Children : their hydropathic management in health and disease a descriptive and practical work designed as a guide for families and physicians

Front matter

22101662982

CHILDREN:

THEIR

Introduction

Ost of thj saddest of all pictures to be seen in human life, is that of the great amount of mortality in infancy and childhood. Let us, for a moment, look at the facts.

According to the " Annual Report of the Registrar General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, in England," presented to Parliament for the years ending June 80th, 1838, and June 30th, 1839, it appeared that more than one third of the total number of dczi.'.a occurred under two years of age, the exact proportion being 342.64 per 1,000 of the deaths registered.

In Belgium, where the returns are made out with great accuracy, and where the population is in possession of a high degree of domestic comfort and general intelligence, the mortality of infancy is found to be also very great. According to M. Quetelet, 22,472 in every 100,000 die within twelve months after birth ; and 2010.4 in 100,000, or more than two in every seven die within the fast two yeans.

According to the Belgian tables, it also appears that one in every ten infant? bom alive, is cut off within the first month ; and that among male children born in towns, only G ,738 in every 10,000, or little more than half, are alive at the end of five years.

In the city of Manchester, England, matters arc still worse than

INTRODUCTION.

in Belgium; for out of every 1,000 deaths of males, 496 were of children, under three years of age, as appeared by the registrar's second Report.

In England, during the year ending June 30th, 1839, the mortality within the first year of life was 218.5 per 1,000 of deaths.

In Prussia, during the period from 1820 to 1828, the mortality within the first year was in the proportion of 26,944 in 100,000 of deaths.

In France, in 1802, the mortality within the same age was 21,457. to the 100,000 of deaths.

In Amsterdam, during the period from 1818 to 1829, the number of deaths within the first year, was 23,735 to 100,000 of tho mortality.

In Sweden, in 1821-25, the mortality in the first year was 22,453 per 100,000 of deaths.

According to the Registrar's Second Report in England, it appears (from Dr. Combe's estimate) that in the city of Manchester and its suburb, Salford, that out of 9,276 deaths, 2,384, or about one fourth, occurred under one year of age; 3,680, or more than one third, under two years; and 5,145, or considerably more than one half, under five years of age.

In the city of New York a similar state of things exists ; and in the American cities generally, the results, if we had the means of knowing at hand, would be found to be about the same as those of the metropolis. I have made the estimates from the City Inspec tor's Report for four years, and which are as follows :

The number of deaths, including the still-born, in the city </ New York in the year 1847, was 15,788. Of those there were, one year and under, 4,116, or more than one fourth of the whole mortality ; 1,835 between one and two years of age, and 1,422 from two to five, making in all 7,373; so that very nearly one haV

INTRODUCTION'.

Vll the whole mortality occurred among those under five years of age- In 1848, the number of deaths, including the still-born, was 15,919. The number of deaths of children under one year of ag? ■was 3,547, or nearly one fourth; from one to two years, 1,806; and from two to five, 1 ,494, making of children under five years of age, 6,847, or nearly one half the total mortality.

The number of deaths, including still-born, during the year 1849, was 23,773 ; the number of deaths of children under five years of age for the same year, was nine thousand and fifty-seven ; and, notwithstanding this was the year in which epidemic cholera prevailed — a disease which attacks adults more than children — tly mortality of the latter under five years of age, was as usual neativ fcalf the aggregate number of deaths. The number of deaths under -as Tiar of age was 4,652, or about one fifth of the total mortality Jhe number of deaths, including the still-born, in 1850, w<« i i,jJ78 ; the number or deaths of children under five years of age for the same vear was 8,052, being very nearly one half of the mortality Of these, 4,279, about one fourth of the whole number of deaths, were under one year of age.

It appears, then, from all well-attested authority, that in the civilized world as a whole, about one third of the race perish within the first three years of existence, and one half during the first £r» vears. Now, we know, not only fron analogy, but from t' o facta of experience, that this mortality of infancy docs not constitute a necessary part of the arrangements of the Creator, but is owing almost entirely to circumstances which lay within the sphere of man's control. It is mainly, though not wholly, I admit, through our ignorance and mismanagement in regard to fulfilling tlu> of Divine Providence, that such a result is found to obtain. It is the object of the following work to instruct those who ar« yiii INTRODUCTION. .

interested & tnis subject in regard to the management and diseases of children. A very considerable amount of labor has been expended upon it; and if it shall be found in some degree useful to those for whom it is intended, the author will have the satisfaction of knowing that he has not labored in vain

It has been objected, on the part of some, that the people are not benefited by the publication of popular works on the subject of health. This objection comes oftenest from those who are sup- . posed to be most interested in the premises ; namely, from physicians themselves. But, let us look at the matter a little.

