYSICAL CHARACTER. 29 tion, form and size of these organs to familiarly known objects. This glance will suffice to give to the reader a sufficient knowledge of these parte, and if any farther should be desired, every one can easily have access to anatomical works, treating fully on this subject. The region between the hips contains within itself a cavity, called the pelvic, and the bones, which form this cavity, the pelvis; it means literally a bowl or basin. Its wider margin is above, its narrow opening below. The pelvis contains within its cavity all the organs we intend to notice here. The most important of these organs is the uterus, or womb, which occupies the centre of this cavity, suspended on ligaments on either side, and connected by very loose tissue in the front with the bladder, and in the rear with the rectum, the natural outlet of the contents of the bowels. The uterus has a pear-shape, and is about as large as a small egg, with an oblong opening of one-eighth of an inch long, across its smaller end, called the mouth of the uterus, which leads into its cavity. This cavity in the unfecun- dated uterus, is very small, and only sufficient to be noticed as such from the mouth upwards to its higher and thicker part, called the fundus uteri; here, to the right and left, are two small openings, which connect through a tube on each side, called the Fallopian tube, with the ovaries, two oblong, 30 WOMAN. flattened and oval bodies, of a whitish color, and the . size of half a walnut. They are called ovaries, literally egg-beds, because they contain the ovum or egg, which is formed there, and when growing, bursts the outer skin of the ovarium, whence it is transferred through the Fallopian tube into the uterus, where in single life it passes away with the menstrual discharge; in married life however, when all the conditions of nature have been fulfilled, is retained within the uterus, and nourished there during nine months. While ges- tation is progressing, no new developments of eggs in the ovaries take place; at least that is the rule; but very few exceptions occur to the contrary. Generally speaking, the action of the ovaries is suspended during the time of gestation. This interesting period in a woman's life brings about a number of very important changes in her physical economy. The uterus, a very small organ before, now has increased to a great size, and its former insignificant cavity has become immensely en- larged. Organs which formerly were active, now lay dormant, and other organs, formerly asleep, now have become operative. Menstruation, the regular monthly discharge, has ceased, and the fluids, formerly thus wasted, now have become the source of life and nourishment for a new being, and before this is yet born, the breasts begin to MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 31 swell, preparing to yield the same precious nour« ishment in another more appropriate form and place to the child after its birth. These are some of the changes in the female system during this time, and they are greater in extent and importance than any other system has to experience in its life time. No wonder that they are often accompanied with great danger, or prepare derangements of health, which often last for years. We will have occasion, when speaking of the diseases of woman, to trace a number of them back to this period of her existence, where either by neglect or accident, their seeds were sown. 2. MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. We have seen that for wise purposes the Creator endowed woman with a physical constitution dif- ferent, in many respects, from that of man; each one being deficient and lacking perfection in several particulars, but when united in the sacred bonds of marriage and laboring together to build up a family, these two present an exalted picture of perfection, of which nature has nothing equal to show. The strength of the man is united to the loveliness and grace of woman ; his impetuous but noble haste is checked by her timid and cautious foresight; his bold aggressive spirit tempered by her wise reluctance of action; everywhere, a blending of qualities, which hides each other's 32 WOMAN. faults, while it admits their virtues to appear the more readily. The same wonderful arrangement can be discerned throughout the moral constitution of the two sexes, each of which, taken separately, may exhibit many faults and weaknesses, which mostly disappear when coming in contact with the good qualities of the other. From this point of view we have a clear insight into the wonderful operations of Divine Wisdom, which ordered just such relations as we behold, to exist between man and woman, endowing each one with different qualities, to promote the happiness of both. From this, it is evident that, strictly speaking, we cannot grant to either sex a superiority in gifts or qualities, either physical or mental. Each one stands on a separate platform, distinct from the other, and there appears unrivalled in some respects while deficient in others. Yet both have received a sufficient share of those high qualities which stamp the image of God on the human form and soul, and none is farther away from this ideal of perfection than the one who would be low enough not to recognize this divine inheritance in the other to its fullest extent. It is part of the Divine economy to have thus endowed the two sexes differently, in order to insure a more perfect union between them; they find in each other enough to admire and to love, as also from each other enough to learn and to MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 33 imitate. In the likeness, but not the sameness of the two sexes, consists the most perfect harmony. They would not find pleasure in each others company, if their intellectual and moral compo- sition were identical; the spice of intercourse, the charm of novelty, would be wanting; no inducement to progress, so essential to the welfare of intelligence, would exist; no social feeling would bind families together and create State organizations, because the family hearth, with its domestic happiness as the foundation, would be wanting. From whatever view we may contem- plate the relations between the two sexes, we come to the firm conclusion, that in every respect they are equals in position, although not iden- tical in physical or mental composition. The first condition insures to each an equal share of prerogative and emolument, while the latter fixes for both their respective duties and labors. Let us here yet remark, that revelation as well as physical and moral laws corroborate the above defined relations between man and woman, and if state and society had carried them out fully, untold agonies of body and soul, innumerable crimes and heart-rending scenes might have been averted, and the history of mankind been made to flow like the rivers of Paradise, full with the waters of joyous life, instead of what has been the case, full of blood and destruction. 34 WOMAN. The phrase, "emancipation of woman" should never have been thought of; its very sound is a disgrace to language, the especial gift of the Creator. And it never would have been uttered by suffering woman if she had received ample justice from man as regards her social and political rights, particularly those of property and labor. Of this, however, more anon. Generally speaking, we can be justified in asserting, that moral sentiments are more largely diffused among women than men; their veneration and benevolence are largely developed and make them particularly well qualified to perform their angelic mission upon earth. They also have received a greater share of hope and conscien- tiousness, which buoy them up in the most disagreeable situations of life, and secure to them the peace of mind and the charity so characteristic of the female sex. These four faculties comprise the whole of moral sentiment, and are those by which man is particularly distinguished from the animal. They make him sympathise with others in misfortune, and love and treat with kindness and humanity, the poor, aged and infirm. They link his spirit to the Deity in adoration and love, while he is made to submit cheerfully and easily to the Divine will under all circumstances. Such exalted sentiments have been given to woman more abundantly than to man, and make her, MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 35 in the sight of the latter, an object of veneration, regard and love, even if no other superior quality should adorn her mind or grace her figure. This is so universally true, that man, even in the most barbarous periods of history, never has failed to show this almost religious veneration to woman- hood, which fact is verified by many instances amongst the earliest nations. A kind-hearted, benevolent, pious woman, will always be an object of general admiration and reverence, while the opposite character will meet with as universal neglect and disrespect. In endowing woman so freely with these high and ennobling qualities, the Creator threw around her feeble frame and position, a far more potent shield to protect her, than any other instrumentality could have afforded. Wo- manhood never appears to better advantage, than in the holy garments of moral purity and divine consciousness. Then she is irresistible and all- powerful ; there she seems to be all at home; no gift of the intellect, no dazzling wit and splendor of beauty, can compensate for the want of such exalted excellence. Those who seek to locate the power of woman in her superior external beauty, and rest her claims on these frail pillars, do not understand her proper relation to the other sex, and fail, entirely, to comprehend the true strength of her position. A beautiful face and graceful form will shield her 36 WOMAN. often from the attacks of the low and rude, but never, on that account alone, secure for her the esteem and reverence of the noble and refined. These she can secure only by the excellence of her moral character, of which she has received so large a share. It is, therefore, part of her earthly mission, to let the power of these high qualities be felt as much as possible, by teaching their principles to the young, and acting according to them before man. If she does not do so, she is doubly guilty of neglect of duty and propriety, since she has treated with contempt the greatest gift nature has so freely bestowed upon her. It is far easier for her than him to cultivate the strictest morals, because she inclines to them almost by instinct. Her trials and temptations in this sphere of life's actions, are less severe than those of man, and consequently her distinctions in this respect far less meritorious. If, therefore, she leads man on the moral path, she ought to do it with that modesty of behavior which does not let him feel her own superiority, else one-half the benefit might be lost thereby. She ought to remember that his share of the moral faculties is less than hers, that she feels, by intuition, what is right and proper, while he has to try to arrive at the same point of right feeling and acting, by reflection and reasoning, a process, slower, but more tenacious, and when successful, even more MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 37 exalted in its results. Thus, this apparently great disparity between the sexes, has been made the source of the greatest blessings to mankind, and if rightly understood and practiced, must render the world a paradise. In the intellectual region woman has been endowed more with perceptive or observing than retentive faculties. She has a keen perception of all that passes around her, particularly when it has reference to herself; very seldom, however, does she reflect on the nature of the object she observes, or the probable effect it may have. She is satisfied with having noticed it without further speculation. This faculty gives her a proneness to curiosity, gossiping and light talk, which, if indulged in, must weaken, in a great measure, the influence which her nice discrimination in moral matters could otherwise secure to her. It gives rise to another fault, so frequently met with among women, that of searching for each other's failings, rather than virtues. If woman shows lack of intellect by the side of man, it is more in the deficient discrimination of the worth of others and its acknowledgment, than in any other respect. She has, generally, when called upon, just as clear and correct a judgment as man, and equal firmness and will, but less generosity and justice in the appreciation of others. And this is more apparent when she reviews one of her own sex, in which 38 WOMAN. case her critical acumen becomes truly formidable and unmerciful. No fault, ever so slight, escapes her notice, while the good qualities of the person under notice, are generally overlooked. This trait in the female character, strangely contrasts with her otherwise benevolent tendency, and becomes, when not properly checked, a fruitful source of all kinds of annoyances and unhappy feelings, which often reflect even disadvantageously on her physical health. How many diseases have their exciting causes in nervous irritation ? The nervous system of woman is easily affecfed, and the conditions of life in which women are frequently placed, render her still more sensitive to mental irritation. In child-bed, for instance, the slightest unkind word may produce the most disastrous consequences, and be destructive to both mother and child. How necessary it becomes, therefore, to cultivate kind feelings towards all with whom we have to associ- ate, or about whom we have to express an opinion. A censorious spirit, if allowed to come up within us, soon grows to a height of intolerance, bigotry, and selfishness, which embitters the life of its owner forever. And woman, by her keener perception and observation of personal matters, has to fear its tyrannical sway more than man, who is generally more reserved in expressing opinions about others, even if his judgment in regard to them would be the same. Woman perceives quickly and expresses MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 39 readily, much more frequently than prudence would allow. This is owing to a less intense action of the reflective faculties, causality and comparison. She can easily, however, remedy this seeming fault in her nature, by considering well before she expresses her thoughts, thus exercising her reflec- tive faculties. Her innate benevolence, too, must be exercised to keep down gossiping and censorious- ness, as it is a benevolent disposition, particularly, which constitutes the character of a true lady. Such an one will always be careful never to wound the feelings of another by words, gestures or otherwise, be the object of her remarks ever so insignificant. The golden rule contains for no one a more precious precept than for woman, whose conduct ought to be at all times measured by it. Amongst the perceptive faculties we must mention, especially, order, of which woman has received, generally, a larger share than man. This organ is the soul and ornament of a well directed household. To its influence, the domestic hearth is mainly indebted for its charms, and civilization considers it one of its main-springs. Its exercise and cultivation, therefore, are of the highest im- portance to every woman, as part of her individual character, in producing and representing in the family circle, that divine principle of order which the Great Architect so scrupulously observes in the whole Universe. 40 WOMAN. In the region of the sentiments, woman is also richly endowed. She possesses, and ought to cultivate a proper self-respect, a feeling of womanly pride, so as to make her independent in thought and action, without rendering her haughty or pre- sumptuous. She can and ought to gratify a desire to excel and please, of course in a moderate degree, lest it might degenerate into vanity. Her love of approbation is generally large, and while she has less caution than man, she is in greater danger of becoming vain and coquettish. Proper self-respect, however, will soon correct this evil tendency. Her imagination is splendid and generally more brilliant and quicker than man's, and in connection with greater and readier humor, renders her social qualities far superior to those of the male sex. She possesses a quick and lively conception of the ridiculous, even in such a degree, that it frequently ought to be restrained. Without woman, society would be barren of interest. No mirth, no merri- ment, no pleasantry and wit would take away the tedium of intercourse. Mankind would have lost the elasticity of its step; and as these qualities are essentially preservative as regards life, it is evident that woman, in this respect contributes an equal share in the maintenance of social order with man, who so often prides himself on being the pillar of state and society, overlooking, in his ignorance or pride, the essential benefit and help MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CHARACTER. 41 he continually receives from the feebler sex in sup- porting him to bear his burdens. It is needed for woman to know the importance of her office and duties in this respect, as it will make her love and cultivate qualities so characteristic of her sex, and so essential for the welfare, even the physical, of mankind. Yes, truly may we say, the welfare of mankind depends, in a great measure, on these eminently social qualities of woman, infusing joy- fulness, hilarity and buoyancy into every-day life, thereby lessening its burdens, promoting physical health and moral strength. Man forgets, in her pleasing company, the earnestness and severity of his thoughts and pursuits. He, who but shortly before was deeply engaged in the serious conflicts of life, finds himself disenthralled from such fetters, when addressed by her gay, lively and buoyant conversation; he is caught by her spirit in the pleasant retreat of imaginative sentiment and the enticing flow of humor, wit and conversational entertainment. For the welfare of his body and soul, this rest from fatiguing business is indispen- sable. If it were not so, his powers would soon be exhausted, and languor and disgust unfit him for the further performance of his duties. Physically and morally, therefore, these exhilarating faculties of woman, are essential to the welfare of the whole race; and for woman herself, their cultivation becomes of the highest importance, as she thereby 4 42 WOMAN. perfects her natural gifts, and holds undisputed rule in those holier spheres of life, the social cir- cles, where spirit communes *with spirit for nobler purposes and enjoyments. Closely allied to the social circle, and, indeed its very prototype and basis, is the family circle, the domestic hearth, which, without the presence of woman, would be desolate enough. Here, also, she reigns supreme. Her delicate feelings, amia- bility, filial and parental affection, make the home where she resides, truly a paradise for man, who, without it, would be the most miserable of mortals. Those qualities, so extremely predominant in the fe- male sex, are still more active, because not disturbed much by the selfish propensities, such as love of gain, of which man has received so large a share. In the above, we have tried to give the general outlines of what should constitute the moral and intellectual character of woman. To exhaust the Bubject fully here, is impossible, for want of space, as it would take a volume alone to do it justice. Our object is to draw the attention to those characteristics of the female sex which fix her earthly destiny, and which guide us in the selec- tion of the best methods for her physical and moral education, from her earliest infancy up. This subject ought to receive our most careful attention, as, according to our opinion, the welfare DESTINY. 43 of society depends, mostly, on the soundness of the female sex, physically, intellectually and morally. 3. DESTINY. From the preceding, the reader will perceive that, in as far as woman is different from man in her physical and moral constitution, her destiny cannot be identical with his; that while the strength of his physical frame points out a sphere of action for him, which is filled with hardships of all kind, her more delicate body must naturally be suitable and inclining only for tasks less severe. This is also true as regards intellectual labors. Their correspondence in this respect is perfect, although it might be said, that woman had heretofore, and was yet engaged in mental and physical transac- tions, as arduous or weighty as ever had fallen to the lot of man. This certainly is so, but it can only be a farther proof of the truth, that exceptions even in this highest productive sphere of nature, the creation of man, confirm a rule. As exceptions, we easily understand and value the acts of those who have played, during their life-time, the part assigned to the opposite sex. Such occurrences are frequently met with in history and daily life, and demonstrate the identity of the human forces, and the harmony of their tendency. They show the faintness of the line of distinction, where the two 44 WOMAN. sexes meet, and the ease with which parties of either side may overleap it. We have feminine men, as well as masculine women. But these cases do not furnish a rule. Nature has drawn a line, and its existence can only be doubted by those whose incli- nations have carried them already beyond its limits. The workings of society have shown this already for thousands of years, during which the duties and affairs of both sexes have been more or less clearly defined. It is true certain ages have not done justice to the claims of woman, rendering her lot harder than it should have been. But these times were yet barbarous and savage. The light of the gospel had not penetrated their darkness, and physical force was their only law-giver. How could woman, with her inferior physical strength, be treated on terms of equality by man, who measured everything around him by the strength of his arm and the force of his blow. If nature had designed woman to be equal in physical power, why did it not manifest itself in these times of physical preponderance ? why did woman not then assume the place occupied by man in society'? why did she not fight the battles and rove about, bent upon plunder and robbery? Why did she submit to a treatment as unjust as it was cruel ? That she however did submit, and silently suffered for ages, is an historical fact, and proves evidently woman's superiority of moral strength in enduring DESTINY. 45 the wrongs inflicted upon her by man's undeveloped intellect and moral faculties. But the attitude of the two sexes changed as soon as the light of the gospel penetrated the spiritual darkness of the world. Christianity restored to woman her rights, and put her in the only true posi- tion by the side of man, where she always should have been, but never had been before, and never will be except when brought and sustained there by the doctrines of the Saviour. One of the last and most tender and affecting acts of His life had reference to this very relation of man to woman. He charged one of his disciples to take care of His mother; "and," saith John, "from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." Here was a relation established by the Holy One Himself, between two persons whom He loved, and thus, according to nature's law, wanted to provide for. The woman was protected and taken care of by the man, the feeble by the strong, who in return received a mother's love. Thus it always should be. To destroy this relation of man to woman would be cruel, because tearing asunder the tenderest chords of human sympathy, based upon mutual depend- ence, and would be sacreligious, because laying violent hands upon the laws imposed on nature by the Creator. Yiews different from the above, have lately arisen in various parts of the world, claiming for woman equality in all things with 46 WOMAN. man; they call for an emancipation of woman- hood, as they term it. The endeavors of these reformers may be well grounded as to certain evils yet existing, such as the unequal right to property between husband and wife.* They can, however, not be justified as to the extent of changes which these reformers are aiming to accomplish. To make woman participate in all the gross and inglorious, but necessary work of man, would destroy the true glory of woman's existence, annul her dignity, and poison the inno- cence of her heart with desires entirely foreign to her nature. What a sight to see the graceful form of woman mingle in a political crowd, eager to deposit her vote or to share in popular distinction. *We have no doubt that the progressive intelligence of legis- lation will remove, in time, all the civil inconveniences to which woman at present may be subject. One by one these impedi- ments will have to yield before the bold and liberal reasonings of the age. As regards the question of property between the two sexes, we venture to predict, that one day it will be found just and right to allow the woman to be the owner in fact of one- half of all the property that is acquired during the marriage term ; that she also will be the equal loser in all transactions to which she, either in writing or orally, had given her assent but not to be a loser where she thus had not assented. If she would lend her husband her money or other property, she should have the same right against him which other creditors have ; that, however, her personal property, such as jewelry, should not be exempted from being taken to pay either her own or the debts of the matrimonial firm ; but should be exempt in case where the husband contracted the debt without her consent. DESTINY. 47 It takes the massive soul of man to become recon- ciled to duties and honors of this kind, which he must be firmly persuaded to owe to his country, lest he would find them too ardous and insufficient. Again, how revolting the spectacle, to see women engaged in occupations which would not suit the delicacy of their form and feelings. Hard, severe bodily labor would destroy their beauty and be ruinous to their health. What would become of nome, its duties and pleasures ? Who would have them to perform and enjoy ? Can there social harmony exist, to charm and bless life, where no diverse directions of pursuit will allow of a uniting angle ? All would be disunion, because one direction of pursuit would keep the pursuers in parallel lines, which never unite. We could thus continue to bring arguments without number against the so-called defenders of woman's rights, if it were necessary to do so. The destiny of woman is so evidently distinct from that of man, and indicated so clearly in her physical and moral construction, that we can safely leave the settlement of this question with the sound judgment of the reader. We will now proceed further to define the true position, which woman ought to fill here on earth according to her plrysical and moral character. These latter, as we stated above, have only received their due weight in the social order, since the gospel 48 WOMAN. of love appeared among us, to supercede the gospel of law. Nothing is clearer proved by past history and the present condition of heathen communities, wherein woman is still treated far beneath her high moral endowments. And this close sympathy be- tween the religion of Christ and the true social condition of woman, is still more apparent when we consider the incontestable fact, that as Christianity appears in a country more true and active, in that same degree will its women be more elevated honored and loved. It is, therefore, the Christian woman, in her relation as wife, mother and daugh- ter, whose duties and destiny we here want to lay before the reader. "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make an help meet for him," was the simple, but grand and effective speech which preceded the creation of woman. Society should be established; it had become a necessity, and woman was needed, just such an one as would fulfill the demands, thus made on her by the Creator. The laws of her life should be in harmony with these demands, that she might be indeed " an help meet for him." And, truly, it is so yet; the divine designs can yet be traced, sometimes, even in perfect purity, in the relations between the two sexes. Although the fall of man has rendered the original types less defined, and it is but too true that the first paradise is lost, still the Christian woman is able to regain DESTINY. 49 it, partially at least, for man, if the latter is able to appreciate it. Such are yet her lovely endowments bestowed upon her by the Creator, for establishing society, and such is yet the longing of man towards her company, her consoling, inspiring presence and the sweet interchange of sentiments and ideas. Woman is destined, therefore, to create and rule society; she was created for that purpose, her duties point that way. The family, with its various small but continual cares, falls to her superintendance. Her watching eye and intelli- gent rule must be felt in every corner of a well regulated household. Being the mother of the children, they continue to cling to her far beyond earliest infancy. She has almost the sole control of them up to the time when the permanent teeth appear, after which she divides the care over them with husband and teacher. This, however, does not diminish the importance of her part in the education of the child more advanced in age. Besides its physical welfare, the care of which she retains to the last, her principal duty will then be to cultivate, by example and teaching, those highest of all faculties, the moral, which, in their bearing upon temporal and eternal happiness, are far superior to the mere intellectual, the culti- vation of which, falls to the lot of man. Thus she will be principally the one who teaches the child to be conscientious, modest and benevo- 5 50 WOMAN. lent. Her influence will be mostly instrumental in leading the dawning sparks of veneration into the culminating centre of religion, from which radiate the all-inspiring rays of hope and eternal blessedness. No other agency in the place of a faithful christian mother, can accomplish this highest of ends so well. She should not, under any consideration, relinquish this part of her duty, as it involves the dearest interests here and here- after. How important, therefore, is it for her to appreciate, fully, this great responsibility of her existence, and to know well how to fulfill all its demands correctly. An intelligent, pious mother, will look around to gain all the necessary informa tion on this point, lest she might err in judgment and execution. She feels her duty and is not unmindful of the high reward which awaits her in beholding the prosperity of her children. She knows it was, under God, her own work. But who will describe the pangs of a mother's soul, when the object of her love turns out to be an outcast from society, and an object hated by God and man ? If she was conscious of having neg- lected her part in his education, how fearfully must increase that remorse and agony! "The immense responsibility of parents cannot be too highly estimated," says Mrs. C. M. Steele.* "On it * We recommend to the particular attention of our readers, a Kttle work of Mrs. C. M. Steele entitled: "A Mother's Thoughts on Parental Responsibility." DESTINY. 51 rests the beauty and loveliness of the structure of mind? Unless mothers, who have the first nurturing of these delicate gems, are fully sensible of what awful results will flow from their hands in the neglect of the trust reposed in them, they must be unfitted for their work. If disregarded, what a dreadful loss must necessarily and inevita- bly follow. O, that the most vivid consciousness of this truth might irradiate every benighted female intellect, that she may never be compelled to perceive the direful images of this neglect." Another part of woman's destiny is to be an help meet for man. She is a wife, sister or daughter. In either of these conditions, the variety of duties does not change the object of her life. They all point, from their various directions, to the one great purpose to be accomplished by woman, as his companion and help meet. She shares his griefs and sorrows, lessening their severity by quieting the storm of his heaving soul, and by elevating the hope and courage of his drooping mind. She partakes of his joys and pleasures, sympathising with his elated heart, but purifying its outburst by the refinement of her taste and the chastity of her feelings. She is his guardian angel in times of temptation; her advice and enthusiasm encourage and support him in times of peril. She becomes his alter ego, the better and purer principle of his own self. With- 52 WOMAN. out her, his loneliness would be insufferable; his misery complete. Such is woman, the companion and help meet of man. This is her destiny and duty in the family circle, which she creates and sustains with her natural gifts, adapted to that purpose. The same faculties which make woman the ruling and beloved mistress of the house, lead her into society at large, of which she is the soul and idol. She contributes more than man to the establishment of mutual friendship and its social exchange. Her heart swells easier with humani- tary feelings. She is affectionate, and being less selfish and retired, willing to know and inquire into the conditions of otliers. Hence her strong social tendency, which is one of the greatest civilizing principles, to which mankind is mainly indebted for its progress. How important is it, therefore, for woman to cultivate her social gifts, in the right direction, in order to fulfill, satisfactorily, this, her glorious mission! CHAPTER II. GIRL. ITS INFANCY. In earliest infancy, the difference of action between the male and female is hardly great enough to make it an object of particular notice. Yet, it soon becomes preceptible to one, who takes the pains to observe closely. The infant female has generally a more delicate look; its frame is less massive, the limbs more slender, and the traces in the face finer and sharper. Its nervous system can be agitated more quickly, it is more susceptible of external impressions, and their re-action on her internal preception is easier but less enduring. A female child must, therefore, be more liable to disease, and less able to with- stand its attacks. But it might not become, for that very reason, as seriously sick as the male. Its impressions are not so deep and lasting. Never- theless, we know that the greater average mortality of children is on the side of the female portion. It is true, a prominent cause of this phenomenon. 54 GIRL. may lie in the fact, that in general more females are born than males. This, however, could not account altogether for the greater mortality among female children; we must find a part of its origin in the feebler physical constitution of the female child.- It is, therefore, our duty to be more careful in nursing and training the female infant, than we have been heretofore, in order to effectu- ally remedy this evil. The child's physical constitution must guide us in the selection of these rules. We dare not follow the old routine, merely because it is sacred by age, or agreeable to custom or fashion. Old usage, custom and fashion might kill our darling. Let us by all means save its life and preserve or restore its health, the most precious gift on earth. We presume the reader is acquainted with all that pertains to the good nursing of children, generally; if not, information can be had in books called " Homoeopathic Domestic Physicians," which treat fully on the principles of nursing.* We must at present, confine our remarks on this subject to those peculiarities which, in the bring- ing up of a female child, have to be especially attended to. These are, it is true, but very few; but not altogether unimportant, as will be seen directly. *See in my "Homoeopathic Domestic Physician," the articlei Treatment of Children. INFANCY. 55 During the first weeks after the birth of a child, there occurs sometimes a swelling of the external breasts, which, though it will be of little conse- quence to the future welfare of a male infant, frequently destroys forever, that of a female. This inflammation, if badly treated, may terminate in induration or atrophy of the milk glands, and thereby deprive the future mother of the use of these most important organs. Thus not alone she, but also her offspring will have to suffer severely for want of a little more than ordinary care in cases of this kind. Mothers and nurses ought to be well instructed in regard to the treatment of this disease; they will find the necessary infor- * mation in the second part of this work, under the head of " FemaleDiseases." We hardly need remind the reader to bathe, wash and attend the child altogether according to the strictest rules of Hygiene; the use of a cap, for instance, on the head, by day or night, is considered entirely superfluous, as it proves oftener detrimental, than beneficial. Equally pernicious to the physical welfare of the child is the too tight bandaging of its breast, limbs or abdomen. Every part of the body must be left as free as possible, to enjoy full liberty of motion, an especial condi- tion and means of health. The child must exercise its limbs and lungs to the fullest extent. Nature wants it; science demonstrates it, and 56 GIRL. unconscious instinct, as exhibited, for instance, in a young infant, establishes exercise as a law of nature. The child has an instinct, which governs its appetites and desires, frequently more correctly than it can be expressed by language. Let us only carefully observe its wishes and not stifle them by putting the child's body in a straight- jacket, wherein it cannot express what it wants. Nature herself, takes care of the child, we must only observe, not impede her dictates. Hear the beautiful and graphic description, by Dr. Eliz. Black well, in regard to the care which nature con- stantly extends to her little darlings, for protec- tion and healthful growth. " The young infant is almost withdrawn from our control. Nature says to us, 'stand by, and watch my work!' This delicate life will admit of no trifling, no neglect, no experiment; but watch the infant, how it kicks and cries, and works, not arms and legs alone, but every part of its body in pain or pleasure. We sit and smile or silently weep; but the baby puts every muscle in motion; if it is pained or angry, it will scream with its whole life, and contract every little fibre, and strain and wriggle in infantile rage, to the intense alarm of its mother. We may leave it to nature for exercise; it will be well attended to, and carried through an efficient course, reaching every muscle of the body, that we should find INFANCY. 