Shiny Katigants family.
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ADVERTISEMENT.
Counsel to Parents, and How to save the
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1
COUNSEL TO PARENTS,
AND
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
BY
I. D. JOHNSON, M.D.,
AUTHOR OF "JOHNSON'S THERAPEUTIC KEY" AND OTHER
MEDICAL WORKS.
KENNETT SQUARE, PA.
1889
>
Copyright, 1889, I. D. Johnson, M.D.,
Kennett Square, Pa.
Our Tu L.S.
ΤΟ
THE WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION THIS
LITTLE VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY
DEDICATED
BY THE AUTHOR.
215382
TO THE READER.
We wish to say a few words in explanation
of the motives that prompt us to write this
little book. Its title sufficiently discloses the
general nature of its contents, which it is un-
necessary to particularize here. Suffice it to
say that the subjects brought forth are of para-
mount importance, not only to parents, but to
all classes of society, and especially to the youth,
who, through ignorance of the information it
imparts, are making wrecks of themselves,
physically and mentally. It discusses the
marital relations, points out the sin of sexual
excesses, exposes the common vices of youth,
and warns the offender of his impending doom.
It treats these delicate but vital subjects in such
a manner that the youth as well as the adult
may read them with untold advantage, and be
enabled to steer clear of the rocks and shoals
upon which so many valuable lives have been
wrecked.
(5)
6
TO THE READER.
The chief object, therefore, in preparing this
work has been to give the reader some plain
facts respecting the primary cause of disease
and premature death, especially of the off-
spring. We are aware that we have imposed
upon ourselves a responsible task, but we have
studied the subject well and feel competent to
give the needed advice to those who are will-
ing to accept it. We have grown old in the
service, having devoted nearly forty years of our
life in studying the cause of the diseases and
premature deaths which we daily witness
around us; and we are satisfied that they are
the direct result of the violation of the physio-
logical laws, and which can and should be
avoided. We write this little book, then, to
give you the benefit of our observation and ex-
perience, trusting they will lead you to cherish
still more the precious gifts which the Heavenly
Father has intrusted to your care, and with the
hope that there may be less sin, less suffering,
more joy and a higher estimate placed upon
the inestimable blessings of health. It is such
a book as we would put into the hands of every
parent-yes, into the hands of every girl and
TO THE READER.
7
boy in the land old enough to understand and
profit by its teachings.
The truth is, the people need a better knowl-
edge of the laws of life and health, that they
may live in such a manner as to avoid disease.
Everybody is sick; the whole nation is suffer-
ing from a nameless disease, the infection of which
has secretly crept into the veins and very mar-
row of our bones, sparing neither age, sex nor con-
dition. All the doctors in Christendom cannot
cure this "disease without a name" until the
cause is removed. We must begin at first prin-
ciples; we must be rightly born, and live in
accordance with the laws of life; in other
words, we must "cease to do evil and learn to
do well."
We are aware that during the past few years.
a number of books have been written on this
and kindred subjects, some of which are valu-
able and have done much good, others are un-
scientific, filled with dry details and technical-
ities such as only a professional reader can
comprehend; while others are the devices of
unscrupulous persons, written for the purpose
of making money by their direct sale or by
8
TO THE READER.
}
throwing out tempting baits for consultations
or the sale of some favorite nostrum. We write
from other motives, and with the happy
thought that what we shall say will be the
means by which thousands of men and women
may preserve their own health and transmit
as an inheritance to their children sound,
vigorous constitutions. Then it will be that
the painful and dangerous maladies that attack
and destroy so many of our infants annually
will be prevented, and the lives of these inno-
cent little ones saved from a premature and
untimely grave.
And now, my dear reader, all we ask of you
is that, with the purest of motives and the love
of truth in your heart, you will read and study
the following pages, and, so far as the teachings
they contain commend themselves to your
judgment, that you accept and follow them
faithfully, and we humbly trust that your
life will become purer and sweeter as you ac-
cept the truths which are laid before you.
To the Reader,
Chapter
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((
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1
CONTENTS.
Page.
7
11
26
42
IV.-Pregnancy,
50
V.-Hygienic Precautions During Pregnancy 57
VI.-Diseases Incident to Pregnancy,
VII.-Abortion-Miscarriage-Fœticide,
67
74
87
91
109
125
135
149
158
177
5 186
201
215
I.-Matrimonial,
II.-Advice to Married People,
III.-The Reproduction of Man,
VIII.-Labor-Parturition,
IX.-How to Care for the Baby,
X.-How to Save the Baby,
XI.-How to Feed the Baby,
XII.-Hand-Feeding of Babies,
XIII. The Early Education of Children,
The Evil Effects of Alcohol, .
The Tobacco Habit,
The Opium Bondage,
XIV.-Masturbation-Self-Abuse,
General Conclusions,
•
•
•
•
•
*
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1
COUNSEL TO PARENTS,
AND
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
CHAPTER I.
MATRIMONIAL.
CANDIDATES FOR MATRIMONY-THE PASSION OF LOVE—
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ADAPTATION-DISHONESTY
IN LOVE AFFAIRS-HINTS TO YOUNG WOMEN-HINTS
TO YOUNG MEN, ETC., ETC.
THE subject of marriage is not a theme for
special consideration in this little volume.
Neither time nor space will permit us to enter
into any extended discussion of it here. We
have only a few thoughtful words to offer the
candidates of matrimony as a prelude to what
is to follow in the discussion of the subject that
adorns the title-page. And as we are about to
consider the primary cause of disease which
leads to premature death, we invite to our
counsel all those who contemplate entering
(11)
12
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
*
the sacred relations of marriage, that we may
reason together and find out, if possible, what
part married people-and especially parents—
act in the great drama of human life, as it re-
lates to the production of disease and prema-
ture death in the offspring.
Health is the greatest blessing ever vouch-
safed to man.
It is the basis of all human
happiness, progress and reform. Unfortunately
for mankind we are all suffering "for the sin
of being sick;" the nations of the earth are
diseased, dying prematurely. What the people
want is health; and if we are ever to obtain it
the work must begin at home with each indi-
vidual. Every man and woman who lives in
the conditions of health, and avoids the causes
of disease, helps to make the race better; and
if such persons would combine their purified
lives in the production of healthy offspring, they
would do a noble work for the redemption of
humanity. "There is no disease without a
cause, and the cause is closely related to the
remedy." In the following pages we wish to
show what this remedy is, and how to apply it.
THE PASSION OF LOVE.-What is this pas-
sion of love that reigns in the soul of man, that
inspires in him such gallant respect for woman,
and in woman such tender regard for man?
Is it mere affection,or friendship,that magnetizes,
MATRIMONIAL.
13
as it were, with a thrill of delight, and makes
the lips cling together in dewy kisses of inex-
pressible rapture at the mere touch of the hand?
As young men and women approach the years
of maturity they become conscious of a new
and strong attachment for each other, unlike
that experienced in their early school-days.
When this attraction or magnetic influence ex-
ists in a strong degree between one man and
one woman, and is reciprocal, it is called
love, and by common consent is made an essen-
tial condition of marriage. Such attraction is
based on the sexual nature, which begins at the
age of puberty, and which creates wants that
must be met before the fullest development of
persons can be attained. Sexual passion, then
-which is a legitimate and component part of
love exerts no small share in "the tie that
binds" in the marriage relations; indeed, so
closely connected is it with what we call love,
that it is impossible to tell where one ends and
the other begins; therefore, those who are quali-
fied to confer on each other this summum bonum
of matrimonial felicity are bound, together by
the strongest bonds of union connected with
our nature.
(C
Marriage, then," says Mrs. Shepherd, "is
the heaven-ordained way for men and women.
to associate, so that all the longings and needs
14
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
:
For
of their whole being may be gratified.
people have an instinctive sense that not only
the physical nature, but even the intellec-
tual and spiritual elements of the soul will flour-
ish best in the companionship of one chosen and
cherished above all others of the sex. In a
perfect union this will be the case. What one
lacks in character the other will supply."
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ADAPTATION.-And
now a few suggestions to the candidates for
matrimony. One of the most important mat-
ters to be considered in forming a matrimonial
alliance is for the parties to secure entire men-
tal and physical adaptation. If we study the
mental constitution of man, we find it com-
posed of moral, intellectual and perceptive fac-
ulties; these distinguish him from all others of
the animal creation. Woman possesses the
same mental faculties as man, but in a subordi-
nate degree. In man the intellectual faculties
predominate, in woman the affectional. It is
said man reaches conclusions through the proc-
ess of reasoning, woman by intuition. Man
acts from reasoning or through the understand-
ing, woman from impulse or affection. Men
and women differ mentally as well as physi-
cally in many respects. Some men have
stronger affections than some women, and some
women have stronger intellects than some men.
-
MATRIMONIAL.
15
}
Man physically is superior to woman in all that
constitutes manhood, whereas woman is supe-
rior to man in all that constitutes womanhood,
so that neither, mentally nor physically, can
claim superiority over the other. This is as
it should be, for we find all things created
with relation of perfect fitness or harmony to
nature; and if we only obey the laws of our
being, we will have health and happiness as a
reward of well-doing. A true marriage is ca-
pable of yielding the highest degree of happi-
ness, and such a harmonious relationship can
only exist between persons of similar endow-
ments, and not between those of opposites.
Mental adaptation in marriage consists in, at
least, an approximate correspondence of the
mental faculties. A man with large intellec-
tual faculties should never be united to a wo-
man with equal or superior intellect, for in that
case she will neither admire nor appreciate his
wisdom. No wife can respect a husband who
is her inferior, and without respect there can
be no love. Nor can an intelligent husband
enjoy the society of a wife who is ignorant or
of feeble intellect. And for similar reasons a
man with very strong affections should not
marry a woman with feeble affections, for in
that case the man will neither appreciate nor
reciprocate her love. So it seems certain that
16
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
where the union between the sexes is to be a
happy one, the affection should be the strong-
est on the side of the woman, and where the
intellect is to decide the matter, the preponder-
ance should be on the side of the man. As to
the moral faculties, they should be about equal
in each, for the possession of high religious sen-
timents by one, and a total destitution of them
in the other, is a frequent cause of matrimonial
discords; for a devoted husband will cease to
love a wife who neither sympathizes with nor
participates in his religious sentiments. On
the other hand, if two persons marry who have
large combativeness, there will be domestic
strife and discord where peace should reign
supreme. Then, again, if both should pos-
sess a predominant love for ruling others, it
is plain to be seen what a conflict there would
be when the actors undertook to exercise their
rightful prerogatives with each other. Or, let
two be wedded whose ruling passion is love of
money, and their desire for gain will grow
stronger and stronger each day, and with its
acquisition will come an endless struggle for its
possession, which they must soon leave for in-
terested relatives to quarrel over. And so it is
with all the evil passions which are predomi-
nant in both: they will strengthen in each other
as time goes on, and, beside the unhappy results
MATRIMONIAL.
17
which accrue to the parties themselves, still
more disastrous must be the evil tendencies
transmitted to their offspring. But if those of
opposite or different passions come together,
then there will be frequent dissensions and
family jars; but the tendency will be rather to
restrain than strengthen the predominant pas-
sions; and, however unpleasant or painful this
want of harmony may be, it is far better than
the marriage of those in whom the evil passions
are similar. Therefore, if the great ends of
marriage-which are the present and future hap-
piness of man, and the perpetuation of the race
are to be fulfilled, it is of infinite importance
that all those who purpose entering the bonds
of matrimony should secure, if possible, entire
mental and physical adaptation in reference to
these objects. And at the expense of repetition
we would say that a man with strong intellect-
ual faculties should marry a woman with cor-
respondingly strong mental endowments;
that a man with strong affections should
choose for his wife one with equal or even
stronger affections. And a man with strong
animal passions should never marry a woman
with equally strong animal passions; and in
no case should he take for his wife a weak, del-
icate woman, for reasons given elsewhere. On
the other hand, persons with evil passions pre-
18
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
dominating should never unite in wedlock
with those of similar passions, but with oppo-
sites. A young woman should not forget that
her lover virtually proposes himself as the fu-
ture father of her children; only from this
standpoint can she make an intelligent and safe
estimate of him.
PHYSICAL ADAPTATION.-In regard to the
physical qualifications of candidates for the
hymeneal altar, it will be better for the present
and future good of the human race if large and
well-formed men would select for companions
women of a proportionate size. And, for a
similar reason, it will be better for a small man
and a large woman, or a large man and a small
woman, to unite in marriage, so that the size
and strength of the one may make up for the
diminutiveness and weakness of the other; but
the disparity in size should not be great. For
it must be evident to all that these conditions
will have a direct bearing on the mental and
physical development of the future offspring;
and if we would transmit to posterity a noble
race of men and women, we must comply with
the laws of procreation. We cannot expect
strong, vigorous, healthy children from weak,
dwarfish or deformed parents. The farmer
does not expect good corn or wheat if he sows
a poor quality of seed; nor does he expect to
MATRIMONIAL.
19
raise good cows and sheep from a poor, diminu-
tive breed, or a beautiful fleet horse from an
inferior stock. And as man is an animal he is
subject to all the laws of hereditary descent
which govern the propagation of other animals.
So, diseased parents beget diseased children,
and through them it is handed down to the
third and fourth generation. But with good
conditions and surroundings the mistakes and
diseases of birth may be gradually eradicated,
and children born ugly, diseased, and with
unfortunate mental and moral tendencies, may
become beautiful, healthy and good.
It is hardly necessary to define more specifi-
cally the mental and physical adaptation in
marriage; very few will follow advice in regard
to this matter; the emotions carry the individ-
uals away, and reason loses all control. Let
all young persons, therefore, be exceedingly
careful how they allow emotional excitement to
gain the ascendancy.
DISHONESTY
J
IN LOVE AFFAIRS.-Having
briefly considered the question of mental and
physical adaptation in marriage, we come to
speak of another matter that is closely related
to our subject, and one that should interest all
who are seeking matrimonial felicity. We refer
to the matter of dishonesty practiced among
young people in their love affairs. Too many,
20
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
in conducting their courtships, practice all
manner of deceptions to entrap each other. If
the young lady be religious, her admiring
friend will attend church regularly and go
through all the forms of worship; if she is of a
literary turn of mind, he takes to books and
study; if she is opposed to the use of tobacco,
he temporarily discards the "filthy weed;" if
she takes snuff, he does the sneezing. If his
form is ugly, crooked or ill-shaped, he bribes
the tailor to conceal the defects. If nature has
failed in developing her womanly charms, then
cotton and whalebone, powder and paint make
up for the deficiency. Many a man has mar-
ried what he supposed was an armful of female
loveliness, which proved to be little more than
a bundle of dry-goods.
Thus is every form of device resorted to in
courtship to cover up the mental and physical
defects, which must sooner or later be exposed
after marriage. Men and women should no
more deceive each other in love affairs than in
the affairs of business. If they do so, then they
are swindlers and cheats, which the parties will
come to realize when it is too late. Honesty is
the best policy, not only in love affairs, but in
all the transactions of human life. For a
young man to gain the affections of a young
lady, or a young lady to gain the affections of
MATRIMONIAL.
21
a young man by false pretenses, is no less a
crime than obtaining money by similar means,
and the act should be made an indictable
offense at common law, and the perpetrator
punished accordingly. This would put a stop
to rascals becoming the husbands of virtuous
women, and female tricksters from taking ad-
vantage of honest men. When men and
women come to realize the importance of deal-
ing frankly and honestly with each other, then
will a real, genuine reform be inaugurated in
all the relations of life.
MARRYING FOR WEALTH.-Again, parents
or relatives often instigate matrimonial unions
from false and selfish motives. Persons form-
ing such an alliance under these circumstances
are seldom so fortunate as to get congenial
companions. Men will sometimes marry those
for whom they possess not one spark of affec-
tion, in order to secure wealth. And women
will often accept the proposals of rich men for
whom they hardly feel common respect, think-
ing that a luxurious home and glittering gold
will compensate for the misery they will have
to encounter from an odious husband. No
greater delusion can be entertained than that
riches alone can make persons happy in matri-
mony. True marriage is not a trap in which
people are caught, nor a Bastile in which they
22
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
are confined. It is a condition of mutual
attraction in absolute freedom, and not one.
that can be purchased with silver or gold.
Hence, marrying for a home, or to please
parents or friends, seldom leads to a true
spiritual union, where peace, contentment and
harmony should reign, but often subjects the
parties to a slavery the most abject. Two per-
sons may swear eternal love to each other upon
a "stack of Bibles" as high as a house, but if they
do not love each other, they have no right to
expect that peace and happiness which grow
out of the spiritual union of two loving souls.
Without a strict observance of the laws of
natural attraction that should exist between
the parties, it will be far better for humanity,
and the innocent offspring of remote posterity,
if such persons would consent to remain in a
state of single blessedness. And now, in nego-
tiating a life partnership, let me give a few
HINTS TO YOUNG WOMEN.-Let no young
woman accept the heart and hand of a young
man who uses alcoholic liquors in any form, or
tobacco. We can imagine nothing more piti-
ful than a young woman being led to the
marriage altar by a young man who is addicted
to the use of intoxicating liquors; the chances
are ten to one that she will drag out a miser-
able and unhappy existence, and finally die a
drunkard's broken-hearted wife.
MATRIMONIAL.
23
Shun the young man who uses tobacco; if
he does not already drink intoxicating liquors,
he is almost certain to do so, for it is a well-
known fact that nine-tenths of all who use
tobacco use alcoholic stimulants to a greater
or less extent; while among those who abstain
from the use of tobacco not one in fifty uses
alcoholic beverages.
This is a grave matter for a young woman
to consider before entering into a life-partner-
ship with a young man. For a clean, pure,
loving woman to marry a man who is addicted
to the dirty, filthy practice of smoking or chew-
ing tobacco is contrary to all her natural and
womanly instincts. No man would think of
marrying a woman who uses tobacco, or in-
toxicating liquors, or profane language, or who
was a gambler or a licentious woman! Yet
women very often marry men, with a full
knowledge of all these facts, regarding them as
a necessary element of man's nature.
Do not marry a lustful man, or you will have
cause to regret it. If his approaches towards
you indicate that he is that kind of a fellow, do
not consent to become his wife; if you do, you
will have a domestic trouble on your hands
that will last nearly as long as he lives.
Never marry an invalid, or a man who inherits
the taint of insanity, consumption, cancer, epi-
24
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
lepsy or scrofula; if you do, your children will
inherit and suffer from the same diseases, and
you will find him a poor arm of support when
the strain of life comes.
Never marry a close-fisted, niggardly man; if
you do, you will be afflicted the balance of your
natural life. He will "stint you in everything,"
and make you "beg for every cent of money
you get" that comes through your joint-earn-
ings.
Never marry a "dude," or a young man who
drives a fast horse and carries a long whip; he
will never amount to much, except during the
honeymoon; after that he will begin to wane
and finally turn out a failure.
Never marry a man under twenty-three or
twenty-four years of age, and don't let him marry
you until you are over twenty. Children begot-
ten by fathers between the ages of 25 and 40
years are the most robust; this is also true of
those born of mothers between the ages of 20
and 30 years.
HINTS TO YOUNG MEN. On the other
hand, let no young man select for his wife
a young woman with a temperament very
similar to his own; it should be differ-
ent from his in all leading characteristics.
The shape of her head as well as her body
should be different from yours.
MATRIMONIAL.
25
Never marry a woman with a small waist;
you will entail upon your offspring not only
ill health, but deformity which will descend
to future posterity.
Never marry a pale, delicate woman; if you
do, you will regret it all your life. You will
have her to watch and to nurse, instead of hav-
ing her as a helpmate; and, besides, your chil-
dren, if they live, will grow up weakly, sickly
mortals, and never enjoy health.
Never select a wife from a family that is
tainted with epilepsy, insanity or consumption.
These diseases are almost certain to develop in
the wife and descend to her children as a
legacy.
And, finally, never marry a woman without
first telling her everything you know about
yourself, and what your aims and aspirations
are. Be perfectly frank and honest with her;
do not deceive her under any circumstances.
She will find you out after the wedding, and
if you have taken advantage of her, she will
never have entire confidence in you thereafter.
If you cannot do this, just be frank enough to
say to her that your character is such that you
are unworthy to become her husband, and that
she must forgive your shortcomings, and then,
without repugnance of conscience, bid her fare-
well.
į
2
{
1
CHAPTER II.
...
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
THE MATRIMONIAL VOYAGE-A FEW SUGGESTIONS-IN-
TERESTS RECIPROCAL-INDIFFERENCE-THE VALUE
OF A SMILE-DECEPTION-ABUSE OF THE SEXUAL
FUNCTIONS-WHAT CONSTITUTES ABUSE-CAUSE OF
DISEASE-ENTIRE CONTINENCE.
M
HAVING in the previous article made a few
suggestions for the benefit of those who were
candidates for marriage, we wish to devote a
brief space to the consideration of that other
class of individuals who, having "taken each
other for better or worse," and having pledged
themselves to mutual fidelity and love, are
about to start on their matrimonial journey of
life.
And now, right at the threshold, at the very
beginning, let me whisper in your ears a few
words which, if fairly recognized, will be of in-
estimable advantage to you.
We will suppose
that you have gone through a happy courtship;
that you have stood up amid friends and flowers
and made a solemn promise to love and protect
each other; that you have received the con-
(26)
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
27
gratulations of friends and the prayers of lov-
ing parents. Now, after this is all over, and
you have retired to your chamber to meditate
and talk over your future prospects in life, and
the happy moments you have spent together,
and how much you love each other, remember
that this love which you bear to each other, and
which you should prize above everything else
in this world, will gradually disappear if you
give yourself up to unrestrained sexual indul-
gence. And also remember that you must not
only avoid excesses, but you must preserve that
chastity and respect for each other that have
hitherto characterized your behavior during
courtship. A countless host of young married
people turn their love into indifference through
their ignorance in regard to these matters.
Again, we would suggest another little matter
which you will find of great practical impor-
tance as you journey along through life: have
a little drawer in your secretary or bureau in
which to keep your money; have a good lock
on it supplied with two keys-one for each of
you-and let it be fairly understood that either
party shall have the same right and privilege
to use this money as the other. This little ar-
rangement will prevent a great deal of trouble
between you, and will increase your mutual
confidence and love for each other.
·
A
28
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
INTERESTS RECIPROCAL.-The interests of
husband and wife are so interwoven that what-
ever effects one is sure to effect the other.
Wives especially have been advised as to what
their duty is, while husbands have been much
neglected in this particular. It will be well for
both to read the marriage ceremony once in a
while to see if they live up to the promise made
to love, obey and cherish each other. It is far
too common for husbands to think if they pro-
vide money generously for their wives that
they have done their whole duty. But there is
something besides money that is necessary to
make the home what it should be-a center of
peace and happiness. We also hear much said
about the influence of women in the home,
which no one will underrate; but, says a writer:
"The husband is to the home what the sun is
to the natural world, and we all know what a
difference it makes whether the sun shines out
bright and clear, or is cloudy. We can scarcely
rise above the depressing influence of darkened
skies, and no family can rise above the gloom
that falls on it when the face of the father and
husband is turned in darkness away from it. I
know that a man's business is often harassing, and
in the world he gets many rough jostlings, and he
ought to have everything serene and sweet at
home; and every true wife will accord it. But
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
29
if he meets vexations and perplexities in his
business, that gives him no right to come home
ill-natured and gloomy. His wife may have
had an equally trying day at home. If he
comes home bright and cheery, and she, for-
getting her troubles, meets him in the same
spirit, how much better than for both to be de-
spondent and ill-humored.
Dear friends, try
the sunshine. It will be reflected back into
your own lives, making each day glad. Few
husbands realize how much their wives value
praise and commendation from their husbands'
lips, how by appreciative words the wife's cares
and trials are lightened and her burdens made
easy to bear. Life holds no sorrows that can
hurt very much if full love and confidence exist
between husband and wife. The wife should
know about her husband's business; it will
guide her in her expenditures and will
strengthen the bonds of sympathy.
"Indifference is the deadly rust of married
life. It should never be allowed to get a foot-
hold in the home. As we keep our silver bright
by constant polishing, and our cutlery by con-
stant scouring, so should we take pains to keep
ourselves bright and fresh for each other, and
practice all the innocent social arts that made
the period of courtship so delightful.
whom should the husband make himself inter-
For
30
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
esting and attractive, but for the being nearest
to him on earth? On whom should the wife
lavish blandishments and fascinations, if not
on her husband?"
THE VALUE OF A SMILE.-Beside sunshine,
who can tell the value of a smile? It costs the
giver nothing, but is beyond price to the
erring and relenting, the sad and cheerless, the
lost and forsaken. It disarms malice, subdues
temper, turns hatred to love, revenge to kind-
ness, and paves the darkest paths with gems of
sunlight. A smile on the brow betrays a kind
heart, a pleasant friend, an affectionate mother,
a dutiful son, a happy husband. It adds a
charm to beauty, and it decorates the face of
even the most deformed.
DECEPTION.-Another matter worthy of con-
sideration is the necessity of starting with and
maintaining perfect confidence in each other.
No deception whatever should be allowed to
exist between husband and wife; every thought
and deed should be made known to each other.
The husband should entertain no secrets or
business transactions that he is not willing to
confide to his wife. And if the wife has any
secrets "locked up in her heart" that she
"would not have her husband know for the
world," the sooner she ventilates the matter the
better it will be for all concerned. It always
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
31
strengthens the confidence in each other when
a confession is made of any injustice or wrong
committed by one against the other. On the
other hand, anything hidden or concealed by
one, though never discovered by the other, is
sure to breed discontent sooner or later, because
it is a peculiarity of the human mind to sus-
pect in others what we are guilty of ourselves.
And whenever husband or wife detects any
deception in each other, it is about time to take
an account of stock, and prepare to divide the
household goods; then, bidding each other
good-bye, one starting in the direction of the
rising, and the other towards the setting sun,
make haste to get as far apart as possible, burn-
ing all bridges in the rear; for it will be im-
possible to restore confidence when deceit and
dishonesty have had a hiding-place in the bo-
som of either. Therefore, if the matrimonial
voyage is to be a pleasant and happy one, if
husband and wife are to journey along together
through life, and enjoy the blessings that come
only from two loving hearts, then they must be
just to themselves, to their neighbor, and to all
mankind. For, remember, all that is base and
mean and miserable comes from a disregard
of the principles enunciated in the golden rule,
that whatsoever ye would that others should
do unto you, do ye also unto them.
32
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
}
ABUSES OF THE SEXUAL FUNCTION.-A deli-
cate subject, truly, but one we cannot afford to
overlook, as it has a direct bearing on the sub-
ject under consideration. By many the mar-
riage vow seems to be regarded as equivalent
to the largest license for an unlimited indul-
gence of the animal propensity. The evils
which result from such indulgence are liable
to be overlooked even by the parties them-
selves, but they are well known by every
physician of common experience. The hus-
band frequently suffers from general debility,
weakness and pain in the back, cramps, dys-
pepsia, impotency and a tendency to epileptic
seizures, etc. And an evil of no small account.
is the steady growth of the sexual passion from
a want of proper restraint in this direction.
In this way the habitual yielding to inclina-
tion often determines the life-long behavior of
the parties concerned. Much harm to both
sexes has resulted from the widespread teach-
ing that the passion of men is by nature
stronger than that of women. It has led
millions of men to feel justified in gratifying
lust, under the name of passion, at any cost,
sacrifice or suffering to their victims both
within the marriage pale and outside of it.
But the chief sufferers from the abuse of this
function are the wives and innocent offspring.
A
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
33
Nearly all medical writers agree that one of
the most common causes of uterine derange-
ment and female weakness to which married
women are subject comes from excessive co-
habitation. Thousands of these unfortunate
wives are constantly under the doctor's care
for the treatment of local ailments which have.
their sole origin in sexual excesses, for which
their husbands are responsible. The diseases
known as inflammation and ulceration of the
womb, prolapsus, leucorrhoea, deranged men-
struation, dysmenorrhoea, miscarriage, hysteria
and an endless train of sympathetic nervous
affections are among the number attributed to
this cause. Not that men and women may not
suffer from all these diseases where no such
excesses have been indulged, but they are much
more liable to occur where these excesses have
been committed. The gratification, then, of
this passion or any other beyond its legiti-
mate end—is always attended with serious re-
sults. The process is undoubtedly one of the
most exhausting and draws more heavily upon
the vitality of man and woman than any other
of the animal functions. And the delicate hus-
band or wife who indulges in this gratification
to any great extent will necessarily have to suf-
fer in consequence, for they seldom have any
strength to expend in that direction.
34
+
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
O. S. Fowler, who is excellent authority on
this subject, says: "Many a husband has buried
more wives than one, killed outright, ignorantly
yet effectually, by the brutality of his passion.
Reader, if thou knowest none such thou knowest
not the cause of all the deaths that transpire
around thee! And yet the pulpit, the press,
the lecture-room are silent in view of this vast,
this wicked waste of life."
