HEALTH OF FEMALES-ADVICE TO MOTHERS. MOTHERS, is there anything we can do to acquire for our daughters a good constitution? Is there truth in the sentiment sometimes repeated, that our sex is becoming more and more effeminate? Are we as capable of enduring hardships as our grandmothers were Are we as well versed in the details of housekeeping? as able to bear them without fatigue as our mothers? Have our daughters as much stamina of constitution, as much aptitude for domestic duty, as we ourselves possess? These questions are not interesting to us simply as individuals. They affect the welfare of the community; for the ability or inability of woman to discharge what the Almighty has committed to her, touches the equilibrium of society, and the hidden springs of existence. 'Tenderly interested, as we are, for the health of our offspring, let us devote peculiar attention to that of our daughters. Their delicate frames require more care, in order to become vigorous, and are in more danger through the prevalence of fashion. Frequent and thorough ablutions, a simple and nutritious diet, we undoubtedly secure for all our children. But I plead for the little girl, that she may have air and exercise as well as her brother, and that she may not be too much blamed, if in her earnest play, she happens to tear or soil her apparel. I plead that she be not punished as a romp, if she really enjoy those active sports which city gentility proscribes. I plead that the ambition to make her accomplished, does not chain her to her piano till the spinal column, which should consolidate the frame, starts aside like a broken reed, nor bow her over her book till the vital lung, which ought to pervade the whole systemmounts into the brain, and kindles the death fever.' In relation to the importance of mothers studying the anatomy and physiology of the human system, Mrs. Sigourney remarks: Mothers, if you would do your duty, get a treatise on anatomy, and become familiar with its rudiments. At least, acquaint yourself with the physiology of the skin, the lungs, circulation of blood, and the digestive organs. I cannot flatter myself that I am imparting anything new when I mention that the former is composed of three lamina or layers, and that the inner one is a tissue of nerves and blood vessels, so minute that the finest needle cannot be introduced without puncturing some of them. Through these ever open and invisible pores, the waste matter of our continually changing bodies escapes, equalling in weight more than twenty ounces every twenty-four hours. This evacuation, if checked, so over-taxes other excretory organs as to produce disease, and if retained on the surface, and returned through the absorbents, acts as a poison in the system. Daily an entire ablution, with correspondent friction, is necessary to preserve, in a healthful state, an organ of such importance to the animal economy. The sympathy between the skin and lungs is so established and intimate, that a neglectful state of the former has much to do with the production and progress of pulmonary disease, that frequent and favourite messenger of death. Food, after being received into the stomach, sends forth its nutritious portions in the form of chyle, to be mixed with the blood. This junction is formed at the right side of the heart, but the mixture of new and old fluid is not fitted to sustain life until propelled through the left side of the heart. It is submitted by the agency of the lungs to the air. Then taking its true colour, it is transmitted through the arteries to the most remote extremity, and called back again from its life-giving visits to pass review in its citadel. Thus the whole volume of blood, which, in an adult, is from three to four gallons, passes once every three minutes through the heart, on its way to and from the lungs. And those un resting labourers, the heart and lungs, from the first moment of existence, till we turn to dust, continue their labours, independent of their volition, wondrous symbols of that Almighty, which, whether we wake or sleep, is "new every morning, fresh every moment." to study the arts on which its symmetry depends, she is forced to perceive how much the mind is affected by the circumstances of its lodgment, and is incited to cherish the mortal for the sake of the immortal. Does she attach value to the gems Outlines of the mysterious mecha- of intellect? Let her see that the nism of our clay temple, we ought cer- casket which contains them be not tainly to study, that we may not, lightly endangered or carelessly broken. through ignorance, interfere with those | Does she pray for the welfare of the laws on which its organization depends. | soul? Let her seek the good of its Rendered precious by being the shrine companion, who walks with it to the of an undying spirit, our ministrations gate of the grave, and rushes again to for its welfare assume an almost fearful its embrace on the morning of the reimportance. Appointed as the mother is surrection!' to guard the harmony of its architecture, ΟΝ ΤΗΕ PROPER BY QUANTITY OF MANY cause concur to produce the melancholy rate of mortality we have given; but among the principle is, unquestionably, the disproportion so generally existing between toil and nutrition. In the army, the operation of the same principle has long been recognised in the inferior strength and health of the privates compared with the officers. The officers, being better fed, better clothed, and better lodged than the common soldiers, bear up successfully against fatigue and temporary privations by which the latter are overwhelmed. During epidemics, too, the poor, from their impaired stamina, almost invariably become victims in a proportion far exceeding that of the more wealthy classes. This is, no doubt, partly owing to their greater intemperance and want of cleanliness; but even these vices often derive their origin from the same rootthe want of adequate repose and comfortable sustenance. The bad consequences of defective nourishment are not confined in their operation to