How often, in the present state of knowledge, docs it happen that a child sickens, and, before the parents are aware of it, the patient has passed to a dangerous state. The physician is called, .t is true, but too late to save life. How much better, then, would it have been for both parents and physician if they had possessed the knowledge which would have caused them to seek mescal aid at a proper time.

Again : if a physician is obliged to practice among the ignorant he is never safe ; at one time his efforts to save life may be unduly appreciated, that is, he may receive far more credit than is due him, while at another time he may do all that it is in the power of human art and benevolence to do, and yet be blamed for his want of success. And not only may he be blamed, but even subjected to the disgrace, trouble, and expense of a prosecution at law for mal-practice. Now all this is very hard to suffer, provided a man has done the best that could be in a given case, and suchthmgsdo every now and then happen in the practice of that noble calling, the healing art.

The pl-u* U-uth then is, that the more we disseminate knowledge „ the subject of health theater for all concerned. We neednot

INTRODUCTION.

ix he afraid that any one will lca:n too much. The more the public mow concerning the laws of life, the more will the labors of the •ruly enlightened and benevolent physician be appreciated, while

ue ignorant pretender will be compelled to seek his own place. I ! epeat, tee have notliin, 'o fear from knowledge, but from igno-

nnce every thing.

1 close this introduction, therefore, by remarking that the work herewith presented, has been written more expressly for the people. There are hundreds and thousands of parents throughout the length and breadth of this great country who have confidence in the water treatment, while they have none at all in drug medication. These people can have no access to a physician such as they would choose to employ. I have often thought of these " water converts " while preparing the r»ages of this volume, and if } may judge of what has sometimes happened in consequence of my other attempts at authorship, I may hope that this work will also be the means of doing good.

CONTEN fS,

CHAP'/ER I.

Paternity and its Circumstance. — Custom of Catholics in worshiping the Mother of God — Rfsponsibility of Parents in regard to the Health and genera Well-being of Children — Important Considerations for Woman — The Laws of Lycurgus — The Hea th of Offspring depends in great part on the Health of Parents — The future Health of Children depends much on their state of Health at Birth — Testimony of Sir James Clark in reference to Scrofula — It ia comparatively easy to rear a Child healthfully if he has inherited a good Constitution — This Subject is one of great Importance, not only to Parents, but to every Member iv Society . 19

Chapter II

Of Marriage, and its Connection with the Birth and Well-being of Offspring — At what Time should it be consummated — Late and early Marriages — Arguments on both sides of the Question— Nc precise and fixed Rules can be given on the Subject— The Tin p should vary in different Parts of the World, and according to Individual Circumstances — Growth of the Body should not be confounded with the Development of the Uterine Function — Some ge neral Advice on the Subject — Some assert that Marriages ar generally too early formed in this Country — Want of Pr</of— Do Women retain it'cir Health and Beauty longer in Great Britain than in the L'tfied States — Ful/iicss of Flesh wid ruddiness of Coi. rlexion not necessarily Proofs of Health — American Women QK^ttbhr |f .{eal'hy as the Kuropean— Rema-\s of Dr. Dcwous

CONTENTS,.

in regard to precocious Marriages in this Com/ify — Answer to his Arguments — The earlier Children of a Marriage apt to be more Healthy than the later— Custom of Society as fixing the proper Time for Marriage— Dr. Granville's 'labia— Early Marriages on the whole to be recommended 23

CHAPTER in.