But it is not the husband and wife alone who
suffer from this abuse. If it were it would be,
comparatively speaking, of little consequence;
but it is the innocent offspring and society at
large that are the chief sufferers. And if we
are ever to have a strong, vigorous, healthy
offspring, free from the taint of disease and
out of which to construct a noble race of men
and women, then we must look to the parents
to give us such, for the first condition of health
to every organized being is to be well born.
Without this prerequisite we shall continue.
to have a poor, weak, sickly, short-lived and
suffering offspring. For it must be borne in
mind that the seeds of disease are sown in the
mother's womb.
In the act of reproduction the seminal fluid
is furnished by the male, and the ova or germ
is supplied by the female; when these constitu-
ents come together they form the rudiments of
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
35
the fœtus or future human being. Now, any
unhealthy condition of the male will affect the
seminal fluid; if he has exhausted his vitality
by the abuse of the sexual passions; if he has
poisoned his system by the use of narcotic
stimulants, rum or tobacco, then he cannot
beget a healthy child. If the female is dis-
eased, or is the victim of any vice that lowers
her standard of health or has dwarfed her
body, then she is unable to furnish the life-
germ for healthy offspring. A "corrupt tree
cannot bring forth good fruit;" neither can
diseased parents bring forth healthy children.
Until we come to understand the laws of hered-
itary transmission, and strive to avoid the
causes of disease, we must continue to "suffer
for the sin of being sick." Humanity lies
groaning under the accumulated errors of
ages, and these have been handed down to us
as an inheritance by our progenitors, until the
very life-blood of the nation has become pol-
luted, and we are threatened on all sides with
disease and premature death. Now, every
man and woman who lives in the conditions
of health, and who avoids the causes of disease,
helps the race; and if such persons would
combine their efforts in the production of a
healthy offspring, they would achieve a noble
work for the redemption and purification of
humanity.
36
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
1
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN ABUSE OF THE ANI-
MAL PASSION?-This question will naturally
arise in the mind of every thoughtful person.
It is one of vital importance and deserving
serious consideration.
The relation of husband and wife is essen-
tially one of purity and use; if either person
seeks simply the selfish gratification of passion,
without regard to the health and happiness of the
other or desire for children, it becomes sensual.
Marriage should never be regarded as a condi-
tion granting license to the passions. The re-
production of human life is certainly a legiti-
mate use for the gratification of the sexual
function, but when indulged to excess from
mere passionate enjoyment it becomes an evil of
fearful magnitude. The question is not what
is pleasurable, or what is an excess, but what
is right and useful. The lower animals, not
gifted with erring reason, but with unerring
instinct, and not having the liberty of choice
between good and evil, cohabit only at stated
periods, when pleasure and reproduction are
alike possible. Would that we could say as
much for man! With all his intellect and
reasoning powers, he is a slave to his passions,
and too often enters the marriage relations as
an excuse for free indulgence. Such persons
would have us believe they are acting accord-
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
37
ing to their natural propensities; but man's
nature is perverted, and therefore cannot be re-
lied upon as a safe guide.
Many eminent writers contend that temperate
indulgence tends to strengthen the bonds which
unite husband and wife, and adds to their health
and happiness; while others, equally eminent,
among whom are some of our most distinguished
physiologists and medical observers, agree that
"intercourse not intended to be fruitful is un-
hallowed, and, if meant to be unfruitful, is
licentious, whether had in or out of wedlock;"
and that there is but one way to guard against
sexual excess, and that is non-intercourse except
for the production of offspring. This may seem
at first thought like the prohibition of a legiti-
mate pleasure, and some will say they might
as well live bachelors or old maids; but when
we come to understand the intent of the laws
of this department of our being, we shall find
it is the only safe and right road that leads to
health and happiness.
The whole human family is sick; wherever
we go or look we find men and women suffer-
ing from a nameless disease. It is especially
noticeable among married people. They look
careworn, are pale, listless, depressed in spirits,
are irritable, have poor appetites and bad
memories; they have weak eyes and are obliged
1
38
UNSEL TO PARENTS.
to wear glasses even while young in years; they
suffer from headache, indigestion, and have
frequent moody spells. They are not exactly
sick, but always complaining, and have an
aversion to all kinds of employment. This
،، disease without a name" is transmitted to the
innocent offspring who come into the world
with weak, delicate constitutions, one-third of
whom die before they reach their second birth-
day, while those who survive grow up with
enfeebled bodies and sensual appetites to per-
petuate this disease without a name through fu-
ture generations. Every city, town and coun-
try village is full of men and women who are
victims of this disease without a name. They
take all manner of drugs, nostrums and quack
medicines, "nerve-tonics," "bitters," "iron,"
"blood-purifiers," etc. Doctors far and near
are consulted, but to little or no purpose, and
thousands of these victims go down to the
grave annually, while their nearest relatives
and most intimate friends know not the cause
of their early decay and premature death.
-
Now, there is a cause for this "disease without
a name," and that cause is excessive sexual indul-
gence. The abuse of this passion has been the
besetting sin in all ages, and to-day it threatens
the very existence of our race. There is but one
way to cure this disease, and that is to stop the
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
39
producing cause. Most women and many men
can do this if they will. What the people
want is to be enlightened on this subject, to
be made aware of the terrible consequences
which result from an abuse of the sexual func-
tions. The errors which have been generated
in the past can only be counteracted by edu-
cating the young on sexual ethics, and a gen-
eral dissemination of knowledge on the normal
functions and rational uses of the generative
organs. Ignorance is the active agent of all
evil, and especially is this the case in regard to
the marital relations.
ENTIRE CONTINENCE.—A very erroneous idea
prevails among some that continence is inju-
rious to health, giving rise to a diseased condi-
tion. Some physicians have taught this, and
books have been written in support of the
theory. The assumption is that the seminal
fluid is analogous to bile, gastric juice, saliva
and other glandular secretions, which, when
once formed, must be used and expelled from
the system. The logical deduction from this
theory is, that men or boys after the age of
puberty, to maintain the standard of health,
must expel the seminal fluid at certain periods,
either by sexual intercourse or by masturba-
tion. Such a theory is not only erroneous, but
is repugnant to the moral and finer sensibilities
40
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
of human nature. It affords the immoral a
ready excuse for their debauchery, and "turns
the heaven of the affections into a hell of the
passions, which is fast destroying the vitality
and happiness of our race." There can be no
doubt that a total abstinence from sexual in-
dulgence is compatible with a healthy state of
the body. The highest medical authorities
agree that no disease or tendency to any dis-
ease results from entire continence. And
while vital statistics prove that the average
duration of life is greater among married than
among single, yet it is more than probable that
this is due to other causes than those under
consideration. As a general rule, the habits
of married people are more uniform and tem-
perate than the unmarried; they are less
exposed, better contented and happier—all of
which are sufficient to account for the differ-
ence in longevity.
In our present unnatural condition, conti-
nence would seem to be almost impossible:
but, with the love of truth and a determination
to do right, we are convinced that there is not
an unruly passion or morbid fancy which may
not be controlled. The first step in the right
direction to accomplish this is to occupy the
mind with pure thoughts and noble senti-
ments; to avoid all sensual excitation, and the
ADVICE TO MARRIED PEOPLE.
41
reading of sentimental and immoral romances
which tend to excite the animal passions. Liv-
ing an honest, sober, industrious life will do
much to appease the venereal appetite, and
sustain our efforts in getting rid of bad habits.
Persons who have not already given way to
improper indulgences will find little difficulty
in restraining themselves, if they will properly
restrain their thoughts and avoid the use of
stimulants, narcotics, tea, coffee and tobacco.
By pursuing this course they will soon find
their desires growing less and their passions
much more easily controlled.
An important matter of hygiene and true
living is separate beds for children as well
as adults, married and single; it puts tempta-
tion somewhat out of the way of the easily
tempted, and, besides, it is more conducive
to health. (See CRIMINAL ABORTION).
f
CHAPTER III.
THE REPRODUCTION OF MAN.
CONCEPTION-THE MALE AND FEMALE PRINCIPLE WHICHI
UNITES TO FORM A NEW BEING-CONDITIONS NECES-
SARY TO INSURE HEALTHY OFFSPRING-PRIMARY
CAUSE OF DISEASE-FETAL DEVELOPMENT, ETC.
CONCEPTION.-As stated in a previous article,
conception takes place by the male sperm com-
ing in positive contact with the ova or germ-cells
furnished by the generative organs of the fe-
male, so that a new being results. This sublime
function is performed by the two male and fe-
male organs, the testes and the ovaries. The
spermatic fluid, which is secreted by the testi-
cles, is a whitish viscid fluid that resembles the
white of egg and contains numerous small
cells called sperm-cells or spermatozoa. The ova
or ovules of the female are small globular-
shaped vesicles containing minute germ-cells;
these are found in the ovaries of the female in
different stages of development. In the healthy
female after puberty, one or more of these
vesicles become matured, burst and are set
frce, then make their way through the fallopian
(42)
THE REPRODUCTION OF MAN.
43
tubes into the cavity of the uterus. This ma-
turing and expulsion of an ovum take place
every month at each return of the menses.
During sexual congress the spermatic fluid is
thrown full into the mouth of the womb, here
it is transmitted by some mysterious process up
through the fallopian tubes to the ovaries,
where it unites with the ovum, and conception
takes place. Thus conjointly united the male
and female principle becomes a new creation,
a new human being, which in due process of
time develops into an individual which is an
exact counterpart of its parents.
Thus it will be seen that certain conditions
are necessary if conception is to take place.
First, there must be a matured ovum set free
from the ovary; this is marked by the men-
strual evacuation. Now, abundant observation
has shown that conception generally takes
place within fourteen days after the entire ces-
sation of the menstrual flow, very rarely after
seventeen days, and within two days of the
commencement of the next period. This leaves
four or five days of almost complete exemption
from a liability to conceive. There is no period,
however, of absolute exemption. Owing to
false methods of living, the use of stimulants,
and the excitement of the animal passions, the
ovum may ripen prematurely and thus increase
the liability to conceive.
44
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
1
EVOLUTION OF THE FETUS.-After concep-
tion the fecundated ovum usually remains.
quiet within the ovary for about five days.
During this time the initial stages of subtle
and mysterious vital organization and growth
are taking place-processes too mysterious and
profound for the successful exploration by the
eye of man. "Wonderful arcana of Nature! in
which, after all our profoundest scrutiny into
the mystery of life, we can discern only the
means and the ends, but not the manner.
We see the minute representative forms of two
lives combined to produce a third, in which
shall appear, during all the possible threescore
years and ten of its subsequent life, the general
characteristics of the nation or tribe to which
its progenitors belong; the characteristics of
the family as distinguished from those of other
families in the vicinity; and, lastly, the personal
peculiarities of each of the immediate parents,
all of which are impressed upon the embryonic
germ, grow with its growth, and strengthen
with its strength."-GUERNSEY.
But not only are the striking characteristics
of race transmitted, but all observations prove
that moral, mental and physical qualities of
health and disease are transmitted by both pa-
rents, and impressed upon the ovum in the act
of impregnation.
"The recent developments
THE REPRODUCTION OF MAN.
45
made in the study of heredity," says Dr. Willard
Parker, "show that not only physical but mental
and moral qualities are believed to be transmis-
sible. Even instinct is regarded as hereditary
knowledge—the offspring inheriting in its phy-
sical constitution the acquired knowledge of the
parents." If this be so, then, what a fearful re-
sponsibility rests upon the parents. Think of
the moral depravity, the brutish disposition,
the idiocy, the insanity and homicidal tenden-
cies which threaten the extinction of our race,
being entailed upon successive generations by
the use of alcoholic liquors. Think of the nu-
merous diseases engendered by the use of to-
bacco, opium, and other narcotics. These are
all poisons which are retained in the system,
producing nervous exhaustion, and laying the
foundation of disease not only in the parents,
but in their innocent offspring as well.
People wonder why it is so many children
are born into the world with dwarfish forms
and feeble constitutions. They marvel at their
suffering lives and early decay, but never con-
sider for a moment the important part they act
in this great drama of human life,
"But blame heaven for the tangled ends,
And sit, and grieve, and wonder."
If a tithe of the knowledge we possess of what
may be transmitted from parent to child be
46
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
true, then a fearful responsibility rests upon all
parents who would preserve the immaculate
purity of their offspring, by giving them vigor-
ous, healthy constitutions, free from the taint
of disease. To secure these, the first consider-
ation is, they must be well born.
PRIMARY CAUSE OF DISEASE. The parents
at the time of begetting must be in all pure
and natural and in a healthy condition. The
primary cause of disease is a hereditary lack of
vitality, either in the germ, the sperm, or in
the combination of both. And next to this,
and proceeding from the same cause, comes the
taint of scrofula, consumption, gout, syphilis,
insanity, with a long train of other disorders.
These are all hereditary, and some of them are
manifest in the offspring at an early period of
its life. Then, again, there is no doubt that
thousands of infant germs are poisoned in utero
by drug medication, while still more are born
diseased from the same cause. The mother's
blood is poisoned, and from it the infant re-
ceives its nourishment.
How sad to contemplate the consequences of
parents fastening upon these innocent little
ones diseased and enfeebled constitutions, from
which they must suffer and perhaps die prema-
turely, or, if perchance they should live, must
drag out a miserable existence the balance of
THE REPRODUCTION OF MAN.
47
their mortal lives. But Nature is very kind
and neglects nothing that can benefit her creat-
ures. She exerts herself at all times to pre-
serve the race, even from these evils; and, with
all things working together for good, we must
not despair, but try to improve by culture and
education, until health and happiness prevail,
instead of sickness and suffering and prema-
ture death.
FŒTAL DEVELOPMENT.-After conception the
ovum remains quiet in the ovary for about five
days. During its temporary abode here, im-
portant preparations are being made for its
reception in the cavity of the womb, where
it will reside for the next nine months. The
time occupied by the ovum in the ovary after
conception and in its passage along the fallopian
tubes until it reaches the uterus is from ten to
fourteen days. At this stage it is so small that
it is with great difficulty it can be found by the
closest inspection with a powerful glass. Once
in the uterus its growth is rapid, although seven
days after its arrival there it is invisible to the
naked eye.
By the fourteenth day there is a vesicle
formed the size of a pea, and the embryo
within it can be seen with the naked eye. Its
weight at this period, including the investing
membranes, etc., is about one grain.
48
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
At twenty-one days it resembles an ant, is
about three-eighths of an inch long, and weighs
about four grains.
At three months it is about four inches long,
and weighs from one and a half to two ounces.
At four and a half months it has increased
in all directions; the bones and muscles have
become so far developed that the foetus moves.
them forcibly, and the prospective mother can
usually feel its motions from this time forward.
This is called the period of "quickening."
At six months the nails of the fingers and
toes may be distinguished. A little fine hair is
found upon the head, the whole form of the
child is distinct, its usual weight is about two
pounds, and its length from ten to twelve
inches.
At seven months every part of the fœtus is
so far enlarged and so far matured that if born
it might live to grow up, if properly cared for.
Its weight is from three to four pounds, and its
length from twelve to fourteen inches.
From this time up to nine months, the usual
period of birth, all the organs have acquired
that degree of development and solidity requi-
site for the perfect performance of their re-
spective functions. Its weight is from seven to
nine pounds, and length from eighteen to
twenty-two inches. There are some cases where
J
}
1
THE REPRODUCTION OF MAN.
49
the fœtus has been ill-nourished that do not
weigh more than two or three pounds; on the
other hand, cases are not rare that weigh from
twelve to fifteen pounds. The largest infant at
birth, of which we have any well-authenticated
record, weighed 23 lbs.; height, 30 inches; breast
measure, 24 inches; round the head, 19 inches;
foot, 5 inches in length. The parents were
very large people; the mother was 7 feet 9
inches, and the father 7 feet 7 inches in height.
3
CHAPTER IV.
PREGNANCY.
THE PROSPECTIVE MOTHER-SACRED RESPONSIBILITY—
SEXUAL INDULGENCE DURING GESTATION-ITS Er-
FECT UPON THE OFFSPRING-SIGNS OF PREGNANCY—
CESSATION OF THE MENSES-MORNING SICKNESS-
THE BREASTS-QUICKENING-DURATION OF PREG-
NANCY, ETC.
THE generative function has for its special
object the continuation of the species, and it is
intimately connected with the highest order of
organic and animal life. The woman who as-
sumes the relation of mother takes upon herself
the most sacred obligations of humanity. No
period of her life is fraught with greater respon-
sibilities than that of utero-gestation, or the
time during which she carries the embryo in her
womb. The influence which she exerts upon
the future physical and, we may add, moral
and intellectual condition of her offspring,
during this eventful period, is of the greatest
importance. Everything that disorders her
system affects the child. If her blood is pure,
the child is built up in purity. If she has an
-
(50)
PREGNANCY.
51
abundant vitality, her child drinks from a full
fountain. Indeed, there is no condition of the
mother, mental or physical, which may not
have its influence upon the child and the fu-
ture welfare of society. No people understood
this so well as the ancient Greeks, who sur-
rounded the pregnant female with everything
which was calculated to perfect mental and
physical development: music, statuary, paint-
ings, works of art, and everything which ap-
pealed to the higher senses. Women were taught
that among their highest aspirations should be
the bearing of perfect children. Therefore, if
ever the laws of health are strictly obeyed by
the expectant mother, they should be during
the period of gestation.
From these considerations comes the law
that every woman by her supreme right to her-
self has the right to decide whether and when
she shall have a child. She is to carry it, to bear
it, to educate it; she is responsible to her child
for its paternity and its development; and this
responsibility carries with it the right of choice.
in all that affects it; and if she would transmit
to her offspring a sound and healthy constitu-
tion, she is in duty bound to preserve her own
health by living in accordance with the physio-
logical laws of her own being. And while the
direct physical influence of the father on the
52
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
K
· child ceases after impregnation, he is neverthe-
less under the most sacred obligations to love
and tenderly care for the would-be mother, and
in all things endeavor to promote her happi-
ness. In this way he may not only encourage
and strengthen her, but contribute largely in
giving to her child a healthy and harmonious
development. During the state of pregnancy
women are more sensitive, nervous, and ex-
citable; an unkind word or look, any indiffer-
ence or neglect shown, may produce a deep and
lasting impression upon the future well-being
of the child. Every husband ought at this
time to manifest towards his wife the most
thoughtful consideration, the kindest care and
the most tender love. Looking at all the facts,
then, it must be apparent to every intelligent
person what the duty and conduct of parents
should be during this eventful period when an
immortal being is born into the world.
SEXUAL INTERCOURSE DURING PREGNANCY.——
Nature's rule, by instinct, makes it devolve
upon the female to determine when the ap-
proaches of the male are allowable. And no one
acquainted with the wisdom of nature, in all
her operations, will doubt that the prohibition
of all sexual intercourse among the lower ani-
mals during pregnancy must be for a wise and
beneficent purpose. It is a law of all nature-
PREGNANCY.
53
a law that is said never to be violated even
among savages, outside of Christendom-that
there should be no sexual union during gesta-
tion. "There is no male in the universe that
abuses his mate in this way but man," and no
woman can submit to such abuse without in-
jury to herself and danger to her offspring.
Medical writers agree that the predisposition
to that terrible disease, epilepsy, in children is
caused by the unnatural excitement of the ani-
mal passions during pregnancy. In the adult
this disease is frequently developed by exces-
sive venery, and the child born with such a
predisposition will be exceedingly liable to it
in its early years. And it is well known to
every physician that it is a frequent cause of
miscarriage, chronic inflammation and ulcera-
tion of the womb, with a variety of sympathetic
nervous disorders that torment and harass the
prospective mother. By the nervous exhaus-
tion which it gives rise to, it is believed to effect.
the mental capacity of the offspring, and even
to aid in developing the idiotic condition. We
feel assured if parents could be made to realize
the injurious effects which the abuse of the
animal passions engenders, especially upon the
mother and offspring during the period of ges-
tation, they would be willing to restrain their
passions and accept that which should com-
54
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
mend itself to their reason and judgment, and
which is in harmony with the Divine laws of
their being.
SIGNS OF PREGNANCY.-The limits of this
work will not allow us to go into details on
this subject; we must be content with stating
a few of the prominent changes which take
place when the female becomes pregnant.
CESSATION OF MENSTRUATION.-One of the
first circumstances which lead a female to sus-
pect that she is pregnant is the non-appear-
ance of the menses at the proper time, and
if, at the second period, they are still absent,
it is deemed almost conclusive. This is one of
most unvarying as well as one of the earliest
results of pregnancy.
MORNING SICKNESS. Most women suffer
from nausea and vomiting, especially on rising
in the morning; hence it is termed "morning
sickness." It may commence immediately
after conception, but more generally it sets
in about the fifth or sixth week, and ceases
soon after the third month, although, in some
cases, it continues during the whole period of
gestation. This symptom, occurring at the
regular time and in the usual manner, is
valuable when combined with other symp-
toms, but when taken alone is more or less
doubtful.
Cont
PREGNANCY.
55
THE BREASTS.-About two months after con-
ception the female usually feels an uneasy sen-
sation of fulness, with tingling pains in the
breasts and about the nipples. The breasts
increase in size and firmness; the areola (circle
around the nipples) darkens, and the nipples
enlarge and project more than previously.
This change is often attended with some pain
and tenderness.
QUICKENING. This term was applied to the
mother's perception of the first movements of
the foetus, under the erroneous belief that it
was the first movement, as it then became alive
or quick. We know now that the fœtus is alive
from the moment of conception. Quickening,
then, or the first motion felt by the mother,
usually occurs about four or four and a half
months after conception. Moreover, two or
three weeks before labor the uterus sinks lower
in the abdomen, and the woman becomes
smaller around the waist. This is a pretty
sure sign of the near approach of labor.
DURATION OF PREGNANCY.-The term or
duration of pregnancy is far from being abso-
lutely fixed.
It has been known to vary from
four to six weeks. There have been cases in
which a foetus of six months has been born,
and lived. On the other hand, cases are not
unusual in which gestation has been prolonged
56
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
ten calendar months. Even domestic animals
vary weeks in their periods. Hence, the
deductions from such cases and from general
calculation have led to fixing the term at ten
lunar months, or two hundred and eighty days.
There are three cardinal points from which,
if they occur at the usual time, and in regular
succession, a correct " reckoning" may be kept
and the time of labor fixed with a good degree
of certainty.
First. The time of the last period of men-
struation.
Second. The commencement of morning sick-
ness, six weeks after conception.
Third. Quickening, at half-way, one hundred
and thirty-five days from quickening to labor.
The usual mode of calculation is from two
weeks after the last menstruation; and the
time so fixed is corrected by the time at which
quickening occurs. In many instances this
proves pretty correct; but the uncertainty as
to the time of conception, with the variation in
the time of quickening, renders the calculation
no more than an approximate estimate.
CHAPTER V.
PRESERVATION OF HEALTH DURING
PREGNANCY.
HYGIENIC PRECAUTIONS - DIET-OVEREATING
LACING-BATHING-VENTILATION - EXERCISE-REST
-SLEEP, ETC.
TIGHT
THE pregnant female should observe the
greatest simplicity in regard to diet. Her food
should be simple, but nutritious; that most
consistent with health is composed of farina-
ceous grains, fresh ripe fruits, and vegetables.
Among the wholesome fruits are apples, pears,
peaches, plums, grapes, strawberries, black-
berries, raspberries, melons, bananas, oranges,
nuts, etc.; of vegetables, potatoes, beans, peas,
beets, tomatoes, egg-plants, asparagus, cabbage,
squash, salad, etc. These furnish abundant
aliment of agreeable flavor, sufficient for every
reasonable desire. The flesh of animals, if
eaten at all, should be indulged in very spar-
ingly. We fully believe that all persons would
be better off without the use of animal food,
and especially would we advise the woman who
has the joys of a mother in prospect to avoid
-
(57)
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
it. The flesh of dead animals is not the kind
of food with which to build up the delicate
tissues of the unborn infant, nor yet to preserve
the health of its mother. Pregnant women
who indulge in the use of unwholesome food
cannot maintain good health, and such persons
cannot supply suitable nourishment for the
fœtus in utero. False notions in regard to the
amount of food required during this eventful
period often lead to overeating and consequent
derangement of the digestive organs. Little or
no extra food is necessary to sustain the simple
growth of the foetus, whose gain in weight is
only about half an ounce per day.
As a beverage, pure fresh water and milk
are preferable to everything else. All alcoholic
beverages should be scrupulously avoided. Even
tea and coffee are stimulants that cause nervous
exhaustion, and it will be better to leave them
out of the bill of fare.
BATHING. Of the importance of personal
cleanliness and frequent bathing it is hardly
necessary to speak. It has been a necessity of
the human race from its creation to the present
time; without it man is unfitted for social
equality. No amount of personal beauty in
features, figure or complexion can compensate
for a want of cleanliness. It enhances every
charm, and creates new ones peculiar to itself.
HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.
59
In its relation to health, frequent ablutions
are of the utmost importance, as must be evi-
dent from a knowledge of the structure and
functions of the skin. This membrane, "like
a seamless mantle," invests the entire body. It
is supplied with minute glands which secrete
the perspiration. Under ordinary circum-
stances about two pounds of perspiration are
secreted and thrown off by the skin daily, al-
though this amount may be largely increased
by exercise, etc. Besides this saline aqueous
matter, the skin is continually casting off in
minute, powdery scales the old, worn-out cuticle,
and this, together with the worn-off particles of
clothing, dust, etc., adheres to the surface of the
body, mingles with the perspiration and forms
a thin, dirty coat on the skin. Now, unless
this be daily removed by friction and washing,
the "pores" become choked, and the functions
of the skin seriously interrupted. Therefore,
all who would preserve their health and per-
sonal beauty should bathe regularly three or
four times a week, and frequently apply the
flesh-brush in the meantime.
TIGHT DRESSING.-So much has been said
on the subject of dress and tight lacing, that it
would seem almost superfluous to speak of it
here; and yet nine-tenths of the fashionable
ladies at the present time dress in such a man-
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
#
ner as to compress important internal organs
and seriously interfere with their vital func-
tions. There are still those who believe in the
traditional notion that the Creator has made a
great mistake in the construction of woman by
making her waist entirely too large, and other
parts of her body much too small. Hence
they have undertaken to improve on His
handiwork by reducing the size of the waist
to make it conform with their ideas of what
constitutes modern female beauty. They effect
this by means of whalebones, steel plates and
strong bands, arranged in such a manner as to
encircle the chest and reduce it to the proper
dimensions. They have even taken out patents
on their novel devices for this purpose, and, if
they could, would no doubt reconstruct and re-
model the whole human form to suit their
fancy. A good idea of what their ideal figure
would be like may be inferred by an inspection
of some of the dressed models on exhibition in
the windows of some fashionable dressmakers.
Singular perversion of taste! wonderful and
all-powerful influence of fashion! which can
induce so many intelligent beings to suffer
torture like savages, for the purpose of distort-
ing their bodies, and bringing them into those
artificial shapes which civilized nations denom-
inate genteel and graceful. If women were the
HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.
61
only sufferers from these cruel practices the sin
would not be so great; but their posterity par-
ticipate deeply in the consequences which re-
sult from their criminal perversity. If a poodle
or pet monkey were put into corsets and stays,
and their bodies compressed out of shape, like
some of our females, the perpetrator, if discov-
ered, would in all probability be indicted for
cruelty to animals; but when the same bar-
barity is practiced on human beings, it is toler-
ated because considered genteel and fashionable.
When will people learn that they cannot
violate the natural physiological laws in the
slightest degree without having to suffer the
penalty? Even compressing the feet with tight
shoes or wearing tightly-fitting gloves is a
frequent cause of headaches and deformities
which are neither ornamental nor convenient.
The pregnant female, then, of all others, should
dress loosely, without compressing any part of
the body. All corsets and belts must be aban-
doned, and tight lacing, by impeding the circu-
lation and preventing the necessary expansion
of the abdomen, may cause incalculable injury
to both mother and child. Such methods of
dressing often cause miscarriage, uterine dis-
placements, heart diseases, and not infrequently
malpositions and often deformity of the foetus.
AIR AND EXERCISE.-Foremost among the
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
conditions of health is the breathing of pure
fresh air and the taking of suitable exercise.
The first of these is of vital importance. A
person may go without food for weeks, or re-
main in a state of inactivity for months, and
yet enjoy comparatively good health; but to
be deprived of atmospheric air for a single
moment endangers the very life of the indi-
vidual; indeed, it is questionable whether such
a person can live after having been totally de-
prived of air for more than five minutes, as
shown in cases of drowning, where all air has
been excluded.
There is scarcely a subject in regard to the
preservation of health of greater importance
than the one under consideration. When we
reflect that the impure or venous blood is changed
or purified in the lungs by the action of the
air we breathe, it follows, as a matter of great
importance, that this element should be per-
fectly pure. The air is composed of one part
oxygen and four parts nitrogen, and a small
quantity of carbonic acid. The most essential
part of this life-giving element is the oxygen
it contains, and any diminution or change in
this renders the atmosphere unfit to breathe.
