"In the first chapter it was stated that the Ovæ, or eggs, contained the rudiments or germs, from which, when impregnated by the male principle, new human beings were developed. These ovæ, however, are not prepared to undergo this development before the age of puberty, nor after the change of life, nor are the whole of them fit for conception even during the prolific period. It appears that they become fit for fecundation in succession, during the menstrual period, one ovum, or more, being ripened every month! When fully perfected it separates from the ovary and is lost, unless conception occurs, in which case it passes along the fallopian tube into the Womb, and then develops into the fœtus. Here then we see the cause of the menses; the ripening of the ovum causes a local excitement, and congestion, in the ovary and womb, which increases till the period when it is thrown off, and then the accumulated fluid is discharged, the excitement subsides, and a new development commences.
"This curious process is termed by some physiologists the monthly ponte, or laying of eggs, and by others the Ovarian labor, or birth! A small scar is left on the ovary at the point where the ovum separates, which fades away after a time, but a number of them may always be observed on the ovaries of those who have long menstruated. In those who die during menstruation the ovaries are found very red, and full of blood, and sometimes one of the ovæ will be found swelled, and just ready to burst through, or the ruptured opening may be seen through which it has actually escaped.
"Precisely the same phenomenon occurs in the lower animals, excepting that their periods are more extended; some of them occurring annually, and others at still longer intervals. Some of the monkeys even have a species of real menstruation.
"These important facts, by enabling us to understand what causes menstruation, give us an insight also into the nature of its derangements, and the conditions required for their regulation. When we call to mind also the close sympathy between the uterine organs and every other part of the system, it shows us how important a proper menstruation is to the general health, because without it those organs must be diseased, and consequently every other part of the system liable to suffer with them.
"Formerly many absurd notions prevailed respecting menstruation, which in fact are not quite removed even now. Thus some authors asserted that a female, while unwell, could cause various diseases, by merely touching persons! Others supposed they would curdle milk, and nearly all believed that the menstrual fluid itself was highly poisonous, so that females, at those times, were compelled to live apart and approach no one. In the Old Testament there are many regulations given, for females while menstruating, which show the prevalence of such notions in olden times. It is scarcely necessary to say that there is no foundation whatever for all this, as the fluid itself differs but little from ordinary blood, and is equally innocuous.
"In like manner it was supposed, that menstruation was influenced by the Moon, and only occurred at a certain period of her age. We know, however, that females are unwell almost every hour of every day in the year.
"The due establishment of the menstrual function is absolutely necessary, to the perfection both of mind and body, and its regular performance is quite as essential to the continuance of health, for there is scarcely a single disease that its derangement will not either cause, or at least seriously aggravate.
"It is therefore vitally important to attend to this matter, particularly in young persons approaching puberty! A little care at that time, properly bestowed, may prevent years of disease and suffering, if not untimely death!"
CONCEPTION.
Conception is the union of the male principle with the female ovum, or egg, after that is perfected in the manner described in the article on Menstruation. The precise manner in which this union is effected is unknown, though our information in regard to it is much more extensive, and precise, than formerly. As nearly as can be stated it occurs in the following way: