Tocology for mothers: a medical guide to the care of their health and the management of children

Front matter

Book - - V ro

;OpATigilXi\.'

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT

Author's Preface

This -work is addressed to -women who are desirous of fulfilling properly their duties as wives and mothers, and is designed to assist them in exercising an intelligent Bnperrision over their ovm and their children's health. The information

difficulty -which has presented itself in its composition has arisen in the selection of the contents, and their mode of treatmenT. In these reEpetta the author has : - en gui . - e xj erience in general medical practice, his object having been

to convey as much information as an intelligent woman might be expected to appreciate and utilize.

In the char:e: :>n '. rmmon Maladies of Children, systematic description of diseases has been avoided, the intention of the author being rather tc give such : al information of their character and course as would _ heir recog-

nition, and afford some guide to their management.

ALBEBT WESTLAXD.

LIST OF CONTENTS.

Chapter I. Page

Duties and Responsibilities of Married Life H

.Ignorance before Marriage of Probable Duties and Responsibilities; Impor tance of Step taken in entering Matrimony; Necessity of Mutual Self-Sacrifice; Probability of Maternity; Period of Life during which Maternity may Occur; Possibility of some Suffering during this Period ; Effect of Mother's Life and Conduct on Future Health of Child ; Inherited Tendencies ; Lessons from Examples ; Imitative Faculties of Children.

Chapter II

Altered Conditions of r.iFE after Marriage . . IB

Change in the Circumstances of the Wife; Loss of Family Ties; Formation of New Friendships; Utilization of Leisure Hours; Importance of Out-door Exercise; Various Forms of Exercise; Value of Motive in Walking; Care in Diet; Duty of Taking Proper Care of Health; Place of Alcoholic Stimulants in Diet; Injurious Effects of Improper Use of Stimulants on Mother and Child; Mental Occupation; Tendency to Occasional Depression; Methods of Relief; Domestic Troubles; Rule for Avoiding Worry.

CHAPTER III. Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy 19

Their Existence and Import; Plan of Consideration; Cessation of Menstruation; Its Significance and Value in Determining Probable Duration of Pregnancy; Normal Duration of Pregnancy; Extreme Limits of Duration; Methods of Determining Probable Date of Confinement; Examples. Gastric Derangements; Morning Sickness; Abnormal Sense of Hunger; Craving for Unusual Articles of Diet; Pain in Stomach; Other Disorders of Digestion. Enlargement of Breasts; Tenderness; Prominence of Veins; Secretion of Milk; Enlargement and Pigmentation of Areola; Secondary Areola ; Quickening and Sensations of Movement of Child ; Possibility of Mistake in Sensations; External Evidence of Movement; Increase in Size of Abdomen; Period at which Noticeable; Conclusion.

6 LIST OF CONTENTS.

Chapter IV. Page

Management of Unpleasant Disorders or Pregnancy 29

Nausea and Sickness; Alleviation by Tea; Breakfast in Bed: Effervescing Drinks; Care in Diet; Heartburn; Temporary Means of Belief; Water Brash; Dietary for Disorders of Digestion in Pregnanes" Constipation; Alleviation by Diet; Regular Habits; Drugs; Warm Water; Mineral Waters; Salts; Sulphur; Licorice Powder; Senna; Enemas; Method of Administration; Injection of Glycerine; Special Syringe desirable; Selection of Remedy; Faintness; Remedies; Caution respecting Stimulants; Increase in Size and Sense of Weight; Arrangement of Clothing; Use of Corsets; Supporting Belts; Stretching of Skm of Abdomen and Breasts; Cause; Results; Pigmentation; Prevention; Alleviation; Swelling of Feet and Legs; Alleviation; Distention of Veins of Legs; Two Forms; Description; Hereditary Tendency; Treatment; Piles, Internal and External; Treatment; Vaginal Discharge and Irritation; Alleviation; Use of Injections; Precautions; Bathing; Sleeplessness; Causes; Remedies; Caution against Use of Narcotics.

