.^aj .sKt> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^0 V . "^ 1.0 I.I Ij^ 11111= 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 -• 6" ► <^ /} A '^1 ^. ^ »>. '^ 2 W^^ '/ Photographic Sciences Corporation 4n^ «■ \\ -^ ,. . «> .^ ;\ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 :\ \ ,••,■. CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibiiographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographicaliy unique, which mey alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. □ D D □ D D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag6e Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture r^staur^e et/ou pellicul6e □ Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes g^oyraphiques en couleur Coloured init (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relii avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La reliure serrde peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge Intirieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ 11 se peut que certaines pages blanches ajouties iors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais. lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t^ filmies. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl^mentaires: L'Institut a microfiimi le meilleur exempiaire qu'il lui a 6t4 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exempiaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibiiographique. qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mithode normale de filrnage sont indiquis ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagies □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restauries et/ou peiiicuiies Cf Pages discolou''3d, stained or foxed/ Pages d6<::oiorit)s. tachet^es ou piqu^es I I Pages detached/ Pages ddtach^es ShoviMihroudh/ Transparence Quality of prir Qualiti in6gale de I'impression includes supplementary materii Comprend du matdriei suppi^mentaire Only edition available/ Seule Mition disponibie I 1 ShoviMihroudh/ I I Quality of print varies/ I j includes supplementary material/ |~~| Only edition available/ D Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partieliement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont M film^es A nouveau de fapon A obtenir la meilleure image possible. Tl to Tl P< o1 fil O b( th si oi fil si OI Tl si Tl w M di This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film4 au taux de rMuction indiquA ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X v/ ' i 12X ]6X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library of Canada L'exemplaire filmi fut reproduit grice A la ginArosit* de: Bibliothdque nationale du Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possibia cuiisidering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol -^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method : Les images suivantes ont iti reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition at de la nettett de rexemplaire f ilm6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimte sont filmds en commen^ant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la derniire page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaTtra sur la derniire image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols — ► signifie "A SUIVRE ". ie symbols V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmis A des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est film6 d partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 / 8TN0PSIS OF THE BOOK. It treats in detail of the thpee peculiar phases of woman's life, viz., maidenhood, matrimony, and maternity. Under the first head, the subject of puberty, its dangers and hygiene, and of love, are discussed from a medical stand- point. Valuable advice is given on the marriage of cousins, on the effects of marriage on woman and man, on '' choosing a husband," on " the engagement," on the right time of the year to marry, on the wedding tour, and on many kindred topics. The physiology of the marriage relation is then considered in the second part of the book, " the wife." It commences with some salutary hints upon the " wedding night." Such inquiries of universal hygienic interest as. Shall husband and wife occupy the same room and bed ? What kind of bed is most healthful ? the dignity and pro- priety of the sexual instinct, its indulgence, restraint, and physiological laws, &c., are decorously but plainly treated. Well considered views are advanced in regard to over-pro- duction and the limitation of offspring. The author also gives much useful advice to sterile wives who desire to have children, and he answers the question. Can the sexes be produced at will 1 in the light