TESTIMONIALS.
Many testimonials have been received from people who have derived benefit from following the teachings of Tokology. By permission a few extracts are taken from letters which are only similar to hundreds received, giving wonderful proof of the efficacy of its teachings. In some families the work is used as a reference book, while others loan it to friends and neighbors, keeping it on its mission of health and happiness. Frequently the writer says: “I would not take $10 for my copy if I could not procure another.”
One writes: “It has been such a comfort to prepare dainty and palatable dishes for an invalid mother from the recipes in dietetics. It is a great gratification to her that she can have even pies and puddings that can do her no possible harm.”
Mrs. W., of Forest City, says: “I have depended on Tokology for knowledge in bringing up my twin babies. Have taken them through attacks of croup and summer complaint, and have never called a doctor.”
Mr. J. C. A., of Henderson, Ky., says: “I have been afflicted twenty-five years with constipation, and rejoice to say I am entirely relieved by following the diet and exercises recommended in Tokology. I wish every one knew the value of these simple measures.”
Mrs. E. J. McElwain, of Michigan, says: “A friend of mine, advanced to the seventh month of pregnancy, bought Tokology. She lived entirely by the instructions contained therein. Last Monday was confined. The child was born before the doctor or any one could get there. She is a true woman, and desires every woman to have the benefit of her experience.” This is only one of many similar testimonials.
Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago, says: “I consider Tokology the very best book that can be put into the hands of a girl or young wife.”
My Dear Dr. Stockham:—I have had three children, and in the delivery of each have suffered comparatively no pain. With the two first the physician was not in the house ten minutes before the birth of the child, while the last was born half an hour before his arrival, although he made all possible haste. I had never heard anything in regard to painless childbirth. I never was strong, and being over thirty before my first child was born, it was a mystery to myself and friends why I should have such easy labors. Several months ago I read Tokology, and then I understood it, for accidentally I have lived according to its teachings. My diet was entirely of fruits and grains. Meats I had a positive dislike for, and never ate them. Lemons I craved, and would eat three or four a day, also all kinds of fruits. Pastries I cared nothing for, living on rice, oatmeal, etc., and the result was, as you teach, a painless child-birth. One of my friends, Mrs. M. H., of Springfield, Ohio, in her first confinement, which was severe and prolonged, came near losing her life, with that of her babe. The cervix and perineum were lacerated, and her confinement was followed by inflammation and prolonged prostration. Her physician said she probably could not again become pregnant; if she did she would surely die. This was five years ago. Last spring she again conceived, and was very despondent, fearing the worst. When I heard of it I sent her Tokology. Hopefully she began following its teachings. She was amply repaid by being safely delivered, comparatively without pain, and having no subsequent illness, in her own language, “feeling so well, it seemed an absurdity to remain in bed.” I have known several others who have followed Tokology, and in each case it has proved equally successful. How I wish that every pregnant woman could have this grand work. I know then that the agony so many women endure would be prevented.
Mrs. S. A. Goff, Lincoln, Kan.
Dear Doctor:—I am astonished at the benefits derived from Tokology. I had the book only a few weeks before confinement; when I procured it my feet were so bloated I could scarcely walk across the room. I followed the advice in the book faithfully, and in a short time got so smart I could do my work with ease. The night before confinement I walked two miles and came home, feeling well. I got up in the morning and gathered up my clothes for washing, but soon found I had other business on hand. At 10 o’clock A. M. I had a nice little daughter; was sick only one hour, and no very hard pain. Always before, my sickness at such times had been long and severe; have lain unconscious for hours. My recovery, too, from previous labors, has been very lingering. This time in five days I was dressed and stood upon my feet; in two weeks was able to take care of my child, and do much besides. No money could buy my book from me. I most cheerfully give my experience for the benefit of others.
Mrs. Maggie Mead,
Friend, Neb.
To Doctor Stockham, whom I call my best friend:—When about three months advanced in pregnancy I bought Tokology. My health was very poor; I was a constant sufferer. My children had all been weak and puny, and died when from three to six months old. With the last I lost my own health; many said I would not live to have another child. I have followed the directions of Tokology to the letter. From the first my health improved, and I had a comfortable confinement. The contrast to the previous labors was as day is to night. I can truly say I owe my life to Tokology. Could I not get another, I would not take $100 for it. I wish every woman knew the value of the work as I do.
Mrs. A. R. Stewart,
St. Paul, Minn.
My Dear Miss Stockham:—In presenting me your mother’s book, you add another one to your many kind and thoughtful deeds, which will aid me wonderfully in my mission as wife and mother. Tokology contains a wealth of enlightenment calculated to promote all that is pure and noble. You and your mother are truly great philanthropists.
Marie F. Bornefeld,
Galveston, Tex.
Dear Dr. Stockham:—My delivery was the shortest and easiest I ever had. The Lord was good to me in giving me what I needed. Tokology proved a great blessing, as my health improved all the time. I have a fine little girl, who is perfectly healthy. I can, with good conscience, recommend Tokology. My sister officiated as midwife by the instructions in the book, though previously entirely inexperienced, and did well. How can any one help understanding your plain directions? I feel very grateful that Tokology ever came into my hands. Some of the suggestions are invaluable. Bathing the babe in sweet oil worked like a charm. “Not tying the cord,” of which some were fearful, worked nicely. I thank the Lord for giving you the power to write such a valuable book.
Mrs. L. A. Sherman,
Litchfield, Ill.
My Dear Mrs. Talbot:—Your invaluable gift, Tokology, reached me Christmas morning. I was in bed, suffering intensely from uterine disease. I eagerly grasped the book and read as I never did before. Many times I have said that God had shown no consideration for frail, delicate women; that bearing children was a blight to womanhood and a curse to the marriage vow. Why was this? My heart has been in one life-long rebellion. I could not be resigned to the agony endured by wives and mothers. I knew there was something terribly wrong. Tokology has solved the problem for me. You cannot imagine how happy it has made me. Already I begin to feel the joy of returning health. I want all my friends and neighbors to have the book. My parents and sisters must read it. I can never tell what a blessing your gift has bestowed on me and us. I thank you a thousand times.
S. L. Piggott,
Shreveport, La.
The following is a P. S. to a business letter from a lawyer:—Mrs. K. wishes me to add that she faithfully followed your instructions in regard to fruit diet and sitz-baths, and owes you very much for good results obtained. The doctor did not reach the house until half an hour after the child was born. She really experienced but one severe pain, while our first child caused her much suffering. We are both grateful for the science you teach.
W. F. K.,
Huron, Dak.
My Dear Doctor:—In all previous confinements I had very severe after-pains; when I asked the doctor for something to give relief, he replied unfeelingly that this is nature’s method of restoring the womb to its natural condition, and that our first mother had no medicine for after-pains. Thanks to Tokology, I had no after-pains this time. I followed the fruit and grain diet, often using three lemons a day. I always took a glass of hot lemonade before breakfast. How good of a woman to write these things as you have done for women. Yours truly,
Mrs. K. J.,
Louisville, Ky.
The following is from an experienced physician:
Dear Doctor:—I am glad to add my testimony to the truths of Tokology. I was past thirty-five when I first became pregnant, but by hygienic training before and during pregnancy, I bore three children without suffering. I ate food containing little or no bone-forming material. Every day took plenty of exercise; gardening, walking, gathering fruit, etc. I was careful that my dress caused no restriction about my waist, abdomen or hips, not wearing even one band to an under-garment. I took sitz-baths before retiring, and during the entire pregnancy enjoyed perfect health. Still, on account of my age, I fully expected some suffering in child-birth.
On the morning of the 3d of December I noticed painless contraction of the uterus, recurring regularly every hour, the intervals gradually shortening to twenty minutes, by night. I spent the evening very pleasantly entertaining company, no one suspecting I was in labor. I went to bed and slept until 11 o’clock, when I was awakened by a positive expulsive effort; still no pain. I aroused my husband, asking him to prepare a hot sitz-bath, which was very grateful. He was anxious to call the doctor and nurse, and also to arouse my mother, who was in the house, but I assured him it was too soon. Although I had lived carefully, I fully believed I must suffer, and I begged him to disturb no one until I became sick.