CHAPTER V, Miscarriage, its Causes, Risks, Prevention, and Management 44

Definition of Miscarriage ; Usual Periods of Occurrence; Earlier Miscarriages: Difficulty of Recognition; Necessity of Care after their Occurrence; Cause of Miscarriage; Indications of Threatened Miscarriage; Discharge of Blood; Pain; Preventive Treatment; Rest; Coolness; Light Diet; Indications for Medical Aid; Necessity of Patience; Symptoms of Inevitable Miscarriage; Description of Abortion; Indications of Complete Removal; Results of Incomplete Removal; Convalescence from Miscarriage; Necessity of Rest; Value of Ss'ringing; Preparation of Lotions: Diet during Convalescence; Occasional Discomfort of Breasts: Final Remarks.

CHAPTER VI. Premature Confinement 50

Definition; Causes; Recognition of Cause ; Cause of Premature Confinement; Importance of Prevention; Effects of Premature Birth on Child and on Mother; Necessity of Care in Later Months of Pregnancy; Signs of Impending Confinement; Recurring Attacks of Pain; Distinction from Colic; Precautions Necessary; Baby Incubators.

Chapter VII

Selection of Doctor and Nurse: Arrangements Regarding Fees; Advantages of Personal Interview with Monthly Nurse; Selection of Room; Drainage of House; Accommodation of Nurse ; Furniture of Room ; Bed-Pan; Bed- Bath; The Family Syringe; Douche; Sponges: Sanitary Towels; Binders; Antiseptic Fluids; Carbolized Vaseline; Baby's Bath: Soap; Baby's Diapers; Bassinette; Baby's Basket; Its Contents; Waterproof Sheeting; Arrangement of Bed ; Attention to Regular Action of Bowels.

LIST OF CONTENTS.

Chapter VIII. Page

Confinement 70

Definition; Indications of Commencement; Painful Contractions of Womb; Frequency; Distinction from "False Pains 11 ; the Show; Demeanor during First Stage ; Propriety of Laxative Medicine; Food; Transition from " First Stage " to " Second Stage " ; Description of Contents of Womb, and of Action during Labor; Bursting of the Waters; Second Stage; Differing Character of Pains; Position of Mother; Termination of Second Stage; Position of Child; Management in Absence of Skilled Assistance; Third Stage; General Remarks.

Chapter IX

Normal Progress after Confinement; Necessity of Quietude; Injurious Effects of Excitement; After-pains; Diet after Confinement; Occasional Occurrence of Sickness; Aperients; Discharge; Occasional Excess of Discharge; Management; Necessity of Cleanliness; Methods of Douching and Syringing; Maintenance of Eecumbent Position; Summary of Normal Progress; Application of Binder; Alteration of Figure after Confinement; Desquamation of Skin; Deepening of Color of Hair; Occasional Occurrence of Feverishness; Necessity of Medical Aid; Susceptibility to Infection during Convalescence.

Chapter X

Duty of Mother to Suckle Infant; Occasional Exceptions; Normal Secretion of Milk; Importance of Commencing Suckling soon after Confinement; Process of Sucking; Flatness of Nipple ; Management; Breast-Pump; Employment of Older Baby: Soreness of Nipple; Fissures of Nipple; Fulness of Breasts; Insufficient Flow of Milk; Methods of Increasing Flow; Frequency of Sucking; Indications of Discomfort of Baby; Probable Meaning; Tendency to Painful Digestion; Susceptibility of Infant to Improper Diet and Drugs taken by Mother; Tension of Breasts; Localized Hardness and Swelling; Abscess of Breast; Relation to Fissures; Importance of Cleanliness; Objects of Treatment; Question of giving up Nursing; Normal Duia T tion of Nursing; Indications pointing to Propriety of Cessation; Symptoms due to Over-nursing— Relief of Symptoms; Arrest of Secretion of Milk; General Treatment; Local Applications.

8 LIST OF CONTENTS.

Chapter XI. Page

Normal Development op the Child 10i3

Average Size and Weight at Birth; Variations; Description of Skin; Of Head; 8utures of Head; Fontanelles; Cry; Grasp; Animal Heat; Necessity of Warmth; Tendency to Sleep; Action of Bowels and Kidneys; Meconium; Normal Excretion of Bowels; Secretion of Kidneys; Indication of Disorder; Recurring Craving for Food; Average Kate of Growth in Height and Weight; Increase in Intelligence; Development of Sight and Hearing; Tears and Smiles; Amount of Sleep; Process of Teething; Development of Walking Powers; Art of Speech; Second Dentition; Absorption of First Teeth; Puberty in Girls ; Menstruation; Occasional Discomfort; Necessity of Care during Period; Caution in Use of Stimulants; Manifestations of Mental and Moral Disorder; Puberty in Boys; Nervous Derangements.