57 difficult to imitate by art. Watch the little child, too, that has learned to walk and prattle. Do we need a more perfect illustration of perpetual motion during its waking hours ? Give it lree room and a few playthings, if they are only blocks of wood, and it will go through a series of posi- tions, stooping, twisting, doubling, turning over, that are incalculable and unapproachable. And you cannot quiet such a child; take away the playthings, and every legitimate source of amuse- ment, and your inkstand will be upset, your books ingeniously torn, the table-cloth dragged off, and the contents of the work-basket sent rolling; and if it be absolutely restrained from such questionable devices, it will make it up by fretting and fidgeting till the older head fairly aches. It is a most admirable arrangement, this incessant activity of the child, the inexorable law by which it lives, and which will turn the whole household upside down, sooner than sin against its own nature. For it lives by movement; fresh air and exercise are the mainsprings of its healthy physical life. Thus in the earliest years of life, nature's indications are very plain; and in exercise, as in the organic functions, the most perfect freedom, under favorable conditions, should be enjoyed by the child, that its own instinct may guide it." In a good foundation, lies the main strength of a superstructure; even so is it with a good con- 58 GIRL. stitution, the basis of which must be laid in earliest infancy. And yet how often is it neglected by parents or those in charge of children. Science has furnished the farmer and husbandman with strict rules in regard to the rearing of good stock; these regulations are followed to the letter, and enterprise is thus an hundred fold rewarded for its expense and trouble. Science, also, has pre- scribed the best method of attending to the physical education of children, but how few follow its dic- tates. Those who have, done so, have reaped the reward in rearing strong and healthy children, at once their delight and a blessing to their country. But too many, as yet, who behold such praise- worthy examples, consider them exceptions, freaks of nature, or the consequence of accidental good fortune. This is a sad picture, but a true one. We must have indeed strayed far away from nature's own path, to consider a pair of rosy cheeks or a lively, energetic disposition in a child, nothing else but a freak of nature. So scarce has that become which ought to be universal! The fault most productive of those evils, has been the great physical restraint under which we put the child as early as the first day of its exist- ence. Tight bandages, compressing the abdomen and breast, are applied immediately after its birth. Afterwards it is closely confined in heated rooms, not allowing a sufficiency of fresh air, so essential to INFANCY. 59 the development of the young organism ; its brain is heated by a cap, its stomach deranged by improper food, which is forced upon the little sufferer,and if pain and restlessness follow, paregoric, Godfrey's cordial, etc., must restore quiet, or castor oil remove the evil. Still greater distress follows such violent and senseless treatment. Congestions to the head appear and convulsions threaten. No wonder that the constitution of a child, under such mismanagement, can never be a strong one, even if it survives the attacks that occur during early infancy. But how many do survive ? Only one half of all children born, reach the age of two years. This is a melancholy fact, casting a dark shadow, freighted with destruction and death, upon our so-called modern civilization, 'with its boasted light and instruction. If one-half of the human race has to perish before reaching the second year of its existence, we have not yet begun to realize the blessings of reform in our treatment of the helpless young. It is full time that we should put into operation the measures devised by science, and calculated to keep the angel of death from the cradles of our children. These are at once comprehensive and effective. If we see our faults, let us forthwith correct them; no time is to be lost. We have perpetrated sins of commission and omission; we must know how we have done wrong in order to understand 60 GIRL. how to do right. We have wronged the child in omitting to give it a sufficiency of fresh air, water and exercise, all of which are indispensable condi- tions of its thriving well and receiving a firm, healthy constitution. But more than that, we have wronged the children by actually making them sick, committing an attack on their life and consti- tution, by compressing the lungs and other noble organs, rendering them, thereby, weak for life. We also prevent the liberty of motion by bandaging the limbs; we irritate the intestines by castor oil, and debilitate the brain and nervous system by opiates ; and, finally, we over-stimulate mental action by too early application in that direction, merely to gratify our pride and foolish aspirations ; a wick- edness often enough punished by the early death of the object of our love and hope. Let us avoid these faults, and not one-half of the dear, helpless beings, will fall victims in early life, while the surviving majority will be blessed with a healthy constitution. Hygiene has become a science and demands a treatise of its own, so extensive is its range of action and practical utility. We have not the room or intention to give here its details; the reader will find these in separate works on Hy- giene. We content ourselves in pointing out the grosser faults at present committed in the rearing of children, and their remedies. And as the female CHILDHOOD. 61 infants suffer, in proportion, more than the male, we consider the above remarks especially justified. The female sex ought to have, above all, healthy constitutions, being destined to play the most im- portant part in the propagation of the race. Let us raise strong and healthy mothers, and there will be at once an improvement in the health of the next generation. The female, therefore, requires at our hands, the most careful attention, and we are bound to commence it at the earliest period in infancy. Before we proceed farther, to discuss the best methods of education for the young girl, we would express at once our decided condemnation of those at present in vogue. We have for a long time witnessed the bad effects Which the educa- tional system now adopted in most of our Boarding Schools, has on the health and minds of the daughters of the land. It is entirely erroneous, 62 GIRL. and mischievous in the extreme ; wrong from the commencement, its results cannot be beneficial. The object of nature is, to prepare the system in the preceding period for the next one following, in childhood for youth, in youth for womanhood, etc. We must, in our educational efforts, observe the intentions of nature, and not pervert or overleap this order. To teach a child what a youth ought to know, and so on, or to neglect or prevent the development needed for a child, in order to make it perform the duties of a youth, w!r?%^an injury which never can be fully re as the mor^n^iyanced^period can neveij^Scquire that which shouftrHljaye been the jjfyect of its pursuit in a previous "^%^ Ead|Pperiod has separate uses, ,wh*ch, mwjrW fulfill which neVer can- be xihfltgud ^s^thoiit serious derangement ;'• this isJ^east the gene*ft^J. rale, the order of nature, jf Sf&^z. *V The develox^fnt of the physical system dfe^urs principally during childhood, which extends to tfr^i age of twelve or fourteen years. During this time our endeavors should be directed almost exclusively towards the support of the physical growth ; we must at least refrain from interfering with it. All education is properly divided into two parts, analogous to the two-fold existence of man, physical and intellectual. The moral preceding |eci 01 us ud of lkfa / CHILDHOOD. 63 and following the latter, is therefore included in it. Each of these two departments has separate ends to accomplish, and will be required in different periods of life. The physical training has for its object the education and strengthening of the body, in the whole, as well as in all its parts. The body is the carrier and instrument of the mind; its strength and health are all-important for the easy and complete performance of the real or spiritual life. To make physical education effectual, we have to commence it in early youth, and pursue it steadily during the whole period of bodily development. This period, in fact, ought to be filled up almost exclusively with the practices necessary to carry out the principles of a thorough physical educatiofl^felse the succeeding stages of life will result in fewer advantages for the object in view. We are firmly persuaded that the greatest blessings would flow from following the above principles in our common school system. Their adoption would not interfere with present arrange- ments, as we need only to alter the objects and hours of instruction. The child may, as hereto- fore, be put under school training at the age of six, but from that up to eight, it should receive twice, every day, half an hour's instruction in the purely elementary branches of education ; the other time should be devoted to a regular and systematic practice of gymnastics, under the 64 GIRL. superintendence of competent teachers. From eight to ten years, the uext higher branches should be taught during two hours in the day, while more difficult gymnast cs should be pursued during the remaining time. From ten to fourteen j^ears, a confinement of four hours a day in the school- room, for still higher studies, would not be prejudicial to the child's health, there still being left four hours a day for active gymnastic exercise. Such ought to be the instruction of the young, in order to make the body strong, while its expan- sion takes place, and to train by degrees the mind to those exercises which afterwards will be the principal business of its life. We are wrong, if we suppose that the great object of school instruc- tion consists in filling the head #f the young with actual knowledge. The acquisition of this ought to be of minor importance ; sometimes it is really detrimental. The school can only train the mind in the paths leading to knowledge and thought, to enable it to improve by its own exertion and observation. This is an important truth, proved by the experience of great men, who were for their greatness indebted not to the actual know- ledge taught in schools, but to the impulse which their minds received by the training of those schools. We therefore, strongly recommend parents and teachers, not to subject the young and elastic system of the child to the cruel confinement CHILDHOOD. 65 —---------------■ ________________.____^______________________________________------------------------- pains around the abdomen. China and ipecac, alternately, in the worst cases, when the above remedies do not succeed; or Pulsatilla, if a discharge of clotted blood ap- pears at intervals, ceases and re-appears; followed by crocus, platina and sabina. As the last and surest remedy, apply the coldest water in wet compresses, renewed every minute, or pounded ice on the abdomen; this will soon 260 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. stay the flooding permanently, except when caused by parts of the after-birth being yet in the womb. AFTER-PAINS. Women, during the first confinement, experi- ence, very seldom, after-pains. They are mostly caused by the renewed efforts of contraction in the womb, dilated from time to time by the clots of blood oozing from the parts where the after-birth adhered. This may last a few hours or many days, just as the case may be. The following remedies will mitigate their severity, particularly if they are of a rheumatic or spasmodic origin, as is sometimes the case. Arnica is the first medicine, externally in a wash on the generative parts, and internally in globules; it sooths the irritability of the womb after severe labor. Alternately with it, give Pulsatilla, every two or three hours a dose (four glob.) which regulates the uterine contractions. Chamomile and nux vom. in alternation, in the same manner, if the pains are very pressing, pro- ducing impatience and irritability, with frequent but ineffectual urging to stool. Coffea. and aconite, in the same manner, alter- nately ; if severity of the pains drive the patient almost to despair. Secale in weakly females or those who have already had many children. CONFINEMENT. 261 Belladonna, if the pains are attended with much bearing down, congestion to, and heat in the head, flushed face, coldness of the feet, tenderness and fullness of the abdomen, in alternation with opium, if the patient has an unusual disposition to sleep and stupor, during which her breathing is loud and snoring, only now and then interrupted by the severe after pains. Sometimes the application of the cold, cool or warm shallow-bath, as circumstances may require, will be of great benefit; also the wet bandage around the abdomen. CONFINEMENT. This term signifies the lying-in of a woman for a certain length of time, during which she shall recruit and recover her former strength and health. In a perfectly natural state of society, and under' circumstances where the physical power of woman is not marred, the time of confinement needs to be but very short. Indeed there are cases on record where women have been able the next day after delivery, to attend to their duties partially, and in a few days afterwards altogether. But such iron constitutions cannot be expected to exist in our artificial state of society. We are consequently compelled to adopt rules which will prevent the many disorders which may befall debilitated con- stitutions after delivery, if not carefully attended. 262 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. Our modem Hygiene has made great reforms, also, in this period of female development, and women are less longer now confined to their rooms than they were in former times, and we may, if we con- tinue to live more in accordance with nature, arrive at still greater results. Water, fresh air and exercise will yet work miracles. At the present time we hold it still necessary for the mother to remain in bed for the first five or six days, after which she may sit up awhile, at first in bed, gradually lengthening the time, until she can sit up at the end of two weeks altogether. Circumstances, of course, will modify the above. The greatest danger, however, which can arise in this period, is generally caused by excitement of the mind, variously induced. The principal fault in this respect, consists in allowing friends and neighbors to pay lengthy visits to the patient, Velpeau, a great obstetrician, speaks about this bad fashion as follows: "It is important that the patient should neither speak nor be spoken to, except when necessary. A calm state of the mind and repose of the body are so indispensable, that too much care cannot be taken to remove every cause that might interfere with them. Most of the diseases which affect a woman in childbed, may be attributed to the thousands of visits of friends, neighbors or ac- quaintance, or the ceremony with which she is too CONFINEMENT. 263 often oppressed; she wishes to keep up the con- versation ; her mind becomes excited, the fruit of which is headache and agitation; the slightest and indiscrete word worries her; the slightest motives of joy agitate her in the extreme; the least opposition instantly makes her uneasy, and I can affirm that among the numerous cases of puer- peral fever met with at the hospital de Perfec- tionnement, there arc very few whose origin is unconnected with some moral commotion." Before the fourteenth day, therefore, visitors should not be admitted on any consideration. The risk is too great. The diet during this time, should receive our attention, but not with a view to cut short the al- lowance, or confine its quality to the mere dainties or so-called light food. Our Opinion in this respect may differ somewhat from those who believe that a woman in confinement, although weakened by the whole process of delivery, by loss of blood and a great flow of milk, could subsist more comforta- bly, and gain strength, on light diet than strong, nourishing food. Our rule has been to let her desire alone in this respect, to let her choose her own diet, if no existing disorder will dictate other- wise. An healthy woman can relish and bear usual food the next day after delivery, as well as at any other time, and it is folly to make her starve at a time when she needs food the most It is well 264 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. enough not to allow her to eat too much at a time, nor partake of any stimulating substances, either in food or drink; even tea or coffee may be better replaced by cold water. The room should be aired daily once or twice; the curtains around the bed should be such as to allow free circulation. Clean- liness in every particular should be observed. The bowels are naturally constipated for the first four or five days after delivery. If, after the lapse of that time it is necessary to interfere, give a few doses of opium and nux vom., in alternation every three hours a dose (six glob.); if head and limbs ache, give bryonia in the same manner. At the same time apply a few injections of cold water. Under no consideration whatever, give her ca- thartic medicine, the use of which is in no case more superfluous and hazardous. Stewed prunes or other relaxing dried fruit, will be equally effica- cious and more harmless than physic. LOCHIAL DISCHARGE. After the delivery of the placenta, the womb does not immediately re-assume its former size and consistence; this reduction is the work of time, and, as it progresses, produces what is called the lochia or lochial discharge—liquids which ooze from the walls of the uterus into its cavity, whence they escape through the vagina. Through this process the womb gradually is reduced in size LOCHIAL DISCHARGE. 265 and its loose texture becomes firmer again, until a normal size and consistence is regained. The first two or three days this discharge consists of blood, partially coagulated; while the milk appears in the breasts, a more serous liquid is discharged, more or less tinged with blood; finally, on the sixth or seventh day, the flow becomes whitish or purulent, of a thicker consistence. This may last variously, from two or three to twenty days. It is evident, that a process like this can be disturbed either by general or local causes, Operating upon the womb, from which, as from a sponge, these liquids are pressed. If the womb inflames Or is congested, its contracting movement is impeded. consequently the discharge will cease; if the blood is constitutionally vitiated, its serum, as it oozes into the cavity Of the womb, will be bad also, becoming sanious, thin, watery, of greenish color and bad Smell, or a tedious suppurative process may take place, by which nature seeks to counter- act the retarding influence of a bad constitution. Our remedies in such cases are intended to Support struggling nature in the restoration of the natural discharge, as the best indication of the healthful action of the womb. Irregularities of the lochial discharge during the presence of other diseases, such as childbed fever, etc., can only disappear after their cure, and require our attention in so far as they are 23 266 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. symptoms of these diseases, to which we refer the reader. Suppression of lochia, in consequence of con- gestion or inflammation of the womb, can occur after exposures to cold, errors of diet, mental emotions, sudden joy, fear or grief, etc.; chilliness, fever, sometimes delirium, thirst, headache, pains in the back and limbs generally accompany a sup- pression of the lochia. If high fever is present, with congestion of the head, delirium, etc., give aconite and belladonna, in alternation, particularly if there are delirium and violent pains in the head and back, with pressure in the genital organs, as if they would be thrust out, every two or three hours a dose (four glob.,) until better; if not re- lieved, give bryonia alternately with aconite, and if no improvement follows, the fever continuing, in alternation with pulsatilla, as above, especially when mental excitement of some kind or exposure to cold preceded the affection. Veratrum, after in- digestion, with rush of blood to the head, delirium, and palpitation of the heart, every two hours a dose. Opium and aconite alternately, as above, if sudden fright was the cause. Dulcamara and pulsatilla, if no fever is present, and the suppres- sion was caused by exposure to dampness and cold. Coffea and chamomile, alternately, if the patient is highly excited and unable to bear the pains; restless and impatient. LOCHIAL DISCHARGE. 