Class T//¥-7^ Book_ /^/^ Copyright]^?. COPYRIGHT DEPOSm THE WIFE'S Handbook hy Roger Nobman ii Mrs. R. B. Norman Wheeling, W. Va. TX \Ai OCT -6 1914 'CI,A380707 INTRODUCTION The name of this book was selected after considerable thought. The book deals with subjects which should be con- sidered by both husband and wife in their married life, but it is named The Wife's Handbook because it is felt that several chapters are altogether for the wife, and the remaining chapters contain information of value to a wife, and of especial value to a widow. Our wives have no business instruction, and practically no instruction concerning matters sexual, for it cannot be said that the vague and indefinite teachings of their mothers are of real value. It is sad but true that the modern wife does not know her business. The husband's business is to provide the funds for the sustenance and clothing of the family. The wife's business is to care for the family. These duties in the ordinary family comprise purchase of food and clothing, cooking, bearing and care and education of children. The man begins after school days, and often during school days, to educate himself in the business of a husband, that is, a provider. The woman is rarely taught her duties before marriage, often she takes pride in her lack of business education, and supposedly her chief asset for marriage is her innocence or complete lack of knowledge of sex- ual matters. This would be all right if she learned her duties shortly after marriage, as the man similarly continues after marriage to add to his knowledge and income as the husband and provider. But the woman rarely acquires much greater knowl- edge; she learns a few things concerning care of house, learns a little about the sexual life, but she does not learn to attend systematically to her duties. This is not strange, and the wafe is not altogether to be blamed. For example, take the chapter on accounts. This chapter is written by a bookkeeper. To evolve a similar scheme of keeping accounts, a woman must acquire a know^ledge of bookkeeping, either self-taught or at a business college. All wives of value have evolved for themselves a system somewhat similar to this one, but few wives can take a course at a business college and thereby become excellent accountants. IV The Wife's Handbook Take another example; the chapter on Married Sexual Life. The author has asked doctors and other professional men for books containing the information herein. No book has it all; doctors have stated that there is no such book. The author is confident that no woman and very few men know the facts here presented. Previous books about sexual life seem generally to have been written by ministers and are principally sermons on sexual theology rather than facts on sexual physiology. There is nothing unusual in this book ; nothing startling. It can nearly all be found in books and lectures by people who know the subject. After each important subject is a list of good reference books, with cost of each. In these books may be found more complete information regarding certain facts of the sub- jects briefly discussed. NOTICE Purchasers have written me letters requesting me to buy for them reference books or articles of equipment, etc., mentioned in the various chapters of the book. The author is willing to do this, provided the money is sent in advance. There is no desire to advertise any particular reference book or article of equip- ment. The author is not paid to mention these in this book, and will remove them if any progress of science or invention produces a better. However, the author will send any reference book or article at the price stated, this price being the same which must be paid any ordinary dealer. The author, of course, makes the same commission as the ordinary dealer. CHAPTER I FOOD General remarks : appetite best guide. FOOD VALUES : classification, proteids, fats, carbohydrates, calories. TABLES : units of proteids, fats and carbohydrates required; number of calories required for baby, child, girl, woman, and men at differ- ent kinds of work ; calculations to obtain calories ; table of calories in various articles of food. TABLES OF MEALS: for baby, child, girl, boy ; and meals for week each in January, April, July and October for office man, for laborer. HOW TO DETECT FOOD WHICH IS DISEASED; UNSOUND; OR UNWHOLE- SOME AND UNFIT FOR HUMAN FOOD: animals; poultry and game ; fish ; fruits and vegetables ; corn ; bread and flour ; eggs ; butter ; milk and water. FOOD IN SEASON : table of seasonable food in spring, summer, fall, winter. DIGESTION : table of length of time to digest various articles of food. STIMU- LANTS : effect of alcohol, tea, and coffee. DIET : diet for sick persons; diet for fat and thin persons; table of foods arranged in order of fattening qualities; diet for brain workers; diet for different climates and different seasons of the year. CHAPTER II COOKING General remarks. EQUIPMENT: articles for kitchen; com- parison of cost of coal and wood, gasoline, gas, and electricity; articles for dining room. USES OF FOOD NOT EATEN : stock ; meats ; eggs ; butter ; potatoes ; cheese ; rice ; vegetables ; fruits. GUEST BOX : necessary articles. RECIPES : object of cooking ; methods of cooking. MEAT : thirteen recipes. POULTRY AND GAME: twelve recipes. BEVERAGES: four recipes. BREAD: ten recipes. VEGETABLES : nineteen recipes. SOUPS, ETC. : five recipes. SALADS, DRESSINGS, ETC.: thirteen recipes. SAUCES, PICKLES, ETC.: six recipes. DESSERTS, PUD- DINGS, PIES, CAKES, ETC.: thirty-five recipes. VI The Wife's Handbook CHAPTER III SERVANTS General remarks. RULES TO KEEP ONE: characteristics of French, Polish, Swedish, German, Irish, Negro, American. EMPLOYMENT : methods of obtaining. DUTIES : list for one servant, for cook and maid, for cook and man. WAGES : for one servant, cook and maid, man, in east, south, Chicago, Seattle, farms. ADVICE : treatment ; furniture for room. CHAPTER IV CLOTHING General remarks. HYGIENE : explanation of effect on health of different kinds of clothes ; clothing table for winter, summer ; shoes. SELECTION OF CLOTHING. CLEANING AND DYE- ING: dry cleaning; how to remove grease, paint, tar, grass stains, etc. ; wet cleaning; dyeing; finishing. STORING CLOTH- ING, FURS, ETC. ; clothes ; shawls ; blankets ; rugs ; carpets ; furs. SEWING: equipment; patching; darning, TASTE: colors best suited to different types, blonde or brunette. CHAPTER V FURNITURE General remarks. HISTORY: Egyptian; Pompeian; Gothic; Renaissance; Louis XIV; Louis XV and XVI; Empire; Eliza- bethan; Chippendale; Mission. TABLES OF NECESSARY FURNITURE: front porch; hall; parlor; library; bedroom; dining room; bathroom; servant's room; guest room; back porch; cellar. SELECTION: shrinking; sawing; leather; beds; rugs; antiques; veneering. CARE OF FURNITURE: paints; varnishes, etc.; stains; fillers; operation of painting or varnish- ing; removing or cleaning old paint; quantities needed; broken furniture; scratches, etc.; dents; wall paper; cost per room, house cleaning. Thk Wife's Handbook VII CHAPTER VI MEDICINE General remarks. NURSING : care of the sick room ; heat- ing and ventilation ; care of the patient ; methods of giving baths ; temperature ; bedsores ; taking temperature ; rules ; respiration ; medicines ; food ; broth ; application of heat and cold by poultices, stupes, packs, ice coil, etc. ; infectious and contagious cases ; con- valescents ; special points ; the dying and dead. MEDICINE CHEST : complete family chest ; settlers' or campers' medicine case ; medicine pocket case ; costs ; contents. CAUSES OF VAR- IOUS DISEASES: appendicitis; bubonic plague; cholera; dia- betes ; diphtheria ; dysentery ; gout ; malaria ; measles ; mumps ; pneumonia ; scarlet fever ; smallpox ; tonsilitis ; tuberculosis ; ty- phoid fever; whooping cough. RULES FOR HEALTH: anti- septics ; bathing ; constipation ; eyes ; exercise ; flies and mosqui- toes ; teeth ; ventilation ; water. HOME TREATMENT : appen- dicitis; loss of appetite; billiousness ; blood poison; boils; broken limbs ; burns ; chills ; choking ; cholera morbus ; colic or cramps ; constipation ; corns ; cough ; croup ; cuts ; diarrhoea ; diphtheria ; drowning ; earache ; epilepsy ; fainting ; fever ; hair ; headache ; hiccough ; hysteria ; insomnia ; intoxication ; bleeding lungs ; ma- laria; measles; mumps; nosebleed; pain; pneumonia; poison; rheumatism; scarlet fev^r; sleeplessness; smallpox; snake bite; sprains ; suffocation ; sunstroke ; sore throat ; tonsilitis ; tooth- ache; typhoid fever; unconsciousness; vomiting; warts; whooping cough; wounds. CAMPING: health rules. CHAPTER VII ETIQUETTE General remarks. INTRODUCTIONS. CALLS: cards; forms, sizes. WEDDINGS : forms of invitations ; guests ; gifts ; expenses, by whom paid; reception at house after wedding. LETTERS. DINNERS : invitations ; courses ; setting table. DANCES: invitations; conduct at dance. HOUSE GUESTS. TIPS. OTHER POINTS : theater ; riding ; presents. VIII The Wife's Handbook CHAPTER VIII ACCOUNTS General remarks. NECESSITY FOR ACCOUNT KEEP- ING. HOUSEHOLD DUTIES: customs; allowances; various systems, one recommended. VARIOUS METHODS OF SAV- ING : groceries ; butcher ; milkman ; food in season ; clothing ; receipts ; kitchen economies ; absurd economies. EXPERI- ENCES OF OTHERS: financial budgets of many good house- keepers; expenditures for food, clothing, etc., with various in- comes. FORMS FOR ACCOUNTS: explanatory notes and year's blanks for household expenses, daily household notes, ex- penditures for husband, personal (wife's) expenses. CHAPTER IX MARRIED SEXUAL LIFE General ignorance, male, female; mother's teachings generally useless or worse. MARRIAGE RELATION: reproductive or- gans; judgment and consideration necessary. PHYSIOLOGY OF CONCEPTION : fertilization ; spermatozoa and ovum must unite ; avoidance of conception ; various methods generally use- less, often harmful; abortion, always dangerous, often fatal, not described. PREDETERMINATION OF SEX: rules for boy, girl, generally effective. BARRENNESS: causes in male dis- cussed, physical defects, self abuse, nightl}'^ emissions, over indul- gence, venereal diseases; causes in female discussed, physical in- ability, self abuse, unnatural intercourse, venereal diseases. CON- CLUSION. CHAPTER X PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH General remarks. Not so dangerous as believed ; statistics ; danger principally to child. PREGNANCY: description of or- gans; size as compared with child; examination before marriage; signs of pregnancy; intercourse during pregnancy; sickness, necessary care and attention. CHILDBIRTH: physiology of childbirth ; divided into three periods ; precautions ; care of The Wife's Handbook IX mother. HEREDITY: common errors; theory of heredity; just what is proven, not proven; inheritance of acquired characteris- tics; inheritance of disease; effect of environment; improvement of the race. CHAPTER XI BABIES General remarks. PRELIMINARY PREPARATION: list of necessary clothing ; other articles. GROWTH : table of weights at different ages ; age to laugh, sit up, stand, be weaned, talk, etc. DUTIES OF NURSE : bathing ; room, temperature, equipment and toys; clothing; crying; airing. TRAINING: attention necessary ; sleeping ; toys ; bowels ; bed wetting. FOOD : table of hours of feeding at various ages ; mother's milk always best if mother is not sick ; artificial milk, composition, how to make it, proportions as baby develops ; second year ; third year ; weaning. SICKNESS: colic; constipation; contagious diseases; convul- sions; croup; diarrhoea; fever; swallowing toys; vaccination; vomiting. CHAPTER XII CHILDREN General remarks. General ignorance; joy of possessing chil- dren; necessity of study for proper raising. PHYSICAL GROWTH AND CARE : weight and height at various ages ; eyes ; ears ; teeth ; age for milk teeth, permanent ones ; adenoids ; ca- tarrh; feet; food; exercise; tasks. MENTAL GROWTH AND CARE : various ages of development, savage, chivalrous, revolu- tion, independent. TRAINING: control; home most important, others only adjuncts; amusements, schools; church; child labor. CHAPTER XIII SONS General remarks. PHYSICAL Welfare; growth, lack of de- velopment ; exercise necessary ; violent athletics during growth an error, bad results of such; proper school during growth; food. X The 'V^'^ife's Handbook proper kind, alcohol. INTELLECTUAL WELFARE ; proper studies during growth, manual training, account keeping, high school ; college, age for sending, necessity, advantages of small col- lege, large one, large universities ; cost of college course at Yale, Il- linois, West Point, Annapolis, Boston Tech, Leland Stanford, Uni- versity of Texas, Valparaiso, Lawrenceville, Citadel; food at col- lege. MORAL WELFARE ; necessity for knowledge, sexual ; puberty, symptoms, effects, care necessary; proper course for moral training, fear of results ineffective, effect on health; self- abuse, effects ; nightly emissions, effects ; venereal disease, pre- ventives, kinds, symptoms, treatment ; sexual intercourse not neces- sary, discussion ; marriage, fitness, physical examination, qualities. CHAPTER XIV DAUGHTERS General remarks. MORAL WELFARE ; necessity for knowl- edge ; pubert}^ signs, physiology of puberty ; precautions, usual advice generally wrong; diseases, ordinary, venereal; chaperons. PHYSICAL WELFARE : physical development, exercise, food. INTELLECTUAL WELFARE: sensitive organism; school course; college, advisability, selection; cost