Young married lady's private medical guide

Front matter

YALE MEDICAL LIBRARY

HISTORICAL LIBRARY

YOUNG MARRIED LADY'S

CHAPTER I. The Female Sexual Organs, 13

The Mons Veneris, 13

The Labia Pudenda Majora, 14

The Clitoris, 15

The Hymen and Vagina, 16

Plate showing their natural position, . . • . 17

Diseases of the external Sexual Organs of the Female, 18

Effects of Intestinal Worms in Young Girls, . 19

Pruritus or Itching, in Sexual Organs of Young Ladies, 19

Venereal Diseases not considered in this work, . 20 Burning Irritation or Itching in Young Women — Remedy, 21

Inflammations of the Vagina — acute and chronic, . 22

Causes of disease in the Vagina — Treatment, . 23

Polypus and Tumors in the Vagina, . . 23

The Womb — its size and appearance in Young Girls, 24

The Womb or Uterus performs no office until Puberty, 25

CHAPTER II. Growth of Sexual Organs — appearance of Hair, . 28

A

XIV CONTEXTS.

Page Puberty characterized by the appearance of the

"Monthly Tunis," 29

Age when Monthly Turn commences, Taries in

different latitudes, 29

Age of Mahomet's Wife, at Marriage, ... 29 Enlargement of the Breasts — the Young Girl possesses new attainments, .... 30 Amount of Monthly flow, various, . . . . 31 Monthly Fluid formed in Vagina and Uterus, . 32 Menstruation indicates a crisis favorable to Health, . 33 Changes which take place at Puberty — Consequences

if they do not, 34

Causes which unnaturally excite the Sexual System,

and greatly injure Young Girls, ... 35

Symptoms of first Monthly Turn, ... 36

Conditions indispensable to its appearance, . . 37

Age when Monthly Tunis cease — Madame de Stael, &c. 37

Sufferings of first Menstruation — the result of neglect, 38

What Mothers should teach their Daughters, . . 39

CHAPTER HI.

Amenorrhcea, — non-appearance of Monthly Turns

at the proper age, 40

Chlorosis, its apparent effects — causes of Amenonhcea, 41 Heated rooms — luxurious diet — sleeping in crowded

appartments, &c 43

Treatment of Amenonhcea, 43

Vast importance of early instruction and attention to

the Sexual Organs, 44

The Sexual Organs the centre of sympathies, in Females, 46

Means of cure, in cases of Amenorrhcea, ... 47

Suppression of Monthly flow — means of cure, . 48

CONTENTS. XV

CHAPTER IV. Page

Dysmenorrhea, — painful or difficult Menstruation, 49

Symptoms and character — Causes — Treatment, . 50 Danger of occupying small sleeping rooms — Feather

Beds, &e. 52

CHAPTER V. Menorrhagia, — excessive Menstruation, . . 53

Varieties — clots of Blood always attend this complaint, 54

Effects of Menorrhagia upon the constitution, . . 56

This disease commences by insidious steps, . . 57

Can be cured easily if early detected, ... 58

Causes of Menorrhagia — Treatment, ... 59

Good nourishing diet and exercise indispensable, . 60

Offensive Menstruation — Advice to Young Ladies, 61

CHAPTER VI. Leucorrhcea, — Fluor Albus or the Whites, . . 63

Character and symptoms of this troublesome disease, 64

It poisons and destroys sexual love in Married Ladies, 64

Derbois' celebrated Remedies for Female complaints, 65

Introduced into America by the Compiler of this work, 66 Leucorrhcea often shows itself in Young Women soon

after Marriage, 67

Ladies, to a certain extent, must be their own physicians, 68

Dysmenorrhcea — its woful effects upon the constitution, 69

The means of cure, . . .... 70

CHAPTER VII. Sterility, its cause — the result of Leucorrhcea, &c. 71

Menstruation a common attribute of all healthy Females, 72

XVI CONTENTS.