267 Warm compresses around the abdomen and a warm hip-bath are also recommended- in cases of this kind. Diet the same as in fevers. Excessive and protracted lochia generally re- quire the same remedies as recommended for flood- ing. Crocus, if the discharge is dark colored, black, and of viscid consistency, with a feeling in the abdomen as of something alive. China and ipecac in alternation, if the discharge appears in paroxysms, with nausea, vertigo, fainting, cold extremities, paleness of the face and hands, de- bility. Calcarea, in leuco-phlegmatic persons, fat, but flaccid, especially when there is an itching sensation in the uterus. Belladonna and platina in alternation, when the discharge is thick and dark, with drawing pains in the loins and abdo- men ; and secale in elderly and debilitated persons, with cool extremities and great anxiety of mind. Rhu?, in cases where the lochia return after they once had ceased. Silicea, when the lochia appear each time that the infant is put to the breast. The above remedies may be given as often as once or twice a day, until better, six globules as a dose. Complete rest and good nourishment are indis- pensable to correct these disorders; the cure can be accelerated by shallow hip-bath of a medium temperature. Offensive, sanious lochia need frequent wash 268 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. ings with tepid water, and the use of belladonna, once a day a dose (six glob.;) if not better within eight days, give carbo animalis in the same man- ner, followed by secale, china, carb, veg., if neces- sary, as above. Diet must be very nourishing; patient must have plenty of fresh air, if possible, in high, dry locations. CHILDBED FEVER. There are few diseases more dangerous than this, particularly when it has been permitted by neglect or otherwise, to progress in its fearful career. Consequently, by introducing it here we cannot have the intention of enabling the reader to treat it, when fully developed; this stage re- quires the most skillful medical aid. Our aim is to make the reader acquainted with its character and symptoms, and such remedial means as will have a tendency to subdue it in the beginning, which can be effected more easily than its cure in after-stages. Diagnosis.—Like most fevers, childbed fever is preceded by a chill, or at least a chilly sensation, crawling from the small of the back along the spine upwards; it is generally not very severe, even less so than those rigors indicating the approach of a milk fever, with which it might be confounded. But its apparent mildness and the presence of tenderness to the touch of the abdomen across CHILDBED FEVER. 269 the uterine region, which is wanting in milk fever, establish the diagnosis of approaching childbed fever. It is important to remember that tender- ness of the abdomen is always connected with puerperal fever, even with the chill which pre- cedes it. The slightest touch of the finger, nay, the weight of the bed-clothes on the abdomen is almost insupportable, the pains are sometimes so intense, that the patients cry out loudly and scream with agony. The mildest chill may be followed by the severest fever. The whole abdomen seems to be inflamed in a very short time; the lochia are suppressed, so is also the secretion of milk, if it already had appeared; if not, it will, of course, not make its appearance in that condition of the patient. Sometimes the childbed fever attacks shortly after delivery, within two or three days; at other times it ap- pears only after ten or twelve days. The latter cases are considered more favorable than the former. If the pain is confined to one particu- lar spot in the abdomen, the disease is not so dangerous as if the whole abdomen is painful to the touch. This latter is the most character- istic symptom of this fever; while other fevers may resemble it, having similar pains, none has this extreme tenderness to the touch, even to the slightest pressure on the abdomen. The pulse is always very frequent, as high as 150 270 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. per minute; excessive thirst, headache, burning fever, vomiting, etc., are present in most cases. Without detaining the reader with a greater amount of detail on a disease, which, in its height, none but a professional man will allow himself to treat, we will indicate at once what has to be done in the beginning. Treatment.—During the chill give the patient of aconite (twelve glob., dissolved in half a teacup- ful of water,) every half hour a teaspoonful, until it is succeeded by fever, when it is alternated with belladonna, prepared in a similar manner, every hour or two hours a teaspoonful, until better. If the lochia have ceased, alternate bryonia, prepared similarly as aconite, until the severest Bymptoms cease. At the same time put arouud the abdomen a thick wet bandage, frequently renewed, until the heat disappears, and profuse perspiration, rest, quiet, and sleep ensue. Give as a drink plenty of cold water; fresh air is also necessary. milk-leg. (Phlegmasia Alba Dolens.) We make mention of this disease here, as one w7hose symptoms and course are so strange and frightful to the uninitiated, that a better acquain- tance with its character is very desirable. Its treatment, when fully developed, must be directed by a skillful physician; only in the beginning, MILK-LEG. 271 remedies may be at once applied to subdue it; these we intend to communicate. Diagnosis.—The first symptoms of this disease are pain and swelling in some part of the leg or groin, which soon increase and prevent the motion of the limb at a very early stage. The fever pre- sent is generally not very high, but very constant. The disease makes its appearance usually within the first two weeks after delivery, and consists in an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, veins and areolar tissue of the leg; the vulgar belief, that the milk, transferred from the breasts by some cause, appears in the legs, and makes them swell, is, of course, at the present day discarded as un- founded, and nothing is left of this belief but the popular name, milk-leg. It is astonishing to what an extent the leg can swell up in this dis- ease, it being sometimes larger than a man's body. Treatment.—Belladonna seems to be the re- medy which, in the beginning, better than any other controls this disease. Give three times a day a dose (six glob.,) followed by bryonia and rhus in alternation, in the same manner, if neces- sary. As soon as possible procure medical aid; meanwhile keep the leg at rest and in an elevated position. The diet during this time must be very light, such as tea, toast and gruels ; if a relish is wanted, lemonades, stewed prunes or other dried fruits are preferable. 272 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. MANIA IN CHILDBED. The above name indicates the nature of the disease sufficiently; it is a mental derangement, caused by a peculiar condition in which the womb is during parturition and childbed. Although cases of this kind are rare, yet they occur; and if not known, might greatly frighten the attendants of the patient. Sometimes the disease appears in the form of a mania with all the symptoms of rage, fury and wildness; frequently the head aches violently, the face is very red, eyes have a wild appearance, roll round and are very sensitive to the light; the pulse is very full and frequent, the patient gene- rally very restless and agitated. In this state belladonna every two or three hours a dose (six glob.) will be beneficial, alternating it with hyos- cyamus, if necessary. At other times the disease assumes the character pf a melancholia, without the exhibition of feverish symptoms; the patient appears low-spirited, talks at random, particularly when left alone; she is shy and given to fear, sleeps very little or none at all. Bel- ladonna, lachesis, and pulsatilla are the principal remedies in this form of mania. They may be given, the first two in alternation, morning, noon and night, a dose (four glob.;) the latter twice a day a dose (six glob.,) if the former did not relieve. NURSING. 273 As this disease, on account of its importance, requires the most skillful medical aid, we abstain from giving here more of its treatment. If the secretions, peculiar to childbed, such as milk and lochia, re-appear, a favorable issue of the disease may be expected. 4. nursing. With the termination of parturition the object of nature is only half fulfilled. The new being has been brought into the world; but torn from its parental roots, it would have gained nothing, if nature had not kindly provided the fountain of life, from which, for some time to come, it is des- tined to draw its nourishment, suitable in an eminent degree for its infantile nature. Without this breast of milk, the helpless young would perish by the hundreds ; and though large, deplorably large, as at present is still the mortality of infants, it would be frightful, nay equal to a complete destruction of the human race, if nature had not mixed and prepared the food in the mother's bosom for the feeble offspring. A provision of this kind demands our unquali- fied admiration and most loyal adhesion ; although a law of nature in the fullest sense of the word, it does not manifest itself in passionate excitement for self-gratification, or vigorous egotism for self- preservation, which constitute the stimuli of most 274 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. other laws of nature : but in the more divine garb of love, not in receiving but in dispensing bless- ings ; not in defending one's self, but in protecting another one from starvation and death by offering for sustenance the life's fluid of one's self. Sympatlry and pity, therefore, the own Sisters of Mercy, who reside in heaven for evermore, move the tender heart of a mother, while nature swells her breasts with the sweet streams soon to be drawn in, with impatient delight by the most helpless being which nature produced, but which she also knew how best to protect and nurse. For this purpose nature provided the milk- secreting organs whose function must be exercised, else injury will be done not only to the infants, by depriving them of their natural nourishment, but also to the health of the mother, by the distension and inflammation of the breasts. Reasons of the most urgent nature should only prevent a mother from suckling her infant. Serious diseases, such as consumption, eruptive or other fevers, great constitutional debility, mental derangement, etc., are some of those which demand a discontinuance of nursing. But they occur very rarely; more frequently do we meet with a spirit of unwillingness on the part of mothers, to undergo the trouble, and occa- sional self-denial, which the nursing of infants forces upon them. In a majority of such cases, it nursing. 275 is not want of maternal affection, but the belief that their own health and beauty might surfer, while no damage could result from it to the health of the infant by taking the milk of another one. As to the first reason, mothers are sadly mis- taken. All medical men agree that nursing, far from deteriorating or weakening the constitution, adds tc the health and beauty of women. Besides, it is a matter of the greatest importance for the infant of having the most suitable nourishment; and none is more suitable than the own mother's milk. Neither in age or quality can it be rivaled by that of a wet-nurse, to say nothing of the many other disqualifying circumstances of the latter. If it is, however, indispensable in some cases to have a wer-nurse, great care should be taken of ascertaining that she possesses the requisite quali- fications. We would recommend that she should be examined thoroughly by the physician of the family, before she is permitted to give her breast to the child. She must be free from diseases of the skin, eyes arid eyelids ; she ought to have a clear complexion and healthy, full form. Her disposition should be mild and amiable ; her cha- racter energetic, but not irritable. She must show a habit of cleanliness in personal matters; regu- larity and temperance in eating and drinking. Her morals should be above suspicion. If these qualities have been found in a nurse, 276 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. it is necessary to compare the age of her milk with that which the child needs ; it dare not vary three months either way. In all other respects, if she is engaged, she should live and act during nursing as the mother herself would do. It is well, how- ever, to watch a nurse carefully for a month or two, before too much confidence is bestowed upon her, as she may slily do things not exactly wrong in her own opinion, yet objectionable altogether. Some nurses are in the habit of giving the children laudanum, to make them sleep well as they say. This, of course, has to be interdicted at once, for obvious reasons. Opium in any shape or form should be withheld from an infantile constition; it is more dangerous and destructive than alcohol. If the mother concludes to nurse the infant herself, it should be placed on the breasts eight or ten hours after delivery, except urgent circum- stances prevent it. In doing so, the nipples are at once drawn out and the act of suckling will encourage the flow of milk in the breasts, thereby preventing distension, as the milk already in the breasts being drawn out thus early, permits the newly secreted to take its place. Besides, the infant once having taken hold of the nipple while not yet made smaller by the distension of the breast, hardly ever refuses to do so afterwards, although the breast may be full and tense and the nipple almost disappear. NURSING. 277 It is scarcely possible to state precisely the time when and how often an infant should take the breast; we can only advise the reader to be as regular in this respect as possible. Infants can be trained into certain habits very early. If no sickness prevents, an infant should have the breast about every three hours during the day time, while in the night it can do without the breast for six or eight hours. This habit once formed, will preserve its health better, on the known principle that regularity in eating and drinking does the same in adults. It is a very reprehensible practice in mothers, to give the breast to children on the slightest occa- sion ; for instance, when it awakes or begins to cry, either from being frightened, as children often are, or from real pain. An infant quieted by the breast, will soon go to sleep, during which a con- gestive state of the brain is produced, sometimes to such an extent as to engender spasms. It is much better to calm down the irritability of a child by more rational means; if nothing will help, a warm bath or some of the medicines recommended for that purpose in the Domestic Physician, will do it; coffea, chamomile and belladonna are the principal remedies for that purpose. It is a question yet open for discussion, to de- termine when nursing shall cease. The opinions of medical writers are very much divided on this subject. Our own coincides with those who be* 278 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. lieve that it should not last longer than a year, certainly not over eighteen months. Others maintain that two and even three years is a time not too long. We hold that nature has indicated in the development of the child, her own wish as to the proper period of the termination of nursing. As soon as the teeth have appeared, the child is evidently ready to masticate and digest substances more solid than milk, and the eagerness with which it seeks to get hold of more solid food at that time, proves clearly that nature designed to terminate nursing. It is proper, however, to continue it until the period of teething is fairly over, a time, during which the children are more or less delicate and feeble. The diet of the mother, while nursing, should be more nourishing than common, although it is not necessary to be too particular in its selection. Her own wishes will generally point to the kind of food most wholesome for herself and child. As regards the latter, a little experience will soon teach the proper medium, and this must be kept. Acid food or drink, though perfectly agreeable to the mother, usually disagrees with the infant; consequently the mother will have to abstain from it. We have mostly found it the best plan to let nursing mothers prescribe their own diet, choos- ing it according to their liking; as to quantity MILK FEVER. 279 we would advise them not to indulge their appetite too much at a time. To eat frequently but little at once, should be the rule. A so-called stimulating diet is under no circumstances advisable. Either the nursing mother is well, then she has no need of stimulating food or drink; or she is sick, then she needs medical treatment, which, according to homoeopathic principles, is always without stimulus. We will now consider the various disorders belonging to the nursing period. MILK FEVER. Milk may appear in the breasts long before the termination of pregnancy; usually it makes its appearance the third day after delivery, in most cases gently and without much disturbance of the general health; but sometimes under a storm of excitement in the vascular and nervous system, which is called milk fever. After a severe chill, which penetrates the whole body, a violent fever appears, with Jieadache, congestion to the brain and chest, which produces difficult respiration; during this time the breasts begin to swell and the patient perceives the shooting in of the milk; the breasts become now tender and hard. Although this fever soon may disappear, it is desirable to mitigate its severity, which can be done by a few doses of aconite, every hour or two a dose (four glob.) As soon as the patient begins 280 DISEA8ES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. to perspire, most of the above symptoms will cease; if they should not, give bryonia, if the head and back still ache or there is great oppres- sion at the chest. If the head, however, is the principal seat of distress, particularly if the patient cannot bear the light, give belladonna in the same manner. If the breasts are very tender to the touch, the patient is very restless and much ex- cited, give coffea and chamomile in alternation, every hour a dose (four glob.,) until better. Puls- atilla is particularly indicated when the breasts are very much distended, feel very sore, and rheumatic pains extend to the muscles of the chest and shoulders; it should be given every three hours a dose (four glob.) Give bryonia and rhus alternately, every two hours a dose (four glob.,) if the tongue is coated and the back and limbs con- tinue to ache, after the fever has disappeared. External applications are of uot much use during a milk fever, except, perhaps, a compress dipped in hot water and wrung ont well. The milk should be drawn out as soon as possible, either by the child or a breast pump. Of the latter, we have found those having an India rubber globe attached to them, to be the best kind. AGUE IN THE BREAST.