The married woman's private medical companion

by A. M. Mauriceau

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

In conclusion, the author of this work trusts that it may prove an invaluable blessing as well to the unmarried as married, to those in affluence as well as to those in penury. To the matured woman in the full enjoyment of the elasticity and vigor of health, its pages direct how to retain that precious boon. To the weak, sickly, debilitated one, it lays bare the causes of her malady, and points out the remedy. To the young female about blooming into maturity—that critical juncture, involving her future health and welfare, its pages reveal the shoals and quicksands, surrounding her on all sides, and the necessary steps to avoid them. To the female already suffering from various complaints, arising either from retention or stoppage of the menses, their irregularity, or too profuse flow, the means of a thorough and effectual cure are pointed out. To the woman suffering in health from a too rapid increase of family, the perusal of these pages shows that pregnancy can and should, under some circumstances, be prevented. To those unblessed with children, from a supposed existence of barrenness, the indubitable facts herein contained, demonstrate that by following certain suggestions the result may not be fruitless.

In short, in all the relations of life in which a female can be placed, whether as a daughter, a wife, or a mother—whether in the enjoyment of good, or suffering under ill health—whether physically formed capable of enduring the various trials imposed upon her by nature, or whether mal-formed or physically incapable to endure them, this little book is one that no female having a regard for her own welfare, or that of her husband or children, will be without.

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[1]. The following table exhibits the ages of three hundred and twenty-six females, at which they began to menstruate. It is furnished me by Mr. Robertson, in the North of England Medical and Surgical Journal.

In their	11th	year,	6
	12th	„	12
	13th	„	31
	14th	„	60
	15th	„	72
	16th	„	54
	17th	„	50
	18th	„	19
	19th	„	18
	20th	„	4

To this list may be added the case related by Madame Boivin, in her account of a new case of abortion. The subject of this case commenced to menstruate at seven years of age, and did so regularly after her tenth year.

[2]. We could record a number of instances where the menses were continued much beyond their ordinary period, and where, after ceasing some time, they were resumed with their accustomed regularity; but we shall limit our observations to one case, and that because it is recent and well authenticated. This case is recorded in the Ann. Univ. de Med. A female aged ninety-four continued to menstruate from the fifty-third to the ninety-fourth year. Her relatives were remarkable for their longevity; she is at present in perfect health.—American Journal of the Medical Sciences for Feb. 1831.

[3]. Diaphoretic Powder.

Take of	Gum Opium,	half a drachm
	Camphor,	two drachms
	Pulverized Ipecacuanha,	one drachm
	Cream of Tartar, or super-carbonate of soda,	one ounce

Pulverize all separately, then mix. It is best to use pulverized opium.

Dose—Ten grains, or half a teaspoonful, as often as may be necessary.

Use—This forms a valuable anodyne, diaphoretic and sudorific. It is beneficially administered in fever, St. Anthony’s fire, diarrhœa, dysentery, and cholera morbus, and in all cases where an anodyne, combined with a sudorific, is required. In these diseases it should be administered in small doses. It is also applicable to many other diseases, such as rheumatism, gout, &c. It promotes perspiration without increasing the heat of the body. It produces a constant moisture of the skin for a great length of time, while it allays irritation.

[4]. The most successful specific, and one almost invariably certain in removing a stoppage, irregularity, or suppression of the menses (monthly turn), is a compound invented by M. M. Desomeaux, of Lisbon, Portugal, called the Portuguese Female Pills. It would appear that they are infallible, and would, undoubtedly, even produce miscarriage, if exhibited during pregnancy. And what is equally important, they are always mild, healthy, and safe in their effects.

In the female hospitals in Vienna and Paris, their exhibition has entirely superseded the use of the ordinary remedies; because, where a cure is attainable by medicinal remedies, they are certain of success. Their astonishing efficacy would be almost incredible, if not vouched for by indubitable testimony, in numerous instances producing returns of the monthly periods after all hope had been abandoned. A remarkable case is related by Dr. A. M. Mauriceau, during his residence in Paris.

“While residing in Paris, I had frequent opportunities of witnessing the astonishing efficacy of the Portuguese Female Pills in obstinate cases of the suppression of the menses. Their effect, in one instance in particular, seemed almost miraculous. A young lady, about twenty years of age, of wealthy and respectable parentage, had not menstruated for nearly two years before her application to me. On inquiry, I ascertained that her health was not seriously affected (except at intervals of about four weeks, occasioned, doubtless, by the efforts of nature to perform her functions), until within the preceding four months, when her symptoms began to assume an alarming appearance. Her medical attendants here prescribed the usual remedies without success.