Page Sexual feebleness a common cause of Sterility, . 73 Importance of proper instruction to Young Girls, . 74 The Sexual Organs must and can be kept in Health. . 75 The foundation of serious Sexual diseases laid in early life, 76 Results in prostration and premature death, . . 77 Advice to Young Ladies — how to prevent disease;-, . 77 God has made them to become Wives and Mothers, 77 Great value of Derbois' Female Compounds, . 78 Causes of Sterility — unsuitable Marriages — Antipathies, &c. 79

Singular choice of a Young English Lady of great

beauty, 80

Acrimonious discharge from Male — a cause of Sterility, 81

Constitutional diseases unfavorable to Reproduction, 82 Disease of Females which result in Sterility — not

organic, 83

Striking cases reported by Dr. Oldham, of London, 85 The Lady from Jamaica — sad result of improper

A neglected Leucorrhcea the cause of all her difficulties. 88

Mr. Barnsby Cooper's case — its painful results, . 89 Ladies must attend to and keep their Sexual Organs

in Health, 90

How any Young Lady can do this, ... 91

Chapter VIII

Letjcorrhosa — the result of a slight unhealthy discharge, neglected, 92

A common case — a blooming flower cut down . 94

The Young Wife — cut down — the victim of Leucorrhcea, 96

How Sexual diseases in Young Females may be cured, 97

Manner in which Sexual diseases usually commence, 98

CONTENTS,

Daily ablutions to the Sexual Organs indispensable,

Manner in which this should be done,

Prevention better than cure,

Page

Chapter IX

Effects of Leucorrhoea and Menorrhagia, . . . 102 Extract of a letter addressed to compiler by a Lady, 103 Manner in which her Leucorrhoea. commenced, . .104 Effects of proper treatment — ten cases of cure, . 105 Statement of several Married Ladies, . . .107

Urgent request for this work by a Lady, . . 108

Another case of Leucorrhoea reported by a Married

Lady, 109

Letter from an Unmarried Lady of nineteen years, . 110 Case of a Young Girl, as given in a letter to Compiler, 111 Her final cure — case taken from N. Y. Medical Journal, 113 Cases in London by Dr. Ashnell — Dr. Davis' statement, 114 Effects of Leucorrhoea, given by a distinguished Female, 116 The Married state cannot be happy without Sexual Love, 119 Sexual diseases prevent healthy issue, and terminate in

early death, 118

Advice to the Fair Sex, 119

Urgent appeal to Mothers, 120

CHAPTER X. Leucorrhoea or Whites the most common of all Female

diseases, 122

Its first appearance insidious and deceptive, . .123

May be cured if taken early — if not it continues

through life, 123

Results in disease of other organs, . . . .124

A*

CONTENTS.

Page Injurious effects of the use of Napkins, . . . 125 Consequences of Leucorrhoea on Sexual Organs of

Females, 126

May result in Venereal to the Hushand — cases, . 127 Severe case — injurious results of wearing thick Napkins, 129 Over Nursing and frequent Pregnancy produce Leucorrhoea, 130

Case of a Young Lady of nineteen years, . . .131 Case of a Young Married Woman of thirty years, . 132 Case of a Young Married Lady of twenty-three years, 133 Effects of Leucorrhoea upon the Husband in this case, 133 Great importance of attention to Sexual Organs in

Young Girls, 134

CHAPTER XL

Conception, — Things necessary to its occurrence 136 Rupture of Hymen — Effects of Conception upon the

Womb, 137

Size of Virgin Womb, and its wonderful enlargement, 138

The monthly changes distinctly described. . . 139

Conception takes place unconsciously to Females, . 140

Every healthy Female liable to conceive at any period, 141

CHAPTER XII. Prevention of Conception, 142

Cases in which it is necessary to Prevent Conception, 143 Fruit of Conception must often be destroyed, . .144