CHAPTER XII. General Care op the Child 120

Washing of Baby; Temperature of Water; Soaps; Use of Oil; Attention to Cord; Dress; Necessity of avoiding Pressure or Restraint; Material of Clothing; Diapers; Bassinette; Objection to Baby Sleeping with Mother; Desquamation of Skin; Red-Gum; Value of Fresh Air; Sunshine; Daily Baths; Value of Douching; Out-Door Exercise; Carriage in Arms; Bassinette Perambulators; Importance of Support when sitting up; Walking in Open Air; Cultivation of Cleanly Habits; Selection of Clothing; Unreliableness of Children's Sense of Temperature; Indications of Insufficient Clothing; Change of Underclothing at Night; Importance of Looseness of Clothing.

CHAPTER XIII. The Nutrition op the Child 335

Mother's Milk the Natural Food; Temporary Substitute when Necessary ; Difficulties of Sucking; Frequency; Amount of Milk obtained; Use of one or both Breasts; Indications of Discomfort from Excess of Milk taken; Progress of Natural Nursing; Insufficiency of Supply of Milk; Necessity of Artificial Supplement; Eligible Substitutes; Use of Feeding-bottle; Temperature of Artificial Food; Farinaceous Foods; Selection; Quantity to be given; Occasional Inability to digest diluted Cow's Milk; Alternatives; Milk Humanized ; Sterilized; Peptonized; Asses 1 Milk; Goats' Milk; Wet- •nurse; Addition of Farinaceous Food; Feeding by Spoon; Addition of -Animal Food; Objections to Nerve-stimulants; Common Errors in Diet of "Infants; Deficiency of Fat; Excess of Farinaceous Food; Excess of Nitrogenous Food ; Irritability of Digestive Organs in Children.

LIST OP CONTENTS. 9

Chapter XIV. Page

Physical and Mental Training of the Child 156

Object aimed at; Necessity of Training Faculties; Results of Disuse ; Relation between Body and Mind; Importance of Maintenance of Health and Development of Function; Variations in Different Children due to Want of Training; Dread of Undue Strain; Value of Effort alternating with Rest ; Necessity of Care against unduly Severe or Prolonged Strain; Spontaneous Tendency to Movement; Artificial Means of Exercise; Swinging; Military Drill; Musical Calisthenics; Dancing; Importance of Regularity in Exercise; Necessity of Due Rest; Training of Special Senses; Mental Training; Risk of Overwork; Relation between Fatigue and Want of Interest; Moral Training.

CHAPTER XV. Some Congenital Defects in Children 168

"Mothers' Marks"; Cause; Treatment; Club-Foot; Hair-Lip; Supernumerary Fingers and Toes; Hernia: Umbilical, Inguinal; Hernia in Middle Line of Abdomen; Imperforate Lachrymal Ducts; Liability to be Mistaken for Inflammation; Imperfections of Sight; Short-sight; Long-sight; Astigmatism; Squinting; Curability; Detection of Short-sight; Of Astigmatism.

Chapter XVI

Duties of a Nurse; Observation of the Patient ; Respiration; Pulse; Temperature; The Clinical Thermometer; Hygiene of Sick-room; Cleanliness; Ventilation, Temperature; Light and Sunshine; Hygiene of Invalid : Cleanliness; Clothing; Food; Administration and Application of Remedial Agents; Mixtures; Powders; External Applications: Warm Fomentations; Spongio-piline ; Poultices: Linseed Poultice, Bread Poultice, Starch Poultice; Application of Dry Heat, of Cold; Compresses; Counter-irritation; Stimulating Liniments; Mustard Plasters; Poultices; Turpentine Stoups; Medicated Applications; Sedative Liniments; Ointments; Lotions; Syringing of Ears ; Applications to Throat ; Leeches : Management of Infectious Diseases; Disinfectants; Their Abuse.