Now, the quality and purity of the air are
affected by every "breath we take,” the quan-
tity of oxygen is diminished, and the carbonic
HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.
63
acid increased, while the nitrogen remains
about the same. Not all the air taken into
the lungs is expelled by that organ; a part of
the oxygen is retained in the blood, and car-
bonic acid given out in its stead. Air that has
been once respired contains eight and a half
per cent. of carbonic acid; hence, when several
persons are crowded into a close room the
atmosphere soon becomes so vitiated by an
excess of carbonic acid and the excretions from
the body as to be utterly unfit for respiration.
Such an atmosphere poisons the very fountain
of life and sows the seeds of pestilence and
disease.
Pure fresh air, then, is absolutely necessary
for purifying the blood in the lungs. Every
part of the dwelling in which we reside should
be supplied with pure fresh air. Especially
should the sleeping-room be so ventilated that
the air in it will be as pure in the morning as
it was when entering in the evening. And if
such were the case there would be far less suf-
fering from headaches, dizziness, want of appe-
tite, and a host of nervous diseases that too often
arise from sleeping in ill-ventilated apartments.
By day and by night, then, at all times and in
all places, sleeping and waking, we should
have pure air and breathe it plentifully.
EXERCISE. As all organs of the body depend
upon exercise for a healthy development, it
-
64
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
follows as a natural sequence that exercise is
one of the most important conditions in the
preservation of health. Active useful labor,
or active exercise of some kind, is indispen-
sable for physical development, health and
happiness. The kind of exercise needed is
varied employments, varied amusements, at-
tractive industry, pleasant society and the
gratification of the natural talents. It should
be such as to interest the mind and keep the
body in more or less constant motion. Out-
door exercise and open-air sports are, of all
others, beneficial to health, and especially to
the pregnant female. But lifting heavy weights,
making vigorous exertion, riding upon horse-
back or in carriages driven rapidly over rough
roads, should be carefully avoided. Too severe
labor or exercise cannot fail to have an injuri-
ous effect upon both mother and child; on the
other hand, too great indulgence in ease or a
lack of bodily exercise cannot fail to result in-
juriously.
Persons pursuing a business that necessitates
sedentary habits or the use of only a few of
their muscles should devote a part of each
day to exercising those muscles that are not
active during labor. Brain workers require
an abundance of exercise, so as to keep up a
proper circulation throughout the body and to
impart vigor to all the various organs.
HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY.
65
The mental faculties also require suitable
exercise for their development. All observa-
tion and philosophy show that intellectual
pursuits are not only compatible with, but
actually tend to promote physical health and
long life. If we diligently acquire knowledge,
and continue to exercise the memory, we will
retain the intellectual faculties to old age, when
the poor physical body will be tottering on the
brink of the grave. The same is true of the
affections; if they are exercised in the per-
formance of good, noble, generous acts, they
will grow stronger from day to day, and we
shall come to realize that we have laid up a
treasure far more valuable and enduring than
silver or gold.
We would impress it upon the minds of all
parents that the more of health and happiness
enjoyed by mothers during the period of ges-
tation, the more, other things being equal,
will their children enjoy these precious gifts
throughout the whole period of their lives.
REST AND SLEEP.-Rest, and especially the
rest of sleep, is indispensable for the preser-
vation of health. The brain and all the
organs of the body require rest. It is a neces-
sity of the system and must be periodically
indulged in. After twelve or sixteen hours of
waking and exercise, a sense of fatigue is ex-
66
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
perienced which demands repose and repara-
tion of the vital powers. Most persons require
from six to eight hours of sleep daily, and this
amount cannot be materially diminished with-
out injury to the health. As a general rule,
the amount necessary to refresh the system is
in proportion to the amount of bodily and
mental exertion made by the individual.
During sleep the respiration and pulse are
both diminished in frequency, and the tem-
perature of the body is reduced about 14° from
its normal standard. Hence the propriety of
covering the body during a nap in the day-
time, even in warm weather. Again, during
sleep, the heart beats less frequently by from
eight to ten strokes per minute; this is when
the heart gets its rest: obliged to continue in
action all the while, it takes advantage of the
situation during repose, and works slower, so
as to recuperate its vital powers. Nothing ex-
hausts and prostrates quicker than the loss
of sleep; therefore, intense study, late hours,
night-watching, mental excitement, and the
like, are injurious, and should be avoided as
much as possible. The use of tea, coffee and
narcotic stimulants is a frequent cause of
wakefulness and inability to sleep; hence,
persons suffering in this manner should avoid
all such things.
CHAPTER VI.
DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY.
MORNING SICKNESS-HEARTBURN-WATERBRASH-HEAD-
ACHE-PILES-PRURITIS VULVA-INCONTINENCE OF
URINE-CONSTIPATION-VARICOSE VEINS SWELLING
OF THE FEET-PAIN IN THE SIDE.
ALTHOUGH pregnancy is, strictly speaking, a
natural physiological process, it borders so
closely on the morbid state that it is a difficult
matter to draw the boundary line between
them. In consequence of the latent diseases
which have been handed down to us by our
predecessors, and the unnatural and artificial
lives we lead, it is often attended with devia-
tions from health which it may be necessary
to briefly notice here for the benefit of those
who are interested in the subject. Hence, in
the present chapter we shall refer to the dis-
orders incident to pregnancy as altered and not
as morbid conditions of the system. And, by
the way, we may here remark that women of
strictly temperate as well as active habits
suffer far less from these organic changes than
do those of opposite habits. And it is also in-
(67)
68
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
teresting to know that all the functional de-
rangements resulting from a state of pregnancy
disappear with or after parturition.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING.-Prominent among
the organic sympathies excited by the preg-
nant state are nausea and vomiting, and from
the time at which the attacks occur it has been
termed “morning sickness." It usually begins
about six weeks after conception, and con-
tinues with more or less violence for three or
four months, when it gradually subsides. In
some instances nausea and vomiting com-
mence soon after conception and continue
throughout the whole period of gestation. It
mostly takes place as soon as the patient rises
from bed in the morning, and often continues
to harass her for two or three hours. After
considerable straining and gagging, a mouth-
ful of tough mucus is thrown up, which is often
very sour. Food is rarely ejected, but the
patient is annoyed by spitting of saliva, which
at times is very profuse, and attended with
"heartburn" and "waterbrash." In some
cases, however, the irritability is so great that
all food is immediately thrown up after being
taken, and the patient suffers from a two-fold
cause gastric irritation and want of nutrition.
In the treatment of some rare cases it is
sometimes necessary to nourish the patient by
nutrient injections.
DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 69
HEARTBURN AND WATERBRASH.-This is
another form of gastric derangement from
which many women suffer during utero-gesta-
tion. It may occur at a very early period, and
even be amongst the first symptoms by which
the patient will recognize her condition. This
form of disturbance is attended with pain and
heat in the stomach extending upward, some-
times to the throat, with occasional eructations.
of very sour or bitter fluid, which is sometimes
hot and so acrid as to excoriate the throat and
mouth. The fluids evacuated may be of a
bilious character, or clear, tasteless and watery
-hence the popular name" waterbrash." Eat-
ing seems to aggravate all these symptoms.
We need hardly add that a judicious diet
should be strictly observed. Lemon juice taken
in small quantities will be found beneficial in
some cases. Sour or sub-sour apples and other
fruits are also efficacious.
HEADACHE.-Next to disturbance of the
stomach, headache is probably the most com-
mon complaint of pregnant women. Some-
times as early as the second week after
conception a strange sensation of fulness or
heaviness is felt in the head, attended with
dulness and a disinclination to active employ-
ment. After stooping there is blindness, with
flashes or sparks before the eyes; disposition to
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
fall forward when stooping; headache with feel-
ing of weight on top of the head; palpitation
of the heart, and general nervousness. The
pain may be dull or acute, commencing over
the eyebrow and extending to the entire head,
with but few intervals of ease. Sometimes
there is a fastidious state of the stomach with
variable appetite; the smell of food while
cooking often sickens the patient, and articles
of diet that used to agree with her are now
disgusting. These likes and dislikes often con-
tinue through the whole term of gestation.
HEMORRHOIDS OR PILES.-The term hem-
orrhoids is used to designate a number of small
well-defined tumors situated around the verge
of the anus. They have been divided into
external and internal, according as they are de-
veloped without or within the rectum. Again,
where there is no discharge from them, they
are called "blind piles," and when the con-
trary is the case "open or bleeding piles."
They are a source of great suffering to females
during pregnancy, and if not in first are in
subsequent cases.
PRURITUS VULVA.-This is a not infrequent
accompaniment of pregnancy, and forms one
of the most distressing disorders to which a
female in this condition is liable. It consists
of an incessant and intolerable itching of the
DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY.
71
vulva or private parts. In almost every case
of pregnancy there is an increase in the secre-
tions of these parts, and sometimes it is very
acrid and causes this irritation. The inner
surface of the labia and of adjacent parts is
often covered with aphthæ similar to the thrush
of infants. From the parts affected a vitiated
watery discharge takes place, attended with
the most intense itching, which greatly dis-
tresses the patient.
Frequent ablutions with hot water are very
beneficial. Bathing the parts with a strong
solution of Borax is also very useful in allay-
ing the itching. These failing, take Hyposul-
phite of Soda, half an ounce; Camphor Water
eight ounces, mix, and use it as a wash three
or four times a day.
•
INCONTINENCE OF URINE.-This very dis-
tressing complaint may occur at any time dur-
ing pregnancy, though perhaps it is more
common during the earlier months. The pa-
tient is tormented with a constant desire to
pass water, and if this desire is not immedi-
ately gratified it is discharged involuntarily.
The urine is frequently very acrid and often
has a strong odor.
CONSTIPATION.-This is a very common at-
tendant upon pregnancy. The pressure of the
gravid uterus on the lower portion of the
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
bowels interferes with their normal action and
sometimes causes obstinate and prolonged con-
stipation. Almost all the sympathetic affections
of pregnancy are aggravated by this condition;
it induces general uneasiness, nervous excite-
ment, loss of appetite, restless nights and er-
ratic pains in the abdomen.
Exercise, a diet composed chiefly of fruits
and vegetables, and drinking largely of cold
water will generally relieve this difficulty.
VARICOSE VEINS.-This condition of the
veins is not often met with in first pregnancy,
but if it is, even in a trivial degree, it grad-
ually increases in severity with every succeed-
ing pregnancy.
The enlarged veins are generally superficial
and may be confined to one or both limbs. At
first they assume a reddish hue, but afterwards.
a bluish or leaden color, and the larger ones
become very much knotted; they get larger
when the patient stands on her feet or suffers the
limbs to hang down. The swelling diminishes
when she has assumed a horizontal position.
This affection is not dangerous, and when
moderate is not painful, but, if it continues to
increase, the coats of the vessels may give way,
and a dangerous hemorrhage follow.
SWELLING OF THE FEET.-During the latter
months of gestation some women are troubled
DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY.
73
with swelling of the lower extremities, increas-
ing towards evening, and occasioning a certain
amount of inconvenience. The extent of the
swelling varies much; it may be confined to
the feet and legs, or it may involve the thighs.
In some cases the anasarca is still more gene-
ral, and we find the upper part of the body,
the hands and the face oedematous. The effu-
sion is manifestly the result of pressure upon
the veins, impeding the circulation.
PAIN IN THE SIDE.-Women are often trou-
bled in the latter months of pregnancy with
pain in the right side. It usually comes on
about the sixth month and leaves after the
beginning of the eighth month. The pain is
of a deep-seated aching character in the right
side under the ribs. The patient cannot sit
long at a time, and mostly finds relief by lying
down. Short women, particularly in their
first pregnancies, are most likely to suffer in
this way.
Like most of the disorders enumerated in
this chapter, and which are developed by a
state of pregnancy, this one disappears after
parturition.
4
CHAPTER VII.
A.
ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE, FŒTICIDE.
THREATENED MISCARRIAGE-CRIMINAL ABORTION-METH-
ODS OF PROCURING-PROFESSIONAL ABORTIONISTS—
CAUSE AND CURE OF THE CRIME.
By abortion is meant the expulsion of the
fœtus or embryo from the womb before it
is able to live separately from the mother.
This accident may occur at any period of ges-
tation, but is most frequent at the third month.
The liability is increased at such times as
correspond to a menstrual period. And when
it has once taken place the woman is more
liable to miscarry again. If it takes place
after the sixth month it is called premature
labor.
It is always an "untoward event," and may
exert the most unfavorable influence upon the
constitution of the female, blasting the fairest
promise of health, and ofttimes laying the
foundation for fatal disease.
THREATENED MISCARRIAGE.The symptoms
of threatened miscarriage are: A sense of
4
(74)
ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE, FETICIDE.
75
>
uneasiness, languor, with aching or pain in the
back, followed by bearing-down pains in the
pelvic region, with slight discharge of mucus
or blood from the vagina. The pains extend
around the loins to the abdomen and down
the thighs, recurring at regular intervals, and
increasing in strength and frequency until the
ovum or fœtus is expelled.
The treatment must vary according to the
condition of the patient and the cause giving
rise to it. In all cases the horizontal position
and perfect quietude are indispensable.
Having briefly considered abortion as it
occurs incidentally, we come to speak of an-
other phase of the subject that ought to engage
the serious attention of every Christian man
and woman throughout the broad land. We
refer to
CRIMINAL ABORTION, FŒTICIDE.-Its Cause
and Cure. The increasing frequency of this
practice, for the purpose of getting rid of the
product of conception and thus preventing
the birth of a living child, exists to an alarm-
ing extent in the cities and villages, and even
in country places. Few are aware of the
extent to which this crime prevails in our
country even physicians are ignorant of a
majority of the cases that occur among their
patrons, for it is generally the services of some
76
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
}
unprincipled "doctor," who has a private repu-
tation in this kind of business, that are sought
after, instead of the regular family physician.
After the crime has been committed the family
physician is often called in to take charge
of the case, not knowing what was the primary
cause of the patients' illness, as they will inva-
riably try to conceal this from their friends.
In our professional career we have been called
upon to take charge of many such cases, and
have spent many anxious hours at the bedside
of these victims, and can point to individuals
whose whole life thereafter has been one of
continual suffering from impaired health, to be
attributed to this cause. When the subject
of abortion escapes immediate death, some
form of womb disease is almost certain to fol-
low sooner or later; the few who do escape
may deem themselves especially fortunate.
Thousands of women, wives and mothers in
the higher walks of life, risk or actually sacri-
fice their lives every year by this unnatural
crime, their most intimate friends being unin-
formed and unsuspicious as to the real cause
of their death.
It seems almost incredible that parents,
especially mothers, can so far forget their ma-
ternal love and moral responsibility as to risk
their own lives in wilfully seeking the destruc-
ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE, FŒTICIDE.
77
tion of their unborn offspring. We may for-
give "the poor, trembling victim of some vile
man's lust, who, after having been deserted by
a man-monster who can forget his own child
and the agony of the betrayed mother, seeks
thus to hide her shame and escape a lifetime
of disgrace and contempt, which is sure to be
heaped upon her even by her own sex, while
her betrayer is respected and even beloved by
professedly virtuous women;" but how are we
to reconcile the thought of married women
and mothers who seek the destruction of their
unborn children? Yet, in the prevalent un-
natural condition of society and the diseased
state of men and women, morally and physi-
cally, it has become a custom of shocking fre-
quency.
There are those who affect to believe that
it is a far less crime to destroy a child in the
embryo state than after the period of quicken-
ing; that at this stage of development it is
feeble, without intellect and incapable of an
independent existence; hence, being of so little
importance, it is no crime to destroy it. This
kind of philosophy would justify the taking of
life under almost any circumstances, the kill-
ing of delicate or sickly children, or even the
aged and infirm. It is closly allied to that
savage philosophy which justifies the destruc-
78
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
tion of feeble infants or old, worn-out fathers.
and mothers on account of their helpless con-
dition. Such a belief has neither reason nor
common sense to commend its approval. It is
well known that the foetus in utero has life,
and even moves-though it may not be able to
make its movements felt-long before quick-
ening, and that its destruction at any time
after conception is foetal murder, and a viola-
tion of the Divine command, which says,
"Thou shall not kill."
It is high time the good people of our
country fully realized the moral degradation
and sinfulness of this crime, which now
threatens the very existence of our race. The
practice is not confined to the lower classes of
society, but is found in every station of life-
among the wealthy, the poor, the professed
Christians, the educated and the ignorant-who
systematically procure the destruction of their
embryo offspring. In nearly all cases they are
actuated by selfish motives, the love of ease,
and the desire to evade the duties and cares of
a family.
METHODS OF PROCURING ABORTION.-There
are various methods of procuring abortion, and
as this is in all cases a violent and unnatural
process, it is always attended with danger.
Sometimes it is effected by means of potent
ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE, FŒTICIDE. 79
drugs, the mother often being fatally poisoned
in the effort to expel the embryo or foetus.
These drugs are extensively advertised in
newspapers, secret circulars, etc. They are
paraded before the public as "Female Pills,"
"Monthly Regulators," etc., etc. Sometimes
the advertisements are so adroitly worded under
a caution as to convey the precise information
needed; for example, the female will be ad-
vised not to take the "pills" if she is in the
"family way," as they will be sure to "bring
on a miscarriage." This is a cunningly devised
trick to catch the hungry and thirsty.
But the most common method of accom-
plishing this desired result is by means of a
surgical operation, executed by professional
abortionists. These so-called "doctors" can be
found in all the cities and towns of any size
throughout the country, ready at any time to
commit a base murder for the paltry sum of
from five to twenty dollars-" blood money."
The wily victim, closely veiled, wends her way
to the place and is ushered into a private room;
here she contracts with a lewd, wicked person to
kill her little babe for a stipulated sum; after
the operation she repairs to a "boarding house,"
where she is taken care of by an accomplice
until she is all right," or is sent home in a
coffin. In the latter event, a certificate is given,
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
signed by the "doctor," stating that Mrs.
died from "inflammation of the bowels;"
whereas she died from puerperal peritonitis
superinduced by malpractice by this self-same
"doctor." In other cases the woman goes
direct to her home after the operation, and is
treated by the family physician, who seldom
finds out what caused the miscarriage.
There are those who would fain make light
of this crime by attempting to convince them-
selves and others that it is a trifling offense,
and an affair of their own. Such a mode of
reasoning, if it can be called such, is too super-
ficial to warrant a reply. The foetus in utero
is a living human being, and as such is de-
serving of the same care and protection as if
it were born and lying by the mother's side.
The fact that it is feeble and insignificant does
not alter the case. The newly born infant is
small and helpless compared with a man or a
woman, which it would soon become if properly
cared for. And low, indeed, must be the hus-
band or wife who will permit the love of
pleasure, or of ease, or of selfish gratification, to
so gain possession of their moral instinct as to
lead them to seek the destruction of their un-
born babe.
"Of all the sins," says Dr. Gardiner, "physi-
cal and moral, against man and God, I know
ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE,
MISCARRIAGE, FŒTICIDE.
81
-
of none so utterly to be condemned as the very
common one of the destruction of the babe
while yet in the womb of the mother. So
utterly repugnant is it that I can scarcely ex-
press the loathing with which I approach the
subject! Murder in cold blood, without cause,
of an unborn child, one's nearest relative; in
fact, part of one's very being, actually having
not only one's blood in its being, but that blood
momentarily interchanging! Good God!-does
it seem possible that such depravity can exist
in a parent's breast-in a mother's heart?"
It is a crime against humanity which should
call forth the condemnation of all generous-
hearted and loving Christian people. To the
credit of the medical profession, be it said, is
due, in a great measure, the present state of
public sentiment in regard to this matter.
Physicans of all schools have condemned it
through the press and from the platform, while
a few pulpit orators have proclaimed against it
as a most degrading sin. A healthy, happy
child is the dearest treasure and the greatest
blessing that can come to two loving hearts.
It must be a terrible necessity that would make
any person, fit to have a child, take means to
destroy it.
THE CAUSE AND CURE OF THE CRIME.—And
now, my humane brother and sister, what are
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
the cause and cure of this great social evil? To
the first question we answer, it is the abuse of
the sexual function. A woman bears the blame
of destroying her infant in embryo, but not a
word is said of the necessity for her doing this,
being the result of brutish, yea, worse than
brutish, indulgence on the part of her husband,
whose unnatural and depraved sexual de-
mands make it necessary for her, time and
again, to commit this crime; and her hus-
band allows her to take the risk of her life
and incalculable suffering, bodily and mental,
rather than say to himself, "this must not be;
I am the principal cause of all this trouble,
suffering, sin and crime. I am unworthy the
name of husband; I am untrue to the vows I
made in marriage to love and protect; I will
cease to be the cause of or a participant in
this crime, by conforming my sexual demands
to nature's requirements, which are for the
procreation of offspring, and for that only."
Then, where both parties are weak, let the
stronger sustain the weaker.
We hear it said that "too few children are
being born nowadays." The fact is there are
far too many, of the kind they are-not too
few. If every married pair reared two or four
well-born, well-ordered children, the world would
be well on its way to the millennium. It is
ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE, FŒTICIDE. 83
cursed with the number that are simply and
wholly the result of lust and unbridled passions
of men and women; and as the stream does not
rise higher than its source, it is surging on
with ever accumulating violence, the outcome
of which is murder, rape, incest and the whole
catalogue of crimes we see in our midst. Look
on the faces of the hundreds of children we
meet in the schoolrooms-everywhere. Are
joy, love and peace seen on their countenances?
No; but the reflections of unwilling maternity,
of willing murder, of sorrows too deep to be
written on any other tablet than the human
face and soul, are displayed there for those
whose eyes have been opened and whose souls
are awakened to the cause as well as to the
effect of these horrors the tithe of which has
not been computed, much less told. How
unevenly, too, the burden of sin and suffering
is divided between the guilty pair who will-
ingly risk everything for the momentary grati-
fication of a passion which only love and desire
for children redeems from lust.
K
If the sexual nature was fairly understood
and rightly used there would be fewer ill-
assorted marriages, to say nothing of those
who were right at the start, but became com-
pletely demoralized and debauched by over-
indulgence; each becoming unloving, dis-
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
eased, unhappy, disappointed in everything
which had been intended to make married
life the holy thing it should be, simply by
allowing the animal desires to subordinate
everything else-self-respect, conscience and
even the strongest element of the living organ-
ism-self-preservation. If there is anything to
be pitied in this world it is the subject of re-
peated unwilling maternities; no man call
conceive the depths of desperation and mental
and physical wretchedness that follow in their
train. It is so hopeless, so unending; only
death, and that is not a desirable alternative,
ends the great responsibility of this burden
(for burden it must be called when unwill-
ingly borne) in this life; eternity only can
answer for the future. When we consider
that it requires great courage or great cow-
ardice on the part of man to deliberately take
his own life-a thing we believe is rarely done
in a perfectly sane condition-we may estimate
the desperation or courage or madness that
overcomes a woman's fear of death when she
essays to destroy a part of her being, risking
the whole. Good, conscientious women, who
would not have been capable of destroying the
smallest creeping thing before this unnatural
state of things was brought about, find them-
selves in a state of wretchedness to which
-
J
ABORTION, MISCARRIAGE, FETICIDE. 85
1
death is preferable instead of their elysian
dreams of wedded love; they yielded their
scruples till they were no more, the vice once
horrid to them became a thing to be desired,
an alternative to welcome. With repeated sins,
and an ever ready accomplice-the one nearest
to her in relationship and worldly interest—
her judgment becomes so impaired that she
loses all sense of moral obligation; the sin
not being in the act of committing abortion so
much as in the sinful life of indulgence which
has led to the result.
And now, what is the remedy for this evil?
There is one that is natural, simple and effect-
ual, as we have already intimated; now we
will state briefly and distinctly what it is:
STOP THE PRODUCING CAUSE. The man and
and woman who do not wish to have children
must keep apart. This is the only safe and
right way to avoid unwilling maternity. We
can see no reason why any one should be com-
pelled to bear children who wishes to avoid
them. Two young persons who have flirted
and danced together, and passed through a
fashionable courtship, then stood up before a
priest, in white kid gloves and satin, sur-
rounded by evergreens and orange blossoms,
and vowed eternal love and fidelity to each
other, have no right to regard such a pledge
1
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
as a license for sexual indulgence. So long as
there is licensed lust in marriage there will be
criminal abortion; we can never cultivate the
moral sense in woman while she is degraded
in this highest element of her being. "The
Divine law of continence is not annulled by
any usage or enactment of human framing;
and no formula pronounced by magistrate or
clergy, no mutual covenant between partners
in a sin, avails to make uncleanness holy." In
righteousness and innocence will the remedy
for all humanity's ills be found, and if we will
cease to do evil and learn to do well, then will
the conflict be all the more easily won; but do
not make the mistake so many thousands have
done in opening the battle when it is too late.
CHAPTER VIII.
LABOR-PARTURITION
PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS-MAKING THE BED-POSI-
TION FOR DELIVERY-PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS-CHA-
RACTER OF THE PAINS-THE AFTER-BIRTH.
It is not intended to give a minute descrip-
tion of the process or management of labor on
this occasion, as no one but a qualified physi-
cian would have the temerity to take charge of
such a case, unless placed under very peculiar
circumstances. A few suggestions to govern
the nurse or attendant until the arrival of the
physician are, therefore, all that will be aimed
at here.
The woman who has the joys of a mother in
prospect will see that everything necessary for
the occasion is at hand, so that all confusion
may be avoided when that interesting period
arrives. The room she is to occupy should be
in readiness, and, where there can be a choice,
it should be large and airy, on the sunny side
of the house, and as retired as possible. In
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
winter the temperature should be about 65°
F. during labor, and 70° afterwards.
TO PREPARE THE BED.-When labor has
fairly commenced, the bed should be prepared,
which is done by placing a square of oil-cloth
or a gum-blanket over the mattress at that
part of the bed which will be occupied by the
patient's hips; over this the under sheet is
spread, and upon these, two or three sheets
folded square, on which the patient is to lie.
After the labor is over, these folded sheets
should be removed, but the oil-cloth is allowed
to remain. If the patient's bowels have not
been freely evacuated within twelve hours of
the onset of labor, they should be freed by a
thorough injection.
POSITION FOR DELIVERY.-If now the pains
are forcing and labor advancing, the patient
should undress and go to bed. The position.
for delivery is on the left side, the hips being
close to the edge of the bed, and the knees
drawn up towards the abdomen. The night-
dress should be tucked up underneath her, be-
yond the hips, to prevent soiling; a pillow
placed between the knees; and she may be al-
lowed to grasp the hand of an attendant.
This is the most natural position for the pa-
tient to assume during labor; and, while it is
not necessary to remain in the one position all
LABOR-PARTURITION.
89
the time, when the infant's head is low down
and distending the soft parts, she should make
no material change until after labor is com-
pleted.
LABOR, or parturition, completes the grand
function of reproduction; and, as stated in a
previous chapter, it takes place about two hun-
dred and seventy days after conception. It is a
natural physiological process, and among the
savage tribes it is attended with very little pain
or sickness; but in civilized society, where the
people are out of correspondence with the Di-
vine order, it is often protracted, and attended
with a great amount of suffering.
PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS.-There are a few
premonitory symptoms which indicate the ap-
proach of labor, such as nervous trembling, de-
pression of spirits, looseness of the bowels, fre-
quent inclination to pass urine, and a slight
discharge of reddish mucus from the vagina.
The pains generally commence in the lower
part of the abdomen, and are then felt in the
back, extending gradually to the front. They
recur at regular intervals, and increase in force
and frequency.
During the early stage they are of a "cutting
or grinding" character, causing an outcry on
the part of the patient. But as labor advances
they change to "bearing-down or forcing
})
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
pains, which compel the patient to suspend
her breath and suppress the outcry. From this
time forward the pains become more frequent;
they succeed each other so quickly that a new
one commences before the former has quite ter-
minated. At length the force conquers all re-
sistance, and the head is expelled; after this
there is a short interval of rest, when the uter-
ine power is again exerted to expel the body of
the child.
This part of the labor being accomplished, a
sense of great relief follows, to the inexpressible
joy of the mother.
DELIVERY OF THE AFTER-BIRTH.—An inter-
val of half an hour, more or less, now elapses
before the uterus again contracts to expel the
after-birth, and by one or two pains its connec-
tion is severed with the uterus, and the labor
is completed. Sometimes, however, the after-
birth does not come away for several hours,
unless removed by some one competent to do
so; it is a delicate operation, and should not
be undertaken by any one not skilled in the art.
CHAPTER IX.
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
A DEPENDENT CREATURE-THE NURSE; QUALIFICATIONS
OF; DUTIES OF RECEPTION OF THE INFANT AT
BIRTH-CUTTING THE CORD-HOW TO WASH THE
BABY-HOW TO DRESS THE NAVEL-HOW TO DRESS
THE BABY-THE DIAPER-CARE OF THE MOTHER-
STATE OF THE BOWELS-THE LOCHIA-VAGINAL IN-
JECTIONS-DURATION OF CONFINEMENTS.
