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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0dd40cf --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #62705 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62705) diff --git a/old/62705-0.txt b/old/62705-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a1a7100..0000000 --- a/old/62705-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2719 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of Nature, by James Ashton - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Book of Nature - Containing information for young people who think of getting - married, on the philosophy of procreation and sexual - intercourse, showing how to prevent conception and to avoid - child-bearing: also, rules for management during labor and - child-birth - -Author: James Ashton - -Release Date: July 19, 2020 [EBook #62705] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF NATURE *** - - - - -Produced by Turgut Dincer and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: UNIMPREGNATED FEMALE FORM.] - - - - - THE - BOOK OF NATURE; - - CONTAINING - INFORMATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - WHO THINK OF - GETTING MARRIED, - ON THE - PHILOSOPHY OF PROCREATION - AND - SEXUAL INTERCOURSE; - SHOWING - HOW TO PREVENT CONCEPTION - AND TO - AVOID CHILD-BEARING. - - ALSO, RULES FOR - MANAGEMENT DURING LABOR AND CHILD-BIRTH. - - BY JAMES ASHTON, M. D. - Lecturer on Sexual Physiology, and Inventor of the “Reveil - Nocturne.” - - NEW YORK: - PUBLISHED BY WALLIS & ASHTON, 243 GRAND STREET. - 1861. - - - - -INDEX TO CONTENTS. - - - Abortions and Miscarriages 61 - - Abortions, how produced 62-63 - - Aphrodisiacs 63 - - Child-getting, how to avoid 38 - - Clitoris, the 19 - - Conception, modes of preventing 38 - - Conception, signs of 55 - - Conception, how to avoid 25 - - Coverings for the Penis 41 - - Drugs to destroy the Semen 12-40 - - Ergot of Rye 62-64 - - Fallopian Tubes 15 - - Female Generative Organs 13-14 - - Female Private Parts 18 - - Fœtus, development of the 31 - - Fœtus, size and position of 33 - - Hymen, the 17 - - Impregnation 24 - - Impregnation, manner of 26 - - Intellect, how formed 48 - - Labor and Child-birth 55 to 60 - - Longevity, causes of 53 - - Love Powders 63 - - Male Generative Organs 5 - - Management at difficult Births 60 - - Marriage, natural laws of 50 - - Miscarriages 61 - - Nymphomania 27 - - Orgasms of a Female 35 - - Ovaries of a Female 13 - - Ova, expulsion of the 14 - - Ovum, or Egg 13 - - Penis, the 7 - - Penis, malformations of the 8 - - Pregnancy, how to detect 54 - - Semen, the 10 - - Semen, animalcules of the 11 - - Sexual Abuses 44 - - Sexual Desires 20 - - Sexual Enjoyment of Females 34 - - Sexual Feeling in Females 35 - - Sexual Indulgence 33 - - Sexual Indulgence, time for 36 - - Sexual Intercourse, too early 42 - - Sexual Intercourse, too frequent 22 - - Sexual Intercourse, enjoyment of 36 - - Sexual Intercourse, position at 46 - - Sexual Organs, Food to stimulate 37 - - Sexual Union 21-22 - - Sex of a Child, how determined 28 - - Testes, the 6 - - Temperaments, laws of the 50 - - Unborn Child, growth of the 32 - - Unborn Child, intellect of 48 - - Uterus, or Womb 16 - - Vagina, the 16 - - Vital Force, influence of 52 - - Wife, choice of a 48 - - Why Children look like Parents 30 - - Zoospermes 10 - -ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS in the year 1859 by BENJAMIN H. -DAY, in the Clerk’s Office of the United States District Court for the -Southern District of New York. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -Within the past few years, numerous physiological books have been -compiled and printed, ostensibly for popular reading and to impart -certain information which could not be obtained except from very -expensive medical works. On examination, nearly the whole of them prove -to be the productions of persons calling themselves physicians, and -issued as a medium of advertising their medicines, or their peculiar -practice. In most of these books, facts in physiology are so mixed up -with empirical self-laudations, absurd reasonings, useless repetitions, -and fabulous cases in point, as to become not only intensely tedious, but -in a measure disgusting to the reader. - -The Prevention of Conception appears to be one of the main features of -these publications, and each author professes to have a secret plan of -his own for that purpose, which he offers to impart for a professional -fee of five dollars. An offer like this to intelligent people is -understood as arrant quackery; but there are such a vast number of -married persons who desire to limit the number of their offspring, that -many will send their money in sheer desperation, and with little or no -hope of success. - -As the writer of this treatise does not propose to offer his professional -services to his readers, and as even the copy-right of it is disposed of -in advance, he will endeavor to present, briefly and impartially, the -prominent facts which modern science has demonstrated in the phenomena -of procreation, the conception and production of offspring, and the -various safe and harmless methods that may be resorted to by married -people to prevent child-bearing. All that is known on these interesting -and important subjects is given in plain language, and with but few -medical terms. In collecting this information, the writer has examined -all the different modes ever recommended, discovered or invented, for the -prevention of conception, whether alleged to be secret or otherwise. Some -of them were found to be utterly worthless; others may, in most cases, -be employed successfully by extreme caution and pains-taking, while not -more than two or three are perfectly reliable. These last are subject -to failure, only from prejudice or want of energy; and if adopted with -moderate caution, will be successful. In these discoveries the French -physicians appear to be the most ingenious, and some of the plans given -are consequently of French origin. - -The Physiology of Generation, which comprises all medical knowledge -relative to the reproduction of offspring, is a subject of intense -interest to the adult portion of mankind. It has been zealously -investigated by learned men of all ages—physicians, philosophers and -theologians—and numerous conflicting theories have been advanced, books -written, and ideas inculcated, which have presented the subject in -various phases for popular reading. One class denounces all attempts to -prevent conception and child-bearing as immoral, unnatural, and hurtful -to health, while others hold more liberal views, and consider that -married people have a perfect right to decide for themselves whether they -shall breed a family or not. The writer takes no part in these arguments. -He is content to impart to his readers, in a brief and matter-of-fact -form, reliable physiological information which could only be obtained by -long study from other sources. With this explanation, he trusts that the -object of his little treatise will be appreciated by the public. - - - - -THE BOOK OF NATURE. - - - - -MALE GENERATIVE ORGANS. - - -The Generative Organs of man consists of two distinct outward members, -called the Penis and the Testes, or Testicles—both together being -frequently called the Genitals. The Testes are inclosed in a sac or bag -hanging from the pubic bone called the Scrotum, and their functions -are to produce the male principle or Semen, as the Ovaries in the -female ripen the Ovum or Egg. The Testes are a curious work of Nature. -On dissection they are found to be composed of fine blood vessels -intermingled with small tubes called the Seminal Tubes, in which the -Semen is generated. Some very knowing physicians say that there are sixty -thousand of these Seminal Tubes; but we doubt if anybody ever counted -them. These tubes, as they leave the Testes, gradually join together -until finally a single tube only goes from each Testicle. These are -called the Vas Deferens, and they ascend to the abdomen through a larger -tube, (which also contains arteries, nerves, lymphatics, &c.,) where -they connect with two small organs called Seminal Vesicles. From these -vesicles the Semen passes downwards through a tube called the Ejaculatory -Canal, which is connected with the Prostate Gland, and from whence it is -forced to the Urethra or urinal passage, and so out of the body. This is -a brief outline of all the organs connected with the generative system -of man: the Testes have the peculiar property of making the Semen—the -Vas Deferens and the Ejaculatory Canal carry it into the abdomen to the -Prostate Gland, from whence it is conveyed, by a peculiar but spasmodic -effort, through the urinal passage in the Penis into the body of the -female. It is supposed that the Seminal Vesicles and Prostate Gland -impart a vital principle to the Semen, and that the peculiar pleasurable -feeling experienced during connection with the female springs from these -organs. - -The Scrotum, in a healthy state, is contracted so as to draw its skin -into folds and keep the Testes close to the body. But when a person is in -ill health, or greatly fatigued, the skin relaxes and the two Testes hang -low, the Scrotum being then supported in the middle by a membrane or cord -called the Septum Scroti, which acts as a sort of partition. The Scrotum -of old men is permanently relaxed in this manner; but in children it is a -sure indication of ill health. - -The size of the Testes vary in different persons. The average of mankind -have them each about the bigness of a pigeon’s egg; but sometimes they -are larger. It seldom makes any difference in the actual power of -procreation whether these organs are large or small, though persons -with large Testes can generally perform the act of copulation oftener, -and with less exhaustion. A man with large Testes generally has a large -Penis, as the size of the one usually governs the growth of the other; -but it is by no means certain that sexual connection thereby affords him -any more pleasure. Such men should marry with great caution. Many females -are incapable of affording them pleasure from the comparative smallness -of their private parts; and they suffer much pain and ill health from -such intercourse. On the contrary, men whose genital organs are not fully -developed, though they may impregnate, yet they cannot always give full -satisfaction to the female. If it could so be that people about to marry -were properly matched in their private parts, it would prevent a great -deal of unhappiness in the world. - -[Illustration: MALE PRIVATE PARTS ... EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL. - -Explanation of the Engraving. - -1. The Bladder. - -2. Spermatic Cords composed of Arteries, Veins, and Nerves. - -3. Vas Deferens, or Tube which conveys the Semen from the Testicle. - -4. The Ureter, or Tube which conveys the Urine from the Kidneys to the -Bladder. - -5. Left Seminal Vesicle. - -6. The Prostate Gland, which connects the Ejaculatory Canal through which -the Semen passes into the Urethra. - -7. Bones of the Pelvis. - -8. The Scrotum. - -9. The Penis. - -10. The Glans, or head of the Penis. - -11. Vas Deferens—detached views. - -12. Right Seminal Vesicle—interior cells. - -13. Left Seminal Vesicle—detached outside view. - -14. Ejaculatory Canal through which the Semen passes to the -Penis—detached view. - -15. The Bladder comes in here, the Seminal Vesicles and Vas Deferens -being each side of it.] - -Some curious cases are reported in the books of ill-matched couples in -this respect. One of the Princes of the Royal Family of England (a son -of George III.) died without legitimate issue because he could not have -connection with his wife—she being too small, or he being too large for -the purpose. It is true, he was entitled to a divorce by law, but it was -said he respected his wife too much to resort to such a measure. Another -curious case was that of Baron Brunner, whose wife claimed a divorce on -the ground that her husband was a sort of eunuch, who could afford her no -pleasure during connection. But in this case, as Madame was the mother of -a daughter, to whom she dared not deny the paternity of the Baron, her -petition was rejected. - -The Penis is the principal generative organ of man. It is usually from -five to seven inches in length, hanging pendant, and extending from the -Pelvic Bones to the glans at the end, and is divided into two parts -called the Cavernosum and the Spongiosum. There is a groove underneath -and between these two parts, through which runs the Urethra, or urinal -passage. The head of the Penis is called the Bulb, and is of a spongy -nature, being filled with little cells or cavities communicating with -each other, and which extend into blood vessels which run the whole -length of the organ, and are finally connected with an artery and a -vein in the body. When no excitement of the part exists, these cells -and blood vessels are nearly empty; but when excited by sexual desires, -they rapidly fill with blood, when the Penis stands erect and enlarges -to one-third greater size. The erection is also assisted by a number -of muscles which only act when the blood rushes into the part. These -are called the Cavernosus Muscles. In some persons the erection is -very sudden, while in others it is the reverse—all depending upon the -temperament and construction of the parts. The time for the erection -to subside is also different in different persons. The causes of this -difference depend upon certain vital actions of the blood vessels not -fully understood. In old age this organ will often become hard and erect, -though it requires more time, and the erection subsides almost instantly -after connection with a female. The Penis is often destroyed by accident -or by disease, and sometimes it is naturally deformed. A case is stated -by Dr. Hollick of a young man 19 years old, whose Penis was only a -quarter of an inch long! By a protracted and careful course of treatment, -however, it was made to grow several inches. Some male children have been -born with no Penis at all—a slight swelling, like the top of a small -tumor, being the only mark of the spot where it ought to have grown. In -some cases of deformity like this, men have been known to beget children, -the flow of Semen being ample; and it only requiring, for the purpose of -impregnation, that the Semen shall be placed within the external lips of -the private parts of the female, as will be shown hereafter. - -There are frequent malformations of the Penis. Sometimes it will grow -in such a way that, when erect, it turns one side or the other, so that -association is painful and very difficult. This is generally caused -by contraction of the skin or muscles, and is very easily remedied by -carefully cutting them in the proper place. Sometimes a one-sided Penis -is the result of aneurism, swelling of the veins, or unnatural erections. -These causes generally form tumors, which must first be reduced before a -proper action can be restored. Cold astringent lotions, used constantly, -will generally cure these tumors, though it is sometimes necessary to -bind some smooth, hard substance firmly on to them—a piece of horn or -ivory being the most suitable. Frequently the cord at the end of the -Penis, which binds the prepuce, will be so short as to pull down the end -of the Glans and thus prevent a proper connection with the female. This -cord, when too short, will often break; but the best way is to cut it -carefully either with a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. A Penis with a -head too large is a malformation caused by boyish pranks in handling the -organ during its growth. - -The causes of a non-development of the Penis are various. Sometimes a -general torpor of the Testes retards its growth. Disease or excess will -frequently make it wither and decrease in size; and many a youth by early -masturbation prevents the full development of the organ. Injuries to the -Testes, during early childhood, will often stop the growth of the Penis. -The Mumps, Scarlet Fever, Measles, Rickets, and Scrofula—each of these -diseases will also more or less affect its perfect development. It is -nearly impossible to prescribe a remedy for this evil, as much depends -upon the temperament of the person affected. In persons of little sexual -feeling, I would recommend a rational and moderate use of the organ -as Nature intended. The healthy excitement thus produced will tend to -its growth. In some men, however, this plan would rather do harm than -good—a frequent tepid bath, with brisk rubbing of the muscles, being -the proper treatment. A stimulating ointment of some kind might be used -to advantage with this latter treatment. A tube to fit over the Penis, -with an air-pump, is frequently used by physicians in connection with a -shampooing of the muscles, and in some cases this acts beautifully. - -The lascivious practices of boys, who learn of one another the habit of -onanism—their too early connection with females—these and other habits -affect the growth and full development of the Penis. - -The Penis should be fully developed in a boy fourteen or fifteen years -old. At that age the seminal fluid, destined for the perpetuation of the -species, begins to be secreted by the Testicles, and not only excites the -sexual organs, but affects every part of the body. The power of the mind, -too, is improved; the digestion becomes more vigorous; the circulation of -the blood is more rapid; indeed, every organ is abundantly nourished by -it, and they perform their functions with much more energy than before -this period of life. But the sexual organs, notwithstanding they may be -of full size, have not yet matured, as will be shown hereafter. - - - - -THE SEMEN. - - -The Semen is a yellowish-white liquid substance secreted in the Testes -of the Male, and which contains the animalculæ that grow to be future -human beings. A microscopic examination shows it to consist of two -substances, one fluid and the other little white globules. These globules -soon dissolve when exposed to the air. The composition of the Semen is -nine-tenths water—the remaining tenth being 10 soda, 30 phosphate of -lime, and 60 animal mucilage containing a peculiar principle which is -unknown. The living animalculæ of the Semen can be plainly seen with a -microscope. They look like little eels with large heads, or pollywogs, -and are supposed to be the germ of the brain and spine. They are called -Zoospermes, and the microscope enables us to study their habits, and -describe them with correctness. These animalculæ first grow in the little -globules or eggs. Their extreme smallness may be imagined when we state -that one of these globules, which are not visible to the naked eye, but -can be seen only with a microscope, contains thirty of them. After the -globules break open, the Zoospermes grow and become developed before they -are in a fit state to enter the female Ovum. Attached to their head is -a sort of sucker which fastens itself on to anything it can take hold -of. By the aid of the microscope we are enabled to study the habits of -these animalculæ so closely that it is known they cast their skins as -they grow larger, like some insects. A French physiologist writes that -he easily distinguishes their sex, male and female, but we doubt the -truth of his assertion. They are apparently very playful and active, but -it appears to be their nature to move only in one direction, and that -straight forward—which movement has a connection with impregnation that -is explained elsewhere in these pages. In watching the motions of these -curious little creatures, we find that combats frequently occur among -them. They fight very fiercely, and sometimes the fight lasts until only -one or two out of a dozen or more are left alive, showing a pugnacity of -disposition peculiar to mankind in the primitive or half-civilized state. -They will live for several hours in warm water, and it is thus that their -manœuvres are more easily seen. The Semen of a boy, before puberty, -contains no Zoospermes; and hence females of amorous propensities have -indulged with them without becoming impregnated. Diseases of a certain -character, and also some kinds of drugs, will destroy the vitality of the -Semen. - -[Illustration: - -1. Zoosperme magnified. - -2. Highly magnified. - -3. Undeveloped Zoospermes in the Semen. - -4. Female Ovum burst open for impregnation. - -5. Zoospermes darting in to impregnate the Ovum.] - -The animalculæ of the Semen are not developed in the Testes. While there, -it contains only the granules, which ripen as they proceed, and it is not -until they reach the Prostate Gland that they burst open. It is therefore -necessary to a healthy connection, that some time should elapse between -the acts of coition. It frequently happens, when people first marry, that -months will pass before impregnation takes place. This is because of too -frequent connection. The Semen does not have time to be fully developed -on its passage from the Testes. - -We have stated that it is a habit of the Zoospermes to move only in -one direction, and that straight forward. It is this peculiarity which -enables them to make their way up into the Womb, even from the Labia or -external lips of the female. It is found, also, that Zoospermes will live -twenty-four hours in the private parts of the female, during which time -she may become impregnated by them. It seems to be of little consequence -_how_ Semen is deposited in the female organ. Conception may take place, -even without sexual connection, if the Semen is fresh from the male, and -healthy. The sexual feeling of the female, though it may conduce certain -favorable conditions of the part, and thus promote the result, is not, in -most cases, necessary. - -The celebrated John Hunter reported the case of a patient of his who had -entirely lost his penis by syphilis. It was sloughed off half an inch -into his body. Yet this man could eject his semen from the orifice; and -he married after his misfortune, and became the father of a child. His -wife was impregnated by means of a small glass syringe, with which the -semen was injected into the proper place. - -The Parisian doctors make preparations of various drugs to destroy -the animalculæ of the Semen, and thus prevent conception. This plan, -if thoroughly adopted, produces the desired effect, as will be shown -hereafter. Iodine, Strychnine, Prussic Acid, or even Opium, will -instantly kill the Zoospermes. Alcohol will likewise generally destroy -them, or render them powerless until they die. An electric shock kills -them instantly, and so will cold water, in very many cases, though not -always. - -Modern science enables us to speak with certainty relative to a cause of -childless couples, which is a want of vitality of the Semen. Formerly it -was supposed that barrenness was a peculiarity of women alone; but it is -now known that the fault is more frequently in the husband. The Semen -of these barren men contains the usual globules, which never ripen or -come to maturity. Such men may experience a certain degree of pleasure -in connection, but they cannot become fathers. The Semen is undeveloped, -like that of a boy of ten years. The sexual desires of such men are -never very strong, and quickly subside; nor can they excite the female -to any great degree of ardor. Long continued excesses in venery, whether -with women or by means of onanism, is a frequent cause of barrenness or -impotence in men. In these cases the Semen loses its prolific power. -Frequently this impotence cannot be remedied, though I have cured many -persons of it who had daily involuntary emissions of the spermatic fluid -without erections or amorous impulse. The treatment consists in avoiding -its causes, restoring the general health by proper diet and exercise, and -in invigorating the affected organs by the internal and external use of -such remedies as have a direct influence upon them. - - - - -THE OVARIES. - - -The Ovaries, or egg-vessels of a human female, are two bodies situated on -each side of the Pelvis just within the lower edge of the hip bone. They -vary in size, averaging about the same as the male testicle, but of a -different shape, being flat and oblong, like an almond. When in a healthy -state, they are of pale red color, and have a rough exterior. Every Ovary -consists of a large number of cells about the size of a buck-shot, called -the Graafian Vesicles, and which contain a transparent fluid. On looking -at this fluid with a glass, the Ovum, or germ of the human being, can be -plainly seen in each cell. It is very small—not much larger than a grain -of sand. A healthy and perfectly formed female has some thirty or more of -these vesicles. It is impossible to tell the exact number, because all of -them are not fully developed at the same time. In fact, they ripen and -become perfect in succession, from month to month, and one is expelled at -each menstrual flow, as described below, beginning at the age of puberty, -and so continuing until the turn of life, when all have been expelled and -the Ovaries then become barren. The Ovum generally comes from each side -alternately—the right ovary expelling its egg one month, and the left the -next, and so on. But where disease or any cause has disabled one Ovary, -the other one, if healthy, expels its egg monthly. Such are the curious -workings of Nature. - -When an Ovum, or egg, is fully developed, it leaves the Ovary, and -passing through a very curious hollow ligature called the Fallopian -Tube, is thus conveyed into the Womb. This occurs once in four weeks in -a healthy female. In order to detach this ripe egg from the Ovary, real -inflammation is experienced, which causes a discharge of blood and mucus, -called the menstrual or monthly flow. This constant action of the Ovaries -has a most extraordinary influence upon the whole being of woman. It -not only absorbs a large portion of her nervous power, but it actually -affects her mind to a considerable extent. It is the principal cause -of hysteria, fickleness, gayety, peevishness, and other eccentricities -peculiar to female character. - -The Ovum usually reaches the Womb from one to two days after the monthly -flow ceases. After being retained a certain time by a thin membrane -called the Decidua, the membrane loosens and passes out of the body, -taking the Ovum along with it. While it remains in the Womb, it is of -course liable to be impregnated by the semen from the male; but the -moment it is expelled, no impregnation can take place until another -monthly flow. Many French females, who have studied this subject closely -and attentively, are enabled to tell with certainty when the Ovum leaves -them, and they avoid contact with the other sex except during the -interval between its expulsion and their next monthly turn. In this way -they avoid child-bearing. - -The usual healthy time during which the Ovum remains in the Womb, is -fourteen days. In some females it remains as long as sixteen or seventeen -days. Cases of supposed barrenness are frequently those where the ova -are expelled from the womb very soon after lodging there. It is then -necessary for the husband, if he desires children, to cohabit with his -wife immediately after the menstrual flow ceases. On the contrary, those -who would avoid having offspring, (unless they use the means pointed out -in another part of this book,) should refrain from sexual indulgence -until the Ovum has been expelled, which is generally the third week after -the menstrual flow has ceased. - -By a curious provision of Nature, the blood and vital energy required -to ripen and expel the monthly Ovum in a female, is turned in another -channel during pregnancy, and tends to secrete the milk and the fluids on -which the growing fœtus subsists. Thus the ova lie dormant during that -period, and they seldom begin to ripen again until the new-born infant is -weaned. - -[Illustration: FEMALE ORGANS CUT IN HALF ... SECTION OF INTERNALS. - -Explanation of the Engraving. - -1. The Clitoris. - -2. The Outer and the Inner Lips of the Private Parts. - -3. Meatus Urinarius, and Mouth of the Bladder. - -4. The Vagina, or Passage towards the Womb. - -5. Mouth of the Womb. - -6. Thick Walls of the Womb. - -7. The Rectum. - -8. The Bladder. - -9. Pubic Bone. - -10. Right Ovary and Fallopian Tube.] - -[Illustration: FEMALE ORGANS OF REPRODUCTION AS THEY LIE IN THE BODY. - -Explanation of the Engraving. - -1. The Clitoris. - -2. Right Outer Lip. - -3. Right Inner Lip. - -4. Entrance to the Vagina, or Passage towards the Womb. - -5. Urinary Passage, or Mouth of Bladder. - -6. Intestine of the Rectum. - -7. Covering, or Wall of the Vagina. - -8. The Bladder. - -9. Covering of the Womb. - -10. The Ovaries, showing their connection with the Womb by the Fallopian -Tubes. - -11. The Abdomen.] - -It will be understood, from the foregoing facts, that no female can -produce more than a certain number of ova. When all are exhausted, -the turn of life takes place. It is, therefore, desirable that girls -should not become sexually excited before the full age of puberty, as -such excitement is sure to hasten that period. The sooner they begin to -menstruate, the sooner they become old women. In the same way maiden -ladies usually reach the turn of life sooner than child-bearing women. - -In some women, the Ovaries being originally weak, or diseased, they are -irregular in their menstrual periods, or have frequent flooding from the -debilitated state of the organs. Deformity of children is supposed to -arise from imperfect ova, and want of sufficient vital force to fully -develop them. The ripening of the Ovum, or egg, is in many respects -like unto the ripening of an apple on the tree. Some are perfect and -beautiful, while others are deformed and ungainly in appearance. - -The two Fallopian Tubes, which connect the ovaries with the Womb, are -very curious. They are hollow ligaments, a little larger at one end than -the other. On dissection they are found to be lined with fine thread-like -points, which point towards the smallest end of the tube, adjoining the -Womb. These points are in perpetual motion, like small worms, and this -operation is what causes the egg to pass through the tube. For the same -reason nothing can go back in these tubes from the Womb to the Ovaries. -These tubes also afford a passage for the secretions and fluids, which -would otherwise accumulate in the Ovaries of women in ill health. A -considerable portion of the discharges from the Vagina, to which some -females are subject, come from the Ovaries through the Fallopian Tubes -into the Womb, and thence to the lower passage. Sexual or amative -feeling on the part of the female affects these tubes, by causing them -to straighten and relax, thus working the points on the inner surface, -and hastening the passage of the Ovum, should one be in the passage. -This feeling also hastens the ripening of the Ovum, to a certain extent. -The usual length of the Fallopian Tubes is from three to four inches. A -woman may be made perfectly barren by tying ligatures round these two -tubes, an operation which would be attended with but little pain. It is -obvious, however, that her health might seriously suffer in consequence. -In France, animals are frequently served in this manner in preference to -the painful process of spaying. - -The Uterus, or Womb, is suspended mid-way between the lower edges of the -hip-bones. Its upper part goes up between the bladder and the rectum, -and lies upon the bladder. Its lower part joins the passage called the -Vagina, which is usually about four or live inches in length. In fact, -the neck of the Womb hangs down into the Vagina, and is the cause of -an indescribable delightful feeling on the part of the female when in -connection with the male. Many women say that they experience very little -sexual feeling, and that the act of copulation is to them a matter of -indifference. This is because the mouth of the Womb is not reached or -touched by the glans of the male organ; and the pleasurable sensation of -the female is then confined to a slight irritation of the Clitoris and -Nymphæ, in the private parts. When the amorous sensations of the female -are excited during connection, the Womb becomes engorged with blood, and -moves up and down in the Vagina, bringing the neck in contact with the -glans of the male organ, and this contact, if not too violent, is the -perfection of sexual indulgence for both parties. - -The Vagina is a curved passage from the Womb to the lower private parts -of the female called the Vulva. It is a tubular passage, the diameter -of which varies from one and a half to two inches, and is usually from -four to five inches in length. This curved tube possesses some curious -powers, which are in action only during connection with the male. It is -lined with a mucus membrane throughout, and underneath is thick cellular -membrane which is spongy and fills with blood during sexual excitement, -the same as the head of the penis in the male. This is the erectile -tissue. On each side are certain little openings where are secreted a -thickish gray fluid of a peculiar smell, which is discharged copiously -during connection. Some uninformed persons erroneously think this to be -a kind of Semen; but it is merely a fluid provided by Nature to assist -in the nuptial act. Some females have the erectile tissue imperfectly -developed, and for this reason are liable to a lax-vagina, which leads to -a falling of the Womb, and other diseases that render the marriage state -necessary to restore them to health. Mothers are apt to attach too little -importance to this disease. - -The entrance to the Vagina, a small oval opening, easily seen by parting -the lips of the private parts, is usually closed in virgins by a thin -membrane, or skin, which grows over it. This is called the Hymen; and -in ancient times its presence was considered necessary at marriage to -establish the virginity of the bride. If in reality such proof was -demanded, we think that very many brides must have been pronounced lewd, -for there is scarcely one woman in a hundred at the present day who -preserves her Hymen intact until she is twenty years old. In some, it is -broken at the first menstrual flow—in others, any debilitating disease -of the parts destroys it—and many girls who constantly bathe and wash -their private parts, unconsciously wash away this membrane. These are -cases where it is very thin; but where it has strength to resist such -accidents, it may even then be quickly destroyed by any attempt of the -female to produce sexual excitement. Some curious facts are related in -the medical books of the toughness of the Hymen in certain cases. Dr. -Wakley, of London, was applied to by a woman who alleged that though her -husband regularly performed his marital duties, yet she herself could -not enjoy the nuptial act. On examination, it was found that the Hymen -had not been broken, though the woman had been married eight years. The -membrane was a tough, calloused substance, and it was deemed necessary -to cut it out entirely. This lady became a mother in less than eleven -months from the time of the operation. Dr. Bostwick, of New York, had -a case where a thick piece of flesh grew over the mouth of the Vagina; -and though the woman had the menstrual flow regularly through a small -opening, yet her husband could have no sexual pleasure with her. A very -painful and dangerous operation relieved this lady, and she is now the -mother of a family. As a general rule, a girl loses her Hymen before she -is twenty, and it is seldom that she knows when it is destroyed. - -In some women the mouth of the Vagina is so small that a first connection -is painful, tearing the part and causing a flow of blood. When such women -become widows, or refrain from sexual intercourse for a long period, the -same tearing and flow of blood may again occur on resuming connection. - -The external appearance of the private parts of a female, as given in -the engraving, we will here particularize. The peculiar round and plump -prominence at the lower extremity of the abdomen, is a thick layer of -fatty matter over the pubic bone, called the Mons Veneris. This is -usually covered with hair at the age of puberty. In some cases the hair -grows very profusely, and to the length of six or eight inches. Others -have but little hair, and some none at all. The growth of hair is usually -considered the sign of womanhood, though it is really no proof of that -condition. Many girls have a growth of hair over the Mons at the age of -ten or eleven years, while the menstrual flow will not commence until -some years after. The two outer lips of the part are also covered with -hair. These are called Labia, and inside they have little glans or -follicles which discharge a mucus of a peculiar smell, which is provided -by Nature to keep the parts in health. Within these external lips or -Labia, are smaller ones called the Nymphæ. In infants the Nymphæ can be -plainly seen outside, as the Labia do not cover them; but as the child -grows, the external lips gradually close, and in a perfectly-formed -female, at the age of puberty, nothing can be seen but the outer lips, -which are, or should be, hidden by the hair. - -At the upper junction of the Nymphæ is the Clitoris, a very curious -formation which resembles a miniature male penis. This is an organ -which, when irritated, causes sexual desires. It is usually about the -size of a pea, though in some cases it is larger. The growth of the -Clitoris to an unnatural size is what has given rise to a belief in the -existence of hermaphrodites, or persons of double sex. I can easily -understand how these reports originated. A female infant with a Clitoris -of a very large size would naturally induce such a belief by persons -ignorant of physiology—for the Clitoris is always proportionably a great -deal larger before puberty—and particularly so when the child is first -born. In an unnatural growth, then, of this member, the private parts -of an infant would certainly present a hermaphroditic appearance. It -is almost unnecessary to say that no such human beings ever existed as -hermaphrodites. Those that have been so called were females with an -enlarged Clitoris. This enlargement being a source of some mortification -to the girl as she grows to womanhood, it should be partially amputated, -an operation which can be performed with perfect safety. Young girls of -amorous desires get up a sexual excitement, and produce masturbation, by -rubbing the Clitoris; and in boarding schools they often practice the -habit upon one another until they cause repeated Orgasms, and in this -manner injure their health. Many of the diseases of after life may be -traced to such unnatural pranks—particularly the weakness which causes -miscarriage and excessive flooding. - - - - -PHILOSOPHY OF SEXUAL DESIRES. - - -The sexual organs of man and woman are wonderfully adapted to each -other, and have a perfect power of mutual attraction. Nature sacrifices -every thing to reproduction: it is thus that we enjoy all strength, -vigor and beauty, so as to excite us to contribute to the procreation -of our species; and thus that such exquisite pleasure is associated -with the copulative act. It is for this reason also that we experience -so many sweet illusions in the brilliant season of our amours, and that -we give way to others when our reproductive powers have failed. In a -word, Nature always regards the species, and never the individual; and -whatever we may say or think of our superiority over inferior animals, -we cannot conceal from ourselves the fact that, like the brutes, we -are influenced in our unions by the pleasure of sexual intercourse. It -is useless to deny that the majority of marriages which are apparently -based on the sentiment called love, are nothing more than the result of -an involuntary obedience to the imperious voice of our sexual organs. A -man admires the graceful figure, the voluptuous form, and the general -female graces of a woman, and he at once desires to possess her person. -This induces him to cultivate her acquaintance, and unless he finds -something in her disposition positively disagreeable, ten to one he will -offer her marriage. Who will deny that sexual desire was the moving -cause of this connection? A woman meets a man of fine figure, noble gait -and manner, broad chest, and elevated head, furnished with a luxuriant -growth of hair. His eyes are full of fire, and he is amiable, gallant and -polite. She at once feels a thrilling desire to become better acquainted -with him. What is that but a sexual yearning? Thus far, certainly, no -sentimental collusion can have occurred between them. - -The philosophy of sexual desires has been frequently discussed by learned -men, and interesting experiments have been made to test whether the -attraction of the two sexes was not precisely the same in human beings as -in the minor animals. These tests proved that our animal natures are not -directed altogether by the intellect. We see young persons of opposite -sex mutually caress and embrace each other by some mysterious influence, -even before they are of sufficient age to experience sexual desires. This -mutual attraction is attributed by some people to Animal Magnetism—the -male being the positive, and the female the negative principle. We, -however, believe it to be an instinctive sympathy; for experiments have -been made which prove that the Generative Organs of either sex exercise a -certain mysterious influence one upon the other. A French physiological -writer says that two vigorous young persons were put in a semi-insensible -state by the use of certain drugs. Being stripped and their private -parts placed slightly in contact, (their heads being fully covered,) -this slight touch instantly excited the sexual feeling. This experiment -is reported in detail, and we do not doubt that it was _bona-fide_. The -peculiar instinctive attraction in this case was so delicate that it -acted almost like electricity to the male organ. Besides this instinctive -attraction, the nervous sensibility is so constituted as to aid in the -union of the sexes. In the present state of society, however, young -people do not usually wait the slow process of Nature’s teachings, but -gain their knowledge by a precocious association or under the instruction -of their seniors. The sexual impulse, under such circumstances, is forced -and unnatural, and is frequently the parent of incurable disease. - -Coition, or sexual union, may be compared to a fit of epilepsy, or to -an electrical shock. It entirely engages both the mind and the body; -we neither hear nor see, but the soul is entirely absorbed in the act. -When a man is performing this act, if his thoughts wander, the product -will be feeble, and if his wife become pregnant the offspring will be -inferior. This fact is applied to the offspring of great geniuses, who -are supposed to be thinking of something else when they beget their -children, and hence their descendants are often much below them in -intellect. In further confirmation of this theory, history informs us -that some of the greatest men the world ever saw were bastards—children -begotten with vigor, and when the minds of the parents are supposed to -have been absorbed in the one idea of a loving sexual embrace. Aristotle -believed that the causes of deformed children, of monstrosities, and of -all defective offspring, were in consequence of imperfect connections, -or acts of generation when the minds of the parents were depressed by -passion, anxiety, trouble, or any difficult or abstract matters. - -Persons of moderate and regular habits, with strong and sound -constitutions, beget healthful infants; while those whose habits are -excessively mental, generally produce feeble offspring, though their -constitutions and general health may be good. - -Another cause of feeble children is the abuse of the function of -generation by too frequent intercourse. In such cases the semen is thin -and watery, being too suddenly secreted. Harvey says that to produce -vigorous offspring, the spermatic fluid ought to remain two or three days -in its receptacles for its thinner parts to become absorbed, when more -vitality will be imparted to it, and hence the more vigorous will be the -offspring. - -It will be thus seen that the proper union of the sexes is at that -moment when the mind and body are at rest, and when both parties are in -a mood for mutual caresses. Certain moral and intellectual perceptions -undoubtedly govern their feelings under such circumstances, and aid in -producing that intense pleasurable feeling which a healthy and proper -connection will always promote. - -As to the times when sexual union should be avoided, I would say that -during five or six days after the monthly turn of the female commences, -it is absolutely unhealthy to both. Married men of cleanly habits will -religiously observe the Jewish law in this respect, and wait seven -days. It was formerly thought that connection with a female during -the menstrual flow, was the origin of a certain sexual disease called -gonorrhœa; but such is not the fact. Connection during that period is, -however, unnatural, hurtful, and often painful to the female. Neither -should there be any intimacy of this kind when the female is troubled -with fluor albus, or whites, as then there is danger that the male may -contract gonorrhœa. When a girl appoints her wedding day, she should -reckon as near as possible a time when she will be fully over her monthly -turn. If subject to fluor albus, she should first seek the most efficient -means of cure; and if possible, a cure should be effected before she -marries. Girls subject to this complaint seldom enjoy the constant -sexual intercourse incident to married life. Medical science can manage -this disease so easily and effectually by the aid of the Truss, or -Abdominal Supporter, that there is no excuse for neglecting it. Unless -the strictest cleanliness is practiced by the wife while she has the -whites, she may give her husband the disease called gonorrhœa. She should -never have any connection with him in the morning until she has risen -and washed the part thoroughly. Suspicious men have often believed their -wives unfaithful because they have contracted gonorrhœa from the whites. -But the fact is well known to medical men that that alone is the original -cause of the disease. - -In Persia, and indeed in most Mahomedan countries where a plurality of -wives is allowed, it is considered indecent to approach a woman for -sexual intercourse during pregnancy, or when she is suckling her child. -This custom is highly commendable, and if observed among Christians it -would tend to promote the health of both the mother and her offspring, -for Nature never intended that the nuptial act should be performed -solely for the gratification of our passions. Nevertheless, I do not -say that a moderate indulgence during pregnancy would be hurtful to a -robust woman; though to a weak and nervous one it surely is. But after -the child is born, sexual intercourse should cease until it is weaned, to -insure its health. Many sucking children die in consequence of the sexual -indulgences of their parents, and none are wholly unaffected thereby. - - - - -TIME AND MANNER OF IMPREGNATION. - - -We have stated elsewhere that there are certain times during the month -when it is impossible for a woman to be impregnated by sexual connection. -This is a fact that may be relied upon with the utmost certainty, and we -will discuss it more in detail. The Vesicles of the Ovary are constantly -growing and ripening, as we have shown. Once in four weeks one or more of -them is ready to leave its cell. Inflammation commences—which is called -the Menstrual Flow—the Vesicle then begins to enlarge, and by the time -the flow ceases, it bursts open, when the Ovum or Egg within escapes and -is taken up by some very curious little membranes and drawn into the -Fallopian Tube. It passes through this tube into the Womb, and it is -generally two days, and often longer, in making the passage. Meantime -a thin, delicate membrane, called the Decidua, forms in the Womb, and -is ready to receive the Egg and detain it there, otherwise it would -pass out and be lost. This membrane will generally last about a week, -when it gradually loosens and passes out, taking the Egg along with it. -If, however, the Egg be impregnated—in other words, if the female have -connection with a man, and the Semen comes in contact with the Egg during -this period, the Decidua from that moment begins to grow fast to the -Womb, and becomes one of the coverings that protect the new being during -the fœtal state. - -It will thus be understood that during the first twenty-four hours -after the Menstrual Flow has ceased, there is very little danger of -impregnation, and in some females this time might be extended to two -or three days with safety. The Zoospermes of the Semen will live for -twenty-four hours within the Womb, and it is possible for the Egg to -be impregnated by them the moment it leaves the Fallopian Tube. We -therefore state the probable time that impregnation cannot take place -to be twenty-four hours, allowing the second twenty-four hours for the -possibility of there being living Semen in the Womb. After the Decidua -and Egg have passed out of the Womb, which is from ten to sixteen days -after the Menstrual Flow has ceased, impregnation, or conception, is then -utterly impossible until after another monthly turn is over, and so on. -French women are famous for a clear understanding of all the phenomena -attending impregnation, and they generally avoid it at pleasure. They -know exactly when the Decidua and Egg leaves them—they watch for it, and -it is said many of them search for it and take it away violently. At -all events, there are multitudes of the class called grisettes—females -who are content to live and cohabit with any decent man who offers them -a support—who never get into the family way at all. Their secret is -supposed to be a physiological knowledge, or art, which enables them to -destroy the Decidua, or membrane which keeps the Egg from passing out of -the Womb. We confess we cannot understand how so delicate an operation -can be performed by a woman upon her own person; but the thing is not -impossible. - -Married people who desire to avoid having children might generally attain -their object by refraining from sexual intercourse for a week or ten days -after the cessation of the Menstrual Flow; or, they might follow the -precaution recommended in our chapter on Prevention during that period. -It is supposed that conception takes place within seven days after the -monthly turn nineteen times out of twenty. But to be on the safe side, -you should wait longer—even to sixteen days—unless you can discover -when the Decidua and Egg pass off. There are certain symptoms connected -with this expulsion of the Egg which may be detected. A thin, colorless, -watery fluid comes from the Vagina, and is often so abundant as to wet -the external parts. This will continue for some hours, and will be -followed by a grayish-white clot about the size of a pea. The discharge -of this clot is frequently accompanied by slight pains and bearing down -of the Womb. This is the Decidua and Egg. When a woman can discover, with -certainty, the passage of this clot, she is then safe from impregnation -until after her next monthly turn. - -The manner in which the Egg of the female is impregnated by the male -Semen is curious and interesting. In its first state, while in the Ovary, -there may be seen within it a little dot called the Germinal Vesicle. -When the Egg is fully ripe, and just as it leaves the Ovary, this little -dot is by some unknown process expelled, leaving an open passage to the -very centre. The Egg is then ready for impregnation; for, on passing -into the Womb, if the male Semen come in contact with it, one of the -animalculæ instantly darts into this open passage and buries itself. All -these curious operations of Nature have been discovered by the use of -the Microscope, and they are not only very interesting, but are of great -importance to mankind. - -It will be seen from these explanations of the principles of -Impregnation, that a healthy woman may conceive under almost any -circumstances—that the idea that a first and only connection would -not impregnate is erroneous—that the most brutal violation may cause -conception—in short, that if a female were rendered senseless by drugs, -or by a blow upon the head, this would not prevent the impregnation of -the Egg if the time were propitious. - -Sexual enjoyment of the female during connection may hasten the -accomplishment of the desired end in various ways, but it is by no means -necessary to impregnation or conception. Indeed, there are many females -of cold temperament who seldom experience any very pleasing sensations -during connection, and some who have no sexual desires at all. I knew a -case in Hartford, Connecticut, many years ago, where a wealthy gentleman -desired offspring. He had lost his Penis when quite a young man; but -yet he was able, at times, to discharge Semen from the urinary passage. -He was married after the loss of his private member, and lived with his -wife—a very worthy woman—ten years, never dreaming that he could ever -become a father. One day a physician banteringly told him of a similar -case in Vienna, where the man had actually become a father by the use of -a small glass syringe, with which he injected his Semen into the Vagina. -It was a singular coincidence that this Hartford gentleman afterwards -became the father of two interesting little ones. He had doubtless used -the Syringe! - -There is a class of amorous women who cannot be impregnated at all. They -are afflicted with a sort of disease called Nymphomania, or insatiable -passion for venery. Such cases are rare, but still they occur. A young -lady patient of mine, in describing this disease, said that she had -the most irresistible disposition to lasciviousness imaginable; that -when alone she could not desist from rubbing the parts until she became -exhausted and sunk down in perspiration: she slept well, but as soon -as she was awake the same propensity recurred. Another lady (married) -who consulted me, said she had always been brought up virtuously, and -had hitherto been well disposed; but now a man could scarcely pass her -without her experiencing those sensations which were alone her husband’s -right. - -Nymphomania is attended with obscenity, restlessness, and delirium. -The patients delight to talk obscenely, and solicit men to satisfy -their desires, both by words and gestures. It is generally caused by -masturbation, or undue irritation of the private parts when very young; -and the usual treatment is to keep them well syringed out with castile -soap and water, and wear a bag of powdered camphor on the back of the -neck. Camphor taken internally is also good. A very little camphor -introduced into the water with which you wash the part will likewise act -favorably. - -Young females troubled with Nymphomania, who thereby bring themselves -into disgrace, are more to be pitied than despised: for it requires a -great degree of moral firmness for them to resist both the promptings -of Nature and those of licentious men at the same moment. Parents and -guardians should act accordingly. - - - - -CAUSES WHICH DETERMINE THE SEX OF A CHILD. - - -Physiologists have given many absurd ideas on this subject, and almost -all their theories have been exploded. In olden time it was believed that -male children came from the right ovary of the mother, while females -came from the left. Hence it was asserted that on whichever side she lay -after connection, the ovary on that side would be impregnated. This plan -of producing girls or boys at pleasure did not work, and was discarded -even before the present minute knowledge of the principles of generation -became known. The sex of an infant is not necessarily determined at its -conception. In their unformed state, the Testes are within the body -in about the same position as the Ovaries, and are similar to them in -appearance. It is therefore possible that certain causes may influence -the sex of the Fœtus after it has commenced its growth. As a general -rule, however, the sex of a child is influenced by circumstances at the -moment of conception. Both experiment and observation have shown that the -most ardent and vigorous individual of the couple, whether it be the man -or the woman, will cause the sex of the child. On the other hand, where -both are nearly alike in this respect, other influences must govern, -and hence some couples have children of both sexes. The relative ages of -married people frequently has an influence, because, when both are young, -the oldest of the two is usually the most vigorous, and hence, as before -stated, sex follows the predominating parent. Some physicians lay it down -as a rule, that an elderly or middle-aged man will be sure to get boys -from a young woman, and _vice versa_. But the rule does not work in every -case. There is such a difference of sexual desires in different people, -that it is impossible for any one, except perhaps themselves, to judge -which has the most robust sexual powers. Another cause of sex is supposed -to be the relative amorousness of the couple after impregnation has taken -place. Some women experience much pleasure in sexual connection until -they become _enciente_, and then all their desires suddenly cease. In -cases like this, where the connection is continued, the husband would be -apt to influence the sex after conception, and then the offspring would -be male. But should circumstances prevent their continued connection, she -would, in nine cases out of ten, give birth to a female child. To sum up, -amorous females generally breed female children, while those of a colder -temperament breed boys. When both are moderate in their desires, children -of both sexes are produced. When the female is unnaturally amorous, (and -such cases frequently occur,) she seldom becomes impregnated at all. The -following mode of influencing the sex of the child, some physiologists -assert, is really effective, and it looks reasonable. When the woman is -just over her monthly turn—say within two or three days—the husband may -then try for a girl. After one or two connections, let him abstain for -the next month or two, or even longer. He thus impregnates his wife at -the moment of her greatest sexual vigor, and by abstinence he does not -influence the sex of the child after conception. Should he desire a boy, -let him keep up his connection for two weeks or more after his wife has -got over her monthly turn, at the same time carefully practicing the -precaution of withdrawal, described in other pages under the head “Modes -of Preventing Conception.” At that period the wife will have partially -exhausted her amative powers, when he can be almost certain that a boy -will be the result of her impregnation. - -A curious fact relative to the resemblance of children to their parents -has been developed by observation. Where a man is absent from his wife -during the period of gestation, the child is almost sure to resemble -the mother. On the other hand, an amorous father, who keeps a constant -connection with his wife during pregnancy, will cause the child to -resemble him. If a woman should become pregnant by one man, and then -cohabit constantly with another during her pregnancy, the child would -bear a resemblance to the second man rather than to its father. This -would surely be the case if she were fond of the latter’s caresses. - -It often happens that a married couple will have “a run” of children of -one sex, and then turn round and breed those of the opposite sex. This -may be accounted for by the failing health, and consequent vigor, of the -predominating parent. Thus if a woman begins to breed boys, and after -having had several, turns round and breeds a number of girls, it is a -pretty sure sign that the sexual vigor of her husband is on the wane, or -that his bodily health is failing. Should girls come first in rotation, -and boys afterwards, the mother’s generative vigor may be suspected of -falling off. These are, however, mere suggestive ideas; though readers -may understand from them the principle upon which Nature forms the two -sexes. I have no doubt that a careful and practical study of the subject -may sometimes enable parents to elect the sex of their offspring, on the -principle we have explained; but there are so many curious phases in the -phenomena of procreation, that any certainty on the subject is out of the -question. - - - - -DEVELOPMENT OF THE FŒTUS. - - -The escape or expulsion of the Germinal Vesicle from the Ovum, or Egg, -leaves, as we have already explained, a passage to its very centre, -thus enabling the Zoospermes, or male animalculæ, to enter. If both are -perfect and healthy, impregnation is then complete. The first change that -now takes place is observed in the Vitellus, or yellow of the Egg, which -at once forms itself into a mass of little globules; and it is a singular -fact that these are always a fixed even number, generally beginning with -four or six, and so multiplying or doubling—always, however, keeping -the number even. If by chance they should end their self-arrangement -by an odd number, a perfect being could not be formed—the impregnation -would end either in an abortion or an unnatural growth in the Womb. It -generally takes two or three days for the globules to arrange themselves, -and meantime the Zoosperme, or male principle, remains dormant. The -globules soon begin to form themselves either into Testicles or Ovaries, -as the sex may be, of the future being. At the same time myriads of -smaller globules break off from them and spread all round the Zoosperme, -which is soon entirely covered or coated with them. They now grow -together and form the skin. The Zoosperme is supposed to be the head and -spine, and the globules, which thus form the skin, shut out our view from -observing any further formations. The Testicles, or Ovaries, as the case -may be, are now quite prominent, though we cannot yet determine the sex, -even with the most powerful microscope, nor is there any form to the new -being other than the original shape of the male animalculæ. - -After the formation of the skin and procreative organs, as stated, the -little being again shows signs of life, and struggles in its Egg until it -frees itself from all the membranous substances which surround it, and -is enabled to turn round at its pleasure. Its movements are frequently -rapid and lively, and they doubtless are necessary to the formations -and changes which soon begin to take place. At the end of twelve days -the Ovum is found to be enlarged to the size of a pea, and its whole -organization may be seen with the naked eye. It is coated with two -membranes, between which is a gelatinous substance, and the interior is -filled with a fluid in which the fœtus swims about at pleasure. On a -close examination, the mouth and eyes can be seen about the fifteenth -day. The eyes first appear on the side of the head, and, as the Fœtus -grows, they move round to their position. In ten days more we see the -future being in form and size like a small ant. At the end of the first -month it has increased to the size of a honey-bee, and the arms begin to -grow—first appearing like small warts on the body. They sprout straight -out, and are then folded together on the breast. At this time the -head is as large as all the rest of the body, and the features can be -distinguished. The legs have not yet appeared, but the lower extremities -are like a tail. At two months the legs and feet appear, the toes being -united similar to frogs’ feet. During the tenth week the eyes show their -lids, the mouth becomes more prominent, and the ears may be seen. The -heart is now fully developed, but as yet contains no blood. The brain -shows its form and substance. The next change brings red blood to the -larger veins and to the heart, and at the end of three months the shape -and form of the future being is nearly perfect, weighing less than three -ounces. The next process of Nature is the thickening of the skin, and so -rapid now is the growth that within one month the Fœtus fully doubles in -weight. During the fourth month the bones begin to ossify, the uterus -rises in the abdomen, and we are then enabled to determine the sex. This -change is what is usually called quickening, and it corresponds with the -time of breaking the shell in birds. At the end of the fifth month the -finger-nails appear, and fine silky hair begins to grow on the head. At -seven months the being is generally perfect, the bones are firm and hard, -and it weighs about three pounds. The intellectual faculties are not -developed, however. The eighth and ninth months merely increase the size -and strength of the child. - -Our Engravings show the relative sizes and position of a Fœtus, as it -lies in the Womb, at three several stages of gestation. They are original -drawings from anatomical figures in wax in the New York Anatomical -Museum. - -[Illustration: FŒTUS AT THIRTEEN WEEKS.] - -[Illustration: FŒTUS AT SIX MONTHS.] - -[Illustration: POSITION OF THE CHILD AT NINE MONTHS.] - -The child, previous to birth, never takes nutriment in by its mouth, for -that is always firmly closed until after birth. Its food during gestation -is probably derived from the blood of its mother through the umbilical -cord, or navel-string, which likewise supplies its veins and arteries -until the very hour of birth. An artery and two veins pass through this -cord. There is sometimes an impediment in the circulation of new-born -infants, which is called the blue disease, and for which there is no -remedy. In these cases the body is of a leaden blue color, and the child -appears sleepy and inanimate. Such children usually die before they are a -year old, though sometimes they live four or five years. - - - - -SEXUAL INDULGENCE. - - -Most men are of an amative disposition, and after the age of puberty have -frequent desires to indulge in sexual intercourse. Some feel this desire -so overpoweringly that everything else is forgone, all risks are run, and -consequences madly braved, merely for the gratification of a momentary -passion. Females, on the contrary, are seldom troubled with sexual -desires; and among those who risk their reputation and their social -existence in the gratification of illicit love, few are prompted to the -act by the amative feeling. It is the idea that they are loved, and the -wish to impart pleasure to the loved object, that overpowers their own -judgment. When once a man has gained the love of a true female heart, it -lies in his power to use her person at will. Very few of the weaker sex -can withstand the promptings of disinterested affection; but their sexual -passions seldom lead them astray. - -In sexual union, the ecstatic point of enjoyment is termed in -medical phrase the Orgasm, and in some men it is so intense that all -consciousness ceases, and a perfect insensibility to everything around -is produced for the moment. The Orgasm is usually followed by a state of -dreamy languor or exhaustion, which induces sleep. In women the Orgasm is -not always experienced, and some females of cold temperament do not know -what it is, though they are often excited, and feel a certain degree of -pleasure. When it does occur in women, it is often even more intense than -in the other sex, causing convulsive motions and