Life of Mother more important than the Child, . 145

Frequent necessity for this operation — numerous cases, 147

Repeated cases occurring in some Female, . . 148

Importance of Preventing Conception in these cases, 149

CONTENTS. xix

Page This can be done with safety and certainty, . .150

Experiments of distinguished French Physiologists, 151

Proof that Conception may be prevented, . . 152

Extensively recommended and practised in Europe, . 153 Morality of preventing Conception, . . . 154

Suspension of Conception indispensable in feeble health

of Wife, 155

This is done with entire safety to Females, and positive

certainty, 156

Indispensable many times to prevent too rapid increase

of Family, 157

All Families may regulate the frequency of Pregnancy

with safety, 158

How many attempt this — the least drop Impregnates, 159

CHAPTER XIII. Suspension of Conception, 1G0

Indispensable to Health in early Marriages, . .161 Great demand for some safe means to suspend Conception, 163

Popular errors respecting preventing Conception, . 164 Cases reported by Dr. Oldham, of London, . . .165 Importance of suspending Conception in many cases, 166 French An ti- Conception Compounds the only known

safe remedies, 167

Cases in which their use is indispensable to Health and

Happiness, 168

Two cases which occurred in New York, . . .169 No period in which Sexual Intercourse is safe, . 170

Evil effects of the use of Alum, 171

French Compounds destroy the vitality of Semen — are

entirely safe, 172

XX CONTENTS,

CHAPTER XIV. Page

Anti-Conception Compounds preserve the Sexual Sys-

tem in a vigorous and Healthy state, . . .173 Removes and arrests Female complaints. . 174

A case illustrating their value, 175

Unsafe for some Young Wives to become Mothers, . 176 Happy results of using " An ti- Conception Compounds,'" 176 Great importance to Ladies who cannot nurse their

Children, 17;

Great importance to persons with hereditary disease, 178

Anti- Conception Compounds — safe — not unpleasant, 179 Effects of using Dunne and Derbois' Compounds, . 180 Purely a scientific Remedy — perfectly safe and sure, 181 Sexual indulgence only safe to Health in the bonds of

Wedlock, 184

Anti- Conception Compounds prevent disease, . .185 These preparations a great blessing to Wives and

Mothers, 186

CHAPTER XV. Cases in which it is vastly important to Suspend Conception, 187

In Ladies who suffer much during Pregnancy, . .189 Promotes happiness and comfort — important to Offspring, 191

Vast importance to some Wives — objections answered, 192 Extract of a letter from a Young Wife, . . . 194 Candor of Married Ladies in France, . . . .196 Objections to early Marriages by Young People, . 197 Importance of Suspending Conception in early Marriages, 198 Happiness of early Marriages — injuries of delay, . 200

CONTENTS.

Page

Dangers which beset Youth — Masturbation in Young

Ladies, 202

Cases of Masturbation in Married Women, . . 204

CHAPTER XVI. Extract of a letter from a highly intelligent Lady, . 208

Cases showing the importance of some Prevention to

Conception, 209

Fatal case of a valuable Wife and Mother — reflections, 210

The case of a poor Mother and half-starved Children, 212

Case of an educated Lady, 213

State of things in Europe, 214

Great value of some safe means to Prevent Conception, 216

Extract of a letter from a Lady in Philadelphia, . 217

A Mother's strong appeal for some " Prevention," . 218

A feeble Mother begets sickly Children, . . . 219

Chapter XVII

Great value of Anti-Conception Preparations in Europe, 220 Extensive use among higher classes, . . . 221

No other Remedies ever tried, safe and sure, . . 222

Their introduction into the U. States — difficulties to be

overcome, 223

Anti- Conception Compounds made exclusively in Paris, 225 Cost of Anti Conception Compounds, . . . 226

Letters from those who have used them, . . . 227 Great value to a poor Mechanic — to Females in poor

Health, 228

CHAPTER XVIII. Objections to the use of Anti-Conception Compounds

considered, 230

Xxii CONTENTS.