CHAPTER XVII. Some Minor Troubles of the Earlier Months of Infant Life 192

Separation of Stump of Umbilical Cord; Occasional Ulceration; Treatment; Hernia at Navel; Management; Inflammation of Breasts ; Desquamation of Skin; Red-Gum; Jaundice; Yellow-Gum; Thrush: Its Cause and Treatment; Diarrhoea; Its Causes and Treatment; Erythema and Intertrigo; Sand or Gravel; Constipation: Its Treatment; Inflammation of Eyelids; Method of Applying Lotions to Eye; Closure of Lachrymal Ducts; Vaccination.

io LIST OF CONTENTS.

Chapter XVIII. Page

Some Disorders Associated with the Process of Dentition 210

Condition of Nervous System during Dentition: Difference of Manifestations in First and Second Dentitions; Affections of Gums and Mouth : Ulcers of Mouth; Distinction from Thrush; Feverish Attacks ; Restlessness at Night; Disorders of Digestion; Treatment; Colic and Diarrhoea ; Cold and Cough : False Croup; Bronchial Catarrh; Necessity of Care; Treatment of Cold, of False Croup, of Bronchitis; Child-crowing, Treatment; General Convulsions, Treatment; Abscess of Ear; Treatment; Night Terrors; Other Mental Peculiarities.

Chapter XIX

I. Earache and Discharge from Ear. 2. Affections of Throat; Catarrhal Inflammation of Throat; Subacute Tonsillitis; Diphtheritic Inflammation; Distinction between them : Treatment of Catarrhal Inflammation, of Subacute Tonsillitis; Precautions Relating to Diphtheria ; Chronic Enlargement of Tonsils; Their Effects on Respiration: Snoring. 3. Disorders due to Cold or Chill; Cold in the Head, in Throat and Larynx; Bronchitis; Cold affecting the Stomach and the Bowels. 4. Disorders of the Digestive Organs; Indigestion, Acute and Chronic; Diarrhoea; Prolapse of Bowel; Constipation; Treatment by Diet, by Injections, by Medicines. 5. Eruptions on the Skin : Heat-spots; Roseola; Nettie-Rash; Eczema. 6. Infectious Eruptive Fevers: Chicken-pox; Small-pox; Scarlet Fever: 3Ieasles; Rotheln; Mumps: Whooping-Cough; Responsibility of Parents in Relation to Infectious Diseases. 7. Parasitic Diseases: Ringworm; Itch: Thread-worms. 8. Diathetic Diseases: Rheumatism; Scrofula: Rickets.

CHAPTER I. Duties and Responsibilities of Married Life

Ignorance before Marriage of Probable Duties and Responsibilities; Imporl "" uce .of Step taken in entering Matrimony ; Necessity of Mutual Self -Sacrifice; Probability ot Maternity; Period of Life during which Maternity may Occur ; Possibility of some Suffering during this Period ; Effect of Mother's Life and Conduct on Future Health of Child ; Inherited Tendencies ; Lessons from Examples ; Imitative Faculties of Children.

i

Every young woman who enters into what are conventionally called the " bonds of matrimony " voluntarily accepts certain responsibilities, and undertakes certain duties, not only important in themselves, but noteworthy also in this, that their neglect and repudiation may be followed by far-reaching consequences to others. Convention has decreed that those duties and responsibilities should be discovered mainly by wives after marriage ; and it is seldom indeed that mothers are judicious or enlightened enough to place before their marriageable daughters even a partial view of the difficulties and troubles which almost every married woman will have to face at some period of her married life. Not that one would wish such difficulties to be represented as a deterrent from entering a life which to every woman should form the ideal of happiness ; but it is certainly desirable that women on entering married life should be aware that calls will be made upon their courage, their temper, and their forbearance ; and should take what is undoubtedly the most decisive step of their lives with some knowledge of its importance and gravity, and some sense of the great

influence which marriage must exercise on all their future career.

n

Whatever view one may take of the relative position of the sexes in married life, it is obvious that both husband and wife must, to some extent, lose the independence of the unmarried state. The law of England, as of most other civilized nations, makes the marriage union indissoluble except by death or misconduct ; and married people must enter their common life with the full intention of remaining in close association for the term of their natural lives. %f this association is to be a happy and prosperous one, if their joint life is to be fuller and richer after marriage than before, it is absolutely essential that each must contribute to the result by careful consideration of the other's feelings and wislk©*. and by occasional sacrifice of his or her own inclination and desires^JNo two human beings ever were born, or probably ever will be, wimexactly the same tastes, wishes, desires, and appetites, just as no two persons ever presented exactly the same type of features and expression, and if two agree to lead the same life as united in marriage, that life must naturally be to some extent a compromise of their relative inclinations and ideals. One of the first duties, then, of married life is to learn to subordinate personal wishes to mutual interests.