of the most recent scientific research. Many pafijes are devoted to the discussion of in- heritance, how to ha\ e beautiful children, twin-bearing, &c. The information in regard to the signs of pregnancy and the avoidance of its diseases and discomforts, the preven- tion of " mothers* marks " and of miscarriage, is of in- calculable value to every woman. Minute, practical and careful directions are laid down as to the proper prepara- tions for confinement, how to preserve the form after child- birth, etc. Under the head of " the mother" the mien for nursing, weaning and bringing up by hand, are copious and would benefit every mother to know. The volume closes with a consideration of " The Perils of Maternity," and of the dangers and hygiene of "The change of life." TESTIMONIALS. The following, among others, have been receired indicat- ing the scientific value and moral worth of this book : — FROM WILLIAM A. HAMMOND, M.D. LATE SUBOBON-OBITERAL OF U. 8. ABMT ; PBOFXBSOB OV DISEASES OF THE MIND AND NEBVOUS SYSTEM, AND OF CLINICAL MEDICINE IN THE BELLE- VUE HOSPITAL MEDICAL COLLEOE, NEW TOBK. New York, Aug. 1869. Dr. J^^apheys, — Dear Sir .* I have read with much interest and satisfaction your very admirable book on " The Physical life of Wo- man." I am glad that the subject has been taken up by one who shows himself so thoroughly qualified for the task, and I trust the instruction and advice contained in the volume will reach every woman in the land. Yours, sincerely, WILLIAM A. HAMMOND. FROM REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER. Brooklyn, N.Y., Sept. 1869. Dr. Geo. H. Napheys, — Dear Sir : I have examined your volume, " The Physical Life of Woman," and desire to thank you for performing a work so long needed, so difficult to perform, and now, at length, so well done by ynu. Every mother should have this book, nor should she suffer a chUd to be married with- out the knowledge which this work contains. Thousands have dragged through miserable lives and many have perished for want of such knowledge. It is to be hoped, too, now that these delicate topics have been so modestly and plainly treated, that your work will supersede the scores of ill-considered and often mischievous treatises ad- dressed " to the married," which too often serve the lusts of men under the pretence of virtue. HENRY wXrD BEECHER. 3 FEOM REV. HORACE BUSHNELL, D.D. Hartford, Conn., Sept. 1869. Geo. H. Naphkys, M.D.,— Dear Sir : I have read a large part of your book with interest I shrink from expressing any estimate of it as respects its physiological merit, but it seems to be a book well studied, and it is written with much delicacy and a Careful respect, at all points, to the great interests of moral- ity. It wUl certainly be a great help to intelligence on the subject, and o ght, therefore, to be correspohdently useful. Very respectfully yours, HORACE BUSHNELL. FROM HARVEY L. BYRD, M.D., PBOFESSOB OF OBSTITBICB IM THE MEDICAL DEFABTMBNT OF WASHINa TOM UNIVXBSrrT OF BALTIHOUE, KABTLAND. Baltimore, Sept. 1869. Dr. Geo. H. Napheys, Philadelphia,— Dear Sir: I have examined with much pleasure and satisfaction your work on " The Physical Life of Woman," and do not hesitate to commend it most warmly to our countrywomen, for whose benefit it is intended. I con- gratulate you on the felicitous manner in which you have treated so difficult a subject, and would recommend it to the public as supplying a want that has long been felt in this country. Omne verrnn utUe dictu, and what can be more proper, or more useful, than that woman should be made acquainted with the great laws of her being, and the duties for which she was created ? Very respectfully, your obed't servant, ' HARVEY L. BYRD. EXTRACTS FROM LETTER RECEIVED FROM EDWIN M. SNOW, M.D., OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND. Providence, Sept. 1869. Dr. Napheys,— Dear Sir : I have examined with much interest the ad- vance sheets of your book, " ITie Physical Life of Woman ;" I am highly pleased with it. The advice given seems to me to be generally correct, and judiciously expressed ; and in my opmion the wide circulation of the book would be a benefit to the community. Truly yours, EDWIN M. SNOW. FROM REV. GEORGE ALEX. CROOKE, D.D., D.C.L. Philadelphia, Sept. 1869. Dr. Geo. H. Napheys,— Dear Sir : I have carefully read your work entitled "The Physical Life of Woman," and as the result, I must candid- ly say that I believe the information it contains is well cal- culated to lessen suffering and greatly benefit the human race. I know there are some falsely fastidious persons who would object to any work of the kind, but " to the pure all things are pure." You have done your part fearlessly