The Eugenic Marriage
W. Grant (William Grant) Hague
111 chapters
18 hour read
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111 chapters
THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS COMPANY
THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS COMPANY
Copyright, 1913, by W. Grant Hague Copyright, 1914, by W. Grant Hague Note —The Roman numerals I, II, III and IV indicate the volume; the Arabic figures 1, 2, 3, etc., indicate the page number. Accidents and emergencies, IV, 629. Accouchement Beds, how to prepare, I, 65 . Acne, IV, 576. Adenoids, IV, 519; how to tell when child has, IV, 520; treatment of, IV, 521. Adentitis, acute, IV, 558; causes of, IV, 558; symptoms of, IV, 558; treatment of, IV, 558. Advice to young wives, III, 357. After-bi
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Despite the fact that much has been written during the past two or three years with reference to Eugenics, it is quite evident to any one interested in the subject that the average intelligent individual knows very little about it so far as its scope and intent are concerned. This is not to be wondered at, for the subject has not been presented to the ordinary reader in a form that would tend to encourage inquiry or honest investigation. The critic and the wit have deliberately misinterpreted it
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CHAPTER I
CHAPTER I
"Nations are gathered out of nurseries." Charles Kingsley . "To be a good animal is the first requisite to success in life, and to be a nation of good animals is the first condition of national prosperity." Herbert Spencer ....
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CONDITIONS WHICH HAVE EVOLVED THE SCIENCE OF EUGENICS
CONDITIONS WHICH HAVE EVOLVED THE SCIENCE OF EUGENICS
Infant Mortality—Marriage and Motherhood—Heredity—Environment—Education—Disease and Vice—History—Summary. There has been evinced during recent years a desire to know something more definite about the science of eugenics. Eugenics, simply defined, means "better babies." It is the art of being well born. It implies consideration of everything that has to do with the well-being of the race: motherhood, marriage, heredity, environment, disease, hygiene, sanitation, vice, education, culture,—in short
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CHAPTER II
CHAPTER II
"The public health is the foundation on which reposes the happiness of the people and the power of a country. The care of the public health is the first duty of a statesman." Lord Beaconsfield ....
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THE EUGENIC IDEA
THE EUGENIC IDEA
The Value of Human Life—The Eugenic Principle—"The Fit Only Shall Live"—Eugenics and Marriage—The Venereal Diseases—The Utility of Marriage Certificates—The Marriage Certificates and Vice—Eugenics and Parenthood—The Principle of Heredity—Eugenics and Motherhood—Eugenics and the Husband. The eugenist believes the cardinal error of the past has been a failure to recognize the worth or value of human life. In the past human lives have counted for absolutely nothing. As we have seen, each generation
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CHAPTER III
CHAPTER III
"I hope to live to see the time when the increased efficiency in the public health service—Federal, State and municipal—will show itself in a greatly reduced death rate. The Federal Government can give a powerful impulse to this end by creating a model public health service." Ex-President Taft ....
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EUGENICS AND EDUCATION
EUGENICS AND EDUCATION
The Present Educational System is Inadequate—Opinions of Dr. C. W. Saleeby, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Luther Burbank, William D. Lewis, Elizabeth Atwood, Dr. Thomas A. Story, William C. White, Dr. Helen C. Putnam—Difficulty in Devising a Satisfactory Educational System—Education an Important Function—The Function of the High School—The High School System Fallacious—The True Function of Education. The fundamental law of eugenics demands that all education be exerted for parenthood. We have proved that
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CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER IV
"It is only because we are accustomed to this waste of life and are prone to think it is one of the dispensations of Providence that we go on about our business, little thinking of the preventive measures that are possible." Charles E. Hughes ....
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EUGENICS AND THE UNFIT
EUGENICS AND THE UNFIT
The Deaf and Dumb—The Feeble-minded—A New York Magistrate's Report—Report of the Children's Society—The Segregation and Treatment of the Feeble-Minded—What the Care of the Insane Costs—The Alcoholic—Drunkenness. In order to achieve success in eugenics we must strive to encourage the parenthood of the worthy or fit, and to discourage the parenthood of the unworthy or unfit. The unfit are those, as previously explained, who, because of mental or physical disability, are unable to create fit or hea
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CHAPTER V
CHAPTER V
"The real undermining of health is not seen. It is done in an insidious way. It has to be carefully ferreted out." Dr. Harvey W. Wiley ....
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WHAT EVERY MOTHER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EUGENICS
WHAT EVERY MOTHER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EUGENICS
In the preceding pages we have written about eugenics as a science; it is our intention now to point out briefly in just what way eugenics directly concerns the mothers of to-day. In the first place let us try to appreciate what it will mean to the race if "the fit only are born." "Fit" children, it will be recalled, means children born healthy of healthy, selected parents, parents with a good ancestral history, conveying to their offspring a reasonably adequate legacy. If the "fit only are born
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CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VI
"Solicitude for children is one of the signs of a growing civilization. To cure is the voice of the past; to prevent, the divine whisper of to-day." Kate Douglas Wiggin ....
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PREPARATIONS FOR THE CONFINEMENT
PREPARATIONS FOR THE CONFINEMENT
The Birth Chamber—What to Provide for a Confinement—Ready to Purchase Obstetrical Outfits—Position and Arrangement of the Bed—How to Properly Prepare the Accouchment Bed—The Kelly Pad—The Advantages of the Kelly Pad—Should a Binder Be Used?—Sanitary Napkins—How to Calculate the Probable Date of the Confinement—Obstetrical Table—When Should a Pregnant Woman First Call Upon Her Physician—Regarding the Choice of a Physician—How to Know the Right Kind of a Physician for a Confinement—The Selection o
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CHAPTER VII THE HYGIENE OF PREGNANCY.
CHAPTER VII THE HYGIENE OF PREGNANCY.