—GATHERED BREAST. It is a general law of our nature, that organs which are at certain periods especially active, are GATHERED BREAST. 281 at that time more subject to diseases than others not equally active. During lactation, the breasts are the organs predominantly active in the female system; they are, therefore, the ones on which the diseases occurring during the whole of that period will reflect more or less. If a nursing woman gets cold, it will settle there; if by mental excitement, passion, fright, anger, fear, grief, etc., she becomes sick, it will affect first the secretion of milk; in short, any disorder during lactation has its bad effect on this process. A gue in the breast is the most common form by which this effect manifests itself, and if not relieved at once, will end in the suppuration of the mammary gland. A more or less severe chill is followed by fever, generally accompanied by lancinating or shooting pains in the breast, whose secretion is mostly ar- rested at that time. This increases the size of the breast and if the milk is not removed, will predis- pose to inflammation and suppuration. As a general rule we recommend to give at once Chamomile and bryonia alternately, every hour a dose (four glob.,) for four hours; after which discontinue for four hours, and let the fever pass off by perspiration, without giving any more medicine; if the fever, however wall not disappear, or if it returns, give Aconite and belladonna, particularly when the 24 282 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. breasts are swollen, hard, and very tender; exter- nally, apply hot brandy cloths. If lumps remain in the breasts, rub with sweet oil, or lay over the breast a plaster made of beeswax and sweet oil. If a gathering of the breast cannot be avoided, abstain from applying the warm poultices as long as possible, as it has a tendency to implicate a still larger part of the breast within the suppurative sphere; give during this time Phosphorus and hepar alternately, morning and evening a dose (four glob.,) until better, or until four doses of each are taken, after which discon- tinue the medicine, awaiting its effects at least three or four days; if no signs of improvement are visible, give Mercury and lachesis in the same manner; and then again, Phosphorus and hepar, until the abscess has opened or the swelling is diminished. After the opening of the abscess and the dis- charge of the matter, give silicea, every evening and morning a dose (four glob.;) externally apply a wash on the breast three times a day, made of twelve globules of silicea in half a teacupful of water. This remedy may be followed in two weeks, if necessary, by sulphur, internally in the same manner as silicea, and thus in alternation with it, until the breasts are healed. During this time" poultices of bread and milk, DETERIORATION OF MILK. 233 or slippery elm, may be used to mitigate the irritation. Let the diet be nourishing but not stimulating. The infant may be allowed to nurse as long as possible; and if not, use the breast- pump to draw the milk out as often as needed. DETERIORATION OF MILK. A good quality of human milk should exhibit a whitish color, with a tinge of bluish or yellow- ish; should taste pleasantly sweet and have no smell; a drop of it put on a nail should glide off from the same, if held in an oblique position, slowly, leaving a whitish mark on the nail. A drop of good human milk put in a tumbler of water, will mix in it slowly, forming clouds in it here and there. Sometimes the milk deteriorates, becomes too thin and watery, or too thick, oleaginous, acrid, even acid; at other times it appears mixed with pus and blood, tastes bitter and assumes an abnor- mal color. Milk can, however, be deteriorated without exhibiting any other external signs, save its bad consequences on the child. This is particularly the case after severe mental emotions, fear, grief, anger, etc, or the use of large doses of medicines, which, absorbed by the vessels, come into the circulation of the system. As to the effect of the mind on the secretion of milk, Carpenter remarks: 284 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. " The formation of this secretion is influenced by the nervous system to a greater degree, per- haps, than that of any other. The process may go on continuously, to a slight degree, during the whole period of lactation ; but it is only in animals that have special reservoirs for that purpose, that any accumulation of the fluid can take place. In the human female, these reservoirs are so small as tp hold but a trifling quantity of milk; and the greater part of the secretion is actually formed whilst the child is at the breast. The irritation of the nipple produced by the act of suction, and the mental emotion connected with it, concur to produce an increased flow of blood into the gland, which is known to nurses as the draught; and thus the secretion is for the time greatly aug- mented. The draught may be produced simply by the emotional state of the mind, as by the thought of the child when absent; and the irrita- tion of the nipple may alone occasion it; but the two influences usually act simultaneously. The most remarkable examples of the influence of such stimuli on the mammary secretion, are those in which milk has been produced by girls and old women, and even by men, in quantity sufficient to support an infant. The application of the child to the nipple in order to tranquillize it, the irrita- tion produced by its efforts at suction, and the strong desire to furnish milk, seem, in the first DETERIORATION OF MILK. 285 instance, to occasion an augmented nutrition of the gland, so that it becomes fit for the perform- ance of its function; and then to produce in it that state of functional activity, the result of which is the production of milk. It is not only in this way that the mammary secretion is influenced by the condition of the mind; for it is particularly lia- ble to be affected as to quality by the habitual state of the feelings, or even by their temporary excitement. Thus, a fretful temper not only les- sens the quantity of milk, but makes it thin, serous, and gives it an irritating quality; and the same effect will be produced for a time by a fit of anger. Under the influence of grief or anxiety, the se- cretion is either checked altogether, or it is diminished in amount and deteriorated in quality. The secretion is usually checked altogether by terror; and under the influence of violent passion it may be so changed in its character, as to pro- duce the most injurious, and even fatal conse- quences to the infant. So many instances are now on record in which children that have been suckled within a few minutes after the mothers have been in a state of violent rage or terror, have died suddenly in convulsive attacks, that the oc- currence can scarcely be set down as a mere coincidence; and certain as we are of the delete- rious effects of less severe emotions upon the properties of the milk, it does not seem unlikely 886 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. that in these cases, the bland nutritious fluid should be converted into a poison of rapid and deadly operation." There is evident danger in allowing the child to suck immediately after violent emotions of the mind; the same has been experienced after vio- lent bodily exercise, running or performing hard manual labor. A suitable length of time should elapse before a mother dare give, with impunity, the breast to a child after such disturbing influ- ences have occurred, and not even then should the child suck until after a considerable quantity of milk has been extracted artificially, else it will become sick from the milk which was in theTireast during the excitement. The quality of the milk can be improved by the use of the following remedies. If it is thin and serous take china, every other evening a dose (six glob.,) for eight days; if not improved at that time, take Stannum in the same manner, and if not better after its use, take Mercury, particularly if the infant refuses to suck. If the color of the milk is too yellow and the taste a bitter one, give rheum in the same manner. If the child throws up the milk immediately after sucking, give silicea every three or four days one globule, until better. SUPPRESSED SECRETION OF MILK. 287 SUPPRESSED SECRETION OF MILK. The circumstances which suppress the secre- tion of milk in the breasts, arc as various as the manifold relations, external or internal, which in- fluence our system. The most prominent, how- ever, are the following: Exposures to cold or dampness, errors in diet, sudden and violent mental emotions, diseases in other parts of the system, particularly if they arc of a nervous char- acter. The consequences following a sudden sup- pression of lacteal secretion, are frequently of a serious nature, and their prevention requires our immediate attention. The danger is greatest when congestions to the head, breast or abdomen appear. Give immediately of Pulsatilla (twelve globules dissolved in half a teacupful of water,) every two or three hours a teaspoonful ; this will frequently restore the flow of milk, particularly if cold was the cause. But should congestions of the head, lungs or abdomen be present, give Belladonna and bryonia. in the same manner as above, in alternation, until better. If mental emotions have caused it and the patient is very much excited and restless, give first aconite and coffea in alternation, as above. If exposure to cold, or dampness produced the suppression give chamomile, bryonia and rhus, par- 288 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. ticularlv when the head and limbs ache and fever is present, having been preceded by a chill. If diarrhea sets in, give pulsatilla, mercury, bryonia, rhus. EXCESSIVE SECRETION OF MILK. A too copious secretion of milk may produce swelling and inflammation of the breasts with all its concomitants; also obstructed or involuntary emission of milk, debility, nervous and inflam- matory disorders, headache, hysterics, even tuber- cular consumption. In such cases medical aid should be sought at once. Until that is procured, the following remedies may be given. Belladonna every other evening a dose (six glob.,) will diminish the secretion, if febrile and congestive symptoms are present. Calcarea carb., if the former does not give relief, in the same manner for one week. If not relieved, take Phosphorus in the same manner; besides apply externally cotton batting, which mitigates swelling and pains. The same remedies are beneficial, if the milk escapes all the time, keeping the parts constantly wet and rendering them more liable than usual to cold on the slightest exposure. China should be given when great debility is present, either when the milk flows involuntarily DEFICIENCY OF MILK. 28£ or is secreted too copiously ; in the former case it alternates well with pulsatilla, in the latter with rhus, every evening a dose (four glob.,) until better. Frequent washing and bathing is recom- mended. DEFICIENCY OF MILK. Various circumstances may cause a deficiency of milk in quantity; they are either Constitutional or occasional. To the former belongs the mother's age, which if too young or too far advanced pre- disposes to this complaint; women inclined to corpulency have not much milk, also such as in former confinements, compelled by disease or oth- erwise, did not nurse their children; organic diseases of the breasts themselves may sometimes prevent the secretion of a sufficient quantity of milk. As exciting causes may be accounted de- pressing mental emotions, sudden change of the mother's mode of living, sedentary habit, exposure to cold and dampness, faults in the diet, abuse of cathartic medicines and a high degree of physical debility. As to the treatment of this disease we have, of course, first to remove its cause, as far, at least, as possible. After this is done the fol- lowing remedies should be given to correct the remaining derangement. Agnus castas is recommended very highly in cases of this kind; the patient takes every other evening a dose (six glob.) If constitutional causes 25 290 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. operate, the patient should undergo a proper treat- ment by a competent homoeopathic physician. Calcarca, iodium, causticum, sepia, and sulphur in such cases will be most beneficial. Asafaitida in small quantities, either in tincture or first trituration, is recommended very highly; as also the anis and dill seed; the latter made into a tea and drank three or four times a day. Some women use drinks made of milk and various spirituous liquors; we would request the reader to be careful in their use, as the child will thus re- ceive milk more or less impregnated with alcohol and its fearful consequences. SORE NIPPLES. This affection, consisting of an excoriation of the skin around and on the nipple, usually appears soon after the child has been put to the breast. Its main cause consists in a constitutional tender- ness of the skin, which manifests itself on the slightest occasion, in cracks and wounds, of a very sensitive nature. We have witnesssed distressing cases of this kind; the sufferings seem sometimes to be insupportable, if the complaint has pro- gressed very far. Our aim from the beginning should be to prevent the soreness of the nipples, by washing them and the breasts a few months before parturition twice a day in cold water. This strengthens the skin and renders it less liable to SORE NIPPLES. 291 be affected afterwards. After the birth of the child follow the following directions. Apply Arnica, six drops of the tincture to a teacupful of water; wash with it every time after the child has sucked. At the same time give internally Chamomile, every four or six hours a dose (four glob.,) particularly when the nipples inflame, swell and threaten to ulcerate, with pains almost insup- portable, like tooth-ache. If this fails, give the following medicines in their order, each one once a day for six or eight days until relief is obtained. Mercury, sulphur, silicea,graphites, lycopodium, calcarea carb. These remedies are intended to remove the constitutional taint which underlies the affection, and without the extinction of which no true cure of sore nipples can be effected. One of the best expedients externally applied, is a cow's teat fastened on a silver plate; this instrument can be had in the drug stores. They are preserved in diluted alcohol and are washed in clean water each time before being applied. If the wound is not ulcerated, it may be covered with collodion, which permits the sucking of the child without tearing it open every time afresh. CHAPTER II. DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. The diseases to which the female organs of generation are liable, comprise some of the most difficult and dangerous disorders; they are very numerous and of frequent occurrence. It is very desirable, therefore, that the reader should acquire such general knowledge of their appearance and course, as will aid in preventing danger and de- struction so often the natural consequence of ne- glect and ignorance. We intend to describe in the following pages, a number of those diseases which occur most frequently and whose progress can often be arrested in their commencement. Of most of them the reader must be content to learn only the description, as their treatment is either too difficult or too hazardous. The organs of generation are divided into exter- nal and internal; we begin with the former. IMPERFORATION OF THE HYMEN. Sometimes the entrance into the vagina is closed entirely, which before the years of puberty INFLAMMATION OF EXTERNAL PARTS. 293 is of but little consequence; it becomes important however, afterwards for very obvious reasons, because the menses are thereby prevented from making their appearance. As this difficulty is easier removed in infancy, it is well for mothers to observe early, whether it exists. We once had occasion to correct this fault in a child two years old; the operation was slight and without pain. If it is left until the age of puberty, severe pains are experienced by the girl every month, until, by an operation, a sufficient aperture is made to allow the menses to appear. When early recognized, the disease is not dangerous. INFLAMMATION OF EXTERNAL PARTS. From the structure, texture and position of these parts, it is evident that they must be liable to various and severe diseases, particularly if in addition to exposure, neglect of proper cleanliness acts as an exciting cause. Daily washings with cold water, and during menstrual flow with tepid water, are indispensably necessary to prevent these parts from becoming the seat of annoying and dan- gerous diseases The labia in young children sometimes are found adherent, which may be owing, frequently, to a want of cleanliness. An early application to a surgeon will correct this dif- ficulty. Afterwards, however, these parts should be washed often to prevent further adhesions. 294 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. Inflammation of the labia occurs frequently, and has a' great tendency to terminate in suppu- ration, producing an abcess. The patient should, from the beginning, keep quiet in a horizontal position and take aconite and bryonia alternately, every six hours a dose (six glob.;) externally she should apply cold water compresses, if the swell- ing is not very large and hot; but if it is so, use hot water applications. If, notwithstanding, suppuration should ensue and the abscess form, mercury and lachesis in the same manner, are indi- cated. After the abscess has discharged, one or two doses of hepar will be beneficial. WOUNDS ON THE EXTERNAL PARTS. All wounds on these parts need more than common care; rest in a horizontal position is indispensable. Besides the application of rnua tincture in cold wrater, in compresses, kept wet constantly and laid over the parts affected. OEDEMATOUS SWELLING OF THE LABIA. Pregnant women are more liable to this com- plaint than others; sometimes it occurs in conse- quence of anasarca, when the lowTer extremities are already swelled to the greatest extent. A swelling of these parts during pregnancy soon disappears after, or even during parturition ; very seldom is the successful termination of the PRURITUS. 295 birth impeded by it. The patient can greatly relieve herself by lying down frequently during the day time for an hour or two. If the delivery is retarded by the swelling, the labia may be punc- tured on their external surface and the water let out, even after labor has commenced. PRURITUS. Itching of the Private Parts.