“I must confess, I thought her case desperate, and had but little hope that Desomeaux’s celebrated Portuguese Pills, which I determined to put to the test, would here avail, as I had never known them to be administered under circumstances quite so apparently hopeless for a cure. But I resolved upon a trial. Accordingly I recommended their use, watching their effects upon the patient. At first their virtue, so to speak, seemed to be only negative—that is, the young woman got no worse. This, however, under the circumstances, I considered a point gained. In the course of three weeks favorable indications began to present themselves. The appetite was better; the deathly-sallow complexion giving place to a healthy hue; the eyes, also, becoming clearer, but still no menstrual discharge. The improvement, however, meanwhile, became more and more apparent, till, at the end of the ninth week after commencing their use, a slight, somewhat reddish discharge took place. Here was a beginning; the patient still improving, taking moderate exercise, with light but nourishing diet. Their exhibition was then dispensed with until within five or six days just previous to the expected return of the menses, when they were again used, and their use continued during the seven days; on the eighth the menses again appeared—on this occasion somewhat freer, but still not in sufficient quantity. Their exhibition ceased with the cessation of the menses, which lasted irregularly about four days. This treatment continued to the end of the fourth month, when the monthly returns were perfectly established. At each successive appearance they assumed a healthier color, freer in quantity, and less obstructed by coagula. The patient entirely recovered, and became possessed of sound health.”

He then relates another instance still more surprising.

“A woman applied to be treated for suppression. It appeared that she had been subject to irregularity, or stoppage of the monthly turns, and as she appeared to be free from the usual symptoms attending pregnancy, it was not supposed that the stoppage arose from that cause. She commenced using Desomeaux’s Pills. After using them about five days—from certain indications attending miscarriage—apprehensions began to be entertained that the suppression might have arisen from pregnancy, which, upon examination, proved to be the case—too late, however, to prevent the miscarriage. In a short time the expulsion took place, and on about the third day after she entirely recovered, with but little comparative inconvenience to her general health.”

He further states that their efficacy and certainty are such, that they are sometimes administered in cases of malformation of pelvis, when the female is incompetent to give birth at maturity. But when such is the case, M M Desomeaux’s “Preventive to Conception,” treated of in another part of this work, under the head of “Conception, when it should be Prevented,” is the proper remedy.

These proofs of their wonderful powers have induced Dr. Mauriceau, since his return from France, to take the sole agency for the United States. They are to be obtained of him only, as they can be transmitted by mail to any part of the Union. For whole boxes the price is five dollars; half-boxes, three dollars. Address to “Box 1224, New York City.” Dr. Mauriceau attends to all diseases of women, especially those arising from suppression of the menses, in the successful treatment of which M. M. Desomeaux’s Pills have been of such eminent service to him. Office 129 Liberty street.

[5]. Antimonial Powders.—Take of tartar emetic, three grains, nitre, two drachms. Mix, and divide into two doses. One dose to be taken every two or three hours by adults. In obstinate cases, the addition of ten or twelve grains of calomel to the above recipe, will render the medicine more salutary.

Febrifuge Powders.—Take of ipecacuanha, two scruples; nitre, two drachms.—Mix, and divide into twelve doses. One dose to be taken every two or three hours by adults.

Febrifuge Mixture.—Take of nitre, two drachms; lemon juice or vinegar, one ounce; water, half a pint; sugar, a sufficient quantity to sweeten.—Mix. A wineglassful to be taken by adults every two hours. It will be rendered more active by the addition of two drachms of antimonial wine.

[6]. Pills of Sugar of Lead.—Take of sugar of lead and ipecacuanha, each six grains; opium, one grain; syrup sufficient to form a mass.—Divide in four parts; one part to be taken every three hours, until the hemorrhage ceases; or pulv. opii, four gr.; pulv. sugar of lead, twelve grs. Mix, and divide in four parts; give one in a little water, in an hour give half of another.

[7]. I have had, very lately, a lady under my care, who menstruates with the most perfect regularity; though she had labored under a prolapsus of the uterus to a great extent for several years. She is now in her sixty-fifth year. Her uterus is now effectually supported by a pessary, which has much improved her general health.—Dewees.

[8]. Indeed, it would seem that this period of female life is freer from diseases causing death, than almost any other. By some late observations made on the bills of mortality in France, by M. Boiniston of Chateauneuf, it appears that fewer women die between the ages of forty and fifty, than men, or indeed at any other period of their lives, after puberty. And, further, that if this change is effected without much disturbance, that they live not only longer than men, but are free from morbid inconveniences.