of college course; mar- riage, advisability, suffragism. CHAPTER 1. FOOD General Remarks. It is rather difficult to decide just what in- formation to furnish in this chapter. Very few women know much about food values, calories, etc., and yet they get along very well. However, it is an undoubted fact that if all members of a family were fed on strictly hygienic principles, they would not feel weak, as they do quite often because of the lack of sufficient mus- cular or fat tissue, nor would they often have perverted tastes for certain improper foods, such tastes being induced by appetites improperly trained. As a general rule, it may be said that the appetite should gov- ern; but it is certainly necessary that some restrictions be placed on the appetite. For example, a growing child will have an ab- normal appetite for candies and ice cream, yet too much of these are not at all good for him. If the appetite be only for such things, it is a developed appetite, and should be trained differ- ently. A small amount of such foods is good for a growing child, but a desire for such things should be assuaged by proper foods, such as meat, bread, and potatoes. No child or laboring man is apt to eat too much of meat, bread, etc. ; so it is safe to let them have all they want — but an office man should not eat too much of these things. Finally, although I enter into some discussion of the food val- ues, and show the calories in each article, too many meals should not be based solely on food values, unless the wife has systemati- cally studied the subject. The great advantage of this chapter lies in the tables of articles, so that selection may be made for each meal without unnecessary trouble in deciding what to have. FOOD VALUES Classification. Food stuffs are divided into nutritive and non- nutritive constituents. The non-nutritive constituents are water, bones, fruit skins, etc. The water must not be confused with the water which is drunk. There is water in all food. It is consid- ered non-nutritive, though of course it combines with the water drunk to make up the water of the body which is actually about 2 The Wife,'s Handbook two thirds of the weight of the body. The portion of food which is eaten is called the "edible portion" ; this excludes the non-nutri- tive constituents and includes the nutritive constituents and the water. Tables of constituents consider only the weight of the edible portion and show the amount of water and the amount of proteids, etc. in such edible portion. The nutritive constituents are proteids, fats, carbohydrates, and ash. The ash helps principally in building up tissue, bones, and teeth. There is always enough ash in all foods, and the amount of it is so little, being only about 1 per cent in beefsteak, that special consideration is not given to it except in very care- ful diets. Proteids. These are the tissue building constituents. They are found principally in meats, eggs, etc. Fats. These are the heat producing constituents. They are found principally in meat and vegetables. Carbohydrates. These are also principally heat producing constituents. They are found principally in the form of sugars in vegetables, nuts, fruits, and grains. It must be remembered that proteids can produce heat, if there are not enough fats and carbohydrates ; and fats and carbohy- drates can take the place of a certain amount of proteids if neces- sary. However, in general, the amount of food units of each should be sufficient for the purposes. Calories. A calorie is the unit of measure of heat. By defi- nition it is exactly the amount of heat necessary to raise one kilo- gram of water through 1 degree Centigrade. In any food, it is the measure of the heat which would be obtained by actually burning the food to ashes, or the amount of heat which the body would ob- tain by consuming such food in the natural way, which is exactly the same thing. The body uses up heat units from food in producing the heat of the body and the muscular energy of work such as walking, run- ning, ploughing, digging, etc. It is roughly estimated that 80 per cent of the calories are used to heat the body and 20 per cent to do the muscular work. A laborer doing muscular work requires more heat units for his exposed body and more heat units for his muscular work. The Wife's Handbook TABLES Units of Proteids, Fats and Carhohydrates Required. In or- der to complete this subject, it is necessary to furnish the number of units of each food constituent. Too much reliance should not be placed on these tables. As stated above, the appetite is the best guide. However, if the health is poor, and the appetite is good, it is safe to say that the proper number of calories is not present in the food eaten, or the proper proportion of proteids, fats, and carbohydrates is not used to make up the total of cal- ories. It is proven that a man at moderately hard work requires about 3,000 calories daily. Consequently, it would seem very simple to feed him nearly a pound of fat, which contains about 4,000 calories, and tell him to be content. But he would not eat it in the first place ; and if he did eat it, he would not be in good health in the second place. There are no experiments to prove exactly what would happen to a man who lived consistently on a pound of fat each day, but it is probable that he would first lose all the muscular tissue, then become flabby and useless, and die. It is evident that there must be some proper proportions of the three constituents, proteids, fats, and carbohydrates. There are no exact figures available to prove exactly what are the proper proportions of each; but exact figures have been compiled show- ing what are the exact proportions of each eaten by various per- sons who were and remained in very good health. These figures seem to be good enough for all purposes, and are consequently adopted. To simplify the discussion, carbohydrates and fats are combined under the one item of "fats". This is not strictly cor- rect, but is good enough for all practical purposes. A man at hard muscular work will require proportionally more proteids (tissue building units) than an office man; a growing child will require more proteids than one of equal size already grown. A woman generally requires less proteids than a man, being smaller and doing less muscular Avork. The following table shows the relative percentages as compiled in textbooks on the sub j ect : Proteids Fats Man, ordinary work 16% 84% Man, hard work 19% 81% Man, old age 17% 83% 4 The Wife's Handbook The above figures show that, although there is some difference, an average diet containing about 18 per cent of proteids, and 82 per cent of fats will be suitable for all persons. The appetite will control ; the working man will naturally eat more proteids. Number of Calories Required. The usual method of text- books in determining the necessary amount of calories is based on the weight of the individual. For example, a man weighing 200 pounds requires more calories than one weighing 120 pounds. I prefer the not so usual method of determining by the height of the individual the necessary amount of calories. This is a little sim- pler and a little more suitable. For example, a man weighing 200 pounds is generally taller than one weighing 120 pounds, and re- quires more calories: if of the same height, the fat man has been eating too many calories and should eat less, the thin man has been eating too few calories and should eat more. Also, a man should not have more food than a thin growing boy of the same height; nor should a woman of sedentary habits have less food than a man of the same height who actually performs no more muscular labor. The error in the present customary system of feeding lies in the fact that persons of sedentary habits, women especially, eat at the same table and eat as much as one who performs more or less hard muscular labor. The average farmer's wife performs mus- cular labor, generally too much, and is not fat. The following table shows approximately the necessary num- ber of calories for persons as stated: 2' 9" (Baby, Si/g years) 1400 calories 4' 4" (Child, 10 years) 2000 5' 4" (Girl, Boy, Man, Woman) 2500 " 5' 8" (Man, Woman) 3000 For special cases of muscular work, we use 5' 4" (Man, etc., ordinary worli) 3000 calories 5' 4" (Man, etc., hard work) 4000 " 5' 8" (Man, etc., ordinary work) 3500 " 5' 8" (Man, etc., hard work) 5000 These figures are very close, for we find the following were the actual diets of men in good health: Tailors (ordinary work) 3053 calories Swedish workman (ordinary labor) 3436 Swedish workman (hard labor) 4726 " The Wife's Handbook 5 United States Army Ration (peace time) 3851 Calories Football players (hard work) 5742 " Calculations to Obtain Calories. If it is desired to go so greatly into detail as to learn the exact constituents of food to be furnished, or if it is evident that the food being furnished does not supply tlie proper amount of proteids, fats, and calories for health, it is necessary to make calculations in order to see what is tlie trouble and how it can be remedied. If the results are fairly close to the theoretical requirements, it is safe to say that it should be left alone. However, having decided what is the proper number of Calor- ies required, and remembering that the proportions should be 18 per cent proteids and 82 per cent fats, the calculation is very simple. For very exact calculations, the following table gives the num- ber of calories in quantities by weight of proteids, fats, and carbo- hydrates. Calories per pound ounce gram Proteids contain 1,815 114 4.1 Fats contain 4,040 252 9.3 Carbohydrates contain 1,818 114 4,1 It is not however generally necessary to calculate the calories by the pound, ounce, or gram (though there are tables for that purpose), because suitable tables are now prepared so that the calories of the constituents are calculated for the average help- ing of each article ; thus the following table shows constituents and calories in 1 slice of beef, 1 pork chop, 1 cutlet, 1 glass milk, etc. The following table shows average helpings taken from Locke's Food Values, price $1.25. Only a few articles of each are listed here; but all articles can be found in this book. Articles very similar to these listed can be roughly estimated as having the same number of proteids, fats, and calories. The Wife's Handbook Food Stuffs Roast beef Roast chicken Lamb chop (and bone) Mutton chop Bacon Ham Sausage Fish (trout) Soup (bean) Butter Cream Milk, skimmed Milk, unskimmed Buttermilk ; Cheese, Swiss Egg Beans, baked Beans, string Potato, sweet Potato, Irish Apple Orange Banana Watermelon Prunes Bread, brown bakers . . Bread, white bakers . . . Crackers, saltines Crackers, Uneeda Biscuit Oatmeal Force Grapenuts Shredded wheat , Cake, frosted Pie, apple Pie, mince Pudding, bread Pudding, chocolate Ice Cream, vanilla . . . Honey Syrup, maple Sugar, cube Sugar, granulated Cocoa Coffee or Tea Lemonade, plain Mellin's Food Malted Milk Whiskey, American Brandy Wine, American Port Champagne Cider Beer, American Average Quantity 1 slice 1 slice 1 chop 1 chop 1 slice 1 slice 1 1 piece 4 oz 1 ball 1 tbsp 1 glass 1 glass 1 glass 1 slice 1 3 h tbsp 4 oz 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 1 slice 1 slice 1 slice 2 h tbsp 5 h tbsp 5 h tbsp 1 biscuit 1 slice 1/6 pie 1/6 pie 2 h tbsp 2 h tbsp 2 h tbsp 1 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 eube 1 h tbsp 1 cup 1 cup 1 glass 1 cup 1 cup 1/12 glass 1/12 glass 1/2 glass 1/8 glass 1/2 glass 1 glass 1 glass Calories (Constituents vary) Proteids Fats Total 91 266 357 132 49 181 89 278 367 93 42 135 13 181 194 32 108 140 19 145 164 43 14 57 16 62 78 1 118 119 3 51 54 32 52 84 30 127 157 27 53 80 23 66 89 27 56 83 44 254 298 2 11 13 12 192 204 16 133 149 2 70 72 6 90 96 7 120 127 2 37 39 15 510 525 18 168 186 11 69 80 1 12 13 2 23 25 36 165 201 7 59 66 32 215 247 13 96 109 10 139 149 16 336 352 27 306 333 23 202 225 21 187 208 21 168 189 101 101 88 88 29 29 41 41 37 242 279 11 145 156 174 174 31 144 175 40 181 221 150 300 90 50 125 45 120 Time to digest Hrs Min. 3 00 2 30 3 00 3 00 3 00 4 30 3 20 3 00 1 00 3 00 3 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 3 30 3 00 3 30 2 00 3 00 3 30 2 00 1 30 1 30 1 00 The following table shows method of using the preceding table in order to learn the calories and the percentages by weight of an ordinary meal. Take a meal of bean soup, roast beef, boiled po- tato, string beans, white bread, butter, milk, chocolate pudding, whipped cream. All of these articles are listed in the table The Wife's Handbook 7 except that the whipped cream is to be placed on the chocolate pudding and the quantity should be 1 h tbsp instead of 1 tbsp as given in the table. The following are the calculated values : Food Article Bean soup Roast beef Boiled potato String beans White bread Butter Milk, unskimmed . Chocolate pudding "Whipped cream . . Total Percentages Calories Proteids Fats Total 16 62 78 91 266 357 16 133 149 2 11 13 11 69 80 1 118 119 30 127 157 21 187 208 6 75 81 194 1048 1242 16% 84% 100% This is a fairly well balanced meal. It has the proper amount of calories, which is the main point. It has about the right per- centage of proteids, which is advisable for general results, and the fats are more than sufficient to furnish the necessary heat energy for the body. More exact and theoretically correct proportions could have been obtained by substituting prunes for potato and string beans, but it is doubtful if the appetite would have been satisfied or if the person would have eaten them at all. As the appetite is more important, except when the results show that something is evidently wrong with the food, it is safe to say that the above meal will be very suitable. TABLES OF MEALS The following tables will be useful principally in furnishing items for decision as to what shall be placed on the table. How- ever, though the exact proportions have not been worked out in each case, the tables form a good basis by which meals can be sup- plied in proper proportion of each constituent. 