In the marriage ceremony of the Church of England, it is stated that one of the objects for which marriage is instituted is the begetting of children ; and to most, if not all, right-minded women, the pleasures of maternity are looked forward to as the highest blessing of married life. There is inborn in a woman's mind the love of children, and the wish to have children of her own, on whom maternal love can be lavished ; and as regards the vast majority of married women, this instinct and wish are fulfilled. For the larger part of a woman's life, the power of reproducing is possessed while in health, and not unfrequently even when health is much impaired ; and during the whole period of life from fourteen to fifty-four the possibility of bearing children exists, although examples at either of these extreme ages are very rare. In England, where early marriage is not the rule, it is unusual to find mothers at an earlier age than eighteen, while it is almost equally exceptional for women to have children after forty-six years of age.

Great, however, as is the pleasure and the comfort of possessing children, and valuable as is the solace of their love and affection, their possession is not usually attained without some suffering and self-sacrifice on the part of the mother. From the very commencement of pregnancy, it is necessary for the future mother to pay some attention to the results which her life and conduct may have on the welfare of the child she is about to bring into existence. Irresistible evidence is plentiful that both the physical and mental health of children depend greatly upon the characteristics which they inherit from their parents, and perhaps more especially from their mothers. To mention only very

EARLY MARRIED LIFE.

well-marked inherited tendencies, it is a matter of daily observation that undue indulgence in alcoholic beverages shows its effects in children — not only in a craving for alcohol, but also in various diseases of the nervous system, such as epilepsy and hysteria, and even idiocy.

No diseases are more readily transmitted to children than those of the nervous system ; and want of control in the mother, resulting in fits of passion and hysterical attacks, may not unfrequently manifest themselves in children in the more marked forms of epilepsy and insanity. So that the duty of all thoughtful persons likely to become mothers is indicated most plainly. Careful regulation of daily life, abstinence from excesses of any kind, and, as far as possible, the avoidance of severe strains upon the nervous system, are of the greatest possible importance in view of the object most desired by a right-minded wife — the bearing of a healthy infant.

But not only by these more obvious and prominent departures from healthy life is the future of a child imperilled. There can be little doubt that even slighter ailments which may be acquired by the mother are sometimes transmitted to the child. It is not uncommon to remark in children a tendency to indigestion and irritation of the stomach, which may be traced to the presence of dyspepsia in the mother, induced by improper diet and undue indulgence in indigestible foods. One of the most fatal inheritances of children in any country is the tendency to rheumatism, which often leads in early life to inflammatory diseases of the heart, as well as to painful affections of the joints. Illnesses of this character in childhood frequently produce results of which the injurious effects are apparent throughout the whole duration of life ; and even such apparently unimportant defects as slight imperfections of the eyes, showing themselves in short-sightedness or long-sightedness, seem capable of being transmitted to one's offspring. It seems probable, indeed, that minor mental imperfections — such as irritability, and angry passion, and deceit — may be transmitted in a similar manner, although the proof is more difficult ; and the probability is strengthened by consideration of the frequency with which tricks of manner, and peculiarities of expression, are repeated in children even where the possibility of imitation has been excluded by separation.

Thoughtful consideration of these facts will impress upon every married woman the responsibility which rests upon her to regulate her conduct and life in such a way that her offspring may not suffer in any manner from her indiscretion or carelessness. To any one possessing a sense of right feeling, it would be a matter of life-long regret that a child has suffered from any cause which a little care exercised at the proper time might have entirely prevented ; and the remorse would be intensified by the consideration that inherited taints of the character

H

EARLY MARRIED LIFE.

indicated do not necessarily limit themselves to one generation, but may not unfrequently be traced through three or four successive families.