involuntary cries. It -does not exhaust the system, as in the male, and the dreamy languor is -more pleasing, and will often continue for an hour or more. It sometimes -happens that a female of amative desires is never satisfied with one -Orgasm, but craves frequent and repeated intercourse, as the indulgence -does not exhaust her as it does her partner. Such a woman, unless she be -possessed of great moral firmness, is apt either to injure the health of -her husband, or to indulge in illicit love. Happily, cases like this are -rare. The male can have but one perfect Orgasm at the same time, because -he must secrete a new supply of Semen before another can take place. -Men do frequently attempt the second, third, and even more frequent -connections within a few hours, but the subsequent ones are spasmodic and -hurtful. Those who value their health, and desire to enjoy true sexual -pleasure, should never attempt these repetitions, as they permanently -injure the organs, and impart to them an unnatural craving for frequent -intercourse. Two or three days should occur between the periods of sexual -indulgence to enable a man to enjoy it in full perfection. The female -Orgasm, not being produced by any secretion, may be enjoyed without -particular injury, though it is sometimes apt to affect the nerves. In -most females it is very difficult to be produced—in others it will occur -during sleep, and be entirely absent while in the act of coition. Orgasms -in the female may therefore be experienced without the least licentious -idea being entertained. This is sometimes the case with a class of -women called “mediums” by the Spiritualists. The same temperaments are -those which can be put in a mesmeric slumber. Women of great devotional -feeling are generally of this class, though not always. Dr. Hollick -tells us of a lady much addicted to mesmeric practices, who wrote to him -her experience. She confessed that whenever she was capable of being -acted upon, mesmerically, the mesmeric state was always preceded by -sexual excitement—often amounting to a perfect Orgasm—and that if this -feeling was not experienced, she could never be mesmerized. Sometimes so -many Orgasms would follow each other that she would become completely -exhausted and faint away. According to her statement, the mesmeric sleep, -or ecstasy, was nothing but the dreamy languor following a sexual Orgasm. -There are some mysteries connected with these peculiarities of the female -system which Science has thus far failed to discover; but new facts come -to light every day, and it is probable we may yet solve them. The sexual -feeling in females is often curious and peculiar, and I have no doubt -that the mind and imagination control it in some unexplained manner. A -case occurred in France where a female enjoyed the feeling to excess with -one man, while with others she could enjoy nothing, though these latter -persons were quite as agreeable and pleasing to her. This fact shows that -there are persons of opposite sexes naturally adapted to each other, and -where such people marry they are generally happy in the marriage state. - -Sexual intercourse is no doubt beneficial to health in all fully -developed persons, and in some females it is actually necessary to -preserve their lives. It is a proper stimulant to the nervous system, -and serves as a sort of safety-valve when the vital functions are too -active. The statistics of the world show that married people are longer -lived on the average than single ones, and it is quite certain that -as a general rule they enjoy more perfect health. M. Pidoux, a French -physician who had practiced extensively in the Nunneries, assures us that -almost invariably the Nuns are afflicted with floodings, with an absence -of their monthly turns, and with other uterine diseases, after they reach -a certain age. - -The proper time for sexual indulgence is an important consideration, -inasmuch as carelessness in this respect may tend to dyspepsia, -indigestion, and other affections of the stomach. Persons who are -predisposed to such diseases should never have sexual intercourse just -before eating, nor very soon after a full meal. Its peculiar effect on -the stomach is calculated to weaken digestion, particularly on the part -of the male; and many a miserable dyspeptic might trace his unhappiness -to imprudent acts of sexual intercourse. From two to three hours after -or before eating a full meal, is the proper time for this business. Both -the body and the mind should be calm and at perfect rest—no troubles or -bickerings should disturb the perfect harmony of the amorous pair—nor -should the thoughts be allowed to stray away from the matter at issue. -Tristram Shandy tells us that he owed the whole misfortunes of his life -to an idle remark made by his mother at the very moment of his conception! - -A full enjoyment of sexual intercourse depends as much upon the proper -time chosen, the condition of the parties, and their mutual sympathies, -as upon the fact that they are really persons of the opposite sex. It -should not be indulged in except when there is a natural desire and a -vigorous impulse. It should be avoided whenever it tends to produce -a depression of spirits, or the least debility. It should never be -indulged in during intoxication, or where the sexual organs of either -party are diseased or out of order. It ought to be entirely abstained -from during six or seven days after the commencement of the female -monthly turn, and for one month after child-birth. It would be better, -for both mother and child, if no sexual intercourse was indulged in -during the whole period of suckling her infant, but as that abstinence -is not to be expected from ordinary men, I advise as little connection -as possible during that time. And should connection with a suckling -mother prematurely bring on her menses, (as it sometimes does,) she must -immediately wean her child. - -Female prostitutes never enjoy their sexual connections with -strangers—they are mere passive instruments—while the male only relieves -himself of a superabundance of Semen. Too frequent intercourse is quite -as unnatural; those who practice it rob themselves of more than half the -pleasure they seek. A man in robust health who has refrained from sexual -pleasures, may, it is true, enjoy such intercourse once in twenty-four -hours for several days together; but he could not attain the full -enjoyment from one female. He must then rest. I speak of the highest -degree of sexual pleasures. Many newly married couples give no limit to -their indulgences; and it is to such that I say, you deny yourselves -of the real pleasures of married life. A little philosophy, and some -experiments on the hints given, would render the married state a state of -more refined pleasures than it now presents to a large class of mankind. - -The particular food which is calculated to stimulate the sexual organs -is shell-fish, or sea fish of any kind, and turtle, as these generally -contain phosphorus. Among vegetables may be mentioned celery, parsnips, -onions, peppers, asparagus, tomatoes, Lima beans, &c. Mushrooms and -truffles are a stimulant, as is also mint, sage, pennyroyal, thyme, and -spices of all kinds, especially pepper and nutmeg. Canvas-back Duck, in -proper season, is of excellent stimulating qualities; and for puddings, -sago, tapioca and arrowroot. For drinks take porter and strong beer, -wines, or coffee. Spirits are too exhilerating, and cause a reaction. - - - - -HOW TO AVOID CHILD-GETTING. - - -The effectual Prevention of Conception is a subject in which everybody is -interested. No class of mankind in civilized life desires an unlimited -number of offspring; yet Nature has made prevention a somewhat difficult -task. Persons of energy and resolution can, however, fully accomplish -their object in this respect if they will but discard the notion that the -delights of sexual intercourse are marred by the withdrawal of the male -organ just before the discharge of Semen takes place. This plan injures -neither party, nor does it really diminish the pleasurable sensations -of the connection. If you once form the _habit_ of withdrawal, you will -find it to be a far more desirable and satisfactory mode than it at first -appears. I know that the plan is discouraged by many physicians, and has -been pronounced a kind of _Onanism_ on the part of the male; but it is -not so. If properly performed, the act of coition is as pleasurable, as -healthy and as complete as it can be when the Semen is fully injected. -The cleanliness of this practice is also a great desideratim, as females -of any degree of refinement can understand. I would then suggest to -married people the following rule: Always carry to bed a clean napkin, -which is to be kept in the hand of the male during the nuptial act. It -will then be a very easy matter to place this napkin in a proper position -to receive the Semen on withdrawal, at the instant it would otherwise be -injected into the body of the female. If you do it at the proper moment, -no pleasure is lost to either party; and habit will soon make you expert -in this respect. This is the most certain mode of preventing conception -that can be adopted, but as it cannot be carried out except by the prompt -action of the husband, other plans are sometimes necessary to give the -wife confidence, and make her feel sure of success. These we will proceed -to explain as minutely as possible. - -The judicious use of an ordinary female syringe, with cold water alone, -or a weak solution of white vitriol or other stringent in cold water, -immediately after coition, will in most cases prevent conception. The -syringe must be a large one, if made of metal, and should be filled -several times, and its contents injected as far up as possible. The -India-rubber syringe has of late years nearly superseded metal ones, and -is beautifully adapted to the business of preventing conception. By the -use of this article a female may inject as much fluid as she pleases, -through an elastic tube, quite as far up into her person as is necessary. -The mixture should be prepared beforehand, and, with the syringe, kept -by her bed-side, as success often depends upon promptness in using -it. If used immediately, with a weak solution, as hereinafter stated, -there is very little danger but that a woman may keep herself safe from -child-bearing as long as she pleases. Solutions of Alum, Sulphate of -Zinc, Chloride of Zinc, Sulphate of Iron, &c., will kill the animalculæ -of the Semen, if injected with sufficient force and profuseness. If the -woman rises _instantly_ and performs the duty, she will probably be -successful. If solutions are used in preference to pure cold water, it is -better to use water at last as a rinsing process. The use of the syringe, -so far from injuring the female, keeps the part clean and healthy, and -tends to promote general good health. In commencing this practice, you -should first accustom yourself to the use of cold water by degrees. Use -but little at first, and let it not be too cold. Increase the quantity -and the coldness gradually, until at last the feeling will be refreshing -and agreeable. India-rubber syringes can be purchased at almost any -respectable drug-store in New York, at from two to three dollars. We can -furnish the best article to our customers for three dollars. It is an -instrument that every family should keep in the house to be used in case -of sickness, if for no other purpose. - -Either of the following lotions may be used, as we have explained, in -preventing conception. Sulphate of Iron is the favorite article which our -quack doctors recommend. They usually charge five dollars for an ounce -paper of it, including directions for use; whereas the cost in New York, -at a drug-store, is less than fifty cents a pound. - -LOTIONS.—1. Dissolve half an ounce, or more, of pulverized Alum in two -quarts of rain-water. If you can get Sulphate of Zinc, put in that with -the Alum, in equal quantities, say a quarter of an ounce each. - -2. Two drams (quarter of an ounce) Sulphate of Zinc in two quarts of soft -water. Or, one-third of an ounce will perhaps do better, if used alone. - -3. Chloride of Zinc, (liquid,) half a fluid ounce to two quarts of water. -You can buy an ounce phial full, and use half at a time, or a two or four -ounce phial, and use in proportion. If you prefer to make the lotion -stronger, it will do no harm. - -4. Take one and a half to two ounces Sulphate of Iron and mix it with two -quarts of soft water. This is a mixture which any New York quack will -charge you from three to five dollars for, and will pretend it is a great -and wonderful secret. - -Another plan which the wife may adopt for the prevention of conception is -as follows: Procure a fine sponge at a drug-store, and cut off a piece of -it about the size of a walnut; then make a fine silk string by twisting -together some threads of sewing silk; tie one end of the string to the -piece of sponge; wet the sponge in a weak solution of sulphate of iron, -or of any of the solutions before mentioned as fatal to the animalculæ -of the Semen. Before connection, insert the piece of sponge far up into -your person. You can place it entirely out of the way by the use of a -smooth stick of the proper size and shape. The string will hang out, but -will be no obstacle. After the act is over, you withdraw the sponge, -and if you have a syringe, use that also. This method is pronounced -by some physicians to be a sure one, and the only objection to it is -that it is apt to mar the pleasure experienced by the wife. Some of our -quack doctors charge five dollars for this information. It is true, they -furnish a certain mysterious powder to make a mixture of in which to wet -the sponge used; but the powder is nothing more than sulphate of iron, or -some astringent similar to those named by us. - -Coverings for the Penis, which are used in Europe to avoid contracting -sexual diseases from prostitutes, must necessarily prevent conception. -With one of these coverings (which are now made beautifully with a -preparation of India-rubber) a man may be certain that he will never -impregnate his wife. But the enjoyment of the nuptial act is not so -complete as a naked Penis affords, hence the covering, or sheath, is not -very popular. The cost of the best article is about three dollars a dozen. - -Some men tie up the scrotum to prevent a discharge of Semen, and thus -hope to avoid impregnating the female; but this method is exceedingly -hurtful, as it forces the discharge into the bladder, from whence it -passes off with the urine. Such a practice will in a short time so -derange the procreative organs as to send all the Semen into the bladder -as fast as it generates, and the effect on health will be a wasting away -of vitality in the same manner as if the patient constantly practiced -self-pollution. - -I have thus given the only safe methods of preventing conception that -are known. The first one—the withdrawal—is an art to be acquired by the -husband. It is a plan which every person of good breeding should adopt -for its cleanliness alone, if for no other reason. Once habituated to -this precaution while enjoying the nuptial bed, you will wonder how -rational beings can pursue a different course. It is indeed a refinement -of social intercourse—a triumph of mind which thus controls even the laws -and instincts of our nature! - - - - -EFFECTS OF TOO EARLY SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. - - -One of the greatest evils to mankind is a too free sexual indulgence by -young men and boys. It not only injures their vital powers, but affects -their intellects. Parents should watch their boys to observe whether they -are of amorous temperament. If they are found to be so, a prudent person -can find means to persuade or prevent their indulgence of sexual passion. -If a boy is allowed free and habitual intercourse with females before he -has attained his growth, it will not only prevent the full development -of his body, but also of his intellect. This is a well known fact in -physiology; and by this very means many youths, who would otherwise -become distinguished, have settled down into mediocrity, with scarcely -sufficient energy of character to earn a livelihood. In a certain family -in one of the country towns on the Hudson River, three sons were born. -The two oldest afterwards became distinguished men. It was a family that -inherited naturally the fine talents of their father, combined with the -extraordinary robust and nervous energy of the mother. It was impossible -that such a couple could produce other than intellectual and vigorous -offspring. The third son, up to the age of twelve or thirteen years, -promised to be the flower of the family. His education was progressing -favorably. He was the pride of his parents. Years rolled along, and it -seemed as though the boy stood still at thirteen or fourteen. He was -amiable, and learned his lessons well enough, but all the energy and fire -of youth seemed to have vanished. He did not care to join in the manly -sports of his elder brothers, but in a listless and dreamy mood preferred -to stay at home. His parents began to have fears for his health, -though he did not complain. The father finally took him to New York, -and consulted a physician of eminence. The doctor asked some questions -relative to his habits, but the simple and candid answers of the lad -did not lead to anything explaining the real cause of his malady. At -parting, the physician said to his father, that if the lad lived in New -York, he should pronounce his case one of too early sexual indulgence, -unless he practiced the silent vice of Onanism. “Are there no females in -your neighborhood with whom the lad could by any possibility associate?” -inquired the doctor. “He never goes in company at all,” was the reply. -“What servants have you?” “Two excellent girls who have been years in -the family—the idea of an illicit association there is preposterous.” -“His mother is positive that he does not practice the solitary habit?” -“Yes!” “Well, I can do nothing for him; but yet I would like to see the -boy again. With your permission I will run up to your place in a week or -two.” “We shall be happy to see you.” - -The doctor found out the secret of the boy’s malady within twenty-four -hours after his arrival. He had cohabited constantly with one of the -maids from the age of twelve and a half years until he was sixteen! -The lad was saved only because of his youth. He partially outgrew this -severe shock to his nervous system; but yet never fully developed the -intellectual powers with which Nature had endowed him. Young men who -marry too soon are in the same category. There is not one in a dozen who -is fully developed even at twenty-one years of age. - -The case of the son of Napoleon I., Emperor of the French, was similar to -that above related. At the age of fifteen or sixteen he began his career -of sexual indulgence, which ended his life at the early age of twenty-one -years. He, too, was an amiable, inoffensive and studious youth—beloved -by his grandfather and by the whole Austrian Court; and though the son -of the most energetic man that modern times has produced, yet, from -his quiet and effeminate life, he scarcely attracted the least public -attention. - -The present Sultan of Turkey is a living evidence of the effects of too -early indulgence in sexual intercourse. He is the son of a brave and -vigorous soldier, and with proper culture would doubtless have become -a great and good man. ABDUL MEDJID has been over twenty years on the -Turkish throne, and has hitherto impressed those who came in contact -with him simply as a weak and indolent young man, with good intentions, -but with neither nerve nor energy to carry them out. It was generally -believed, and with good reason, that in his case, as in that of so many -others of his race, the sensual indulgence begun in his boyhood had -destroyed every trace of masculine decision. No one who watched his -dreamy, listless expression, and saw his relaxed muscles, and lolling -attitude as he rode on horseback through the streets, could help feeling -that he reigned rather in virtue of foreign support than of his own -ability to command obedience. - - - - -RESULTS OF SEXUAL ABUSES. - - -It was not our intention in this work to speak of Onanism and -Masturbation. These unnatural practices are so generally known to be -destructive to the sexual powers, and of health, that young people -scarcely need advice on the subject. But it may be interesting to know -the results of such practices, and of the abuse of the sexual organs by -over indulgence. Some constitutions experience a sort of consumption -which arises from the dorsal portion of the spinal marrow. No fever -accompanies it, the appetite continues good, but the patient gradually -wastes away. Women thus affected describe a crawling sensation down the -spine. Men lose their seminal fluid in their urine, having a ringing in -the ears, a weakness of vision, near-sightedness, and their intellectual -capacities are weakened and confused. In short, the whole nervous -system is generally prostrated. Excess of venery is likewise the first -exciting cause of many painful diseases, such as rheumatism, neuralgia, -epilepsy, convulsions, &c. Young married people are apt to indulge too -much in sexual intercourse, and many a man lives a life of misery from -ill health originated in this manner. Women are not affected so much by -over indulgence as by Masturbation. Delicacy not allowing an ardent woman -to tell her husband of her needs, she is apt to relieve herself by this -unnatural practice. There are, however, but few women who crave sexual -intercourse. The excess is generally on the part of the man. Moderation -in sexual pleasures is the key to health in a great many cases where -the patient is hopelessly lamenting his sad fate. Sometimes a man will -indulge to excess without experiencing much inconvenience, when suddenly -a fit of palsy or epilepsy prostrates him, and leaves him a hopeless -invalid for life. I remember an interesting case in point. A man of -robust health and strong sexual powers, married at the age of nineteen. -From that time until the age of forty-five, he lived temperately, was -regular in his habits, and never knew a day of sickness. He had always -the reputation of being fond of a variety of women—indeed, this seemed -to be the one passion of his life, for he dissipated a handsome property -in settling crim. con. suits, and paying for bastard children. As he -advanced in years his passion seemed to increase, and it was said that -he supported five different mistresses at the time of the occurrence of -the event I am now about to relate. One day when he was writing a letter, -he felt a peculiar twitching of the forefinger with which he held his -pen. This twitching sensation increased so much that he called on me for -advice. I replied, “Let the women alone, for that is a symptom of palsy.” -Within two days thereafter he was struck down and lost the use of his -hands, his right arm, and partially of his right side. Ten years have -passed, and this man, who had previously enjoyed excellent health, is -still as helpless as on the first day of his misfortune. He has consulted -distinguished physicians—American, French and German—but there is no help -for him. All agree that relief is impossible, but that he may live for -many years an imbecile, palsied man. - -To sum up: If you wish to maintain your intellectual faculties intact—to -enjoy good health—to be cheerful in the decline of life—to keep your -strength, your imagination, your memory, and your eye-sight unimpaired, -refrain from too frequent intercourse with women. Once a week is -quite often enough for this indulgence, and more than twice a week is -positively hurtful. Some men may sneer at this advice, perhaps; but -to such we say, look back upon your life. Are you as perfect, both -physically and intellectually, as you would have been had you curbed your -sexual desires? - - - - -POSITION DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE. - - -There is one phase of sexual matters that physiological writers seldom -allude to, but which should be understood by married people, viz.: -the position of their bodies during the nuptial act. Any unnatural -performance of this act is apt to impair the health of the female, -and many women have been seriously injured and rendered miserable for -life by the beastliness of their husbands in this respect. Unnatural -positions will cause derangements and bearing down of the womb, produce -fluor albus, or whites, and sometimes will originate tumors and fungi in -the private parts. A woman of delicate mould and constitution might be -fatally injured in this manner; and no female, however robust, can enjoy -sexual intercourse except in the position intended by Nature. For a full -and perfect enjoyment of sexual pleasures, there must be first a mutual -fondness or sentimental feeling, called love. Where this does not exist, -the married pair should, in their associations, endeavor to be in as good -humor as possible, and to tolerate each other’s caresses with the hope -that love may grow between them. Marriages have occurred where the bride -felt an antipathy almost amounting to disgust towards the embraces of -her husband, but afterwards, on a close intimacy and free acquaintance, -became not only reconciled, but really fond of him. Delicacy and -watchfulness on the part of the husband will often enable him to make -himself agreeable to a woman who at first has no sympathy with him -whatever. From the peculiar organization of females, there are times when -a husband’s caresses may be unpleasant and irksome even to a loving wife: -if he is reasonable and consciencious, he will not fail to observe this, -and will abstain from intruding on her privicy on such occasions. - -A man who will force his caresses upon his wife can be ranked only -with “the brutes that perish.” Of this class also are those who “go -in unto their wives” after the manner of brutes. The natural position -to which we have alluded suggests itself to every married pair who -possess the most remote particle of love for each other. But to make it -unmistakable, we would say, that the female should lie upon her back, -with her legs straight down—or if the legs are raised, they should be -but slightly elevated. All other positions are unnatural and unhealthy. -I could illustrate this fact by several cases in point, but the details -are too disgusting. Suffice it then to say, that I have known females -suffering from painful diseases caused by sexual connection in a standing -position—in a position where their partners approached them from behind, -and also in one case where the woman was forced or persuaded to lie on -her back with her knees up against her chest. No female can desire such -intercourse as this, because she cannot enjoy it. It is therefore the -libidinous antics of her companion that compels her to it. Very few men -of decent breeding require the caution I have here given, but if there be -half-a-dozen who profit by it, I shall be compensated for thus alluding -to a delicate subject. - - - - -DISPOSITION AND INTELLECT—HOW FORMED. - - -It is wisely ordered by Nature that genius, and a high order of -intellect, shall not, as a general rule, descend to children. If mankind -could impart to offspring an intellectual superiority, we should -probably have too many geniuses in the world, and too few workers. The -animal propensities, the peculiar disposition, the various passions, -the form, features, &c.—these, and other peculiarities of parents are -always transmitted to their children; but that lofty, soul-inspiring -sentimentality which enlarges the reasoning faculties and bestows mental -distinction upon its recipients, seems to be a peculiar gift from the -Deity itself. - -Some physiologists assert that Nature does not endow the children of -distinguished men so bountifully as those of less exalted capacities, -and assign as a reason that great minds have their weaknesses and their -follies, which are apt to show themselves in a marked manner at the -moment they are begetting their children. I do not endorse this doctrine, -but suspect that men are beholden rather to their mothers than to their -paternal parents for whatever intellectual gifts God, in his wisdom, has -bestowed upon them. A healthy, well developed, and naturally intelligent -woman will have smart and intellectual children, even though her husband -may be a ninny. If you want intelligent children, then, look you out a -wife who has a soul above street yarn and love stories. But should you -select the best woman from a thousand, you will scarcely find in her a -wife capable of breeding you a very moderate genius. It is thought by -some people that the state of the intellect at the moment of the nuptial -act marks the mind of the child. I do not believe this; for if a crop of -geniuses could be raised by minds specially tutored for the occasion, who -doubts but that the world would be full of them? - -In looking for a mother for his children, a man should seek a woman -of different temperament from himself. If he is lymphatic and good -natured, let him find a wife who is nervous and irritable; and _vice -versa_. If he be of a sandy complexion, or fair-haired, with blue eyes, -let him choose one of those luscious brunettes, with flashing black -eyes, and a resolution as firm as a rock. On the contrary, if he be dark -complexioned, impatient and passionate, let him sacrifice and enslave -a mild and blue-eyed blonde of the cold North. Choose you always a -woman of intellect, and if with that, you have one of a temperament and -complexion opposite to your own, your children will be distinguished for -something—they will not live a life of drudgery and dependence—and they -_may be_ geniuses. The selection of a conjugal partner is one of the most -important events of life, in either man or woman. Too little attention is -generally paid to it. - - - - -THE TEMPERAMENTS—HOW DISTINGUISHED. - - -In the course of this treatise we have alluded to the Temperaments of -different individuals, and it may therefore be interesting to describe -them. A person of a Lymphatic temperament has a languid, good-natured -look, sleepy eyes, and the face is soft, round and full. A Sanguine -temperament is represented by an earnest, anxious countenance, -large intelligent eyes, prominent nose, robust health, and a strong -constitution. The Bilious temperament usually presents a strong marked -countenance, yellow skin, bulging eyes, projecting lips, full muscular -habit, and not very fleshy. Persons of Nervous temperament are usually -(though not always) thin and spare: their features are firm set, lines of -countenance harsh, constitution delicate, and intellectual qualities of -the first order. - -Men of genius may be ranked as follows: Sanguine-nervous are usually -great writers, divines, musicians, or artists. Sanguine-bilious, -great generals, politicians, statesmen, inventors, business men, or -distinguished in any calling requiring much energy and industry. -Sanguine-lymphatic are frequently persons of great talent, enterprise, -and distinction, and are generally long lived; but they seldom make any -considerable display of their abilities, or become men of mark. - -Lazy, inefficient and irresolute people, are in most cases -constitutionally so from a lack of sanguinity in their temperaments. Some -men and women are so constituted that they never can rise above drudges -in society; for if they are industrious they have no confidence in -themselves. - - - - -THE NATURAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE, AND OF THE TEMPERAMENTS. - - -It is well known that marriages between near relatives produce unhealthy -and imperfect children, but the causes of such a result are not generally -understood. These causes extend far beyond the circle of a family, for it -is quite as improper for two persons of the same temperament to marry, as -it would be for a brother and a sister. The laws of the Temperaments of -the human family may be enumerated as follows: - -1st. When both parties to a marriage are constitutionally the same, there -will probably be no children. - -2d. The vital elements are incompatible with each other, and if children -are born to parents who are alike in this respect, they will probably be -idiotic, or rachitic.