8 The Wife's Handbook Three meals for Baby to and one-half years of age (1310 cal- ories) Breakfast Oatmeal or Hominy Glass Warm Milk Boiled Egg 1 Slice Bread Lunch Glass Milk Cracker (2) Dinner Soup (i/g cup) 1 Chop 1 Baked Potato 2 tbsp Peas 1 Baked Apple Supper Bread (2) Milk Three meals for Child ten years ( of age (1993 calories) Breakfast Lunch Dinner Toast Bacon Beef Soup 2 Boiled Eggs Baked Potato Fried Potatoes Glass Milk for Bread Glass Milk Butter Roast Beef Apple Pie Three meals Boy or Girl 15 years of age (2470 calo Breakfast Lunch Dinner Apple Bacon (2) Beef Soup Oatmeal Baked Potato Spaghetti Toast Bread, Butter Fried Potatoes 2 Boiled Eggs Butter Roast Beef Glass Milk for Tea Apple Pie Three meals Man with office work ( 2963 calories) Breakfast Lunch Dinner Apple Chicken Sandwich Beef Soup Bacon (2) Ham Sandwich Spaghetti Oatmeal Tea Fried Potatoes Toast Apple Pie Roast Beef 2 Eggs Chocolate Pudding Glass Milk Whipped Cream CofPee Three meals for Laborer (3982 calories) Breakfast Ham (2) Bread 2 Eggs Coffee Grape Nuts Milk Lunch Apple 2 Ham Sandwiches Tea Apple Pie Dinner Beef Soup Spaghetti Fried Potatoes Roast Beef (2) Bread Pudding (2) Bread Butter Coffee The Wife's Handbook 9 In making out a table of three meals a day, for a farmer or day laborer for a week in January, April, July, and October, I have used as a basis the ration in the United States Army, which contains about 3,800 calories. This ration is more than sufficient for a day's work of ordinary labor, for it is known that a soldier always gets fat in camp or in field with this ration. It is also known that it is not a great deal too much, for the soldier gets thin when in marches his ration is cut down to a somewhat smaller quantity so that several days' supply of it can be carried. The ration (one day's supply) as furnished to the U. S. sol- dier is as follows : Meat, various 20 oz Bread 18 Beans 2.4 " Potatoes 20 " Prunes 1.28 " Coffee 1.12 " Sugar 3.2 " Milk 5 Vinegar 16 " Salt 64 " Pepper 04 " Cinnamon .014 " Lard 64 " Butter 5 Sirup 32 " Lemon Extract 014 " There are various substitutions, such as tomatoes for pota- toes, apples for prunes, etc., which may be made in above ration. This food costs about $8.00 a month, and is about as cheap as any strong man can expect to obtain his month's food supply. With this as a basis, and using food in season, the following table gives a week's list of meals for the four seasons of the year. It is possible to make a similar table for a man with office work, by simply changing the breakfast, substituting some breakfast food and other light food, lightening the dinner (making it a lunch) but keeping the supper about the same. This cuts down the cal- ories, which is as it should be. If the day laborer takes his lunch to work with him, the lunch should be made less and the supper much greater. 10 The Wife's Handbook Meals for one week for a Farmer or Day Laborer in January Morning Fried Corn Meal Mush and Syrup Beef Hash Coffee Noon Bean Soup Mashed Potatoes Pot Roast and Gravy Apple Pie Coffee Night Boiled Rice Curry of Beef Stewed Prunes Hot Tea Oatmeal and Milk French Fried Pota- toes Hamburg Steak, Brown Gravy Coffee Beef Soup Boiled Potatoes Boiled Beef and Dumplings Rice Pudding Coffee Hashed Pt^tatoes Sliced Onions Beef Fritters Jam, Bread Coffee Milk Toast Lyonnaise Potatoes Liver and Bacon Coffee Vegetable Soup Browned Potatoes Beef a la Mode Bread Pudding Coffee Stewed Tomatoes Chili con Carne with Mexican Beans Cinnamon Buns and and Butter Hot Tea Hot Cakes and Syrup Braised Beef Coffee Cream of Tomato Creamed Potatoes, Cold Slaw Boiled Fish Lemon Meringue Pie Coffee Rice Fritters Beef Rolls, Brown Gravy Bread, Butter Coffee Hot Biscuits and But- ter Boiled Potatoes in Jackets Boiled Salt Mackerel Coffee Fish Chowder Soup German Boiled Pota- toes Soft Roast Beef and Gravy Tapioca Pudding Coffee Green Onions Irish Stew with Dump- lings Parkerhouse Rolls, Peach Sauce Hot Tea Cream of Wheat with Milk Cottage Fried Pota- toes Beefsteak and Gravy Cocoa Vermicelli Soup Baked Beans, Picca- lilli Salad Fried Bacon Plum Duff with Sauce Coffee Bean Salad Macaroni and Cheese Boiled Rice and Milk Coffee Corn Meal Mush and Milk Split Pea Soup Mashed Potatoes, Stewed Dried Corn, Chili Sauce The Wife's Handbook 11 Morning Baked Potatoes Beef Loaf and Gravy Coffee Noon Mashed Turnips Roast Beef and Gravy- Mince Pie Coffee Night Codfish Cakes Currant Buns and Butter Hot Tea Meals for one week for a Farmer or Day Laborer in April Morning Bread and Syrup German Fried Pota- toes Bacon and Eggs Coffee ' Fresh Fruit Beef Potpie Coffee Fine Hominy and Milk Browned Potatoes Pork Chops and Gravy Coffee Stewed Fruit French Fried Potatoes Ham Omelet Coffee French Toast and Butter Corned Beef Hash Coffee Noon Potato Soup Boiled Sauerkraut Boiled Potatoes in Jackets Boiled Corned Beef Spiced Muffins, Cara- mel Sauce Iced Tea Baked Dried Peas Candied Sweet Pota- toes Hot Slaw Roast Pork Apple Sauce Ice Cream, Cake Coffee ■ ■ "'■"••• y ' -. ''7 7 , Puree of Brown Peas Creamed Potatoes Mashed Turnips Creamed Codfish Baked Apples with Sauce Coffee Barley Soup Stewed Lima Beans Roast Beef, Gravy Yorkshire Pudding Peach Rolls and Sauce Coffee Tomato Soup Mashed Potatoes Boiled Beef Corn Starch Pudding with Shredded Co- coanut Iced Tea Night Browned Potatoes Tamales and Brown Gravy Orange Gelatin Coffee Potato Cake Beef, Spanish Stewed Prunes, Jenny Linds Hot Tea Beef Stew Biscuits and Butter Coffee Tomato Sauce Salmon Cakes Spaghetti and Cheese Cocoa Cheesed Potatoes Beefsteak and Onions Stewed Apples Coffee 12 The Wife's Handbook Morning Shredded Wheat and Milk German Boiled Pota- toes and Gravy Cocoa Buckwheat Cakes and Butter Onion Gravy Fried Bacon CoflPee Noon Boiled Cabbage Boiled Potatoes Boiled Bacon Cottage Pudding Coffee Cream of Tomato French Fried Pota- toes Fried Fish Apple Tarts and Sauce Coffee Night Boiled Rice and Milk Chop Suey Hash Jam, Sugar Buns Hot Tea Boiled Rice Piccalilli Turkish Beef Ginger Bread Iced Tea Meals for one week for a Farmer or Day Laborer in July Morning Hot Biscuits and But- ter Boiled Potatoes in Jackets Boiled Salt Mackerel Coffee Stewed Prunes French Fried