the bodily constitution of the labouring poor. Their minds also are deteriorated. The pressure of poverty is unfavourable to the growth of refinement and morality, and crime and turbulence are never so much to be dreaded as during times of scarcity, and manu FOOD. facturing or agricultural distress. Bodily health, satisfied appetite, and peace of mind, are great promoters of individual morality and public tranquillity; and whenever these are encroached upon in any great class of the community, discontent and crime are sure to follow. Even as I write, fresh and irresistible evidence of this great truth has just appeared in a circular addressed to members of parliament by the ASSOCIATION FOR PROCURING AN OFFICIAL INQUIRY INTO THE PAUPERISM OF SCOTLAND, and from which it will be sufficient for my present purpose to quote only a few lines. At page 4, it is said. Of the effect of the extensive destitution at Glasgow on crime, no farther evidence than the following extract from a letter of Captain Miller to this committee, will be required by those who are aware of the character and public services of that officer: "Should farther information of any kind regarding the state of pauperism here be required, I shall be glad to furnish it, if in my power, as I think it imperatively necessary, not merely on the ground of humanity, but also as a means of repressing crime, that some better provision should be made for the destitute poor, and particularly in the populous districts of the country. I need scarcely say, that, from the nature of my duties, I have opportunities of seeing the actual wants and privations of the poor, and the tendencies of these on their moral condition, to an extent not falling under the eye of every one, and which induces me the more, though I can ill spare time, to wish to be of service, if I can, in meliorating their condition." With this testimony before us, it will scarcely be denied that in legislation the principle here inculcated is far too little attended to, and that laws are consequently enacted merely for the suppression of the result, while | the source from which it springs is left altogether unnoticed and in the fullest | activity. 1 workhouses and other charitable institutions, ample evidence of these deficiencies obtrudes itself upon our notice, in the weak and stunted forms and very moderate capacities of the children. Under an impoverished diet, indeed, the moral and intellectual capacity is deteriorated as certainly as the bodily; and a full exposition of this fact, and the principles on which it is founded, would be a great public benefit. Even among the children of the wealthier classes, a sufficiency of nourishing food is not always provided with the care which it deserves. Both in families and in boarding-schools, it is no uncommon practice to stint the healthy appetites of the young, or to feed them with soups and other eatables which contain too little nutrimeut in proportion to their bulk. I am acquainted with many instances of this most injudicious error, and have seen scrofula and severe digestive affections brought on by persevering in it through sheer ignorance, and even in the belief that such temperance' was healthful. Where adequate exercise is permitted, and the food is plain and nourishing, hurtful excess in eating will rarely occur, at least, in the case of healthy Among the poorer classes the children, as well as the parents, suffer much, both physically and morally, from insufficient food. Their diet, being chiefly of a vegetable nature, and consisting of porridge, potatoes, and soups, with very little butcher-meat, proves far from adequate to carry on vigorous growth in the one, or repair waste in the other; hence arise in the young an imperfect development of the bodily organization, a corresponding deficiency of mental power, and a diminished capability of resisting the causes of disease. In children. THE WATER TREATMENT A REMEDY FOR DRUNKENNESS. HOSPITALS FOR DRUNKARDS. THE EDITOR, who has devoted so long a period to an investigation of the causes and effects of intemperance, has, for some time, been experimenting on the treatment of drunkenness by hydropathic applications. Drunkenness, he ¦views as a disease of the body, and the term he considers but one indicative of symptoms which evidence the existence of a morbid state of the system-graduated manifestations of the same disordered action attending all lesser acts of habitual indulgence. The condition denominated drunkenness he considers as a manifestation of a diseased state, produced, like malarious fever or other similar morbific agents, by a known and obvious cause. The aberration of the nervous system-depraved state of the blood-enfeebled condition of the physical powers-and general or local derangement of the organic functions, he contends, are as palpable and distinct in this state of the system, as in any other defined bodily malady. Drunkenness, unfortunately for the interests of the human race, is viewed merely as a moral crime, requiring only moral means for its treatment. The Editor looks upon this opinion as a fearful mistake, and considers it, in its first stages at least, as greatly more a disease of the body than a disease of the mind. He contends, therefore, that it requires for its remedial removal physical means— bodily treatment. In accordance with this view he has, for some time past, been instituting experiments in regard to the hydropathic treatment of drunkenness with very signal success. In these experiments he has acted on a knowledge of the nervous connection between the stomach and the brain, and directed attention in his treatment to the state of morbid irritation in the central organ of digestion which establishes an artificial necessity, or habitual craving for renewed indulgence. The brain, in like manner, participates in the feeling. The morbid impressions produced in the stomach by the excitement of alcohol, establish an equal influence in the brain. The brain, as the corporeal organ of the mind, compels the latter to submit to its artificial physical cravings, and hence the true source of the inebriate appe tite. The adaptation of the water treatment to the cure of drunkenness, as far as physical means are concerned, is complete. It rapidly calms the irritable condition of the brain and nerves, while it quickly, but surely, abates and finally removes the hankering after alcoholic stimulation. It is not intended to suggest that moral means are not requisite in the reformation of the inebriatethey are undoubtedly important and necessary, but not as the first or more immediately necessary treatment. In the drunkard the physical craving for alcoholic excitement reigns paramount, and it is necessary to weaken or destroy this arbitrary influence before the moral powers can have the free exercise of their functions. The result, then, of the Editor's investigations is to demonstrate that, in the cure of drunkards, attention must be paid to double treatment, bodily as well as moral; and that, in the first instance, more regard must be devoted to the former than the latter, and afterwards in inverse proportion. His past experience amply justifies this course of procedure, which, in fact, is based on philosophical data. The Editor is so strongly persuaded of the correctness of his views, that he earnestly recommends the establishment of infirmaries for inebriates under judicious and skilful management, where, he is convinced, that thousands would voluntarily place themselves for emancipation from so fearful a vice. DEFINITIONS OF TECHNICAL WORDS. Scrofula.-This word is derived from scrofa, signifying a sow,' because swine were thought to be subject to the same or a similar disease. The scrofulous state of the system is characterised by what are called indolent glandular tumors at and about the neck. These suppurate or come to a head slowly and imperfectly, and are often diffcult to heal. The internal organs are apt to be attacked by those who are subject to the disease, in which case it is very dangerous, and when fully set in, is probably seldom curable by any means. The disease is often hereditary, but not always so. When it is hereditary even, it may generally be eradicated from the system, if commenced with sufficiently early. On the same principle that disease is brought on in the system, it may be expelled from it. Scrofula is brought on by improper management during infancy and the earlier years; and the management of the mother's health during pregnancy has likewise a great influence upon the health of the child. Improper food, insufficient exercise, and close confinement in bad air, together with want of cleanliness, are the The best most prolific causes of the disease. Tubercle.-Every body speaks of tubercles in the lungs. These consist of a small hardened mass of opaque matter, pale and yellowish. The word is derived from 'tuberculum,' the diminutive of tuber,' a swelling. Tubercles may be kept from inflaming and suppurating, generally, if not always, by a proper management from the first. But, as things are, they are very apt to become They may attack almost every part, but are inflamed, run together, and destroy life. more generally found in the lungs and Scrofulous persons are most liable to have tubercles. mesentery. Mesentery.-A term applied to several folds or duplicatures of the peritoneum (lining membrane of the abdomen), which hold the different parts of the alimentary canal in their respective situations. THINGS WORTH KNOWING. FEEDING CHILDREN ON FLESH. worse intemperance, bear depletion even THERE is no greater evil in the management of children, than that of giving them animal diet very carly. By persevering in the use of over-stimulating diet, the digestive organs become irritated, and the various secretions immediately connected with and necessary to digestion, are diminished, especially the bilary secretion; and constipation of the bowels, and congestion of the abdominal viscera succeed. Children so fed, moreover, become very liable to attacks of fever and of inflammation, affecting particularly the mucous membrane; and measles and other diseases incident to childhood, are generally severe in their attacks.-Dr. CLARKE, Phy-punishment for his wife. She was very sician to the King of the Belgians. THE ACTION OF DIFFERENT DRUGS UPON EACH drug, besides its general and special greater or less degree the quantity of blood which flows into the brain in a given time; as a consequence of this, the whole brain is excited, provided the stimulation does not exceed a certain limit; but the local excitement differs according to the stimulant employed. Thus, ammonia, musk, castor, wine and ether, increase the power of imagination and perception; the empyreumatic oils cause peevishness, melancholy and visions. Phosphorus acts upon the generative functions; so also does iodine, and, at the same time, induces sadness. Cantharides excite, and camphor diminishes, the sexual propensity. Arsenic causes melancholy; gold, hope; mercury, increased sensitiveness (mental); and carbonic acid gas, placidity. Among the narcotics, opium stimulates the sexual desires, the intellectual powers, and the imagination. Belladonna dulls the mental functions; hyoscyamus causes moroseness, jealousy and violence; cicuta weakens the understanding; digitalis diminishes, saffron increases, the sexual desires; canabis causes calmness; and amanita muscara, courage; tobacco operates in the same way as opium.-Northern Journal of Med., March, 1846, p. 179. STAYS. STAYS were first invented by a brutal butcher of the thirteenth century, as a loquacious, and finding nothing would cure her, he put a pair of stays on her in order to take away her breath, and so prevented her talking. This cruel punishment was inflicted by other husbands, till at last there was scarcely a wife in all London who was not condemned to wear stays. The punishment become so universal at last, that the ladies, in their own defence, made a fa-hion of it, and so it continued to the present day.-American Journal. EAR-ACHE. For ON this subject Dr. Shew observes :-While |