Daily Conduct of the Pregnant Woman—Instructions Regarding Household Work—Instructions Regarding Washing and Sweeping—Instructions Regarding Exercise—Instructions Regarding Passive Exercise—Instructions Regarding Toilet Privileges—-Instructions Regarding Bathing—Instructions Regarding Sexual Intercourse—Clothing During Pregnancy—Diet of Pregnant Women—Alcoholic Drinks During Pregnancy—The Mental State of the Pregnant Woman—The Social Side of Pregnancy—Minor Ailments of Pregnancy—Morning Nausea,
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CHAPTER VIII THE MANAGEMENT OF LABOR
CHAPTER VIII THE MANAGEMENT OF LABOR
When to Send for the Physician in Confinement Cases—The Preparation of the Patient—The Beginning of Labor—The First Pains—The Meaning of the Term "Labor"—Length of the First Stage of Labor—What the First Stage of Labor Means—What the Second Stage of Labor Means—Length of the Second Stage—Duration of the First Confinement—Duration of Subsequent Confinements—Conduct of Patient During Second Stage of Labor—What a Labor Pain Means—How a Willful Woman Can Prolong Labor—Management of Actual Birth of C
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CHAPTER IX CONFINEMENT INCIDENTS
CHAPTER IX CONFINEMENT INCIDENTS
Regarding the Dread and Fear of Childbirth—The Woman Who Dreads Childbirth—Regarding the Use of Anesthetics in Confinements—The Presence of Friends and Relatives in the Confinement Chamber—How Long Should a Woman Stay in Bed After a Confinement?—Why Do Physicians Permit Women to Get Out of Bed Before the Womb Is Back in Its Proper Place?—Lacerations, Their Meaning and Their Significance—The Advantage of an Examination Six Weeks After the Confinement—The Physician Who Does Not Tell All of the Tru
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CHAPTER X NURSING MOTHERS
CHAPTER X NURSING MOTHERS
The Diet of Nursing Mothers—Care of the Nipples—Cracked Nipples—Tender Nipples—Mastitis in Nursing Mothers—Inflammation of the Breasts—When Should a Child Be Weaned?—Method of Weaning—Nursing While Menstruating—Care of Breasts While Weaning Child—Nervous Nursing Mothers—Birth Marks—Qualifications of a Nursery Maid. The Diet of Nursing Mothers. —A nursing mother should eat exactly the same diet as she has always been accustomed to before she became pregnant. If any article of diet disagrees with
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CHAPTER XI CONVALESCING AFTER CONFINEMENT
CHAPTER XI CONVALESCING AFTER CONFINEMENT
The Second Critical Period in the Young Wife's Life—The Domestic Problem Following the First Confinement. The first three or four months following the first confinement is the second important period in the young wife's life. In one sense it is the most critical period. The first important period you will remember we stated to be the first few months after marriage. During these months the young wife passed through the period of adaptation. She found out that matrimony was not all sunshine and h
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A Personal Guide to the New Science of Better Living and Better Babies
A Personal Guide to the New Science of Better Living and Better Babies
College of Physicians and Surgeons (Columbia University), New York; Member of County Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association...
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In Four Volumes VOLUME II
In Four Volumes VOLUME II
New York THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS COMPANY 1914 Copyright, 1913, by W. Grant Hague Copyright, 1914, by W. Grant Hague...
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CHAPTER XII
CHAPTER XII
A word to parents—Interest in sex hygiene—The "Social Evil"—Ten millions suffering with venereal diseases in the United States—Immorality not confined to large cities—Venereal diseases common in country places—What are the consequences of venereal disease to the boy?—Gonorrhea, or clap—Symptoms of gonorrhea in the male—Complications of gonorrhea—Syphilis, or the "pox"—How syphilis is acquired—Syphilis attacks every organ in the body—Not possible to tell when cured—The chancre—Systematic, or cons
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CHAPTER XIII
CHAPTER XIII
Abuse of the procreative function—The continent life—Provide the environment necessary to the clean life—The period of procreative power—Self-abuse—Masturbation—Treatment of masturbation—Night losses or wet dreams—Causes of night emissions—Sexual excesses—Treatment of sexual excesses—What parents should know about the so-called "social evil" before speaking with authority to the boy—The need of enlightenment in sexual matters—"No one told me, I did not know"—Fake medical treatment of venereal di
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CHAPTER XIV
CHAPTER XIV
What a mother should tell her little girl—Where do babies come from—How baby birds and fish come from eggs—How other animals have little nests of their own—The duty of mothers to instruct and direct—What a mother should tell her daughter—Every mother should regard this duty as sacred—Every female child is a possible future mother—Motherhood the highest function of the sex—Health the one necessary essential—Symptoms of the first, or beginning menstruation—The period of puberty in the female—Chang
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CHAPTER XV
CHAPTER XV
Menstruation—Irregular menstruation—Changes in the quantity of the flow—How the womb is held in place—Symptoms of menstruation—Menstruation should not be accompanied with pain—Don't give your daughters patent medicines, or "Female Regulators"—Take your daughter to the doctor—Leucorrhea in girls—Bathing when menstruating—Constipation and displaced wombs—Dress and menstruation—Absence of menstruation, or amenorrhea—Treatment of amenorrhea—Painful menstruation, or dysmenorrhea—Causes of dysmenorrhe
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CHAPTER XVI
CHAPTER XVI
What to prepare for the coming baby—Care of the newly-born baby—The first bath—Dressing the cord—Treatment after the cord falls off—A pouting navel—Bathing baby—Clothing the baby—Baby's night clothes—Care of the eyes—Care of the mouth and first teeth—Care of the skin—Care of the genital organs—Amusing baby—Temperature in children—The teeth—The permanent teeth—Care of the teeth—Dentition—Treatment of teething—How to weigh the baby—Average weight of a male baby—Average weight of a female baby—Aver
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CHAPTER XVII
CHAPTER XVII
Overfeeding baby—Intervals of feeding—How long should a baby stay at the breast—Vomiting between feedings—Regularity of feeding—Why is regularity of feeding important—A baby never vomits—What is the significance of so-called vomiting after feedings—Mother's milk that is unfit for baby—Fresh air for baby—Air baths for baby Page 223...