A NEW-BORN infant is said to be the most
dependent creature in all the world; naked,
helpless and unable to procure food for the
sustenance of life, at the same time it is the
most wonderful and complex piece of machin-
ery in al of God's creation. Endowed with
faculties yet in an undeveloped state, they are
capable of wonderful achievements if properly
cultivated. How important that we understand
its needs, and how to take care of it; how to
wash it and how to dress it, and how to feed it,
and how to nurse it, and how to educate it, and
how to give it that moral and intellectual train-
ing that will fit it for the important duties and
responsibilities of life. It is the bud that should
be cared for if the flower is to arrive at maturity.
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
Code
It is the seedling that must be properly culti-
vated and protected if it is to grow to be a
healthy vigorous plant. And the same is true of
man; unless the infant is tenderly cared for and
nourished and taught the lessons of life, it can
never attain that perfect physical and mental
development of which it is capable. Therefore,
no inexperienced mother or simpleton of a
nurse is competent to look after the physical,
mental and moral prosperity of a baby; mo-
thers especially should know all about the
caretaking and management of children, and
not be at the mercy of ignorant nurses. And
at this point of our inquiry it would seem nec-
essary to say a few words on the qualifica-
tions of
THE NURSE.—One of the first qualifications
of a nurse is good common sense, to begin with.
No ignorant or superstitious person is fit or
should be allowed to have the care and train-
ing of a baby. It is one of the most important
duties that can engage the attention of any
thinking mind, and yet one that has been
more neglected than almost any other. Until
recently the care of a child was haphazard; any
ignorant old woman was supposed to be fully
competent to take charge of a baby, and "bring
it up in the way it should go;" but, fortunately
for the rising generation, people are beginning
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
93
to realize the importance of having intelligent
and qualified persons to care for their children
and nurse others when they are sick.
In addition to being intelligent and well
trained, a nurse should be healthy; be free from
all eruptive diseases, sores, ulcers, etc., and
clear of all vices or pernicious habits. She
ought to be gentle, patient, firm and cleanly,
and whatever she has to do for a patient should
be done with great gentleness. It is the little
things, and the manner of doing them, that
count in nursing as in everything else. Ad-
justing the clothing, changing the bed-linen,
bathing the patient, administering food and
medicine and performing a thousand other
duties, when done with skillful, willing hands,
add greatly to the patient's comfort and pros-
pects of recovery.
Persons when sick are often very irritable
and restless; taken suddenly from an active
life and confined to bed, perhaps racked with
pain, they become very impatient, and require
great consideration and forbearance on the
part of the nurse. Sometimes it is necessary
for the nurse to be very firm; but it must be
remembered that firmness is not rudeness. We
cannot expect a suffering patient to know as
well what is best for him or her as those who
are well with clear heads. Therefore, if it is
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
best to do a certain thing, do it, but do it
kindly.
Cleanliness is said to be next to godliness,
and a nurse should keep the sick-room clean
and neat. A constant supply of pure atmospheric
air is an absolute necessity in the sick-room. And
everything that has a tendency in any way
whatever to corrupt or vitiate the atmosphere
of the room should be removed. All per-
fumery, as cologne, musk, scent-bags, camphor,
smelling-bottles, and quack nostrums, should
be excluded, and nothing but the pure fresh
air of heaven allowed as respiratory food. The
absurd notion of keeping the room close and
warm, under the apprehension of the patient
taking cold, is a fruitful source of ill-healthı,
and tends to foster disease and prevent re-
covery. If a current of air passing through
the room is so dangerous to the occupant as
some people seem to believe, is it not strange
we do not all die instanter when exposed to
the open air or a sudden gale of wind? The
truth is, people suffer from what they call
"taking cold" by breathing bad air, and not
from too much good air. The reason coughs
and colds are more prevalent in winter than
in summer is because the people live in close,
ill-ventilated rooms, breathing foul air, which
poisons their life-blood, causing chills, fever,
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
95
1
headache, pain in the bones, and inflammation
of the mucous membrane of the air-passages;
these they denominate "a cold;" whereas in
summer the houses are thrown open, and the
pure fresh air of heaven is allowed to flow in
from all quarters, and hence we seldom hear
of colds during that season. It should be borne
in mind that bad air will poison the system as
surely as bad food.
Again, all offensive odors, the dressings from
wounds, soiled clothing and the like, should
be promptly removed from the room. All
vessels should be emptied as soon as used and
carefully washed. Remember, a very little
thing will spoil the appetite of a person already
sick. Never allow food to remain in the room
if the patient cannot eat it, and do not let
drinking water or milk stand long without being
changed, as they absorb all gases that may be
in the room; for if the patient drinks these he
will be taking back into his system the poisons
which have been thrown off through the skin
and other organs of the body.
In the preparation and administration of
food, great skill and adroitness are required on
the part of the nurse. The physician in at-
tendance is expected to name the articles of
diet for the patient, and the nurse is supposed
to know just how to cook and to serve them.
1
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
When the patient has "a poor appetite" and
is very fastidious, the better plan will be not
to consult her about what she would like
to eat, but surprise her with a new regimen,
done up in good style. Spread the tray with
a snow-white cloth, put on the best china
dishes, have the silver shining brightly, and
the food nicely adjusted, then take it promptly
to the patient; this will often have a salutary
effect in stimulating the appetite. Remember,
the mind exercises a wonderful influence over
the appetite, as is often witnessed by the effect
of bad news and other mental emotions on
persons in the enjoyment of health.
Having briefly spoken of nurses and nursing,
we again take up the previous subject of
RECEPTION OF THE INFANT AT BIRTH.—It
frequently happens that the child is born be-
fore the arrival of the physician, and in such
an event it is well to know what should be
done and how to do it.
After the head is born there is generally an
interval of rest before the pain expels the body;
while in this position the head should be sup-
ported by the hand of the nurse, and if the
cord be coiled around the neck, it should be
disengaged or drawn down, so as to prevent
strangulation. When the child is born, place
it a little out of the discharges, and expose its
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
97
face to the open air; if the mouth or nostrils are
obstructed by mucus, remove it with a soft
napkin. If the child be healthy, and not in-
jured in the birth, it will cry lustily as soon as
it is born, and its skin will change from a light
leaden hue to a pink or rose color.
CUTTING THE CORD.-As soon as respiration
is fully established in the child, and pulsations
have ceased in the cord, the child may be sepa-
rated from the mother. To do this, take a piece
of small twine or other string, put it once
around the cord, about two and a half inches
from the abdomen, and tie it firmly in a hard
knot; cut off the loose ends, and tie another.
string one inch further up; then, with a pair
of scissors, sever the cord between the ligatures.
Having done this, wrap the child in a warm
blanket, or something similar, until ready to
be washed and dressed.
1
HOW TO WASH THE BABY.-As soon after the
child is separated from the mother as con-
venient, it should be carefully washed; to do
this, take a little hog's lard or sweet oil, and
rub it thoroughly over the entire body, and
especially in the arm-pits, groins, between the
buttocks, and wherever the limbs are folded
upon each other; then take a piece of dry
flannel, and wipe the child until it is clean and
dry. This will remove the white unctuous
5
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
matter that usually covers the skin of new-born
infants, and which adheres to the parts with
great tenacity. After this a little warm water
and fine soap may be used to remove the grease.
The eyes and mouth should be washed with
clear water, care being taken that no soap.
enters the eyes. It is important to have the
child perfectly clean at this first bathing; by
observing care in this respect, scaly eruptions
and excoriations of the skin will in many in-
stances be avoided.
The temperature of the room should be
moderately warm, and the child bathed at least
once a day; at first, the water used should be
about new milk warm, but the temperature
should be gradually lowered, and after a few
weeks may be used cold. Never bathe a child
in a cold room, but have the temperature a
little warmer than the water to be used. Dur-
ing the daily process of bathing the infant, its
mind should be amused and its attention
attracted in such a manner as to make the
operation one of pleasure instead of pain. Even
at this tender age the little creature may be
taught to be patient and even happy under
trying circumstances. It should be borne in
mind that every act of the mother or nurse
towards the little infant is productive of good
or evil upon its character as well as health.
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
99
Even the act of washing or dressing may be
made to discipline and improve or aggravate
its temper, and thus exert an influence upon
its whole future life. The parent and nurse
therefore, should always treat the infant as a
sensitive and intelligent creature from the very
first hour of its existence.
HOW TO DRESS THE BABY.-In the dressing
of a new-born infant the first thing to be at-
tended to is the umbilical cord, or that portion
of it which remains attached to the abdomen.
It has long been the practice among physicians
and nurses to wrap around the cord a strip of
muslin or old linen, after the fashion of wrap-
ping up a sore finger. It is then laid up towards
the child's breast, and a compress, made of
several thicknesses of soft muslin or linen,
placed over it, and the whole kept in place by
a flannel bandage, five or six inches wide, placed
around the child's body and secured by three
or four pins. This is the usual method of
dressing the navel. The cord generally comes
off in five or six days, but the bandage is kept
on in many cases until the child goes into
short clothes. This time-honored custom of
bandaging the infant is open to serious objec-
tions in the first place, nine times out of ten
it is put on too tight, producing unequal
pressure upon the abdominal walls, and not
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
infrequently causing rupture. It is a source
of irritation and discomfort to the child, and
interferes with the functions of digestion.
HOW TO DRESS THE NAVEL.-Take a small
pad of absorbent cotton, say six inches long and
three inches wide, make a hole in the center,
pass the cord through this, laying the pad
lengthways with the child's body; now lay the
cord up towards the child's breast and fold the
lower end of the pad over it, and secure the
whole by a light flannel band, merely to hold
the dressing in place until the cord comes off,
when the band should be discarded, there being
no further use for it.
HOW TO DRESS THE BABY.-It is scarcely
necessary to describe the usual method of dress-
ing the baby; every expectant mother or nurse
is familiar with the little linen shirt, with saw-
teeth edging around the neck; the long flannel
petticoat, with wide inelastic band at the top;
the dress, and lastly the diaper. The garments
thus made and put on in the usual way are not
only uncomfortable, unphysiological, but abso-
lutely injurious. A moment's thought will
convince any sensible person that an inelastic
band placed around an infant's chest, reaching
from the armpits to the navel, and pinned
tightly-over two fingers is the old rule-must
necessarily interfere with the free expansion of
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
101
the lungs during the first weeks and months of
an infant's life. We must remember, the walls.
of the chest are easily compressed and deformed
at this early period of life. Another objection
to this form of garment is, the chest is warmly
clad while the shoulders are left with only a
slight covering-the dress. Again, the skirt is
folded from side to side over each limb, and
the bottom turned up and pinned, so that the
little one cannot kick and use its limbs as it
will want to do.
There is a better way to dress the baby, infi-
nitely better, in "The Gertrude Baby Suit.”
This suit is the design of Dr. Grosvenor, of
Chicago, and is constructed as follows: The
undergarment should be made of nice fleecy
goods--Canton flannel is the best we have at
present-cut princess, reaching from the neck
to ten inches (twenty-five inches long) below
the feet, with sleeves to the wrists, and having
all the seams smooth, and the hems at the neck,
wrist and bottom upon the outside-the latter
turned over once and felled or cat-stitched with
colored worsted-a tie and one button behind.
Here you have a complete fleece-lined gar-
ment, comfortable and healthy, and one that
can be washed without shrinking. The next
garment is made of baby flanuel (woolen), also
cut princess, same pattern, only one-half inch
Vorm
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
larger, reaching from the neck, and may be em-
broidered at pleasure. The dress cut princess.
to match the other garments is preferable.
The ordinary baby dresses are all right, ex-
cept that I would have them only from thirty
inches to a yard in length.
Now, these three garments are put together
before dressing, sleeve within sleeve, and they
are put over the little one's head at once, and
buttoned behind, and the baby is dressed, there
being but one pin-a diaper pin-in baby's
dress instead of fifteen. No shoulder blanket
should be used, because it is sometimes over
the head, sometimes about the shoulders and
neck, and sometimes off entirely, and these
changes are exposures. Accustom the little
one from the first to go without it.
At night the dress should be simply a Canton
flannel night-dress and a diaper-the dress
being not unlike the undergarment in the suit,
only a little longer. It is absurd to think that
a child can rest sweetly in a diaper, a bandage,
a petticoat pinned tightly around the chest, and
a double gown, as many a child is expected to
do. A good rule is to "dress the little ones as
you would love to be dressed if you were a
babe." There is nothing wonderful about this
simple dress. The only wonder is that we
have dressed our little ones so badly so long.
Mou
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
103
THE DIAPER.—The diapers should be made
in two pieces, the outer one cut triangular-
shaped, of one thickness, the long edge being
selvaged to avoid the hem. The other piece,
made, say, ten inches square, is folded in the
form of an envelope and placed in the center
of the outer piece when being applied, and the
diaper put on in the usual way and fastened
with a safety-pin.
This form of diaper saves the heat and dis-
comfort of so many thicknesses over the hips
and kidneys, and has the advantage of a small
piece to wash for the soil and plenty of sop
where most needed. The cotton flannel is
softer, warmer and more absorbent than linen
or any other material. The hem is turned
once on the right side and run through the
machine. Use fleecy side next to the baby.
The main advantages of this method of
dressing the baby are:
1. Perfect freedom to all thoracic, abdominal
and pelvic organs.
2. That all the clothing shall hang from the
shoulders.
3. The greatest saving of the time and
strength of the mother in caring for the babe,
there being but one pin instead of fifteen.
4. The resulting health and comfort of the
child.
Uor M
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
5. The evenness of the covering of the body,
there being the same covering over the shoul-
ders as elsewhere.
Owing to the extreme sensibility of infants
to atmospheric changes, and for other reasons,
we believe wool-flannel should be worn next
the skin, at least during the winter season.
The clothing should be warm and light, and
its protective quality should be uniform for
the whole body, except the head, which is suit-
ably provided for by nature. The flannel
should be of fine soft wool, to avoid undue irri-
tation, and to keep the skin moist and healthy.
Such flannel seldom, if ever, produces rash or
discomfort of any kind; if, however, it should
be found to irritate the skin in rare cases, or in
very warm weather, a slip made of thin silk or
linen may be put on under the flannel as a
protection.
THE DRESS SHOULD BE LOOSE.-The gar-
ments should be made to fit loosely, so as not
to impede the circulation, compress the parts,
or restrain the motions of the body or limbs in
any manner. Babies are generally dressed too
tightly; their bones are as elastic as cartilage,
and their flesh is soft and yielding, so that the
slightest constriction of the parts may so inter-
fere with their natural development as to cause
suffering and deformity that may continue for
-
-
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
105
a lifetime. Hence the necessity of dressing the
child as loosely as possible, so as to give the
utmost freedom to all parts of the body while.
it is in this undeveloped state. Remember that
children need exercise, even in early infancy; they
want to kick and perform a thousand other
muscular movements, which they will not be
able to do if hampered by tight or heavy cloth-
ing, and when it is improperly put on. Again,
they are frequently wrapped in blankets or
shawls and held closely in the arms of nurses,
when they become restless and fretful, because
prevented from moving their limbs and bodies
about, agreeable to the impulses of their own
nature. The fact is, children are nursed and
carried and "fussed with " entirely too much
it would be far better to give them a place on
a bed or lounge, with full liberty to exercise
their muscles and amuse themselves. During
the first three months of its existence the in-
fant should be handled but little, and never
placed in an erect or sitting position; nor
should it be jolted, or tossed up and down-a
practice nurses frequently indulge in-as the
bones are soft and pliable and the joints are
imperfectly developed; hence there is danger
of injury to these delicate structures, causing
disease and often deformity.
;
Let the infant, then, be warmly clad, its
106
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
}
clothing principally of flannel, and so distrib-
uted as to cover all parts of the body alike,
neither tight enough to impede the circulation
nor obstruct the breathing, nor long enough to
prevent its kicking and the free use of all its
limbs. Its arms and neck should be covered
as well as the legs, and the diaper should be
loose, so as not to chafe, and fastened with a
safety-pin to guard against accident.
CARE OF THE MOTHER.-After delivery the
patient should be made as comfortable as possi-
ble, that she may rest and sleep, if need be.
When fairly rested, the child may be put to
the breast and allowed to nurse until it is
satisfied. There may be no milk in the breasts
as yet, but a watery secretion will be found
there adapted to the child's wants until the
"milk comes." The child should be applied
to each breast alternately in order to prevent
overdistension in either, and to guard against
the formation of abscesses. Should the breasts
become lumpy and painful, bathe them gently
with hot lard, and keep them well drawn.
STATE OF THE BOWELS.-It is perfectly natural
for the bowels to remain in a torpid or inactive
condition several days after delivery. In a
majority of cases they will be moved by the
end of the fifth or sixth day. Should any dis-
comfort arise in consequence of constipation,
HOW TO CARE FOR THE BABY.
107
an injection of lukewarm water may be ad-
ministered and the bowels relieved. In no case
should purgative medicine be given during confine-
ment. Any woman who takes a dose of purga-
tive medicine soon after delivery endangers her
life, and while many escape who do take oil
and other laxatives at such times, they run a
fearful risk by so doing. We have known
cases where a single dose of cathartic medicine
taken soon after childbirth caused inflamma-
tion of the womb, followed by intense suffering
and death in a few hous. Many such cases
occur, and the friends never suspect the cause.
The infant is often made sick and to suffer
from colic, griping pains and diarrhoea, from
nursing the mother after she has taken such
drugs. So strong is the prejudice on the part
of some mothers and nurses in favor of giving
cathartics at such times, that the nurse will
often give a "dose of oil" or some other pur-
gative without even consulting the attending
physician.
OF THE LOCHIA.-The discharges from the
vagina, which take place after delivery, are
called lochia. After the first few days, until
about the tenth day, these discharges are simi-
lar in appearance and quantity to the men-
strual discharges. In a majority of cases the
red color leaves about the tenth day, and it is
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
usually succeeded in its turn by a whitish or
mucous discharge.
VAGINAL INJECTIONS.-The importance of
cleanliness during confinement cannot be over-
estimated. The vagina should be syringed
daily by the nurse with lukewarm water. If
the lochia be dark in color or offensive, a solu-
tion of Carbolic Acid should be used. To a
pint of tepid water add a teaspoonful of the
acid, and use this as an injection. This will
keep the parts clean and guard against fever
from blood poisoning
DURATION OF CONFINEMENT.-For the first
three or four days after delivery the woman
should remain quiet in bed, keep her mind
free from excitement, and live on plain food,
such as light puddings, farina, cornstarch, oat-
meal mush, toast and similar articles, and, as
a drink, water, chocolate or milk. If now all
goes well she may rise daily to have her bed
made up, and gradually return to her ordinary
diet. The first week should be chiefly spent
in bed, or at least in a recumbent position,
during which time all visitors should be ex-
cluded from the room. A woman ought not
to leave her room, or go up or down-stairs for
two weeks after the birth of the child.
CHAPTER X.
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
BEAUTIFUL STRUCTURE OF CHANCES TO LIVE-MOR-
TALITY OF-STATISTICS-TEETHING SICKNESS-CAUSE
OF DEATH AMONG INFANTS-FAULTY ALIMENTATION—
CONSTIPATION-TAKING COLD--OVERFEEDING-THREE
MEALS A DAY-DEFICIENT LACTATION-PRESCRIBING
STIMULANTS, ETC.
THE several subjects already discussed bring
us to the consideration of the one of paramount
importance--the baby-one of the most com-
plex and beautiful structures ever turned out
of the workshop of Him who doeth all things
well. Imagine to yourselves," says Dean Close,
"that lovely and beautiful object, a naked new-
born babe; gaze upon it. Is there anything
more beautiful, or more curious, in creation
than that little infant? See its structure. Is it
not curiously and wonderfully made? Look
at its little hands; see how it plays with its
little fingers, as if it wanted to touch; how it
stretches its little feet, as if it wanted to stand;
how its eyes look into vacancy, as if it won-
dered at the new world into which it had been
CC
(109)
110
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
brought. All its faculties, indeed, are in the
lowest state of development, but there is a
promise of wonderful results. Look at it again
as the handiwork of God. Take each of its
organs of sense. Look at its eye; go and con-
sult the oculist, and he will explain its won-
derful structure; there is the mirror upon which
external objects are to be reflected; there is the
protection afforded by the eyelid and eyelash;
and there is the marvelous adjustment of all
the parts for the purpose intended. Look, again,
at the ear, at once a drum and a trumpet
formed for the conveyance of sound. Look at
its lips, its tongue, and, by and by, at its teeth,
and ask the elocutionist how marvelously this
combination of organs results in the divine
faculty of speech. There is the body of the
future man; look at it and see the handiwork
of God."
Such is a graphic description of the new-
born infant "so fearfully and wonderfully
made." The mother has suffered in her travail,
and the husband has grieved over his wife's
sufferings, while sympathizing friends have
waited at her bedside; and now the innocent
babe that sleeps by her side is the happy re-
ward for the sickness and pain she had to en-
dure. At first, helpless to a degree, it invites
her sympathy and protection; as the stream of
1
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
111
life gains power new feelings of love expand
her maternal heart. Soon the infant by a smile
rewards the fond mother, and by its little ex-
clamations of pleasure makes her rejoice with
exceeding gladness. Day by day it grows more
interesting, giving evidence by its childish
prattle of opening intelligence, and soon it be-
comes a wellspring of pleasure," and is en-
deared to the hearts of all who come within its
influence.
(6
But how different the picture when disease
overtakes it! How grief-stricken and dejected
the mother! How sad and how sorrowful the
father, while all the household within are dis-
tressed by its pitiful moan. The little creature
itself, how changed; behold how haggard its
face and how emaciated its form. The mother,
in her devotion, still waits upon it with un-
ceasing love; self is forgotten in her anxiety,
while she watches over it through long dreary
days and nights. But who can tell how soon,
like the tiny floweret or tender blossom, it may
wither and die.
INFANT MORTALITY.-It is said that a new-
born babe has a less chance to live a week than
a man of ninety, and less chance of living one
year than an octogenarian. The records of mor-
tality prove that nearly one-third of the infants
born, die before they reach the end of the first
112
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
}
year, and that ten per cent. more succumb
before reaching two years. In the cities of
Philadelphia and Baltimore nearly fifty out
of every one hundred children die before
reaching their fifth birthday; and in New
York City fifty-three per cent. of the total num-
ber of deaths occur under the age of five years.
During the months of June, July and August,
1887, 4119 children under the age of one year
died in this city alone. We could give the
figures to corroborate this statement, were it
necessary; but as few persons have a desire for
the dry details of statistics, we refrain from
giving them here.
In England and France the ratio of deaths
among infants is very similar to that of our
own country. In Yorkshire, England, one-
fourth of them die before they are a year old ;
and in Leicester the death-rate is still greater,
more than four infants in ten being swept off
in the first few months of their existence. In
France the case is more terrible. At Paris one
half die ere they reach four years. This is a
fearful cost at which the battle of life is fought
and won. It is absolutely shocking! And
this mortality is not confined to the wretched
poor nor to the crowded tenement houses in
densely populated districts, but is found every-
where, among the rich as among the lowly,
among the educated and the illiterate.
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
113
Now, is this mortality a necessary evil? We
say not, and believe it arises in a great mea-
sure from preventable causes. "It certainly,"
says Dr. Dawson, "cannot be supposed that
the Creator intended that all these little ones
should suffer and die. There is every proof to
the contrary. Has He not wisely and benefi-
cently adapted all their physical wants to the
circumstances in which they are supposed to
be naturally placed? Has He not surrounded
them with every condition and requirement
necessary for the maintenance of life and
health? For the very preservation of life has
He not ordained certain laws to be observed,
the neglect of which necessarily brings disease
and premature death?"
How, then, are we to account for this terrible
mortality? Nearly all writers who have en-
deavored to explain it assign bad ventilation,
improper food, dentition, want of cleanliness,
etc., as the principal causes. The first of
these-defective ventilation-will, no doubt,
lessen the chances of life, but will hardly
account for the increased death-rate which
occurs in the summer season, when all, the
rich as well as the poor, have their houses and
windows thrown open and well ventilated.
Want of breast-milk is one of the several
causes, and a powerful one, no doubt; still it
114
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
must be obvious, from the number of infants
that die who receive their mother's milk, that
its injurious effects are exaggerated, and the
great majority of deaths are evidently due to
some other cause.
TEETHING SICKNESS.-The process of denti-
tion or teething is believed by many to be a
potent factor in causing the diseases and mor-
tality among infants. It always seemed strange
to us why the human infant should be sub-
jected to so much sickness and suffering while
getting its teeth, which is a natural physio-
logical process. All the other organs of the
body are perfected without any unusual dis-
turbance, and the young of the lower animals
"cut their teeth" without any manifestation
of pain or discomfort whatever, so far as can
be observed. Why the Creator should inflict
all this punishment on the infant alone during
the process of teething is beyond our compre-
hension. We do not believe that He does.
The truth is, we are all "living out of the natu-
ral order." "In no sense," says Dr. C. E. Page,
“is sickness an incident of teething." And Dr.
B. F. Dawson, Physician to the New York
Dispensary for Sick Children, declares: "If
there ever was an absurd fallacy fastened upon
the popular mind it is, in my opinion, this
bugbear of teething sickness.'" And these
(
—
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
115
*
views are supported by many other leading
physicians and scientists who have devoted a
large share of attention to the subject.
CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG INFANTS.-In pur-
suing this inquiry, we find that the great num-
ber of children that die under one year of age-
over 75 per cent.-is due to gastro-intestinal
disorders. Dr. Ballard published in the Brit-
ish and Foreign Medico-Chirurgical Review,
for 1870, an article on "Infant Mortality," in
which he shows that during a period of five
consecutive years there were in England 314,-
242 deaths of infants under one year of age,
and of this number, 277,852 were due to dis-
eases of the digestive organs-over 88 per cent.
Dr. C. E. Buckingham, of Boston, states that in
1870 there were 9,873 children who died in
Massachusetts under five years of age, more
than one-half of whom died from intestinal
diseases. Dr. B. Dawson says: "Of 11,381
children under twelve years of age, treated
at the Dispensary for Sick Children, in New
York City, during three years, 3,243 were suf-
fering from diseases of the digestive organs."
And this seems to be true of whatever town or
country from which the report is selected.
FAULTY ALIMENTATION.-What then is the
inference to be drawn from this great prepon-
derance of gastro-intestinal disturbance and
116
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
terrible mortality from the same among in-
fants? Do not the facts in the case point to
an unhealthy or defective system of dietary?
It is our belief, verified by experience, that it
is the immediate or subsequent result of faulty
alimentation, chiefly through the prevailing
ignorance as to the proper requirements of the
infant's stomach, and especially to excessive
feeding-too many meals and too much food at a
time. Everything goes to prove that the food
received into the stomach must be taken in
such quantities and at such intervals as will
admit of its perfect digestion and assimilation.
Unless these conditions are faithfully observed
disease of the digestive organs in some form is
almost sure to follow sooner or later. The
stomach of a healthy infant is capable of di-
gesting and assimilating a certain amount of
food daily, sufficient for the child's normal
growth; if this amount be exceeded the surplus
will not be digested and appropriated by the
system, but will be expelled by frequent purg-
ing, puking, increased urination, etc., the
methods of nature to get rid of the excess.
B
The same law in regard to eating applies to
grown persons. Dr. R. C. Fisher, of Washing-
ton, D. C., says: "It seems to be a more and
more acknowledged fact in the ordinary ex-
perience of life that 'we eat too much,' and my
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
117
own experiments for eighteen years with re-
gard to the relation of food to the needs of the
organism have taught me that no one is in
danger of starvation who eats a pound of vege-
table food a day and nothing more.
The lia-
bility to every form of disease is incalculably
decreased for the moderate eater, and propor-
tionately increased for the man who constantly
overtaxes his digestive organs."
CONSTIPATION OF INFANTS.-Constipation of
infants is another and common trouble, the
result of excessive and too frequent feeding.
"The explanation of this," says Dr. B. F.
Dawson, "is quite simple. The stomach being
overburdened with food, and consequently
overtaxed with work, each supply of milk,
instead of being coagulated into fine and soft
coagula, which are readily acted upon by the
secreted pepsin, comes into contact with the
semi-digested coagula of the preceding meal,
and, in consequence, is coagulated more rapidly
than it should be normally, the coagula being
larger and harder. Such masses, if not ejected,
pass into the intestinal canal, but little if any
changed by the digestive process, will impact
together, and from their size and dryness are
with difficulty passed along the bowels, thus
giving rise to constipation, colic, etc." Over-
taxing the digestive organs by eating too often
118
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
and too much deranges every function of the
body. If the food is not taken up by the ab-
sorbents and used by the system in the forma-
tion of new tissue, and in repairing the waste
which is continually going on in the body, it
rapidly undergoes chemical decomposition in the
alimentary canal, causing flatulence, colicky
pains and other symptoms of indigestion.