[9]. A remarkable case is mentioned by Morgagni:—“I was acquainted,” he says, “with a maiden of a noble family, who married before menstruation took place, though the menses had been expected for some years; nevertheless she became exceedingly fruitful. We were the less surprised at this circumstance because the same thing had happened to her mother.

Frank attended a patient who gave birth to three children without ever having been unwell. Capuron, also refers to several cases of this description, and Foderé assures us of the fact. A case of the kind occurred too in the practice of Mr. Montgomery. Low likewise mentions a similar instance. Sir E. Moore relates the case of a young woman who married before she was seventeen, and never having menstruated, became pregnant, and four months after delivery was pregnant a second time; the same thing occurred again, and after the third pregnancy she menstruated for the first time, continued to do so for several periods, and became pregnant again.

It should be remembered, however, that some women are very irregular in the return of their menstrual periods—having them prolonged much beyond the usual interval. Mr. Montgomery once attended an unmarried woman of forty, who assured him that returns of the menses had frequently been delayed more than six months without causing ill health. Instances of menstrual suppression for shorter periods are frequent. Zacchias mentions that he attended a patient who used to menstruate regularly, but who never conceived until the discharge had been suppressed for three or four months previously. Mauriceau relates a somewhat similar case, and remarks that cases of this character give rise to the supposition of protracted pregnancy.

[10]. The following cases, as well as others, are extracted from my Note Book.

[11]. Mr. Robertson of Manchester inquired minutely into the result of one hundred and sixty cases, in which he found that eighty-one women had become pregnant once or oftener during suckling.

[12]. Dr. Heberden was acquainted with a lady who never ceased to have regular returns of the menses during four pregnancies, quite to the time of her delivery.—Heberden Commentaries.

This opinion is confirmed by Gardien, Dewees, Hamilton, Desormeaux, Puzos, Francis, &c.

[13]. “A woman came to me one morning,” says Dr. Gooch, “with a note from a medical man, containing the following statement: The patient’s age was forty-two; she had been married twenty-two years without ever being pregnant. About seven months ago she had ceased to menstruate; a few months afterwards the abdomen began to enlarge, and was now nearly equal to that of full pregnancy. For several months the practitioner had been using various means for reducing the tumour, but in vain. I examined the case, pronounced her pregnant, and seven weeks afterward she brought forth a child at the full time.”

Dr. Montgomery says: “A lady in her forty-third year, who was married to her present husband twenty years ago, remained without any promise of offspring until within the last few months; but having missed her menstruation in September last, and finding her size increasing, I was requested to see her in January, when she exhibited evident symptoms of pregnancy. She was subsequently delivered of a healthy boy, after a natural labor of about four hours.”

Mosse, one of the medical officers of the Dublin Lying-in-Hospital in 1775, states, that eighty-four of the women delivered in the Institution under his superintendence were between the ages of forty-one and fifty-four; four of these were in the fifty-first year, and one in her fifty-fourth.

In May, 1816, Mrs. Ashley, wife of John Ashley, grazier, of Frisby, at the age of fifty-four years was delivered of two female children.

The succession to an estate was disputed in France because the mother was fifty-eight years old when the child was born. The decision was in favour of the fact.

[14]. It may, however, be considered almost a settled fact, that when a female has menstruated regularly up to the time of cohabitation, and immediately after ceases to menstruate at the time of their usual return, especially if attended with morning sickness—that pregnancy has taken place.

[15]. Cours de Méd. Légale, p. 52.

[16]. North of Eng. Med. and Surg. Journ., vol. i., p. 230.

That the presence of milk in the female breast shall take place independent of pregnancy, from the above and other recorded facts, there can be no doubt; but the following beautiful exemplification of its formation in that of the male, places the question in a still stronger light. This interesting fact is cited from Captain Franklin’s narrative of his journey to the shores of the Polar Sea.

“A young Chipewyan had separated from the rest of his band, for the purpose of entrapping beaver, when his wife, who was his sole companion, and in her first pregnancy, was seized with her pains of labor. She died on the third day, after giving birth to a boy. The husband was inconsolable, and vowed in his anguish, never to take another woman to wife; but his grief was soon in some degree absorbed in anxiety for the fate of his infant son. To preserve its life he descended to the office of a nurse, so degrading in the eyes of a Chipewyan, as partaking of the duties of a woman. He swaddled it in soft moss, fed it with broth made from the flesh of the deer; and to still its cries, applied it to his breast, praying earnestly to the Great Master of Life to assist his endeavors. The force of the powerful passion by which he was actuated produced the same effect in his case as it has done in some others which are recorded: a flow of milk actually took place from his breast. He succeeded in rearing his child, taught him to be a hunter, and when he attained the age of manhood, chose him a wife from the tribe. The old man kept his vow in never taking a wife for himself, but he delighted in tending his son’s children; and when his daughter-in-law used to interfere, saying, that it was not the occupation of a man, he was wont to reply, that he had promised the Great Master of Life, if his child was spared, never to be proud like other Indians. Our informant, Mr. Wenkel (one of the Association) added, that he had often seen this Indian in his old age, and that his left breast, even then, retained the unusual size it had acquired in his occupation of nurse.” P. 157.