Page All Females should possess Healthy constitutions — but

all do not, 232

The Prevention of Conception in many cases promotes

Morality, 233

The Prevention of Conception in many cases, encourages

early Marriages, 234

Early Marriages recommended by all Moralists and

Divines, 235

All must use their reason and judgment, . . . 236 Females not kept in path of Virtue through fear only, 237 Social benefits of Suspending Conception in certain cases, 238 Physiological benefits of Suspending Conception. . 239 Conclusion, 240

Uonttg iHarrub £abtTs PRIVATE MEDICAL GUIDE.

YOUNG MARRIED LADY'S

PRIVATE MEDICAL GUIDE.

Chapter I

FEMALE SEXUAL ORGANS — MONS VENERIS — LA- BIA PUDENDA MAJORA CLITORIS HYMEN

VAGINA THEIR PECULIAR DISEASES THE

WOMB ITS DISEASES.

The external genital organs of the female consist, of what is denominated the Mons Veneris, the Labia Pudenda Majora, the Clitoris, the external orifice of the Urethra or Bladder, the Fracnum, and the Hymen.

TnE Mons Veneris. This name has been given to the prominent part of the female frame, situated between each groin, and immediately above the orifice of the genital opening. The extent and fulness of this prominence vary much with the age, 2

14 LABIA PUDENDA MAJORA.

size, and form of different females. It principally consists of a common fleshy substance, which at this part is very thick and strong, — and dense cellular tissue, which is usually charged with an abundant quantity of fat. Added to these are numerous glands, for the secretion of the soft down and hair, with which, at proper periods of life, these parts are covered. This growth of hair, forming a hairy covering to the mons veneris, is the distinction acquired by each young girl, at the age of puberty. The color of the hair, and its quantity and strength, are subject to great variation in different individuals; it being in some young ladies very abundant and soft, forming a pillowy covering of great delicacy, and of a dark color ; in others, it is much more scanty, of lighter color, and scarcely covering the parts.

The Labia Pudenda Majora. Below and in front, the mons veneris becomes divided into two parallel and equal columns of a soft, delicate, fleshy structure, which are called Labia Pudenda Majora. These constitute the boundaries, externally, and on each side of the vulva or genital opening. The texture of the skin which constitutes the lateral boundaries of this opening, is usually very soft and delicate, having glands as the mons veneris, for the secretion and growth of hair, and in addition, what are called sebaceous glands.

THE CLITORIS. 15

In young and healthy females, and in the corpulent of all ages, the labia are generally firm and well-developed. In rare cases are they small and slender, as if consisting of mere folds of fleshy tissue ; while in other cases, they seem more voluminous, but shrunk and shrivelled, as is the case in ladies when they become advanced in life. The labia, in a healthy state, are of equal length, parallel to each other, consisting of cellular tissue, more delicate and spongy than in other parts of the body ; and in common attitudes of the female, their internal surfaces are in mutual apposition, — an oleaginous liquid being secreted from the mucous tissues, to guard against the effects of friction.

The uses of the labia are to contribute, with other tissues, to fill up and give suitable symmetry and finish to the architecture of the inferior aperture of the pelvis, and to afford protection against the intrusion of cold air, and other noxious influences, — and to supply the passage to and from the womb, with such an opening as would be agreeable to the demands of its numerous and admirable functions.

The Clitoris. The clitoris is a peculiarly sexual organ, similar in its structure and uses to the male organ. Lying within and near the upper portion of the labia is this highly cellular, delicate, 1 1 and vascular organ, susceptible of influences from

16 THE HYMEN AND VAGINA.

the passions, — the interests of which it is supposed especially designed to subserve. The principal use of the clitoris is, unquestionably, to contribute a large share, and perhaps the greater part, of the pleasure and gratification which the female experiences, from sexual intercourse.

The Hymen. The hymen is a membranous structure, which is situated at the entrance of the vagina, or passage leading to the womb, and serves as a boundary between that passage and the external genital vulva. In the virgin state of the female, it narrows very much the opening into the vagina ; and when, at the first sexual intercourse it becomes ruptured, as it inevitably must, it is attended with a slight discharge of blood. It may indeed be ruptured by other causes, than by the first sexual embrace. The uses of the hymen are to narrow the capacity of the external orifice, to protect the vagina against the intrusion of nuisances from whatever kind, and to guard it, no doubt, against the sudden, forcible, or premature invasion of the rights of sexual purity and connubial fidelity.