—This is per- haps the most distressing and troublesome disease to which females are subject; it takes away rest and sleep, thus producing sometimes the most extreme debility. W e are as yet unable to deter- mine the precise cause of this disease; in most cases, however, it must be the secretion of some acrid fluid, which is discharged on these parts at intervals, when the itching takes place. Want of cleanliness may aggravate the attack, but scarcely ever can be its sole cause. Pruritus more fre- quently attacks pregnant women, but is not con- fined to them alone. At first its appearance may produce in the mind of the sufferer a suspicion of being affected with some secret disorder, thus adding mental sufferings to the intolerable physi- cal ones, particularly if the disease appears in the form of aphthous eruption, like the thrush of infants. In such cases a strong solution of borax in water, applied three or four times a day, if neces- * »v 296 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. sary by a syringe, will remove the itching in a short time. Another very excellent remedy is the injection of ammoniated water into the vagina; it is best applied alternately with that of the borax solution. The constant application of cold water is neces- sary in a few cases where the itching is more in external parts ;^t affords sometimes the only means to procure rest and sleep for the patient. We should never omit to institute an internal treatment; the following remedies, to be given in their order, will be of great benefit; each remedy should be used for three days, twice a day a dose, (six glob.,) until better. Apis mellific, arsenicum, rhus, bryonia, pulsat., mercury, sarsaparilla, sulphur, sepia, silicea, gra- phites, carb. veg. Before leaving this subject, we will draw the attention of the reader to a precautionary rule in the external treatment of this disease. If a patient, afflicted with pruritus, has schirrous tumors in the breast, the external application of the borax for the pruritus should be preceded by the internal use of the remedies above mentioned ; in a similar case coming under our notice, the schirrus began to degenerate into an open cancer as soon as t^c pruritus had been hastily removed by the external use of borax alone; the lady in question died soon after, ■/fa- Jkf*\*M*Sz cuX.L *** *** ***/ *lcuuJj DISEASES OF THE VAGINA. 297 DISEASES OF THE VAGINA. The natural malformations of the vagina are very rare, and consist chiefly, as Dr. Denman says, " of such an abbreviation and contraction as to render it unfit for the purposes for which it was designed. The curative indications are to relax the parts by the use of emolient applications, and to dilate them to their proper size by sponge or other tents, or, which is more effectual, by bougies gradually enlarged." In a case which came under our observation, the dilatation was effected by the last mentioned method; the woman afterwards became pregnant, and was safely de- livered of a fine large child without any more than common exertions in labor. A complaint of more frequent occurrence is the prolapsus or falling down of the vagina; it consists in the inversion and depression of the front or back vaginal wall to such an extent as to form a marked protrusion, sometimes outside the entrance. Its primary cause lies in a relaxed or weakened state of the mucous membrane, which, with other exciting circumstances, such as long continued leucorrheas and irritations, frequent pregnancies and hard labors, abuse of spirituous liquors, late hours, etc., permit the walls of the vagina to sink down and invert. It may be dis- tinguished from prolapsus uteri, by the absence of 298 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. hardness in the fallen or protruded lump, the uterus always exhibiting to the feeling a consistent, even hard surface, while the vagina does not, feeling rather soft and yielding. A frequent re- placement of the protrusion, recumbent position for some time, injections of cold water, and finally the application of a sponge, three or four inches iong and an inch thick, covered with linen, and changed for the sake of cleanliness twice a day, form the means generally sufficient to correct this complaint. The alternate use of mercury and nux vom., every other evening a dose (six glob.) will be at the same time very beneficial, and should not be omitted. Complete conjugal abstinence during the cure is necessary. LEUCORRHEA. (Fluor AlbuS.) This disease, commonly called whites, is the most frequent, troublesome and weakening com- plaint of the female sex. It consists of a slimy, mucous discharge, variously colored, and of dif- ferent consistency. It occurs usually between the age of puberty and the critical period, and is seldom seen later than this, except when dis- charges of a similar kind are excited in conse- quence of uterine disorganization. If it manifests itself in children, or even infants, it is either on account of a wTant of cleanliness, or local irritation, such as is produced by pin-worms, etc. LEUCORRHEA. 299 Weakly females, of a nervous, relaxed, or easily excited temperament, are more obnoxious to it; and the more refined or over-civil^ed our present state of society becomes, with its legion of pleasures, inactivity of body, idle and late hours, bad literature, and immoderate use of tea, coffee and spices of all kinds (we mention here only the increased use of vanilla,) the more easily will this disease be engendered. The symptoms and exciting causes of leucor- rhea are so various, that we have to divide it into several species. The most convenient division is that into an idiopathic and symptomatic; the former being of primary origin, not excited by other diseases, while the latter appears only in consequence of other diseases or by specific poi- sons, such as venereal, etc. We could subdivide these species into several classes, enumerating the peculiar characteristics of each class, but it would carry us too far in a treatise like this, whose aim is only practical usefulness; in this respect the above classification will be sufficient. The primary or idiopathic fluor albus is mostly caused by constitutional predisposition in females, whose sexual organs are easily excited by mens- truation, conjugal affinity, pregnancy and par- turition. This is particularly the case, when stimuli of another kind are added, such as the use of highly seasoned food or exciting drinks, tea, 300 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. coffee, vanilla-chocolate, etc.; or when powerful mental emotions, distress and languor depress vitality^in such a degree as to prevent its lively re-action. Anything which accomplishes the latter, severe loss of blood, over-exertion, want of rest and sufficient nourishment, etc. will excite the primary fluor albus at once. The secondary or symptomatic leucorrhea is caused by the presence of other diseases in the system, such as pin-worms, polypi, scirrhous or cancerous degeneration, dislocations and prolapsus of the uterus, piles, want of cleanliness, etc., and usually disappears as soon as these disorders are removed or cured. The discharge itself differs as to quality, quan- tity and consistency; if it proceeds from the vagina alone, it resembles thick cream and is not ropy ; while that from the uterus has the consistency of jelly, and adheres tenaciously wherever it lodges. The color varies; sometimes it is whitish, milky, yellow, even greenish; as to its acridity, it is mild or corroding; the latter quality predominates mostly in the chronic form. The treatment of this disease is frequently very difficult, and should be conducted by a skillful physician. We can only mention a few remedies, useful-to begin with, advising the reader to pay particular attention to the use of tepid water injec- tions, or frequent sitz-baths of tepid water, for the LEUOORRHEA. . 301 sake of cleanliness as well as supporting the cure of the primary form of leucorrhea. The treatment of the secondary form requires injections and sitz-baths of cool, even cold water, as the best means to restore the tone and strength of the relaxed parts involved in this disease;, the cure can also be promoted toward the end of the disease by the application of the wet bandage. The following are the principal remedies in the commencement of the treatment. Pulsatilla.—Discharge thick, like cream, some- times creating an itching around the affected parts; in young girls before menstruation. Sepia after the above remedy, if the discharge is yellowish, greenish, of a fetid odor and corrod- ing; constipation with frequent bearing down sensation. Cocculus.—Discharge of a reddish hue before and after menstruation, with colic and flatulency. Calca.rea carb.— Whitish, corrosive discharge, ren in children; in adult females of a lymphatic k. ustitution, light complexion, having copious and x>o frequent menstruation, attended with diarrhea, itching and burning in the private parts. Sulphur, in chronic cases of almost every kind, if the above remedies have failed to cure. Take four doses of a remedy on four consecu- tive evenings, then await the result for a week; at the expiration of which, if not better, select 302 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. another remedy and take it in the same manner. The diet must be nourishing, but not flatulent; avoid the exciting causes of this disease, particu larly exposures to cold and damp, luxurious living and late hours. DISEASES OF THE UTERUS. The womb may be rightly considered the center of the female sexual organs, on account of its loca- tion as well as of the importance attached to its functional activity, although as to the latter, the ovaries may claim an equally distinguished posi- tion. A great variety of diseases can occur in the uterus, either naturally from mal-formation, or acquired from constitutional or other causes. In some women thi i organ has been found wranting entirely, in others of too small a size. Cases arc on record where its opening, the so-called mouth of the uterus appeared closed, and others, where no internal cavity at all existed, and the whole uterus formed one compact mass; in a few in- stances the womb had increased in size throughout, or partially on one side only. All these abnor mities, however, are very rarely found, and in- terest as such more the physician; they admit of but little remedial interference. But the abnormal conditions as to the position of the womb are of greater interest and practical v*lue, because they occur so much more frequently, PROLAPSUS UTERI. 303 and offer more or Jess in every case, a chance of cure by the proper medication. prolapsus uteri. (Falling of the Womb) From the position the womb naturally occupies, hanging suspended on four ligaments in the mid- dle of the pelvic cavity, the reader can easily infer that it can change its position in all directions; one of the most frequent consists in a sinking down, to a less or greater extent, into the lower part of the pelvic cavity, sometimes so far down as to protrude externally. An event of this kind must produce considerable derangement in the female organism. The most prominent symptoms of this disorder are fully described by Dr. Dewees, as follows: "The symptoms, characterizing this complaint will be modified by the greater or less descent of the uterus in the vagina : they will be intense in proportion to the extent of the displace- ment ; but in all there will be a sense of something sinking in the vagina, as if the perineum were sustaining an unusual weight; with a dragging sensation about the hips and loins ; a desire to make water, sometimes without the ability to do so; or if it do pass, it is reluctantly, and often- times painfully hot—a sense of faintness, and occasionally a number of nervous or hysterical feelings and alarms, which almost overwhelm the patient. A pressure and feeling about the rectum, 304 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS, resembling a slight tenesmus, sometimes impor- tunely demand the patient's attention, which, if she obey, almost always end in unavailing efforts. The pain in the back is sometimes extremely distressing while the patient is on her feet, and gives to her walk the appearance of weakness in her lower extremities. A benumbing sensation shoots down the thighs, especially when the wo- man first rises upon her feet; or when she changes this position for a horizontal one. In some few instances, the woman is obliged to throw her body very much in advance; or is ob- liged to support herself by placing her hands upon her thighs when she attempts to walk. But all these unpleasant symptoms subside almost immediately if she indulge in a recumbent pos- ture, and this circumstance pretty strongly de- signates the disease." However well marked the above symptoms are, particularly the one last mentioned, they are not sufficiently so to prevent mistakes from being made in its diagnosis. An examination of the parts involved should never be omitted, as without it we never can be positive in pronouncing the disease prolapsus uteri. Dr. Dewrees relates a case of this kind. " I was consulted by a lady, who nad long suffered almost every symptom recorded above; I pronounced her disease to be a prolapsus of the uterus ; and without an examination per PROLAPSU8 UTERI. 305 vaginam, had a pessary made for its support; but, to my sad mortification, when I was about to apply it, a careful examination proved that no such condition existed, and that all the unpleasart symptoms had arisen from a thickening of the neck of the bladder." But not all practitioners avow frankly, like Dr. Dewees, their errors in this respect; after once having pronounced a similar complaint to be falling of the womb, they rather persist in their opinion, even after having ascertained by actual examination that no prolapsus exists. In this manner falling of the womb has been multiplied in such a degree, that it may be counted now among the fashionable diseases, which any lady of standing or delicate feeling ought to have, at least a touch of it. While patients complain of symp- toms, similar to prolapsus, some physicians hastily and without examination pronounce them to indi- cate this latter disease, thereby forcing their reme- dial action into a direction, often detrimental to the welfare of their patients. We have seen women tormented for years under a treatment against prolapsus uteri by several physicians, who, one after another, had readily yielded to the incorrect diagnosis of the preceding one. All that time these patients had not the slightest real symptoms of prolapsus or dislocation; they were afflicted with neuralgia, congestion, induration of the 26 306 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. womb, etc., diseases which soon were removed by a rational (homoeopathic) internal treatment.* Rheumatism of the uterus is a frequent cause of feelings resembling falling of the womb, and a practitioner should be very cautious in pro- nouncing the existence of a disease so dissimilar in its treatment from the former. Although a great many physicians yet adhere to the use of pessaries and abdominal supporters in the cure of prolapsus uteri, we must confess that we have never seen such good result as would induce us to persist in their use. Since we have become acquainted with the specific power of homoeopathic medicines and the tonic virtues of cold water in the form of a sitz-bath and wet ban- dage, we have discarded the use of pessaries and other supporters, almost entirely. * While writing the above, we see in an article on uterine displacements by Dr. Ramsay, in the Boston Medical Journal, similar complaints made as to the fictitious prevalence of pro- lapsus uteri ; which, according to the statement of that gentle- man, is far greater in the South than in other parts of the country. We can testify in so ne degree to the truth of this fact ourselves Residing in Cincinnati we had for a number of years frequent occasion to attend ladies from the South, the complaints of many of wham resembled greatly the symptoms attending prolapsus uteri. According to their statement they were suffering from prolapsus, having been told so repeatedly by their physi- cians ; yet, upon examination, not the slightest trace of such a disease could be detected. We are glad to see that this profes- sional error attracts the attention of those who best can correct it. PROLAPSUS UTERI. 307 Iii the commencement of a cure for this disease, the patient should remain in a lying posture for a length of time, also otherwise refrain from active ex- ercise as much as possible. The wet bandage, twice a day renewed, and frequent sitting-baths of.short. duration, will be of great benefit. We found the fol- lowing remedies the most beneficial in this disease. Belladonna and sepia, alternately, every other morning a dose (six glob.,) until better, at least for one week; during the next week the patient discontinues the medicine, but repeats the above prescription during the week following. These medicines are succeeded, if necessary, after six weeks, by calcarea carb., to be taken in the same manner. Sometimes, during the above treatment, a dose Hear Dr. Ramsay : " This prolapsus question has been a hobby for many a pretender to secure fame, and scores of women South have been injected per vaginam with sulph. zinc, nit. arg. et id tmrne genu , to their serious detriment, for the mal-position of an organ from which they never suffered. Any man, with a thim- bleful of brains, who will put himself to the trouble to examine the anatomical situation of the womb, will see at a glance, that the organ, in its normal and physiological condition, is not easily prolapsed, at least not with the facility once supposed. We admit real prolapsus is too common ; but at the same time we protest against referring every little uneasy sensation in the hypogastric region to uterine descension. It is high time we were awakening from th s unprofitable and unmeaning slum- ber, with regard to female affections, etc. God speed the time for the benefit of our wiois and daughters." /■ 308 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. of nux vom., platina, opium, cocculus and ignatia may be found necessary, if the patient exhibits a good deal of nervousness with constipation. All stimulating diet is strictly prohibited ; no coffee, no tea can be allowed ; but good nourishing food is beneficial. Other displacements of the womb may occur in various directions and degrees. The retroversion of the uterus, or that state wherein the womb is turned over backwards, occurs perhaps the most frequently, and produces many disturbances in the alvine ami urinary dis- charges by actual pressure on the rectum and bladder, frequent hemorrhages from the womb, fluor albus and menstrual irregularities. The anteversion of the uterus presents a devia- tion in a direction opposite to the former, the fundus uteri inclining towards, or even resting on the bladder, the neck and mouth of the womb towards the rectum. A distress similar to the former is the consequence. In both cases, it becomes necessary to apply to a competent physician, who, after careful examina- tion will replace the parts, thus removing the pains and sufferings. An operation of this kind is not in the least painful or exposing, and should be submitted to by the patient very readily as the only means to cor *ect the evil at once. During the course of these diseases follow the same hygienic rules as stated on preceding page. INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 309 INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. Before puberty congestion and inflammation of the wcmb very rarely occur, and after this period the greatest liability for their appearance takes place during menstruation, pregnancy and child- bed. At such times the womb is more predis- posed to be affected by morbific causes, which at other times would scarcely reflect on it injuriously. The symptoms of an inflamed womb vary very much as regards locality and the circumstances which have produced them. The pains usually are burning, boring, stinging, pulsating, extending upwards into the abdomen and downwards to the thighs, with occasional intermissions Accompa- nying these pains there is a sensation of heat and weight in the pelvic region, indicating mostly that part of the womb which is inflamed. The func- tion of the uterus is more or less disturbed; either the menses have ceased or flow too readily ; during pregnancy an early miscarriage, or during child- bed a cessation of the lochia can be the conse- quence. Besides, there is present a greater or less degree of fever, preceded by chilliness, headache, and other concomitants of febrile re-action, even delirium. In a disease of this kind the attendance of a physician is indispensable ; yet the early applica- tion of the following remedies may prevent greatly 310 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. the rapid progress of the disease, and promote its quick resolution. Aconite and belladonna, dissolved in water, each one separately, in half a teacupful of water, alternately every two or three hours a teaspoonful, until better, will be generally sufficient to dispel the most severe symptoms. In connection with the above a sitz-bath of ten minutes duration will be beneficial. The diet must be light, nothing but water-gruel and dry toast. IRRITABLE UTERUS. (Rheumatism and Neuralgia of the Womb.) We have had occasion to speak of these com- plaints in connection with after-pains and other disorders of the lying-in. But they frequently appear idiopathic without being caused by, or com- plicated with any other disease. The most charac- teristic symptom of all of them is a pain, the seat and direction of which varies as it now proceeds from the small of the back and the lumbar region, now starts from the front part of the pelvis and radiates in all directions. The pain is mostly lancinating, boring, burning, tearing and heating. Dr. Dewees, who calls one species of this disease "irritable uterus," speaks of its local manifestation as fol- lows: "Sometimes the patient represents the parts as being a little swelled ; but this we believe is always transient. Walking, riding or indeed IRRITABLE UTERUS. 