[1] - -3d. When parties who marry are nearly alike—if their temperaments differ -only in part—they will have children who may live to adult age, but -who will then probably die of tubercular phthisis (consumption). In -illustration of this, I have known whole families of children to be taken -off by consumption between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-seven years, -where this disease had not previously existed in the families of the -parents or their progenitors. - -4th. If the constitutions of a married couple assimilate to the extent -of one-half, their children will be apt to die before the first seven -years. The diseases of such children are tubercles in the glands of the -intestines, or in the membranes of the brain. - -5th. When persons marry who are alike in temperament, and whose -constitutions materially differ, a majority of their children will be -still-born, and none will probably live to be two years old. - -6th. When one of the parties to a marriage is exclusively vital, and the -other similar, but of a nervous and melancholy turn, the children will -generally be promising. - -7th. To produce smart and healthy children, one of the parties should be -of sanguine-bilious temperament, with good vitality, and the other of a -quiet, lymphatic turn. - -Scrofulous forms of disease result exclusively from marriages illustrated -by the first five laws above given. More than half the children that die -are those of constitutionally incompatible parents. People who live in -health to a good old age, owe more to their parents giving them a sound -constitution than to any efforts of their own to preserve health. So many -diseases are traced by skillful physicians to improper marriages, that -the study of Physiology, and of the human temperaments, seems to be as -necessary to young people as the most common branches of education. - -Fortunately for the human race, marriages are oftener contracted from -instinct than from motives of policy; and individuals of opposite -temperaments are apt to experience that natural attraction towards -each other that results in marriage. But marriages of interest are -still occurring sufficiently frequent to fill our lunatic, idiot, and -deaf-and-dumb asylums, and we are glad to notice that the subject is -attracting attention, and that new laws are proposed to prevent the -marriage of blood relatives. - -It is also proper to state that there should not be an extreme -disproportion in stature between a married pair. A delicate, slightly -formed, small woman, whose pelvis is small, should not marry a large -robust man. If she does, her offspring will be too large for her to -bring into the world without much suffering, and sometimes mutilation, -and destruction of health. This is also the fate of many girls of small -stature who become mothers at too early an age, and before the hip and -other bones, which form the cavity through which the infant comes into -the world, is sufficiently developed. - -Early marriages (if not too early) are better than late ones, for the -natural state of mankind, after puberty, is a rational association of the -two sexes. Woman was adorned by Providence with her graces and charms -to delight the opposite sex, and she possesses those graces in full -perfection only while she is young. At that period she is indued with -power to give and to inherit a sort of terrestrial paradise, to multiply -her species, and to become matron, queen, and mother. Her early ripeness -proves that it was the intention of Providence that mankind, while young, -should settle in matrimony, and exercise those gifts which reproduce -their equals. In many young people the marriage state, when properly -enjoyed, augments the energies of the sanguineous system; the distended -arteries carry warmth and animation through the body; the muscles become -vigorous; the walk is more free; the voice firmer—in short, both men and -women by this means improve their health, strength and beauty, and assist -the development of their intellectual faculties. - -[1] Softening and distortion of the bones. - - - - -ON THE INFLUENCE OF VITAL FORCE. - - -The base of the brain is the source and foundation of motion, thinking, -and feeling in the human body. The breadth of it indicates the vigor, -and its depth the tenacity of life. Men generally have the base of the -brain more developed than women, and as a consequence exhibit, in both -body and mind, more of what is called force of character. A man whose -brain is very full at the base, seldom, if ever, suffers from chronic -forms of disease, and never dies from consumption, except in old age -when the brain is decayed. His ailings will be confined to inflammatory -diseases, gout and rheumatism. Men of this class are never drudges. They -are usually energetic, either for good or evil, and are more apt to be -leaders of their fellow-men than otherwise. Vital force is as necessary -to the promotion of health as pure blood. Those who are deficient of it -sooner or later become afflicted with some functional form of disease. -Intellectual men of this class usually pursue the profession of a -minister, a physician or a college professor, though they make very -indifferent doctors or teachers. They do not possess sufficient force -or energy of character to make their talents and worth appreciated by -the multitude. The trustees of schools and colleges employ them without -making any inquiries as to their ability to govern youth, and the -consequence is frequent difficulties and fruitless disputes with their -pupils. - - - - -TENACITY OF LIFE AND LONGEVITY. - - -The depth of the base of the brain is a true index of vital tenacity, -or duration of life in any individual. This depth varies in different -persons from less than a quarter of an inch up to an inch and a -quarter.[2] A full inch in an individual fifty years of age indicates -a life of eighty or ninety years. One-half to five-eighths of an inch -shows that though the person may live many years, yet he has not the -vital power to resist formidable assaults of disease. And those persons -whose base of brain presents a depth of less than half an inch, must be -exceedingly careful of their health, and may expect to die from the most -trivial cause. On the contrary, those with three-fourths of an inch, and -above it, will probably survive the most powerful attacks of disease. -The base of the brain, being the seat of vitality in all animals, the -exact size of it shows the quantum of life possessed by any individual. -Hereditary diseases may be excepted, in certain cases. - -[2] Take a piece of twine and pass it from the outer corner of each -eye around the back of the head, letting it touch the most projecting -protuberance on the hind part of the skull. The distance between this -line and the ear-hole gives the depth alluded to. - - - - -HOW TO DETECT PREGNANCY. - - -Almost every married woman considers the stoppage of her usual monthly -turns a warning that she is in the family way; and this will hold true in -nine cases out of ten. Nevertheless, in some women the menses continue -for a couple of months or more after impregnation takes place. So, also, -there are many other causes for the suppression of the menses, and the -failure of the monthly turn is not, therefore, conclusive evidence of -impregnation. Other peculiarities may be noticed which will go to confirm -the fact, and one is an enlargement of the neck. Singular as this may -appear, it is true: and some married ladies keep the exact measure of -their necks so as to be able to detect this sign. Pains similar to colic, -fainting fits, shuddering and creeping of the skin, longings for unusual -food and drinks, loss of appetite, morning sickness, fretfulness and -peevishness, hysteria, and a dozen other changes in the feelings, temper -or desires of a woman, are strong presumptive signs of conception. - -The breasts, being always in sympathy with the womb, usually begin to -enlarge a little, the nipples become hard, and their color turns from -the usual delicate pink to a chestnut brown, with little dots or pimples -on the circle. This alteration in the nipple must be closely observed to -indicate positive pregnancy, as it frequently becomes dark from other -causes. The hue occasioned by conception is peculiar to itself, and is a -sure indication that gestation has commenced. - -Soon after conception, in some females, the face and eyelids will -swell; and many girls are suspected from this cause alone by their more -experienced sisters. Others are warned of their condition by flying -pains, palpitations, &c., and by pains at the top of the head. If the -urine be kept in a clean vessel for several days, and a white scum arises -at the top, this is considered by some physicians as conclusive evidence -of pregnancy. - -When a woman has become pregnant, the white line on the abdomen, -extending from the navel to the pubis, becomes darker, and the navel -itself swells out a little. The mucus membrane which lines the Vagina, -which is usually of a delicate rose color, turns blue or purple. - -The above are the most prominent and conclusive evidences of conception -during the first three months, though some of them may not be experienced -until a later period. At the end of thirteen weeks the enlargement of the -womb begins to develop itself so as to leave no doubt whatever of the -interesting situation of the lady. In some cases even this enlargement is -the result of other causes; and should a doubt exist, an examination by a -physician, or any experienced person who can feel the mouth of the womb -with a finger, will determine the state of the case. The mouth closes and -contracts together immediately after conception, and this condition of it -can be easily detected if the finger be applied in the right place. If -the mouth of the womb is not closed, then the enlargement is surely from -other causes. - - - - -LABOR AND CHILD-BIRTH. - - -A healthy and natural birth usually takes place after the fifteenth day -of the ninth month of pregnancy. It may be delayed until the end of the -month, but is seldom so protracted. Shortly before labor is to commence, -the belly sinks, and the hitherto snug-fitting dress will become loose. -This is caused by the descent of the womb into the bottom of the belly. -The motions and weight of the child are also felt to be lower than usual, -and if in a natural position, the head will fall down to the orifice of -the womb, and press upon it. This drives forward the membranes which -restrain the water at the orifice, and at the proper moment they break, -and labor then commences. - -Labor is caused by involuntary contractions of the uterus and abdominal -muscles. By their force the liquor amnii flows out, the head of the fœtus -is engaged in the pelvis, it goes through it, and soon passes out by the -valve, the folds of which disappear. These different phenomena take place -in succession, and continue a certain time: they are accompanied with -pains more or less severe, with swelling and softening of the soft parts -of the pelvis and external genital parts, and with an abundant mucous -secretion in the cavity of the vagina. All these circumstances, each in -its own way, favor the passage of the fœtus. - -The precursory signs of labor are as follows: Two or three days before -it is to commence, a flow of mucus takes place from the vagina, and the -external genital parts swell and become softer: it is the same with the -ligaments that unite the bones of the pelvis; the mouth of the womb -flattens, its opening is enlarged, its edges become thinner, and slight -pains, known under the name of _flying pains_, are felt in the loins -and abdomen. At the next stage pains begin to be felt in the lower -part of the back, or lumbar region, and tend towards the womb, or the -rectum: these occur at intervals of fifteen to thirty minutes, and each -is accompanied with contraction of the womb, and tension of its neck, -which begins to open. If a finger is now introduced into the vagina, a -considerable tumor may be felt, which is a protrusion of the membrane -coverings of the fœtus, containing the first waters. The pains gradually -become stronger up to the time when the membranes break, and labor -actually begins. - -The uterus now contracts on itself, and is applied to the surface of -the fœtus. Soon the pains and contractions of the uterus increase -considerably, and are accompanied by the contraction of the abdominal -muscles. The woman should favor this state of things by making all the -muscular efforts in her power, (straining.) As the labor progresses, -her pulse will become stronger and more frequent; her face becomes -animated; her eyes grow brighter; her whole body is in extreme agitation; -perspiration flows in abundance; until the head of the child descends -into the lower strait of the pelvis. - -At this stage there is a discharge of whitish matter from the vagina, -and pains occur which extend from the small of the back, or loins, and -the groins, down towards the front, or private parts; and sometimes the -membranes will even protrude through the external opening. Presently a -strong pain comes on, crack go the membranes, the liquor amnii gushes -out with a rush, deluging the bed. After this there are longer intervals -between the pains, and on the midwife’s introducing her finger, she can -feel the head of the child. As the pains increase in intensity, the -patient is apt to scream, though some women of firmness will suppress -their feelings: she lays hold of a towel, which is commonly fastened to -the bed-post for this purpose, and bears down with all her might: her -pulse now is rapid, and her skin is hot; the process still goes bravely -on; the pains are now more frequent, stronger and lasting. - -The head of the child now gradually descends lower and lower in the -vagina until it presses on the perinœum, or outer edge of the private -part adjoining the anus. In this stage of the labor an inexperienced -midwife would think that a few pains more would expel the child, but -although the head rests upon the perinœum, and shows itself at the -external orifice, yet it may be some hours before it is expelled, -more especially if it is a first child; but if the second or third, -half-a-dozen more pains will generally be sufficient to complete the -process. - -During this time the woman usually suffers some from head-ache, looks -intensely red in the face, and often experiences a trembling of the lower -limbs. - -The outer passage will now begin to enlarge gradually, and the head -appears. When it is advanced as far as its ears, it is said to be “in the -passage.” When the birth has advanced one-third, the midwife may assist -the expulsion if she chooses, though Nature alone would accomplish it. -When the child is born, the midwife should lay it upon her knees, with -its face down, so as to give exit to the mucus, waters, &c., from the -mouth, if any has been imbibed, which is most generally the case. - -Now that the child is born, there is a freedom from pain and the mother -feels rejoiced at the sudden transition from severe suffering to -comparative ease. In about ten minutes she again begins to experience -pains, which are, however, slight, or less violent than before, in -the region of the uterus, coming and going about every five minutes. -On examination, the accoucheuse will find a quantity of clotted blood -expelled, and on passing up the finger along the cord, she will discover -the after-birth, or placenta, as it is called, forced into the upper -part of the vagina. If not attached to the womb, which is easily known -by carefully pulling at the cord, the midwife will separate it gently, -by introducing her hand. The navel-string must be divided as soon as the -child is born; which may be done with a pair of scissors, having first -tied a string as well on the child’s side of the cord as the mother’s, to -prevent hemorrhage. The placenta being taken away, the labor is now over. - -An hour after, let the mother take a little oil of sweet almonds, to -ease the after pains; and let a poultice of oil of sweet almonds, and -two or three new-laid eggs, be boiled together, and laid to the parts, -renewing at every six hours for two days. Fifteen days after the birth, -the parts may be bathed with an astringent decoction of red roses, alum, -or nut-galls in red wine, in order to brace them. The following is the -formula I usually employ: Red-rose-leaves, 1 ounce; Alum, 2 drams; -Ordinary Claret, half a pint. Put them into a sauce-pan and let them -boil for five or ten minutes. After having stood for fifteen or twenty -minutes to cool, strain, and apply warm to the parts. - -The above is a brief description of a healthy delivery; and such are -the usual ones. In some cases, however, the labor may be tedious and -difficult, when the lower part of the belly must be covered with a -flannel cloth dipped in a hot decoction of bitter herbs, as tanzy, hops, -wormwood and catnep, of each a small handful, to which put three pints of -equal parts vinegar and water; boil for half an hour in a covered vessel. -Wring the flannel out and apply warm over the region of the womb, which -will relieve the tension and ease the pain, besides gently stimulating -the uterus to contract more forcibly on its contents, whereby the labor -is facilitated. - -Stimulating injections by the bowels, may now and then be -administered—especially if the woman be at all costive. The midwife -should also push back with her longest finger the os coxygis, which tends -to excite the labor and ease the pain. If the parts are in a stiff, -straitened condition, as in the first child, especially if the woman is -not young, emollient liniments are to be used, and the parts must be -anointed with fresh butter or oil, and to be dilated gently with the -hand. If there is a tumor, carbuncle, or membrane opposing the birth, the -assistance of an experienced surgeon is required. - -Always in difficult labors, the patient should be made as cheerful as -possible by her friends, by the recital of lively and amusing anecdotes, -and by every species of encouragement in their power; as a depressed and -melancholy state of mind invariably retards the labor. - -Women in labor, who have a languid circulation and a weak constitution, -are benefited by cordials and good nourishment. Let half a glass of wine -be given every two hours, which will invigorate the system, and render -the action of the uterus more powerful. - -If the feet present first, the midwife must be very cautious lest there -be twins, and lest she should take a foot of each. The feet must be -wrapped in a dry napkin, and the child must be drawn gently, till the -waist is in the orifice of the uterus. Then the infant’s hands must -be drawn down close to the sides; and if the nose be turned towards -the pubic bone in front, it should be placed in an opposite direction -to prevent any obstacle. If the chin is embarrassed, the midwife must -disengage it, by putting her finger into the mouth, in order to turn to -advantage. In case the infant’s head presents across the passage, or -laterally, it must be gently thrust back, and carefully turned to its -natural situation. If the shoulder presents, the same _tact_ and talent -must be employed, although the difficulty is greater. If the belly, hip, -or thigh appears first, the child must be extricated by gentle traction -made at the feet, and the mother must lie flat on her back. If one or -both hands are directed upward, above the head, and lie close to it, -the case is not so bad as some would apprehend; for they will keep the -orifice equally dilated till the head passes, and thus prevent strangling. - -When the fœtus dies before the time of birth, and the membranes are not -yet ruptured, it will not putrefy; therefore the work must be left to -Nature, for the pains of labor will at length come on spontaneously. -Baudelocque says, if the navel-cord first appears, and is compressed soon -after by the head of the infant, its life is in danger; and the remedy -is to return the infant, and reduce the cord, till the head fills the -opening. But if this cannot be done, the woman must be put in a suitable -posture, and the child must be extracted by the feet. - -When the _placenta_ first presents itself, which is known by its spongy, -soft texture, and the great quantity of blood flowing at the same time, -it requires speedy assistance. If the membranes are entire, they should -be broken, the placenta and membranes should be returned into the -uterus, and the child be extracted by the feet (which is more readily -effected in the membranes than in the uterus), and put into a proper -situation. When there is a great flow of blood from untoward accidents, -the infant should be immediately delivered by art, though the mother be -not in true labor. - -I would caution all how they use the instruments when the mouth of the -womb is not fully opened, and never to resort to them unless actually -compelled to do so by some serious danger which is to be apprehended from -delay. Many cases of this kind do occur, it is true, in large cities, if -one happens to have a large practice in this branch of the Healing Art. - - - - -ABORTIONS AND MISCARRIAGES. - - -The anxiety of a woman who desires to avoid pregnancy will often lead her -to such dangerous extremes that she is ready to risk health, and even -life itself, rather than become a mother. Hence she earnestly seeks the -means to destroy her unborn child. When this is done so early that the -fœtus cannot live, it is called an abortion. After the sixth or seventh -month, it is a miscarriage. Abortions are always dangerous, though -some females get over them without much suffering or harm. The most -propitious periods for an abortion are at three, five, and six months. -Both abortions and miscarriages are brought about by irregularities of -conduct, such as too eager gratification of sexual desires, remaining -too long in a warm bath, lacing the corsets too tight, violent exercise, -such as dancing, riding a hard trotting horse, romping, jumping long -distances, &c. Any of these imprudences will be apt to kill the fœtus, -which will soon thereafter be expelled from the womb. Women know the -moment the fœtus dies, for it falls to the bottom of the abdomen and lies -there a dead weight, feeling like a foreign substance in the body. - -Sudden and unexpected violence, such as falling down stairs, or being -knocked down unexpectedly, will produce abortion or miscarriage, but -as these mishaps would be a severe shock to the nervous system, they -endanger the life of the mother. Any unnatural efforts to produce -abortion, such as forcing the mouth of the womb, or taking powerful -medicines, are also dangerous, as these may cause flooding that cannot be -stopped. Bleeding too freely will bring on an abortion in some women, and -on others will have no effect. - -Ergot of Rye is sometimes given by physicians to produce abortion in -the early stages of gestation. It is the diseased seeds of the common -rye, called grown rye. It acts specifically on the uterus, or womb, -increasing its contractile energy. Ergot is not only a powerful promoter -of abortions and miscarriages, but it is given to women as a stimulant to -uterine action during labor, and also to check hemorrhage. The dose, in -powder, is fifteen to twenty grains repeated every twenty minutes until -the desired effect is produced, or until one dram is taken. Or, a dram of -ergot may be infused in four fluid ounces of boiling water, and one-third -taken as a dose, and the other two doses (if necessary) at intervals of -twenty minutes. On some women it will produce not only abortion at three -or five months, but even a miscarriage, particularly when the fœtus is -male. There is no doubt that many women can escape child-bearing by the -use of ergot, but it would be better for any one to get it from her -family physician, who would know something of her constitution, than to -pay a hundred times its worth to a quack, and perhaps endanger life or -health by taking more than is prudent, and at an improper time. Oil of -Tansey is another article used to bring on the monthly turn, and in some -cases it will stop the course of gestation if taken at the time the turn -is due. Two or three drops only are necessary for a dose. In some women, -a considerable dose will cause a miscarriage at three months. - -Abortions are sometimes produced under the direction of physicians by -inserting a small hand up into the Vagina, and feeling for the mouth -of the Womb with the finger. A little extract of Belladonna is used -to promote the relaxation of its mouth, and by the most gentle means -possible the finger may force a passage, when flooding at once ensues, -and the fœtus will generally be expelled soon after. Women who submit to -this operation run some risk of losing their lives, and hence a physician -will seldom endanger his reputation by advising it, except in extreme -perilous cases. - -Abortions and Miscarriages being in collision with Nature’s laws, should -never be resorted to except in extreme cases, and then only under medical -advice. - - - - -APHRODISIACS, OR LOVE POWDERS. - - -Many quack doctors advertise medicines to stimulate the procreative -powers, and thus create a desire for sexual intercourse. These are sold -at enormous prices, and are often useless, for the reason that the -venders of them cannot know anything at all of their patients, and must -fix the dose so as to suit the most delicate temperament for fear of -injurious effects. The drugs used for this purpose are sold by every -apothecary, and indeed at almost any country store. We will mention some -of them: - -_Cannabis Indica_ is the principal article used in making love powders. -It acts powerfully on the nerves, excites the sexual organs, and -increases their activity. The quantity to be taken differs with different -persons—too large a dose producing extraordinary excitement and sexual -desire, which is followed by corresponding prostration, both mental and -physical. The proper use of this drug is not detrimental to health. - -_Phosphorus_ is another article used in making preparations to excite -the sexual organs. It has a disagreeable smell, and must necessarily -be disguised as much as possible. It is powerful in its effects, and -has frequently been known to excite women so furiously as to make them -discard all prudence and abandon themselves to licentious indulgence. -Phosphorated Oil of Almonds, flavored with bergamot, can be introduced -into almost any gelatinous substance to disguise the taste of the -phosphorus. Dose, from five to ten drops of the oil. - -_Ether_ will affect some females very curiously, making them amorous and -imparting a strong desire to cohabit with their husbands. On some, again, -it has no such effect at all. The dose of Nitrous Ether is from ten to -forty drops; or if you prefer Sweet Spirits of Nitre, take half a fluid -dram up to twelve drams. - -_Strong Coffee_ is a direct stimulant of the generative organs, and if -taken in large quantities does not fail to produce marked effects. - -_Ergot of Rye_ is taken by some women to bring on their expected monthly -turn when they fear they may have become pregnant. It acts as a stimulant -and an invigorater of the sexual powers. Dose, in powder, fifteen to -twenty grains. - -_Saltpetre_ acts also as a stimulant to the sexual organs, and causes a -desire to cohabit. It is taken in daily doses of five to ten grains, in -the form of purified Nitrate of Potassa. - -_Cantharides_, or Spanish Flies, is a direct stimulant of the sexual -feeling in some people. It is taken as a tincture, in doses of ten to -twenty drops, and should be used with great caution. - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of Nature, by James Ashton - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF NATURE *** - -***** This file should be named 62705-0.txt or 62705-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/7/0/62705/ - -Produced by Turgut Dincer and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Book of Nature - Containing information for young people who think of getting - married, on the philosophy of procreation and sexual - intercourse, showing how to prevent conception and to avoid - child-bearing: also, rules for management during labor and - child-birth - -Author: James Ashton - -Release Date: July 19, 2020 [EBook #62705] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF NATURE *** - - - - -Produced by Turgut Dincer and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/illus1.jpg" width="400" height="700" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">UNIMPREGNATED FEMALE FORM.</p> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span></p> - -<p class="titlepage">THE<br /> -<span class="larger">BOOK OF NATURE;</span><br /> -<span class="smaller">CONTAINING</span><br /> -INFORMATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE<br /> -<span class="smaller">WHO THINK OF</span><br /> -GETTING MARRIED,<br /> -<span class="smaller">ON THE</span><br /> -PHILOSOPHY OF PROCREATION<br /> -<span class="smaller">AND</span><br /> -SEXUAL INTERCOURSE;<br /> -<span class="smaller">SHOWING</span><br /> -HOW TO PREVENT CONCEPTION<br /> -<span class="smaller">AND TO</span><br /> -AVOID CHILD-BEARING.</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smaller">ALSO, RULES FOR</span><br /> -MANAGEMENT DURING LABOR AND CHILD-BIRTH.</p> - -<p class="titlepage">BY JAMES ASHTON, M. D.<br /> -<span class="smaller">Lecturer on Sexual Physiology, and Inventor of the “Reveil Nocturne.”</span></p> - -<p class="titlepage">NEW YORK:<br /> -<span class="smaller">PUBLISHED BY WALLIS & ASHTON, 243 GRAND STREET.</span><br /> -1861.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span></p> - -<h2>INDEX TO CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table summary="Contents"> - <tr> - <td>Abortions and Miscarriages</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#ABORTIONS_AND_MISCARRIAGES">61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Abortions, how produced</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_62">62-63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Aphrodisiacs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APHRODISIACS_OR_LOVE_POWDERS">63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Child-getting, how to avoid</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HOW_TO_AVOID_CHILD-GETTING">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Clitoris, the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Conception, modes of preventing</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Conception, signs of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HOW_TO_DETECT_PREGNANCY">55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Conception, how to avoid</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Coverings for the Penis</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Drugs to destroy the Semen</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_12">12-40</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ergot of Rye</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_62">62-64</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Fallopian Tubes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Female Generative Organs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_13">13-14</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Female Private Parts</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Fœtus, development of the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DEVELOPMENT_OF_THE_FOETUS">31</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Fœtus, size and position of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Hymen, the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Impregnation</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#TIME_AND_MANNER_OF_IMPREGNATION">24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Impregnation, manner of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Intellect, how formed</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DISPOSITION_AND_INTELLECTHOW_FORMED">48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Labor and Child-birth</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LABOR_AND_CHILD-BIRTH">55 to 60</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Longevity, causes of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#TENACITY_OF_LIFE_AND_LONGEVITY">53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Love Powders</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#APHRODISIACS_OR_LOVE_POWDERS">63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Male Generative Organs</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#MALE_GENERATIVE_ORGANS">5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Management at difficult Births</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Marriage, natural laws of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Miscarriages</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Nymphomania</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Orgasms of a Female</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ovaries of a Female</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_OVARIES">13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ova, expulsion of the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ovum, or Egg</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Penis, the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Penis, malformations of the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Pregnancy, how to detect</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Semen, the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_SEMEN">10</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Semen, animalcules of the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Abuses</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#RESULTS_OF_SEXUAL_ABUSES">44</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Desires</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PHILOSOPHY_OF_SEXUAL_DESIRES">20</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Enjoyment of Females</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Feeling in Females</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Indulgence</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SEXUAL_INDULGENCE">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Indulgence, time for</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Intercourse, too early</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#EFFECTS_OF_TOO_EARLY_SEXUAL_INTERCOURSE">42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Intercourse, too frequent</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Intercourse, enjoyment of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Intercourse, position at</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#POSITION_DURING_SEXUAL_INTERCOURSE">46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Organs, Food to stimulate</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sexual Union</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_21">21-22</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Sex of a Child, how determined</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CAUSES_WHICH_DETERMINE_THE_SEX_OF_A_CHILD">28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Testes, the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Temperaments, laws of the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_NATURAL_LAWS_OF_MARRIAGE_AND_OF_THE_TEMPERAMENTS">50</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Unborn Child, growth of the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Unborn Child, intellect of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Uterus, or Womb</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Vagina, the</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Vital Force, influence of</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#ON_THE_INFLUENCE_OF_VITAL_FORCE">52</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Wife, choice of a</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Why Children look like Parents</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Zoospermes</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="smaller hanging">ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS in the year 1859 -by <span class="smcap">Benjamin H. Day</span>, in the Clerk’s Office of the United States -District Court for the Southern District of New York.