The position of responsibility, moreover, does not end with the birth of the child. Although there is room for doubt whether any mental characteristics are actually absorbed, in the popular phrase, "with the mother's milk," there can be no doubt that, from a very early stage in its career, every child possesses more or less an imitative power, and will acquire from its mother habits of speech and conduct, very much sooner than is usually supposed. Outbursts of petulant anger, the use of improper language, or unseemly levity of conduct, will often produce on the young mind impressions which may react to its disadvantage and injury in later years ; while, on the other hand, dignified control of temper and gentle manners will be imitated in early childhood, and impress permanently the character in after life.

Many considerations of a similar nature might be adduced to illustrate the influence which maternal characteristics may have upon children ; but enough has been said to impress upon all expectant mothers the propriety and desirability of conscientiously regulating their conduct during pregnancy and in motherhood, so that right impulses and healthy energies should spread outward in an increasing wave through successive generations.

It is related, in the life of the Rev. Charles Kingsley, that when his mother became aware that she was about to bear a child, she firmly resolved that during her pregnancy she would allow no external troubles to influence her mind, and that, living in a beautiful country, she would give up as much time as possible to the contemplation of natural beauty and to admiration of the works of the Almighty ; and it is easy to believe that the thorough sympathy with Nature, and the earnest humanity which characterized the author of "The Water Babies " and " Yeast," were due in great measure to the mental attitude of his mother during the months preceding his birth. Every mother cannot carry out these principles to the same extent ; but it is possible for every expectant mother to look, as far as may be, rather to the future happiness of motherhood than to the present discomforts of pregnancy ; to feel that in becoming a mother she is fulfilling a duty high and important ; and to the best of her ability to contemplate the brighter side of the picture, encouraged by the constantly nearing approach of maternal joy.

CHAPTER II. Altered Conditions or Life after Marriage

Change in the Circumstances of the Wife; Loss of Family Ties; Formation of New Friendships; Utilization of Leisure Hours; Importance of Out-door Exercise; Various Forms of Exercise; Value of Motive in "Walking; Care in Diet; Duty of Taking Proper Care of Health; Place of Alcoholic Stimulants in Diet; Injurious Effects of Improper Use of Stimulants on Mother and Child; Mental Occupation; Tendency to Occasional Depression; Methods of Relief; Domestic Troubles ; Rule for Avoiding Worry.

Marriage is followed by a very much greater change in the circumstances and habits of the wife than in those of the husband. The latter still pursues the daily occupation to which he has been accustomed for ye'ars, one-third at least of his time probably being devoted to the claims of his profession or business ; and, in general, he is still surrounded by his old friends, and to some extent is able to participate in his usual recreations. On the other hand, the wife will most commonly find herself in a completely novel position. Her family ties are more completely broken, and the occupations of girlhood are exchanged for the more responsible duties of housekeeping ; while she will often find herself separated by distance from old friends, and under the necessity of creating a new circle of friends and acquaintances in her more immediate neighborhood. It is impossible that such a change can be suddenly effected without more or less discomfort and annoyance.

To many women, even when young, the making of new friendships is a difficult and slow process ; and the difficulty is one which generally increases with progressing years. Yet, to most young married women, the companionship of at least a few friends is very desirable, if not absolutely necessary, for the maintenance of health. The general conditions of social life generally render it a necessary misfortune, for all but the very wealthy, that the husband should be absent from home for many hours daily in the pursuit of his business ; and even with the occupation and excitement to which early adventures in housekeeping may give rise, there must often be many lonely and occasionally weary hours for the wives who are left at home. It is a duty which a wife owes to her husband as well as to her health to make je very effort to use well these solitary hours.

A very co mm on fai mong :hose whose life is spent

in large towns, is the tendency to lead too sedentary a life, and to negl set the vgular outdoor exercise which is indispensable to good health. X o fact in physiology is more clearly proved than the necessity of physical exercise of some kind, if health is to be maintained in m

factory condition. The form that the exercise may take is of minor importance. To those who can afford it, riding on horseback is a very greeable and most valuable form ; and bicycle riding is within the reach of many who cannot afford the luxury of a living steed. There is no reason to suppose that any injury can result to a healthy woman by tricycling in moderation ; and one of its advantages is that the pleasure can often be shared -by one's husband, as tandem tricycling is even more easy than single riding, if the two riders are accustomed to each other's action. To those who live in the neighborhood of rivers, or at the seaside, rowing, and more especially sculling, is an equally lelightful and useful mode of exercise, and one very well suited to young women who are sensible enough to wear a dress suitable for the purpose.