Who should Marrjsr, and AVho not— A Discussion on the Subject- Scrofula considered— An unhealthy Child may experience much more Happiness than Misery in this Life— A Case ;.n Point— No Persons are perfectly Healthy— Health and Disease, to a certain Extent, relative Terms— Disease may be eradicated by good Influences, on the same Principle that it may be brought on by bad Influences— Practical Inferences from the Subject 29

Chapter IV

The Health of the Offspring depends greatly on the Health of the Mother during Pregnancy— Abortion, a very sprious Ei£i -A public lack of Knowledge on the Subject— The Effects of Miscarriage— Prevention— Persons who are most liable to this Evil- Cold bathing, a Remedy for Abortion— Vaginal Injections useful—Effects of Feather Beds and overheated Rooms— The Vegetable Diet— Hemorrhage from the Womb— Aborti ra, a more serious Matter than is generally supposed— The o\ the Habit the worse it becomes— Very feeble Person- hould lid Pregnancy— Dr. Gheyne's Opinions concerning this Evil 32

Chapter V

Of Blood-letting in Pregnancy— Erroneous Opinions on the Subject—Reasons why Blood-letting has been practiced in this state of the System— Nausea and Vomiting an Evidence of benevolent Design in the Creator— Blood-letting not a harmless Practice- Animal Food— Of Longing in Pregnancy— Singular Facts in regard to tlus Symptom— The most disgusting Articles sometimes craved— Longing docs not occur in Persons of good Health, or of good Habits— It should not be gratified— Different Opinions

in

on the Subject

Contents

xin

Chapter VI

The Mother's Imagination, as affecting the Child previous to Birth —Errors o; Popular Belief— Marks upon the Child— Ancient Delusions on the Subject— Evils arising from Superstition— Anatomy, as bearing on the Subject of Marks, etc.— Hereditary Predisposition— Singular Cases of Deformity— Amusing Testimony of Dr. William Hunter— Opinion of Dr. Dewees— Gossiping Women should not be heeded— Practical Inferences on this Subject- Terror and Fright cf the Mother, as affecting the unborn ChiiJ— Remarkable vnsea in illustration— Practical Lessons tc be drawn from the Subject 40

CHAPTER VU.

The Child after Birth— Separating the Umbilical Cord— This should not be done too hastily— Custom of the Ancients— Remarks of Dr. Denman— Bleeding at the Navel— Division of the Cord— The Ligature— Umbilical Hernia— The Child should have pure Air immediately after its Birth— Healing of the Navel— A Method of treating UmbO'cal Hernia 58

CHAPTER VIE

Of Asphyxia. Syncope, and Still-birth— Congestion— Still-birth, and its Causes— The Evils of Separating the Umbilical Cord too soon— Treatment of Asphyxia— Cautions in regard to Insufflation—Asphyxia from Debility— Treatment G8

CHAPTER IX.

Of Washing the new-born Infant— Safety of the Water Treatment .'llnstrated— All Infants need Bathing soon after Birth— Practice of the Araucanian Indians— Of the Pitcairn Islanders— The .New Zeslmdeni — Custom of the Ancients — Of the Russians— Of the Romans— Safety of the Ccld-Bath— A medium Temperature the Best— Dr. Combe's Advice— Medicated Water should not be o««'l— Opinion of Velpcan —Drying the Child— How Often should ifce Child be Bathed t ;-

XIV

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.

Of Clothing— The Binder or Bandage— Its Evils— Testimony of Di Dewees— Of Dr. Combe— Of Buffon-Of Dr. Baynard— Of Boerhaave— Probable Origin of Swathing— A Case illustrative of the Abuse of the Practice— Reason why Swathing is bad 90

CHAPTER XI.

Of the Action of the Child's Bowels soon after Birth-The Meconium—An Erroneous Practice concerning it— Nature in general competent to do her own Work-Of Artificial Aid-Medicines injurious— Water the best Remedy for Torpid Bowels 105

CHAPTER XII.

Food of the young Infant-Errors in regard to it-Rules for Nursing-Feeding by Hand-Milk and its Properties-Sugar not Healthful for the young Child-Substitutes for Milk-Nursing Bottles and their use 110

CHAPTER XIII.

Of Wet Nurses-Wrong Advice of Physicians-Mothers should, if possible, nurse their own Children-Cases in which she cannot do it-Of partial Nursing-Rules for selecting a Wet Nurse in Cases where it is necessary-It is better, in general, to feed^a Child by Hand than to employ a hireling Nurse 1-0

CHAPTER XIV. frequency with which the young Child should be fed-Great Im- " portance of this Subject-Popular Errors refuted-Physiological Character of the Child at Birth-Mere crying is no Evidence of real alimentary Want in the System-The several Stages of Digestion explained-Probable length of Time that should elapse between the Infant's Meals

CHAPTER XV.

Of Weaning the Child-This is generally done at too early a Period-The Menses-Evils of too early Weaning-It should be

made a gradual Process-Crying, not an Evidence of true Hun

CONTENTS. xy

gci -Gi ing Fjod should be regulated according to Thysiological Kules— Fvils of Overfeeding— The proper Kinds of Food for a jouns Csild— .Milk and the Farinacea— Animal Food— How often should the Child be fed?— KyUs of Sweets and too concentrated Food generally jjg

CHAPTER XVI.

Of Exercise— Condition of the Infant at Birth— Too much Exercise deprecated— When should the Infant be taken into the open Air —Heat, in general, more to be feared than Cold— Position in which the Child should be carried— Rocking, and the use of the Cradle— Swinging— Its Evils— Of Clothing in connection with Exercise— Dress should be Comfortable— The great Importance of Cleanliness— Of Sleep— The Effects of Light 154

CHAPTER XVII.

Of Dentition— Growth of the Teeth— Periods at which the different Teeth usually appear— The different orders of Teeth— The Teeth do not naturally decay— Dentition not naturally a dangerous Process— Management of its different Periods— Of Treatment, Local and Constitutional— The great Value of Water as a Remedy in Teething-Bowel Complaint, Skin Disease, Croup, Co<gh, and other Ailments connected with Dentition— The great Va ae of pure Air— Dentition one of the most dangerous Periods of the Child's Life 16e

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Diseases of Infancy and Childhood-Hare-lip-Imperforate Anus— Imperforate Urethra— Imperforate Meatus Auditorius— Adhesions of the Eyelids— Hernia, or Protrusion of the Umbilicus—Rupture of the Abdomen— Spina Bifida ]90

CHAPTER XIX.

The Diseases of Infancy and Childhood continued— Tongue-tie- Club-foot— Congenital Dislocation of the Hip— Swelling of the Hcalp- -Marks and Blemishes— Inflammation of the Eyes— Discharge from the Nostrils-Running at the Bnrs-Dlcorntion of the N'nvf-1— Ife-norrhnge from the Nav.-I j<,7

Xyi CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XX-

The Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, conti nued-;, bsenee of the Skin— Jaundice— Discharges from the Vagina Prolapsus An-, or falling of the Bowel— Hemorrhoids or Piles— Diabetes— Intention of Urine-xncontiixmce of Urine-Painful Urinating. .. 21(1

CHAPTER XXI.

Diseases of Children, contin-.e.d-Erysipelas-Thrush-Vomiting- Hiccough— Diarrhea— Its OJferent Forms 229

CHAPTER XXII.

Diseases of Children, contW-Cholera Infantum-Its Treatment -Dysentery— Method of uure

CHAPTER XXIII.

Diseases of Children, continued-Constipation, and its Cure-Colio -Means of Relief-Worms in the Bowels-Treatment 2,u

CHAPTER XXR Diseases of Shildren, continued-Laryngitis Strid or Croup llis Treatment-Pneumonia, Pleurisy, and BronchiUs-The^ T^^ent-Parotitis, or Mumps-Its Trcatment-Qmnay-T™ silitis, or Sore Throat-Method of Cure

CHAPTER XXV.

Diseases of Children, continued-Ho.ping-cough-Its .Nature ana Treatment

CHAPTER XXVI.

Diseases of Children, continued-Measles, and its Cure 326

CHAPTER XXVU

Diseases of Children, continued-Scarlatina or Scarlet Fever, and its Treatment

CONTENTS.

xvii

Ch \PTER XXVIII.

Diseases of Child -«n, continued— Variola, or Small- Pox— Its Treatment, with Cases of Cure 369

CHAPTER XXIX.

Diseases of Children, continued — Vaccinia, or Cow-Pox : its Nature and Effects — Varicella, or Chicken-Pox : its Nature and Treatment 405

CHAPTER XXX.

Diseases of Children, concluded— Convulsions— Earache— Scald, and B'irns 42?

Chapter I

Paternity and its Circumstances — Custom of Catholics in worshiping the Mother of God — Responsibility of Parents in regard to the Health and general Well-being of Children — Important Considerations for Woman — The Laws of Lycurgus — The Health of Offspring depends in great part on the Health of Parents — The future Health of Children depends much on their state of Health at Birth — Testimony of Sir James Clark in reference to Scrofula — It is comparatively easy to rear a Child healthfully if he has inherited a good Constitution — This Subject is one of great Importance, not only to Parents, but to every Member in Society.

What is it that enables woman to undergo so great an amount of fatigue, to exert so great a degree of patience, to willingly undergo the pains and perils of childbirth, to pass patiently through the long period of nursing required in bringing forth and rearing a child ? It is that love of offspring, that deep fountain of affection which a kind Providence has written so indelibly in her heart. Beautiful and sublime is it to witness the power and extent of maternal love !

The Catholics, we are told, superatitiously worship

TREATISE ON CHILDREN.

the Mother of God. But if we consider the greatness of the responsibility, the nature of the condition, and relation of a mother to the race, is there not some semblance of reason for that which the Catholics thus do

If in the wide world, there is a situation m which we would suppose that human beings must natural y feel their responsibility, it is that of one who expects to bring forth a child. How exceedingly great is this responsibility! to give to a child a good or a bad a healthy or an unhealthy constitution, a peaceable 01 a vicious disposition, and then to rear that child bo h physically and morally-what greater responsibility can rest on a mortal than this 1

Accordingly as a child is reared healthfully or unhealthily, in both a physical and moral sense does the happiness of the parent, in great part, depend. On the'one hand there arises the highest possible earthly enjoyment, and on the other, the greatest possible mortification and disappointment.

Let woman, then, from the first, be convinc d that to become a mother, is one of the most momentous of a 1 earthly considerations ; and that if she enter into the '"oly state of matrimony," without carefu ly con Bering the nature and importance o the duties she ^inntanl, takes upon herself, ^ J brine trouble and vexation upon herself, but will en taTmLy and misfortune upon the offspring she may

some reason in the so-called cruel and Jovial of Lycurgus,

take charge of his child, or to educate lam m any w y

HEALTH OK M'FSPRING.

according to his own mode. By these laws it was required that every child should be subjected to the inspection of a jury of elders, whose decision was final. If the child was found lively, robust, and well-formed in every part, it was educated and maintained at the public expense, and had a certain portion of the public wealth assigned it ; and from the time of its inspection it was considered public property. But if the child was found to be a feeble or deformed one, it was, without mercy, consigned to death by throwing it into the Apothetes. This ancient custom, severe and unjust as it was, recognized the importance of the healthfulness of offspring as a great public good.

According to all observation and analogy, the health of offspring depend in a great degree upon the health of parents; and it should be remembered, that the child is almost certain to inherit a constitution less healthy than the average health of the parents ; in other words, the tendency of disease, as regards hereditary descent, is always to grow worse.

Not only are children liable to the diseases which parents themselves have at the time of begetting them, but by an unhealthy condition of the functions of the system in the parents, diseases may be brought on in the offspring which they have never had. " The children of those who have suffered long from dyspeptic complaints, gout, cutaneous affections, or any form of chronic disease, originating in derangement of the digestive function, which has produced an influence on the constitution," observes Sir James Clark, " are very frequently the subjects of scrofula, or of disorders

TREATISE ON CHILDREN.

which dispose to, and ultimately induce tuberculous (scrofulous) habit."

It is, then, a well-established principle in nature, that upon the original healthy organization of the child, the success of well-directed physical education must in a great part depend. It is comparatively an easy matter to rear a child healthfully if he has inherited a good constitution ; but if the health of one or both of the parents is in a bad condition previous to the birth of the child, the offspring must necessarily suffer thereby.

View this subject of rearing children therefore in whatever light we may, it appeals most emphatically and loudly to parents, and to every individual in society. The health or well-being of children does not any where, in modern times, receive that attention which an enlightened philanthropy and true self-interest demands. It is to be hoped that through the efforts of many well-wishers of the race, light will be disseminated ere long upon this subject in a greater degree than the world has ever yet known. There are, at this day, multitudes who are willing to take upon themselves the task of following such instruction in regard to the birth and management of children, as shall tend to produce in them the best organizations, and the best capacity for happiness and good.

Chapter II

Of Marriage, and its Connection with the Birth and Well-being of Offspring — At -what Time should it be consummated — Late and early Marriages — Arguments on both sides of the Question — No precise and fixed Rules can be given on the Subject — The Time should vary in different Parts of the World, and according to Individual Circumstances — Growth of the Body should not be confounded with the Development of the Uterine Function — Some general Advice on the Subject — Some assert that Marriages are generally too early formed in this Country — Want of Proof — Do Women retain their Health and Beauty longer in Great Britain than in the United States — Fullness of Flesh and ruddiness of Complexion not necessarily Proofs of Health — American Women probably as Healthy as the European — Remarks of Dr. Dewees in regard to precocious Marriages in this Country — Answer to his Arguments — The earlier Children of a Marriage apt to be more Healthy than the later — Custom of Society as fixing the proper Time for Marriage— Dr. Granville's Table— Early Marriages on the whole to be recommended.