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> - -<p>Within the past few years, numerous physiological -books have been compiled and printed, ostensibly for popular -reading and to impart certain information which could -not be obtained except from very expensive medical works. -On examination, nearly the whole of them prove to be the -productions of persons calling themselves physicians, and -issued as a medium of advertising their medicines, or their -peculiar practice. In most of these books, facts in physiology -are so mixed up with empirical self-laudations, absurd reasonings, -useless repetitions, and fabulous cases in point, as -to become not only intensely tedious, but in a measure disgusting -to the reader.</p> - -<p>The Prevention of Conception appears to be one of the -main features of these publications, and each author professes -to have a secret plan of his own for that purpose, -which he offers to impart for a professional fee of five dollars. -An offer like this to intelligent people is understood -as arrant quackery; but there are such a vast number of -married persons who desire to limit the number of their -offspring, that many will send their money in sheer desperation, -and with little or no hope of success.</p> - -<p>As the writer of this treatise does not propose to offer -his professional services to his readers, and as even the -copy-right of it is disposed of in advance, he will endeavor -to present, briefly and impartially, the prominent facts -which modern science has demonstrated in the phenomena -of procreation, the conception and production of offspring, -and the various safe and harmless methods that may be -resorted to by married people to prevent child-bearing. -All that is known on these interesting and important subjects<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span> -is given in plain language, and with but few medical -terms. In collecting this information, the writer has examined -all the different modes ever recommended, discovered -or invented, for the prevention of conception, whether -alleged to be secret or otherwise. Some of them were -found to be utterly worthless; others may, in most cases, -be employed successfully by extreme caution and pains-taking, -while not more than two or three are perfectly reliable. -These last are subject to failure, only from prejudice -or want of energy; and if adopted with moderate caution, -will be successful. In these discoveries the French physicians -appear to be the most ingenious, and some of the -plans given are consequently of French origin.</p> - -<p>The Physiology of Generation, which comprises all medical -knowledge relative to the reproduction of offspring, is -a subject of intense interest to the adult portion of mankind. -It has been zealously investigated by learned men -of all ages—physicians, philosophers and theologians—and -numerous conflicting theories have been advanced, -books written, and ideas inculcated, which have presented -the subject in various phases for popular reading. One -class denounces all attempts to prevent conception and -child-bearing as immoral, unnatural, and hurtful to health, -while others hold more liberal views, and consider that -married people have a perfect right to decide for themselves -whether they shall breed a family or not. The -writer takes no part in these arguments. He is content to -impart to his readers, in a brief and matter-of-fact form, -reliable physiological information which could only be obtained -by long study from other sources. With this explanation, -he trusts that the object of his little treatise -will be appreciated by the public.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span></p> - -<h1>THE BOOK OF NATURE.</h1> - -<h2 id="MALE_GENERATIVE_ORGANS">MALE GENERATIVE ORGANS.</h2> - -<p>The Generative Organs of man consists of two distinct -outward members, called the Penis and the Testes, or -Testicles—both together being frequently called the Genitals. -The Testes are inclosed in a sac or bag hanging from -the pubic bone called the Scrotum, and their functions are -to produce the male principle or Semen, as the Ovaries in -the female ripen the Ovum or Egg. The Testes are a -curious work of Nature. On dissection they are found to -be composed of fine blood vessels intermingled with small -tubes called the Seminal Tubes, in which the Semen is -generated. Some very knowing physicians say that there -are sixty thousand of these Seminal Tubes; but we doubt -if anybody ever counted them. These tubes, as they leave -the Testes, gradually join together until finally a single -tube only goes from each Testicle. These are called the -Vas Deferens, and they ascend to the abdomen through a -larger tube, (which also contains arteries, nerves, lymphatics, -&c.,) where they connect with two small organs called -Seminal Vesicles. From these vesicles the Semen passes -downwards through a tube called the Ejaculatory Canal, -which is connected with the Prostate Gland, and from -whence it is forced to the Urethra or urinal passage, and -so out of the body. This is a brief outline of all the organs -connected with the generative system of man: the -Testes have the peculiar property of making the Semen—the -Vas Deferens and the Ejaculatory Canal carry it into -the abdomen to the Prostate Gland, from whence it is conveyed, -by a peculiar but spasmodic effort, through the urinal -passage in the Penis into the body of the female. It -is supposed that the Seminal Vesicles and Prostate Gland -impart a vital principle to the Semen, and that the peculiar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> -pleasurable feeling experienced during connection with the -female springs from these organs.</p> - -<p>The Scrotum, in a healthy state, is contracted so as to -draw its skin into folds and keep the Testes close to the -body. But when a person is in ill health, or greatly fatigued, -the skin relaxes and the two Testes hang low, the -Scrotum being then supported in the middle by a membrane -or cord called the Septum Scroti, which acts as a -sort of partition. The Scrotum of old men is permanently -relaxed in this manner; but in children it is a sure indication -of ill health.</p> - -<p>The size of the Testes vary in different persons. The -average of mankind have them each about the bigness of -a pigeon’s egg; but sometimes they are larger. It seldom -makes any difference in the actual power of procreation -whether these organs are large or small, though persons -with large Testes can generally perform the act of copulation -oftener, and with less exhaustion. A man with large -Testes generally has a large Penis, as the size of the one -usually governs the growth of the other; but it is by no -means certain that sexual connection thereby affords him -any more pleasure. Such men should marry with great -caution. Many females are incapable of affording them -pleasure from the comparative smallness of their private -parts; and they suffer much pain and ill health from such -intercourse. On the contrary, men whose genital organs -are not fully developed, though they may impregnate, yet -they cannot always give full satisfaction to the female. If -it could so be that people about to marry were properly -matched in their private parts, it would prevent a great -deal of unhappiness in the world.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 1000px;"> - -<img src="images/illus2.jpg" width="1000" height="850" alt="" /> - -<p class="caption">MALE PRIVATE PARTS ... EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL.</p> - -<p class="caption">Explanation of the Engraving.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">1. The Bladder.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">2. Spermatic Cords composed of Arteries, Veins, and Nerves.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">3. Vas Deferens, or Tube which conveys the Semen from the Testicle.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">4. The Ureter, or Tube which conveys the Urine from the Kidneys to -the Bladder.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">5. Left Seminal Vesicle.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">6. The Prostate Gland, which connects the Ejaculatory Canal through -which the Semen passes into the Urethra.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">7. Bones of the Pelvis.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">8. The Scrotum.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">9. The Penis.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">10. The Glans, or head of the Penis.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">11. Vas Deferens—detached views.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">12. Right Seminal Vesicle—interior cells.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">13. Left Seminal Vesicle—detached outside view.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">14. Ejaculatory Canal through which the Semen passes to the -Penis—detached view.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">15. The Bladder comes in here, the Seminal Vesicles and Vas Deferens -being each side of it.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> - -<p>Some curious cases are reported in the books of ill-matched -couples in this respect. One of the Princes of -the Royal Family of England (a son of George III.) died -without legitimate issue because he could not have connection -with his wife—she being too small, or he being too -large for the purpose. It is true, he was entitled to a divorce -by law, but it was said he respected his wife too -much to resort to such a measure. Another curious case -was that of Baron Brunner, whose wife claimed a divorce -on the ground that her husband was a sort of eunuch, who -could afford her no pleasure during connection. But in -this case, as Madame was the mother of a daughter, to -whom she dared not deny the paternity of the Baron, her -petition was rejected.</p> - -<p>The Penis is the principal generative organ of man. It -is usually from five to seven inches in length, hanging pendant, -and extending from the Pelvic Bones to the glans at -the end, and is divided into two parts called the Cavernosum -and the Spongiosum. There is a groove underneath -and between these two parts, through which runs the -Urethra, or urinal passage. The head of the Penis is called -the Bulb, and is of a spongy nature, being filled with little -cells or cavities communicating with each other, and which -extend into blood vessels which run the whole length of -the organ, and are finally connected with an artery and a -vein in the body. When no excitement of the part exists, -these cells and blood vessels are nearly empty; but when -excited by sexual desires, they rapidly fill with blood, when -the Penis stands erect and enlarges to one-third greater -size. The erection is also assisted by a number of muscles -which only act when the blood rushes into the part. These -are called the Cavernosus Muscles. In some persons the -erection is very sudden, while in others it is the reverse—all -depending upon the temperament and construction of -the parts. The time for the erection to subside is also different -in different persons. The causes of this difference -depend upon certain vital actions of the blood vessels not -fully understood. In old age this organ will often become -hard and erect, though it requires more time, and the erection -subsides almost instantly after connection with a female. -The Penis is often destroyed by accident or by disease,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> -and sometimes it is naturally deformed. A case is -stated by Dr. Hollick of a young man 19 years old, whose -Penis was only a quarter of an inch long! By a protracted -and careful course of treatment, however, it was made to -grow several inches. Some male children have been born -with no Penis at all—a slight swelling, like the top of a -small tumor, being the only mark of the spot where it -ought to have grown. In some cases of deformity like -this, men have been known to beget children, the flow of -Semen being ample; and it only requiring, for the purpose -of impregnation, that the Semen shall be placed within -the external lips of the private parts of the female, as will -be shown hereafter.</p> - -<p>There are frequent malformations of the Penis. Sometimes -it will grow in such a way that, when erect, it turns -one side or the other, so that association is painful and -very difficult. This is generally caused by contraction of -the skin or muscles, and is very easily remedied by carefully -cutting them in the proper place. Sometimes a one-sided -Penis is the result of aneurism, swelling of the veins, -or unnatural erections. These causes generally form tumors, -which must first be reduced before a proper action -can be restored. Cold astringent lotions, used constantly, -will generally cure these tumors, though it is sometimes -necessary to bind some smooth, hard substance firmly on -to them—a piece of horn or ivory being the most suitable. -Frequently the cord at the end of the Penis, which binds -the prepuce, will be so short as to pull down the end of -the Glans and thus prevent a proper connection with the -female. This cord, when too short, will often break; but -the best way is to cut it carefully either with a sharp knife -or a pair of scissors. A Penis with a head too large is a -malformation caused by boyish pranks in handling the -organ during its growth.</p> - -<p>The causes of a non-development of the Penis are various. -Sometimes a general torpor of the Testes retards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> -its growth. Disease or excess will frequently make it -wither and decrease in size; and many a youth by early -masturbation prevents the full development of the organ. -Injuries to the Testes, during early childhood, will often -stop the growth of the Penis. The Mumps, Scarlet Fever, -Measles, Rickets, and Scrofula—each of these diseases will -also more or less affect its perfect development. It is -nearly impossible to prescribe a remedy for this evil, as -much depends upon the temperament of the person affected. -In persons of little sexual feeling, I would recommend -a rational and moderate use of the organ as Nature -intended. The healthy excitement thus produced will tend -to its growth. In some men, however, this plan would -rather do harm than good—a frequent tepid bath, with -brisk rubbing of the muscles, being the proper treatment. -A stimulating ointment of some kind might be used to advantage -with this latter treatment. A tube to fit over the -Penis, with an air-pump, is frequently used by physicians -in connection with a shampooing of the muscles, and in -some cases this acts beautifully.</p> - -<p>The lascivious practices of boys, who learn of one another -the habit of onanism—their too early connection with -females—these and other habits affect the growth and full -development of the Penis.</p> - -<p>The Penis should be fully developed in a boy fourteen -or fifteen years old. At that age the seminal fluid, destined -for the perpetuation of the species, begins to be -secreted by the Testicles, and not only excites the sexual -organs, but affects every part of the body. The power of -the mind, too, is improved; the digestion becomes more -vigorous; the circulation of the blood is more rapid; indeed, -every organ is abundantly nourished by it, and they -perform their functions with much more energy than before -this period of life. But the sexual organs, notwithstanding -they may be of full size, have not yet matured, as -will be shown hereafter.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="THE_SEMEN">THE SEMEN.</h2> - -<p>The Semen is a yellowish-white liquid substance secreted -in the Testes of the Male, and which contains the animalculæ -that grow to be future human beings. A microscopic -examination shows it to consist of two substances, one -fluid and the other little white globules. These globules -soon dissolve when exposed to the air. The composition -of the Semen is nine-tenths water—the remaining tenth -being 10 soda, 30 phosphate of lime, and 60 animal mucilage -containing a peculiar principle which is unknown. -The living animalculæ of the Semen can be plainly seen -with a microscope. They look like little eels with large -heads, or pollywogs, and are supposed to be the germ of -the brain and spine. They are called Zoospermes, and the -microscope enables us to study their habits, and describe -them with correctness. These animalculæ first grow in the -little globules or eggs. Their extreme smallness may be -imagined when we state that one of these globules, which -are not visible to the naked eye, but can be seen only with -a microscope, contains thirty of them. After the globules -break open, the Zoospermes grow and become developed -before they are in a fit state to enter the female Ovum. -Attached to their head is a sort of sucker which fastens -itself on to anything it can take hold of. By the aid of -the microscope we are enabled to study the habits of these -animalculæ so closely that it is known they cast their skins -as they grow larger, like some insects. A French physiologist -writes that he easily distinguishes their sex, male -and female, but we doubt the truth of his assertion. They -are apparently very playful and active, but it appears to be -their nature to move only in one direction, and that straight -forward—which movement has a connection with impregnation -that is explained elsewhere in these pages. In -watching the motions of these curious little creatures, we -find that combats frequently occur among them. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -fight very fiercely, and sometimes the fight lasts until only -one or two out of a dozen or more are left alive, showing -a pugnacity of disposition peculiar to mankind in the primitive -or half-civilized state. They will live for several -hours in warm water, and it is thus that their manœuvres -are more easily seen. The Semen of a boy, before puberty, -contains no Zoospermes; and hence females of amorous -propensities have indulged with them without becoming -impregnated. Diseases of a certain character, and also -some kinds of drugs, will destroy the vitality of the Semen.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> - -<img src="images/illus3.jpg" width="400" height="700" alt="" /> - -<p class="caption-list">1. Zoosperme magnified.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">2. Highly magnified.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">3. Undeveloped Zoospermes in the Semen.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">4. Female Ovum burst open for impregnation.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">5. Zoospermes darting in to impregnate the Ovum.</p> - -</div> - -<p>The animalculæ of the Semen are not developed in the -Testes. While there, it contains only the granules, which -ripen as they proceed, and it is not until they reach the -Prostate Gland that they burst open. It is therefore necessary -to a healthy connection, that some time should elapse -between the acts of coition. It frequently happens, when -people first marry, that months will pass before impregnation -takes place. This is because of too frequent connection. -The Semen does not have time to be fully developed -on its passage from the Testes.</p> - -<p>We have stated that it is a habit of the Zoospermes to -move only in one direction, and that straight forward. It -is this peculiarity which enables them to make their way -up into the Womb, even from the Labia or external lips -of the female. It is found, also, that Zoospermes will live -twenty-four hours in the private parts of the female, during -which time she may become impregnated by them. It -seems to be of little consequence <i>how</i> Semen is deposited -in the female organ. Conception may take place, even -without sexual connection, if the Semen is fresh from the -male, and healthy. The sexual feeling of the female, though -it may conduce certain favorable conditions of the part, and -thus promote the result, is not, in most cases, necessary.</p> - -<p>The celebrated John Hunter reported the case of a patient -of his who had entirely lost his penis by syphilis. It -was sloughed off half an inch into his body. Yet this man<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -could eject his semen from the orifice; and he married after -his misfortune, and became the father of a child. His -wife was impregnated by means of a small glass syringe, -with which the semen was injected into the proper place.</p> - -<p>The Parisian doctors make preparations of various drugs -to destroy the animalculæ of the Semen, and thus prevent -conception. This plan, if thoroughly adopted, produces -the desired effect, as will be shown hereafter. Iodine, -Strychnine, Prussic Acid, or even Opium, will instantly -kill the Zoospermes. Alcohol will likewise generally destroy -them, or render them powerless until they die. An -electric shock kills them instantly, and so will cold water, -in very many cases, though not always.</p> - -<p>Modern science enables us to speak with certainty relative -to a cause of childless couples, which is a want of vitality -of the Semen. Formerly it was supposed that barrenness -was a peculiarity of women alone; but it is now -known that the fault is more frequently in the husband. -The Semen of these barren men contains the usual globules, -which never ripen or come to maturity. Such men -may experience a certain degree of pleasure in connection, -but they cannot become fathers. The Semen is undeveloped, -like that of a boy of ten years. The sexual desires -of such men are never very strong, and quickly subside; -nor can they excite the female to any great degree of ardor. -Long continued excesses in venery, whether with women -or by means of onanism, is a frequent cause of barrenness -or impotence in men. In these cases the Semen loses its -prolific power. Frequently this impotence cannot be remedied, -though I have cured many persons of it who had -daily involuntary emissions of the spermatic fluid without -erections or amorous impulse. The treatment consists in -avoiding its causes, restoring the general health by proper -diet and exercise, and in invigorating the affected organs -by the internal and external use of such remedies as have -a direct influence upon them.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="THE_OVARIES">THE OVARIES.</h2> - -<p>The Ovaries, or egg-vessels of a human female, are two -bodies situated on each side of the Pelvis just within the -lower edge of the hip bone. They vary in size, averaging -about the same as the male testicle, but of a different shape, -being flat and oblong, like an almond. When in a healthy -state, they are of pale red color, and have a rough exterior. -Every Ovary consists of a large number of cells -about the size of a buck-shot, called the Graafian Vesicles, -and which contain a transparent fluid. On looking at this -fluid with a glass, the Ovum, or germ of the human being, -can be plainly seen in each cell. It is very small—not -much larger than a grain of sand. A healthy and perfectly -formed female has some thirty or more of these vesicles. -It is impossible to tell the exact number, because all of -them are not fully developed at the same time. In fact, -they ripen and become perfect in succession, from month to -month, and one is expelled at each menstrual flow, as described -below, beginning at the age of puberty, and so continuing -until the turn of life, when all have been expelled -and the Ovaries then become barren. The Ovum generally -comes from each side alternately—the right ovary expelling -its egg one month, and the left the next, and so on. But -where disease or any cause has disabled one Ovary, the -other one, if healthy, expels its egg monthly. Such are -the curious workings of Nature.</p> - -<p>When an Ovum, or egg, is fully developed, it leaves the -Ovary, and passing through a very curious hollow ligature -called the Fallopian Tube, is thus conveyed into the Womb. -This occurs once in four weeks in a healthy female. In -order to detach this ripe egg from the Ovary, real inflammation -is experienced, which causes a discharge of blood -and mucus, called the menstrual or monthly flow. This -constant action of the Ovaries has a most extraordinary -influence upon the whole being of woman. It not only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> -absorbs a large portion of her nervous power, but it actually -affects her mind to a considerable extent. It is the -principal cause of hysteria, fickleness, gayety, peevishness, -and other eccentricities peculiar to female character.</p> - -<p>The Ovum usually reaches the Womb from one to two -days after the monthly flow ceases. After being retained -a certain time by a thin membrane called the Decidua, the -membrane loosens and passes out of the body, taking the -Ovum along with it. While it remains in the Womb, it is -of course liable to be impregnated by the semen from the -male; but the moment it is expelled, no impregnation can -take place until another monthly flow. Many French females, -who have studied this subject closely and attentively, -are enabled to tell with certainty when the Ovum leaves -them, and they avoid contact with the other sex except -during the interval between its expulsion and their next -monthly turn. In this way they avoid child-bearing.</p> - -<p>The usual healthy time during which the Ovum remains -in the Womb, is fourteen days. In some females it remains -as long as sixteen or seventeen days. Cases of supposed -barrenness are frequently those where the ova are expelled -from the womb very soon after lodging there. It is then -necessary for the husband, if he desires children, to cohabit -with his wife immediately after the menstrual flow ceases. -On the contrary, those who would avoid having offspring, -(unless they use the means pointed out in another part of -this book,) should refrain from sexual indulgence until the -Ovum has been expelled, which is generally the third week -after the menstrual flow has ceased.</p> - -<p>By a curious provision of Nature, the blood and vital -energy required to ripen and expel the monthly Ovum in -a female, is turned in another channel during pregnancy, -and tends to secrete the milk and the fluids on which the -growing fœtus subsists. Thus the ova lie dormant during -that period, and they seldom begin to ripen again until the -new-born infant is weaned.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> - -<img src="images/illus4.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="" /> - -<p class="caption">FEMALE ORGANS CUT IN HALF ... SECTION OF INTERNALS.</p> - -<p class="caption">Explanation of the Engraving.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">1. The Clitoris.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">2. The Outer and the Inner Lips of the Private Parts.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">3. Meatus Urinarius, and Mouth of the Bladder.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">4. The Vagina, or Passage towards the Womb.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">5. Mouth of the Womb.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">6. Thick Walls of the Womb.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">7. The Rectum.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">8. The Bladder.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">9. Pubic Bone.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">10. Right Ovary and Fallopian Tube.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;"> - -<img src="images/illus5.jpg" width="700" height="800" alt="" /> - -<p class="caption">FEMALE ORGANS OF REPRODUCTION AS THEY LIE IN THE BODY.</p> - -<p class="caption">Explanation of the Engraving.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">1. The Clitoris.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">2. Right Outer Lip.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">3. Right Inner Lip.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">4. Entrance to the Vagina, or Passage towards the Womb.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">5. Urinary Passage, or Mouth of Bladder.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">6. Intestine of the Rectum.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">7. Covering, or Wall of the Vagina.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">8. The Bladder.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">9. Covering of the Womb.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">10. The Ovaries, showing their connection with the Womb by the -Fallopian Tubes.</p> - -<p class="caption-list">11. The Abdomen.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<p>It will be understood, from the foregoing facts, that no -female can produce more than a certain number of ova. -When all are exhausted, the turn of life takes place. It is, -therefore, desirable that girls should not become sexually -excited before the full age of puberty, as such excitement -is sure to hasten that period. The sooner they begin to -menstruate, the sooner they become old women. In the -same way maiden ladies usually reach the turn of life -sooner than child-bearing women.</p> - -<p>In some women, the Ovaries being originally weak, or -diseased, they are irregular in their menstrual periods, or -have frequent flooding from the debilitated state of the -organs. Deformity of children is supposed to arise from -imperfect ova, and want of sufficient vital force to fully develop -them. The ripening of the Ovum, or egg, is in many -respects like unto the ripening of an apple on the tree. -Some are perfect and beautiful, while others are deformed -and ungainly in appearance.</p> - -<p>The two Fallopian Tubes, which connect the ovaries -with the Womb, are very curious. They are hollow ligaments, -a little larger at one end than the other. On dissection -they are found to be lined with fine thread-like -points, which point towards the smallest end of the tube, -adjoining the Womb. These points are in perpetual motion, -like small worms, and this operation is what causes -the egg to pass through the tube. For the same reason -nothing can go back in these tubes from the Womb to the -Ovaries. These tubes also afford a passage for the secretions -and fluids, which would otherwise accumulate in the -Ovaries of women in ill health. A considerable portion -of the discharges from the Vagina, to which some females -are subject, come from the Ovaries through the Fallopian -Tubes into the Womb, and thence to the lower passage. -Sexual or amative feeling on the part of the female affects -these tubes, by causing them to straighten and relax, thus -working the points on the inner surface, and hastening the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -passage of the Ovum, should one be in the passage. This -feeling also hastens the ripening of the Ovum, to a certain -extent. The usual length of the Fallopian Tubes is from -three to four inches. A woman may be made perfectly -barren by tying ligatures round these two tubes, an operation -which would be attended with but little pain. It is -obvious, however, that her health might seriously suffer in -consequence. In France, animals are frequently served in -this manner in preference to the painful process of spaying.</p> - -<p>The Uterus, or Womb, is suspended mid-way between -the lower edges of the hip-bones. Its upper part goes up -between the bladder and the rectum, and lies upon the -bladder. Its lower part joins the passage called the Vagina, -which is usually about four or live inches in length. -In fact, the neck of the Womb hangs down into the Vagina, -and is the cause of an indescribable delightful feeling -on the part of the female when in connection with the -male. Many women say that they experience very little -sexual feeling, and that the act of copulation is to them a -matter of indifference. This is because the mouth of the -Womb is not reached or touched by the glans of the male -organ; and the pleasurable sensation of the female is then -confined to a slight irritation of the Clitoris and Nymphæ, -in the private parts. When the amorous sensations of the -female are excited during connection, the Womb becomes -engorged with blood, and moves up and down in the Vagina, -bringing the neck in contact with the glans of the -male organ, and this contact, if not too violent, is the perfection -of sexual indulgence for both parties.