Man possesses the same organization as woman for secreting and conveying milk, which enables us readily both to understand and believe in the truth of the foregoing singular statement.

[17]. I have found a Burgundy pitch plaster, the surface of which has been well sprinkled with powdered opium, an admirable application to the pit of the stomach. In many cases the nausea has been soon relieved, and the irritability of the stomach subdued.

[18]. A teaspoonful of pulverized prepared charcoal in a tablespoonful of lime-water, is oftentimes very useful in these cases.

[19]. Seidlitz powders with a little syrup of ginger are frequently efficient, particularly if followed by a large draught of pure water. Many who have taken the Seidlitz powders with little or no effect, would be surprised at their efficacy, if one or two tumblers of water be taken immediately afterwards.

[20]. In these cases, the oil of kreosote will be found a most valuable remedy. It is given in doses of from half a drop to one drop. This medicine, however, ought not to be used without the sanction of a medical man.

[21]. Besides the morning sickness, the period of pregnancy is often attended with another distressing symptom, described as a sinking at the pit of the stomach: the patient complains, to use a common expression, that she feels all gone. This feeling I have often relieved by the free use of soda water. Another remedy which I have often used, and which is by no means disagreeable, is a fresh egg, beaten up with a tumbler of milk, and sweetened.

[22]. The Red mixture, prepared by suspending equal parts of pulverized rhubarb and magnesia in mint water, is a favorite prescription with many.

[23]. In these cases medicine is not always necessary. Much benefit may be derived from the use of a laxative diet. Brown bread, mush, or hasty pudding made from rye or Indian meal, and eaten with molasses, the free use of the dried laxative fruits, as figs, dates, stewed prunes, and our native fruits when ripe, will often enable the patient to dispense with medicine.

[24]. Mild lavements or enemata are here highly serviceable. Where the excrementitious matter is hardened or compacted, the distension of the bowels by from a quart to three pints of starch water, followed by weak soap suds, is a very efficient remedy.

[25]. In many parts of New England, the moccasin root is much used to allay the motions of the child. One tumblerful of the infusion of this root is the usual quantity.

[26]. This decoction is made by taking four ounces of poppy-heads, breaking them up, putting them into a vessel, pouring upon them four pints of boiling water, boiling the whole for fifteen minutes, and then straining off the liquor.

[27]. There are one or two complaints to which the pregnant female is subject, upon which a few remarks seem advisable. Speaking of headache, Mr. Fox remarks:—

“Headache, independent of accidents, may be a sympathetic affection arising from disorders of the digestive, or other organs. It may be the consequence of a feeble, or disturbed state of the nervous system: or it may be the effect of the vessels of the head being distended with too much blood; or even of a deficiency of blood in the head.

“Where headache arises from a disordered condition of the digestive organs there will generally be an inactive, or irritable, state of the stomach or bowels, which will frequently be accompanied by giddiness, imperfect vision, or by specks floating a short distance from the eyes, by loss of appetite, sickness, acidity of the contents of the stomach, and by flatulence.

“If the stomach be loaded with undigested, or irritating food, it is to be relieved by a gentle emetic. Having drunk a pint of warm chamomile tea, or common tea from one ounce to one ounce and a half of ipecacuanha wine should be taken, after which vomiting will ensue almost immediately, and without any straining, or painful effort. If ipecacuanha wine is not at hand, two or three teaspoonfuls of powdered mustard, mixed in a little water, may be used in its stead.

“In almost every case, it will be found necessary to administer mild aperients every four or five hours, till the bowels are emptied. The aperients may be, rhubarb and Castile soap, of each one drachm, oil of cloves six drops, mixed with a simple syrup, and divided into thirty pills, of which from three to six are to be taken every four or five hours, till the bowels act. Where no disposition to pills exists, from one to two table spoonfuls of compound decoction of aloes may be taken every four or five hours, till the bowels are relieved freely. Where much acidity in the stomach is present, from fifteen to twenty grains of magnesia, combined with six grains of powdered rhubarb, and the same quantity of ginger, may be substituted for the above aperients, and repeated in a similar manner.