and well, and in a popular manner, and I trust that your work may be productive of all the good you design by its publica- tion. Very faithfully, GEO. ALEX. CROOKE. ' OPINION OF LLOYD P. SMITH, LIBRARIAN PHILADELPHIA LIBRARY. Library Co. of Philadelphia, Fifth St. bel. Chestnut, Philadelphia, Sept. 1869. It is an open question whether books de secretis muUerum should be written for the general public, but there is no doubt that when they are \vritten, it should be done by the regular medical faculty and not by ignorant quacks. Dr. Naphey's " Physical Life of Woman shows not only the scientific attainments of the author, but also a wide range of miscellaneous reading. The delicate subjects treated of are handled with a seriousness and earnestness becoming their importance, and the author's views are expressed in excel- lent English. LLOYD P. SMITH. OPINION OF S. W. BUTLER, xM.D., EDITOR OF THE PHILADELPHIA " MEDICAL AND 8UR0I0AL BEPOBTEB." I have carefully examined " The Physical Life of Wo- man," and find it a work at once thoroughly representing modern science, and eminently adapted for family instruc- tion. It is well suited to female readers, to whom it is especially addressed both in the matter it contains and in the delicacy with which points relating to their physiolo^cal life are mentioned. S. W. BUTLER. EXTRACT FROM LETTER RECEIVED FROM JOHN H. GRISCOM, M.D. New York, Sept. 1869. Dr. Napheys, — My Dear Sir : The " Physical Life of Woman " is a very scientific and intellectually written work, and contains al- most all the physiological and sanitary facts and directions needed for the preservation of the health and longevity of the maiden, wife, and mother. It must prove attractive and useful for any lady who reads it. Your sincere friend, JOHN H. GRISCOM. 6 FROM THE NATIONAL BAPTIST, PHILA., DEC. 30, 1869. We join in the cordial welcome which this book has re- ceived. There is no other work which tells so well just what every woman, — and every censiderate man also, — ought to know. Maternity is the one great function of woman, according to God's ordinance, and for this marvel- lous 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 read- ing this volume herself, and then haye them read it under her guidance. • OPINION OF MRS. R B. GLEASON M.D. Elmira, N.Y., Sept. 1869. The advanced 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 FROM PROFESSOR JOHN S. HART, LL.D. State Normal School, Trenton, N. J. Geo. H. Napheys, M.D.,— Decvr Sir : I have read with attention the advance sheets of your book, " The Physical Life of Woman ;" and take pleasure in saying that you have handled a most difficult and important subject with equal delicacy and ability. Yours truly, JOHN S. HART. OPINION OF MARK HOPKINS, D.D., LL.D., FRBSIDBNT OF WILLIAMS COLLEGE. " Your book is conscientiously written, and will be likely to do good." FROM THE N. Y. EVANGELIST, NOV. 18, 1869. This is a plain and practical treatise prepared by a phy- sician of skill and experience, in which he aims to,lurnish infonnation to women, in their peculiar conditions and relations, married and single, so as to enable them to pre- serve their own health, and perform their duties to them- selves and their children. The most delicate subjects are treated in language so chaste as not to ofifend any pure mind. OPINION OF DR. R. SHELTON MACKENZIE. Philadelphia, Oct. 1869. " !^elieving that such a work as Dr. Napheys' " Physical Life of Woman," giving a great deal of valuable informa- tion, explicitly and delicately, is likely to be of very essen- tial importance to the fair sex, I cannot hesitate to express my favorable opinion of its object and execution." 8 LETTER RECEIVED FROM REV. GEO. BRING- HURST, BIOTOR or THE P. E. CHLBCH OF THE " MEH8IAH," PHILAPA. Philadeli'HIA, Sept. 1869. Dk. Geo. H. Napheys, — My Dear Sir : I have perused with considerable care and pleasure the work on the " Physical Life of Woman," and feel no hesitation in pronouncing it admirably composed, honest, succinct, refined and worthy the companionship of every lady of this age. I hail its appearance with grati- tude, and look upon it as a valuable contribution to those efforts which are making in various directions to elevate the tone of morals of the nineteeth century, and to enable mothers to discharge faithfully the dutil^s they owe their children. Sincerely yours, GEORGE BRINGHURST. FROM H. N. EASTMAN, M.D., PB0FE880B OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE Iif GENEVA MEDICAL COLLEOE. Geneva, Sept. 1869. Geo. H. Napheys, M.D., — Dear l^ir: I have just completed a careful reading of your advance sheets of" The Physical Life of Woman," and I unhesitatingly pronounce it an admirable work, aijd one especially needed at this time. The book is written in a chaste, elevated, and vigorous style, is replete with instructions indispensable to the wel- fare and happiness of woman, and should be placed in the hands of every mature maiden and matron in our land. H. N. EASTMAN. EDITORIAL FROM PHILADELPHIA MEDICAL AND SURGICAL REPORTER. It is a singular fact, that in this country, most of the 9 vrorkB on medical and hygienic matters have been written by irregular practitioners in order to help on its le^s some ism or pathy of their own. The public is really desirous of information about the great questions of life and health. It buys whatever is offered it, and cannot tell of course the tares from the wheat. In fact, as we have said, there has been very little wheat offered it. Scientific physicians do not seem to have taken the pains in this country, as in Germany, to expand sound medical information among the people. We therefore welcome all the more warmly a work which, under any circumstances, would command our praise, ad- vance sheets of which are now before us. The author is Dr. George H. Napheys, of this city, well known to all the readers of the " Reporter " as a constant contributor to its pages for a number of years, a clofe"' student of therapeutic » , and a pleasing writer. The title of the book is " The Phy - sical Life of Woman • Advice to the Maiden, Wife, and Mother." It is a complete manual of information for women, in their peculiar conditions and relations, married and single. The style is simple, agreeable, and eminently proper and delicate, conspicuously so when treating of such difficult topics to handle in a popular book, yet so necessary to be handled, as the marital relations of husband and wife, the consummation of marriage, etc. We do not doubt that this work will find as large a sale both in and out of the profession in this country, as the works of Bockh and Klencke in Germany, and of Tilt and Chavasse in England. FROM THE NASHVILLE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY FOR NOVEMBER, 1869. The outside of this book is more stylish and artistic than any the market has owed to the press this season. The type and paper of the inside are in keeping with the elegant exterior. The work contains much valuable matter, in a style peculiarly attractive. It is intended to treat woman as a rational being, to let her know much about herself as a 10 woman, that from this knov^edge she may prevent and and therefore escape much of the suffering endured by her sex. And who can do this but a physician 1 This may be re- garded as the first attempt of the kind in this country. FROM THE MEDICAL RECORD, NEW YORK, JAN 15, 1870. Doctor Napheys, in his work on " The Physical Life of Woman," has acquitted himself with infinite credit. The subject, which for a work of its size takes a very wide range, is treated in choice, nay elegant language, and we have not noticed a single expression upon the most delicate matter, that could ofiend the most refined taste. There are too, a great many interesting hioitorical facts connected with the gener&l topic, both in an ethical and physiological point of view, which show much discrimination in their produc- tion, and a good amount of sterling scholarship. To the medical reader there are many points in the book that are worthy of attention, prominent among which are remarks bearing upon the right of limitation of offispring. We sin- cerely hope that for the real benefit of American women, it may meet with a hearty reception, and be productive of great good, in preventing many of those disorders now so rife in the community, which are solely the result of ignor- ance of the ordinary laws of female hygiene. No one, however scrupulous, need fear to admit the work within the pale of his family circle, and place it with confi- dence, in the liands of his daughters. FROM THE NEW YORK MEDICAL GAZETTE, JAN. 8, 1870. Though professedly written for popular instruction, this little book will not fail to instruct, as well the professional reader. We cordially recommend the perusal of Dr. Na- pheys' book to every woman seeking a fuller acquaintance with her physical organism. 