TAKING COLD.-Again, the excretory organs
become deranged from the same source, which
often leads to the retention of waste matter
in the system, clogging the circulation and
producing a species of blood poisoning, charac-
terized by lassitude, fever, watery eyes and
mucous discharge from the air-passages; these
symptoms are usually denominated a "cold,"
but are nothing more nor less than a surfeit
fever. We think it safe to say that not one
in twenty of the so-called colds is due to expo-
sure or sudden changes in the weather, as gen-
erally believed, but to derangement of the
digestive organs from the use of improper food
or overindulgence in eating.
It cannot be too firmly impressed upon the
minds of parents and nurses that it is not the
quantity of food swallowed by the infant that
nourishes it, but the amount it can digest and
assimilate that insures the happiest results; but
this simple truth is one which, in practice,
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
119.
is constantly lost sight of. It is a custom
almost universal to stuff the infant with some-
thing almost as soon as it is born, and the
practice is kept up at night as well as by day,
feeding it every two or three hours, and even
oftener, for with some mothers and nurses
every cry means hunger, and must be quieted
with additional food. This is particularly the
case during the first year of the infant's life,
and hence the greatest mortality is at that
period. After this age they are fed less fre-
quently, and we have fewer deaths in conse-
quence.
OVERFEEDING THE BABY.-If there is any
logical or physiological reason why an infant
should be fed more frequently than a grown
person, we would be glad to know it. The
saying that a "growing child" requires more
food accordingly than a grown person is un-
supported by either reason or analogy. Any
farmer who has had experience in stock-rais-
ing can easily demonstrate the absurdity of
such a proposition, for it is well known that
a calf will gain steadily in flesh and add sixty
per cent. to its weight in six weeks on two meals
a day-fed on cow's milk at that. The "old
mother cat" scems to understand the philoso-
phy of digestion and assimilation better than
some human mothers or "experienced nurses,"
120
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
for she will leave her kittens-sometimes for
five or six hours-and when she returns, in-
stead of finding them starved, finds them
"alive and akickin." The common rabbit,
Lepus cuniculus, will leave her little ones from
early morn till late at night, when she returns
to give them a "good square meal." Think of
a young rabbit with its "little stomach" going
without anything to eat for twelve or fourteen
hours, and living to grow fat.
THREE MEALS A DAY.-It has been our
happy privilege to induce many mothers to
adopt Nature's method of feeding the babies,
by giving them only three meals a day, instead
of so many, and the result shows that it has
been eminently successful. We could cite
many cases that have come under our imme-
diate observation, of babies that have been
reared on three meals a day, where they gained
steadily in weight, remained healthy and
happy, sleeping well, and passing through the
whole period of dentition without sickness or
suffering of any kind. These babies were not
troubled with colic, diarrhoea, throwing up, or
incontinence of urine, as children generally
are who are fed on the old traditional plan.
There need be no fear of the infant starving.
An adult can labor for twelve consecutive
hours daily, using his brain and muscles con-
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
121
tinually, on three meals a day, while the new-
born infant, who has nothing to do but to
"laugh and grow fat," must be fed, according
to the traditional notions of our ancient grand-
mothers, ten or twelve times every twenty-four
hours. The absurdity of the practice is so
self-evident that we feel like apologizing to the
reader for simply making the statement.
Again, if an infant be fed every two hours dur-
ing the day, and two or three times at night—
and many are fed even oftener than this—it
will have taken, say, ten meals in the twenty-
four hours. Now, suppose the child is six
months old, and weighs fifteen pounds, it will
take four ounces of milk at each meal; this
would amount to forty ounces a day; but in
order not to overestimate the quantity taken,
let us call it thirty-two ounces, or one quart,
which it would receive daily. Now, suppose
the mother is twenty-five years old, and weighs
140 pounds, and her diet cow's milk; she would
have to swallow-in order to take as much
accordingly as the infant-ten quarts of milk
every day. Does any sane person believe she
could take this amount of food daily and not
suffer from indigestion or something still worse?
Would she be likely to reach her twenty-sixth
birthday under a system of cramming like this?
or would she be not more likely to fall a victim
6
122
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
to a "mysterious dispensation of Divine Provi-
dence," who persistently refuses to stultify His
own laws and produce good results from wrong
doing?
DEFICIENT LACTATION. - Again, frequent
nursing of the infant by the mother is a com-
mon cause of deficient lactation. We have
seen many healthy mothers who, on first be-
ginning to nurse, had an abundance of milk,
but in a few weeks the secretion would be so
greatly diminished that they were compelled to
dry up the breasts"-as they call it-and to
cease suckling altogether. These, in most every
instance were, in our opinion, the result of too
frequent nursing of the infant, exhausting the
lactiferous organ and arresting the proper
secretion of milk. There can be no doubt
whatever that this constant drain upon the
mother, by overtaxing the breast and so abus-
ing its power, leads to a cessation of its func-
tions. A deficiency of milk is often the result
of exhaustion, or a run-down condition of the
system; in other instances it is caused by indi-
gestion and defective assimilation. Amative
indulgence also diminishes the quantity of the
milk and injures the quality, and where this
indulgence excites menstruation and results
in pregnancy there is a double misfortune.
The child at the breast and the child in the
"(
HOW TO SAVE THE BABY.
123
womb are both defrauded. The milk from a
well-behaved cow is better for a child than
that from a mother who indulges in such a pro-
pensity.
The practice of some nurses, and even some
doctors, of prescribing porter, ale, beer and other
preparations of alcohol for nursing mothers,
under the impression that it is beneficial in
promoting the secretion of milk, is a grievous
error which cannot be too severely condemned.
Infants are often kept in a state of intoxication
for weeks by the mothers using these beverages.
Let no one be induced by friend or physician
to drink these beverages, thinking it will in-
crease the flow of milk or give strength-it
will do neither. It is feeding the babe on poison,
and if, unfortunately, the child has any heredi-
tary tendency towards a love of strong drink,
this course is actually fostering the tendency.
Would it be at all strange if a child raised in
this way should grow up with an appetite for
alcoholic liquors?
Again, it is well known to every farmer who
has had experience in stock-raising that to
allow a calf to run with its mother, and suck
whenever its inclinations dictate, will very
soon "ruin the cow as a milker;" hence, for
prudential reasons, the wise farmer only per-
mits the calf to indulge in two meals a day.
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
So, then, considering the subject from what-
ever standpoint we may, we find the frequent
feeding or stuffing of infants is attended with
serious consequences, and should be aban-
doned; it is irrational, unphilosophical, and
has neither reason nor common sense to com-
mend it to favor.
CHAPTER XI.
HOW TO FEED THE BABY.
THE OLD METHOD-FEEDING AND DOSING-IMPORTANCE
OF STARTING RIGHT--THREE MEALS A DAY-BABY'S
FIRST MEAL-DYSPEPSIA OF INFANTS, ETC.
THIS is one of the most important subjects
that can engage the attention of any mother or
nurse who may have the care or management
of an infant. Before entering directly upon its
consideration, however, we wish to say a few
words on the method of feeding the baby as in-
augurated by our ancient grandmothers, and
which has been handed down to us by tradi-
tion, and is generally adopted by parents and
nurses even at the present time.
When we reflect that nearly all the diseases
to which the infant is liable in the early periods
of life may be fairly traced to faulty alimen-
tation, the importance of the subject at once be-
comes apparent.
FEEDING AND DOSING.-The custom of feed-
ing an infant on sweetened water, gruel, panada
and other slop victuals, soon after it is born,
is not only wrong, but absolutely injurious.
1
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
↓
No sooner is the child washed and dressed and
made comfortable than the nurse, with cup and
spoon, is on hand to "feed the baby" "to keep
it from starving," under the silly impression
that it must be very hungry after its nine
months' imprisonment in the little "house not
made with hands." And here the trouble be-
gins. Having taken its first meal-usually of
sweetened water or gruel-the child soon be-
comes uneasy, frets and cries with pain caused
by the improper food it has taken, which is
undergoing fermentation in the stomach. Not
being able to make known its wants by words—
having no language but a cry, by which to
plead for the righting of its wrongs-it screams
in a most pitiful manner to the discomfort of the
tender-hearted mother and all others around.
The "good old nurse," with her boasted "ex-
perience," still believes it a "hungry cry,'
issues her second order for rations, and this
time gives it cow's milk and water well sweet-
ened; the effect of this will be to aggravate
rather than relieve the little unfortunate
victim. Recourse is now had to "catmint
tea,"
""calamus tea," "soot tea," paregoric,"
soothing syrup," or some other nostrum, by
means of which another form of gastric irrita-
tion is added to the already existing disturb-
Thus, between the two-stuffing and
""
((
ance.
((
HOW TO FEED THE BABY.
127
}
drugging the very life of the helpless infant
is put in jeopardy, and, if it escapes the doom
of death, is left to drag out a miserable exist-
ance the rest of its days. Thousands of these
little ones suffer from almost constant narcot-
ism, begun and fostered in this way by ignor-
ant parents and nurses, and are either poisoned
out of the world ere they have seen the end of
the first year, or they grow up sickly, with
depraved appetites and weakened intellects, to
fall victims to the vice of intemperance. It is
our honest conviction, founded upon extensive
observation, that the abuse of the digestive
organs in early childhood, by frequent and
overfeeding, the use of condiments, tea, coffee,
and quack nostrums vended under the be-
witching names of "Soothing Syrup," "In-
fant's Cordial," "Nerve Tonic," "Golden Bitters,"
"Blood Purifier," etc., leads in after years to
the development of the drunkard's appetite, and
the misery of the drunkard's career. How can
we expect an infant, dosed with anodyne mix-
tures and narcotic stimulants during the first.
two or three years of its life, to grow to man-
hood and not have a morbid craving for strong
drink or its twin sister, tobacco ?
The digestive organs of the new-born infant
being thus prostrated and enfeebled, all the
painful consequences of indigestion are sure
128
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
to follow in its wake; such as acidity, flatu-
lency, colic, vomiting, diarrhoea, green and grip-
ing stools, emaciation, and a long train of other
disorders. Nine-tenths of these distressing ail-
ments which afflict the infant in the first half
year of its life are the result of indigestion,
caused by stuffing and dosing the child soon
after it is born. If its tender stomach be filled
with sweetened water or gruel a few times dur-
ing the first two days of its life, the chances are
ten to one that it will be unable to digest the
mother's milk when she is able to supply it.
The fact that in nearly all cases the mother
is unable to furnish milk for the baby until it
is at least two days old shows the impropriety
of giving it artificial food, and the necessity
of waiting until the "milk comes." Nature can
always be trusted with the management of her
own affairs, and as she has been successful in
the production and development of a lovely
human being, "created a little lower than the
angels," she may safely be trusted to manage
its diet, and will in nowise leave it to suffer and
starve.
It may seem like a trifling matter to put
into the stomach of a new-born babe a few
spoonfuls of sweetened water or catmint tea
(by the way, we know one of these "experi-
enced nurses" to give an infant a pint of cat-
HOW TO FEED THE BABY.
129
mint tea before it was twelve hours old, and
she declared to us that it " cried all night with
the colic," notwithstanding her efforts to relieve
it), but it is doubtful if it ever entirely recovers
from the effects of such an attack made upon.
it in the "house of its friends." Whenever
anything is taken into the stomach, either in
the form of food or drink, which is not readily
digested and assimilated, it is sure to produce
more or less gastric derangement; there is
scarcely any part of the organism which is not
called into morbid sympathetic action by such
a condition. Here, in the central organs of
life-the digestive organs-is found the start-
ing point, or place of beginning, of a large ma-
jority of all the diseases that occur in child-
hood. And there is every reason to believe
that the gastro-intestinal disorders known as
indigestion or dyspepsia, from which so many
people suffer, are the result of overfeeding and
drugging in early infancy.
IMPORTANCE OF STARTING RIGHT.-HOW im-
portant, then, it is to start right in this matter,
to avoid all errors and excesses in feeding the
new-born infant, whose tender stomach is so
easily deranged by improper food and over-
feeding, and which is the cause of nearly all
the gastro-intestinal disorders with which the
infant has to suffer. We must rely upon
•
130
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
nature to furnish the infant with proper food
for its sustenance, and which is in harmony
with its healthy growth and development,
namely, the mother's milk; it should have no
other food but this until after dentition,
unless the mother be diseased in some way
to make her milk unsuitable, or in case of her
death, when it could not be obtained; in such
an event a wet-nurse should be procured, or
cow's milk, suitably prepared, furnished as a
substitute.
Do not stuff the new-born infant, then, with
artificial food, but wait for coming events; it
does not require food of any kind, except that
furnished by the mother, which will be forth-
coming in due time; if fed otherwise the infant
will be sure to suffer from flatulence, sickness.
and pain; and the chances are that when the
milk comes," and the mother is prepared to
supply the child's wants, it will refuse to nurse
and in all probability be unable to digest the
milk when it is taken. No fears need be enter-
tained if the breasts do not secrete milk for
forty-eight hours or even longer, the baby will
not starve. Nature can manage these things
far better than parents or "experienced nurses,"
or even the doctors; the great danger to strive
against is feeding too often and feeding too much.
THREE MEALS A DAY.-The question, then,
B
HOW TO FEED THE BABY.
131
HOW OFTEN TO FEED THE BABY, is of the greatest
importance; and at the threshold of the in-
quiry we would impress upon the minds of all
parents and nurses the necessity of starting right
in this matter; remember, "a good beginning
is half the battle," and generally determines
whether the conflict for life shall be won or
lost.
As previously stated, the mother seldom has
milk for her babe until it is two or three days
old; nevertheless it should be put to the breast
a few hours after birth, as it not only teaches it
to suck, but invites an early flow of milk. There
is a watery or whey-like secretion found in the
mother's breast before the child is born or at
the time of its birth, which is a wise provision
of Nature to supply the wants of the infant as
soon as it enters the world. This early secre-
tion, called colostrum, is the first food that should
enter the infant's stomach; no sweetened water
or artificial food of any kind should be given
for reasons already pointed out. If the mother
is healthy, her milk is undoubtedly the most
natural food for the child; nor should it be fed
on anything else until it gets its first or tem-
porary teeth.
BABY'S FIRST MEAL.-After the child has
been washed and dressed, and the mother fairly
rested, the infant should be put to the breast
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
}
and receive its first meal. It should be allowed
to nurse until its wants are satisfied, when it
may be removed from the mother, placed in a
comfortable position and permitted to sleep as
long as it will. After the first meal it should.
be nursed regularly three times a day, say at 6
A.M., at 12 M., and at 6 P.M., but never during the
night. This may seem to the mother or nurse
-who has been accustomed to feeding a baby
every two hours during the day, and two or
three times at night-like a "starvation diet,"
but if they could be induced to take food as
often, and as much accordingly, as the infant,
they would possibly change their minds in re-
gard to this matter. Indeed, the thought fairly
considered ought to convince any intelligent
person of the impropriety of this frequent and
excessive feeding. No one will contend for a
moment that an infant can thrive unless it is
properly fed, but this by no means implies that
it must be stuffed a dozen times every twenty-
four hours. Three meals a day will be found
ample to satisfy all demands of the infant and
insure a healthy, vigorous growth of the sys-
tem; feeding it oftener than this is not only
superfluous, but absolutely injurious. If, how-
ever, it is found after a fair trial that the in-
fant does not thrive or gain in weight as it
should do, a fourth meal may be tried. A
HOW TO FEED THE BABY.
133
healthy child will gain in weight from four to
six ounces per week, and if this ratio be main-
tained right along, no fears need be entertained
for its welfare. But if little or no gain is made,
the food is either not suited to the child's wants,
or the child itself is not right, and needs the
care of a judicious physician. The fact of an
infant fussing and hunting around as if after
something to eat is by no means a proof that
it needs food; it is often thirsty and wants
water, which should be given to it frequently.
There is every reason to believe, as we have
endeavored to show in a previous article, that
the cause of the many gastric disorders among
infants, and which sweep so many of them out
of existence every year, is due almost solely to
excessive and too frequent feeding. The infant's
stomach-like the adult's-requires seasons of
rest, and if this law is violated, disease will
surely follow. Many an infant is restless, fret-
ful, unable to sleep, in a word, made sick by
this continual stuffing on the part of mother or
nurse, notwithstanding it springs from the
kindest promptings of the human heart. But
we are told that the infant "frets and worries,"
and can only be quieted by giving it something
to eat. The overfed baby always has a morbid
appetite, and will seldom refuse food so long as
it can swallow; like the adult dyspeptic it ex-
periences temporary relief by the ingestion of
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- COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
food, and hence it becomes restful for a time,
only to suffer the greater in the end.
DYSPEPSIA OF INFANTS.-It is sad, indeed, to
think of the new-born infant-perhaps not a
week old-suffering from that fearful malady,
dyspepsia. And sadder still is it to realize that
parents are responsible to a very great extent
for this sickness and suffering to which these
helpless infants are liable. For we have every
reason to believe that it is the result of too fre-
quent and excessive feeding, which it is in the
power of parents to control. And since it has
been abundantly proved that an infant can be
well nourished on three meals a day with the
happiest results, no argument is needed to
show that more is necessary. And as the cram-
ming system has been long and thoroughly
tried, with what results it is unnecessary to re-
peat, we would appeal to every true-hearted
mother to try the "new departure," and, our
word for it, you will never have cause to regret
it. Begin as soon as the baby is born-with
the first meal—start right—for if you wait un-
til bad habits are formed, you may have some
trouble in establishing your rightful prerogative.
Remember, the infant begins to take in the situ-
ation of things with the first breath of life, and
that an unwise or indiscreet nurse may, in a
very short time, teach a child habits that may
prove not only troublesome, but very exacting.
}
1
CHAPTER XII.
HAND-FEEDING OF BABIES.
IGNORANCE
DIVERSIFIED VIEWS-PROFFERED ADVICE
ON THE SUBJECT-VARIETY OF FOODS-SUBSTITUTES
FOR MOTHER'S MILK-Cow's MILK, HOW TO PREPARE
--WHEATEN GRUEL-HOW TO GIVE THE BABY FOOD
-POSITION WHEN TAKING FOOD-HOW TO WEAN
THE BABY-DENTITION-CLEANLINESS-VENTILATION
-TOBACCO SMOKE, POISONOUS EFFECTS of.
THE mother's milk, as already stated, is the
natural food for the infant, but, unfortunately,
it often happens that she is unable to furnish
breast-milk for her child. Many infants have
to be fed artificially from the first, as their
mothers are utterly unable to suckle them at
all. Where disease of the parent exists, such
as scrofula, consumption, cancer, insanity,
syphilis, and other dangerous hereditary com-
plaints, the infant ought not to derive its nour-
ishment from this source of contamination,
and hence a substitute must be found.
S
There is perhaps no question upon which
the profession as well as mothers and nurses
are more at variance than the character of
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136
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
the food to be given in place of breast-milk.
Not long since there appeared in a Philadel-
phia newspaper an article signed "A Young
Mother," asking what she should do to save
her baby; being obliged to feed it by hand it
could not retain or digest milk or cream. The
editor offered a prize of ten dollars to any one
giving the best answer. This appeal brought
out over a hundred responses from mothers,
nurses, grandmothers, doctors, druggists and
others. Some advised pure milk from one
cow; some took it from two cows, and others
from a herd; some advised skimmed milk;
others the same diluted with water; some one-
third water, some two-thirds; others cream
and water; others milk with cornstarch, barley
water, oatmeal, arrowroot, lime water, brandy,
cognac, port wine and lager beer; others rec-
ommend Mellen's food, prepared granum, con-
densed milk, Valentine's meat-juice, Scotch oats
essence, and others goat's milk and whisky.
One writer says: "Condensed milk, lime water
and Grove's anodyne are great for babies, and
if they do not thrive on these they won't thrive
on anything;" others, to relieve the little şuf-
ferers and to "keep peace in the family," advise
fennel-seed tea, catnip tea, peppermint tea,
whisky and covering the stomach with spice
plasters. Some of the therapeutic philosophers.
HAND-FEEDING OF BABIES.
137
¡
advised a little asafoetida, bicarbonate of soda,
saccharated pepsin, lactic acid, subnitrate of
bismuth, oxalate of cerium, chlorodyne, pare-
goric and good whisky when certain gastric
disturbances arise.
Here, then, we have a specimen of the una-
nimity and wisdom displayed in the feeding
and rearing of infants in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine.
There is one notable feature in all this prof-
fered advice from mothers, nurses and doctors,
and that is the unanimous agreement, with two
or three exceptions, that the baby should be
stuffed "every two hours;" one mother says it
should be " fed every two hours, day and night."
Another says, "Give plenty of milk. I give my
babies a quart of the best milk every day for
two months, and then two quarts thereafter,
besides rice water and two teaspoonfuls of
Husband's magnesia every other day." The
magnesia, no doubt, is a necessity to purge off
and help get rid of the surplus or excess of milk.
With such treatment is it at all strange that
one-third of the babies die before they are a
year old? The strange part to us is that two-
thirds do not die instead of only one-third. But
babies are very tenacious of life, and will "pull
through" sometimes under the most unfavor-
able circumstances, as if preordained to be the
"survival of the fittest."
138
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
A SUBSTITUTE FOR MOTHER'S MILK.-When
the mother's milk is out of the question we
know of no better substitute than cow's milk,
which will be found to agree more generally
with the infant than any other article of food.
But there are several points to be considered
in the selection of cow's milk. It will be better
to take the milk from the product of several
cows rather than that from one, as it is likely
to be more uniform in character. For a new-
born infant the cows should be fresh, or nearly
so, and they should be carefully fed and cared
for. Cow's milk is slightly alkaline, but some-
times when the cow has been milking several
months, it becomes acid. To test this, take a
narrow strip of blue litmus paper and dip one
end into the milk; if in a short time the paper
turns red the milk is acid and unfit for a young
child. Good milk will turn red litmus paper
blue.
TO PREPARE Cow's MILK.-For many years
we advised pure fresh milk from one cow,
diluted one-third water, for a three months'
babe, but of later years we have used the
preparation suggested by Prof. S. P. Sharpless,
who is high authority on this subject, and we
find it eminently successful. "The best way to
prepare cow's milk for a young child," says
Prof. Sharpless, "is to allow the milk to stand
HAND-FEEDING OF BABIES.
139
a few hours until a portion of the cream has
raised; then carefully remove the cream. At
each meal take the proper potion, place the
vessel containing it in a dish of hot water for
a sufficient time to warm it, sweeten slightly
with sugar of milk-never with cane sugar,
as this is almost certain to sour the stomach.
No definite rule can be laid down for the
amount of food necessary for the million;
but it will not vary much from a pint for an
infant of six months. This amount, divided
into three meals and given at regular intervals,
say at 6 A.M., 12 M. and 6 P.M., will be found
to give the best results. Never feed the child
during the night, for that is the time set apart
for rest for all the organs in the body. As the
child grows older the quantity of milk may be
gradually increased, so that at the end of
twelve months it should take about a pint and
a half daily. Never refuse an infant water, but
give even the youngest a few teaspoonfuls fre-
quently between meals. Babies often wish the
breast or bottle because they are thirsty and
not hungry."
WHEAT GRUEL.-If cow's milk cannot be
had that suits the child, then we must look for
a substitute, and in the long list that is pre-
sented we know of none that is so likely to suit
in all cases as gruel made from fresh, unbolted
ļ
140
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
wheat flour. Take a small cupful, stir it in a
quart of cold water, and boil gently for three-
quarters of an hour (use a water-bath or farina-
kettle, otherwise it will require constant stir-
ring), when it will be reduced to a pint; strain
this through a closely woven cloth to take out
all the coarse parts, sweeten slightly with sugar
of milk, and add a pinch of salt. If too thick
to pass through a nursing-tube (if that be used)
dilute with a little warm water, or, in some
cases, with a few teaspoonfuls of fresh milk.
We have known many babies raised on this
preparation of food who had every appearance
of being at death's door, and could not retain
or digest cow's milk of any kind. We can
recommend this diet, notwithstanding all that
is said against the use of farinaceous food for
young babies.
(6
HOW TO GIVE THE BABY FOOD.-A hand-
fed baby should receive its food out of a glass
or china cup from a teaspoon. The objections
urged against this method of feeding babies
are of little consequence in comparison with
the advantages which it has over bottle-feed-
ing." It is less trouble, less expense, and far
better for the babies. There is not the same
temptation to feed the child so often when the
food is given in this way, while the trouble of
cleaning and taking care of nursing-tubes,
gum nipples and "baby-bottles" is avoided.
C
HAND-FEEDING OF BABIES.
141
#
POSITION OF THE CHILD WHEN TAKING
FOOD.-A child should not receive its nourish-
ment while lying down, but should be sup-
ported upon the arm or lap of the person feed-
ing it, in an easy semi-erect position, which is the
natural one; it is pleasanter for the child, there
is less risk of strangulation, and besides there is
an anatomical reason for this. The practice of
dandling or jolting infants soon after taking
food is very improper and should not be in-
dulged in.
HOW TO WEAN THE BABY.-In discussing
the conditions to be observed in weaning the
baby, we would lay down the following rules
as essential to the preservation of the child's
health and that of the mother:
1. Under ordinary circumstances the child
shall have cut at least eight of its teeth before
the attempt is made to wean it.
2. The child should not be weaned until it
has become accustomed to taking other kinds
of nourishment.
3. After the process of weaning is decided
upon, it is better to execute it gradually. The
practice of suddenly taking the child from the
breast is not only cruel, but is attended with
danger to both mother and child. Cow's milk
will be found the best substitute for the
mother's milk. We would commence the
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
weaning by giving the child mother's milk for
breakfast, cow's milk for dinner, and mother's
milk for supper; this method should be con-
tinued for several days; then give cow's milk
for breakfast and dinner, and mother's milk for
supper; continue this for five or six days, and
then withhold the breakfast milk altogether.
4. Teach the child to receive the milk out of
a cup or glass, and not out of a nursing-bottle.
5. A child ought not to be weaned while it
is suffering much from the irritation of teeth-
ing or any acute disease, unless there are con-
siderations on the part of the mother which
render it necessary.
6. As a general rule, the child should be
weaned when it is about eighteen months old.
DENTITION. The eruption of the first teeth is
very irregular; it takes place approximately in
the following order: The two middle lower front
teeth make their appearance generally when
the child is about six months old. In three or
four weeks afterwards the middle incisors above
come through; then the two lateral incisors be-
low, followed by the two above. In about two
months after these the first molars (jaw teeth)
are cut-two below and two above. After
another respite of about two months the two
stomach and two eye teeth show themselves,
and finally, at the age of about two years,
>
HAND-FEEDING OF BABIES.
143
the four back jaw teeth-two above and two
below-make their appearance; this com-
pletes the first dentition, consisting of twenty
teeth.
It will be observed that the process of teeth-
ing is accomplished in groups; and the child
should not be weaned during the eruption of
one of these groups. And, where it can be done,
the cooler months should be preferred for mak-
ing this change of dietary.
HYGIENIC PRECAUTIONS; CLEANLINESS, VEN-
TILATION, ETC.-Much has been said and written
in regard to keeping all nursing-tubes and
food-vessels clean and sweet, the importance of
personal cleanliness, and the breathing of pure
atmospheric air; these all are necessary for the
preservation of health and the enjoyment of
human happiness. Breathing impure air will
poison the system as surely as eating impure
food; one is just as detrimental to health as
the other.
TOBACCO SMOKE.-No one can breathe the
foul odors generated by filth, or an atmosphere
polluted by tobacco smoke, and not suffer to a
greater or less extent. All the diseases of in-
fancy are aggravated or rendered more malig-、
nant by the habitual breathing of impure air.
There is overwhelming evidence to prove that
infants especially-who are more susceptible to
:
144
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
all impressions than grown persons-are often
seriously injured by breathing an atmosphere
contaminated with tobacco smoke. Not long
since we were consulted by a young mother in
regard to her baby, which was then eighteen
months old. From birth it had been healthy
and bright until within a few months, and now
it was pale, emaciated, languid, had a poor ap-
petite, was fretful, restless, and had a slight
cough. The father was a mechanic and was
seldom at home except during the night. We
could not understand the child's illness and
our failure to cure it. At a subsequent visit we
observed that the air in the room where the
child was, smelt strongly of tobacco smoke.
The father had been out of work for two or
three months and at home most of the time.
He was in the habit of frequently smoking in
the room where the child stayed. The odor of
tobacco in the room at once suggested to our
mind the cause of the child's sickness, and we
said to the mother: Mr. S. must not smoke in
the house any more where baby is, "for we be-
lieve it is suffering from the poisonous effects of
tobacco." Just then Mr. S., who had stepped
out, came in, and Mrs. S. read the "riot
act" to him, then gave the house a good airing,
which had a most salutary effect upon the child,
as it soon began to improve, and was not long,
HAND-FEEDING OF BABIES.
145
as a consequence, in regaining its wonted con-
dition of health.
In a recent number of "The People's Health
Journal" Dr. Thos. G. Roberts, in an article on
"The Use of Tobacco," mentions the case of a
little girl who came under his professional
care, which puzzled him for several weeks be-
fore he was enabled to find out what was the
cause of the child's illness. She "had a poor
appetite, was nervous and constantly ailing,
though at no time seriously sick." After a
time he learned that a "relative of the child
often smoked in the house where the little
patient lived." He finally concluded that
tobacco was the cause of the illness, and had
her removed to a place where no tobacco was
used, and she "promptly and permanently re-
covered her health.” Dr. Roberts cites a case
taken from the "Pall Mall Gazette." The story
is told by the mother, and we give the essential
points in her own words: "I have one child
not yet two years old, a fair-haired, blue-eyed
pet, who was as healthy as the birds when she
was born." "For a year past she has ailed
mysteriously." I could not say she was ill,
yet she was never well." She had no appetite,
constantly complained of sickness and disor-
dered digestion. "I took her away by myself
to a country town for two months. After the first
((
7
146
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
week she flourished like a young bay-tree; ate
and drank and laughed and played, and I was
kept forever enlarging her garments.
One
week after our return home all the old symptoms
returned; loss of appetite, dark lines under the
eyes, restless days and sleepless nights. I was
about to take her away again when she caught
a severe cold and was confined to one room for
three weeks. She recovered her general health
completely while shut in the nursery; appetite,
spirits, sleep, all returned. She joined us down-
stairs again, as usual, and in less than a week
sickness and all the old symptoms returned.
For nearly three months I racked my brain to
find out the cause of this trouble. Suddenly
my husband was summoned into the country.
A week after he went the child began to eat
with a relish, and in a fortnight she was her
own happy self, full of notions and spirits.
'Her father never saw her like this,' I re-
marked one evening when she was so merry
and glad, and then the truth flashed upon me:
it was his tobacco that upset her. He has
been away a month, and the child has gained
in flesh and is the merriest, healthiest little
mortal possible. He always smoked after
breakfast and after lunch, with her in the
room, neither of us dreaming that it was in-
jurious to her. But for his providential ab-
A
1
-
HAND-FEEDING OF BABIES.
147
sence this time, I doubt if it ever would have
occurred to me, and we might have lost our
darling, for she was wasting sadly. This is a
true, unvarnished statement, which my nurse
can corroborate."
There is no doubt that thousands of little
ones are annually slaughtered in the homes
of their friends by this narcotic poison. The
smoker or chewer is so filled with its efflu-
via that he can be detected by it the moment
he enters the room. All who come near him
suffer in their senses and in their health to a
greater or less extent. Many delicate infants,
and grown persons as well, are poisoned even
to death by the smoke and odor of tobacco
used by persons around them. Recently we
visited a young man who was suffering from a
pulmonary affection; he was lying on a couch
in a small room and was coughing almost con-
tinuously; his father sat near by smoking his
pipe, while the room was literally full of the
fumes of tobacco smoke. Coming in out of the
pure, fresh air of heaven, we felt as if we could
not live in such an atmosphere, and immedi-
ately threw open the windows. Mr. B. said he
was "afraid Johnnie would take cold." We
told him we were "afraid he would suffocate,"
as the air in the room was not fit for a human
being to breathe.
148
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
It is wonderful what an amount of ignorance
and stupidity is shown in regard to this mat-
ter by persons ordinarily intelligent, and we
can only account for it from the well-known
fact that the use of this narcotic poison stupe-'
fies and imbrutes those who are under its in-
fluence.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE EARLY EDUCATION OF CHILDREN.
OBJECTS OF EDUCATION-TEACH OBEDIENCE-PUTTING
CHILDREN TO BED-THE BOOK OF NATURE-EVIL
ASSOCIATIONS-SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE-WHERE DID
THE BABY COME FROM-EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCO-
HOL--THE TOBACCO HABIT-THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
THE moment the child is born and opens
his eyes to this world his education begins,
and it is at this early period of his existence
that he should be taught the true lessons of
life. "Train up a child in the way he should
go, and when he is old he will not depart from
it," was the saying of a wise man; hence the
importance of starting aright in this primary
school where the first lessons of life are taught,
which are of such vital importance to the pres-
ent and eternal welfare of the individual.
OBJECTS OF EDUCATION. The principal ob-
jects of education are: to teach a child useful
knowledge, to eradicate his evil propensities,
to bring out his noble qualities, to make him
a useful citizen and a worthy member of so-
ciety, and last, though not least, a Christian
(149)
150
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
not only in name, but in reality. A child's
intellect is educated or developed by being
taught truths by others, and by his learning
or storing the memory with various kinds of
knowledge derived from the senses. His train-
ing and teaching are always going on; every-
thing he sees, hears or does is a part of his
education and enters largely into the forma-
tion of his character. The most important
duty which parents have to perform in this
world is to train and properly educate their
children; and society has no higher duty to
perform, and none more important, so far as
the welfare and preservation of our race is con-
cerned, than to look after and care for the
rising generation.
TEACH OBEDIENCE.-Among the first lessons
taught a child should be that of obedience.
"Children, obey your parents," is a command
of great significance, not only as affecting their
safety and health, but also their moral charac-
ter as well. It is the first yielding of unre-
strained will to rightful authority, and as such
has an immense significance. The child should
be required to do his parents' bidding, and
never to feel that he can disobey them in
the smallest degree. Gentleness and firmness
should characterize all the words and actions
of the parent while giving commands which it
EARLY EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 151
is expected the child will obey. By pursuing
a determined course in this respect, obedience
will become a pleasure to the child instead of
a burden, and he will come to love and respect
his parents, which he can never do if allowed
to disobey and follow his own inclinations.
PUTTING CHILDREN TO BED." Not with a
reproof for any of that day's sins of omission
or commission. Take any other time but bed-
time for that. If you ever heard a little creat-
ure sighing or sobbing in its sleep, you could
never do this. Seal their closing eyelids with
a kiss and a blessing. The time will come, all
too soon, when they will lay their heads upon
their pillows lacking both. Let them, then, at
least, have this sweet memory of happy child-
hood, of which no future sorrow or trouble can
rob them. Give them their rosy youth. Nor
need this involve wild license. The judicious
parent will not so mistake my meaning. If
you have ever met the man or the woman
whose eyes have suddenly filled when a little
child has crept trustingly to its mother's
breast, you may have seen one in whose
child's home 'Dignity' and 'Severity' stood
where Love' and 'Pity' should have been.
Too much indulgence has ruined thousands
of children, too much love not one."-FANNIE
FERN.
<
152
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
BRIBING CHILDREN.-Parents should never
bribe the child in order to make him obey,
but require him to yield obedience as a duty
and because it is right. This is the only solid
basis upon which to build a moral, upright
character. Neither should he be coaxed nor
promised rewards nor threatened with punish-
ment to induce him to do right; all such in-
centives are selfish and tend to belittle and
lower the true standard of character. But, on
the contrary, begin at the earliest possible mo-
ment, even before the child is born, to instil
into his life a love of right, purity and virtue;
then will he go forth armed with the shield of
righteousness, safe from the assaults of passion
and vice, so long as he adheres to noble prin-
ciples.
THE BOOK OF NATURE THE CHILD'S PRIMER.
-The perceptive faculties of the infant are
brought into requisition at a very early period
of life, and he is a very active if not an accurate
observer of things. By taking advantage of
his observing and inquisitive disposition to
direct his attention to natural and familiar
objects, a vast amount of useful knowledge
may be communicated to him at an early age
without endangering his mental faculties. The
mother should be his principal teacher, and
the canopy of heaven the main roof over his
"
EARLY EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 153
school-room; most of his lessons should be
taught out in the open air, while the fresh
breezes are blowing and God's blessed sunshine
is beaming upon him. The Book of Nature
should be his primer; and the green fields
and trees, and mosses, and beautiful flowers-
the violets, and daisies, and buttercups, and
forget-me-nots, and wild roses-these, together
with an infinite variety of birds, robins, and
thrushes, and bobolinks, and orioles, black-
birds, and the little wrens, and a thousand
others; their habits, their customs, their his-
tories and dwelling places-all furnish ma-
terial for his instruction more profitable than
any school-books at his early age can do; and
such instruction, imparted by the mother's lov-
ing voice and affectionate manner, will make
a deeper and more lasting impression upon
him than anything he may learn from the
books of man. Little boys and girls who are
taught these useful lessons from Nature while
they are young, and while their hearts are
tender, will not be likely when they grow up
to hurt or kill the little innocent birds or
abuse any of the poor dumb animals with
which they may have to deal.
w
EVIL ASSOCIATIONS.-As already intimated,
the early training of a child will have an im-
portant bearing upon his future character. If
154
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
he is taught to be honest, truthful and pure
while he is young, when he grows up he will
be fortified and strengthened to resist the temp-
tations of vice and immorality which will beset
his path on every side. But if he gets his
training on the streets and around the grog-
shops, he will be sure to fall a victim to intem-
perance, vicious habits and sensuality. Parents
and teachers, therefore, should guard well the
avenues by which evil may approach the young
mind, and erect barriers against vice by careful
instruction and chaste examples. Protect him
against evil associates, for it is among these
that the first lessons in bad language are learned,
and which are soon followed by impure thoughts
and impure actions.
HAPPY HOMES.-Make the child's home a
happy one; make it so attractive that he will
prefer it to any other place. Give him a pleas-
ant room in which to sleep, and supply him
with good books, not love-sick novels, but such
as will furnish the mind with food and pure
thoughts. Cultivate music in the home; it
has an inspiring and elevating influence upon
both young and old; all children love music,
and if they cannot find it at home will be
likely to seek it elsewhere. The inquiring
minds of children will be occupied in some.
way, and it is of the utmost importance that
EARLY EDUCATION OF CHILDREN.
155
they should be early filled with thoughts that
will lead them to pure and noble deeds; only
in this way can the foundation be laid for that
purity of character which alone will insure
purity of life.
SCOLDING. A great deal of injury is done.
to children by their parents' scolding. It sours
their temper, so that one thorough scolding
prepares the way for two or three more. The
more you scold the more you will have to
scold, because you will become crosser, and your
children likewise.
Scolding alienates the hearts of your chil-
dren. Depend upon it, they will not love you
as well after you have berated them as they
did before. You may approach them with
firmness and decision, and they will feel the
justice of your conduct and will love you,
notwithstanding all; but they hate scolding.
It stirs up the bad blood, while it discloses
your weakness, and lowers you in their estima-
tion. Their little hearts should be melted and
molded with voices of kindness, so that they
may go to their slumbers with thoughts of
love stealing around their souls and whispering
peace.
SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE.-Another most essen-
tial part of a child's early education is to teach
him the relation which the Creator has estab-
156
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
lished between the sexes. Hitherto this part
of his early education has been almost totally
neglected, the subject being regarded as too
delicate or too sacred for his reception. Hence,
he has been left to the tender mercy of ignorant
servants and associates to give him this impor-
tant information, and we see what the result
has been. Certain it is that the stealthy ap-
proaches of vice have been fostered by the
existing system. Now, as the child will obtain
this knowledge from some source or other, it is
infinitely better for him to receive it from hist
parents or some trustworthy friend, instead of
being taught it by some vicious person.
The subject is one that should be handled
with the greatest delicacy of expression, so as
to avoid rousing morbid curiosity or stimulat-
ing the passions, special care being taken to
train the child so that he will associate with
the name of woman only pure, chaste and noble
thoughts. The inquisitive mind and lively
imagination of childhood are easily corrupted,
while the seeds of vice will germinate and
flourish in the soul and bear their hideous fruit
in later years.
WHERE DOES THE BABY COME FROM?-Let
no parent neglect, then, the sacred duty of
teaching the child the mysteries of generation
and the origin of life so far as these are known.
The child will not long credit the story of the
EARLY EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 157
"doctor bringing the baby in his coat pocket,"
or its being "sent by angels." It will be better
to tell the exact truth about this as of every-
thing else the child has to learn in the world,
of its sorrow and sin, of its joy and love. Don't
put it off by telling it not to "ask such ques-
tions;" you are only telling it to go ask some
one else, for it is bound to know all about it
sooner or later. How much safer it will be for
the child to receive this truth from the pure
and loving lips of the father or mother in whom
it can confide. Take its little hand, then, in
yours, and explain to it that everything in the
universe is created male and female. Not only
men and women, but all animals, all birds, all
fishes, and insects; even the trees and flowers.
Every new life has its origin in the union of
the sexes-male and female-and by this
sexual union the male sperm comes in contact
with the female ovum or egg, and a new being
is created. Soon after conception, this minute
germ-so small that it cannot be seen with the
naked eye-takes up its abode in the mother's
womb; here it is nourished by the mother's
blood, and grows until it is too large for the
little house where it has been staying for the
last nine months, and it moves out and comes
to live with us. This is the simple story about
the baby, and " where it comes from." It is the
way all animals that live in this world, such
158
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
as little pigs, puppies, calves, lambs, etc., are
"bred and born."
Teach the child, then, at an early period these
important lessons concerning life and the re-
lationship of the sexes. Parents or guardians
are the proper persons to do this; do not turn
the child over to some one else to give this in-
formation, if you do, it will most likely obtain
it from vulgar schoolmates or through some
other immoral or degrading channel, which
you may have occassion to regret when it is too
late. If our young people were made properly
acquainted with the physiology of the sexual
functions they would be far less likely to form
habits of self-abuse, or be led astray by other
corrupting influences.
THE EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
ANOTHER important part of a child's early
education is to teach him to abstain from the use
of alcoholic liquors. As already observed, the
future character of an individual depends
largely on his early training. If parents would
have their child grow up pure, healthy and wise;
if they would have him become a blessing in-
stead of a curse; if they would save him from cor-
ruption and vice; if they would save him from a
drunkard's career and a drunkard's grave, they
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
159
must teach him to keep clear of the contaminat-
ing and seductive influences of alcoholic liquors.
He should be taught by precept and example
to shun the intoxicating cup, for "at last it
stingeth like a serpent and biteth like an
adder;" once imbibed, it may beget in him
passions which he will never be able to control,
and may become a curse to him as it is a
desolating bane to society. If all parents would
abstain from intoxicating liquors, and teach
their children to do likewise, we would soon.
witness a glorious change. We should see
every home made safer and happier; we should
see the poor-houses empty and the jails desolate;
we should see thousands of young men and
maidens, instead of becoming victims of in-
temperance, delighting themselves in doing
good and making others happy; we should see
the very earth grow brighter and heaven come
nearer, as the dark clouds of this national curse
would take their departure.
But the practical question is, how shall we
bring about this desirable result? So long as
people drink we shall have drunkenness; let the
habit be once formed and the victim is seldom
reclaimed. Prevention is our only cure; and
here, as everywhere in this erring and wicked
world, we shall find "ignorance the evil, and
knowledge the remedy." Our only faith and
1
160
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
hope of banishing this evil are by placing before.
the world, and especially before the rising gen-
eration, the exact truth respecting the action of
alcohol on the human system.
For centuries past some of
some of the most
erroneous and dangerous doctrines have been
promulgated by the medical profession, and
others, respecting the action and value of
alcohol, and which have been the principal
means of fostering and perpetuating intemper-
ance. Rolla A. Law, a distinguished advocate
of temperance, declared that in his experience
with the rum fiend he found "alcoholic medi-
cation the chief obstacle in his pathway," and
the "medical profession the stronghold of in-
temperance." And Dr. Juett, another eminent.
advocate, gave testimony to the same effect.
S
Everywhere the people are indoctrinated in
the belief that alcohol is a "blood nutriment,"
that it "promotes digestion," that it "supports
vitality," that it is a "fuel food," and that it is
the "conservator of health." Now, if this doc-
trine be true, we can see no reason why alcohol
should not be used secundum artem; indeed, a
very large class of our fellow-citizens, recog-
nizing these claims, do use it, believing it to be
the conservator of health and the milk of hu-
man life. Many keep it on their tables, use it
with their meals and train their children to
believe in its magic powers.
MOU
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
161
The London Lancet, which is good authority
on the subject, in answer to the question,
"What quantity of alcohol may be taken daily
with advantage?" replied, that, “being both a
food and a stimulant, two glasses a day might
be taken with advantage." In a long article
published in the New York Times, a few years
ago, the writer, who professed to give "The last
word of physiology to date" respecting the
value of alcohol, said: "For those who are not
blessed with total unconsciousness of a stomach
and especially for elderly or delicate persons,
digestion is made easier and more complete by
the moderate use of wine or whisky taken at
meals." As to the quantity, he says, "Dr.
Parks put the limit of usefulness at from one
to one and a half ounces of alcohol daily, a
limit corresponding roughly to a pint of claret
or other light wine, and twice as much of
beer."
The above quotations are fair specimens of
the alcohol doctrine as taught in the medical
journals and text-books at the present day.
And, we repeat, if it is correct that alcohol is
a healthy food, if it will give strength to the
weak and enfeebled body, if it will promote
digestion and furnish heat for the system, then
nearly everybody ought to use it, for nine-
tenths of the people are suffering from a con-
162
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
dition which calls for this supposed elixir vitæ.
But let us carry the case to the Court of Fact,
and let impartial reason decide this alcoholic
food puzzle-" Three in one, and one in three."
In presenting the case to the court, the first
question is, What is alcohol? And what are
its effects on the human system? In chemical
language, alcohol is a hydrated oxide of ethyl.
It is a clear, volatile, inflammable liquid, and is
the intoxicating principle in all spirituous
liquors. It is nowhere to be found in nature,
in anything which the Creator has made
endowed with organism and life; it is a device
of man, the offspring of death, evolved through
the destructive process of decomposition. It is a
narcotic poison, according to Orfila, Christinson,
Taylor and Pereira; while others class it
among the "caustic-irritant" poisons. When
taken in large doses it destroys life very
quickly. Persons have been known to die
almost immediately after drinking from half a
pint to a pint of ardent spirits. Dr. Percy, an
eminent French surgeon, gave to a spaniel
bitch two and a quarter ounces of alcohol. She
immediately uttered a plaintive cry and fell
helpless to the ground. "Never," says he,
"did I see every spark of vitality more effect-
ually and instantaneously extinguished. In
less than two minutes not a single pulsation of
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
163
((
the heart could be felt." Further experiments
show that "it is inimical to everything that
has life, either animal or vegetable." When
applied to the roots of plants or trees it de-
stroys them in a short time." If it is taken into
the mouth and held for a few minutes, it in-
flames and blisters the mucous membrane and
deadens the sense of taste. If a piece of rag be
saturated with it and applied to the skin, pre-
venting evaporation by means of an oil-silk
bandage, in a short time the part becomes hot,
painful, inflamed and blistered as if burned.
These experiments prove that alcohol is an
irritant poison."
When large doses are taken internally, the
primary effect is to cause excitement of the
nervous system, increased frequency of the
pulse and a livelier flow of ideas, which are
soon followed by a state of impaired percep-
tion and motor power; these are in turn fol-
lowed by insensibility, unconsciousness and
all the phenomena which accompany a fit of
apoplexy. In all such cases the temperature
of the body will be found to have fallen from
4° to 6° below the normal. After death all
the large vascular organs are found engorged
with blood, which will furnish alcohol by dis-
tillation. Alfred Swayne Taylor, the eminent
toxicologist, says: "The stomach has been found
164
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
intensely congested or inflamed, the mucous
membrane being of a bright red or of a dark-
brown color." "The brain and its membranes
are congested, and, in some instances, there is
effusion of blood or serum beneath the inner
membrane, and in some cases the lungs and
heart are found engorged with dark blood."
Tom
These are a few of the prominent symptoms
induced and the morbid conditions observed
upon the bodies of those who have suffered
and died from the effects of large doses of al-
cohol. They clearly demonstrate the terrible
results produced by this poison when taken
into the human system. And the thought
uppermost in every intelligent mind must be,
why this deadly poison should be regarded as a
"blood nutrient" and a "supporter of vitality."
No such claims are made for opium, belladonna,
hyoscyamus, stramonium, tobacco or any other
narcotic poison; why then for alcohol?
Now, to understand the nature and functions
of food, we must first understand the human
body that needs food. And by the aid of chem-
istry and physiology we arrive at this knowl-
edge. Chemically examined, we find the hu-
man body composed of a variety of compound
substances, which are capable of being reduced
to simpler forms. If we take a piece of human
flesh we find it yields albumen, fibrine, gelatine,
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
165
fatty matters, salts of soda, potash, lime, mag-
nesia and iron; while the solids, as bone and
other parts, contain, besides, a large percentage
of gelatine, phosphate of lime, carbonate of lime,
fluate of lime, phosphate of magnesia and a
small portion of chloride of sodium. We also
find that water enters largely into all the tis-
sues of the body; it is the vehicle for convey-
ing the nutritive material to all parts of the
system and removing the products of waste as
fast as formed.
Such, in brief, are the materials that compose
the human body; and any article claiming to
be food must contain one or more of these sub-
stances entering into its composition, or it must
contain those elements in such a state of com-
bination that the system can appropriate them
to its own use. It is not what is taken into the
stomach that nourishes the body, but what can
be digested and worked up into living tissue
and repair the waste that is continually going
on in the vital organism. What, then, are
those physiological operations which take
place in the body that necessitate the use of
food? The first in importance is that of assimi-
lation, the process by which the body is nour-
ished and repaired by food suitable for that
purpose.
Another is that of combustion, by which the
166
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
body is preserved at a given temperature, 981
degrees.
Another physiological process is that of dis-
integration, or the pulling down and change of
structure that are continually going on within
the body. We cannot utter a word or move a
muscle but we wear away some portion of this
delicate and complicated machine. And to
repair this constant waste it is necessary to
supply the system with new material from
without.
Then again we have the process of elimina-
tion, by means of which those worn-out par-
ticles that can no longer be used for the pur-
pose of life, and the retention of which would
be a source of danger and disease, are expelled
from the system. Every moment we live Na-
ture is engaged in burning up or casting out
the product of disintegration whereby the body
is kept pure and healthy.
Having endeavored to explain the compo-
sition of the body and the physiological opera-
tions which take place necessitating food, we
are prepared to inquire, Is alcohol food? And
under this term we include all intoxicating
liquors, because it is wholly on account of the
alcohol they contain that such drinks are used;
take it away and no one would think of drink-
ing the disgusting residue.
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
167
Among the principal alcoholic beverages are
brandy, whisky, rum, gin, wine, beer, ale,
porter and cider. They are all essentially the
same, the difference being only one of degree.
For example, an imperial pint of brandy con-
tains 9 ounces of water, 103 ounces of alco-
hol and 80 grains of burnt sugar, while rum
contains 5 ounces of water and 15 ounces of
alcohol. Port wine contains 16 ounces of water,
4 ounces of alcohol, 1 ounce of sugar and 80
grains of tartaric acid. Beer contains about 6
per cent. of alcohol, the balance water, a little
gum, sugar and starch, which it holds in solu-
tion. These drinks contain besides the above
a little coloring and flavoring matter. But do
they contain the constituent elements of the
body? Certainly not in any available form.
They have no iron or salt for the blood, no
gluten, phosphorus or lime for the bones, and
no albumen a substance which is the basis
of every living organism.
How, then, can an article that is destitute of
these essential elements nourish and repair the
waste of the body? Now, it is a distinctive
feature of food that it is used up in the system.
In passing through the various changes it pro-
duces force and heat, is then reduced to lower
and simpler forms and cast out as effete matter.
But alcohol, when taken into the system, is
168
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
eliminated from its precincts in the same con-
dition as it enters. In proof of this it has been
recollected from the breath, from the perspira-
tion, from the secretions of the kidneys, and
from the milk of nursing mothers who drank
it. And, furthermore, chemistry has ransacked
the innermost recesses of the human body to
find the derivatives of alcohol-aldehyde and
acetic acid-the substances into which it would
turn if decomposed, but no traces of them
have yet been found.
If, then, it will not stick to the living ma-
chine; if it is not a flesh-forming material;
and if it will not furnish animal heat, but
diminishes the temperature of the body, as
demonstrated by innumerable experiments,
what in the name of common sense and science
does it do to justify the claim that it is a “blood
nutrient" and a "supporter of vitality?"
Professor Yeomans, in his "Class-Book of
Chemistry," says: "There is no evidence what-
ever that under any circumstances is alcohol
capable of serving for animal nutrition."
Dr. Carpenter, the eminent physiologist, de-
clares that "Alcoholic liquors cannot supply
anything which is essential to the due nutri-
tion of the system." Again, he says: "Wine
is quite superfluous to man; it is continually
followed by the expenditure of power."
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
169
Dr. Markham, Fellow of the Royal Society,
sums up a long discussion on alcohol in the
"British Medical Journal," as follows: "It is
to all intents a foreign agent which the body
gets rid of as soon as it can. It is not a sup-
porter of combustion. Part, probably the
whole of it escapes from the body, and none
of it, so far as we know, is assimilated. It is,
therefore, not a food in the eye of science."
But notwithstanding these facts, which have
again and again been demonstrated, the sup-
porters of alcohol are determined to have it
perform some important part in the animal
economy, and they declare that it "prevents
tissue metamorphosis, and offers itself in the
blood as a substitute for food." In other words,
it stops the wear and waste that are continually
going on in the body and compels the system
to subsist upon nothing. And this is the latest
and most advanced thought of the votaries of
alcoholic food-action. It is the logical con-
clusion of nearly all of the medical journals.
and leading authors on materia medica in this
country and in Europe. The late Dr. Anstie,
M. R. C. P., declared that "Alcohol will not
only support life, but even the bulk of the
body for many days during the abstinence of
common foods." According to this distin-
guished teacher, had Dr. Tanner drunk whisky
8
170
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
instead of water he might have tipped the
beam at 158 pounds at the end of his forty
days' fast instead of 122 as the result proved.
He might not have been quite so companion-
able to his immediate friends-with all those
36 pounds of worn-out and effete matter re-
tained in his system-but, nevertheless, he
would have had the bulk and weight all the
same. Think of venous blood and foul secre-
tions being retained in the body as a substitute
for natural healthy food!
The clinical facts which some writers have
produced as demonstrative of the food-action
of alcohol are, as such, worth absolutely noth-
ing. The proof here must be rigid-one of the
scale-and-balance kind. Let us be told what
the weight of the patient was before the experi-
ment was commenced, and what after. Let us
know how much water was taken with the
alcohol, and be satisfied that nothing but
diluted alcohols were swallowed while the
experiments were going on. The analysis of
such facts would enable us to arrive at some-
thing positive upon the subject. We have no
hesitation in saying that to call alcohol food,
or even a substitute for food, in the present
state of our knowledge of its effects, is an abrise
of knowledge. And those who affirm it to be
should give something like a tangible proof
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
171
of the fact. Let them show that a person fed
solely on alcoholic liquor for ten or twelve days
has gained, or at least not lost, in weight. To
say that an emaciated creature who rises from
a bed of sickness, and who has taken during
his illness large quantities of alcohol and
water, is a living proof that alcohol is food, or
that it will in any way support life, is mani-
festly an unfounded assumption.
The claim that alcohol promotes digestion is
equally delusive. It has been clearly demon-
strated that instead of assisting, it actually
arrests the process of digestion and prevents
the assimilation of food. "It is a remarkable
fact," says Dr. Dundas Thompson, "that
alcohol, when added to the digestive fluid, pro-
duces a white precipitate, so that that fluid is no
longer capable of digesting animal or vegeta-
ble matter."
Bowman and Todd, in their "Class Book
of Chemistry," declare that "Alcohol retards
digestion by coagulating the pepsin, an essen-
tial element of the gastric juice. Were it not
that wine and spirits are rapidly absorbed, the
introduction of these into the stomach in any
quantity would be a complete bar to the diges-
tion of food." As a proof of this declaration,
if we take a vial containing gastric juice, and
place in it some crumbs of bread and meat,
172
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
i
keep it at a temperature of 98°, in a few hours
it will be dissolved into a poultacious mass.
If to another vial of gastric juice and food
treated in the same way we add a small quan-
tity of alcohol, the dissolving process will be
arrested, and the food will remain unchanged
for days.
In further confirmation of this fact, Dr.
Figg "took two dogs and gave to each five
ounces of cold roast mutton, cut into small
squares and passed into the oesophagus without
contact with the teeth. An elastic tube was
passed into the stomach of one, and an ounce
and a quarter of alcohol injected. After five
hours both animals were killed. In the one
where the meat had been taken by itself it had
all disappeared. In the other, the meat was
still in the stomach and the pieces were as
angular as when swallowed."
Dr. Beddow, another eminent physician,
made similar experiments on dogs, and found
that "three drachms (less than than three teaspoon-
fuls) of alcohol completely arrested digestion
for over four hours."
Does any one require stronger evidence than
this that alcohol is not a promoter of diges-
tion? With these facts staring us in the face,
how can we reconcile the practice of physi-
cians prescribing porter, ale, brandy and alco-
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
1
173
1
holic liquors under the pretense of supporting
the patient and assisting digestion ?
Again, we are told that alcohol is a "fuel
food," or "heat-forming material." This is
a very popular belief indulged in, and is the
legitimate offspring of the "blood-nutriment"
and "life-supporting" theory which has been
handed down as a traditional inheritance. It
has entrapped many a poor fellow who has
been made to sacrifice his health and very life
on the altar of this false teaching. And what
are the facts in the case? Here, again, we
must put this alcoholic bull to the test of
experiment; for only by experiment and care-
ful observation can we ascertain the property
of things and learn to correct false theories
and erroneous conceptions.