“If the pain in the head continues to be severe, after an emetic has operated, or before the aperients begin to act, it will be often greatly mitigated by taking a moderate dose of some opiate; this, however, should not be employed where attacks are frequent, as a habit of taking opiates is productive of much injury.

“There are persons who do not experience relief from opiates, but on the contrary, have the pain aggravated by their use. Strong green tea, or hop tea, will occasionally give relief in mild attacks, or where decided opiates are not productive of benefit.

“Where a feeble, or disturbed state of the nervous system gives rise to headache, aperients are to be taken as recommended above; and stimulants are to be employed, as camphor, ammonia, compound tincture of valerian, æther, &c.

“Four grains of carbonate of ammonia, or fifteen or twenty drops of spirit of hartshorn, are to be mixed in a wineglassful of camphor julep.

“One or two teaspoonfuls of compound tincture of valerian are to be added to a wineglassful of water, or camphor julep.

“From twenty to forty drops of æther are to be mixed in a wineglassful of water or camphor julep.

“Any of the foregoing forms may be taken several times during every twenty-four hours, if necessary.

“If the head is hot, linen wet with vinegar and water, or eau de Cologne and water, is to be repeatedly applied to the temples and forehead; or those parts may be occasionally moistened with æther, the evaporation of which will cause the head to become cool.

“Where reducing the temperature of the head does not diminish the pain, it will be well to try the effect of heat, which may be accomplished in the following manner: pour a little æther into the palm of the hand, and apply it to the forehead, or temples. The heat will be kept up so long as the hand is pressed to the part, and any of the æther remains.

“In severe cases of headache, the patient is to lie perfectly quiet, with the head moderately raised by pillows, and the room is to be darkened.

“If the feet are cold, they should be put into warm water; and if they have a disposition to become chilled again soon, they are to be kept warm by heated flannels, or bottles filled with hot water.

“During an attack of headache, arising from disordered digestive organs, it is essential that the food be very simple, and small in quantity.

“In headache, from nervous disorders, requiring stimulants, the food may be of a nutritious quality; the quantity, however, should be moderate.

“The foregoing remarks apply to sudden, or severe attacks of headache. When slighter affections of the same nature often occur, strict attention to diet, exercise, and the use of aperients, as recommended in a previous chapter, will greatly tend to mitigate the suffering, and to keep off the complaint altogether.

“Where headache comes on in consequence of fulness of the blood-vessels of the head, it will be indicated by a sense of weight within the skull, drowsiness, giddiness, particularly on stooping, sickness, ringing or other sounds in the ears, and bright flashes, or sparks in the eyes. In these cases, it will generally be necessary to bleed the temples with eight or ten leeches; and if their application to those parts is known to produce swelling of the eyes and face, the leeches may be placed behind the ears. The head is then to be kept cool by applying cold vinegar and water to it; and purgatives are to be administered.

“The diet is to be very simple, animal food is to be avoided, and no stimulants are to be taken.

“Headache may arise from whatever induces debility. It is generally experienced where great loss of blood has taken place, and it may seem singular that the symptoms and sensations of this kind of headache, appear to be the consequence of the vessels of the head having too much blood in them. For instance, there are usually noises resembling the violent beating of a hammer, the rushing of water, the blowing of wind, ringing, &c. It is therefore necessary to notice the condition of the system, to be enabled to decide whether the pain arises from a deficiency, or from an over supply of blood to the head.

“A correct decision should be formed upon this point, by ascertaining whether there is a disposition to fulness of the system, or a state of emptiness of the vessels from great loss of blood, with general debility.

“In the latter case, quietness is most essential: wine and other stimulants, will be necessary; together with a light nutritious diet.

“Opiates also will generally be found requisite, such as have been previously enumerated in this chapter.

“In all cases of headache, mental tranquillity is of much importance; and the patient should not persevere in the pursuit of any occupation which materially increases the pain.

“In this disorder, as well as in many others, accompanied by much irritability, the sleep is often seriously interrupted by slight noises; in most cases, this may be prevented by stopping the ears with small plugs, three quarters of an inch in length, and about one quarter of an inch in diameter. If the plugs be made of white wax, they will generally answer the best, as they admit of being accurately moulded to the form of the openings of the ears. Plugs made of turned wood will sometimes be sufficient.

“If such plans as the foregoing do not soon give relief, medical advice should be had, especially where it is supposed that there is too much blood in the vessels of the head.

“Tenderness and irritability of the external parts sometimes come on to an almost intolerable extent, in consequence of inflammatory action. They are most effectually relieved by bathing the parts occasionally with cold or hot water, or decoction of poppy-heads, or of laurel leaves, and by using a soothing lotion. The soothing lotion may be made of two drachms of acetate of lead, commonly called sugar of lead, and an ounce of laudanum, in seven ounces of water. It may be applied three or four times during every twenty-four hours.

“In these troublesome affections the bowels must be kept rather more active than usual by gentle aperients. The aperients to be, from two to four drachms of Epsom salts. From one to two teaspoonfuls of electuary of senna. From one to two spoonfuls of castor oil. Or from fifteen to thirty grains of magnesia. Any of which may be taken every second night, or every night, as circumstances may require. The diet should be mild, and there must be a total abstinence from spirit, wine, and malt liquor. If these means fail to give the desired relief, it will be advisable to bleed the parts occasionally with six or eight leeches, and to apply poultices of the same kind, and in the same manner, as recommended in another chapter.

“A discharge frequently appears from the passage, which is either white, or slightly tinged with green, or blood; in such cases, the parts are to be washed, or the passage injected with a syringe, twice daily, with tepid milk and water, or a weak solution of alum in water. For the wash or injection, twelve grains of alum may be dissolved in six ounces of water, and about two tablespoonfuls injected at each time.

“Means should be used to secure the regular action of the bowels, by employing mild aperients and injections, as previously recommended.

“More vigorous measures than the above might be productive of much mischief.”

[28]. One of the English kings, Edward III., in the year 1344, picked up from the floor of a ball-room, an embroidered garter, belonging to a lady of rank. In returning it to her, he checked the rising smile of his courtiers with the words, “Honi soit qui mal y pense!” or, paraphrased in English, “Shame on him who invidiously interprets it!” The sentiment was so greatly approved, that it has become the motto of the English national arms. It is one which might be not inaptly nor unfrequently applied in rebuking the mawkish, skin-deep, and intolerant morality of this hypocritical and profligate age.

[29]. It may perhaps be argued, that all married persons have this power already, seeing that they are no more obliged to become parents than the unmarried; they may live as the brethren and sisters among the Shakers do. But this Shaker remedy is, in the first place, utterly impracticable, as a general rule; and, secondly, it would chill and embitter domestic life, even if it were practicable.

[30]. Will our sensitive fine ladies blush at the plain good sense and simplicity of such an observation? Let me tell them, the indelicacy is in their own minds, not in the words of the French mother.

[31]. For a vice so unnatural as onanism there could be no possible temptation, and therefore no existence, were not men unnaturally and mischievously situated. It first appeared, probably in monasteries; and has been perpetuated by the more or less anti-social and demoralizing relation in which the sexes stand to each other, in almost all countries. In estimating the consequences of the present false situation of society, we must set down to the black account the wretched consequences (terminating not unfrequently in incurable insanity) of this vice, the preposterous offspring of modern civilization. Physicians say that onanism at present prevails, to a lamentable extent, both in this country and in England. If the recommendations contained in these pages were generally followed, it would probably totally disappear in a single generation.

[32]. See letter of Percy Bysshe Shelley, published in the “Lion,” of December 5, 1828.

[33]. Every reflecting mind will distinguish between the unreasoning—sometimes even generous, imprudence of youthful passion, and the calculating selfishness of the matured and heartless libertine. It is a melancholy truth, that pseudo-civilization produces thousands of seducers by profession, who, while daily calling the heavens to witness their eternal affections, have no affection for anything on earth but their own precious and profligate selves. It is to characters so utterly worthless as these that my observations apply.

[34]. Jesus said unto her, “Neither do I condemn thee.” John viii., 11.

[35]. I should like to hear these gentlemen explain, according to what principle they imagine the chastity of their wives to grow out of a fear of offspring; so that, if released from such fear, prostitution would follow. I can readily comprehend that the unmarried may be supposed carefully to avoid that situation to which no legal cause can be assigned; but a wife must be especially dull, if she cannot assign, in all cases, a legal cause; and a husband must be especially sagacious, if he can tell whether the true cause be assigned or not. This safeguard to married chastity, therefore, to which the gentlemen of the Committee alluded to seem to look with so implicit a confidence, is a mere broken reed; and has been so ever since the days of Bethsheba.