311 any kind of exertion, is sure to be accompanied or followed by severe lancinating pains within the pelvic cavity, especially from near, or in the course of, the urethra, to about the centre of the sacrum; and when the severity of the pain has abated, it subsides into a permanent dull pain in the same direction, but more diffused." The fact of the pains being increased by motion, erect position, and its abatement by a recumbent one, has given rise to an erroneous diagnosis, by mistaking this disease for falling of the womb. Yet a careful examination per vaginam, will convince us that, though the uterus is found to be lower in the vagina than common, it is not prolapsed or other- wise seriously displaced; but its neck is very sensible to the touch, somewhat shortened, because enlarged, and the mouth of the uterus more closed than in a natural state: the vagina itself feels hot and swollen. The course of this disease is more chronic than acute, and involves more or less all the uterine functions. It appears mostly in paroxysms, brought on by certain exciting causes, such as erect position, over-exertion, conjugal connec- tions, powerful mental emotions, even faults in diet; sometimes the most extreme point of the spine becomes so tender as to prevent the patients from sitting any length of time. To give the reader an idea about the variety of causes which 312 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. may produce this disease, we insert here only a few of those which are related by Dr. Goosh. "In one patient it came on after an enormous walk during a menstrual period; in another, it was occasioned by the patient's going shooting with her husband not many days after an abortion; in a third it came on after standing for several hours many successive nights at concerts and parties; in a fourth, it originated in a journey in a rough carriage over the paved roads of France; in a fifth it was attributed either to cold or an astringent lotion, by which a profuse lochia was suddenly stopped, followed by intense pain in the uterus; in a sixth, it occurred soon after, and apparently in consequence of matrimony." The treatment of these disorders should be conducted by a skillful physician. Before his attendance, an effort may be made to diminish the congestive tendency to the neck of the womb by giving belladonna and sepia alternately, every four days a dose (six glob.,) until better, in connection with tepid injections in the vagina, and tepid sitz- baths. During this time the patient should abstain from meat and other stimulating; diet, keeping as quiet as possible. POLYPUS OF THE UTERUS. Polypi are indolent tumors, resembling fleshy or fungous tumors growing on the inner surfaces of POLYPUS OF THE UTERUS. 313 cavities, for instance, the nose or uterus, where they root either with a broad basis or a narrow neck. They are sometimes very vascular and bleed readily on the slightest touch; for this reason their presence in the womb becomes very danger- ous, particularly if they are of that kind which adhere, with a broad basis to its walls. As they grow, increasing in size and length, the uterus has to extend also, until it becomes stimulated to expel them, which is done in a manner similar to that during an abortion. The danger in such cases is very great, as inversion of the uterus may take place, which, jn itself, constitutes a serious dis- order. Polypi of the uterus are met with as often among single as married women; frequent hemor- rhages of the former, therefore, should lead us just as well to suspect the presence of a polypus of the womb, as it would do in the latter. The author observed a case of this kind in a girl of seventeen years, who, after having suffered for a considerable length of time, from oft repeated uterine hemorrhage, resisting the most varied treatment, was suspected by him to have a polypus of the uterus; upon examination its presence was verified, and the ligature soon restored the poor girl to health and happiness. If the polypus is very large, the ligature which the surgeon fastens around its neck, cannot at once cut its stem 27 314 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. through; it has to be done gradually, which some- times lasts a week or more. In one instance which came under my notice, the polypus, seven inches long by one and a half inches in diameter, was separated from its stem after ten days application of the ligature. During this time the profuse sloughing process required great cleanliness and absolute repose on the part of the patient, to pre- vent a slow fever which might have been created by the absorption of the sanious liquid and the hemorrhage in consequence of the extensive lesion. The most nourishing diet has to be chosen, such as oysters, poultry, eggs, soups of meat, etc.; if putrid fever sets in, acidulated drinks must be given. As regards remedies in this stage of the operation, china, carbo. veg., veratrum, arsenicum, lachesis, are the most beneficial. The application of the ligature is perhaps the quickest and best method to extirpate polypi wher- ever they may be located, if they only can be reached by it. Where they are thus not accessible, the Author has found the oft repeated application of a saturated tincture of opium on the polypus with a sponge, together with the internal' use of calcarea carb., third potency, every four days one dose (ten or twelve glob.,) the most successful method; he has thus cured polypi which could not be reached by the ligature. Although the process is a tedious one, yet it is after all gratifying to witness the 8CIRRHUS AND CANCER OF THE WOMB. 315 removal of tumors which had resisted methods oth- erwise more expeditious, but wholly inapplicable. It is unnecessary here for me to state that a disease of this kind requires the assistance of a skillful physician and the greatest willingness- and patience of the sufferer while under his care. SCIRRHUS AND CANCER OF THE WOMB. To avoid the confusion and uncertainty which may arise in the mind of the reader by reciting the legion of premonitory symptoms appearing in ad- vance of the above dreadful diseases, we will relate only the most important one which indicates the presence of the above disease more surely than any other symptom. A woman experiencing from time to time sudden lancinating, darting pains through the uterine region, should at once be on her guard and confide her case to an experienced physician. In most instances (this has been at least the au- thor's experience,) in that early stage, the disease has not progressed far enough to be beyond the reach of judicious medication; the real open cancer has not at that time formed; there is, however, a cancerous tumor or induration in the neck of the womb, called scirrhus. This, if not resolved by proper medication, soon becomes a real cancerous ulcer, which in most cases terminates fatally. The treatment of an open cancer must be left entirely to the directions of a physician, who, 316 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. though not perhaps successful in curing the case, will be able, in most instances, of affording great relief. In scirrhous affections of the womb, belladonna seems to be the most reliable, particularly if con- gestion to different parts of the system are present. Conium is generally the next remedy to be applied; after which carbo veg., sepia and sulphur may be given in intervals of one or two weeks, if no amendment takes place. Again let us entreat the reader to apply for medical aid as soon as the most important symp- tom which precedes these dangerous complaints, namely, the sudden darting stitches in the uterine region, make their appearance. ULCERATION OF THE WOMB. An ulcer is usually the result of previous con- gestion and inflammation, which, not having been resolved in the proper, manner excite indurations in the parts affected, in consequence of which sup- puration sets in. The mouth and neck of the womb are more liable to this species of affection than any other part of the uterus. It is very dif- ficult to distinguish this form of disease from cancer of the womb. But the absence of the lancinating pains not often found in an ulcerated uterus, but always present in cancer of the womb, makes the diagnosis sure. Generally but very few painful DROPSY OF THE WOMB. 317 symptoms attend uterine ulcers, and their pres- ence is frequently not detected except by an ocular examination through the speculum, which, in such cases, should always be instituted by the physician in charge of the patient. There is always more or less discharge attend- ing an ulceration of the womb; it varies in quantity, is mostly sanious and purulent in cha- racter, sometimes offensive and mixed with blood, thus differing materially from a common fluor albus. The treatment of this disease is less difficult than other uterine disorders, the ulcers healing readily under the judicious treatment of a skillful physician. In the beginning belladonna and sepia in alter- nation, every eight days a dose (six glob.,) arc of great benefit to reduce the congestion and swelling of the parts affected. Afterwards the local appli- cation of lueosot and calendula becomes necessary, if the above remedies have not been successful. Thuja also, in injections, is highly recommended. Frequent injections of tepid water and the use of the hip bath, will accelerate the cure. DROPSY OF THE WOMB. At first sight it seems strange that an organ like the womb, having an aperture designed for the exit of menstrual blood, should be liable to secrete and retain water in such a quantity as to cause an 318 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. enlargement sufficient to produce suspicion of pregnancy. Yet this often occurs, when, by some morbid process, the mouth of the uterus has been closed sufficiently to prevent the escape of the fluid, secreted within the womb. Such a closure may be the result of accident, swelling, induration or adhesive inflammation, as is produced sometimes after a severe birth. The cause of the watery secretion itself in the cavity of the uterus, is not, as yet, well understood; the disease is said to be more frequent in women of a delicate, weak constitution, who have had many children; it also occurs more frequently under de- bilitating circumstances, after great fatigue, loss of blood, sedentary life, mental and bodily depressions. The symptoms indicating dropsy of the womb present many of the signs of pregnancy, with this difference, that persons afflicted with it enlarge faster than during pregnancy, and that from time to time water escapes from the womb, either slowly or in gushes. This latter may also be the case during real pregnancy, and if so, the water had been collected within the membranes of the child, a form of dropsy already mentioned in the chap- ter on the disorders of pregnancy. When the dropsy exists independent of a gravid uterus, the water may be let out by a catheter or a similar instrument; but even in that instance, though the patient be relieved at once, an internal INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES. 319 treatment must follow, by which a renewal of the secretion is prevented. This is mostly accom- plished by the exhibition of arsenicum and sulphur, every week two doses of each, for four weeks. If not better graphites should be administered, * every week one dose (six glob.,) for six weeks. The counsel of a skillful physician should be had as soon as possible; although not absolutely dangerous, this disease being the result of consti- » tutional ailments, requires skill and perseverance to overcome it successfully. INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES. In previous chapters, we have seen the impor- tant position which the ovaries occupy among the sexual organs; in them the first impulse starts for the development of all the other organs necessary to foetal generation and growth. Consequently, a disease in these small bodies must be of the high- est importance, and its cure should engage our full attention. The ovaries are subject to many and serious derangements ; one of the most frequent is inflam- mation, the result of congestion to these organs during sexual excitement, voluptuous imagination, disappointed hopes, etc., or caused directly by ex- posure to cold, suppression of the menses, external injuries, translation of rheumatism or gout from other places of the system, etc. 320 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. Its symptoms, although very characteristic, sometimes have been mistaken for inflammation of the womb. While the pain of the latter is more confined to the middle region of the abdomen, the pain in the former is found on one or the other side, just above the groins, where, on pressure, sometimes an enlargement may be discovered very painful to the touch. This is the ovarium swol- len and tender, affected in a similar manner, as it is sometimes the case with the glands on the neck. If the inflammation is an acute one, the fever present usually runs very high, connected with nausea, vomiting, strangury or a difficult voiding of scanty, high-colored urine; the thigh of the affected side generally feels numb, and the pains are increased by the patient suddenly rising up. If the inflammation has assumed the chronic character, the above symptoms are present, but less severe. The fever, particularly, is at first very slight; the symptoms most obvious to the patient, are, perhaps, the stiffness and pain on moving the leg of the affected side, and a feeling of weight in the diseased region. In either form, the inflammation of this organ requires immediate attention, as a neglect would produce the most disastrous consequences, such as suppuration, induration, watery effusions, etc., after diseases which may terminate fatally, and if not must at least produce sterility. INFLAMMATION OF THE OVARIES. 321 It is highly important to procure, forthwith, the proper medical aid. Before this can be had, the following remedies may be given. Aconite in alternation with bella- donna, every hour a dose (four glob.) This treatment frequently mitigates the symptoms in such a degree, that in a few hours all traces of the disease have- disappeared. The above remedies may be followed by bryo- nia if the disease is the result of a suppression of the menses; the same in alternation with rhus if cold or rheumatic disorders were the cause of it; in the latter case, give alternately every two hours a dose (four glob.) Cantharides will be indicated when the disease is complicated with strangury or difficulty of void- ing the urine. Arsenicum, if the patient is very restless; should this remedy fail to relieve, the alternate use of camphor and coffea for a few hours, every fifteen minutes a dose (four glob.,) will quiet the most intense agony. Conium, if the menses are suppressed, with severe semi-lateral headache, debility, blue circles around the eyes, variable appetite, nausea, swell- ing of the left ovary, with constant Dumb aching, contusive pain, and occasionally at night, par- oxysms of severe sharp pains in the left side. Tepid hip-baths will be of great assistance, 322 DISEASES OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. and if the inflammation^ with fever, has risen to a very high degree, we may even be allowed to use the cold hip-bath, putting, at the same time, cold compresses on the head and covering well the other parts. The patient may remain in the bath from twenty-five to thirty minutes. After rubbing dry, a wet bandage should be applied around the parts affected, after which she should be put to bed, well covered. This treatment is particularly beneficial in that form complicated with retention of urine. The diet should be light as in all inflammatory fevers ; if thirsty, lemonade, water and crust-water are the best drinks. OVARIAN DROPSY. The ovaries are frequently liable to a degene- ration of this kind. The water is contained within a sack or cyst, which has been formed by the en- largement of one of the ovarian vesicles. These tumors, filled with water, sometimes grow to an enormous size; their treatment must be left entirely to the physician, who should be in early attendance when it is yet possible to arrest their growth. DISEASES OF THE BREASTS. The breasts or mammary glands, forming a part, as it were, of the organs of generation, are in- volved more or less in all their changes during DISEASES OF THE BREASTS. 323 health or disease. This becomes particularly evi- dent after delivery, when the breasts appear most prominently occupied in the secretion of that fluid which is indispensable for the maintenance of the offspring. It is during the performance of this important office, that the breasts more than at any other time, are liable to disease. We have already, on page 280, mentioned the inflammation of these organs, known under the name of ague in the breast, and the swelling and suppuration which sometimes follows it. The reader will there find, also, the treatment laid down which we have found to act as the most beneficial during a large course of practice. We will add, here, a few remarks about other morbid peculiarities of the breasts which may excite the interest of the reader. There have been ob- served several cases of a total deficiency of the breasts, occuring always in connection with atro- phy of the ovaries and uterus. Sometimes we meet with very small breasts and with such as have diminished in size after they had been once devel- oped; these are called atrophic breasts. Still other instances are recorded where women possessed more than two breasts, or more than one nipple on each breast. In some cases the irregular breasts were located on the thorax, like the regular breasts; in otliers they occupied a place on the abdomen or in the groins. 