</p> - -<p>The Vagina is a curved passage from the Womb to the -lower private parts of the female called the Vulva. It is -a tubular passage, the diameter of which varies from one -and a half to two inches, and is usually from four to five -inches in length. This curved tube possesses some curious -powers, which are in action only during connection with -the male. It is lined with a mucus membrane throughout,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -and underneath is thick cellular membrane which is spongy -and fills with blood during sexual excitement, the same as -the head of the penis in the male. This is the erectile tissue. -On each side are certain little openings where are -secreted a thickish gray fluid of a peculiar smell, which is -discharged copiously during connection. Some uninformed -persons erroneously think this to be a kind of Semen; but -it is merely a fluid provided by Nature to assist in the nuptial -act. Some females have the erectile tissue imperfectly -developed, and for this reason are liable to a lax-vagina, -which leads to a falling of the Womb, and other diseases -that render the marriage state necessary to restore them to -health. Mothers are apt to attach too little importance to -this disease.</p> - -<p>The entrance to the Vagina, a small oval opening, easily -seen by parting the lips of the private parts, is usually -closed in virgins by a thin membrane, or skin, which grows -over it. This is called the Hymen; and in ancient times -its presence was considered necessary at marriage to establish -the virginity of the bride. If in reality such proof -was demanded, we think that very many brides must have -been pronounced lewd, for there is scarcely one woman in -a hundred at the present day who preserves her Hymen -intact until she is twenty years old. In some, it is broken -at the first menstrual flow—in others, any debilitating disease -of the parts destroys it—and many girls who constantly -bathe and wash their private parts, unconsciously -wash away this membrane. These are cases where it is -very thin; but where it has strength to resist such accidents, -it may even then be quickly destroyed by any attempt -of the female to produce sexual excitement. Some -curious facts are related in the medical books of the toughness -of the Hymen in certain cases. Dr. Wakley, of London, -was applied to by a woman who alleged that though -her husband regularly performed his marital duties, yet she -herself could not enjoy the nuptial act. On examination,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -it was found that the Hymen had not been broken, though -the woman had been married eight years. The membrane -was a tough, calloused substance, and it was deemed necessary -to cut it out entirely. This lady became a mother in -less than eleven months from the time of the operation. -Dr. Bostwick, of New York, had a case where a thick -piece of flesh grew over the mouth of the Vagina; and -though the woman had the menstrual flow regularly -through a small opening, yet her husband could have no -sexual pleasure with her. A very painful and dangerous -operation relieved this lady, and she is now the mother of -a family. As a general rule, a girl loses her Hymen before -she is twenty, and it is seldom that she knows when it is -destroyed.</p> - -<p>In some women the mouth of the Vagina is so small -that a first connection is painful, tearing the part and -causing a flow of blood. When such women become -widows, or refrain from sexual intercourse for a long period, -the same tearing and flow of blood may again occur -on resuming connection.</p> - -<p>The external appearance of the private parts of a female, -as given in the engraving, we will here particularize. The -peculiar round and plump prominence at the lower extremity -of the abdomen, is a thick layer of fatty matter -over the pubic bone, called the Mons Veneris. This is -usually covered with hair at the age of puberty. In some -cases the hair grows very profusely, and to the length of -six or eight inches. Others have but little hair, and some -none at all. The growth of hair is usually considered the -sign of womanhood, though it is really no proof of that -condition. Many girls have a growth of hair over the -Mons at the age of ten or eleven years, while the menstrual -flow will not commence until some years after. The two -outer lips of the part are also covered with hair. These -are called Labia, and inside they have little glans or follicles -which discharge a mucus of a peculiar smell, which is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> -provided by Nature to keep the parts in health. Within -these external lips or Labia, are smaller ones called the -Nymphæ. In infants the Nymphæ can be plainly seen -outside, as the Labia do not cover them; but as the child -grows, the external lips gradually close, and in a perfectly-formed -female, at the age of puberty, nothing can be seen -but the outer lips, which are, or should be, hidden by the -hair.</p> - -<p>At the upper junction of the Nymphæ is the Clitoris, a -very curious formation which resembles a miniature male -penis. This is an organ which, when irritated, causes sexual -desires. It is usually about the size of a pea, though -in some cases it is larger. The growth of the Clitoris to -an unnatural size is what has given rise to a belief in the -existence of hermaphrodites, or persons of double sex. I -can easily understand how these reports originated. A female -infant with a Clitoris of a very large size would naturally -induce such a belief by persons ignorant of physiology—for -the Clitoris is always proportionably a great -deal larger before puberty—and particularly so when the -child is first born. In an unnatural growth, then, of this -member, the private parts of an infant would certainly -present a hermaphroditic appearance. It is almost unnecessary -to say that no such human beings ever existed as -hermaphrodites. Those that have been so called were females -with an enlarged Clitoris. This enlargement being -a source of some mortification to the girl as she grows to -womanhood, it should be partially amputated, an operation -which can be performed with perfect safety. Young girls -of amorous desires get up a sexual excitement, and produce -masturbation, by rubbing the Clitoris; and in boarding -schools they often practice the habit upon one another -until they cause repeated Orgasms, and in this manner injure -their health. Many of the diseases of after life may -be traced to such unnatural pranks—particularly the weakness -which causes miscarriage and excessive flooding.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="PHILOSOPHY_OF_SEXUAL_DESIRES">PHILOSOPHY OF SEXUAL DESIRES.</h2> - -<p>The sexual organs of man and woman are wonderfully -adapted to each other, and have a perfect power of mutual -attraction. Nature sacrifices every thing to reproduction: -it is thus that we enjoy all strength, vigor and beauty, so -as to excite us to contribute to the procreation of our species; -and thus that such exquisite pleasure is associated -with the copulative act. It is for this reason also that we -experience so many sweet illusions in the brilliant season -of our amours, and that we give way to others when our -reproductive powers have failed. In a word, Nature always -regards the species, and never the individual; and whatever -we may say or think of our superiority over inferior animals, -we cannot conceal from ourselves the fact that, like -the brutes, we are influenced in our unions by the pleasure -of sexual intercourse. It is useless to deny that the majority -of marriages which are apparently based on the sentiment -called love, are nothing more than the result of an -involuntary obedience to the imperious voice of our sexual -organs. A man admires the graceful figure, the voluptuous -form, and the general female graces of a woman, and he at -once desires to possess her person. This induces him to -cultivate her acquaintance, and unless he finds something -in her disposition positively disagreeable, ten to one he will -offer her marriage. Who will deny that sexual desire was -the moving cause of this connection? A woman meets a -man of fine figure, noble gait and manner, broad chest, -and elevated head, furnished with a luxuriant growth of -hair. His eyes are full of fire, and he is amiable, gallant -and polite. She at once feels a thrilling desire to become -better acquainted with him. What is that but a sexual -yearning? Thus far, certainly, no sentimental collusion -can have occurred between them.</p> - -<p>The philosophy of sexual desires has been frequently discussed -by learned men, and interesting experiments have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -been made to test whether the attraction of the two sexes -was not precisely the same in human beings as in the minor -animals. These tests proved that our animal natures are -not directed altogether by the intellect. We see young -persons of opposite sex mutually caress and embrace each -other by some mysterious influence, even before they are -of sufficient age to experience sexual desires. This mutual -attraction is attributed by some people to Animal Magnetism—the -male being the positive, and the female the negative -principle. We, however, believe it to be an instinctive -sympathy; for experiments have been made which prove -that the Generative Organs of either sex exercise a certain -mysterious influence one upon the other. A French physiological -writer says that two vigorous young persons were -put in a semi-insensible state by the use of certain drugs. -Being stripped and their private parts placed slightly in -contact, (their heads being fully covered,) this slight touch -instantly excited the sexual feeling. This experiment is -reported in detail, and we do not doubt that it was <i>bona-fide</i>. -The peculiar instinctive attraction in this case was -so delicate that it acted almost like electricity to the male -organ. Besides this instinctive attraction, the nervous sensibility -is so constituted as to aid in the union of the sexes. -In the present state of society, however, young people do -not usually wait the slow process of Nature’s teachings, -but gain their knowledge by a precocious association or -under the instruction of their seniors. The sexual impulse, -under such circumstances, is forced and unnatural, and is -frequently the parent of incurable disease.</p> - -<p>Coition, or sexual union, may be compared to a fit of -epilepsy, or to an electrical shock. It entirely engages -both the mind and the body; we neither hear nor see, but -the soul is entirely absorbed in the act. When a man is -performing this act, if his thoughts wander, the product -will be feeble, and if his wife become pregnant the offspring -will be inferior. This fact is applied to the offspring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -of great geniuses, who are supposed to be thinking of -something else when they beget their children, and hence -their descendants are often much below them in intellect. -In further confirmation of this theory, history informs us -that some of the greatest men the world ever saw were -bastards—children begotten with vigor, and when the -minds of the parents are supposed to have been absorbed -in the one idea of a loving sexual embrace. Aristotle believed -that the causes of deformed children, of monstrosities, -and of all defective offspring, were in consequence of -imperfect connections, or acts of generation when the -minds of the parents were depressed by passion, anxiety, -trouble, or any difficult or abstract matters.</p> - -<p>Persons of moderate and regular habits, with strong and -sound constitutions, beget healthful infants; while those -whose habits are excessively mental, generally produce -feeble offspring, though their constitutions and general -health may be good.</p> - -<p>Another cause of feeble children is the abuse of the function -of generation by too frequent intercourse. In such -cases the semen is thin and watery, being too suddenly -secreted. Harvey says that to produce vigorous offspring, -the spermatic fluid ought to remain two or three days in -its receptacles for its thinner parts to become absorbed, -when more vitality will be imparted to it, and hence the -more vigorous will be the offspring.</p> - -<p>It will be thus seen that the proper union of the sexes -is at that moment when the mind and body are at rest, -and when both parties are in a mood for mutual caresses. -Certain moral and intellectual perceptions undoubtedly -govern their feelings under such circumstances, and aid in -producing that intense pleasurable feeling which a healthy -and proper connection will always promote.</p> - -<p>As to the times when sexual union should be avoided, I -would say that during five or six days after the monthly -turn of the female commences, it is absolutely unhealthy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -to both. Married men of cleanly habits will religiously -observe the Jewish law in this respect, and wait seven -days. It was formerly thought that connection with a female -during the menstrual flow, was the origin of a certain -sexual disease called gonorrhœa; but such is not the -fact. Connection during that period is, however, unnatural, -hurtful, and often painful to the female. Neither -should there be any intimacy of this kind when the female -is troubled with fluor albus, or whites, as then there is danger -that the male may contract gonorrhœa. When a girl -appoints her wedding day, she should reckon as near as -possible a time when she will be fully over her monthly -turn. If subject to fluor albus, she should first seek the -most efficient means of cure; and if possible, a cure should -be effected before she marries. Girls subject to this complaint -seldom enjoy the constant sexual intercourse incident -to married life. Medical science can manage this disease -so easily and effectually by the aid of the Truss, or -Abdominal Supporter, that there is no excuse for neglecting -it. Unless the strictest cleanliness is practiced by the -wife while she has the whites, she may give her husband -the disease called gonorrhœa. She should never have any -connection with him in the morning until she has risen -and washed the part thoroughly. Suspicious men have -often believed their wives unfaithful because they have -contracted gonorrhœa from the whites. But the fact is -well known to medical men that that alone is the original -cause of the disease.</p> - -<p>In Persia, and indeed in most Mahomedan countries -where a plurality of wives is allowed, it is considered indecent -to approach a woman for sexual intercourse during -pregnancy, or when she is suckling her child. This custom -is highly commendable, and if observed among Christians -it would tend to promote the health of both the mother -and her offspring, for Nature never intended that the -nuptial act should be performed solely for the gratification<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -of our passions. Nevertheless, I do not say that a moderate -indulgence during pregnancy would be hurtful to a robust -woman; though to a weak and nervous one it surely is. -But after the child is born, sexual intercourse should cease -until it is weaned, to insure its health. Many sucking children -die in consequence of the sexual indulgences of their -parents, and none are wholly unaffected thereby.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="TIME_AND_MANNER_OF_IMPREGNATION">TIME AND MANNER OF IMPREGNATION.</h2> - -<p>We have stated elsewhere that there are certain times -during the month when it is impossible for a woman to be -impregnated by sexual connection. This is a fact that may -be relied upon with the utmost certainty, and we will discuss -it more in detail. The Vesicles of the Ovary are constantly -growing and ripening, as we have shown. Once in -four weeks one or more of them is ready to leave its cell. -Inflammation commences—which is called the Menstrual -Flow—the Vesicle then begins to enlarge, and by the time -the flow ceases, it bursts open, when the Ovum or Egg -within escapes and is taken up by some very curious little -membranes and drawn into the Fallopian Tube. It passes -through this tube into the Womb, and it is generally two -days, and often longer, in making the passage. Meantime -a thin, delicate membrane, called the Decidua, forms in the -Womb, and is ready to receive the Egg and detain it there, -otherwise it would pass out and be lost. This membrane -will generally last about a week, when it gradually loosens -and passes out, taking the Egg along with it. If, however, -the Egg be impregnated—in other words, if the female -have connection with a man, and the Semen comes in contact -with the Egg during this period, the Decidua from that -moment begins to grow fast to the Womb, and becomes -one of the coverings that protect the new being during the -fœtal state.</p> - -<p>It will thus be understood that during the first twenty-four -hours after the Menstrual Flow has ceased, there is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -very little danger of impregnation, and in some females -this time might be extended to two or three days with -safety. The Zoospermes of the Semen will live for twenty-four -hours within the Womb, and it is possible for the Egg -to be impregnated by them the moment it leaves the Fallopian -Tube. We therefore state the probable time that -impregnation cannot take place to be twenty-four hours, -allowing the second twenty-four hours for the possibility -of there being living Semen in the Womb. After the Decidua -and Egg have passed out of the Womb, which is -from ten to sixteen days after the Menstrual Flow has -ceased, impregnation, or conception, is then utterly impossible -until after another monthly turn is over, and so on. -French women are famous for a clear understanding of all -the phenomena attending impregnation, and they generally -avoid it at pleasure. They know exactly when the Decidua -and Egg leaves them—they watch for it, and it is said many -of them search for it and take it away violently. At all -events, there are multitudes of the class called grisettes—females -who are content to live and cohabit with any -decent man who offers them a support—who never get into -the family way at all. Their secret is supposed to be a -physiological knowledge, or art, which enables them to -destroy the Decidua, or membrane which keeps the Egg -from passing out of the Womb. We confess we cannot -understand how so delicate an operation can be performed -by a woman upon her own person; but the thing is not -impossible.</p> - -<p>Married people who desire to avoid having children -might generally attain their object by refraining from sexual -intercourse for a week or ten days after the cessation -of the Menstrual Flow; or, they might follow the precaution -recommended in our chapter on Prevention during -that period. It is supposed that conception takes place -within seven days after the monthly turn nineteen times -out of twenty. But to be on the safe side, you should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -wait longer—even to sixteen days—unless you can discover -when the Decidua and Egg pass off. There are certain -symptoms connected with this expulsion of the Egg -which may be detected. A thin, colorless, watery fluid -comes from the Vagina, and is often so abundant as to wet -the external parts. This will continue for some hours, and -will be followed by a grayish-white clot about the size of a -pea. The discharge of this clot is frequently accompanied -by slight pains and bearing down of the Womb. This is -the Decidua and Egg. When a woman can discover, with -certainty, the passage of this clot, she is then safe from -impregnation until after her next monthly turn.</p> - -<p>The manner in which the Egg of the female is impregnated -by the male Semen is curious and interesting. In -its first state, while in the Ovary, there may be seen within -it a little dot called the Germinal Vesicle. When the Egg -is fully ripe, and just as it leaves the Ovary, this little dot -is by some unknown process expelled, leaving an open -passage to the very centre. The Egg is then ready for impregnation; -for, on passing into the Womb, if the male -Semen come in contact with it, one of the animalculæ instantly -darts into this open passage and buries itself. All -these curious operations of Nature have been discovered -by the use of the Microscope, and they are not only very -interesting, but are of great importance to mankind.</p> - -<p>It will be seen from these explanations of the principles -of Impregnation, that a healthy woman may conceive under -almost any circumstances—that the idea that a first and -only connection would not impregnate is erroneous—that -the most brutal violation may cause conception—in short, -that if a female were rendered senseless by drugs, or by a -blow upon the head, this would not prevent the impregnation -of the Egg if the time were propitious.</p> - -<p>Sexual enjoyment of the female during connection may -hasten the accomplishment of the desired end in various -ways, but it is by no means necessary to impregnation or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> -conception. Indeed, there are many females of cold temperament -who seldom experience any very pleasing sensations -during connection, and some who have no sexual -desires at all. I knew a case in Hartford, Connecticut, -many years ago, where a wealthy gentleman desired offspring. -He had lost his Penis when quite a young man; -but yet he was able, at times, to discharge Semen from the -urinary passage. He was married after the loss of his private -member, and lived with his wife—a very worthy woman—ten -years, never dreaming that he could ever become -a father. One day a physician banteringly told him -of a similar case in Vienna, where the man had actually -become a father by the use of a small glass syringe, with -which he injected his Semen into the Vagina. It was a -singular coincidence that this Hartford gentleman afterwards -became the father of two interesting little ones. He -had doubtless used the Syringe!</p> - -<p>There is a class of amorous women who cannot be impregnated -at all. They are afflicted with a sort of disease -called Nymphomania, or insatiable passion for venery. -Such cases are rare, but still they occur. A young lady -patient of mine, in describing this disease, said that she -had the most irresistible disposition to lasciviousness imaginable; -that when alone she could not desist from rubbing -the parts until she became exhausted and sunk down -in perspiration: she slept well, but as soon as she was -awake the same propensity recurred. Another lady (married) -who consulted me, said she had always been brought -up virtuously, and had hitherto been well disposed; but -now a man could scarcely pass her without her experiencing -those sensations which were alone her husband’s -right.</p> - -<p>Nymphomania is attended with obscenity, restlessness, -and delirium. The patients delight to talk obscenely, and -solicit men to satisfy their desires, both by words and gestures. -It is generally caused by masturbation, or undue<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -irritation of the private parts when very young; and the -usual treatment is to keep them well syringed out with -castile soap and water, and wear a bag of powdered camphor -on the back of the neck. Camphor taken internally -is also good. A very little camphor introduced into the -water with which you wash the part will likewise act -favorably.</p> - -<p>Young females troubled with Nymphomania, who thereby -bring themselves into disgrace, are more to be pitied -than despised: for it requires a great degree of moral firmness -for them to resist both the promptings of Nature and -those of licentious men at the same moment. Parents and -guardians should act accordingly.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="CAUSES_WHICH_DETERMINE_THE_SEX_OF_A_CHILD">CAUSES WHICH DETERMINE THE SEX OF A CHILD.</h2> - -<p>Physiologists have given many absurd ideas on this -subject, and almost all their theories have been exploded. -In olden time it was believed that male children came -from the right ovary of the mother, while females came -from the left. Hence it was asserted that on whichever -side she lay after connection, the ovary on that side would -be impregnated. This plan of producing girls or boys at -pleasure did not work, and was discarded even before the -present minute knowledge of the principles of generation -became known. The sex of an infant is not necessarily -determined at its conception. In their unformed state, the -Testes are within the body in about the same position as -the Ovaries, and are similar to them in appearance. It is -therefore possible that certain causes may influence the sex -of the Fœtus after it has commenced its growth. As a -general rule, however, the sex of a child is influenced by -circumstances at the moment of conception. Both experiment -and observation have shown that the most ardent -and vigorous individual of the couple, whether it be the -man or the woman, will cause the sex of the child. On -the other hand, where both are nearly alike in this respect,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> -other influences must govern, and hence some couples have -children of both sexes. The relative ages of married people -frequently has an influence, because, when both are -young, the oldest of the two is usually the most vigorous, -and hence, as before stated, sex follows the predominating -parent. Some physicians lay it down as a rule, that an -elderly or middle-aged man will be sure to get boys from a -young woman, and <i>vice versa</i>. But the rule does not work -in every case. There is such a difference of sexual desires -in different people, that it is impossible for any one, except -perhaps themselves, to judge which has the most robust -sexual powers. Another cause of sex is supposed to be -the relative amorousness of the couple after impregnation -has taken place. Some women experience much pleasure -in sexual connection until they become <i>enciente</i>, and then -all their desires suddenly cease. In cases like this, where -the connection is continued, the husband would be apt to -influence the sex after conception, and then the offspring -would be male. But should circumstances prevent their -continued connection, she would, in nine cases out of ten, -give birth to a female child. To sum up, amorous females -generally breed female children, while those of a colder -temperament breed boys. When both are moderate in -their desires, children of both sexes are produced. When -the female is unnaturally amorous, (and such cases frequently -occur,) she seldom becomes impregnated at all. -The following mode of influencing the sex of the child, -some physiologists assert, is really effective, and it looks -reasonable. When the woman is just over her monthly -turn—say within two or three days—the husband may -then try for a girl. After one or two connections, let him -abstain for the next month or two, or even longer. He -thus impregnates his wife at the moment of her greatest -sexual vigor, and by abstinence he does not influence -the sex of the child after conception. Should he desire -a boy, let him keep up his connection for two weeks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -or more after his wife has got over her monthly turn, at -the same time carefully practicing the precaution of withdrawal, -described in other pages under the head “Modes -of Preventing Conception.” At that period the wife will -have partially exhausted her amative powers, when he -can be almost certain that a boy will be the result of her -impregnation.</p> - -<p>A curious fact relative to the resemblance of children to -their parents has been developed by observation. Where -a man is absent from his wife during the period of gestation, -the child is almost sure to resemble the mother. On -the other hand, an amorous father, who keeps a constant -connection with his wife during pregnancy, will cause the -child to resemble him. If a woman should become pregnant -by one man, and then cohabit constantly with another -during her pregnancy, the child would bear a resemblance -to the second man rather than to its father. This would -surely be the case if she were fond of the latter’s caresses.</p> - -<p>It often happens that a married couple will have “a run” -of children of one sex, and then turn round and breed -those of the opposite sex. This may be accounted for by -the failing health, and consequent vigor, of the predominating -parent. Thus if a woman begins to breed boys, -and after having had several, turns round and breeds a -number of girls, it is a pretty sure sign that the sexual -vigor of her husband is on the wane, or that his bodily -health is failing. Should girls come first in rotation, and -boys afterwards, the mother’s generative vigor may be suspected -of falling off. These are, however, mere suggestive -ideas; though readers may understand from them the principle -upon which Nature forms the two sexes. I have no -doubt that a careful and practical study of the subject -may sometimes enable parents to elect the sex of their offspring, -on the principle we have explained; but there are -so many curious phases in the phenomena of procreation, -that any certainty on the subject is out of the question.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="DEVELOPMENT_OF_THE_FOETUS">DEVELOPMENT OF THE FŒTUS.</h2> - -<p>The escape or expulsion of the Germinal Vesicle from -the Ovum, or Egg, leaves, as we have already explained, a -passage to its very centre, thus enabling the Zoospermes, or -male animalculæ, to enter. If both are perfect and healthy, -impregnation is then complete. The first change that now -takes place is observed in the Vitellus, or yellow of the Egg, -which at once forms itself into a mass of little globules; -and it is a singular fact that these are always a fixed even -number, generally beginning with four or six, and so multiplying -or doubling—always, however, keeping the number -even. If by chance they should end their self-arrangement -by an odd number, a perfect being could not be -formed—the impregnation would end either in an abortion -or an unnatural growth in the Womb. It generally takes -two or three days for the globules to arrange themselves, -and meantime the Zoosperme, or male principle, remains -dormant. The globules soon begin to form themselves -either into Testicles or Ovaries, as the sex may be, of -the future being. At the same time myriads of smaller -globules break off from them and spread all round the -Zoosperme, which is soon entirely covered or coated with -them. They now grow together and form the skin. The -Zoosperme is supposed to be the head and spine, and the -globules, which thus form the skin, shut out our view from -observing any further formations. The Testicles, or Ovaries, -as the case may be, are now quite prominent, though -we cannot yet determine the sex, even with the most powerful -microscope, nor is there any form to the new being -other than the original shape of the male animalculæ.</p> - -<p>After the formation of the skin and procreative organs, -as stated, the little being again shows signs of life, and -struggles in its Egg until it frees itself from all the membranous -substances which surround it, and is enabled to -turn round at its pleasure. Its movements are frequently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> -rapid and lively, and they doubtless are necessary to the -formations and changes which soon begin to take place. -At the end of twelve days the Ovum is found to be enlarged -to the size of a pea, and its whole organization may -be seen with the naked eye. It is coated with two membranes, -between which is a gelatinous substance, and the -interior is filled with a fluid in which the fœtus swims -about at pleasure. On a close examination, the mouth -and eyes can be seen about the fifteenth day. The eyes -first appear on the side of the head, and, as the Fœtus -grows, they move round to their position. In ten days -more we see the future being in form and size like a small -ant. At the end of the first month it has increased to the -size of a honey-bee, and the arms begin to grow—first appearing -like small warts on the body. They sprout straight -out, and are then folded together on the breast. At this -time the head is as large as all the rest of the body, and -the features can be distinguished. The legs have not yet -appeared, but the lower extremities are like a tail. At two -months the legs and feet appear, the toes being united similar -to frogs’ feet. During the tenth week the eyes show -their lids, the mouth becomes more prominent, and the -ears may be seen. The heart is now fully developed, but -as yet contains no blood. The brain shows its form and -substance. The next change brings red blood to the larger -veins and to the heart, and at the end of three months the -shape and form of the future being is nearly perfect, weighing -less than three ounces. The next process of Nature is -the thickening of the skin, and so rapid now is the growth -that within one month the Fœtus fully doubles in weight. -During the fourth month the bones begin to ossify, the -uterus rises in the abdomen, and we are then enabled to -determine the sex. This change is what is usually called -quickening, and it corresponds with the time of breaking -the shell in birds. At the end of the fifth month the finger-nails -appear, and fine silky hair begins to grow on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -head. At seven months the being is generally perfect, the -bones are firm and hard, and it weighs about three pounds. -The intellectual faculties are not developed, however. The -eighth and ninth months merely increase the size and -strength of the child.