Pota- toes Mutton Potpie Coffee Corn Muffins and Syrup Hash Browned Pota- toes Beefsteak Smothered with Onions Coffee Milk Toast Browned Potatoes Vienna Sausage Coffee Noon Potato Chowder Baked Parsnips Pot Roast Beef, Gravy Prune Pie Coffee Rice and Tomato Soup Boiled Potatoes in Jackets Roast Ribs of Beef, Dressing, Gravy Fruit Rolls, Lemon Sauce Coffee Baked Beans Sliced Onions, Chili Sauce Boiled Bacon Corn Bread and Syrup Coffee Spaghetti Soup Boiled Cabbage Boiled Potatoes Corned Beef Rice Pudding, Cara- mel Sauce Coffee Night Baked Potatoes Beef Loaf, Tomato Sauce Cinnamon Buns Cocoa Potato Salad Cold Tomatoes Beef Cheese Bread and Butter Coffee Stewed Navy Beans Chili Sauce Codfish Cakes Coffee Cake and But- ter Coffee Lyonnaise Potatoes Curry of Beef with Rice Corn Muffins and Syrup Iced Tea The Wife's Handbook 13 Morning Peach Sauce Naked Potatoes Braised Beef Coffee Noon Puree of Lima Beans Mashed Turnips Beef a la Mode Bread Pudding Iced Tea Night German Boiled Pota- toes Stewed Chipped Beef, with Cream Sauce, on Toast Apple Pie Iced Tea Batter Cakes and Syrup Beef Hash Cocoa Vegetable Soup Browned Potatoes Baked Dried Peas Roast Mutton, Mint Sauce Coffee Lyonnaise Potatoes Beef Fritters, Brown Gravy Prune Butter, Bread Cocoa Oatmeal and Milk Irish Stew Coffee Clam Chowder Stewed Chili Beans, Cold Slaw Soft Roast Beef, Gravy Spiced Muffins Coffee Sliced Onions Potato Salad Cold Boiled Ham Tea Buns and Butter Iced Tea Meals for one week for a Farmer or Day Laborer in October Morning Stewed Peaches French Fried Pota- toes Cheese Omelet Coffee Noon Cream of Tomato Spinach Greens Boiled Potatoes in Jackets Vienna Sausage Vanilla Ice Cream Coffee Night Beef Hash Apple Sauce Biscuits Hot Tea Cream of ^\^leat with Milk Naked Potatoes Beef Loaf and Gra^y Coffee Puree of Tomato Mashed Turnips Stewed Tomatoes Roast Beef, Gravy Yorkshire Pudding Cocoa Meringue Iced Tea Stewed Kidney Beans Cucumber Pickles Tamales with Gravy Raspberry Gelatin Coffee Grape Nuts Hash Browned Pota- toes, Fried Onions Cream of Celery Stewed Lima Beans Lettuce Salad Macaroni and Cheese Chili con Came Jam Sandwich Buns 14 The Wife's Handbook Morning Noon Night Beefsteak Boiled Corned Beef Hot Tea Coffee Lemon Sauce Caramel- ized Coffee Strawberry Jelly Mashed Potatoes Potato Cake Potato Cakes Succotash Beef Roll, Brown Beef Roll and Gravy Pickles Gravy Coffee Soft Roast and Gravy Strawberry Grelatin Tapioca Pudding Iced Tea Fruit Coffee Fried Mush and Macaroni Soup German Fried Pota- Syrup Creamed Potatoes toes Fried Liver and Ba- Dried Stewed Corn Welsh Rarebit on con Sliced Tomatoes Toast Coffee Boiled Fish and Cream Cinnamon Rolls and Sauce Butter Cocoanut Pie Iced Tea Coffee Corn Meal Mush and Baked Beans Oatmeal Fritters Milk Green Onions Beef and Potato Pot- Baked Potatoes Bacon pie Fried Sausages and Corn Bread and Sj^rup Stev/ed Peaches Gravy Coffee Coffee Coffee Milk Toast Puree of Split Peas Succotash German Boiled Pota- Browned Potatoes Tomato Sauce toes Beet Salad Beef Croquettes Beefsteak Potpie Pot Roast Corn Muffins and But- Cocoa Prune Rolls, Tart ter Sauce Cocoa Coffee In making out a similar table of three meals a day for an office man for a week in January, April, July, and October, I have prac- tically copied the meals from Mrs. Rorer's Every Day Menu Book, which contains meals for every day in the year. It is evi- dent that some of the articles have special names, the cooking of which is described in her cookbook. It is also evident that these meals will cost more than those listed for a day laborer. The au- thor states that they "should not cost over ten dollars per week The Wife's Handbook 15 for a family of six". Those for a day laborer should cost less than seven dollars per week for a family of six. It will be noted in these tables that certain leftover foods arc again used in other forms. Meals for one week for Office Man in January MORKING Nook Evening Oranges Clear Soup Sardines Omelet Celery Toast tM MuflSns Roast Beef, Brown Jelly t Coffee Sauce Graham Wafers Mashed Potatoes CO Spinach Pudding Coffee Baked Apples Cold Beef Beef Soup Granose Cold tomato Sauce Nut Rolls, Sauce Hol- Minced Beef Brown Bread landaise ^ Toast Tea Creamed Cabbage Q 5 Coffee Celery Salad O Toast Cheese Coffee Oranges Scalloped Oysters Bean Soup (beef Oatmeal, Cream Rolls bones) Pork Chops Cabbage Salad Boiled Leg of Mutton, Stewed Potatoes Graham Wafers Caper Sauce 1 Toast Coffee Rice Coffee Turnips Lettuce Salad Wafers, Cheese Apple Dowdy Coffee Baked Apples Cream of Potato Soup Cream of Turnip Soup Cream Croutons (mutton stock) % Omelet Hash of Mutton, To- Roasted Duck, Nut s H MuflBns mato Sauce Stuffing Q Coffee Canned Fruit Stewed Celery H ^ Wafers Cabbage Salad Wafers, Cheese Bakewell Pudding Coffee 16 The Wife's Handbook Morning Chopped Dates in Hot Wheatlet Cream Hashed Duck Toast Coffee Oranges Hominy Grits, Milk Egg Brouilli Toast Coffee Noon Macaroni, Sauce Bechamel Milk Biscuits Farmhouse Apples Fried Oysters, bage Salad Coffee Stuffed Dates Cab- Baked Apples Oatmeal, Milk Chipped Beef Rice Muffins Coffee Fish Cutlets, White Sauce Milk Biscuits Gingerbread Coffee Night Sago Soup Shepherd's Pie (cold mutton) Sauce Bechamel Peas Celery Mayonnaise Wafers, Cream Cheese Batter Pu'lding Coffee Soup Maigre Creamed Spaghetti Boiled Cod, Sauce Hol- landaise Potato Balls Mock Artichokes Cabbage or Lettuce Salad Wafers, Cheese Coffee Giblet Soup Broiled Steak, Parsley Sauce Hashed Brown Pota- toes Canned Corn Celery Salad Wafers, Cheese German Compote of Apples Meals for one week for Office Man in April Morning Fruit Poached Eggs on Toast Coffee Whipped Cream Noon Consomme a la Duch- esse Frlcandeau of Veal, Brown Sauce Baked Macaroni Scalloped Tomatoes Cold Asparagus, French Dressing Strawberry Ice Cream Lady Fingers Coffee Evening Creamed Sweet Breads with Mushrooms Bread Butter Lemon Jelly Lady Fingers Thje Wife's Handbook 17 Morning Noon Night Fruit Potato Pudding with Cream of Corn Soup Oatmeal, Milk Chopped Veal Fill- (canned corn) Minced Veal on Toast ing, Cream Sauce Broiled Chops < Coflfee Whipped Cream Creamed Potatoes a in Wafers Peas o Tea Cabbage Salad Toasted Crackers, Cheese Coffee Strawberries Veal Croquettes Clear Soup with To- >i Oatmeal, Milk Mayonnaise of Celery- mato Blocks 1 Broiled Bacon Bread Panned Chicken, e Toast Butter Cream Sauce H Coflfee Cocoa, Whipped Cream Boiled Rice Asi^aragus Parson's Sponge Steamed Figs Stewed Giblets Cream of Tomato Granose, Cream Boiled Rice Soup Eggs Bread Croutons < Q Toast Butter Beefsteak Rolls, in Coffee Tea Brown Sauce P4 Italian Potato Cro- ^ quettes New Beets (canned) Cress Salad . Toasted Crackers, Cheese Poorman's Tartlets Oranges Hot Apples and Rice, Cream of Pea Soup Broiled Lamb Chops Cream (canned peas) Toast Gluten