Yet conjugal chastity is that which is especially valued. The inconstancy of a wife commonly cuts much deeper than the dishonour of a sister. In that case, then, which the world usually considers of the highest importance, the fear of offspring imposes no check whatever. It cannot make one iota of difference whether a married woman be knowing in physiology or not; except perhaps, indeed, to the husband’s advantage; in cases where the wife’s conscience induces her at least to guard against the possibility of burthening her legal lord with the care and support of children that are not his. Constancy, where it actually exists, is the offspring of something more efficacious than ignorance. And if in the wife’s case, men must and do trust to something else, why not in all other cases, where restraint may be considered desirable? Shall men trust in the greater, and fear to trust in the less? Whatever any one may choose to assert regarding his relatives’ secret inclinations to profligacy, these arguments may convince him that if he has any safeguard at present, a perusal of these pages will not destroy it.

’Tis strange that men, by way of suborning an argument, should be willing thus to vilify their relatives’ character and motives, without first carefully examining whether anything was gained to their cause, after all, by the vilification.

[36]. Instances innumerable might be adduced. Not one young person, for example, in twenty, is ever told, that sexual intercourse during the period of a woman’s courses is not unfrequently productive to the woman of a species of fluor albus, and sometimes (as a consequent) to the man of symptoms very similar to those of urethritis or gonorrhœa, but more easily removed. Yet what fact more important to be communicated? And how ridiculous the mischievously prudish refinement that conceals from human beings what it most deeply concerns them to know? The following case is related by Dr. Dewees in his work on Diseases of Females: “We have known a complaint communicated to the male by intercourse with a woman labouring under Pruritis. It was very similar to that which affected the female in its general character. When this occurs with the married man, much disturbance is sometimes created from a supposition that the wife has been unfaithful, and the contrary. Indeed, it has occurred in more instances than one, within our own knowledge, where the woman has thought herself the injured party; and in one case the recrimination was mutual. In this instance, the friends of the parties assembled to determine on the terms of separation, when it was suggested, by one of those who happened to be more rational than the rest, that before they proceeded to such an extremity, their family physician should be consulted. We were accordingly sent for. After an attentive hearing of both parties, and an examination of the parts, we were satisfied that there was not the slightest ground for either to be charged with want of fidelity, and we assured the parties that this was the case, and were fortunate enough to cause all further proceedings to be suspended.”

[37]. Le premier serment que se firent deux êtres de chair, ce fut au pied d’un rocher, qui tombait en poussiere; ils attestèrent de leur constance un ciel qui n’est pas un instant le même: tout passait en eux, et autour d’eux; et ils croyaient leurs cœurs affranchis de vicissitudes. O enfans! toujours enfans.

Diderot; Jacques et son Maitre.

[38]. Some German poet, whose name has escaped me, says,

“Tapfer ist de Lowensieger,

Tapfer is der Weltbezwinger,

Tapferer, wer sich selbst bezwang!”

“Brave is the lion-victor,

Brave the conqueror of a world,

Braver he who controls himself!”

It is a noble sentiment, and very appropriate to the present discussion.

[39]. The author of these pages having resided many years in France, where this preventive has been used with infallible and invariable success, can vouch for its efficacy, healthiness and certainty. While there, he was importuned to take the agency for its disposal in the United States. But aware of the extreme sensitiveness, verging upon mawkishness, with which the agitation of a question of this nature would be viewed; the misapprehension to which it might give rise, and the difficulty of presenting it to the consideration of the public, it was not without some reluctance that he was induced to take the exclusive agency for its sale in this country. The numerous testimonials, however, of its efficacy, and the warm expressions of gratitude and thankfulness he has received since taking the agency, have convinced him that this invaluable preventive has been appreciated.

Its efficacy is beyond question, as in Europe, among the higher classes especially, it is universally used, and of late among all classes. Thousands of married persons have for years used it with invariable success. Instances are related by the author from whom we have liberally quoted, exactly similar to hundreds which have come to the knowledge of the writer of these pages. The principle upon which it prevents conception, is to neutralize the fecundating properties in semen, and it preserves and conduces to the health of the female, by eradicating all predisposition to sexual weakness, fluor albus, or whites, the falling of the womb, &c., and restores and maintains that elasticity and firmness of the generative functions (appertaining only to a young female) for many years. The French, who are scrupulously observant of themselves in these particulars, and who retain their health, vivacity, and capacity to receive and impart enjoyment, to a remarkable age, would not for worlds abstain from the use of M. Desomeaux’s Preventive to Conception, merely from its effects in preserving their youth to an old age, and would not permit a sexual act to transpire without its use. When used under these circumstances, the directions are somewhat varied. It is well known that the French always have intervals of three, four, or more years, between the birth of children, depending upon either the health of the wife, or inclination or judgment of parents. In cases of malformation, deformity of pelvis, low state of health, its use is indispensable. In obtaining this celebrated preventive, it is advisable in all cases to communicate directly with him, the sole agent of the United States, for the disposal of “M. Desomeaux’s Preventive to Conception.” The packages can be forwarded to all parts of the United States. Letters must be postpaid, and addressed to Dr. A. M. Mauriceau, Box “1224,” N. Y. Office 129 Liberty street, N. Y. Price of packages Ten Dollars.