</p> - -<p>Our Engravings show the relative sizes and position of a -Fœtus, as it lies in the Womb, at three several stages of -gestation. They are original drawings from anatomical -figures in wax in the New York Anatomical Museum.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/illus6.jpg" width="400" height="700" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">FŒTUS AT THIRTEEN WEEKS.</p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/illus7.jpg" width="400" height="700" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">FŒTUS AT SIX MONTHS.</p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/illus8.jpg" width="400" height="700" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">POSITION OF THE CHILD AT NINE MONTHS.</p> -</div> - -<p>The child, previous to birth, never takes nutriment in -by its mouth, for that is always firmly closed until after -birth. Its food during gestation is probably derived from -the blood of its mother through the umbilical cord, or -navel-string, which likewise supplies its veins and arteries -until the very hour of birth. An artery and two veins -pass through this cord. There is sometimes an impediment -in the circulation of new-born infants, which is called -the blue disease, and for which there is no remedy. In -these cases the body is of a leaden blue color, and the child -appears sleepy and inanimate. Such children usually die -before they are a year old, though sometimes they live four -or five years.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="SEXUAL_INDULGENCE">SEXUAL INDULGENCE.</h2> - -<p>Most men are of an amative disposition, and after the -age of puberty have frequent desires to indulge in sexual -intercourse. Some feel this desire so overpoweringly that -everything else is forgone, all risks are run, and consequences -madly braved, merely for the gratification of a -momentary passion. Females, on the contrary, are seldom -troubled with sexual desires; and among those who risk -their reputation and their social existence in the gratification -of illicit love, few are prompted to the act by the amative -feeling. It is the idea that they are loved, and the -wish to impart pleasure to the loved object, that overpowers -their own judgment. When once a man has gained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -the love of a true female heart, it lies in his power to use -her person at will. Very few of the weaker sex can withstand -the promptings of disinterested affection; but their -sexual passions seldom lead them astray.</p> - -<p>In sexual union, the ecstatic point of enjoyment is termed -in medical phrase the Orgasm, and in some men it is so -intense that all consciousness ceases, and a perfect insensibility -to everything around is produced for the moment. -The Orgasm is usually followed by a state of dreamy languor -or exhaustion, which induces sleep. In women the -Orgasm is not always experienced, and some females of -cold temperament do not know what it is, though they are -often excited, and feel a certain degree of pleasure. When -it does occur in women, it is often even more intense than -in the other sex, causing convulsive motions and involuntary cries. -It does not exhaust the system, as in the male, -and the dreamy languor is more pleasing, and will often -continue for an hour or more. It sometimes happens that -a female of amative desires is never satisfied with one -Orgasm, but craves frequent and repeated intercourse, as -the indulgence does not exhaust her as it does her partner. -Such a woman, unless she be possessed of great moral -firmness, is apt either to injure the health of her husband, -or to indulge in illicit love. Happily, cases like this are -rare. The male can have but one perfect Orgasm at the -same time, because he must secrete a new supply of Semen -before another can take place. Men do frequently attempt -the second, third, and even more frequent connections -within a few hours, but the subsequent ones are spasmodic -and hurtful. Those who value their health, and desire to -enjoy true sexual pleasure, should never attempt these repetitions, -as they permanently injure the organs, and impart -to them an unnatural craving for frequent intercourse. -Two or three days should occur between the periods of -sexual indulgence to enable a man to enjoy it in full perfection. -The female Orgasm, not being produced by any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -secretion, may be enjoyed without particular injury, though -it is sometimes apt to affect the nerves. In most females it -is very difficult to be produced—in others it will occur -during sleep, and be entirely absent while in the act of coition. -Orgasms in the female may therefore be experienced -without the least licentious idea being entertained. This is -sometimes the case with a class of women called “mediums” -by the Spiritualists. The same temperaments are -those which can be put in a mesmeric slumber. Women -of great devotional feeling are generally of this class, -though not always. Dr. Hollick tells us of a lady much -addicted to mesmeric practices, who wrote to him her experience. -She confessed that whenever she was capable -of being acted upon, mesmerically, the mesmeric state was -always preceded by sexual excitement—often amounting -to a perfect Orgasm—and that if this feeling was not experienced, -she could never be mesmerized. Sometimes so -many Orgasms would follow each other that she would -become completely exhausted and faint away. According -to her statement, the mesmeric sleep, or ecstasy, was nothing -but the dreamy languor following a sexual Orgasm. -There are some mysteries connected with these peculiarities -of the female system which Science has thus far failed -to discover; but new facts come to light every day, and it -is probable we may yet solve them. The sexual feeling in -females is often curious and peculiar, and I have no doubt -that the mind and imagination control it in some unexplained -manner. A case occurred in France where a female -enjoyed the feeling to excess with one man, while -with others she could enjoy nothing, though these latter -persons were quite as agreeable and pleasing to her. This -fact shows that there are persons of opposite sexes naturally -adapted to each other, and where such people marry -they are generally happy in the marriage state.</p> - -<p>Sexual intercourse is no doubt beneficial to health in all -fully developed persons, and in some females it is actually<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -necessary to preserve their lives. It is a proper stimulant -to the nervous system, and serves as a sort of safety-valve -when the vital functions are too active. The statistics of -the world show that married people are longer lived on the -average than single ones, and it is quite certain that as a -general rule they enjoy more perfect health. M. Pidoux, -a French physician who had practiced extensively in the -Nunneries, assures us that almost invariably the Nuns are -afflicted with floodings, with an absence of their monthly -turns, and with other uterine diseases, after they reach a -certain age.</p> - -<p>The proper time for sexual indulgence is an important -consideration, inasmuch as carelessness in this respect may -tend to dyspepsia, indigestion, and other affections of the -stomach. Persons who are predisposed to such diseases -should never have sexual intercourse just before eating, -nor very soon after a full meal. Its peculiar effect on the -stomach is calculated to weaken digestion, particularly on -the part of the male; and many a miserable dyspeptic -might trace his unhappiness to imprudent acts of sexual -intercourse. From two to three hours after or before eating -a full meal, is the proper time for this business. Both -the body and the mind should be calm and at perfect rest—no -troubles or bickerings should disturb the perfect harmony -of the amorous pair—nor should the thoughts be -allowed to stray away from the matter at issue. Tristram -Shandy tells us that he owed the whole misfortunes of his -life to an idle remark made by his mother at the very moment -of his conception!</p> - -<p>A full enjoyment of sexual intercourse depends as much -upon the proper time chosen, the condition of the parties, -and their mutual sympathies, as upon the fact that they -are really persons of the opposite sex. It should not be -indulged in except when there is a natural desire and a -vigorous impulse. It should be avoided whenever it tends -to produce a depression of spirits, or the least debility. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -should never be indulged in during intoxication, or where -the sexual organs of either party are diseased or out of -order. It ought to be entirely abstained from during six -or seven days after the commencement of the female -monthly turn, and for one month after child-birth. It -would be better, for both mother and child, if no sexual -intercourse was indulged in during the whole period of -suckling her infant, but as that abstinence is not to be expected -from ordinary men, I advise as little connection as -possible during that time. And should connection with a -suckling mother prematurely bring on her menses, (as it -sometimes does,) she must immediately wean her child.</p> - -<p>Female prostitutes never enjoy their sexual connections -with strangers—they are mere passive instruments—while -the male only relieves himself of a superabundance of Semen. -Too frequent intercourse is quite as unnatural; -those who practice it rob themselves of more than half the -pleasure they seek. A man in robust health who has refrained -from sexual pleasures, may, it is true, enjoy such -intercourse once in twenty-four hours for several days together; -but he could not attain the full enjoyment from -one female. He must then rest. I speak of the highest -degree of sexual pleasures. Many newly married couples -give no limit to their indulgences; and it is to such that I -say, you deny yourselves of the real pleasures of married -life. A little philosophy, and some experiments on the -hints given, would render the married state a state of more -refined pleasures than it now presents to a large class of -mankind.</p> - -<p>The particular food which is calculated to stimulate the -sexual organs is shell-fish, or sea fish of any kind, and -turtle, as these generally contain phosphorus. Among -vegetables may be mentioned celery, parsnips, onions, peppers, -asparagus, tomatoes, Lima beans, &c. Mushrooms -and truffles are a stimulant, as is also mint, sage, pennyroyal, -thyme, and spices of all kinds, especially pepper and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> -nutmeg. Canvas-back Duck, in proper season, is of excellent -stimulating qualities; and for puddings, sago, tapioca -and arrowroot. For drinks take porter and strong beer, -wines, or coffee. Spirits are too exhilerating, and cause a -reaction.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="HOW_TO_AVOID_CHILD-GETTING">HOW TO AVOID CHILD-GETTING.</h2> - -<p>The effectual Prevention of Conception is a subject in -which everybody is interested. No class of mankind in -civilized life desires an unlimited number of offspring; -yet Nature has made prevention a somewhat difficult task. -Persons of energy and resolution can, however, fully accomplish -their object in this respect if they will but discard -the notion that the delights of sexual intercourse are -marred by the withdrawal of the male organ just before -the discharge of Semen takes place. This plan injures -neither party, nor does it really diminish the pleasurable -sensations of the connection. If you once form the <i>habit</i> -of withdrawal, you will find it to be a far more desirable -and satisfactory mode than it at first appears. I know -that the plan is discouraged by many physicians, and has -been pronounced a kind of <i>Onanism</i> on the part of the -male; but it is not so. If properly performed, the act of -coition is as pleasurable, as healthy and as complete as it -can be when the Semen is fully injected. The cleanliness -of this practice is also a great desideratim, as females of -any degree of refinement can understand. I would then -suggest to married people the following rule: Always -carry to bed a clean napkin, which is to be kept in the -hand of the male during the nuptial act. It will then be -a very easy matter to place this napkin in a proper position -to receive the Semen on withdrawal, at the instant it -would otherwise be injected into the body of the female. -If you do it at the proper moment, no pleasure is lost to -either party; and habit will soon make you expert in this -respect. This is the most certain mode of preventing conception<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -that can be adopted, but as it cannot be carried out -except by the prompt action of the husband, other plans -are sometimes necessary to give the wife confidence, and -make her feel sure of success. These we will proceed to -explain as minutely as possible.</p> - -<p>The judicious use of an ordinary female syringe, with -cold water alone, or a weak solution of white vitriol or -other stringent in cold water, immediately after coition, -will in most cases prevent conception. The syringe must -be a large one, if made of metal, and should be filled several -times, and its contents injected as far up as possible. -The India-rubber syringe has of late years nearly superseded -metal ones, and is beautifully adapted to the business -of preventing conception. By the use of this article a female -may inject as much fluid as she pleases, through an -elastic tube, quite as far up into her person as is necessary. -The mixture should be prepared beforehand, and, with the -syringe, kept by her bed-side, as success often depends upon -promptness in using it. If used immediately, with a weak -solution, as hereinafter stated, there is very little danger -but that a woman may keep herself safe from child-bearing -as long as she pleases. Solutions of Alum, Sulphate of -Zinc, Chloride of Zinc, Sulphate of Iron, &c., will kill the -animalculæ of the Semen, if injected with sufficient force -and profuseness. If the woman rises <i>instantly</i> and performs -the duty, she will probably be successful. If solutions -are used in preference to pure cold water, it is better -to use water at last as a rinsing process. The use of the -syringe, so far from injuring the female, keeps the part -clean and healthy, and tends to promote general good -health. In commencing this practice, you should first accustom -yourself to the use of cold water by degrees. Use -but little at first, and let it not be too cold. Increase the -quantity and the coldness gradually, until at last the feeling -will be refreshing and agreeable. India-rubber syringes -can be purchased at almost any respectable drug-store in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -New York, at from two to three dollars. We can furnish -the best article to our customers for three dollars. It is an -instrument that every family should keep in the house to -be used in case of sickness, if for no other purpose.</p> - -<p>Either of the following lotions may be used, as we have -explained, in preventing conception. Sulphate of Iron is -the favorite article which our quack doctors recommend. -They usually charge five dollars for an ounce paper of it, -including directions for use; whereas the cost in New -York, at a drug-store, is less than fifty cents a pound.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lotions.</span>—1. Dissolve half an ounce, or more, of pulverized -Alum in two quarts of rain-water. If you can get -Sulphate of Zinc, put in that with the Alum, in equal quantities, -say a quarter of an ounce each.</p> - -<p>2. Two drams (quarter of an ounce) Sulphate of Zinc -in two quarts of soft water. Or, one-third of an ounce -will perhaps do better, if used alone.</p> - -<p>3. Chloride of Zinc, (liquid,) half a fluid ounce to two -quarts of water. You can buy an ounce phial full, and use -half at a time, or a two or four ounce phial, and use in proportion. -If you prefer to make the lotion stronger, it will -do no harm.</p> - -<p>4. Take one and a half to two ounces Sulphate of Iron -and mix it with two quarts of soft water. This is a mixture -which any New York quack will charge you from -three to five dollars for, and will pretend it is a great and -wonderful secret.</p> - -<p>Another plan which the wife may adopt for the prevention -of conception is as follows: Procure a fine sponge at -a drug-store, and cut off a piece of it about the size of a -walnut; then make a fine silk string by twisting together -some threads of sewing silk; tie one end of the string to -the piece of sponge; wet the sponge in a weak solution of -sulphate of iron, or of any of the solutions before mentioned -as fatal to the animalculæ of the Semen. Before connection, -insert the piece of sponge far up into your person.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -You can place it entirely out of the way by the use of a -smooth stick of the proper size and shape. The string -will hang out, but will be no obstacle. After the act is -over, you withdraw the sponge, and if you have a syringe, -use that also. This method is pronounced by some physicians -to be a sure one, and the only objection to it is that -it is apt to mar the pleasure experienced by the wife. -Some of our quack doctors charge five dollars for this information. -It is true, they furnish a certain mysterious -powder to make a mixture of in which to wet the sponge -used; but the powder is nothing more than sulphate of -iron, or some astringent similar to those named by us.</p> - -<p>Coverings for the Penis, which are used in Europe to -avoid contracting sexual diseases from prostitutes, must -necessarily prevent conception. With one of these coverings -(which are now made beautifully with a preparation -of India-rubber) a man may be certain that he will never -impregnate his wife. But the enjoyment of the nuptial -act is not so complete as a naked Penis affords, hence the -covering, or sheath, is not very popular. The cost of the -best article is about three dollars a dozen.</p> - -<p>Some men tie up the scrotum to prevent a discharge -of Semen, and thus hope to avoid impregnating the female; -but this method is exceedingly hurtful, as it forces -the discharge into the bladder, from whence it passes off -with the urine. Such a practice will in a short time so derange -the procreative organs as to send all the Semen into -the bladder as fast as it generates, and the effect on health -will be a wasting away of vitality in the same manner as -if the patient constantly practiced self-pollution.</p> - -<p>I have thus given the only safe methods of preventing -conception that are known. The first one—the withdrawal—is -an art to be acquired by the husband. It is a plan -which every person of good breeding should adopt for its -cleanliness alone, if for no other reason. Once habituated -to this precaution while enjoying the nuptial bed, you will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -wonder how rational beings can pursue a different course. -It is indeed a refinement of social intercourse—a triumph -of mind which thus controls even the laws and instincts -of our nature!</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="EFFECTS_OF_TOO_EARLY_SEXUAL_INTERCOURSE">EFFECTS OF TOO EARLY SEXUAL INTERCOURSE.</h2> - -<p>One of the greatest evils to mankind is a too free sexual -indulgence by young men and boys. It not only injures -their vital powers, but affects their intellects. Parents -should watch their boys to observe whether they are of -amorous temperament. If they are found to be so, a prudent -person can find means to persuade or prevent their -indulgence of sexual passion. If a boy is allowed free and -habitual intercourse with females before he has attained -his growth, it will not only prevent the full development -of his body, but also of his intellect. This is a well known -fact in physiology; and by this very means many youths, -who would otherwise become distinguished, have settled -down into mediocrity, with scarcely sufficient energy of -character to earn a livelihood. In a certain family in one -of the country towns on the Hudson River, three sons were -born. The two oldest afterwards became distinguished -men. It was a family that inherited naturally the fine -talents of their father, combined with the extraordinary -robust and nervous energy of the mother. It was impossible -that such a couple could produce other than intellectual -and vigorous offspring. The third son, up to the -age of twelve or thirteen years, promised to be the flower -of the family. His education was progressing favorably. -He was the pride of his parents. Years rolled along, and -it seemed as though the boy stood still at thirteen or fourteen. -He was amiable, and learned his lessons well enough, -but all the energy and fire of youth seemed to have vanished. -He did not care to join in the manly sports of his -elder brothers, but in a listless and dreamy mood preferred -to stay at home. His parents began to have fears for his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -health, though he did not complain. The father finally -took him to New York, and consulted a physician of eminence. -The doctor asked some questions relative to his -habits, but the simple and candid answers of the lad did -not lead to anything explaining the real cause of his malady. -At parting, the physician said to his father, that if -the lad lived in New York, he should pronounce his case -one of too early sexual indulgence, unless he practiced -the silent vice of Onanism. “Are there no females in -your neighborhood with whom the lad could by any possibility -associate?” inquired the doctor. “He never goes in -company at all,” was the reply. “What servants have -you?” “Two excellent girls who have been years in the -family—the idea of an illicit association there is preposterous.” -“His mother is positive that he does not practice -the solitary habit?” “Yes!” “Well, I can do nothing -for him; but yet I would like to see the boy again. With -your permission I will run up to your place in a week or -two.” “We shall be happy to see you.”</p> - -<p>The doctor found out the secret of the boy’s malady -within twenty-four hours after his arrival. He had cohabited -constantly with one of the maids from the age of -twelve and a half years until he was sixteen! The lad -was saved only because of his youth. He partially outgrew -this severe shock to his nervous system; but yet -never fully developed the intellectual powers with which -Nature had endowed him. Young men who marry too -soon are in the same category. There is not one in a dozen -who is fully developed even at twenty-one years of age.</p> - -<p>The case of the son of Napoleon I., Emperor of the -French, was similar to that above related. At the age of -fifteen or sixteen he began his career of sexual indulgence, -which ended his life at the early age of twenty-one years. -He, too, was an amiable, inoffensive and studious youth—beloved -by his grandfather and by the whole Austrian -Court; and though the son of the most energetic man that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -modern times has produced, yet, from his quiet and effeminate -life, he scarcely attracted the least public attention.</p> - -<p>The present Sultan of Turkey is a living evidence of the -effects of too early indulgence in sexual intercourse. He -is the son of a brave and vigorous soldier, and with proper -culture would doubtless have become a great and good -man. <span class="smcap">Abdul Medjid</span> has been over twenty years on the -Turkish throne, and has hitherto impressed those who -came in contact with him simply as a weak and indolent -young man, with good intentions, but with neither nerve -nor energy to carry them out. It was generally believed, -and with good reason, that in his case, as in that of so -many others of his race, the sensual indulgence begun in -his boyhood had destroyed every trace of masculine decision. -No one who watched his dreamy, listless expression, -and saw his relaxed muscles, and lolling attitude as he -rode on horseback through the streets, could help feeling -that he reigned rather in virtue of foreign support than of -his own ability to command obedience.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="RESULTS_OF_SEXUAL_ABUSES">RESULTS OF SEXUAL ABUSES.</h2> - -<p>It was not our intention in this work to speak of Onanism -and Masturbation. These unnatural practices are so -generally known to be destructive to the sexual powers, -and of health, that young people scarcely need advice on -the subject. But it may be interesting to know the results -of such practices, and of the abuse of the sexual organs -by over indulgence. Some constitutions experience a sort -of consumption which arises from the dorsal portion of -the spinal marrow. No fever accompanies it, the appetite -continues good, but the patient gradually wastes away. -Women thus affected describe a crawling sensation down -the spine. Men lose their seminal fluid in their urine, -having a ringing in the ears, a weakness of vision, near-sightedness, -and their intellectual capacities are weakened -and confused. In short, the whole nervous system is generally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> -prostrated. Excess of venery is likewise the first -exciting cause of many painful diseases, such as rheumatism, -neuralgia, epilepsy, convulsions, &c. Young married -people are apt to indulge too much in sexual intercourse, -and many a man lives a life of misery from ill health originated -in this manner. Women are not affected so much -by over indulgence as by Masturbation. Delicacy not allowing -an ardent woman to tell her husband of her needs, -she is apt to relieve herself by this unnatural practice. -There are, however, but few women who crave sexual intercourse. -The excess is generally on the part of the man. -Moderation in sexual pleasures is the key to health in a -great many cases where the patient is hopelessly lamenting -his sad fate. Sometimes a man will indulge to excess without -experiencing much inconvenience, when suddenly a fit -of palsy or epilepsy prostrates him, and leaves him a hopeless -invalid for life. I remember an interesting case in -point. A man of robust health and strong sexual powers, -married at the age of nineteen. From that time until the -age of forty-five, he lived temperately, was regular in his -habits, and never knew a day of sickness. He had always -the reputation of being fond of a variety of women—indeed, -this seemed to be the one passion of his life, for he -dissipated a handsome property in settling crim. con. suits, -and paying for bastard children. As he advanced in years -his passion seemed to increase, and it was said that he supported -five different mistresses at the time of the occurrence -of the event I am now about to relate. One day -when he was writing a letter, he felt a peculiar twitching -of the forefinger with which he held his pen. This twitching -sensation increased so much that he called on me for -advice. I replied, “Let the women alone, for that is a -symptom of palsy.” Within two days thereafter he was -struck down and lost the use of his hands, his right arm, -and partially of his right side. Ten years have passed, -and this man, who had previously enjoyed excellent health,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -is still as helpless as on the first day of his misfortune. He -has consulted distinguished physicians—American, French -and German—but there is no help for him. All agree that -relief is impossible, but that he may live for many years -an imbecile, palsied man.</p> - -<p>To sum up: If you wish to maintain your intellectual -faculties intact—to enjoy good health—to be cheerful in -the decline of life—to keep your strength, your imagination, -your memory, and your eye-sight unimpaired, refrain -from too frequent intercourse with women. Once a week -is quite often enough for this indulgence, and more than -twice a week is positively hurtful. Some men may sneer -at this advice, perhaps; but to such we say, look back upon -your life. Are you as perfect, both physically and intellectually, -as you would have been had you curbed your -sexual desires?</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="POSITION_DURING_SEXUAL_INTERCOURSE">POSITION DURING SEXUAL INTERCOURSE.</h2> - -<p>There is one phase of sexual matters that physiological -writers seldom allude to, but which should be understood -by married people, viz.: the position of their bodies during -the nuptial act. Any unnatural performance of this act -is apt to impair the health of the female, and many women -have been seriously injured and rendered miserable for life -by the beastliness of their husbands in this respect. Unnatural -positions will cause derangements and bearing -down of the womb, produce fluor albus, or whites, and -sometimes will originate tumors and fungi in the private -parts. A woman of delicate mould and constitution might -be fatally injured in this manner; and no female, however -robust, can enjoy sexual intercourse except in the position -intended by Nature. For a full and perfect enjoyment of -sexual pleasures, there must be first a mutual fondness or -sentimental feeling, called love. Where this does not exist, -the married pair should, in their associations, endeavor to -be in as good humor as possible, and to tolerate each other’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> -caresses with the hope that love may grow between them. -Marriages have occurred where the bride felt an antipathy -almost amounting to disgust towards the embraces of her -husband, but afterwards, on a close intimacy and free acquaintance, -became not only reconciled, but really fond of -him. Delicacy and watchfulness on the part of the husband -will often enable him to make himself agreeable to a -woman who at first has no sympathy with him whatever. -From the peculiar organization of females, there are times -when a husband’s caresses may be unpleasant and irksome -even to a loving wife: if he is reasonable and consciencious, -he will not fail to observe this, and will abstain from -intruding on her privicy on such occasions.</p> - -<p>A man who will force his caresses upon his wife can be -ranked only with “the brutes that perish.” Of this class -also are those who “go in unto their wives” after the -manner of brutes. The natural position to which we have -alluded suggests itself to every married pair who possess -the most remote particle of love for each other. But to -make it unmistakable, we would say, that the female -should lie upon her back, with her legs straight down—or -if the legs are raised, they should be but slightly elevated. -All other positions are unnatural and unhealthy. I could -illustrate this fact by several cases in point, but the details -are too disgusting. Suffice it then to say, that I have -known females suffering from painful diseases caused by -sexual connection in a standing position—in a position -where their partners approached them from behind, and -also in one case where the woman was forced or persuaded -to lie on her back with her knees up against her chest. -No female can desire such intercourse as this, because she -cannot enjoy it. It is therefore the libidinous antics of her -companion that compels her to it. Very few men of decent -breeding require the caution I have here given, but if there -be half-a-dozen who profit by it, I shall be compensated for -thus alluding to a delicate subject.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="DISPOSITION_AND_INTELLECTHOW_FORMED">DISPOSITION AND INTELLECT—HOW FORMED.</h2> - -<p>It is wisely ordered by Nature that genius, and a high -order of intellect, shall not, as a general rule, descend to -children. If mankind could impart to offspring an intellectual -superiority, we should probably have too many -geniuses in the world, and too few workers. The animal -propensities, the peculiar disposition, the various passions, -the form, features, &c.—these, and other peculiarities of -parents are always transmitted to their children; but that -lofty, soul-inspiring sentimentality which enlarges the reasoning -faculties and bestows mental distinction upon its recipients, -seems to be a peculiar gift from the Deity itself.</p> - -<p>Some physiologists assert that Nature does not endow -the children of distinguished men so bountifully as those -of less exalted capacities, and assign as a reason that great -minds have their weaknesses and their follies, which are -apt to show themselves in a marked manner at the moment -they are begetting their children. I do not endorse -this doctrine, but suspect that men are beholden rather to -their mothers than to their paternal parents for whatever -intellectual gifts God, in his wisdom, has bestowed upon -them. A healthy, well developed, and naturally intelligent -woman will have smart and intellectual children, even -though her husband may be a ninny. If you want intelligent -children, then, look you out a wife who has a soul -above street yarn and love stories. But should you select -the best woman from a thousand, you will scarcely find in -her a wife capable of breeding you a very moderate genius. -It is thought by some people that the state of the intellect at -the moment of the nuptial act marks the mind of the child. -I do not believe this; for if a crop of geniuses could be -raised by minds specially tutored for the occasion, who -doubts but that the world would be full of them?