The majority of young married women will however, probably have to content themselves with walking exercise. It is frequently asked how much walking exercise should be undertaken daily ; and the question is one to which it is impossible to give a definite answer. Much de;: ::on the temperament, the strength, and the nervous

energy of the inquirer, as well as upon the circumstances under which the exercise ia taken. It is a matter of daily observation that one can walk much farther with less fatigue if one has an interesting companion, or a special object in view. It may be said generally that most women would be the better for walking at least three or four miles

-. while many are quite able to enjoy thoroughly and benefit by a

_ of six or eight miles. If no special motive for walking exists, it - »ften well : invent one. Dealing with shops at some distance from

: home sometimes offers an inducement for exercise ; or visiting

friends at some distance from one's residence may be a convenient

motive. The main point is to avoid wha: is sometimes called "taking

aonstitntlonal, " a proceeding which is very unlikely to have the

red effect in promoting health.

In addition to regularity of exercise, regularity of diet is of prime importance to the maintenance of good health in early married life. It is, however, a duty which is rather apt to be neglected. "Women are sometimes inclined to think that there is a certain amount of selfishness in considering their own wants in the absence of their husbands ; and

sad of taking regular and proper meals, to temporize with some substitute, such as tea, which, while it stimulates and removes temporarily the sense of fatigue and hunger, really affords nothing that can

EARLY MARRIED LIFE.

properly be termed food. There is no real selfishness in supplying mie's wants in such a way as to maintain one's self in good health ; and it is a duty women owe to their husbands to regulate their lives so as to be fit companions for them, and healthy mothers for their children. To women who breakfast early, and whose evening meal is late, it is most essential to have a proper substantial meal in the middle of the day, of which a part should consist of some kind of meat or fish.

Effect of Stimulants. — Young women should especially be careful to avoid acquiring the habit of taking any alcoholic fluids to supply the place of more valuable food. The proper place of alcoholic stimulants, so far as they may be required or taken at all, is as an adjuvant to the more solid meals of the day ; and, even then, they should only be taken in very moderate quantity. Probably the majority of women will enjoy better health while abstaining from all alcoholic drinks ; but even in cases where the digestion is assisted and health improved by a little wine or beer taken with meals, an invariable rule should be adopted that no stimulants be taken at any other time without direct medical sanction or recommendation. Irregular stimulant-drinking is not only directly injurious in many ways, but also the indirect cause of many maladies, more especially of the nervous system, and is exceedingly apt to lead to permanent habits of inebriety. Considerable experience has shown that this practice is one of the most fertile causes of unhappy married life ; while conclusive evidence proves its injurious effect upon the health of the offspring.

Health of the Mind. — While due attention is given to the material requirements of the body, another equally important condition of health is the maintenance of the mind in properly regulated employment. Real health is only obtainable when both the mind and the body are kept in satisfactory condition by active exercise. It. is no uncommon thing for young women after marriage to give up the occupations of the leisure which they enjoyed before other interests occupied their attention ; and when the novelty of the altered life has somewhat faded, it is not unfrequent to observe mental depression, and occasional tendency to hysteria, as the result of a sense of loneliness and absence of interesting intellectual resource. Commencing in this way, the depression may and often does lead eventually to indigestion, and sleeplessness, and manifests itself externally in irritability and unhappiness. It is very desirable that young married women should have at least one mental resource upon which they can fall back when irritated by the troubles of housekeeping, or when suffering from the ennui resulting from separation from old friends. Whether that resource be music, reading, singing, drawing, or any other so-called accomplishment, it should be cultivated with assiduity and regularity ; for of all these it may be said that the pleasure derived from them increases with practice and use, and decreases with neglect. Both in earlier and later life, wc shall reap the reward of some self-sacrifice in the practice of pursuits which both afford pleasure and extend and cultivate our mental resources.