In a few minutes I felt I must arise from the sitz-bath, and quickly knelt beside a chair. The next expulsive effort brought a welcome little stranger. I poured my heart out in gratitude for the knowledge that had brought about such wonderful results. With my own hands I tied the cord and removed the placenta. I fixed myself nicely in bed and enjoyed the washing and dressing of my own darling with true motherly delight. My own mother in an adjoining room knew nothing of the event until all was over. The second day I was out doors, and the third I took a short ride to visit a patient who needed a minor surgical operation.
When my second child was born we had just made the trip by steamer from New York to San Francisco. We had been out to an evening lecture, and were guests at a Water Cure, separated from our baggage. I had slept quietly about an hour, when I became aware that I must arouse my husband to go for one trunk with all possible speed. Although he had to go only a short distance, which he accomplished in haste, the child was born without pain while I was entirely alone. I really felt no need of assistance. With the dear boy who has blessed every hour since his advent, we continued the journey to Santa Cruz the third day of his life, with no bad results.
My third child was born with only half an hour’s painless expulsive effort, and, as usual, I was up and out doors the second day after.
If women could be made to understand what is gained by absolutely dressing the waist free from any pressure or constriction, we could hopefully predict a near millennium of safety and freedom of pain in child-birth. It seems almost hopeless to convince any lady that the bands of her skirts and drawers are any detriment to her in the performance of natural functions. I have known of hundreds of cases where natural conditions have brought about results similar to my own experience.
I must take from my diary one case, a strong proof of the truths taught in Tokology. Mrs. H., of Philadelphia, in the fifth month of pregnancy placed herself under my care. She was married at thirty-five, and soon became pregnant. At her full term, surgeons discovered deformity of the pelvis, and were forced to perform craniotomy and instrumental delivery. She was told she never could give birth to a living child. Twice subsequently, by eminent surgeons, abortion was produced, in order to save her life. In this last pregnancy she was told that her constitution was so undermined it would be certain death to destroy the fetus, and she had better take her chances by going full term. She came under my care with the expectation of only four months of life, very feeble, and a great sufferer. I was never more determined that any one should have the advantage of the truths of Tokology. I kept her out doors lying on a cot, and had her practice deep breathing and gymnastics. Three times daily she had thorough massage, taking cool sitz-baths frequently. She soon began to take short walks, although when she came she was unable to cross the room alone. Previous to the birth of the child, she could walk with ease a mile before partaking of her breakfast of fresh fruit. Although deformed and apparently a physical wreck, by reliance upon these simple methods only, discarding all drugs, she brought forth a living child with only a few hours of suffering. She has ever since been a proud, healthy, happy mother. May God bless you, dear doctor, in your mission of good health to women. Ever faithfully,
Harriet H. Larkins, M. D.,
Wright, Dickey Co., Dak.
A grateful woman writes:—My reason for wishing to sell Tokology is this: Twice I went down to death, suffering all the agony a woman can suffer and live. For what? Only to receive into my aching arms a piece of lifeless clay.
The last time I was pregnant I stumbled upon Tokology, and followed its teachings. The result is a beautiful living daughter. These are glad tidings of great joy.
Mrs. Geo. N. Jarvis,
Arapahoe, Neb.
The following letter is from a lady well known in philanthropic work. She says,—I wish to give you the praise and credit of assisting me in obtaining such an easy confinement, and such rest and good health the last three months of pregnancy. I think it was remarkable, in view of my age (forty years), and the length of time (fourteen years) since I had borne a child. I was very poorly the first three months. During my absence at Detroit, where I had been attending the W. C. T. U. Convention, one of your circulars was sent to me. At the urgent solicitation of my family I obtained the book. I am very thankful for it. It has been of untold help to me. From the first it gave me great encouragement.
I took a bath every other night. My food consisted of graham gems, lean meats, cooked fruits and a little hot water and cream. I ate nothing from my noon dinner until morning, and slept much better at night. Women eat too much. If they would only try, they would soon get over that feeling of hunger of which they complain. One thing they should insist upon, and that is to sleep alone for at least the last three months. The last night I slept well, arose in the morning and assisted in preparing the breakfast. After the meal was over, I sent for the nurse and physician, who arrived about nine o’clock. Before eleven o’clock I had a beautiful nine-pound baby.
I had passed through my confinement with such comfort that I could but wish that all mothers might do likewise, and that I could have read your book twenty-five years earlier. It would have saved me great suffering and trouble.
Mrs. M. A. Luley,
St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Prof. Kinzie, of Emporia, Kansas, writes:
Mrs. A. B. Stockham, M. D.:
Dear Madam,—By direction of my physician, I followed the laws of health as given in your valuable book, and feel amply repaid.
Ten years ago, in my first confinement, I suffered forty-eight hours, twenty-four of hard labor, and in this second confinement not even one hour. This was no comparison to the first. My baby (now four months old) is the picture of good health, and I am myself more than ordinarily well.
My diet was of fruit and vegetables, with graham mush for breakfast. I was very regular the last three months with my sitz-baths, taking them just before retiring, and finding them very quieting.
I took a walk every day for the first seven months. After that my only exercise was my housework. I wish that this valuable book could reach all. If anything I have said will help some poor mortal, I shall be very glad to have you use my words.
Occasionally it has been reported to me that women following the teachings of Tokology in pregnancy have failed in securing desired results. Almost invariably in such cases investigation has proven that some of the directions have not been followed. Nearly always the fruit diet has been adopted quite faithfully, and sitz-baths taken as directed. Often no special change has been made in dress, the exercises and the hot bath at confinement have been omitted, and the teachings in Chap. XI. entirely ignored.
These are all equally important with diet and bathing. The millennium for women, so far as health is concerned, would be at hand if they could be convinced of the injurious results of corsets, bands and heavy skirts. These must be discarded. There is no compromise if one desires the physical development so essential to healthy child-bearing.
The stock-raiser would not allow one single girth around a mare in foal that in any way restricted respiration, digestion and circulation, lest the mare or her offspring be injured. In the physical life of woman she is just as amenable to the laws of nature as is the animal.
If a man were to exchange and wear his wife’s clothing, for one month, only he would show more interest that the mother of his child should avoid the deleterious influence of the fashionable dress. The natural and artistic lines of the body must be preserved to insure the noble attributes and capacities of motherhood.
Exercise is especially essential in pregnancy. Those recommended in Tokology increase the capacity of the pelvis and abdomen, develop the muscles to be used in parturition, aid digestion, and equalize circulation.
Many ladies, following faithfully the directions for exercise, have been very lax in regard to diet and baths, and yet brought about remarkable results in having an easy delivery. Several instances have come to my knowledge of ladies who, having taken elocution lessons during pregnancy, and with these lessons a thorough course of gymnastics, have brought about a natural delivery, where labor previously had been prolonged and severe. These were persons who had no knowledge of special baths or fruit diet.
The following interesting letter is from an intelligent lady who is selling Tokology as missionary work:
Dear Dr. Stockham:—Be sure to tell the ladies the importance of exercise during pregnancy. Many are blinded to any measure save the fruit diet. I had Tokology only the last six weeks of pregnancy. Previous to that I had exercised very little. As soon as I read the work I began gymnastics and walking; took sitz-baths to remove any lameness caused. I also went up and down stairs a great deal, following directions in Tokology. To the very last week I continued canvassing for your valuable work. I had painless contractions of the uterus every few moments during the entire day.
After eating my supper and refusing to play croquet, as I had an engagement, I hastened to my room to prepare for the arrival of the little stranger. The contractions began to cause some pain. I made use of the hot sitz-bath, and it gave wonderful relief. I remained in the bath a long time, until I became so sleepy it was necessary to go to bed. I had no hard pain. The expulsive efforts were not as painful as the first contractions, and those I had were in the abdomen. After three bearing-down pains I laid down, and the fourth pain brought the child from the uterus into the world, and without any of that tearing pain usually experienced. All was over at 10:30 o’clock.
This was my third boy. With both of the others I was in labor all night and half of the next day, and took chloroform for hours, the agony was so unbearable. Each time I was so sore and weak afterward I could not move myself in bed. This time I could move right away to any part of the bed; and the next day sat up to eat food three times. I had my nurse only four days, while each time before I could not do without her under three weeks. I was out selling Tokology in less than two weeks, and can assure you, dear Doctor, I never did any work with such a good will as this. It is taking a blessed truth to women. Sincerely your friend,
Mrs. G. E. Brown,
Las Animas, Col.
It is probable, if a woman has had inflammation and ulceration of the womb a long time, that she will be unable to bring about conditions to insure a painless labor. This is true, especially, if caustic treatment has been resorted to, resulting in induration. In such a case, a course of hygienic treatment during pregnancy will be valuable, but to restore the parts to their normal conditions may require years of right living.
I must again emphasize the need of continence between husband and wife during pregnancy. A lady physician in Iowa relates many interesting cases where labor was rendered almost painless, simply by the continent life. Her theory is, that the repeated contractions of the vaginal walls and vulva render them unyielding, and consequently there is absolute mechanical obstruction to the passage of the head. The theory is certainly worthy of consideration.
I have long been thoroughly convinced that sexual intercourse during pregnancy is entirely inimical to the best conditions for maternity. The natural repugnance that most women have for the act during fetal growth, ought to cause right-minded people serious thought.
Col. A. B. Meacham, who has spent much time among the Modocs, says: “There is a tradition among them that the Great Spirit blew his breath upon a maiden, and said to her that she should become the mother of the son of the Great Spirit. He forbade her to look upon the face of man until the child was born. To this day no Indian woman of the tribe who is to become a mother, ever looks upon the face of man.”
Is it not possible that here is one potent reason that Indian women have so little suffering in child-birth? May not the intelligent white man learn a lesson of purity, of self-abnegation, as well as of honor to his wife and offspring, from the untutored savage?
We are counseled by eminent physicians, like Acton, Gerrish, Cowan and Winslow, that the continent life gives to the individual the best physical development, the greatest intellectual strength and the highest moral excellence, as well as promotes conditions for the improvement of the race.
Prof. Huxley says: “That man has had a liberal education who has been so trained in youth that his body is the ready servant of his will * * * * and who, no stunted ascetic, is full of life and fire, but whose passions are trained to come to heel by a vigorous will, the servant of a tender conscience.”
Dr. F. H. Gerrish says: “Man’s procreative energy should be to him a sacred trust, to be kept inviolate, and to be used only with the distinct and definite purpose of perpetuating his kind. His children would never be accidents, but begotten intentionally, at a time when both parents are in good physical and mental condition.”
Further, in opposing the prevalent opinion that continence is a cause of disease, he says: “I very much doubt if a member of this association ever had to treat a disease resulting from chaste continence. I would emphasize the adjective, for nothing but harm can come from the excitement dependent on the constant or frequent entertainment of lewd imaginings, even if one abstain altogether from sexual indulgence.”
Rev. N. E. Boyd says: “Men need all their vital force not required in fatherhood, for the performance of the labors, material, mental and moral, whereunto they are called.”
A well-known author testifies: “Beyond doubt, as men now live, continence is almost impossible. They drug themselves with tobacco and excite themselves with wine. They enervate their powers in heated rooms, and read books which arouse lascivious desires. Naturally, sexual passion attacks them, and if it be refused gratification they become fevered and restless, and declare that health demands frequent intercourse, and suffers without. But it is not a physical necessity. Under certain conditions absolute continence is consistent with the highest health during the whole lifetime. To attain this, however, one must live in perfect accordance with hygienic laws; he cannot expect to suppress one vice and yield to another.”
The following wise counsels to fathers is in a pamphlet entitled “The Better Way,” by A. E. Newton: “The matron, when once her organism has entered upon the work of developing a new life, should be left unmolested by intrusion in that department of her being. The work cannot be well performed—it may be woefully defaced or ruined—if the energies of her system are drawn upon by additional demands upon the sexual organism. At all events, the intuition of the mother, when against the practice referred to, should never be violated. To abstain from all intrusive acts is a duty which no father can disregard with impunity.
“The strength of the sexual appetite in men is unquestionably the grand obstacle to the improvement of the race in the manner proposed. But is this strength in all cases purely natural and healthy? Otherwise, no one can rationally urge that its demands should be indulged to their full extent—much less that the personal rights, the health and happiness of the opposite sex, and the welfare of unborn generations, should be sacrificed to its indulgence. * * * Experience has proven that mastery can be attained. A determined will—an earnest, constant aspiration for power from above to overcome, with a careful abstinence from exciting foods, drinks, acts and thoughts, and the use of appropriate means to allay excitement—these, persisted in, will bring the victory in due time.”
William Acton, M. R. C. S., an English physician, eminent in his profession, says: “True continence is complete control over the passions, exercised by one who has felt their power, and who, were it not for his steady will, not only could but would indulge them. * * * Granted, that continence is a trial, a sore trial, a bitter trial, if you will, what, I would ask, is the use or object of a trial but to try, to test, to elicit, strengthen and brace whatever of sterling, whatever of valuable, there is in the thing tried? To yield at once, is this the right way to meet a trial? To lay down one’s arms at the first threatening of conflict, is this a creditable escape from trial, to say no more? Nay, is it safe, when the trial is imposed by the highest possible authority? Our object ought to be to preserve a pure and healthy mind in a pure and healthy body. Judiciously directed, training and exercise of both toward this definite object would, I am sure, in most cases, reduce the difficulty of living a chaste life to the minimum, and indeed render the conflict rather a proud and thankful sense of self-command than an arduous struggle. * * * The man who can command even his thoughts will have an easier task in keeping himself continent than he who cannot. He has great power who, when physical temptations assail him can determinedly apply his mind to other subjects, and employ the whole force of his will in turning away from the danger.”
Carpenter, in a late edition of his work, says to those who urge the wants of nature as an excuse for the illicit gratification of the sexual passion: “Try the effects of close mental application to some ennobling pursuit, in combination with vigorous bodily exercise, before you assert that the appetite is unrestrainable, and act upon that assertion.”
To parents desiring the best interests of offspring, these quotations from men of known scientific and professional reputation are worthy of careful thought. Lives based upon these truths will make motherhood desired, and offspring a blessing.
To secure the best possible conditions for maternity, a lady should never lose sight of the value of congenial, absorbing occupation. There should be no leisure to foster morbid symptoms. Having neither financial need nor desire for following a special vocation, the systematic pursuit of some study, as geology, natural history or botany, will make conditions for satisfactory pre-natal culture.
Who knows but by throwing her whole soul into the search, and thus being carried out of herself by these ennobling pursuits, she may become the mother of a Humboldt, an Agassiz or an Audubon.
A letter lies before me from a lady who had long been a sufferer from chronic diseases. By following the instructions of Tokology since her marriage, and for some months previous to pregnancy, she has overcome most of her troubles. She writes: “I have good news for you. Two months from now I expect to become a mother. The past six months’ life has been a constant joy. I never have had such good health, consequently such good spirits and enjoyment in my work. I am now spending four or five hours a day in study—German and music, and at his earnest request, Latin, with my husband.
“I do my own housework, and with my sewing, social demands and daily walks, am busy every moment, yet, strange to say, I never seemed to have as much leisure as now. We live simply, and, I believe, sensibly, and I try to do the things that are best physically and mentally for me as a mother, and for the little one who is now part of my life.” This lady finds absorbing interest in training classes of young girls for a noble womanhood and motherhood.
So many objects of philanthropic interest now appeal to every woman that there is abundant opportunity to reach out beyond self. In every direction the needs of humanity demand of all who have hitherto been idlers, that they try the blessedness of unselfish endeavor. By responding bravely to these appeals in the days of prospective maternity, the mother will find both present and future reward.
In pregnancy, as in chronic diseases, symptoms are often attributed to imagination. It has been proven that the imagination or belief can create, not only symptoms, but actual disease. Physicians recognize this fact, but are slow to acknowledge the correlative one, that this same imagination or belief is of untold therapeutic value in medical practice.
Dr. Evans says: “As thought and existence are identical, a change of thought must necessarily modify our existence. To think a change in our bodily condition, and not merely to think about it, will determine all the living forces toward that result, as certainly as a stream issuing from a fountain will flow in another direction when we change the direction of its channel.”
For self-healing, one can learn to abstract his thoughts from suffering or from the organ affected, so as not to sense the pain. This is somewhat different from opposing the will power, as is usually understood; indeed, it is rather the opposite. By an introversion of thought, a passive condition is secured and maintained. Evans styles this an “impressible conscious state.”
Understanding the conditions, this state can be attained by any one, and while in it pain and disease, real only in thought, can be removed. In this way one thinks himself out of morbid conditions. One then, really is only to think the opposite of his seeming condition steadily, persistently and honestly, to effect a change.
When a student at Olivet College, Michigan, I heard Professor Hosford lecture upon “Health and Disease.” He asserted that sickness could be induced by working upon the imagination or belief.
In support of this statement he related a case of a dose of flour, supposed to be ipecac, producing the ordinary results of that drug. Four of the fun-loving students determined to test this assertion. In one of their rambles they saw a teamster on his way to procure lumber at a place some miles distant. They resolved to experiment upon him. Awaiting his return, they stationed themselves at considerable distances and accosted him in a friendly manner. Each of them, however, added to his cordial greeting words of dismay at seeing him look so ill.
To the first he stoutly denied any indisposition, but to the second admitted slight indigestion; the third found him looking miserable and suffering from colic. He was persuaded to stop walking beside his team and ride on the lumber. The fourth easily induced him to resign the reins, while the teamster, really ill at last, rode home reclining upon his load, unable for the rest of the day to leave his home.
A curious experiment was tried by noted surgeons upon a condemned criminal. He was made to believe that he was to be bled to death. Stretched upon a table, bound and blindfolded, he awaited the operation. The surgeon, with a sharp instrument, pricked his flesh to simulate the opening of an artery. At once a small fountain, from which water at blood-heat flowed, was opened over the supposed incision; the water flowing freely at first, gradually became less and less copious.
The surgeons and attendants spoke among themselves of his failing powers, of his pallor, of his loss of heat and pulse-beats. They questioned him meanwhile as to these symptoms, which questioning he answered in full faith that his life-blood was indeed passing from him. He grew fainter and more faint, gasped for breath, and finally expired.
If a well person can be made to believe he is ill, yes, and really to die of his affection, as in the case above noted, and also as is often noticed in an epidemic, may not a sick person be led to believe he is well? Sometimes a silent suggestion of friend or physician to this end is more potent than the spoken word. In the former case the thought of the patient unconsciously seconds the thought of the friend, while in the latter, argument and discussion rouse an opposing force.
A pregnant woman, by ignoring her ailments, by abstracting from them her thoughts, by occupying her mind entirely, can bring about wonderful results in overcoming undesired conditions. In following the teachings of Tokology, care must be taken that the mind is not directed to watching for and fostering morbid symptoms.
The mind, the real self, controls all the functions pertaining to life, and its supremacy can be directed toward removing morbid tendencies. One can train the mind to this end. It is merely what is usually termed “getting above one’s self,” or “putting sorrow, grief and pain under one’s feet.” It is simply the conquest of self and sin, as taught in different ways in religion and philosophy. Cheerfully, hopefully bring the soul into harmony with the good in the universe. Where there is light there can be no darkness, where health reigns, disease disappears. Learn to subordinate the body. Encourage all indications of health. By a calm trust and a restful faith in the Divine, sins of the body (disease) as well as sins of the soul may be dethroned, and health and happiness reign supreme.
For the sake of human progress, may every parent lose sight of selfish interest, and strive to the utmost for all conditions that shall favor the highest good of offspring, “for to be well-born is the right of every child.”