11 FROM THE BOSTON MEDICAL AND SURGICAL JOURNAL, NOV. 25, 1869. Most valuable for the perusal of mothers, and of those fathers who may be equal to the task of advising sons liable to commit matrimony. The style — of the text — is unexceptionable. Words are not wasted, and those used are to the point. The volume is not a mere resume of others' opinions ; but the author has made the topics of which he treats his own. FROM THE CHICAGO MFJDICAL EXAMINER OF NOV. 19, 1869. This work is written in a plain and pleasing style, well calculated both to please and instruct. There is nothing of the sensational or imaginative character in it. On the con- trary, its teachings are in strict accordance with scientific facts and good sense. Though designed specially for females, yet a careful perusal would be productive of much benefit to both sexe«. FROM THE METHODIST HOME JOURNAL, DEC. 4, 1869. Hitherto, the subjects. so honestly and so skillfully treated in this volume, have, to a very great extent, been ruled out of the realm of popular knowledge, and information of this class sought only in a clandestine manner. The people have suffered by deplorable ignorance on those topics, which should be as familiar to us as the alphabet. Dr. Napheys, by his scientific handling of the physiological points which relate to health, training, and development, has rendered a great service to the world. This, the press, and public men, have not been slow to acknowledge. This book has gained unqualified praise, and well deserves it. FROM THE PRESBYTERIAN, OF PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 4, 1869. A book which treats wisely and delicately of veiy im- 12 portant subjects, and subjects which ought to be treated by competent hands, instead of being left to quacks and the venders of nostrums. Dr. Napheys is evidently a consci- entious and intelligent physician, and his counsels are such VM may be put iii the hands of all persons needing such coun- sels. We commend it for its judicious exposition of the laws of nature. FROM THE NEW YORK CHRISTIAN UNION, JAN. 8, 1870. Society owes a delt of gratitude to this brave and scien- tific physician for the unexceptional way in which he has performed a work that has, up to the publication of this book, been a paramount need, not to be satisfied anywhere in the English language. If the volume contained only the chapter on the influence of the mother's mind upon her un- born child, we would recommend its purchase by every family in the United States. FROM THE PHILA. EVENING TELEGRAPH, OCT. 6, 1869. This is a work by a physician of reputation on the hygiene of woman, designed for popular use, and introducing a variety of topics not generally discussed outside of regular scientific medical works. Dr. Napheys writes with dignity and earnestness, and there is not a chapter in his book that may not be read by persons of both sexes. Of course, such a work as this is intended for men and women of mature years, and it is not suitable to be left lying about for the gratification of idle curiosity. The author has been careful to write nothing that can possibly give offence, and he con- veys much sound instruction that, if heeded by those to whom it is particularly addressed, will save much sufl^ering. FROM THE INDEPENDENT, NEW YORK, NOV. 11, 1869. It required a brave but sensitively pure man to provide 13 for the want which existed for some reliable medical instruc- tion upon points which every woman and every married man ought to know, and few do. Dr. Napheys we do not know personally. But his book is at once brave and pure. It is written in such a spirit that she who really desires to learn the truths of which she cannot with justice to herself or others be ignorant, may do so withor.t being shocked ; while he who hopes to stimulate a vicious imagination by its per- usal will turn from its pages disappointed away. FROM REV. HENRY CLAY TRUMBULL. SECRETARY OF NEW ENGLAND DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS OF THE AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. Hartford, Ct., Oct. 1869. Geo. H. Napheys, M. D. — My Dear Sir: Understanding, from my long acquaintance with you, your thoroughness of mental culture, your delicacy of sentiment, and youi* sound good sense, I was prepared to approve heartily the tone and style of your new work — '* The Physical Life of Woman" — when its advance sheets were first placed in my hands. A close examination of it convinces me that it is a book which can be read by every woman to her instniction and advantage. Its manner is unexceptionable. Its style is remarkably simple. Its substance evidences your pro- fessional knowledge and your extensive study. I believe it needs only to be brought to notice to commend itself widely. I think }'ou have done an excellent work in its preparation. Sincerely your friend, H. CLAY TRUMBULL. 1 MR] U ' ' k THE Pkysical Life of Woun: Jiibite to % MAIDEN, WIFE, AND MOTHER. J BY GEO. H. NAPHEYS, A.M., M.D. MRMBBA OF PBnaj)BU'HIA OOUHTT MBDIOAL 80CIHTT ; CORRBSPONDCTa ItBHBBR OP THR OYNiBCOLOOICAL SOCIBTT OF BOSTON; AUTHOR OF "OOMFHNDIITM OF HODKRN TnERAPKDTICS," ETC., BTC. ' Je veux qui'une femme ait des clartfis de tout. MOIjIERB. 7 TORONTO: MACLEAR & COMPANY, 1871. ^ I HUNTER, ROSE & CO., PHIKTJCKS, BOOKBINDMlg, BUCTROTYFBRS,, ITC. PEEFACE. It seems well to offer, at the outset, a few words explan- atory of the nature and object of this book. The author feels that its aim is novel, is daring, and will perhaps sub- ject him to criticism. He therefore makes his plea, pro domo sud, in advance. The researches of scientific men within the last few years have brought to light very many facts relating to the physiol- ogy of woman, the diseases to which she is subject, and the proper means to prevent those diseases. Such information, if universally possessed, cannot but result in great benefit to the individuiil and the commonwealth. The difficulty is to express one's self clearly and popularly on topics never re- ferred to in ordinary social intercourse. But as the physi- cian is obliged daily to speak in plain yet decorous Ian guage of such matters, the author felt that the difficulty was not insurmountable. He is aware that a respectable though diminishing class in the community maintain that nothing which relates ex- clusively to either sex should become the subject of popular medical instruction. With every inclination to do this class justice, he feels sure that such an opinion is radically erro- neous. Ignorance is no more the mother of purity than she is of religion. The men and women who study and prac- 18 PREFACE. tice medicine are not the worse, but the better, for their knowledge of such matters. So it would be with the com- munity. Had every person a sound understanding of the relations of ihe sexes, one of the most fertile sources of crime would be'removed. A brief appendix has been added, directed more especial- ly to the professional reader, who may desire to consult some of the original authorities upon whom the author has drawn. And here he would ask from his fellow-members of the medical profession their countenance and assistance in his attempt to'distribute sound information of this char- acter among the people. None but physicians can know what sad consequences are constantly occurring from the want of it. This book but follows the precedent set by Dr. Bockh, Professor of Pathology in Leipsic -^ Ernest Legouv6, of the French Academy ; Dr. Edward John Tilt, M.R.C.P., Lond.; Dr. Henry Pye Chavasse, F.R.C.S., Eng.j and others who stand in the front rank of the profession abroad. In concluding, the author desires to express his thanks and acknowledge his obligations to a medical friend, whose name is well known in the literature of the profession as that of one alike distinguished for his general culture and scienti^c attainments. It is to his very material assistance in the preparation of the manuscript, and in the passage of the book through the press, tliat any merit which this work may possess is in a great measure owing. Philadelphia, 1869. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. The issue of a second edition of this work within two weeks after the publication of the first, is an evidence of its popularity, which is as gratifying to, as it was unexpected by, the author. Philadelphia, Oct., 1869. PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. That the FIFTH EDITION and the TENTH THOU- SAND of this work should be called for within three months from its first appearance, can astonish no one so much as it does the author. But the gratification which this unexpected success natu- rally gives, is less than the pleasure he feels in the kindly reception the book has met from the religious, the medical, and the general press, and from the hundreds of letters from private individuals, assuring him that his instructions have proved of real value to them in daily life. It is his hope that the additions and corrections which he has made in this edition will add to its usefulness and insure it a still wider popularity. THE AUTHOR. No. 155 NoKTH Ninth Strbst, Philadelphia, Dec, 1869. PREFACE TO THE CANADIAN EDITION. In bringing out a Canadian Edition of Dr. Naphey's invalua- able Work, little need be said by way of Preface. No one can read the book without profiting by it ; and no one need expect to find in its pages a single word to ofiend any mind rightly constituted. In the words of the New York Evan- gelist, " the most delicate subjects are treated in language so chaste as not to offend any pure mind ;" and the highest authority we acknowledge declares, that " to the pure all things are pure." The work covers the whole ground embraced in the Table of Contents : And on the great engrossing subject which lately called forth sach emphatic deliverances by the Bight Kev. Bishop Ooxe, Bight Bev. Primate Spaulding, tiie old and new school Presbyterian General Assemblies,