MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
All the objects in the material world are divided into organic and inorganic. The principle of life is always associated with organic bodies, examples of which are animals and plants. Quite a number of inorganic substances go to make up the human body,—to wit: Water, air, lime, magnesia, iron, potassium, sulphur, sodium, phosphorous, and many more.
HUMAN LIFE.
Through the aid of scientific researches, we are informed that the development of a being begins with a soft jelly-like substance. Later, the parts intended for bone, become cartilage or gristle, progressing with more or less uniformity from a few hours after conception, till about the seventh month of pregnancy.
Anatomists nearly agree in stating that not more than six of the bones are ossified at birth, the greater number being finished at different periods of childhood. The lower portion of the vertebræ or backbone is not usually completed until after the twenty-first year of adult life. The bony framework of the adult man or woman is composed of about 246 bones, including the teeth. These are covered by about twice that number of muscles or fleshy supports. The muscles, cords and ligaments, which serve as so many bands for the support and protection of the body, are generally much larger and firmer in men than in women. The custom of suspending wearing apparel from the shoulders, conforms to the laws of nature; as those muscles are so arranged as to admit of considerable pressure without injury. Pressure upon the soft parts, as tying many bands around the waist, or tight lacing, is apt to cramp the internal organs of digestion, and crowd them out of their natural position, thereby inducing headache, or other unpleasant feelings.
WOMANHOOD
Begins with the appearance of the monthly sickness, at which times all undue exercise of the body should be avoided. Disobedience to the rules of decorum and the laws of health at such times, may induce ovarian inflammation, dropsy, consumption, and even barrenness.
It is a great mistake to administer brandy, gin, or any alcoholic or narcotic stimulant to girls for the relief of pain, when the periods are coming on. Opiates may destroy the functions, while alcoholic drugs can only relieve by blunting the sense of feeling, through the deceptive influence of intoxication.
Hot water foments, applied perseveringly, will bring more certain and permanent relief.
Menstruation begins much earlier in some girls than in others, yet is natural from the 11th to the 18th year, depending upon the state of the health, also, climate.