The subject of marriage being one that is most intimately connected with the health and general well-being of offspring, some remarks concerning it will not be out of place in a work like the one which I am now about to present to the public.

First, as to the time of life at which the matrimonial connection should be entered into. On this subject there are a variety of opinions.

We are told on the one hand, that the development of the body is successive, and requires a definite period for its completion, and that consequently certain func-

TREATISE ON CHILDREN.

tions cannot be performed in the best manner until full development has taken place, and that when any organ of the body is prematurely or inordinately urged to action, it is followed by the imperfection of the product dependent upon the part thus stimulated, as well as that it entails upon the organ so exercised, debility, if not premature decay.

It is contended, on the other hand, that marriage, being a natural institution of the Creator, and being moreover desired on the part of both sexes at an early age, should consequently be consummated at an early period of life.

This question, like all others, has its two aspects, and being one of great importance, is worthy of being considered somewhat in detail.

It cannot, I think, be maintained, that any precise or absolute rules, based upon the lapse of years, can be laid down in reference to the time at which marriage should be consummated. In one part of the world the bodily developments are found to take place at a much earlier period than in other parts. Thus we are told that in India, females not unfrequently become mothers at ten ; while in Lapland they rarely attain womanhood before eighteen. And even in the same country and latitude, some girls arrive at the marriageable state much earlier than others. Hence it is that the time of marriage should be regulated, so far as mere physical ability is concerned, in accordance with the circumstances of each particular case. A woman who commences to menstruate at ten or twelve years of age, may certainly marry at an earlier period than one with

EARLY MARRIAGES.

whom this function appears at the age of eighteen or twenty.

Nor should we confound the growth of the body generally with the development and maturity of the uterine function. Instances not unfrequently occur in which the bony and muscular systems become early developed, while the menstrual function is tardy in becoming established. On the other hand, the menstrual function is sometimes preternaturally developed while the body generally is yet immature. In the first mentioned case it would be altogether improper to make the bodily development the guide as to the time suitable for marriage, while in the second, it would be equally unwise to determine this period by the appearance of the menstrual function. In both cases the whole system should be, at least, fairly matured before marriage Bhould be entered into.

It is maintained on the part of some, that marriages are generally too early formed in this country ; and foreigners have said that, as a consequence of these early matches, the females of this country lose their beauty, which, in other words, means their health, earlier than they do in Euroi>e, and more especially in Great Britain.

Id answer to this, it is to be remarked that we- have no proof that marriages do take place earlier in this country than the old; and if it be admitted that the women in the latter retain their beauty, health, and vigor, longer than is the case with our own females, there are a number of other reasons besides marriage by which to account for this difference. Who does not

TREATISE ON CHILDREN.

know that in the old country, women of all .'lasses are more in the habit of going out into the open air than our own females are. The climate, also, is much milder in Europe, generally, than it is in this country, being never oppressive in respect to heat, or inclement as regards cold. I have no doubt that in our American cities, at least, the great heat of summer does make a considerable difference in regard to personal beauty, as well as of health. But it is not certain, I think, that American women are more unhealthy than the English ladies. Fullness of flesh, and redness of complexion, are by no means necessarily synonymous with health. I am not, by any means, convinced that our American ladies, take them all in all— in the North I mean — are not as tough and enduring as the English ladies are. And one thing appears to be very evident— that the Europeans are more subject to scrofula and consumption than we in this country are. All things considered then, the so called "decay" of American women cannot be brought as an argument against early marriages.

" The evil consequences resulting from precocious unions in this country," observes Dr. Dewees, " are familiar to every body ; they are not limited to the diminished vigor and shortened life of the male ; nor to the faded beauty, the blasted health, and the premature old age of the female ; but are extended to their innocent offspring, on whom they have perhaps detailed a diminutive statue, debility of body, and imbecility of mind ; or have handed down to them strong predisposition to consumption — rickets, scrofula, etc. It is,