The Vagina. This is the sexual passage which extends between the vulva or labia, and the womb, situated between the bladder in front, and the rectum behind. [See opposite page.~]

The walls of the vagina are admirably susceptible of development, according to the demands made

The above Cut represents a lateral view of the Female Pelvis, represented as laying upon the right side, with the left hip removed directly through the centre of the body. A, represents the situation of the Mons Veneris, with its hairy covering; B, the Pubic, or front bone; C, the Bladder; D, the Urethra, or passage through which the water is passed; E, the Vagina, or passage to the womb ; F, the Womb, or Uterus ; G, the Rectum, or the lower extremity of the bowel; //, the Labia Pudenda Majora.

2=*

18 DISEASES OF EXTERNAL ORGANS.

upon them. The internal surface of the vagina is lined with a mucous membrane, which is remarkable for this peculiarity, of being much puckered or wrinkled into shallow folds. Interspersed among these folds, and immediately under a most delicate skin, are situated a great number of minute glands, which serve to secrete protective and lubricating fluids, adapted to the special wants and functions of this passage. The length of this passage, anteriorly, is about four inches, when in a state of repose ; posteriorly, it is at least six inches and a half or seven inches. The narrowest part of the vaginal tube is at its inferior or lower extremity ; when in the virgin state, it is still more contracted by the presence of the hymen.

The uses of the vagina are manifold. In the young lady, it forms the outlet by which the menstrual fluid is discharged from the system, in her monthly turns ; it is also exclusively the medium of communication between the sexes, on the part of the female, and it is the passage through which the fruit of conception has to be transmitted, in its exit into the world. It also becomes the great outlet, in the female, of all sexual impurities, and, also oilier morbid or diseased secretions.

Diseases of the External Organs of the Female. Quite young children are often troubled with a very disagreeable itching and tickling in their

PRURITUS. 19 external organs, the labia, &c. This, oftentimes, becomes excessively troublesome, to relieve which the innocent creatures will rub those parts with their hands, cross and chafe their legs together, &c. Their kind parents often reprimand them for this, without once thinking of the cause. This itching and pruritus, as it is called, is the result of small worms in the intestines, and the difficulty cannot be removed while they remain. An injection of strong thoroughwort tea and molasses, used warm, to the bowels, will usually afford immediate relief, by removing the worms. The free use of sweet or olive oil and molasses in tablespoonful doses every morning, is also very useful in removing these troublesome creatures. If the irritation has been excessive in the labia, the parts should be freely washed in cold water, or mild soap suds. This treatment will usually afford immediate relief.

Young ladies, about the time of the commencement of the menstrual flow, or their regular turns, are often troubled with a severe pruritus, or itching of the external genital organs, which is often very intense. Prompted by the noble feelings of their nature, and with becoming modesty, they often bear a difficulty through the following years, and often until after marriage, before they disclose their sufferings even to a physician. This difficulty does not follow them constantly, but recurs at intervals of

20 ENLARGEMENTS OF THE LABIA.

greater or less length of time ; and in many cases, which have come under treatment of the authors, it has been attended with very great suffering. This is supposed to be dependent upon a peculiar condition of the blood, or humor ; and young ladies can effectually relieve themselves of this difficulty by frequently washing those parts with weak sala?ratus and water, cool, but not cold. Xo soap should be used about the private parts, in this disease. The free washing of the labia in this manner, has uniformly relieved this excessively annoying and peculiarly distressing complaint, to the modest and lovely female.

Enlargements of the Labia, from injuries, inflammation, and dropsy, are rare affections, and, if severe, require the attention of a skilful physician. A large and numerous class of diseases incident to the external genital organs of the female, which have their origin in venereal impurities, it is not proposed to treat in this work. The authors write expressly for the benefit of young ladies of modest virtue, for whom they feel a deep interest, and, earnest desire to relieve, what every truly virtuous young lady, of refined and delicate feelings, would prefer to bear in silence, rather than describe to another. This commendable modesty and patience they would honor and approve, while they seek to relieve and cure by placing a book in the young

DISEASES OF THE VAGINA. 21

lady's hands, for her own benefit entirely, by which she may be enabled to remove their troublesome affections.

There is a pruritus, or itching of the genital organs, which arises from herpes, which is excessively annoying. Herpes, is an eruption of small red vesicles, or pimples, in and about the vulva, extending within the vagina*, in some cases. This occurs in married women during pregnancy, most generally. In this case, warm topical applications, as saloeratus in blood-warm water, as mentioned above, afford the only chance of relief. Fomentations of hops, or poppy leaves, are also of great service, in this exceedingly painful and distressing affection.

Diseases of the Vagina. All young ladies, are liable to diseases of the organs peculiar to their sex ; and often, in an extensive practice, have the authors known cases in which young females have borne their sufferings, in silence, from that commendable modesty, which is at once the beauty and ornament of the fair sex. And it is with the hope of aiding and encouraging that evidence of moral sensibility and female modesty, by placing in their hands a book for their own private use, which they may consult, and learn the nature, character, symptoms and tendencies of their own private diseases, together with the means of relieving themselves,

•

22 DISEASES OF THE VAGINA.

without consulting another, that has induced the authors to prepare this work. If they succeed in their object, they are confident they will receive the thanks of all modest, virtuous, and pure minded young ladies, who may peruse this unpretending little volume.

The vagina is liable to inflammations, both acute and chronic. Inflammation of the vagina, when severe, usually commences with a slight chill, followed by a sense of coldness of the loins, and the inner portion of the thighs, and particularly of the labia pudendi themselves. This is followed by a feeling of heat ; each side of the vulva, and of the vagina, become painful and swollen ; a difficulty is experienced in discharging the urine ; the action of •walking is attended with much pain, and is sometimes impracticable. There is often a bloody-like discharge, of an exceedingly offensive odor, and very irritating, or smarting.

This disease is often the consequence of a severe cold, taken immediately after or during the time of the existence of the monthly period. Excessive labor and fatigue will also produce this disease. Warm fomentations should be applied when the chill first appears, together with bathing the feet in hot water, freely, with a free use of hot sweating teas. This treatment will usually remove the disease at once, if it be resorted to in season. Warm

THE WOMB, OR UTERUS. 23 poultices of bread and milk, or slippery elm, are often of the greatest service in this disease. Rest, and warmth applied to the private parts, are indispensable.

Polypus and Tumors may sometimes be found in the vagina ; when they exist they offer a serious obstacle to the enjoyment of intercourse with the other sex, and a skilful surgeon should be consulted, although the difficulty be one of such a delicate nature.

The Womb, or Uterus. The womb is the principal organ of reproduction in the female. It is situated immediately between the bladder in front, and the rectum behind, and fixed in its proper situation by its fleshy connexions with the bladder and the vagina. In its connexion with the vagina, by a texture exceedingly distensible, as is the connexion with the bladder, it is exposed, even in young and unmarried ladies, to considerable and constant changes of position. Falls, efforts to lift heavy weights, violent exertion of the body, accidental injuries, may serve to cause great, and sometimes very painful changes, in the position of the womb. In its ordinary state it contains a small cavity, which is exceedingly enlarged, after conception has taken place, to accommodate the increasing development of the child. The figure of the virgin or unimpregnated womb, is that of a moderate sized pear,

24 SIZE OF THE WOMB.

inverted, and slightly compressed. It has, by some, been compared to an inverted wine flask. Its entire length, after having been fully developed at the period of puberty, is about three inches ; its breadth nearly two inches ; and the thickness of its anterior and posterior surfaces combined, something less than one inch.

The several dimensions of the womb in young ladies, vary greatly in different subjects, apparently similar in other circumstances, of age, stature, size of body, &c. During infancy and childhood it is quite small ; it rapidly increases in size at the age of puberty, about the time the monthly turns appear, and continues gradually increasing in size, until the young lady arrives at the period of the fullest and most perfect development, of her sexual organs, or private parts. After that period of life, when the monthly turns cease, the private parts begin to wither, and are very much reduced in size, fulness, and elasticity, in advanced old age. The flexibility, the soft and delicate elasticity and rounded fulness of the external organs, also diminish rapidly as the lady advances in life.

The womb does not appear to perform any functions, or be subservient to any direct uses, during infancy and childhood. Until the age of puberty, it merely occupies its allotted place in the female system. On the accession of puberty, however, it becomes the subject of certain changes and developments, in consequence of which, in connection with other cooperating influences, it arrives at the full possession of its sexual attributes. Of these attributes, one of the most remarkable and important, is the function of menstruation, to the consideration of which we now direct the attention of our young female friends.

The regular performance of this function, is of the utmost importance, to the health of every young lady, and a correct knowledge of its nature and manifestations, is of the greatest importance to every young female in our land. Its occurrence, its symptoms, its pains and its diseases are hers to bear, often in silence and without sympathy. Her retiring modesty, her noble and virtuous feelings, will not brook the thought of consulting another, even a physician, with reference to intense sufferings and her peculiar distress. For this angelic, this noble trait of female character, we honor, love, and esteem her. But we also sympathize with her, and having seen so much suffering and disease, in an extensive practice of more than a quarter of a century, arising from the complaints and sufferings peculiar to their sex, the authors have been induced to write this work, to be their own private companion and adviser, — being the result of an extensive experience in these peculiar complaints, together with the scien-

3 — « tific facts collected by the most learned and honorable practitioners and professors of Midwifery, and Diseases of Females, in the best Medical Colleges in the civilized world. If what the authors shall say shall be the means of directing to a course, which will result in relief, comfort and happiness, with correct views of themselves, to the young ladies of our country, the gratitude of the community will be their rich reward.

Chapter II. Menstruation

ITS NATURE — CHARACTER AND SYMPTOMS — PU- BERTY AND ITS DEVELOPMENTS — PHYSICAL CHANGES — CAUSES WHICH RESULT IN TOO EARLY MENSTRUATION WHY RETARDED CES- SATION OF MENSTRUATION IMPORTANCE OF

UNDERSTANDING THE SUBJECT, BY ALL FE- MALES.

Menstruation. There commences, in all healthy young girls, at the period of puberty, an evacuation of a fluid, having the appearance of blood, from the genital organs of the female, which flows out gradually from the opening lips of the external labia, and continuing for three, four, or six days, attended or preceded by more or less pain. This discharge, returns regularly at intervals during the entire period in which ladies possess the faculty of becoming impregnated, but is intermitted during pregnancy, and while nursing, and also from various diseases. Ladies, in all ages, in all countries, and in all stages of civilization, have been subject to this same state of things, manifested through their peculiar organs.

This monthly discharge commences at puberty ; but the precise date of this period is subject to great variation. Some of the first indications of puberty consist, of a sense of numbness and fulness about the groins, accompanied by slight pains about the joints, in many cases, called growing pains. Certain sensations of a peculiar kind, which cannot in reality be called sexual, are usually felt in the neighborhood of the external genitals, where small, whitish prominences now present themselves, innumerably, which are to become the seats of the forming hair, which soon constitutes a soft covering to the mons veneris, and the labia, or pudendal surfaces of the adult lady, by which the sexual organs are more or less concealed and protected. The same hairy covering forms around the male organs of sexual intercourse, also. At this period, a remarkable change usually takes place in the voice of both male and female. They often grow rapidly in height about this period, also. But those parts of the body which manifest the greatest increase of development, at the period of puberty, are the generative or sexual organs of both sexes.