Muffins Larded and Braised i Coffee Tea Calf's Liver, Brown H Sauce Boiled Rice Eh St*>WpH XTflHr r-ai-i-ritc. Cold Asparagus, French Dressing Baked Bananas Ginger Wafers 18 The Wife's Hanbbook Morning Noon Night Oatmeal, Milk Baked Beans with To- Cream of Clam Soup Broiled Salt Mackerel mato Sauce Cabbage Stuffed with Corn Bread Brown Bread Rice and Lentils, >< < Coffee Coffee Cream Sauce Scalloped Tomatoes E^ Cold Asparagus, French Dressing Chocolate Sponge Bananas Minced Calf's Liver on German Flour Gruel Hominy Grits, Cream Toast Broiled Steak >3 Toast Tomato Sauce French Fried Pota- 2 Coffee Strawberries toes H Asparagus on Toast CO Meals for one week fc Rice Jelly ir Office Man in July Morning Noon Evening Fruit Clear Soup with Mac- Veal Croquettes Fried Egg Plant aroni Mayonnaise of Toma- < Whole Wheat Muffins Roast Chicken, Brown toes Coffee Sauce Bread and Butter Sour Grape Jelly Sandwiches «2 Potatoes, Brown Coffee, Whipped Baked Cream Stewed Corn Tomato Salad Toasted Crackers, Cheese Ice Cream, Macaroons Coffee Huckleberries Hot Corn Pudding Corn Chowder Wheatlet, Cream Whole Wheat Bread Chicken Pie or (cold < Corn Oysters Butter cliicken ) o Muffins Iced Tea Cream Sauce S Coffee Tomato Salad, Wafers Watermelon Blackberry Flummery, Huckleberry Slump, Mock Bisque Cream Cream Hamburg Steaks, < a Toast Brown Sauce Coffee New Potatoes Lima Beans H Corn on Cob Lettuce Salad, Wafers Coffee The Wife's Handbook 19 Morning Noon Night Berries, Cream Corn Pudding Clear Soup Crisp Rolls Milk Biscuits Stuffed Egg Plant, < Coffee Fruit Sauce HoUandaise Macaroni with Tomato a Sauce $ String Beans Salad Watermelon Huckleberries Omelet with Green German Gruel Soup Oatmeal, Milk Peas Broiled Chops Toast Rice Muffins Creamed Potatoes Coffee Fruit Succotash o CO Cabbage Salad, Eng- lish Dressing H Wafers, Cheese Ceylon Pudding Fruit Corn Fritters Vegetable Bouillon Broiled Tomatoes Hot Brown Bread Croutons Corn Bread Cantaloupe Planked Fish, Potato 1- Coffee Roses Sliced Cucumbers, ^ French Dressing Lima Beans Salad Toasted Cheese Fin- gers Coffee Granose, Fruit Juice Fried Egg Plant Tomatoes Coffee Smothered Beef Corn Pudding Fruit Panned Whole Chick- en, Brown Sauce Boiled Tomatoes Rice Macedoine on Lettuce, French Dressing Toasted Cheese Fin- gers Chilled Watermelon Meals for one week for Office Man in October Morning Fruit Barley Flakes, Milk Mutton Mince on Toast Coffee Noon Consumme with Ger- man Farina Blocks Roasted Guinea Fowl Broiled Bacon Currant Jelly Hominy Stewed Celery Evening Nut and Fruit Sand- wiches Cocoa 20 The Wife's Handbook Morning Noon Orange Jelly, Wafers Peach Ice Cream Macaroons Coffee Night Baked Apples Oatmeal, Milk Omelet Toast Coffee Cream of Celery Soup Whole Wheat Bread Consomme with Rice Broiled Steak, Stuffed Potatoes String Beans Cabbage Salad, Eng- lish Dressing Wafers, Cheese Cottage Gems, Jelly Sauce Stewed Pears Granose, Cream Gems Coffee Panned Oysters Rolls Celery Salad Consomme with Al- mond Balls Veal Cutlets, Tomato Sauce Rice Croquettes Young Lima Beans Lettuce Salad Wafers, Neufchatel Cheese Dutch Apple Cake Warm Apple Sauce with Granose, Cream Whole Wheat Bread Coffee Macaroni Rarebit Toast Coffee Tomato Soup, Crou- tons Cannelon, Puree of Peppers Potato Fritters A Simple Salad Wafers, Cheese Farina Jellv Hot Baked Sliced Bananas, Cream MuflBns Coffee Omelet with Green Peas Oatmeal Gems Cocoa English Beef Soup (bits from cannelon) Broiled Pork Chops Creamed Potatoes String Beans Cabbage Salad, Farm- er's Dressing Wafers Apple Roly Poly, Hard Sauce The Wife's Handbook 21 MORNIXG Noon Night Codfish Balls, Tomato Baked Farina Oyster Cocktails Sauce Tomatoes Sliced Boiled Flounder Corn Muffins Whole Wheat Bread Sauce HoUandaise 1 Coffee Grapes Potato Balls Beetroot Salad, Cheese S Fingers Coffee Baked Apples Mush Bread Fried Oysters Cabbage Salad Consumme with Egg Balls Coffee Cornmeal Sally Lunn Broiled Steak •< Coffee Mashed Sweet Pota- P toes Buttered Beets CO Olive Salad, Toast Fingers Whipped Cream with Chopped Nuts Tables of More Elaborate Dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving Oyster Soup and Crackers Roast Turkey and Dressing Cranberry Sauce Green Peas Roast Pork and Gravy Apple Sauce Mashed Potatoes OR Bread and Butter Apple Pie Jelly Roll and Marble Cake Mixed Candies Assorted Nuts Ice Cream Coffee, Cream Christmas Oyster Soup and Crackers Roast Chicken with Dressing Cranberry Sauce Boiled Ham and Mashed Potatoes Green Peas Celery Bread and Butter OR Peach pie Dinner Oyster Soup Celery, Olives Roasted Turkey, Giblet Sauce Cranberry Jelly Sweet Potato Croquettes Creamed Onions Oyster Pie Waldorf Salad, Water Thins Mince Pie Crackers, Cheese Coffee Dinner Cream of Corn Soup Chicken Pie Roasted Beef, Brown Sauce Baked Sweet Potatoes Spinach Celery Bread and Butter Plum Pudding, Hard Sauce 22 The Wife's Handbook Jelly Roll Nuts, Bonbons, Raisins Mixed Candies and Nuts Toasted Cracliers, Cheese Crushed Fruit and Cream Coffee Coffee For more detailed information and tables of meals, see Every Day Menu Book, Mrs. Rorer, price $1.50; Boston Cooking School Magazine, price 10c, $1.00 per year, which has a week's menu in each month's issue; Woman's Home Companion, price 15c, $1.50 per year, which has a month's menu in each month's issue. HOW TO DETECT FOOD WHICH IS DISEASED; UN- SOUND; OR UNWHOLESOME AND UNFIT FOR HUMAN FOOD There is a remote possibility of rejecting wholesome food by following the rules below ; but they are right in nearly every case. It is best not to take any risks ; results are too serious ; let others eat that food. Where the community has regular inspectors (which is unusual), they follow the rules below and make closer inspection than can be made by a housewife. If the food has been passed recently by an inspector, as shown by his stamp with date of inspection, such food may be safely eaten. Anivials : Good butcher's meat is firm and clastic to the touch ; is bright red in color, except pork, veal, and lamb ; is acid, turning blue litmus paper red; has a fresh but not decayed smell (to test this, run a rod into the center and smell it — the outside may have been deodorized). Meat decayed tears readily; the out- side is pale, and even greenish in very bad cases ; does not redden blue litmus paper. Meat of animals dying a natural death, or improperly killed, is dark, sometimes purple ; full of red splotches. Meat of animals infected by disease does not show plainly or even at all the evidence of disease ; such diseases are generally detected by examination of the whole animal by an expert inspector. If disease has been reported in the vicinity, it is obviously best to abstain from eating local meats. As all of the meats at large packing establishments are now properly inspected, such meat is