[40]. In France, and on the Continent of Europe generally, a covering (used by the male), called a baudruche (known as the French Secret), is used with success, with the view of preventing pregnancy. Its intention, however, and for which, perhaps, it is specially adapted, is to obviate the penalty incurred by prostitution, and thereby guard against the contraction of syphilis. But as the object of the author is not to facilitate, but, on the contrary, effectually to prevent the degrading intercourse the consequences of which are sought to be avoided, in adverting to it therefore, he has only in view its adaptation to prevent conception. If made of proper material and texture, it can, to a certain extent, be relied upon. Deeming this latter consideration of essential importance, and having been applied to in regard to it, he has imported them made of the only material of which they should be composed. Address Dr. A. M. Mauriceau, Box “1224,” N. Y. City, who will send them by mail to any part of the United States. Price $5 a dozen.

[41]. “This, of course, must be rather a matter of conjecture and approximation, than of accurate calculation.”

[42]. “Any young man who will carefully note and compare his sensations, will become convinced, that temperance positively forbids such indulgence, at any rate, more than twice a week; and that he trifles with his constitution who neglects the prohibition. How immeasurably important that parents should communicate to their sons, but especially to their daughters, facts like these! It is true that much depends upon habit, as some individuals can indulge even daily without apparently sustaining any physical injury; but such a frequency may not be compatible with the well-being of both parties, and should therefore not be encouraged.”

[43]. The writer, under the circumstances just mentioned, in the course of his practice as Professor of the Diseases of Women, has been called upon to effect miscarriages, and in all cases, it has proved perfectly safe, recovery following in about three days. When necessary to be attended to, the earlier the better, but in no case, if properly effected, with ordinary care on the part of the patient, is it attended with any danger. A skilful and practised obstetrician will impart no pain.

[44]. Anodyne Clyster.—A gill of new milk, or thin starch, or the same quantity of any of the mucilaginous substances composing Simple and Emollient Clysters, which consist of milk and water in equal parts: flax-seed tea; infusion of quince-seed; barley water; mucilage of gum Arabic, or slippery elm; thin starch. From half a pint to a pint of either of these should be administered a little more than milk warm, with the addition of one or two teaspoonfuls of laudanum, for adults. In general, a patient will bear three times the quantity of laudanum administered in this way, than would be a proper dose when taken into the stomach: so that, when to procure rest, twenty-five drops would be given in a draught, seventy-five may be administered in a clyster, and the sickness, and other ill consequences, which some persons complain of after laudanum has been taken into the stomach, seldom follow when administered by clyster.

[45]. If faintness occurs from the loss of blood by flooding, a little brandy, with two-thirds cold water, should be given in frequent and small quantities at a time. Nothing so speedily restores the strength in such cases.

[46]. As in most cases the predisposition to miscarry arises from a very weakened or diseased state of the uterus, or general debility of the system, which is mostly caused by one period of pregnancy followed by miscarriage, too closely succeeding another with the same results, it is obvious that the prevention of pregnancy by the use of M. Desomeaux’s “Preventive of Pregnancy,” (treated of in the preceding pages,) for about two years or so, or until health and strength are restored, is the proper remedy; thereby enabling the system to correct the predisposition, by improving the tone and vigour of the uterus. The writer can vouch that by the use of this “Preventive,” many women who had before constantly miscarried, at particular periods, entirely recovered, and gave birth to full grown and healthy children, after trying all other means without avail.

[47]. Interdiction of marriage is not necessary, all that is required is that pregnancy should be prevented; this, thanks to M. Desomeaux’s discovery can be attained by the use of his “Preventive to Pregnancy.”

[48]. This is true when it is a right presentation (the head), or when the duration and severity of labor may not induce convulsions.

[49]. That barrenness, in most cases, arises from some defect or obstruction, susceptible of cure, the fact, that those who for a number of years have had no children, when once becoming pregnant—the defect or obstruction being eradicated—have children in close succession, may be adduced as almost conclusive proof.

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TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

1. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in spelling.
2. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed.