FROM THE NATIONAL BAPTIST, PHILA., DEC. 30, 1869
We join in the cordial welcome which this book has received. There is no other work which tells so well just what every woman—and every considerate man also—ought to know. Maternity is the one great function of woman, according to God's ordinance, and for this marvelous and holy mission her physical, intellectual, and moral constitution has been designed. Dr. Napheys, in his wise “Advice to maiden, wife, and mother,” passes in review the cardinal facts respecting woman's physical life. The book is written in a very clear and simple style, so that no one can misunderstand it, while there is nothing to disturb or offend the most sensitive. A judicious mother would do her maturing daughters great service by first carefully reading this volume herself, and then have them read it under her guidance.
OPINION OF MRS. R. B. GLEASON, M.D.
Elmira, N. Y., Sept. 1869.
The advance sheets of “The Physical Life of Woman” have been read with much interest. In this book Dr. Napheys has well met a real need of the age. There are many things incident to woman's physical organization which she needs to know, and concerning which she still does not want to ask a physician, and may not have one at hand when she most desires the information. This book can be easily read and perfectly understood by those not familiar with medical terms. All matters of delicacy are treated with freedom, and still with a purity of thought and expression which is above criticism.
For many years we have been often asked for just such a book, and shall gladly commend it to the many wives and mothers who want for themselves and grown-up daughters such a book of helps and hints for home life.
Mrs. R. B. GLEASON.