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CHAPTER XVIII
CHAPTER XVIII
Baby's bed—The proper way to lay baby in bed—Baby should sleep by itself—How long should a baby sleep—Why a baby cries—The habitual crier—The habit of feeding baby every time it cries—The habit of walking the floor with baby every time it cries—Jouncing, or hobbling baby—Baby needs water to drink—The evil habit of kissing baby—Establishing toilet habits—Baby's comforter—What can be done to lessen the evil effects of the comforter habit—Beef juice—Beef juice by the cold process—Mutton broth—Mutto
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CHAPTER XIX ARTIFICIAL FEEDING
CHAPTER XIX ARTIFICIAL FEEDING
Elementary principles of milk modification—The secret of the efficiency of mothers' milk—Two important factors in successful artificial feeding—Every child is a problem in itself—Proprietary foods of little value as infant foods—Their value is in the milk added to them—The credit belongs to the cow—Difference between human and cow's milk—What "top-milk" feeding means—Utensils necessary for home modification of milk—Artificial feeding from birth to the twelfth month—How to measure "top-milk"—Easy
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CHAPTER XX
CHAPTER XX
How to prepare milk mixtures—Sterilizing the food for the day's feeding—How to test the temperature of the food for baby—When to increase the quality or quantity of food—Food allowable during the first year in addition to milk—Beef-juice—White of egg—Orange juice—Peptonized milk—The hot or immediate process—The cold process—Partially peptonized milk—Completely peptonized milk—Uses of peptonized milk—Objections to peptonized milk—What a mother should know about baby's feeding bottle and nipple—Sh
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CHAPTER XXI
CHAPTER XXI
What mothers should know about the care of children during illness—A sick child should be in bed—The diet of the sick child—A child is the most helpless living thing—The delicate child—How to feed the delicate child—How to bathe the delicate child—Airing the delicate child—Habits of the delicate child—Indiscriminate feeding—Poor appetite—Loss of appetite—Treatment of loss of appetite—Overeating in infancy—What correct eating means—Bran as a food—Breakfast for a child at school—Lunch for a child
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CHAPTER XXII
CHAPTER XXII
Constipation—Regularity of bowel function—The function of the stomach—Fermentation—Incomplete constipation—Importance of a clean bowel—A daily movement of the bowel necessary—Constipation in breast-fed infants—Treatment of constipation in breast-fed infants—Constipation in bottle-fed infants—Treatment of constipation in bottle-fed infants—Constipation in children over two years of age—Diet list for constipation in children—Bran muffins in constipation—Treatment of obstinate constipation—Oil inje
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CHAPTER XXIII
CHAPTER XXIII
Chief cause of constipation in women—Constipation a cause of domestic unhappiness—The requirements of good health—The cost of constipation—Constipation and social exigencies—One of the important duties of mothers—Constipation and diseases of women—Constipation is always harmful—Constipation and pregnancy—Explanation of incomplete constipation—Causes of constipation—Negligence—Lack of exercise—Lack of water—Lack of bulk in the food taken—Abuse of cathartic drugs and aperient waters—Overeating—Tre
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SEX HYGIENE FOR THE BOY
SEX HYGIENE FOR THE BOY
"The evil that men do lives after them. The good is often interred with them." "The pleasure in living is to meet temptation and not yield to it." Elmer Lee, M. D....
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BUILDING OUR BOYS
BUILDING OUR BOYS
A Word to Parents—Interest in Sex Hygiene—The "Social Evil"—Ten Millions Suffering with Venereal Diseases in the United States—Immorality not Confined to Large Cities—Venereal Diseases Common in Country Places—What Are the Consequences of Venereal Disease to the Boy?—Gonorrhea, or Clap—Symptoms of Gonorrhea in the Male—Complications of Gonorrhea—Syphilis, or the "Pox"—How Syphilis is Acquired—Syphilis Attacks Every Organ in the Body—Not Possible to Tell When Cured—The Chancre—Systematic or Const
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WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF VENEREAL DISEASE TO THE BOY HIMSELF?
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF VENEREAL DISEASE TO THE BOY HIMSELF?
Gonorrhea or "Clap." —This is the most frequent of the venereal diseases. It is also the most serious. It is an unfortunate fact, that in the past,—and even to-day—boys have been told that gonorrhea is no worse than "a bad cold." This lie has been responsible for much evil and a great amount of unnecessary suffering and misery. Gonorrhea is caused by a germ, obtained, as a rule, during intercourse with an infected person. This germ is called gonococcus. It thrives on any mucous membrane; it is n
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WHAT THE BOY WITH VENEREAL DISEASE MAY CAUSE IN OTHERS
WHAT THE BOY WITH VENEREAL DISEASE MAY CAUSE IN OTHERS
Gonorrhea. —When the average boy acquires gonorrhea he frequently does not know, for many weeks, that he is the victim of a dangerous, infectious disease. He appreciates probably, that it relates to the sexual indiscretion he was guilty of, and feels that it is something to be ashamed of. He therefore hides his condition, confides in no one, and blindly hopes it will get better somehow or at some time. Meantime the disease, which may have been mild at the beginning, is gradually gaining ground a
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THE PARENTS AND THE BOY
THE PARENTS AND THE BOY
Abuse of the Procreative Function—The Continent Life—Provide the Environment Necessary to the Clean Life—The Period of Procreative Power—Self-abuse—Masturbation—Treatment of Masturbation—Night Losses or Wet Dreams—Causes of Night Emissions—Sexual Excesses—Treatment of Sexual Excesses—What Parents Should Know About the So-called "Social Evil," Before Speaking with Authority to the Boy—The Need of Enlightenment in Sexual Matters—"No One Told Me, I Did Not Know"—Fake Medical Treatment of Venereal D
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A MOTHER'S DUTY TO HER DAUGHTER
A MOTHER'S DUTY TO HER DAUGHTER
What a Mother Should Tell Her Little Girl—Where Do Babies Come From—How Baby Birds and Fish Come from Eggs—How Other Animals Have Little Nests of Their Own—The Duty of Mothers to Instruct and Direct—What a Mother Should Tell Her Daughter—Every Mother Should Regard This Duty as Sacred—Every Female Child is a Possible Future Mother—Motherhood the Highest Function of the Sex—Health the One Necessary Essential—Symptoms of the First, or Beginning Menstruation—The Period of Puberty in the Female—Chang
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WHAT A MOTHER SHOULD TELL HER DAUGHTER
WHAT A MOTHER SHOULD TELL HER DAUGHTER
Your daughter is now about fourteen years of age. She is about to pass from girlhood to womanhood and she should know more of life's story. The mother will now tell her the complete story in the form of little talks, based upon the following facts as texts. Each mother will doubtless add to the story as conditions justify and as the education of the mother and daughter may dictate. A multitude of little side talks can be wisely indulged in to make clear any uncertain or doubtful explanation, and
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PREPARING FOR MOTHERHOOD
PREPARING FOR MOTHERHOOD
Menstruation—Irregular Menstruation—Changes in the Quantity of the Flow—How the Womb is Held in Place—Symptoms of Menstruation—Menstruation Should Not be Accompanied with Pain—Don't Give Your Daughters Patent Medicines or "Female Regulators"—Take Your Daughter to the Doctor—Leucorrhea in Girls—Bathing when Menstruating—Constipation and Displaced Wombs—Dress and Menstruation—Absence of Menstruation, or Amenorrhea—Treatment of Amenorrhea—Painful Menstruation, or Dysmenorrhea—Causes of Dysmenorrhea
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MENSTRUATION
MENSTRUATION
We have explained in the previous chapter what menstruation is, its frequency, its significance and its origin. There are a number of its common characteristics with which the mother and daughter should be acquainted. Irregular Menstruation. —Menstruation may occur once (the first time) and fail to recur the following month or for a number of months. This need cause no alarm as long as the general health remains good. It will come again in its own time. Nervousness may cause a suspension of mens
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STERILITY
STERILITY
Sterility means the inability to become a parent. A woman who is sterile cannot become a mother. She is for some reason unable to have a baby. A childless union is frequently the cause of much unhappiness. There is something lacking in the expression "a childless home." It seems a paradox, as home is inherently associated with children and happiness. It has been stated that one out of every eight marriages is barren. The average time which elapses after marriage and the birth of the first child
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CONDITIONS WHICH AFFECT THE FERTILITY OF WOMEN
CONDITIONS WHICH AFFECT THE FERTILITY OF WOMEN
Climate. —It is a well-known fact that more children are born in southern regions than in northern countries. It may be asserted, therefore, that climate affects the fertility of the race. Station in Life. —Children are more numerous among the poor than among those who are wealthy and enjoy the luxury of riches. This condition cannot, however, be construed as a true expression of fertile efficiency. It is more a comparison of ethics, and when we express it thus we are giving it its most charitab
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CAUSES OF STERILITY IN WOMEN
CAUSES OF STERILITY IN WOMEN
Inasmuch as it is necessary to consult a competent physician in all cases of sterility, it is not necessary to go into detail regarding each possible cause, other than to explain how each may produce barrenness. It will be observed that a competent physician is specified and advised in these cases. This is very important because many advertising, or "quack" doctors, particularly solicit these kind of cases. They are not competent to be trusted with such cases and will likely effect more harm tha
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THE KNACK OF MISCARRYING
THE KNACK OF MISCARRYING
Displacement of Womb. —In many instances the primary cause of the displaced womb was some energetic, muscular effort, made while the victim was yet a girl,—probably before menstruation began. Whatever act first caused a slight tilting of the womb, must necessarily have been an unusual physical effort, and as girls are getting more and more strenuous we may look for more trouble in this direction in the future. Inasmuch as a slight tilting of the womb gradually gets worse it is a reasonable expec
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MISCARRIAGE
MISCARRIAGE
By the term "miscarriage" we mean that for some reason the progress of pregnancy has been interrupted and the fetus is expelled from the womb. A miscarriage or abortion (both terms meaning the same—the difference between the two terms is a technical one and need not concern us here) can occur any time after conception up to approximately the seventh month, when, if labor takes place, the child may be born alive. The condition would then be termed a premature labor. A miscarriage or abortion is a
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HYGIENE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BABY
HYGIENE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BABY
What to Prepare for the Coming Baby—Care of the Newly-born Baby—The First Bath—Dressing the Cord—Treatment After the Cord Falls off—A Pouting Navel—Bathing Baby—Clothing the Baby—Baby's Night Clothes—Care of the Eyes—Care of the Mouth and First Teeth—Care of the Skin—Care of the Genital Organs—Amusing Baby—Temperature in Children—The Teeth—The Permanent Teeth—Care of the Teeth—Dentition—Treatment of Teething—How to Weigh the Baby—Average Weight of a Male Baby—Average Weight of a Female Baby—Aver
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BABY'S FEEDING HABITS
BABY'S FEEDING HABITS
Overfeeding Baby—Intervals of Feeding—How Long Should a Baby Stay at the Breast—Vomiting Between Feedings—Regularity of Feeding—Why is Regularity of Feeding Important—"A Baby Never Vomits"—What is the Significance of So-called Vomiting After Feedings—Mothers Milk That is Unfit for Baby—Fresh Air for Baby—Air Baths for Baby. Overfeeding Baby. —Every nursing mother should have printed and hung up, so she may read it every time she nurses her child, the following motto: "DON'T OVERFEED BABY." Few,
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FRESH AIR FOR BABY
FRESH AIR FOR BABY
Baby's first journey out of doors depends upon so many contingencies that no specific age can be given when it would be perfectly safe to take it. First, the weather and season of the year should be considered. The baby should not be taken out at all when it is wet, or foggy, or very humid; nor when it is extremely cold. Second, the vigor or vitality of the individual child must be considered. Some children can safely be taken out if the weather is propitious when two weeks old, others cannot be
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BABY'S GOOD AND BAD HABITS. FOOD FORMULAS
BABY'S GOOD AND BAD HABITS. FOOD FORMULAS
Baby's Bed—The Proper Way to Lay Baby in Bed—Baby Should Sleep by Itself—How Long Should a Baby Sleep—Why a Baby Cries—The Habitual Crier—The Habit of Feeding Baby Every Time it Cries—The Habit of Walking the Floor with Baby Every Time it Cries—Jouncing, or Hobbling Baby—Baby Needs Water to Drink—The Evil Habit of Kissing Baby—Establishing Toilet Habits—Baby's Comforter—What can be Done to Lessen the Evil Effects of the Comforter Habit—Beef Juice—Beef Juice by the Cold Process—Mutton Broth—Mutto
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BABY'S BED
BABY'S BED
The Proper Way to Lay Baby in Its Bed. —The baby should be accustomed to sleep by itself from the day of its birth. Mothers have been known to smother their babies during sleep. The mother may pull the bed-clothing over the baby's head during the night and thus deprive it fresh air. A mother is much more apt to nurse her baby regularly and to do it more efficiently, if she is compelled to get up to do it. If she occupies the same bed with baby, she may fall asleep while nursing him; the baby con
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KISSING
KISSING
A child should never be kissed on the mouth by anyone, not even its own parents. Kissing should not be allowed among children. If any kissing is done it should be on the brow, never on the mouth, hands, or fingers. Many diseases are carried by this pernicious habit, and you cannot afford to have baby's health jeopardized by this promiscuous and unnecessary liberty....
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ESTABLISHING TOILET HABITS
ESTABLISHING TOILET HABITS
When baby reaches the age of three months, a regular systemized effort should be made to educate it to "habits of cleanliness." Nothing can be done in this direction previous to this age, as a child at that period of its life is scarcely conscious of the natural functions of its body. Each time a baby, after the third month, is making an effort to move its bowels, the nurse or mother should go to it as it lies in its crib, and talk to it by making a certain sound or say a certain word—whichever
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FOOD FORMULAS
FOOD FORMULAS
Beef Juice. —Take one pound of round steak and broil it slightly. Press the juice out with a lemon squeezer, or, with a meat-press. Season with salt and serve hot or cold as desired. If it is heated after it has once been cold, it should not be overheated as this will coagulate the albumen which will appear as flakes floating on the surface of the juice. Beef Juice by the Cold Process. —Take one pound of finely chopped round steak, six ounces of cold water, a pinch of salt; place in a covered ja
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ARTIFICIAL FEEDING
ARTIFICIAL FEEDING
Elementary Principles of Milk Modification—The Secret of the Efficiency of Mother's Milk—Two Important Factors in Successful Artificial Feeding—Every Child is a Problem in Itself—Proprietary Foods of Little Value as Infant Foods—Their Value is in the Milk Added to Them—The Credit Belongs to the Cow—Difference Between Human and Cow's Milk—What "Top-milk Feeding" Means—Utensils Necessary for Home Modification of Milk—Artificial Feeding from Birth to the Twelfth Month—How to Measure Top-milk—Easy B
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ARTIFICIAL FEEDING—CONTINUED
ARTIFICIAL FEEDING—CONTINUED
How to Prepare Milk Mixtures—Sterilizing the Food for the Day's Feeding—How to Test the Temperature of the Food for Baby—When to Increase the Quality or Quantity of Food—Food Allowable During the First Year in Addition to Milk—Beef Juice—White of Egg—Orange Juice—Peptonized Milk—The Hot or Immediate Process—The Cold Process—Partially Peptonized Milk—Completely Peptonized Milk—Uses of Peptonized Milk—Objections to Peptonized Milk—What a Mother Should Know About Baby's Feeding Bottle and Nipple—Sh
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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Attention, facial expression, irritability and disposition should be considered. Child sits unsupported for a few minutes.... Balances head.... Eye follows a bright object.... Looks in direction of an unexpected sound.... Child seizes an object and holds it.... Stands and walks with support.... Makes a few sounds, such as mam-mam, da-da, co-oo.... Plays with toys.... Attempts to use paper and pencil.... Shows interest in pictures.... Clings to mother.... Child walks and runs alone.... Says a few
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WHAT MOTHERS SHOULD KNOW
WHAT MOTHERS SHOULD KNOW
"Life has taught me that it is the women of a country in whose hands its destiny reposes. No cause that is not great enough to command their devotion and pure enough to deserve their sympathy can ever wholly triumph." Joseph H. Choate ....
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THE EDUCATION OF THE MOTHER
THE EDUCATION OF THE MOTHER
What Mothers Should Know About the Care of Children During Illness—A Sick Child Should be in Bed—The Diet of the Sick Child—A Child is the Most Helpless Living Thing—The Delicate Child—How to Feed the Delicate Child—How to Bathe the Delicate Child—Airing the Delicate Child—Habits of the Delicate Child—Indiscriminate Feeding—Poor Appetite—Loss of Appetite—Treatment of Loss of Appetite—Overeating in Infancy—What Correct Eating Means—Bran as a Food—Breakfast for a Child at School—Lunch for a Child
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CONSTIPATION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN
CONSTIPATION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN
"It is a greater disgrace to be sick than to be in the penitentiary. When you are arrested it is because you have broken a man-made statute, but when you are ill, it is because you have disobeyed one of God's laws." Constipation—Regularity of Bowel Function—The Function of the Stomach—Fermentation—Incomplete Constipation—Importance of a Clean Bowel—A Daily Movement of the Bowel Necessary—Constipation in Breast-Fed Infants—Treatment of Constipation in Breast-Fed Infants—Constipation in Bottle-Fed
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CONSTIPATION IN WOMEN
CONSTIPATION IN WOMEN
Chief Cause of Constipation in Women—Constipation a Cause of Domestic Unhappiness—The Requirements of Good Health—The Cost of Constipation—Constipation and Social Exigencies—One of the Important Duties of Mothers—Constipation and Diseases of Women—Constipation is Always Harmful—Constipation and Pregnancy—Explanation of Incomplete Constipation—Causes of Constipation—Negligence—Lack of Exercise—Lack of Water—Lack of Bulk in the Food Taken—Abuse of Cathartic Drugs and Aperient Waters—Overeating—Tre
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A Personal Guide to the New Science of Better Living and Better Babies
A Personal Guide to the New Science of Better Living and Better Babies
College of Physicians and Surgeons (Columbia University), New York; Member of County Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association...
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In Four Volumes VOLUME III
In Four Volumes VOLUME III
New York THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS COMPANY 1916 Copyright, 1913, by W. Grant Hague Copyright, 1914, by W. Grant Hague...
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CHAPTER XXIV
CHAPTER XXIV
The best age at which to marry—Incompatibility of temperament—A happy marriage need not be a successful one—The evils of early marriage—The wedding night, its medical aspect—The honeymoon—When marital relations are painful—Times when marital relations should be suspended—The first weeks and months of wifehood—The formative period—A true marriage—A wife's true position in the household—Only 5% of happy marriages—Period of adaptation—Differences of opinion—Differences of principle—The attainment o
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CHAPTER XXV
CHAPTER XXV
What the young wife owes to herself—Why was I born—What are the personal qualities necessary to success—What are the personal qualities necessary to happiness—Self-control—What is a thought—The evil habit of hasty judgment—The bad thought habit—Training the mind—"Go about it in the right way"—Be sure your husband's friends are your friends—Be a good fellow—Two kinds of people in the world—Everything depends upon what we do with our mind—The most popular woman—The gift of flattery—Choosing your f
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CHAPTER XXVI
CHAPTER XXVI
The study habit—The germ of self-culture—Millions of tiny cells in our brain—The economic value of the study habit—Two ways of gaining knowledge—Happiness in the company of those striving for higher ideals—A young wife's incentive to self-culture—The difference between moral and mental disloyalty—The study habit creates its own interest—Nosophobia, or the dread of disease—"Keep still and be well" ... PAGE 375...
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CHAPTER XXVII
CHAPTER XXVII
A good housekeeper and home-maker—What constitutes a good housekeeper—Preparation and selection of meals—Washing dishes—Pots and pans—Dusting and cleaning—Work cheerfully and be thorough—Don't be a dust chaser—Don't get the anti-sunshine habit—Air your rooms—The ideal home—The medical essentials of a good meal—What makes the home—Working for something—The average housewife's existence is slavery—What shall we work for—Making ends meet—Rest and recreation—Try a nap—Get enough sleep at night—Go ou
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CHAPTER XXVIII
CHAPTER XXVIII
How we catch disease—How germs enter the lungs—How germs work in the body—The function of the white blood cell—How an abscess is formed—The evil habit of spitting in public places—Sunlight and germs—Why it is necessary to open windows—Facts about tuberculosis—The tendency to disease—The best treatment for tuberculosis—Consumption is a preventable and a curable disease—When delay is dangerous—What to eat and wear in hot weather—Scientific dressing—Drink plenty of water—What to drink when travelin
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CHAPTER XXIX
CHAPTER XXIX
Diseases of women—The beginning of female disease—Ailing women are inefficient—as home-makers, as wife, as mother— Few ailing women become pregnant —The chief cause of female disease—The existence of the average mother—Female diseases are avoidable—The story of the wife—Women who don't want children—Abuse of the procreative function—What the woman with female disease should do—Cancer in women—Cancer of the breast—Cancer of the womb—What every woman should know about cancer—Change of life—The men
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CHAPTER XXX
CHAPTER XXX
What mothers should know about the patent medicine evil—Tonics—Used by temperance people because it could "stimulate"—Stomach Bitters—Blood Bitters—Sarsaparilla—Celery Compound—Malt Whisky—Headache remedies—Pain Powders—Anti-headache—Headache Powders—Soothing syrups—Baby Friend—Catarrh powders—Kidney Pills—Expectorant—Cough syrup—Lithia Water—Health, wealth and happiness for a dollar a bottle—New Discovery for Consumption—Consumption Cure—Cancer cures—Pills for Pale People—Elixir of Life ... PAG
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CHAPTER XXXI
CHAPTER XXXI
The —— Consumption Cure—Personals to Consumptives—Nature's Creation—Female weakness cures—Various compounds and malt whiskies ... PAGE 467...
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CHAPTER XXXII
CHAPTER XXXII
How patent medicine firms and quacks dispose of the confidential letters sent to them. Patent medicine concerns and letter brokers—The patent medicine conspiracy against the freedom of the press—How the patent medicine trust crushes honest effort ... PAGE 481...
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CHAPTER XXXIII
CHAPTER XXXIII
The patent medicine evil and the duty of the mothers of the race—"Blood money"—The people must be the reformers—Mothers' resolutions ... PAGE 489 "The achievement of an object is dependent upon our determination. Effort is a matter of will. Failure is a product of misdirected determination."...
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THE FORMATIVE PERIOD
THE FORMATIVE PERIOD
The Best Age at Which to Marry—Incompatibility of Temperament—A Happy Marriage Need Not Be a Successful One—The Evils of Early Marriage—The Wedding Night, its Medical Aspect—The Honeymoon—When Marital Relations are Painful—Times when Marital Relations Should be Suspended—The First Weeks and Months of Wifehood—The Formative Period—A True Marriage—A Wife's True Position in the Household—Only Five Per Cent. of Happy Marriages—Period of Adaptation—Differences of Opinion—Differences of Principle—The
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ADVICE TO YOUNG WIVES
ADVICE TO YOUNG WIVES
"Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance, self-control, diligence, strength of will, content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know." Charles Kingsley....
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HOW TO ACHIEVE
HOW TO ACHIEVE
What the Young Wife Owes to Herself—Why Was I Born—What Are the Personal Qualities Necessary to Success—What Are the Personal Qualities Necessary to Happiness—Self-control—What is a Thought—The Evil Habit of Hasty Judgment—The Bad Thought Habit—Training the Mind—Go About it in the Right Way—Be Sure Your Husband's Friends Are Your Friends—Be a Good Fellow—Two Kinds of People in the World—Everything Depends Upon What We Do With Our Mind—The Most Popular Woman—The Gift of Flattery—Choosing Your Fri
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HEREDITARY FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS[A]
HEREDITARY FEEBLE-MINDEDNESS[A]
The above chart illustrates the first great law of hereditary feeble-mindedness; that if both parents are blighted all offsprings will be blighted. The family represented is plainly very low grade. It is one of that kind found in every community, growing like rank weeds to menace society. It is small wonder that with production like this permitted criminality springs full-fledged into the world. This chart is particularly interesting, showing as it does the marriage of a normal man with, first a
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SPARE MOMENTS
SPARE MOMENTS
The Study Habit—The Germ of Self-culture—Millions of Tiny Cells in Our Brain—The Economic Value of the Study Habit—Two Ways of Gaining Knowledge—Happiness in the Company of Those Striving for Higher Ideals—A Young Wife's Incentive to Self-culture—The Difference Between Moral and Mental Disloyalty—The Study Habit Creates Its Own Interest—Nosophobia, or the Dread of Disease—Keep Still and Be Well. The Study Habit. —Every individual differs from every other individual according to his habits. The n
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THE HOME
THE HOME
"If we are eager to do something to lighten the load of another, eager to sacrifice self; to cheer, and counsel, and inspire; to leave unsaid some unkind word, to forget our own troubles in the larger trouble of a friend, we are home-builders." "A married woman can't decently spend her life in playing bridge, and in running ribbons through her underclothing She hasn't any right just to camp on her husband's trail. "No woman on earth has a right to maintenance unless she gives value received."...
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DOMESTIC QUALITIES
DOMESTIC QUALITIES
A Good Housekeeper and Home-maker—What Constitutes a good Housekeeper—Preparation and Selection of Meals—Washing Dishes—Pots and Pans—Dusting and Cleaning—Work Cheerfully and Be Thorough—Don't Be a Dust Chaser—Don't Get the Anti-sunshine Habit—Air Your Rooms—The Ideal Home—The Medical Essentials of a Good Meal—What Makes the Home—Working for Something—The Average Housewife's Existence Is Slavery—What Shall We Work For—Making Ends Meet—Rest and Recreation—Try a Nap—Get Enough Sleep at Night—Go Ou
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HOW WE CATCH DISEASE
HOW WE CATCH DISEASE
We Catch Disease—How Germs Enter the Lungs—How Germs Work in the Body—The Function of the White Blood Cell—How an Abscess Is Formed—The Evil Habit of Spitting in Public Places—Sunlight and Germs—Why It Is Necessary to Open Windows—Facts About Tuberculosis—The Tendency to Disease—The Best Treatment for Tuberculosis—Consumption Is a Preventable and a Curable Disease—When Delay Is Dangerous—What to Eat and Wear in Hot Weather—Scientific Dressing—Drink Plenty of Water—What to Drink When Traveling. A
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DISEASES OF WOMEN
DISEASES OF WOMEN
Importance of Diseases of Women—The Beginning of Female Disease—Ailing Women Are Inefficient—As Home-makers, as Wife, as Mother—Few Ailing Women Become Pregnant—The Chief Cause of Female Disease—The Existence of the Average Mother—Female Diseases Are Avoidable—The Story of the Wife—Women Who Don't Want Children—Abuse of the Procreative Function—What the Woman with Female Disease Should Do—Cancer in Women—Cancer of the Breast—Cancer of the Womb—What Every Woman Should Know About Cancer—Change of
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THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL
THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL
What Mothers Should Know About the Patent Medicine Evil—Tonics—Used by Temperance People Because it Could "Stimulate"—Stomach Bitters—Blood Bitters—Sarsaparilla—Celery Compounds—Malt Whisky—Headache Remedies—Pain Powders—Anti-headache Powders—Headache Powders—Soothing Syrups—Baby's Friends—Catarrh Powders—Kidney Pills—Expectorant—Cough Syrup—Lithia Waters—Health, Wealth and Happiness for a Dollar a Bottle—New Discovery for Consumption—Consumption Cure—Cancer Cures—Pills for Pale People—Elixir of
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THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL—Continued
THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL—Continued
The —— Consumption Cure—Personals to Consumptives—Nature's Creation—Female Weakness Cures—Various Compounds and Malt Whiskies. It would indeed seem to be an act of supererogation to compile further evidence of the infamy of this entire business: what additional proof is necessary? A certain Dr. H. of ——, Mich., published widely the following advertisement: "Gains 17 Pounds After Every One Gave Her Up. "Miss I—— S—— had a terrible case of consumption, together with catarrh and bronchitis. With th
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THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL—Continued
THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL—Continued
Patent Medicine Firms and Quacks Dispose of the Confidential Letters Sent to Them—Patent Medicine Concerns and Letter Brokers—The Patent Medicine Conspiracy Against the Freedom of the Press—How The Patent Medicine Trust Crushes Honest Effort. When you write for information—which is usually the first step—in reply to an advertisement of this character, you receive in reply a letter, which addresses you in an intimate way, as, "Dear or Esteemed Friend." It informs you that "we are devoting our liv