It is generally conceded that animal heat is.
produced by the oxidation or combustion of
the carbonaceous ingredients of the food and
tissues. Now, as alcohol is not burned nor
otherwise consumed in the system, but passes
out of the body in the same condition as it
enters (as is shown by being recollected from
the mother's milk and other secretions of the
body), the inference is plain that it is not a
"fuel food." But if further evidence is needed
to convince the "doubting Thomas," let him
test the matter with a clinical thermometer;
174
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
place the bulb under the tongue, allow it to
- remain there from five to seven minutes; note
the temperature; now take a glass of brandy,
and after waiting fifteen or twenty minutes take
the temperature again, and he will find that it
has fallen in proportion to the amount and
strength of spirits imbibed. Dr. Kirk, late
Professor in the University of Edinburgh,
says, "One glass of brandy will continue to
lower the temperature for about four hours."
Prof. N. S. Davis, a prominent physician
of Chicago, demonstrated as long ago as 1850
that the presence of alcohol in the system low-
ered the temperature. Since then he has fully
established its correctness by a series of experi-
ments performed with a delicately graduated
thermometer, taking the temperature every
half hour for three hours after the moderate
use of wine and whisky.
Dr. C. Binz, a distinguished German physi-
cian, made numerous experiments with the
view to determine the action of non-poisonous
doses of alcohol upon the body. He found
that "half a glass of light hock, or a small
glass of cognac (these drinks contain about 10
per cent. of alcohol) caused a fall of from 0.4° to
0.6° in a very short time. In experiments
made upon dogs with poisonous doses there
was a fall in temperature of from 4° to 6° in
✔
EVIL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL.
175
from one to two hours." Dumeril, Dermar-
quay, Magnus, and others in Europe, experi-
mented upon man and domestic animals and
obtained similar results. The testimony of
Sir James Ross, Sir John Richardson, Dr. Hayes,
and other Arctic explorers, is that alcohol
is not only useless, but positively injurious as
respiratory or fuel food.
The claim that alcohol gives strength to the
weak and enfeebled body is equally fallacious.
It has been clearly demonstrated, not only by
the foregoing investigations, but by scientific
facts, that its presence in the system diminishes
the strength and the power of endurance. The
results of physical labor, as shown in the field,
on the march, at the forge, in the workshop,
and in all the physical and intellectual pursuits,
prove that the spirit-drinker fails to cope with
the non-user of alcohol.
Viewing the case then from whatever stand-
point we may, we find it to be an agent foreign
to the body of man, a poison of a most dan-
gerous and fascinating character, the cautious
use of which is always attended with risk, not
only to man's physical constitution, but also to
his moral and spiritual nature. He who uses
these liquors, knowing them to be bad, adds to
the violation of physical law, moral depravity,
and he who uses them, ignorant of their
176
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
+
properties, is now inexcusable. There was a
period, before science had commenced her re-
searches into this matter, when such ignorance
was excusable; but we are now surrounded by
light, and it is our duty as rational beings to
make inquiry. Should we wilfully neglect to
do this, and yet continue to use alcoholic poi-
sons, then we knowingly commit a sin.
Those who use wines on their tables, and set
the example of moderate drinking, delude and
mislead thousands to their ruin. So far as ex-
ample goes, the moderate drinker exerts a far
more dangerous influence upon society than
the poor drunkard. He gives an air of re-
spectability to the practice, and thousands who
attempt to follow his example fall by the way-
side. But the drunkard excites our disgust,
and we pass him by, and fear not the contam-
inating influence of his example.
And now, in taking leave of the subject, we
desire to impress upon all parents the impor-
tance of teaching their children the exact truth
respecting the action of alcohol on the human
system. We have seen how persons have been
deceived and misled regarding its value as a
nutritive agent, as a promoter of digestion, as
a supporter of vitality, and as a heat-forming
material: And we have also seen how de-
structive it is to life and health, corrupting the
M
THE TOBACCO HABIT.
177
blood, inflaming the tissues, and causing dis-
ease in every part of the body. And no less
destructive is it to man's moral and spiritual
well-being. By its action on the brain it de-
thrones reason, paralyzes the will, puts con-
science to sleep, and stirs up all the vile and
brutal passions in man's nature.
When the medical profession move in earnest
and teach the exact truth in regard to alcohol,
we shall have a public sentiment, and out of
that sentiment will come law and an answer to
the prayer, "Lord, that I might be healed."
THE TOBACCO HABIT.
Ir is a trite saying that "man is a creature
of habit." And one of the most debasing and
baneful habits to which he is addicted is that
of smoking, chewing and snuffing tobacco.
The effects are more insidious and the habit
much stronger and more difficult to break off
than that of using alcoholic liquors.
Nicotine, or the active principle of tobacco, is
one of the most violent poisons known to man;
like prussic acid, it destroys life in small doses
and with great rapidity. This poison is found
even in the smoke of tobacco, not being de-
stroyed by combustion. In proof of this, if a
current of smoke be passed through a vessel of
water an oily substance will soon be found
178
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
floating on the surface; if this be placed on
the tongue of a cat, it will destroy the life of
the animal very quickly. If the smoke from a
pipe or cigar be concentrated on a sheet of
paper, the deposit will be found to contain the
same deadly poison. Hence, every person who
respires the same, willingly or unwillingly,
must have the blood in his veins more or less
impregnated with the poison.
There are a great many foolish and absurd
customs in this world, but we know of none so
injurious and degrading as the tobacco habit.
Among the savage tribes of the Rocky Mount-
ains it is customary or fashionable to flatten
their heads by long-continued pressure. In
other barbarous countries they slit the ears.
and nose and hang from them tin, brass and
other cheap ornaments. In China they com-
press the feet of the females from birth to pre-
vent their growth. The Turks cram their
women after the manner of stuffing geese, that
they may become enormously fleshy. Some
African tribes knock out their upper front
teeth and otherwise disfigure their bodies; but
none of these are so injurious and debasing as
poisoning the system with alcohol and tobacco.
We can excuse these poor semi-barbarians
who flatten their heads, slit their ears, compress
their feet, knock out their teeth and tattoo
their skins; but for a highly civilized and
THE TOBACCO HABIT.
179
Christian people to poison their bodies, and
corrupt their moral nature by the abuse of a
deadly poison like tobacco, is quite incredible.
There are few persons who are not familiar
with the injurious effects of smoking, chewing
and snuffing; we have evidence of the fact all
around us, and physicians of every school bear
witness to the same; those who have fallen
victims to the habit proclaim against it and
regret that they ever commenced its use. We
seldom meet a friend or patient who does not
add his testimony to the mischief of which he
has been the witness, in his own case or that of
some friend, from tobacco. All medical au-
thorities agree that the habitual use of it is
injurious to man-physically, mentally and
morally-causing various forms of disease.
Says the "New York Medical Journal:" "In
an experimental observation of thirty-eight
boys of all classes of society and of average
health, who had been using tobacco for periods
ranging from two months to two years, twenty-
seven showed severe injury to the constitution
and insufficient growth; thirty-two showed the
existence of irregularity of the heart's action,
disordered stomachs, coughs and craving for
alcohol; thirteen had intermittency of the
pulse and one had consumption. After they
had abandoned the use of tobacco, within six
months one-half were free from all their former
180
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
symptoms, and the remainder had recovered
by the end of the year." Ought not these con-
siderations to restrain every wise and good man
from contracting or continuing such a sense-
less, destructive habit of self-indulgence?
The question is often asked, "Can a person
who smokes tobacco be an honest and honor-
able man?” Here is the Hon. Neal Dow's
answer: "In the street, on steamboats, in
public places, in railway cars, everywhere, in
fact, except in smoking-cars or in smoking-
rooms, we have a right, all of us, to the free,
fresh, pure air. This is as much our right as
the purse in our pocket. No one has any more
right to take it from us than to pick our
pockets. To pick a pocket is stealing, robbery;
what is it to take away the pure air from an-
other, and to put stinking, poisoned air in its
place?
"To sit beside another at the table and sprinkle
his food with soot or asafoetida; what would such
a procedure be called? What word is there in
our language by which to characterize it?
How would that differ from infusing a dis-
gusting stench into the air for others to breathe?
To poison another's food in that way would be
called an intolerable abomination, and the
doing of it would expose the party to a sum-
mary expulsion from decent society. But the
THE TOBACCO HABIT.
181
poisoning of the air which others must breathe
is so common a thing to do, so many persons
practice it who would not pick a pocket, or
poison other people's food, that most persons
do not look upon it in its true light.
"I have often seen, in the streets, ladies and
others walk very slowly or stop upon the side-
walk to allow the smoke to pass out of smelling
distance. I have also seen people cross the
street to avoid the stench of tobacco, which to
many persons is intolerable. Have these
people an undoubted right to the free, fresh air
as they walk the streets? Then, what term are
we to apply to the act of poisoning-for tobacco
smoke is a poison-the air for them to breathe?
How may we justly stigmatize those who do it?"
But what can we do? Tobacco confronts us
wherever we go; it smokes on every corner
like the reeking of a dung-hill; on the streets,
in the highways, everywhere, men and boys
puff their tobacco smoke in ladies' faces who
have no protection; chewers eject the filthy
juice on the sidewalk, floors of railway cars and
other public places, greatly to the annoyance of
all decent people; errand boys and boot-blacks
form clubs of three or four, passing their pipe
from mouth to mouth, in the secluded nooks
of every alley. It is here that vice grows
strong in company; it is here the little boy re-
182
?
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
ceives his first practical lesson in larceny from
his more advanced confederates; it is here,
around the pipe, young pickpockets congre-
gate and board the train that leads to ruin.
That this is true no one can deny. It is a
grave and important matter for parents to con-
sider. If they will save their boys from the
tobacco vice, there will be little danger of their
becoming drunkards. For it is a well-known
fact that not one in fifty who abstains from the
use of tobacco drinks alcoholic liquors; whereas,
nine out of ten who use tobacco use intoxicat-
ing liquors to a greater or less extent; the two
vices seem to be almost inseparable. Smoking,
especially, causes thirst and vital depression, to
relieve which alcoholic stimulants are resorted
to. And thus two of the most debasing habits
and vices to which human nature can be de-
graded are indulged in to the injury of the in-
dividual, in shortening his life, and to the
injury and ruin of his offspring.
An argument in favor of tobacco is deduced
from the universality of the habit. All nations,
it is said, use stimulants of some kind; hence,
it is argued, they supply a natural want in har-
mony with the design of the Creator.
If this logic be sound, all that is necessary to
justify any vice, as gambling, prostitution,
drunkenness, or any abomination, is its gene-
-
THE TOBACCO HABIT.
183
}
ral prevalence. But it is not true that tobacco
supplies a natural want. The very fact that it
poisons every one who first attempts to use it,
is a proof to the contrary. It is disgusting in
the highest degree to the natural appetite, and
contrary to the unwritten law that forbids its.
use. If it supplies a natural want, pray, tell
us, why women are exempt? Do they not re-
quire it? Are the burdens which they have to
bear not equal to those of men? Look into the
cottages of the poor; see the wife and the mother
as she struggles on from day to day, and often
through long weary nights, unsustained by
luxuries or stimulants, while her rugged hus-
band must have his rum and tobacco, not be-
cause it supplies a natural want, but a morbid
craving fostered by habit.
Again, it is asserted that "tobacco cannot be
a poison, or, if so, it must be a very slow one,
for persons use it many years and live to old
age." This kind of reasoning may satisfy those
who wish to indulge in the morbid luxury, but,
when considered from a scientific standpoint,
is worth absolutely nothing.
Let us inquire, what is a poison? Toxicolo-
gists tell us it is "a substance which, when taken
into the animal economy, acts injuriously on
the textures of organs." If the oil of tobacco,
which is the active principle, be placed on the
1
184
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
1
tongue of a cat or a dog, it will kill the animal
in three or four minutes. This fact has been
demonstrated by repeated experiments made
by Professor Mussey, Drs. Brodie, Lizars and
other experimentalists. Dr. Pereira, a distin-
guished author, states that an infusion of thirty
grains of crude tobacco, administered as an in-
jection, proved rapidly fatal; and numerous
instances of a similar kind are reported by
other writers. The "National Dispensatory,"
the highest authority in this country, says:
"Tobacco is hostile to all forms of vegetable
or animal life." Again, it says: "Habitual
smoking, snuffing or chewing lessens the nat-
ural appetite, impairs digestion, irritates the
mouth and throat, rendering it habitually con-
gested, and destroys the purity of the voice. It
induces an habitual sense of uneasiness and
nervousness, and palpitation of the heart.
Chewing causes gastralgia, and smoking neu-
ralgia. In numerous instances it has produced
amaurosis."
After death from tobacco, "the brain is
found empty of blood, the stomach reddened in
round spots and raised, resembling patches of
dark velvet; the blood is dark and fluid; the
lungs are pale, while the heart is engorged with
blood."
These facts prove, beyond a question of
THE TOBACCO HABIT.
185
doubt, that tobacco is a poison, potent and per-
nicious. It also proves that it cannot be taken
into the system in any appreciable quantity
without doing injury. The fact that the hu-
man organism has the capacity to accomino-
date itself in a wonderful degree to the use of
poisons, if the quantity taken only be gradually
increased, is no proof that they are not inju-
rious to the system. All poisons are cumula-
tive in their actions; that is, small doses, fre-
quently repeated, injure the body and finally
destroy life as completely as though a poisonous
dose had been taken at once; but, of course, the
action extends over a longer period. Hence,
tobacco, being a poison and foreign to the body,
the direction of the action must be the same and
the result alike disastrous.
But, some one says, "My father used tobacco
nearly all his life and lived to be an old man ;
therefore, it cannot be so very injurious." Well,
we have known some persons to be diseased
nearly all their lives and yet live to old age. Is
that any proof that disease is not hurtful and that
it does not shorten human life? Why should the
tobacco disease not injure the system the same
as any other disease? Do not both poison the
life-blood and produce disorder and death?
Το say that a man who chews or smokes a ton
of tobacco and lives to be seventy-five years
1
186
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
old would not have lived longer and been
better without it, is an unfounded assumption.
The only way by which to prove the truth or
falsity of such a proposition would be to select,.
say, one thousand young men of the same age,
free from disease and all taint of alcohol and
tobacco, place them under the same favorable
circumstances as regards diet, exercise and hy-
gienic conditions, except that one-half of them
shall have full swing at the best brands of
pig-tail" or "fine-cut tobacco." At the end
of a hundred years, more or less, take an
account of stock, and if it is found that those
who use tobacco maintain the same high
standard of health and length of life as those
who do not use it, we shall have to acknowledge
that tobacco is not a poison injurious to man,
but a morbid luxury, and that the most to be
said against it is that it is a dirty, filthy, de-
grading vice, obnoxious to the finer sensibilities
of all decent people.
(6
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
WE cannot close this chapter on the train-
ing of children without a few warning words
against the use of opium.
This drug has been long and extensively
used as a medicine. Taken in a moderate
dose, it produces exhilaration and pleasant
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
187
flights of fancy, followed, in the course of an
hour, by a disposition to sleep; or, if sleep does
not take place, the body and mind enjoy a
sense of repose from external impressions,
while the mind is filled with dreamy and gen-
erally pleasant ideas. This condition of tran-
quillity and comfort may last for several hours,
or sooner or later pass into a quiet sleep.
Some headache, nausea and lassitude may fol-
low the awakening, but these vary much with
the dose and the individual. When a large
dose has been taken it causes little or no excite-
ment, but almost immediately reduces the
frequency of the pulse, diminishes muscular
power, causes giddiness and drowsiness, suc-
ceeded by insensibility and deep apoplectic
sleep with loud snoring respiration, and the
person dies in a few hours if not relieved.
Opium, as we have said, is used extensively
in medicine, and is given for the relief of pain
and to induce sleep. It gives temporary relief
by benumbing the sensibilities of the patient
so that he does not feel the pain; but the disease
may run its course-even to a fatal termina-
tion-while the patient and his friends may
not be aware of it. In transient diseases, and
where the drug is not continued beyond a few
days, the patient may not be entrapped by its
seductive powers; but in diseases of a chronic
or tedious character, like neuralgia, rheumatism
188
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
and some nervous affections, where its use is
continued beyond a few weeks, the patient is
almost sure to fall a victim to the opium habit.
In this country the habit is rarely acquired
except by first using it as a medicine, and it
is largely extended beyond its legitimate use
by being administered to infants by monthly
nurses or ignorant, idle and unnatural mothers,
in the form of "Paregoric," "Godfrey's Cor-
dial," "Soothing Syrup," etc., etc. In conse-
quence, thousands of these little ones suffer
from almost constant narcotism, and thou-
sands are annually poisoned in their cradles,
their pure instincts perverted, their appetites
depraved and their whole organisms debauched
for life by these pernicious compounds.
A case which recently came under our care
will serve to illustrate the wretched condition
of one of these little victims. The history of
the case is as follows: Soon after the child was
born it was fed on sweetened water, and in a
short time it became fretful and cried as if in
great pain; the nurse gave it catmint tea, but to
little purpose, as the suffering and crying con-
tinued; laudanum was next given in drop
doses, which afforded temporary relief, the
colic, however, recurred from day to day, and
the laudanum was continued. After pursuing
this treatment for several weeks "Mrs. Wins-
low's Soothing Syrup" was substituted for the
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
189
laudanum. Thus matters went on from better
to worse for nearly three months. The family
physician was now called in, and he prescribed
laudanum, which was given secundum artem up
to the time of our first visit.
The infant was now five months old and
taking twenty drops of laudanum twice a day.
This quantity, however, did not relieve its suf-
ferings, and the doctor ordered thirty drops to
be given at a dose. It was a most pitiable
looking object of "death-in-life;" its body was
emaciated to a skeleton, its skin was a dirty
yellow and hung in folds on its trembling
limbs; its big glassy eyes were sunk deep in
their orbits; it started at the slightest noise,
and clutched continually with its hands as if
it was in the greatest agony.
We explained to the parents that this was a
clear case of poisoning, and that it was a sub-
ject for legal investigation; that it looked to us
like a conspiracy on the part of the doctor,
mother and nurse to destroy the child, and we
could not see why they were not all liable to
arrest; for if it was not a case of willful poison-
ing it was at least one of mal-practice, which
is no less an indictable offense. But, as might
be expected, the perpetrators of this crime were
allowed to escape, like thousands of others who
commit similar acts upon their innocent off-
spring.
190
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
In this case, however, the use of the opium
was discontinued by gradually diminishing
the size of the dose, and at the end of two
weeks of anxiety and suffering the child was
free from the poisonous drug and well on his
way to recovery. He began to take food with
a relish and to thrive and was happy. To-day
he is a bright, lively boy; but if he lives to
manhood without becoming addicted to the
habit of using tobacco and rum, he will be the
eighth wonder of the world.
The use of opium is also increasing to an
alarming extent among our adult population.
We are acquainted with a score or more con-
firmed opium-eaters who take it in the form of
laudanum, morphia and the crude drug. They
commenced the habit in every instance by first
using it as a medicine. In many cases it will
give temporary relief at first, but it will not
cure or do any permanent good, but will often fix
the disease, as it were, and make it more diffi-
cult to cure.
It is a thousand times better to
endure pain, even for days, than be entrapped
by an enemy which comes in the garb of an
angel with its balmy powers, but which will
ultimately bind its victim in chains which will
'drag him down to the depths of an awful
hell."
Who, then, is safe that takes opium even under
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
191
the direction of a physician? A few days ago
a former patient called on me and related his
experience with this god of dreams. "Some
six months ago," said he, "I was attacked with
a rheumatic pain in the shoulder, which an-
noyed me for a week or two, but did not inter-
fere particularly with my business; one day it
became more intolerant, and I called in the
doctor; he deliberated a moment, and then
took out his hypodermic syringe, and injected
a dose of morphia into my arm; in a few min-
utes I was free from pain, and was soon asleep ;
next day the pain was as bad as ever, and the
doctor gave me another injection of morphia,
and I slept all night; again the pain recurred,
and the drug was repeated. This method of
treatment was kept up for nearly six weeks,
when the pain subsided, and I relinquished
the morphia. Now a conflict ensued which
I had not even dreamed of: I found myself
the slave of a tyrant, which I had no power to
control, and I was wretched beyond anything
I had ever experienced. My appetite was
gone; my nerves were all unstrung, and sleep
was impossible; I would spring out of bed at
night and pace the room like a madman; I
had little control of my will-power, and was a
terror to my family. For two mortal weeks
this struggle continued before I could say that
192
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
1
I was free from this tyrant who in so short a
time had bound and made me an abject slave.
This is but a miniature picture of the horrible
nightmare which this drug is capable of pro-
ducing. To fully understand the bewitching
and all-absorbing power of morphia on the
human system, after the habit has been firmly
established, one should read the
CONFESSION OF AN OPIUM SLAVE. Mrs.
James Havens, Lecturer on Narcotics in the
W. C. T. U., relates a portion of a confession
made by an opium slave, which we take the
liberty to copy for the benefit of those who
wish to learn the power and influence of mor-
phia on the human system.
"I was engaged in journalism in an Eastern
city at a salary which I thought justified me
in the most arduous labor. I was ambitious
to succeed as a journalist, and I worked beyond
my strength, paying little heed to the warning
of my overwrought nerves and weary brain,
until they finally rebelled and called a halt.
But rest was not to be thought of in my case,
and I hastened to our old family physician
and friend for advice. I rebelled at his im-
perative prescription of ' Rest,' and impatiently
demanded a tonic that would revive my fail-
ing energies; so he decided to test the effect of
morphia upon me. He said nothing to me,
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
193
however, of the proposed experiment, and, as I
had always trusted to his skill and judgment,
I made no inquiries.
"Under the influence of the delightful pana-
cea I worked with redoubled zeal. My brain
grew luminous with beautiful imagery, my
thoughts flew with lightning speed, and work
was the most delightful pastime. I joyfully
listened to the commendations of my friends
for the elegance and profusion of my literary
labors.
"But when the mysterious panacea had
spent its power I was wretched beyond descrip-
tion. My nerves quivered, my limbs trembled,
and my teeth chattered as if with an ague
chill. Of course I immediately applied for
another prescription of the magical powders,
which was granted under protest. It seems
strange to me now that I never cared to inquire
the name or nature of the drug until I had
been under its influence for a succession of
weeks. One day the physician suggested the
propriety of preparing the powders myself, as
I was so determined to have them, and pro-
duced a tiny, blue-wrapped bottle labeled
'Morphia sulph.' A shuddering horror seized
me. I knew that whatever the powders were it
was impossible to live without them, but I
never dreamed they were morphia. I was
9
194
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
fearfully alarmed, and exclaimed in dismay,
'Can it be possible, doctor, that I have become
a slave to opium?' 'Oh,' replied my physician,
placidly,' Not that bad, we hope;' then added,
sternly, 'I prescribed those powders as a remedy
for your nervousness, and I regret to know you
have resorted to them as a stimulant.'
"But he quieted my fears, cautioned me to
use great care and judgment in the frequency
of its use, and never to take it unnecessarily.
From that moment my doom was sealed, and
the signet of inexorable fate was stamped upon
it. After again repeating his words of caution
the physician placed the bottle of morphia in
my hands and left me alone and powerless to
the mercy of a demon. Ah! I have seen the
time since then that the most merciful prayer
my lips could utter was that he, my good
friend (?) and trusted physician, might suffer
for one brief hour one tithe of the unutterable
agony that I was compelled to endure for long,
weary years. Thus left alone to the guidance
of my own judgment-holding in my own
hand the weapon that could successfully com-
bat every adverse influence and brighten even
the poorest joys of life, and with the assurance
that no harm could befall if used judiciously-
is it any wonder that I fell a willing victim to
a power whose clanking chains I could only
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
195
hear softly and sweetly low as the tinkle of a
silver bell? Is it any wonder that I turned
away with a sense of loathing and disgust
from the prosy, commonplace scenes of every-
day life when I held in my own hand the
'open sesame' to the whole vast fields of
ideality-to roam at will through its enchanted
palaces, to drink of the waters far sweeter
than the 'nectar of the gods,' and eat of the
fruit fairer and more delicious than ever grew
on the health-giving trees of the garden of
Paradise? How was I to know that those de-
licious waters would eventually pall upon my
taste like the 'bitter waters of Marah,' and the
luscious fruit, like the 'apples of Sodom,' turn
to scorching, blistering ashes upon my lips?
،
"After the physician left me to the dictates
of my own judgment, there was not a single
moment for five long years that I was not
under the weird and witching power of mor-
phia. It is true, I made many a wretched at-
tempt to free myself, but the miserable sensa-
tion caused by the fading influence of the drug
was too terrible to be borne. The first two
years of the five were all one blissful, roseate
dream-not a pain-not a grief or a sorrow
could by any means approach me, and I daily
experienced a vivid sense of the expansion of
all my powers. Whatever duty I had to per-
196
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
form, domestic, social or intellectual, I felt
fully equal to the task. My literary labors
were extended far into the night without cessa-
tion, yet I experienced no fatigue. Neither
hunger, thirst, sleep nor weariness made any
demands upon my system. Four hours of
fitful slumber out of the twenty-four were all
I required, and, in fact, I could do very well
without that.
"Every habit of my life paid exorbitant
tribute to the baleful extortioner. At the ex-
piration of about two years, very slowly, and
by almost imperceptible degrees, a change
came over my unnatural life. A shadowy
gloom, a darkening terror began to envelop
my spirits-black, horrible forebodings began
to oppress me. An ever-present consciousness
of some awful impending doom weighed like a
deadly nightmare upon my soul, and, like the
old man of the sea,' it could not be shaken off.
Day and night alike I was compelled to endure
the ghastly burden of the consciousness that
the culminating horrors of the dreaded doom
were drawing nearer and nearer with the
dawning of every morning and the setting of
every sun. I tried to imagine myself insane,
knowing well that in such an event this hor-
rible incubus was not real, but existed only
in a diseased imagination. But in vain. I
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
197
knew too well that I was now reaping as I had
sown. I knew too well that I was the abject
slave of a tyrant who had enticed me within
the gates of Paradise only till the chains were
welded to drag me, helpless and hopeless,
down to the lowest depths of an awful hell.
(C
'My literary work, which had previously
been my delight, began now to be almost re-
pulsively distasteful. At occasional intervals
I tried to rally and believe that my work would
soon regain its wonted charm, but too late!
The brilliancy and the purity of my style had
fled, and I found to my dismay that my pen
had lost its cunning and my brain its accus-
tomed poise! Frightened at the piteous wreck
of my mental powers, and the failing of all my
finer faculties, I made a thousand weak en-
deavors to free myself from my fatal hallucina-
tion, but the fetters were stronger than chains.
of brass, and my efforts were abortive.
-
"I appealed frantically to Heaven, but my
prayers were impious, and only rebounded,
unanswered, upon my own soul. At length
remorse, the most pungent and exquisitely in-
tolerable agony of all the tortures of the rack
that opium has prepared for its victims, began
eating its way into my soul. I looked back-
ward with an irresistible longing to the time
when I was free as other people; then I looked
Shak
198
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forward into the dreary, desolate future, so
ghastly in its prospective horrors, with a
shrinking, quivering dread that could not be
appeased.
"Fear was the next emotion that most
bitterly assailed me, and while remorse was
still true to its fiendish trust, fear shook its
quivering, palsied finger in my face and
pointed to the frightful quicksands in my
path. It was not a sudden, startling fear, but
a constant, oppressive apprehension of evil,
causing me to tremble at every sound and
shiver at every breath. At length existence
became so miserable that this life was no
longer endurable, and I determined to end it
by unlocking the portals of eternity with my
own hands. I was well satisfied that eternity
could hold no horrors superlative to this, and
I even indulged a faint hope that the change
might be beneficial. I had been told by my
medical adviser that I could never break the
chains that bound me and live; and so that
was to be the manner of my exit, for I had
determined to break my bonds even if death
should be the result. Accordingly, I set my
house in order and made every preparation
for a long, long journey, and the struggle
began.
"But oh, God of mercies! did ever death
and life have a fiercer struggle? Hand to
THE OPIUM BONDAGE.
199
hand with the dread monster I battled for
long, frightful weeks, just on the verge of
Death's awful abyss, knowing that at any
moment he might push me over. Nothing on
earth, nothing in the unknown hereafter, could
exceed the intolerable horrors of that unusual
conflict. I had panoplied myself with one
weapon, which, combined with my own will-
power, was my whole armor of defense. That
weapon was a solemn vow to the Almighty
that if Heaven would assist me in my efforts
I would help myself.
-
((
'I had often prayed for release uncondi-
tionally, but now I was willing to do my
utmost in this unequal battle for freedom.
With that vow upon my soul I could not
retract, and, in fact, I felt a grim satisfaction
in testing the remnant of my will-power to its
utmost capacity, or, rather, to see which was
the stronger, Death or I. For that purpose
I placed a full, unopened bottle of morphia
upon my table at the commencement of the
struggle. I was true to my vow. I did exert
my will-power, and I did conquer at last.