324 DISEASES OF GENERATIVE ORGANS. Again, an hypertrophy or faulty enlargement of the breasts, is frequently observed, sometimes to such an extent as to border on a monstrosity; they have been found to measure forty-two inches iii circumference, weighing twenty pounds. Swellings of the breasts, different from perma- nent enlargement, frequently occur in consequence of lacteal disturbances and constitutional dyscra- sies. Indurations of this kind have no malignant character. It is quite different, however, with that hard tumor known as scirrhus, which is the forerunner of one of the most dreadful diseases, the cancer of the breast. We refer the reader to what we have said on page 315, about these diseases when located in the womb. The same remarks there, will apply to the scirrhus and cancer of the breasts. The scirrhus has been frequently cured when reme- dies were applied early; but an open cancer of the breast, as yet, belongs to the incurable diseases, although the palliation of its sufferings is within our reach. CHAPTER III. DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. There are but few diseases located in the nervous system, which belong, exclusively, to the female sex. The nervous complaints of the head, breast and other organs, such as nervous headache, spas- modic asthma, etc., which frequently can be traced to female peculiarities, do not constitute separate forms of disease, but being attributable to one and the same cause, are treated of together under one name. HYSTERIA. Our readers are perhaps awafe that years ago hysteria or vapours (mostly known under this name in France) were quite fashionable. Ladies in high life at the European courts had nothing wherewith to kill the tedium of an otherwise task- less existence. To create variety and sustain intrigues, the hysterical fit, with its Protean cha- racter, offered the readiest and best means which, in the boudoir, saloon or promenade, could change, at once the scene from comedy to tragedy, and convert 326 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. mirth into tears, wit into sympathy. This time has passed; the storms of revolutions have dis- pelled the sentimentalities of the age, and with them the supreme reign of hysterics and vapours in the female world. At the present day, even the name has become obsolete and obnoxious to the fair sex. They dis- like extremely to be told that they have the hys- terics ; they have nothing against it, however, to be nervous, which essentially means the same thing. We continue to use here, the name hys- teria, because it is more significant of its origin. The word hysteria is derived from the Greek, signifying the womb, because this disease wras con- sidered to be in close connection with the sexual peculiarities of the female. Upon the whole the correctness of this idea must be acknowledged', although different opinions are held, as yet, in regard to the primary cause of this complaint. Dr. Meigs gives his views as follows: "The causes of hysteria are to be found, in a great variety of conditions, both of internal and external origin; among- them may be named a highly nervous and sanguine temperament, the pathological propensities of which are promoted by a sedentary life and luxurious living, hot rooms, hot beds, highly stimulating food, the use of wine, of aromatics; a mind ill regulated, indulged, intol- erant of control, highly impressible. In such an HYSTERIA. 327 individual, any abnormal degree of excitement that might serve to add to the purely physiological action of the reproductive organs, you could well deem sufficient to send its aura forth upon its mis- sion of mischief throughout the entire economy." Hysteria may be considered as a chronic disease, appearing from time to time in paroxysms. These latter are very irregular as to their characteristic symptoms, their intensity and exciting causes. Sometimes they occur at once without any appa- rent cause, or at least but a slight one, not pro- portionate to the effect produced, at other times exciting causes of the severest kind, must operate on the system for a length of time before a hys- terical fit is produced. To the unpracticed eye, the diagnosis of hys- teria is rather difficult; but a careful observation of the pulse, the movements of which are not under the voluntary control of the patient, soon leads us to distinguish between severe forms of diseases and their hysterical counterfeits. An hysterical attack usually commences by a feeling of tightness and fulness in the abdomen, which, rolling upwards like a ball, (globus hysteri- cus,) produces, after it has reached the throat, a distressing sensation of choking and suffocation, followed by various efforts of the patient of reliev- ing herself from the Smothering and pressure, by eructations of wind, throwing around her arms, 328 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. gasping for breath, etc; finally, pale and exhausted, she sinks down, unconscious, falling into spasms, apparently very violent, because the convulsive movements of the limbs and trunk are sometimes really frightful, and the spasm3 of the respiratory muscles in the highest degree alarming. But they soon cease; and the patient, having become tran- quil, lies feeble and exhausted for some time, in a naif sleepy state until she feels perfectly well again, or goes off into another spasm. If such paroxysms repeat often, one after the other, they resemble epileptic fits; in such cases, the history of the pa- tient must guide us in our diagnosis. Moreover, in epilepsy the patients have all the symptoms of congestion to the brain, face red and bloated, features contorted, foam at the mouth, thumbs clasped in the palm of the hand, etc., symptoms which are seldom present in an hysterical fit. A succession of these spasms may finally ex- haust the whole system to such a degree that the patient sinks into a state of insensibility; the heart apparently ceases to beat, respiration becomes im- perceptible and a general collapse of functional vitality takes place. As this state of apparent death sometimes has lasted for weeks without destroying the life of the patient, we should not cease to watch the patient, applying restoratives, until real signs of death have appeared or resusci- tation takes place. HYSTERIA. 329 Hysteria,, however, not always appears in the formidable form above described; it has various degrees of intensity, sometimes expressing itself only in crying, without a known cause, in unusual hilarity, laughter, excited conversation, etc. Dr. Meighs draws,the following graphic picture of the versatile nature of hysteria: "The hysterical woman, like the highly electri- fied thunder cloud, requires but the point to draw the flash. She sits, like Tarn O'Shanter's wife, " Gathering her brows, like gathering storm, Nursing her wrath to keep it warm." when, suddenly, and unexpectedly, some word, sign or gesture, gives the occasion; and we have reproaches, tears, screaming, laughter, sobs, wring- ing of hands, tearing of hair, clonic convulsions, tonic spasms, stertor, smiles like a May morning, loud laughter again, floods of tears and then a gradual return to a state of gentle composure, wherein the tenderest affections of the human heart come to resume, with unusual supremacy, their wonted sway over the soul." During a fit of hysterical passion, it is all-im- important, not to cross the patient in her expres- sions, or to heighten her distress by opposing arguments ; it is of no use, but can do a great deal of harm. If she should fall into a spasm, she should be laid on a couch or bed, her clothes loos- ened on the parts where they may be tight around 28 330 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. her, fresh cool air should be admitted into the room, and cold water sprinkled into her face; if the latter looks red and bloated, cold water may be poured on it from a height, or ice laid on the top of it, at the same time that her feet are put in a hot bath; if the face looks pale, this treatment is not necessary. Until the proper medicine can be procured, a camphor bottle may be held under her nose from time to time which frequently arrests the spasms at once. As sudden mental emotions are the most fre- quent causes of hysterical fits the latter will be controlled by the remedies indicated for these va- rious conditions of the mind. If caused by Excessive joy : Coffea, opium. Fright or fear : Opium, aconite, bellad., igna. Anger, violent: Chamomile, bryonia, nux vom. Anger, suppressed: Ignatia. Grief: ignatia, phosphor, acid, staph., coloc. Home Sickness: Phosphor, acid, mercury, cap sicum, staph. Unhappy Love : Hyoscyam., ignatia, plwsphor. acid. Jelousy : Hyoscyam., lachesis, nux vom. Mortification and Insult: Bellad.,ignat.,pla- tina, coloc, staph., puis. Contradiction and Chagrin : Chamom., bryo., ignat., coloc, aconite, nux vom.,platina, staph. Indignation : Coloc, staphysagria. HYSTERIA. 331 Give of the medicine selected, four globules, dry on the tongue, every fifteen or thirty minutes, or dissolve twelve globules in half a teacupful of water and give a teaspoonful in the same inter- vals; after the attack, lengthen the intervals to three, six and eight hours, until the patient is relieved. Of the above remedies coffea, ignatia,pulsatilla, and aconite will be the most suitable in almost any hysterical fit while it lasts. To prevent its return, however, medicines should be given which are able to remove the hysterical constitution. This can only be done by a careful treatment insti- tuted by a skillful physician. Among the remedies for this purpose the following are the most impor- tant: na.trum mur., calcarea carb., sepia, sulphur. They may be taken in their order, each one for six weeks, every week a dose (six glob.) During this time the patient should keep a strict diet, ahstam irom coffee, tea and all spicy substances, and if possible, should have recourse to all the strengthening appliances of the water- cure, such as frequent sponging-baths, sitting- baths, etc. If constipation is present, injections of cold water and the wet sheet around the abdo- men ; if inclined to congestive headache, cold foot-baths are recommended. The patient must take exercise in the open air after a cold bath, in order to promote the necessary re-action. 332 DISEASES OF NERVOUS FUNCTION. As already stated, hysterical paroxysms have, of late years, diminished in frequency and intensity ■ they, indeed, very seldom occur at present; and if they do, it is under circumstances, extraordinary and so severe that the attendance of a physician is at once required. As to the causes which have led to this singular phenomenon, the opinions of the writers vary. Dr. Dewees remarks: "It would be difficult to point out the causes of the diminution of this disease within the last thirty years in this city, though the fact is certain, so far at least as we can rely upon our own observa- tions. Have the temperaments most liable to this disease been changed by either physical or moral causes? Certain it is, that at present we are rarely called upon to attend in an hysterical par- oxysm, whereas formerly such calls were fre- quent." Perhaps the most potent agency having a tendency to diminish the hysterical diathesis, may be found in the fact that our present times exhibit less sickly sentimentality but more health- ful activity and more sound utilitarian views, in all departments of life, than any former age. INDEX. Abortion,..............___234 Congestion of the head,. Abnormal erotic sentiment,_200 Absence of " ' 204 Acid stomach during preg- nancy, ----------------222 After-birth,______________256 After-pains,_____________260 Ague in the breast,_______280 Anteversion of the womb,...308 Apparent death of the in fant,__________________154 Appetite, derangement of _.215 Asphyxia of the infant,___254 Asthma__________________228 Blood, spitting of_________228 Breast, gathered__________.280 " ague in the_______280 *' abcess of the_____282 " d iseases of the_____322 Cancer of the womb_______315 Cessation of the menses,____199 Change of life,....._______199 Character of woman, physi- cal,--------------------21 Character of woman moral and intellectual,_______ 31 Child's water,....._______251 Childbed fever,___________268 Childbed, mania in________272 " melancholia in___272 Childhood,______________61 Chloroform, use of_________153 Chlorosis,_______........182 Colic, menstrual_________197 Colic-pains during preg- nancy, ________________223 Color, changed of milk,____2S6 Congestion during pregnan- cy.............._______206 229 of the liver,___127 ofthelungs,___128 Confinement,_____________'261 Constipation during preg- nancy,----------------221 Convulsions puerperal,____232 Cough, hacking___.....___229 Cramps in legs, back and stomach,______________223 Crusade, moral___________159 Crying spasmodic_______231 Delivery,________________253 Depression of spirits during pregnane,------------230 Derangement of appetite,___215 Destiny of woman,_______43 Deterioration of milk,_____283 Diarrhea during pregnancy, 219 " preceding labor...241 Diet during confinement,___263 Difficulty of swallowing___222 Diseases of women,_______179 of generative organs,_292 Diseases of sexual develop- ment, _________________181 Diseases of nervous func- tion,__________________325 Diseases of the vagina,_____297 of the uterus,_____302 Dislocation of the womb,___308 Displacement " " 308 Dropsy " " 317 Dvspepsia during pregnan- cy. __________________222 Dropsy ovarian,__________3'2'2 Dysury during pregnancy,_224 Eclampsia gravidarum,____232 Education, finished_______103 334 INDEX. Education, physical_______62 " intellectual_____73 Egg-beds,_______________89 Elopement_______________100 Erotic sentiment, abnormal-200 " absence of 204 Ether, use of___________-.153 Exercise,_________________71 External parts, inflamma- tion of_________________293 External parts, wounds on._294 Fainting,________________230 Falling of the womb,______303 Fashion,________________111 Feet, swelling of_________213 Fever, childbed___________268 " during pregnancy,—206 " milk-_____________279 Flooding,___________193-195 " after parturi- tion, ______________'258 59 Fluor Albus,_____________298 Foetus, development of_____147 Generative organs,diseases of 292 Girl,____________________53 Green sickness,___________182 Gymnastics,_____________ 71 Hacking cough,_________229 Head-ache______________230 Head, congestion of the___229 Heart-burn during pregnan- cy, ______________.___'222 Heart, palpitation of_______228 Hemorrhage during parturi- tion,___________.....___258 Hemorrhage during preg- nancy ________________209 Hemorrhoids during preg- nancy, ________________210 Hymen, imperforation of the 292 Hysteria,_________......—325 Icterus,_________________225 Imperforation of the hymen 92 Incontinence of urine,_____225 Infancy,________________53 Infant, apparent death of the.....______________254 Infant schools,___________71 Inflammation of external parts,___________.......293 Inflammation of the ovaries 319 " of the womb..309 Intellectual faculties,______37 Introduction,_____________13 Irritability of the womb,___3 10 Tschury during pregnancy,_224 Itching of the private parts, 295 Jaundice,_______________225 Labia, oedematous swelling of the_________________294 Labor,___________________243 '■ natural, preternatural 244 " too sudden termina- tion of_________________245 Labor, protracted_________246 " sudden cessation of..247 " excessively painful__250 " commencement of___242 Labor-pains, spurious or false,__________________248 Laughter, spasmodic______231 Leucorrhea,______________298 Limbs, swelling of________213 Liver, congestion of________227 Lochial discharge,_________264 Lochia,_________________264 " supression of______266 " excessive and pro- tracted________________267 Lochia, offensive, sanious—267 Lungs, congestion of_______228 Maiden__________________ 84 Maiden lady,_____________120 Mania in childbed________272 Marks,___________________147 Marriage, second_________165 Married lady,_....._______132 Matron,__________________169 Menses, cessation of the____199 Menstrual colic,___________197 Menstruation, ap| earance of 84 " abnormal ap- pearance of..__________186 Menstruation tardy,.-______187 " suppressed,___190 " too copious __ 93 too long dura- tion of_________________196 Menstruation too late and scanty,_________________196 INDEX. 335 Menstruation, deviation of._ i 96 too difficult, painful,________________197 Menstruation, cessation of the--------------------199 Milk, deterioration of______283 " changed color of______2S6 " changed quality of__.286 " suppressed secretion of 287 " excessive secretion of_288 •' deficiency of_________289 Milk fever,_______________279 Milk leg, ......._........270 Miscarriage,______________234 Monthly period, appearance of---------------------84 Moral and intellectual cha-* racter of woman,________31 Moral sentiments,_________34 Mother, duties of a_______154 Music,___________________107 Nausea during pregnancy__2l7 Navel, pouting o it of the—-151 Nervous function, diseases of_____________________325 Neuralgic pains,__________230 Nervousness,_____________325 Neuralgia of the womb,____310 Nipples, soreness of_______290 Nursing,_________________273 " diet during_______278 Ovarian dropsy___________322 Ovaries,__________________89 " inflammation of____319 Ovule, fecundated_________146 Pain in the right side,_____227 Pains,neuralgic during preg- nancy, _________________230 Palpitation of the heart,____228 Parturition,______________240 Phlegmasia albadolens,____270 Physical character of wo- man,___________________21 Piles during pregnancy,____211 Plethora during pregnancy,_206 Pleurisy__________.'_______228 Polypus of the womb,_____31'i Pregnancy,_______________206 " signs of________144 Private parts itching of the_295 Prolapsus of the womb,____303 uteri___________303 Pruritus,________________295 Puberty, abnormal appear- ance of_________________181 Puerperal convulsions,_____932 Quality, changed, of milk,_286 Quickening__________145-150 Recapitulation,___________175 Retroversion of the womb,..308 Rheumatism of the womb,..310 Right side, pain in the_____227 Sabbath schools,__________128 Salivation during pregnan- cy,--------------------214 Scirrhus of the womb,______315 Secretion, suppressed, of milk,_______________287 Secretion, excessive of milk, 288 Sexual development diseas- es of___________________181 Show,___________________242 Signs of pregnancy,_______144 Sleeplessness during preg- nancy _________________230 Sneezing, spasmodic_______231 Societies, benevolent_______127 Sore nipples,_____________290 S, asmodic,laughter, cryine, sobbing, sneezing, yawn- ing, ___________________231 Spasmodic pains during pregnancy,_____________223 Spitting of blood,__________2.8 Sterility .________________205 Stomach, acidity of the_____2 2 Stroma,__________________89 Strangury during pregnan- cy, __________1_________2?4 Swallowing, difficulty of___222 Swelling oedematous of the labia.......___________294 Swelling of the feet_______213 limbs_____213 Tooth-ache during pregnan- cy ____________________214 Ulceration of the womb----3i6 Urination, painful difficult and interrupted---------2?4 Urination, involuntary_____225 336 INDEX. Urine, incontinence of_____2?5 Uterus, diseases of the_____302 '' prolapsus of the____303 " anteversion of the..308 " retroversion of the..308 ' inflammation of the 309 " irritable___________310 " Rheumatism of the_3l0 " neuralgia of the____310 " polypus of the_____312 " scirrhus of the_____315 " cancer of the_______315 '' ulceration of the____316 " dropsy of the_____317 Vaccination,_____________ 61 Vagina, diseases of the_____297 Vagina prolapsus of the___297 Varicose veins____________212 Veins varicose____________2'2 Vertigo_________________229 Vomiting during pregnancy, 217 Waters the_______________251 Whites,___________......298 Widow__________________161 Woman's physical character _21 moral and intellec- tual character.__________31 Woman's destiny_________43 Womb, see Uterus________ Wounds on external parts.._294 Yawning, spasmodic______231 Young lady,______________84