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THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL—Continued
THE PATENT MEDICINE EVIL—Continued
The Patent Medicine Evil and the Duty of the Mothers of the Race—"Blood-Money"—The People Must be the Reformers—Mothers' Resolutions. It may be emphatically asserted that the patent medicine evil and the fraudulent medical cure more directly concern the mothers of the race than any others. No matter who the ailing victim may be, some woman is deeply and sincerely interested in his, or her, recovery and welfare. If the proper influence is exerted at the right time, and if it is based upon adequat
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THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS COMPANY
THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS COMPANY
Copyright, 1913, by W. Grant Hague Copyright, 1914, by W. Grant Hague "Catching Cold"—Sitting on the Floor—Kicking the Bed Clothes Off—Inadequate Head Covering—Subjecting Baby to Different Temperatures Suddenly—Wearing Rubbers—Direct Infection—Acute Nasal Catarrh—Acute Coryza—Acute Rhinitis—"Cold in the Head"— "Snuffles"—Treatment of Acute Nasal Catarrh, or Rhinitis, or Coryza, or "Cold in the Head," or "Snuffles"—Chronic Nasal Catarrh—Chronic Rhinitis—Chronic Discharge from the Nose—Nervous or
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Diseases of Children
Diseases of Children
Rules to be Observed in the Treatment of Contagious Diseases—What Isolation Means—The Contagious Sick Room—Conduct and Dress of the Nurse—Feeding the Patient and Nurse—How to Disinfect the Clothing and Linen—How to Disinfect the Urine and Feces—How to Disinfect the Hands—Disinfection of the Room Necessary—How to Disinfect the Mouth and Nose—How to Disinfect the Throat—Receptacle for the Sputum—Care of the Skin in Contagious Diseases—Convalescence After a Contagious Disease—Disinfecting the Sick
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Accidents and Emergencies
Accidents and Emergencies
Accidents and Emergencies—Contents of the Family Medicine Chest—Foreign Bodies in the Eye—Foreign Bodies in the Ear—Foreign Bodies in the Nose—Foreign Bodies in the Throat—A Bruise or Contusion—Wounds—Arrest of Hemorrhage—Removal of Foreign Bodies from a Wound—Cleansing a Wound—Closing and Dressing Wounds—The Condition of Shock—Dog Bites— Sprains— Dislocations—Wounds of the Scalp— Run-around—Felon— Whitlow—Burns and Scalds ... The Dangerous House Fly—Diseases Transmitted by Flies—Homes Should be
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COMMON DISEASES OF THE NOSE, MOUTH, AND CHEST
COMMON DISEASES OF THE NOSE, MOUTH, AND CHEST
"Catching Cold"—Sitting on the Floor— Kicking the Bed Clothes Off—Inadequate Head Covering—Subjecting Baby to Different Temperatures Suddenly—Wearing Rubbers—Direct Infection—Acute Nasal Catarrh—Acute Coryza—Acute Rhinitis—"Cold in the Head"—"Snuffles"— Treatment of Acute Nasal Catarrh, or Rhinitis, or Coryza, or "Cold in the Head," or "Snuffles"—Chronic Nasal Catarrh—Chronic Rhinitis— Chronic Discharge from the Nose—Nervous or Persistent Cough— Adenoids as a Cause of Persistent Cough—Croup—Acut
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"CATCHING COLDS"
"CATCHING COLDS"
Mothers frequently wonder where their children get colds. Briefly we will point out some of the sources from which these apparently inexplicable colds may come. A. Sitting on the Floor .—Children should not be allowed to sit or crawl upon the floor at any season of the year, but especially during the winter months. There is always a draught of cold air near the floor. It is a bad habit to begin allowing a child to play with its toys on the floor. Use the bed or a sofa or a platform raised a foot
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DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND GASTRO-INTESTINAL CANAL
DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND GASTRO-INTESTINAL CANAL
An infant seldom has real inflammation of the stomach. Gastric, or stomach, indigestion is the better name, because it actually signifies the true condition. It is indigestion that causes a child to vomit, though it is possible to have a true inflammation caused by the taking of irritant or corrosive drugs. Gastric indigestion causes sudden, repeated vomiting, with prostration and occasional fever. It is caused by unsuitable food, the wrong quantity of food, irregular feeding, and food the quali
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DISEASES OF CHILDREN, CONTINUED
DISEASES OF CHILDREN, CONTINUED
There are a few drops of a milky secretion in the breasts of infants when born. Occasionally the amount will be in excess of the normal quantity, and the breasts, around the nipple, may be swollen and slightly inflamed. Should this condition persist, it may be relieved by painting the parts with the tincture of belladonna. Under no circumstances should the breasts be manipulated or rubbed, as this is very apt to cause an inflammatory condition, and to result in mastitis. Mastitis begins, as a ru
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DISEASES OF CHILDREN, CONTINUED
DISEASES OF CHILDREN, CONTINUED
Rheumatism—Malaria—Rashes of Childhood—Pimples—Acne—Blackheads— Convulsions—Fits—Spasms—Bed-wetting—Enuresis— Incontinence—Sleeplessness—Disturbed Sleep—Nightmare— Night Terrors—Headache—Thumb-sucking—Biting the Finger Nails—Colon Irrigation—How to Wash Out the Bowels —A High Enema—Enema—Methods of Reducing Fever —Ice Cap—Cold Sponging—Cold Pack—The Cold Bath—Various Baths—Mustard Baths—Hot Pack —Hot Bath—Hot Air, or Vapor Bath—Bran Bath —Tepid Bath—Cold Sponge—Shower Bath—Poultices —Hot Fomenta
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The First Blight
The First Blight
This is one of those truly unfortunate cases which, so far as present knowledge goes, cannot be guarded against. Eunice, age 31, mentally 2, is a low-grade imbecile. There is not in the whole family, for generations back, a single case of feeble-mindedness, nor of disease that would undermine the nervous organization. Close scrutiny does not reveal a single assignable cause. She came, as an accident, to blight an otherwise normal family. Such cases are few, but unfortunately they do occur. It is
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INFECTIOUS OR CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
INFECTIOUS OR CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Rules to be Observed in the Treatment of Contagious Diseases—What Isolation Means—The Contagious Sick Room—Conduct and Dress of the Nurse—Feeding the Patient and Nurse—How to Disinfect the Clothing and Linen—How to Disinfect the Urine and Feces—How to Disinfect the Hands—Disinfection of the Room Necessary—How to Disinfect the Mouth and Nose—How to Disinfect the Throat— Receptacle for the Sputum—Care of the Skin in Contagious Diseases—Convalescence After a Contagious Disease—Disinfecting the Sick
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RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN THE TREATMENT OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN THE TREATMENT OF CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Every mother should know the elementary principles involved in the treatment of contagious diseases. They are contagious because they may be conveyed from one individual to another or because a person nursing a victim of a contagious disease may carry that disease to another person without having the disease herself. For this reason, certain rules have been established by the medical profession, which experience has taught are necessary in order to preserve the health of the community when such
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DISINFECTING THE SICK-CHAMBER
DISINFECTING THE SICK-CHAMBER
How to Disinfect a Room .—The most efficient way to disinfect a room is by means of formaldehyde gas. This, however, requires a special apparatus which can only be used by one familiar with the process. In all large cities the Department of Health usually undertakes the disinfection of rooms after any contagious disease. The next best method is by sulphur. When sulphur is employed it should be used in the form of powder or in small pieces. This is placed in a shallow iron pan set on a couple of
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MUMPS: EPIDEMIC PAROTITIS
MUMPS: EPIDEMIC PAROTITIS
Mumps is a contagious disease. It is most common between the fourth and sixth years. Infants are rarely affected. The disease is not very contagious, direct contact being necessary to communicate it. Every case should be isolated for a period of three weeks from the beginning of the disease. The seat of the affection is the parotid gland which is located in front of and on a level with the ear. One or both glands may be affected at the same time or one may follow the other in succumbing. The dur
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CHICKEN POX. VARICELLA
CHICKEN POX. VARICELLA
Chicken pox is an affection almost entirely special to children, in whom it may be observed from their first year, although it is especially frequent from the ages of two to six. It appears often in the epidemical form and spreads by contagion. Some doctors are inclined to regard varicella as a very attenuated form of smallpox, hence the name "chicken pox," by which it is popularly known. This opinion is based merely on the analogy between the two types of skin eruptions and the coincidence some
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INFLUENZA: LA GRIPPE
INFLUENZA: LA GRIPPE
The most important feature with reference to influenza in children is its very active tendency to develop complications. These complications generally affect the respiratory tract. So we find in children suffering from grippe an easy disposition to get bronchitis or broncho-pneumonia. The younger the child the greater the danger. The disease itself, so long as it remains an uncomplicated influenza, is not of much importance or severity. The lesson to be learnt, therefore, is to treat the disease
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DIPHTHERIA
DIPHTHERIA
Diphtheria is an acute, specific, infectious, communicable disease. It affects the tonsils, throat, nose, or larynx. It is most frequently seen in children between the ages of two and five years, though it may appear at any time during life. The two sexes are equally liable to it. The same person may have the disease twice or more times at different ages. Children suffering from disease of the nose or throat are more likely to get it than are others. Such diseases are cold in the head with runni
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WHOOPING-COUGH
WHOOPING-COUGH
Whooping-cough is usually seen in young children. It may, however, affect a person at any age. It is contagious. During infancy it is one of the most fatal diseases. During adult life it is a dangerous condition, while in childhood it is simply regarded as a mildly contagious disease. It is most contagious during the catarrhal stage,—the first ten days. Children suffering from whooping-cough should not be allowed to mix or play with other children for two months. After an exposure to the disease
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MEASLES
MEASLES
Measles is the most widely prevalent, eruptive, contagious disease. With few exceptions, every human being "gets" measles. As an uncomplicated disease it is never fatal, and is not even regarded as dangerous. Because of this characteristic, however, parents are neglectful and complications occur, and these frequently prove fatal. One attack renders the patient immune. It is very highly contagious and spreads with great rapidity among those who have never had it. It is not possible to carry the d
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SCARLET FEVER. SCARLATINA.
SCARLET FEVER. SCARLATINA.
Scarlet fever is an acute, contagious disease. It begins abruptly. The child may have a severe attack and be quite sick from the beginning, or he may have a mild attack and not be very sick. Usually the fever rises rapidly, the child vomits and complains of a sore throat. If the attack is very mild the throat symptoms may not cause any distress. Frequently, about the third day, there are patches on the tonsils. Prostration may be profound if the fever is very high. Convulsions and diarrhea are s
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TYPHOID FEVER
TYPHOID FEVER
Typhoid fever is an acute infectious disease. It is rare in infancy. After the fifth year it is more common. It is caused by drinking infected water or milk. It is not a serious disease in childhood, rarely being fatal. Symptoms .—It may begin suddenly or it may come on slowly. If suddenly, the child develops what appears to be an attack of indigestion, has fever, vomiting, and is prostrated. In cases developing slowly the child complains of being tired, has a headache, nausea, and fever. Vomiti
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VARIOUS SOLUTIONS
VARIOUS SOLUTIONS
Boracic Acid Solution .—In the previous pages mothers are frequently told to use "a saturated solution of boracic acid." A saturated solution means that the water in the solution has dissolved all of the product that is put into it that it is capable of dissolving. When boracic acid is put into water, the water will dissolve it up to a certain point; if you add more the boracic acid will not dissolve; it will float if it is in the form of powder, or it will remain at the bottom of the glass if i
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ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES
ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES
Contents of the Family Medicine Chest .—The family medicine cabinet should contain the following articles: a graduate, medicine droppers, hot water bags, a flat ice bag, a fountain syringe, a Davidson's syringe, a baby syringe, sterile gauze, absorbent cotton, gauze bandages of various widths, a yard of oiled silk, one roll of one inch "Z O" adhesive plaster, a bottle of Pearson's creolin, hydrogen peroxide (fresh), one ounce tincture of iodine in an air-tight bottle, a can of Colman's mustard,
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MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
The Dangerous House Fly—Diseases Transmitted by Flies—Homes Should be Carefully Screened and Protected—The Breeding Places of Flies—Special Care Should be Given to Stables, Privy Vaults, Garbage, Vacant Lots, Foodstuffs, Water Fronts, Drains—Precautions to be Observed—How to Kill Flies—Moths—What Physicians are Doing—Radium—X-Ray Treatment and X-Ray Diagnosis—Aseptic Surgery—New Anesthetics—Vaccine in Typhoid Fever—"606"—Transplanting the Organs of Dead Men into the Living—Bacteria that Make Soi
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THE DANGEROUS HOUSE FLY
THE DANGEROUS HOUSE FLY
Mothers should become thoroughly acquainted with the grave consequences which may result from fly-infected foods, and from the possible carriage of disease by means of flies, even where foods are carefully protected. The transmission of the following diseases by means of flies has been conclusively proven: typhoid fever, tuberculosis, cholera, Oriental plague, inflammation of the eyelids, serious infection of wounds. Summer diarrhea of children is also transmitted in this way. Typhoid fever and
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