</p> - -<p>In looking for a mother for his children, a man should -seek a woman of different temperament from himself. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -he is lymphatic and good natured, let him find a wife who -is nervous and irritable; and <i>vice versa</i>. If he be of a sandy -complexion, or fair-haired, with blue eyes, let him choose -one of those luscious brunettes, with flashing black eyes, -and a resolution as firm as a rock. On the contrary, if he -be dark complexioned, impatient and passionate, let him -sacrifice and enslave a mild and blue-eyed blonde of the -cold North. Choose you always a woman of intellect, -and if with that, you have one of a temperament and complexion -opposite to your own, your children will be distinguished -for something—they will not live a life of drudgery -and dependence—and they <i>may be</i> geniuses. The selection -of a conjugal partner is one of the most important events -of life, in either man or woman. Too little attention is -generally paid to it.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="THE_TEMPERAMENTSHOW_DISTINGUISHED">THE TEMPERAMENTS—HOW DISTINGUISHED.</h2> - -<p>In the course of this treatise we have alluded to the -Temperaments of different individuals, and it may therefore -be interesting to describe them. A person of a Lymphatic -temperament has a languid, good-natured look, -sleepy eyes, and the face is soft, round and full. A Sanguine -temperament is represented by an earnest, anxious -countenance, large intelligent eyes, prominent nose, robust -health, and a strong constitution. The Bilious temperament -usually presents a strong marked countenance, yellow -skin, bulging eyes, projecting lips, full muscular habit, -and not very fleshy. Persons of Nervous temperament -are usually (though not always) thin and spare: their features -are firm set, lines of countenance harsh, constitution -delicate, and intellectual qualities of the first order.</p> - -<p>Men of genius may be ranked as follows: Sanguine-nervous -are usually great writers, divines, musicians, or artists. -Sanguine-bilious, great generals, politicians, statesmen, inventors, -business men, or distinguished in any calling requiring -much energy and industry. Sanguine-lymphatic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -are frequently persons of great talent, enterprise, and distinction, -and are generally long lived; but they seldom -make any considerable display of their abilities, or become -men of mark.</p> - -<p>Lazy, inefficient and irresolute people, are in most cases -constitutionally so from a lack of sanguinity in their temperaments. -Some men and women are so constituted that -they never can rise above drudges in society; for if they -are industrious they have no confidence in themselves.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="THE_NATURAL_LAWS_OF_MARRIAGE_AND_OF_THE_TEMPERAMENTS">THE NATURAL LAWS OF MARRIAGE, AND OF THE TEMPERAMENTS.</h2> - -<p>It is well known that marriages between near relatives -produce unhealthy and imperfect children, but the causes -of such a result are not generally understood. These -causes extend far beyond the circle of a family, for it is -quite as improper for two persons of the same temperament -to marry, as it would be for a brother and a sister. -The laws of the Temperaments of the human family may -be enumerated as follows:</p> - -<p>1st. When both parties to a marriage are constitutionally -the same, there will probably be no children.</p> - -<p>2d. The vital elements are incompatible with each other, -and if children are born to parents who are alike in this -respect, they will probably be idiotic, or rachitic.<a name="FNanchor_1" id="FNanchor_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>3d. When parties who marry are nearly alike—if their -temperaments differ only in part—they will have children -who may live to adult age, but who will then probably die -of tubercular phthisis (consumption). In illustration of -this, I have known whole families of children to be taken -off by consumption between the ages of twenty-two and -twenty-seven years, where this disease had not previously -existed in the families of the parents or their progenitors.</p> - -<p>4th. If the constitutions of a married couple assimilate -to the extent of one-half, their children will be apt to die<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> -before the first seven years. The diseases of such children -are tubercles in the glands of the intestines, or in the membranes -of the brain.</p> - -<p>5th. When persons marry who are alike in temperament, -and whose constitutions materially differ, a majority -of their children will be still-born, and none will probably -live to be two years old.</p> - -<p>6th. When one of the parties to a marriage is exclusively -vital, and the other similar, but of a nervous and melancholy -turn, the children will generally be promising.</p> - -<p>7th. To produce smart and healthy children, one of the -parties should be of sanguine-bilious temperament, with -good vitality, and the other of a quiet, lymphatic turn.</p> - -<p>Scrofulous forms of disease result exclusively from marriages -illustrated by the first five laws above given. More -than half the children that die are those of constitutionally -incompatible parents. People who live in health to a good -old age, owe more to their parents giving them a sound -constitution than to any efforts of their own to preserve -health. So many diseases are traced by skillful physicians -to improper marriages, that the study of Physiology, and -of the human temperaments, seems to be as necessary to -young people as the most common branches of education.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the human race, marriages are oftener -contracted from instinct than from motives of policy; and -individuals of opposite temperaments are apt to experience -that natural attraction towards each other that results in -marriage. But marriages of interest are still occurring sufficiently -frequent to fill our lunatic, idiot, and deaf-and-dumb -asylums, and we are glad to notice that the subject is attracting -attention, and that new laws are proposed to prevent -the marriage of blood relatives.</p> - -<p>It is also proper to state that there should not be an extreme -disproportion in stature between a married pair. A -delicate, slightly formed, small woman, whose pelvis is -small, should not marry a large robust man. If she does,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -her offspring will be too large for her to bring into the -world without much suffering, and sometimes mutilation, -and destruction of health. This is also the fate of many -girls of small stature who become mothers at too early an -age, and before the hip and other bones, which form the -cavity through which the infant comes into the world, is -sufficiently developed.</p> - -<p>Early marriages (if not too early) are better than late -ones, for the natural state of mankind, after puberty, is a -rational association of the two sexes. Woman was adorned -by Providence with her graces and charms to delight -the opposite sex, and she possesses those graces in full perfection -only while she is young. At that period she is -indued with power to give and to inherit a sort of terrestrial -paradise, to multiply her species, and to become matron, -queen, and mother. Her early ripeness proves that -it was the intention of Providence that mankind, while -young, should settle in matrimony, and exercise those gifts -which reproduce their equals. In many young people the -marriage state, when properly enjoyed, augments the energies -of the sanguineous system; the distended arteries -carry warmth and animation through the body; the muscles -become vigorous; the walk is more free; the voice -firmer—in short, both men and women by this means improve -their health, strength and beauty, and assist the development -of their intellectual faculties.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"> -<div class="footnote"> -<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Softening and distortion of the bones.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="ON_THE_INFLUENCE_OF_VITAL_FORCE">ON THE INFLUENCE OF VITAL FORCE.</h2> - -<p>The base of the brain is the source and foundation of -motion, thinking, and feeling in the human body. The -breadth of it indicates the vigor, and its depth the tenacity -of life. Men generally have the base of the brain more -developed than women, and as a consequence exhibit, in -both body and mind, more of what is called force of character. -A man whose brain is very full at the base, seldom, -if ever, suffers from chronic forms of disease, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -never dies from consumption, except in old age when the -brain is decayed. His ailings will be confined to inflammatory -diseases, gout and rheumatism. Men of this class -are never drudges. They are usually energetic, either for -good or evil, and are more apt to be leaders of their fellow-men -than otherwise. Vital force is as necessary to the promotion -of health as pure blood. Those who are deficient -of it sooner or later become afflicted with some functional -form of disease. Intellectual men of this class usually -pursue the profession of a minister, a physician or a college -professor, though they make very indifferent doctors -or teachers. They do not possess sufficient force or energy -of character to make their talents and worth appreciated -by the multitude. The trustees of schools and colleges -employ them without making any inquiries as to their -ability to govern youth, and the consequence is frequent -difficulties and fruitless disputes with their pupils.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="TENACITY_OF_LIFE_AND_LONGEVITY">TENACITY OF LIFE AND LONGEVITY.</h2> - -<p>The depth of the base of the brain is a true index of -vital tenacity, or duration of life in any individual. This -depth varies in different persons from less than a quarter -of an inch up to an inch and a quarter.<a name="FNanchor_2" id="FNanchor_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> A full inch in -an individual fifty years of age indicates a life of eighty or -ninety years. One-half to five-eighths of an inch shows -that though the person may live many years, yet he has -not the vital power to resist formidable assaults of disease. -And those persons whose base of brain presents a depth -of less than half an inch, must be exceedingly careful of -their health, and may expect to die from the most trivial -cause. On the contrary, those with three-fourths of an -inch, and above it, will probably survive the most powerful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -attacks of disease. The base of the brain, being the -seat of vitality in all animals, the exact size of it shows -the quantum of life possessed by any individual. Hereditary -diseases may be excepted, in certain cases.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"> -<div class="footnote"> -<p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Take a piece of twine and pass it from the outer corner of each eye -around the back of the head, letting it touch the most projecting protuberance -on the hind part of the skull. The distance between this line -and the ear-hole gives the depth alluded to.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="HOW_TO_DETECT_PREGNANCY">HOW TO DETECT PREGNANCY.</h2> - -<p>Almost every married woman considers the stoppage -of her usual monthly turns a warning that she is in the -family way; and this will hold true in nine cases out of -ten. Nevertheless, in some women the menses continue -for a couple of months or more after impregnation takes -place. So, also, there are many other causes for the suppression -of the menses, and the failure of the monthly turn -is not, therefore, conclusive evidence of impregnation. -Other peculiarities may be noticed which will go to confirm -the fact, and one is an enlargement of the neck. Singular -as this may appear, it is true: and some married ladies -keep the exact measure of their necks so as to be able to -detect this sign. Pains similar to colic, fainting fits, shuddering -and creeping of the skin, longings for unusual food -and drinks, loss of appetite, morning sickness, fretfulness -and peevishness, hysteria, and a dozen other changes in -the feelings, temper or desires of a woman, are strong presumptive -signs of conception.</p> - -<p>The breasts, being always in sympathy with the womb, -usually begin to enlarge a little, the nipples become hard, -and their color turns from the usual delicate pink to a -chestnut brown, with little dots or pimples on the circle. -This alteration in the nipple must be closely observed to -indicate positive pregnancy, as it frequently becomes dark -from other causes. The hue occasioned by conception is -peculiar to itself, and is a sure indication that gestation has -commenced.</p> - -<p>Soon after conception, in some females, the face and eyelids -will swell; and many girls are suspected from this -cause alone by their more experienced sisters. Others<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -are warned of their condition by flying pains, palpitations, -&c., and by pains at the top of the head. If the urine be -kept in a clean vessel for several days, and a white scum -arises at the top, this is considered by some physicians as -conclusive evidence of pregnancy.</p> - -<p>When a woman has become pregnant, the white line -on the abdomen, extending from the navel to the pubis, -becomes darker, and the navel itself swells out a little. -The mucus membrane which lines the Vagina, which is -usually of a delicate rose color, turns blue or purple.</p> - -<p>The above are the most prominent and conclusive evidences -of conception during the first three months, though -some of them may not be experienced until a later period. -At the end of thirteen weeks the enlargement of the -womb begins to develop itself so as to leave no doubt -whatever of the interesting situation of the lady. In some -cases even this enlargement is the result of other causes; -and should a doubt exist, an examination by a physician, -or any experienced person who can feel the mouth of the -womb with a finger, will determine the state of the case. -The mouth closes and contracts together immediately after -conception, and this condition of it can be easily detected -if the finger be applied in the right place. If the mouth -of the womb is not closed, then the enlargement is surely -from other causes.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="LABOR_AND_CHILD-BIRTH">LABOR AND CHILD-BIRTH.</h2> - -<p>A healthy and natural birth usually takes place after -the fifteenth day of the ninth month of pregnancy. It may -be delayed until the end of the month, but is seldom so -protracted. Shortly before labor is to commence, the belly -sinks, and the hitherto snug-fitting dress will become loose. -This is caused by the descent of the womb into the bottom -of the belly. The motions and weight of the child are -also felt to be lower than usual, and if in a natural position, -the head will fall down to the orifice of the womb,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -and press upon it. This drives forward the membranes -which restrain the water at the orifice, and at the proper -moment they break, and labor then commences.</p> - -<p>Labor is caused by involuntary contractions of the uterus -and abdominal muscles. By their force the liquor -amnii flows out, the head of the fœtus is engaged in the -pelvis, it goes through it, and soon passes out by the valve, -the folds of which disappear. These different phenomena -take place in succession, and continue a certain time: they -are accompanied with pains more or less severe, with -swelling and softening of the soft parts of the pelvis and -external genital parts, and with an abundant mucous secretion -in the cavity of the vagina. All these circumstances, -each in its own way, favor the passage of the fœtus.</p> - -<p>The precursory signs of labor are as follows: Two or -three days before it is to commence, a flow of mucus takes -place from the vagina, and the external genital parts swell -and become softer: it is the same with the ligaments that -unite the bones of the pelvis; the mouth of the womb -flattens, its opening is enlarged, its edges become thinner, -and slight pains, known under the name of <i>flying pains</i>, -are felt in the loins and abdomen. At the next stage pains -begin to be felt in the lower part of the back, or lumbar -region, and tend towards the womb, or the rectum: these -occur at intervals of fifteen to thirty minutes, and each is -accompanied with contraction of the womb, and tension -of its neck, which begins to open. If a finger is now introduced -into the vagina, a considerable tumor may be -felt, which is a protrusion of the membrane coverings of -the fœtus, containing the first waters. The pains gradually -become stronger up to the time when the membranes break, -and labor actually begins.</p> - -<p>The uterus now contracts on itself, and is applied to the -surface of the fœtus. Soon the pains and contractions of -the uterus increase considerably, and are accompanied by -the contraction of the abdominal muscles. The woman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -should favor this state of things by making all the muscular -efforts in her power, (straining.) As the labor progresses, -her pulse will become stronger and more frequent; -her face becomes animated; her eyes grow brighter; her -whole body is in extreme agitation; perspiration flows in -abundance; until the head of the child descends into the -lower strait of the pelvis.</p> - -<p>At this stage there is a discharge of whitish matter from -the vagina, and pains occur which extend from the small -of the back, or loins, and the groins, down towards the -front, or private parts; and sometimes the membranes will -even protrude through the external opening. Presently a -strong pain comes on, crack go the membranes, the liquor -amnii gushes out with a rush, deluging the bed. After -this there are longer intervals between the pains, and on -the midwife’s introducing her finger, she can feel the head -of the child. As the pains increase in intensity, the patient -is apt to scream, though some women of firmness -will suppress their feelings: she lays hold of a towel, -which is commonly fastened to the bed-post for this purpose, -and bears down with all her might: her pulse now is -rapid, and her skin is hot; the process still goes bravely -on; the pains are now more frequent, stronger and lasting.</p> - -<p>The head of the child now gradually descends lower -and lower in the vagina until it presses on the perinœum, -or outer edge of the private part adjoining the anus. In -this stage of the labor an inexperienced midwife would -think that a few pains more would expel the child, but -although the head rests upon the perinœum, and shows -itself at the external orifice, yet it may be some hours before -it is expelled, more especially if it is a first child; but -if the second or third, half-a-dozen more pains will generally -be sufficient to complete the process.</p> - -<p>During this time the woman usually suffers some from -head-ache, looks intensely red in the face, and often experiences -a trembling of the lower limbs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> - -<p>The outer passage will now begin to enlarge gradually, -and the head appears. When it is advanced as far as its -ears, it is said to be “in the passage.” When the birth -has advanced one-third, the midwife may assist the expulsion -if she chooses, though Nature alone would accomplish -it. When the child is born, the midwife should lay it upon -her knees, with its face down, so as to give exit to the -mucus, waters, &c., from the mouth, if any has been imbibed, -which is most generally the case.</p> - -<p>Now that the child is born, there is a freedom from pain -and the mother feels rejoiced at the sudden transition from -severe suffering to comparative ease. In about ten minutes -she again begins to experience pains, which are, however, -slight, or less violent than before, in the region of the uterus, -coming and going about every five minutes. On examination, -the accoucheuse will find a quantity of clotted -blood expelled, and on passing up the finger along the -cord, she will discover the after-birth, or placenta, as it is -called, forced into the upper part of the vagina. If not -attached to the womb, which is easily known by carefully -pulling at the cord, the midwife will separate it gently, by -introducing her hand. The navel-string must be divided -as soon as the child is born; which may be done with a -pair of scissors, having first tied a string as well on the -child’s side of the cord as the mother’s, to prevent hemorrhage. -The placenta being taken away, the labor is now -over.</p> - -<p>An hour after, let the mother take a little oil of sweet -almonds, to ease the after pains; and let a poultice of oil -of sweet almonds, and two or three new-laid eggs, be boiled -together, and laid to the parts, renewing at every six -hours for two days. Fifteen days after the birth, the parts -may be bathed with an astringent decoction of red roses, -alum, or nut-galls in red wine, in order to brace them. -The following is the formula I usually employ: Red-rose-leaves, -1 ounce; Alum, 2 drams; Ordinary Claret, half a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -pint. Put them into a sauce-pan and let them boil for five -or ten minutes. After having stood for fifteen or twenty -minutes to cool, strain, and apply warm to the parts.</p> - -<p>The above is a brief description of a healthy delivery; -and such are the usual ones. In some cases, however, the -labor may be tedious and difficult, when the lower part of -the belly must be covered with a flannel cloth dipped in a -hot decoction of bitter herbs, as tanzy, hops, wormwood -and catnep, of each a small handful, to which put three -pints of equal parts vinegar and water; boil for half an -hour in a covered vessel. Wring the flannel out and apply -warm over the region of the womb, which will relieve the -tension and ease the pain, besides gently stimulating the -uterus to contract more forcibly on its contents, whereby -the labor is facilitated.</p> - -<p>Stimulating injections by the bowels, may now and then -be administered—especially if the woman be at all costive. -The midwife should also push back with her longest finger -the os coxygis, which tends to excite the labor and ease -the pain. If the parts are in a stiff, straitened condition, -as in the first child, especially if the woman is not young, -emollient liniments are to be used, and the parts must be -anointed with fresh butter or oil, and to be dilated gently -with the hand. If there is a tumor, carbuncle, or membrane -opposing the birth, the assistance of an experienced -surgeon is required.</p> - -<p>Always in difficult labors, the patient should be made as -cheerful as possible by her friends, by the recital of lively -and amusing anecdotes, and by every species of encouragement -in their power; as a depressed and melancholy state -of mind invariably retards the labor.</p> - -<p>Women in labor, who have a languid circulation and a -weak constitution, are benefited by cordials and good nourishment. -Let half a glass of wine be given every two -hours, which will invigorate the system, and render the -action of the uterus more powerful.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> - -<p>If the feet present first, the midwife must be very cautious -lest there be twins, and lest she should take a foot of -each. The feet must be wrapped in a dry napkin, and the -child must be drawn gently, till the waist is in the orifice -of the uterus. Then the infant’s hands must be drawn -down close to the sides; and if the nose be turned towards -the pubic bone in front, it should be placed in an opposite -direction to prevent any obstacle. If the chin is embarrassed, -the midwife must disengage it, by putting her finger -into the mouth, in order to turn to advantage. In case the -infant’s head presents across the passage, or laterally, it -must be gently thrust back, and carefully turned to its -natural situation. If the shoulder presents, the same <i>tact</i> -and talent must be employed, although the difficulty is -greater. If the belly, hip, or thigh appears first, the child -must be extricated by gentle traction made at the feet, and -the mother must lie flat on her back. If one or both hands -are directed upward, above the head, and lie close to it, the -case is not so bad as some would apprehend; for they will -keep the orifice equally dilated till the head passes, and -thus prevent strangling.</p> - -<p>When the fœtus dies before the time of birth, and the -membranes are not yet ruptured, it will not putrefy; therefore -the work must be left to Nature, for the pains of labor -will at length come on spontaneously. Baudelocque says, -if the navel-cord first appears, and is compressed soon after -by the head of the infant, its life is in danger; and the -remedy is to return the infant, and reduce the cord, till the -head fills the opening. But if this cannot be done, the woman -must be put in a suitable posture, and the child must -be extracted by the feet.</p> - -<p>When the <i>placenta</i> first presents itself, which is known -by its spongy, soft texture, and the great quantity of blood -flowing at the same time, it requires speedy assistance. -If the membranes are entire, they should be broken, the -placenta and membranes should be returned into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -uterus, and the child be extracted by the feet (which is -more readily effected in the membranes than in the uterus), -and put into a proper situation. When there is a great -flow of blood from untoward accidents, the infant should -be immediately delivered by art, though the mother be not -in true labor.</p> - -<p>I would caution all how they use the instruments when -the mouth of the womb is not fully opened, and never to -resort to them unless actually compelled to do so by some -serious danger which is to be apprehended from delay. -Many cases of this kind do occur, it is true, in large cities, -if one happens to have a large practice in this branch of -the Healing Art.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="ABORTIONS_AND_MISCARRIAGES">ABORTIONS AND MISCARRIAGES.</h2> - -<p>The anxiety of a woman who desires to avoid pregnancy -will often lead her to such dangerous extremes that -she is ready to risk health, and even life itself, rather than -become a mother. Hence she earnestly seeks the means -to destroy her unborn child. When this is done so early -that the fœtus cannot live, it is called an abortion. After -the sixth or seventh month, it is a miscarriage. Abortions -are always dangerous, though some females get over them -without much suffering or harm. The most propitious -periods for an abortion are at three, five, and six months. -Both abortions and miscarriages are brought about by -irregularities of conduct, such as too eager gratification of -sexual desires, remaining too long in a warm bath, lacing -the corsets too tight, violent exercise, such as dancing, -riding a hard trotting horse, romping, jumping long distances, -&c. Any of these imprudences will be apt to kill -the fœtus, which will soon thereafter be expelled from the -womb. Women know the moment the fœtus dies, for it -falls to the bottom of the abdomen and lies there a dead -weight, feeling like a foreign substance in the body.</p> - -<p>Sudden and unexpected violence, such as falling down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -stairs, or being knocked down unexpectedly, will produce -abortion or miscarriage, but as these mishaps would be a -severe shock to the nervous system, they endanger the life -of the mother. Any unnatural efforts to produce abortion, -such as forcing the mouth of the womb, or taking powerful -medicines, are also dangerous, as these may cause flooding -that cannot be stopped. Bleeding too freely will bring -on an abortion in some women, and on others will have -no effect.</p> - -<p>Ergot of Rye is sometimes given by physicians to produce -abortion in the early stages of gestation. It is the -diseased seeds of the common rye, called grown rye. It -acts specifically on the uterus, or womb, increasing its contractile -energy. Ergot is not only a powerful promoter of -abortions and miscarriages, but it is given to women as a -stimulant to uterine action during labor, and also to check -hemorrhage. The dose, in powder, is fifteen to twenty -grains repeated every twenty minutes until the desired -effect is produced, or until one dram is taken. Or, a dram -of ergot may be infused in four fluid ounces of boiling water, -and one-third taken as a dose, and the other two doses -(if necessary) at intervals of twenty minutes. On some -women it will produce not only abortion at three or five -months, but even a miscarriage, particularly when the -fœtus is male. There is no doubt that many women can -escape child-bearing by the use of ergot, but it would be -better for any one to get it from her family physician, who -would know something of her constitution, than to pay a -hundred times its worth to a quack, and perhaps endanger -life or health by taking more than is prudent, and at an -improper time. Oil of Tansey is another article used to -bring on the monthly turn, and in some cases it will stop -the course of gestation if taken at the time the turn is due. -Two or three drops only are necessary for a dose. In some -women, a considerable dose will cause a miscarriage at -three months.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> - -<p>Abortions are sometimes produced under the direction -of physicians by inserting a small hand up into the Vagina, -and feeling for the mouth of the Womb with the finger. -A little extract of Belladonna is used to promote the relaxation -of its mouth, and by the most gentle means possible -the finger may force a passage, when flooding at once ensues, -and the fœtus will generally be expelled soon after. -Women who submit to this operation run some risk of -losing their lives, and hence a physician will seldom endanger -his reputation by advising it, except in extreme -perilous cases.</p> - -<p>Abortions and Miscarriages being in collision with Nature’s -laws, should never be resorted to except in extreme -cases, and then only under medical advice.</p> - -<hr /> - -<h2 id="APHRODISIACS_OR_LOVE_POWDERS">APHRODISIACS, OR LOVE POWDERS.</h2> - -<p>Many quack doctors advertise medicines to stimulate -the procreative powers, and thus create a desire for sexual -intercourse. These are sold at enormous prices, and are -often useless, for the reason that the venders of them cannot -know anything at all of their patients, and must fix -the dose so as to suit the most delicate temperament for -fear of injurious effects. The drugs used for this purpose -are sold by every apothecary, and indeed at almost any -country store. We will mention some of them:</p> - -<p><i>Cannabis Indica</i> is the principal article used in making -love powders. It acts powerfully on the nerves, excites -the sexual organs, and increases their activity. The quantity -to be taken differs with different persons—too large a -dose producing extraordinary excitement and sexual desire, -which is followed by corresponding prostration, both -mental and physical. The proper use of this drug is not -detrimental to health.</p> - -<p><i>Phosphorus</i> is another article used in making preparations -to excite the sexual organs. It has a disagreeable -smell, and must necessarily be disguised as much as possible.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -It is powerful in its effects, and has frequently been -known to excite women so furiously as to make them discard -all prudence and abandon themselves to licentious -indulgence. Phosphorated Oil of Almonds, flavored with -bergamot, can be introduced into almost any gelatinous -substance to disguise the taste of the phosphorus. Dose, -from five to ten drops of the oil.</p> - -<p><i>Ether</i> will affect some females very curiously, making -them amorous and imparting a strong desire to cohabit -with their husbands. On some, again, it has no such effect -at all. The dose of Nitrous Ether is from ten to forty -drops; or if you prefer Sweet Spirits of Nitre, take half a -fluid dram up to twelve drams.</p> - -<p><i>Strong Coffee</i> is a direct stimulant of the generative organs, -and if taken in large quantities does not fail to produce -marked effects.</p> - -<p><i>Ergot of Rye</i> is taken by some women to bring on their -expected monthly turn when they fear they may have become -pregnant. It acts as a stimulant and an invigorater -of the sexual powers. Dose, in powder, fifteen to twenty -grains.</p> - -<p><i>Saltpetre</i> acts also as a stimulant to the sexual organs, -and causes a desire to cohabit. It is taken in daily doses -of five to ten grains, in the form of purified Nitrate of -Potassa.</p> - -<p><i>Cantharides</i>, or Spanish Flies, is a direct stimulant of the -sexual feeling in some people. It is taken as a tincture, in -doses of ten to twenty drops, and should be used with -great caution.</p> - -<p class="titlepage">THE END.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Book of Nature, by James Ashton - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOOK OF NATURE *** - -***** This file should be named 62705-h.htm or 62705-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/7/0/62705/ - -Produced by Turgut Dincer and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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