"But oh! I would have given a thousand
worlds, were they mine, to have had that sol-
emn vow blotted out, that I might die an easier
death. Tortured with agony no language could
express, I paced the dreary circuit of my room
long, wretched days, and longed for night; but
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
when the night closed in-those endless nights
-I shrieked with frantic fear, and longed for
day! Delirium, with its untold horrors, threw
its weight into the scales against me. There
was nothing fiendish or demoniac that was not
brought into requisition by the opposing power.
'The ghastliest horrors of Dante's hideous
imagery were, in comparison, but as flowery
episodes in the journey of a lost soul through
the rayless, pathless blackness of the dread
Inferno! Thus, for weeks and months the
unequal conflict continued, and it ofttimes
seemed as if worn-out Nature would succumb.
But the all-prevailing power of God's won-
dous grace, combined with the mighty strength
of a determined will, won the victory, and I
am free!"
Reader, this is a truthful picture of the ter-
rible effects of opium after it once gets posses-
sion of its victim. Those who have ever been
under its controlling influence can fully real-
ize how every faculty of the mind is made
subservient to its power. This example of one
who has been reclaimed from its bondage
should serve as a warning voice to all who may
be tempted to use this dangerous drug even as
a medicine, for while it will at first dispel pain
and promote sleep, it will ultimately insinuate
itself into every fiber of the body and inflict
upon its victim the torments of the damned.
የ
CHAPTER XIV.
MASTURBATION-SELF-ABUSE--SECRET
VICE.
PREVALENCE OF THE VICE-SIGNS BY WHICH IT CAN BE
DETECTED-TERRIBLE RESULTS OF EFFECTS ON FUT-
ure GeneraTIONS-A CAUSE OF DEFECTIVE VISION
-PREVENTIVE MEASURES-OBSCENE LITERATURE—
THE CURE OF THE VICE-DIETETIC MEASURES.
FEW persons, except medical men, have any
just conception of the fearful prevalence and
consequences of this vice-masturbation. It
pervades all classes and conditions of society,
from the lowest to the highest; even children.
as young as four to six years and upward
are numbered among its victims, and are being
carried by it to the very verge of moral and
physical ruin. Those who practice it are often
more unfortunate than guilty, inheriting, as
they often do, a preponderance of the animal
passion, which leads them to commit this
crime against nature. Five children in every
ten, over twelve years of age, bear the marks
which this disgusting vice stamps on their
countenance as a proof of their guilt. It is a
?
(201)
202
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
crime that brings its own punishment—a sin
that nature cannot forgive. Few of either sex
escape this pollution, and the extent to which
it prevails in our public schools and colleges is
shocking beyond measure. It is in these insti-
tutions that the habit is formed early in life
by being communicated from one to another.
A single boy or girl may in a very short time
corrupt a whole school despite the utmost care
and vigilance on the part of parents or teachers.
Thousands of children get their first lesson in
this pernicious and debasing practice through
evil associates at these institutions. Little
boys and girls allowed to sleep with servants
and nurses are often initiated into this practice
by these caretakers, who manipulate their
genital organs, either to gratify their own sen-
suality or to appease the children when they
are cross or peevish. The practice is some-
times induced in little girls by uncleanliness or
eruptions irritating the parts and compelling
the friction which results in the unnatural
gratification. The filthy vice thus early begun
is sure to result in masturbation, which sooner
or later leads these little ones to their ruin.
No habit acquires such irresistible force by
indulgence, and none entails such dreadful
consequences on its votaries.
SIGNS BY WHICH THE VICE CAN BE DE-
MASTURBATION-SECRET VICE.
203
I
TECTED. Few persons are familiar with the
signs by which this vice can be detected, nor
do they fully realize the magnitude of the evil
resulting from the practice. Among the promi-
nent symptoms that manifest themselves in
this species of sensuality may be noted the
following: the child or young man or young
woman betrays a sort of bashfulness; cannot
bear to be looked at; face pale with a besotted
expression; eyes weak with impaired vision;
loss of memory and mental power; absent-
minded; easily embarrassed; irritable temper;
indisposed to any active exertion; headache;
weakness and pain in the small of the back;
feebleness of the whole body; emaciation and
loss of appetite. Finally, when a young man
has gone to a certain extent in this practice he
loses all the natural desire for woman, and
even the power to enjoy the pleasure of love.
On the other hand, a young woman who has
exhausted her vitality by self-abuse is often so
virtuous as to hate the very sight of man and
to loathe the very thought of sexual union.
It is just such persons as these who are ever
ready to condemn the poor girl who yields to
the supplications of her lover and her own
natural desires; they would treat her with
indifference and banish her from their own
pure society.
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
}
TERRIBLE EFFECTS OF SELF-ABUSE.-It is
the testimony of eminent physicians and au-
thors that the sin of self-pollution or masturba-
tion is one of the most destructive evils ever
practiced by fallen man. "However revolt-
ing to the feelings it may be," says Sir W. C.
Ellis, "to enter upon such a subject, it cannot
be passed over in silence without a great vio-
lation of duty. Unhappily, it has not been
hitherto exhibited in the awful light in which
it deserves to be shown. The worst of it is that
it is seldom suspected. There are many pale
faces and languid, nervous feelings attributed
to other causes, when all the mischief lies
here."
Dr. Adam Clark says: "In many respects it
is several degrees worse than common whore-
dom, and has in its train more awful conse-
quences. It excites nature to undue action,
and produces violent secretions which neces-
sarily and speedily exhaust the vital principle
and energy; hence the muscles become flaccid
and feeble, the tone and natural action of the
nerves relaxed and impeded, the understand-
ing confused, the memory oblivious, the judg-
ment perverted, the will indeterminate and
wholly without energy to resist; the eyes
appear languishing and without expression,
and the countenance vacant; the appetite.
B
MASTURBATION-SECRET VICE.
205
ceases, for the stomach is incapable of perform-
ing its proper office; nutrition fails; tremors,
fears and terrors are generated, and thus the
wretched victim drags out a miserable ex-
istence."
Another writer and distinguished lady says:
"There is reason to believe that in nine cases
out of ten those unhappy females who are ten-
ants of houses of ill-fame have been victims
of this vice in the first place. Were this the
peculiar vice of the low and vulgar, there
might be more excuse for the apathy and false
delicacy that pervade the community respect-
ing it. But it invades all ranks. Professed
Christians are among its victims.”
Says the "Boston Medical and Surgical Jour-
nal:" "A great number of the evils which
come upon the youth at and after the age of
puberty arise from masturbation, persisted in
so as to waste the vital energies and enervate
the physical and mental powers of man."
ITS EFFECT UPON FUTURE GENERATIONS.-
The above is a fair picture of the mental and
physical ruin, in extreme cases, resulting from
this sinful practice against nature. But the
effects of it do not cease with the individuals
who practice it, but are visited upon their chil-
dren in the form of a feeble constitution, which
renders them more liable to suffer and die
Say
206
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
from the diseases of childhood. And the habit,
by impairing the vigor and vitality of the sys-
tem, renders the individual far more liable to
be attacked by any inflammatory or epidemic
disease, and far more liable to die of such dis-
ease than an individual of virtuous habits.
Many suppose the injurious effects of self-
abuse arise from a loss of the seminal fluid;
but while this is certainly exhausting it is by
no means the principal source of evil. Boys
secrete no semen before puberty, and girls
never any; therefore, the morbid condition ob-
served in youths who practice this vice cannot
be attributed to this cause. The real source
of mischief is in the nervous orgasm which
often amounts to almost a spasm, and when
frequently repeated the nervous power is com-
pletely exhausted. No part of the organism
suffers so much as the nervous system does
from this sinful indulgence. It is a fruitful
source of insanity, idiocy, failing sight and con-
sumption in the young. It impairs every
faculty of the mind and body, and leaves the
poor victim to drag out a miserable existence
as long as life lasts.
ITS EFFECT UPON THE EYES.-The question
is daily asked, "Why do so many young peo-
ple wear glasses nowadays?" In the little
town where we reside there is a population of
蘩
​4:200
MASTURBATION-SECRET VICE.
207
about fourteen hundred; out of this number
not less than twelve per cent., who have not
seen their thirty-fifth birthday, are suffering
from defective vision, and are compelled to
wear glasses, many of them little boys and
girls under twelve years of age. Twenty years
ago to have met a little boy or girl on the
street, not ten years old, wearing spectacles,
would have been taken as a childish joke or
regarded as a natural curiosity, but at the
present time they are common everywhere.
If the demand for spectacles should increase
in the same ratio for the next twenty-five
years as it has done in the past twenty-five, we
shall become such a ،،
spectacle" as Alessandro.
di Spina, the Monk, never dreamed of.
But, in all soberness, what is it that compels
so many of the young people to wear glasses?
What has "got the matter with the peoples'
eyes?" is a question that confronts us on every
side. All authorities are agreed, from Galen
down to the present time, that excessive sexual
indulgence and solitary vice are a fruitful
source of nervous exhaustion and defective vision.
Now, as the organs of vision are made up
largely of the optic nerves, which are the
nerves of essential sensibility of sight, it can
readily be seen that whatever tends to exhaust
the nervous power must necessarily impair and
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COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
(C
injure the sense of vision. The diseases known
as astigmatism," "amaurosis," and other nerv-
ous affections of the eyes, so familiar to spe-
cialists, are caused, as we believe, by abuse
of the sexual functions. That narcotic stimu-
lants, tea, coffee and tobacco, play an impor-
tant part in this matter there can be no rea-
sonable doubt, but chief among them all is the
one we have described. We do not mean to say
that every one who is compelled to wear glasses
is a libertine or an onanist, but, as the sins of the
parents are visited on the children to the third
and even fourth generation, the innocent have
to suffer along with the guilty; and, while we
are loth to admit the fact, it is nevertheless true
that the cause of the defective vision, which
necessitates the wearing of glasses by so many
of the young people, is superinduced by exces-
sive sexual indulgence and solitary vice. And
if we are ever to get rid of this blindness, we
must remove the primary or producing cause.
Wearing spectacles will never cure it, neither
will it save us from the moral degradation to
which this vice inevitably leads.
PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE.-How shall
we cure this diseased manifestation and prevent
all these horrible consequences from which
civilization suffers from center to circumfer-
ence? Prevention here is the all important
SM
Į
MASTURBATION-SECRET VICE.
209
thing. Young children who are ignorant of
this vice should be kept so until they are old
enough to understand how injurious and
sinful the practice is. During this period the
child's actions should be watched with scrupu-
lous care, and if a tendency be observed to
carry the hand to the genital organs, it must
be taught that the habit is an evil one and
must not be fostered. It should be taught from
the beginning that it is wrong, immodest and
fraught with danger to handle these parts, and
if the habit is persisted in, it may be necessary
to have night dresses made, closed like drawers,
so that no mischievous handling is possible.
Many wise mothers think it is best to make all
night dresses in this way for children of both
sexes until they are quite large.
-
As soon as the child is old enough to under-
stand the subject, it should be taught by its
parents or guardian the use and functions
of the generative organs, and the serious con-
sequences resulting from their abuse. The
sooner this information is imparted to the
child the better, while it has unlimited confi-
dence in its natural protectors. Depend upon
it, the best and the only safeguard to chastity
is knowledge. Thousands of poor children of
corrupted and ruined from
sheer ignorance. The boy who has been in-
both sexes are
210
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
structed in regard to the nature and evils of vice
is warned and armed against it. The girl who
understands the physiology of the sexual
organs will neither plunge into solitary de-
bauchery, nor can she be seduced, as is the
ignorant girl, who falls a victim to some artful
man, in a moment of passionate weakness,
before she knows what she is doing. Be as-
sured that knowledge is the safeguard of purity.
It will act as "a lamp to the feet and a light
to the path," and will enable them to escape
the moral and physical ruin wrought through
the agency of this terrible vice.
OBSCENE LITERATURE.-One of the most po-
tent agents of evil, and one which contributes
more largely towards inflaming the animal
passions and fostering secret vice than any
other, is the distribution and reading of ob-
scene literature. It is terrible to contemplate
the nature and extent of this filthy, deadly
poison. The existence of such literature has
been traced to schools and colleges in nearly
all the States and Territories in the Union.
Dealers in this detestable business have organ-
ized circulating libraries under the charge of
the most vicious men and boys, who are paid
to sell these obscene books, pamphlets, pictures
and other articles too indecent to mention.
Tons of this vile stuff are manufactured in
MASTURBATION-SECRET VICE.
211
4
New York and other cities every month, and
sent out all over the country, where it corrupts
and ruins the purest and fairest sons and
daughters of our land. We do not believe that
parents are aware of the danger to which their
children are exposed by this source of contam-
ination, and they cannot be too vigilant in
guarding against these "baits of the devil."
There are various ways by which this moral
pestilence is disseminated. First, by obtain-
ing the addresses of scholars and students in
our schools and colleges and then sending their
circulars to the victims. Then, again, under
the pretense of taking a census of all the un-
married people, they offer to pay so much for a
list of all such names as are sent. In this way
they secure the addresses of thousands of in-
nocent persons to whom they send catalogues,
and too often receive letters in return from
students of both sexes ordering these obscene
books and other articles of an immoral char-
acter. Could anything be fraught with greater
danger to the health and morals of a commu-
nity than the spread of this vile literature?
Cholera or yellow fever is as a cipher com-
pared with this human pestilence, which des-
troys not only soul and body, but transmits to
posterity the seeds of corruption which will
flourish and bear fruit-after its own kind-
for ages to come.
S
212
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
It may well be doubted whether any one
factor contributes so largely to sexual immoral
ity as the reading of obscene literature. By
harboring lewd thoughts and conjuring up
visions of nude women the individual ex-
hausts his or her vitality to the extent of giv-
ing way to actual indulgence. The perusal of
such books only tends to foster and keep alive
this species of sensuality, which is well nigh
universal among the youth of both sexes, and
absorbs not only their waking thoughts, but
their dreams at night as well. So long as our
thoughts are lustful we are indulging in sexual
abuse, and are almost sure, when temptation is
presented, to commit the overt act of sin. If,
then, we desire to live honest, virtuous lives,
we shall have to banish all evil thoughts from
our minds and keep our bodies pure also.
THE CURE FOR SELF-ABUSE.-When the
habit is fully formed and is producing its ter-
rible effects upon mind and body the question
will naturally arise, what can be done to arrest
and cure this evil? The answer is: moral
suasion, hygienic regimen and appropriate
médical treatment.
In the first place, the patient should be
made acquainted with the enormity and terri-
ble consequences of the vice. He or she must
be encouraged in the most loving manner, by
MASTURBATION-SECRET VICE.
213
!
every motive of hope of manhood and woman-
hood, to abandon the practice. Unless this is
given up at once, all other efforts will be in
vain. It may require a hard struggle to effect
this, but by persevering efforts victory will be
certain. One very important element of suc-
cess in breaking up this habit is in restraining
the thoughts from all lascivious subjects. It
is principally in the mental field where the
battle must be fought, and where victory will
be won or lost. Secret vice begins in the
thoughts or imagination, and we shall not be
likely to vanquish this monster unless we make
the thoughts a special point of attack; and
while it may be difficult at first to disperse the
enemy, with a determined effort we shall suc-
ceed. The reading and perusal of obscene lit-
erature and exciting novels-to which refer ·
ence has been made-should be scrupulously
avoided, as they only tend to influence the
passions.
In all bad cases, where the habit overpowers
reason, the patient should not be left alone
night or day. He should sleep on a hard bed
or mattress, with light coverings, and in a well-
ventilated apartment. He should arise as soon as
awake in the morning and take a cold bath.
He should take active exercise in the open air
at some kind of work which will cause fatigue
214
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
every day. He should choose for companions
refined, intelligent and pure-minded men and
women.
DIETETIC PRECAUTIONS.—The question of
diet is one of no mean importance in the treat-
ment of this "disease without a name," for "it
has been proved beyond a doubt that the ex-
citability and intensity of sexual passion are
largely dependent upon what we eat and what
we drink." Therefore, the diet should be plain
but nutritious; very little animal food should
be taken; bread made of unbolted wheat flour,
oatmeal, potatoes, cracked wheat and fruit are
proper articles. Take no oysters, rich fish,
pork, fat and salted meats, pastry, sweetmeats
and stimulating condiments, pepper, mustard,
catsup, or even salt, except in moderate quanti-
ties. Avoid all alcoholic and malt liquors, tea,
coffee and tobacco in all forms. Let the drink
be pure fresh water, taken freely, especially on
retiring at night.
Sobriety, then, in eating and drinking, to-
gether with a vigorous, prayerful effort to cor-
rect past errors and wrong-doing, will always
be rewarded with success. If we desire a true
manhood or womanhood, if we desire to be
clean and virtuous, then we must keep our
thoughts pure as well as our bodies. Mental
purity is the most potent safeguard against lust
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.
215
and immorality. Therefore, if we wish to for-
sake this destructive vice and return to true
morals and manhood, we must fly from occa-
sions that provoke evil thoughts, avoid all par-
ties and places where half-dressed women
exhibit themselves, and where sensual excita-
tions must shake our wavering determination.
We should avoid all bad company and the
tables of high-livers, where the fumes of to-
bacco and exciting wines are incessant solici-
tations to sensuality.
These are the obligations of which experi-
ence has demonstrated the necessity, and, if
they are clearly recognized and intelligently
applied, will lead to the restoration of health,
and, we humbly trust, to a purer and more
harmonious development of our lives.
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.
THE result of the foregoing conclusions may
appear small as regards the amount of novel
information which has been disclosed, but we
venture to think that the average reader will
receive a little light in some dark places by
the perusal of what we have written. There
are those, no doubt, who will find some things
here which are contrary to their preconceived
216
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
opinions; but, remember, that what we some-
times cherish as truth is often most hurtful
and very erroneous.
It has been our endeavor to show that the
habits and conditions of life, the uses and
abuses to which men and women have sub-
jected their minds and bodies, have been to
lower the standard of health, foster disease
and entail it upon posterity. For centuries
past we have been living out of the natural
order, and as a consequence the people every-
where are suffering for the "sin of being sick."
Without a full observance of the laws of
health we are all liable to ugliness, deformity,
pain and every form of misery, all of which
are included in the idea of disease. These
conditions of health cannot be observed if they
are not understood. We have so violated the
laws of life, so neglected a knowledge of our-
selves, so far gone astray from nature, that a
pure, simple, natural life is not to be found
among us.
The diseases and excessive mortality among
infants, which we witness around us, are to a
very large extent directly or indirectly at-
tributable to the ignorance and conduct of the
parents. How many mothers pause to con-
sider the influence which they exert on their
unborn offspring; how the infant's mental,
—
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.
217
S
moral and physical organism is affected by
her conduct, even by her very thoughts and
feelings. It is said a child is born happy or
miserable, according to the state of its mother
during pregnancy. Even its muscular struct-
ure may be made strong by proper food and
exercise, or made weak and miserable by in-
dolence or unsuitable diet. And how many
fathers act their part well in the production of
healthy, vigorous offspring? Too often the
marriage rite is made a license of lust, and the
most serious results follow the violation of
sexual law. Such indulgence during gesta-
tion is a crime against nature and a sin against
reason and conscience. It robs the child of its
right to be well born, and perpetuates a dis-
eased and perverted offspring.
Besides the ignorance regarding the prin-
ciples of physiology and the development of
human life, parents are careless and culpable
respecting the care and management of infants.
In vain are protesting voices raised against
this unseen foe; in vain are essays and books
written, each echoing in its pages the mournful
fact that in this highly favored and prosperous
land forty per cent. of our infants die before
they reach the end of their second year, and
this occurs largely through ignorance and mis-
management. This is a fearful mortality, and
10
218
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
F
no one can believe that the Creator ever in-
tended to nip in the bud nearly one-half of the
infant population; enlightened reason rebels
against such a conclusion. Nor is it that the
mother does not try to care for her child, for
the kindest feelings flow out instinctively to-
wards her helpless offspring; but it is simply
that she does not know how to feed and take care
of her baby.
Life and health are not a mere matter of
chance; no one is so well aware of this fact as
the farmer and stock-raiser, who exercise the
greatest care in the breeding of horses, cattle,
sheep and even dogs. No cost nor pains are
spared in the parentage of these, and with what
care does he study the question of health,
speed and endurance for the animal having a
moneyed value; but when the question is that of
"clothing an immortal soul in human form,"
the question of health and excellence is rarely
considered. How unfortunate that mothers
who have time to spare on all the frivolities of
the day should so neglect these important
matters, simply because it is unfashionable to
inform themselves in regard to the origin and
development of human life, and the means
adapted by nature for its preservation.
It is said that every person born with a
healthy constitution-free from the taint of dis-
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.
219
ease is responsible for his sickness. How then
can disease be prevented? Simply by living, as
far as possible, in accordance with all the con-
ditions of health, avoiding all excesses that
lead to exhaustion, and keeping up the strength
and purity of the system. But, however strong
we may feel, we must not uselessly expose our-
selves to the pestilence that walketh in dark-
The way to prevent disease is to study
and obey the laws of life.
ness.
These are not the only considerations that
throw light on the origin of disease and lead to
the conviction that, to a very great extent, we
hold our health and life at will. "It is the
fate of a great majority of our species," says an
accomplished writer, "to fall from the hands
of nature into those of an ignorant nurse and
an ignorant mother. In all the departments of
life in which men are called to act, some pre-
paratory discipline is deemed necessary and
afforded; but where women are concerned, the
presiding deity is chance." She enters her
guardianship helpless and alone, a prey to
doubts and fears unparalleled in other relations
of life. She is then kept in a state of painful
alarm and apprehension by the occurrence of
the most trifling circumstances, or allows real
danger to steal on in a state of the most fatal,
because unguarded, security.
1
220
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
I
The proper management of infants is, there-
fore, a subject of the utmost importance to
every human being, and no mother can be too
thoughtful, too refined, too highly gifted with
knowledge for the important task of training
and educating the rising generation.
Many are the efforts now being put forth to
remedy the palpable defects in the prevailing
systems of education, to purify the moral at-
mosphere and make the world better. Books
are being written, philanthropic societies are
being formed, and the most advanced thought
uttered from pulpit and platform on all sub-
jects pertaining to the highest faculties of life
and the development of human character.
Never at any time has the outlook for reform
been so full of hope and inspiration-thanks
to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
for much that has been done and is still being
done by this noble band in the work of moral
reform. It is educating public sentiment up
to the highest standard of total abstinence; it
is filling the hearts and homes with purer
thoughts and bettering the condition of hu-
manity everywhere. In the department of social
purity it is making rapid strides, and besides
protecting the weak it is teaching mothers the
sacredness of motherhood," and the best way
of training their little ones that they may steer
((
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.
221
clear of the rocks and shoals upon which so
many of the innocent and ignorant are being
lost. To the reckless and wayward it extends
a helping hand, and those who have already
fallen it lifts up and encourages to do bet-
ter. So we have every reason to be thank-
ful to these "White Ribboners" for what
they have already done and give promise of
doing for "God and Home and Native Land.”
A CLOSING THOUGHT. - Looking, then, at
the situation from whatever standpoint we
may, the outlook is encouraging. And our
closing thought to the reader is, having re-
ceived from our parents, grandparents and
great-grandparents a weak, puny, sickly, short-
lived inheritance-which is the result of their
transgressions-we find ourselves in discord
with the harmonies of nature and living out
of the Divine order. And now, if we would
return to our wonted state of health and hap-
piness; if we would be cured of this blood-
poisoning-which has been handed down to
us by our forefathers-then we must get in
harmony with the laws of our being; and to
do this the work must begin at home with
ourselves. Every individual who lives in the
conditions of health helps to make the world
better; every man or woman who lives a pure
virtuous life helps to remove badness, dis-
K
222
COUNSEL TO PARENTS.
honesty, sensuality and drunkenness, and
benefits the race; and if such persons would
combine their purified and invigorated lives
in the production of healthy offspring, they
would confer an inestimable blessing upon
universal humanity.
Abortion, 74
criminal, 75
INDEX.
methods of procuring, 78
symptoms of, 74
Abuse of the sexual functions, 32
Advice to married people, 26
to a young mother, 136
Air, impure, 61
After-birth, 90
Alcohol, evil effects of, 158
Alcoholic liquors, 167
food puzzle, 162
medication, 160
Baby, care of, 91
chances to live, 111
how to dress, 100
how to feed, 125
how to wash, 97
Baby's first meal, 131
three meals a day, 120
Bad books, 210
Bathing, 58
Battle of life, 112
Best age to marry, 24
Book of nature, 152
Bribing children, 152
Candidates for matrimony, 11
Care of the infant, 91
of the mother, 106
Catmint tea, 128
Cleanliness, 94
Cold, a cause of disease, 118
Colic of infants, 128
Confession of an opium slave, 192
Constipation, 71
of infants, 117
Continence, 39
Cow's milk for babies, 138
Criminal abortion, 75
abortion, remedy for, 85
Cutting the cord, 97
Death among infants, 115
Deception in courtship, 30
Dentition, 114, 142
Diaper, how to make, 103
Diet during pregnancy,
57
for infants, 138
Disease without a name, 38
Diseases of pregnancy, 67
Dishonesty in love affairs, 19
Divers views on diet, 136
Dress for the baby, 101
Dressing the navel, 100
Duration of confinement, 108
of pregnancy, 55
Dyspepsia of infants, 134
Early education, 149
Eating too much, 116
Everybody is sick, 7
Evil associations, 153
effects of alcohol, 158
effects of opium, 189
effects of tobacco, 177
Evolution of fœtus, 44
Exercise, 63
Faulty alimentation, 115
Feeding and dosing, 125
Feet, swelling of, 72
Female weakness, 33
Fæticide, 75
Fætus, development of, 47
evolution of, 48
Generation, function of, 42
General conclusions, 215
Germ-cells, 42
Gestation, 50
Giving the baby food, 140
Hand-feeding of babies, 135
Happy homes, 154
Headache, 69
Health during pregnancy, 57
Heartburn, 69
Hemorrhoids, 70
Hints to young men, 24
to young women, 22
Honesty the best policy, 20
How to dress the baby, 99
to feed the baby, 125
to save the baby, 109
to wash the baby, 97
to wean the baby, 141
Hungry ery, 126
Hygienic precautions, 57, 143
Impregnation, 44
Indifference, 29
Infant mortality, 111
Injections, vaginal, 108
Interests reciprocal, 28
Labor, parturition, 87
position during, 88
(223)
224
INDEX.
Labor, premonitory symptoms, 89
License of lust, 36, 86
Lochia, 107
Love, passion of, 12
Masturbation, 201
Marrying for wealth, 21
Matrimonial, 11
voyage, 26
Mental adaptation, 14
Milk, deficiency of, 122
cow's, for baby, 138
secretion of, 131
Miscarriage, 74
Morbid appetite, 133
Morning sickness, 68
Morphia, see Opium, 186
Mother, care of, 106
Mortality of infants, 111
Navel, how to dress, 100
Never marry a "dude," 24
New-born infant, 91
Nicotine, 177
Nurse, qualifications of, 92
Nursing the baby, 132
Obedience, 150
Obscene literature, 210
Opium, evil effects of, 189
as a remedy, 188
poisoning by, 189
slave to, 192
Overfeeding the baby, 119
Pain in the side, 73
Passion of love, 12
Percentage of deaths, 112
Physical adaptation, 18
Piles, 70
Placenta, 90
Position for delivery, 88
when taking food, 141
Pregnancy, 50
signs of, 54
Preparation of cow's milk, 138
Primary cause of disease, 46
Prospective mother, 50
Pruritus vulva, 70
Purgative medicine, 107
Pure air, 94
Putting children to bed, 151
Reproduction of man, 42
Rest and sleep, 65
Scolding, 155
Secret vice, 201
effects on vision, 206
prevention of, 208
Self-abuse, 201
cure for, 212
effects on vision, 204
evil effects of, 204
prevention of, 208
symptoms of, 202
Separate beds to sleep in, 41
Sexual indulgence during preg-
nancy, 52
knowledge, 155
Shun the tobacco user, 23
the tippler, 22
the lustful man, 23
Signs of pregnancy, 54
Sleep, 66
Spermatozoa, 42
Sperm-cells, 42
Soothing syrup, 127
Starting right, 129
Stuffing and drugging, 126
Substitute for mother's milk, 138
Swelling of the feet, 72
Taking cold, 118
Teach obedience, 150
Teething sickness, 114
Temperature of room, 98
The breasts, 55
child's primer, 152
infant, 91
lochia, 107
Three meals a day, 120
Tight lacing, 59
Tobacco, evil effects of, 177
poisoning by, 145
smoke, 143
To the reader, 5
Traditional notions, 60
Value of a smile, 30
Varicose veins, 72
Ventilation, 63
Washing the baby, 97
Waterbrash, 68
Weaning the baby, 141
What constitutes abuse, 36
Wheat gruel, 139
Where did baby come from? 156
Who suffers? 34
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