generally free from disease ; it can however be unsafe through de- cay. Thorough cooking of food helps materially to decrease dan- ger from germs in diseased meat. Poultry and Game: Tuberculosis is manifested by yellow lumps in lungs or liver; game is too "high" or too much decom- The Wife's Handbook 23 posed when its odor is offensive (as a matter of fact, although often claimed to be healthy, there is some risk in eating game which is at all "high"). Fish: Fish out of season (unfit) is flabby, thin, and wasted; when boiled, looks bluish. Fresh fish is stiff, smells fresh, and has clean gills ; old fish is very limp in the hand, has dirty gills, dull eyes, and smells rank. Fruit and Vegetables: Unfit apples have black spots on out- side, or worm holes ; rotting oranges and pears are soft where rot- ting; potatoes should be pale, not streaked; asparagus should be firm and white ; peas, beans and cabbages show evident signs of worms, if there are any; celery should be white and crisp. Corn, Bread and Flour: Bunt, smut, and ergot are the dis- eases of grain. Before being ground, their presence is evident; after being ground, some spores may be seen with a microscope but detection by the average housewife is almost impossible. Good flour should not be lumpy, or moldy, or smell sour. To detect chalk, soapstone, and other adulterants, burn the flour; there should be very little ash; if much ash, there is much adulterant. Bad bread is sodden, sour (slightly sour may be all right) and mouldy. Eggs: Fresh eggs, held to light, are most transparent at centre ; old ones, at top ; fresh eggs sink in water, old ones float below surface, rotten ones float at top. Butter: Rancid (sour-smelling) butter is unfit for food. Milk and Water: Submit sample to the Health Inspector; it is practically impossible to detect unfit milk and water, unless expert and provided with proper equipment. For more detailed information see The Food Inspectoi-'s Handbook, Vacher, price $2.50; Food Inspection, Macewen, price $2.50. FOOD IN SEASON Foods are in season at slightly different times in various sec- tions of the country. The following table shows approximately the times when foods are most easily obtained in good condition, fresh or after short storage : 24 The Wife's Handbook Spring Summer Fall Winter Beef Beef Beef Beef (best) Mutton Mutton Mutton Mutton (best) Lamb Young Ducks Turkeys Turkeys Veal Young Geese Game Old Ducks Spring Chicken Guineas Oysters Old Geese Fish Fish Fish Game Early Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce Oysters Asparagus Peas Potatoes Fish Corn String Beans Celery Celery New Potatoes Cabbage Old Lettuce Lima Beans Tomatoes Old Potatoes Beets Old Corn Old Cabbage Egg Plant Onions Old Onions Corn Old Turnips Onions Old Peas Tomatoes DIGESTION Cooked food takes a little longer for digestion. The follow- ing table shows approximate times for digestion of many articles of cooked food. 1 Hour 3 Hours 3 Hours 4 Hours 5 Hours 6 Hours Asparagus Apples Beans, Beef Cheese, milk Bacon Bananas Apricots lima Bread, Duck Beer Barley Beets brown Pork Coffee Beans, Biscuit Buckwheat Suet Honey string Bread, Cabbage Lemons Candy white Carrots Melons Cherries Breakfast Cheese, Swiss Tea Dates foods Corn, green Rice Grapes Butter Liver Sugar Lettuce Cake Lobster Yeast Milk Celery Mackerel Molasses Chicken (salt) Olives Chocolate Mutton Oranges solid Pie, Apple Pears Codfish Pie, Mince Peas Cookies Sardines Plums Corn Meal Sausage Pumpkin Crackers Tongue Strawberries Cream Eggs Figs Fowl Turkey Veal The Wife's Handbook 25 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 Hours Fish [>amb Macaroni Nuts Oatmeal Oysters Peaches Pudding Potatoes Prunes Quail Rabbit Rye Meal Salmon Shad Roe Spinach Trout Wafers Wheat Flour 4 Hours 5 Hours 6 Hours For more detailed information see Food, Alfred Andrews, price 75c. STIMULANTS Alcohol. Opinions are generally very much divided as to the effects of alcohol. It is a subject for much discussion, but preju- dice has so much to do with it that those engaged in argument are seldom able to look calmly on the two sides of the question. By reference to the table of food values, it is seen that alcohol is undoubtedly a food. One glass of beer contains 120 calories, 10 proteids, 48 fats, 62 alcohol ; but by some peculiarity the alcohol calories cannot be stored in the body. They take the place at once of other calories, but cannot be stored for future use. A drink of American whiskey has about the same number of calories as a glass of unskimmed milk or a slice of ham. The objection to the use of alcohol as a food lies in the fact that alcohol dilates the surface blood vessels and causes the skin to give off heat faster than the stomach can absorb it. Consequently, although the skin feels hot, the actual total heat of the body is less. A person going out into the cold should not take alcohol; he will really be colder than if he let it alone. Alcohol does not build up tissue. As a drug, alcohol has certain effects. It causes the heart to assume a temporary strength, it causes an excess of blood to go to the brain, (though very careful tests have shown that the acute- 26 The Wife's Handbook ness of the brain is not thereby increased, many opinions to the contrary notwithstanding). If alcohol is taken in greater quantity than can be absorbed by the stomach, it first weakens the corpuscles of the blood, (gets them drunk; then paralyzes them as is evident by paralysis of the muscles in a drunken person ; then finally in extreme cases paralyzes the brain centres which control the heart and lungs, resulting in death. Tea and Coffee. A cup of tea or coffee has about as many calories as a glass of whiskey. Consequently they can be called foods. As drugs, tea and coffee delay peptic digestion slightly, and should not be drunk at meals with much meat. Their action on the brain is different from alcohol in that they stimulate the nerves, producing wakefulness at night. In moderation, there are few bad effects from tea or coffee. DIET Diet actually means a careful selection of food. In other words, the wife should always diet the family. However, few families are careful in the selection of food until there is something wrong. Consequently, diet is generally understood to mean selec- tion of food for the sick. Diet for Sick Persons. This question should be left to a physician. The diet will vary with each case, though in general the diet must be some liquid such as milk, soup, beef tea, and broth. Contrary to prevalent ideas, food does not raise the temperature in a fever. Diet for Fat and Thin Persons. Fat people eat too much "fat" food and at least enough "proteid" food; that is, the body does not use up all of the "fat" heat units. This may be due to too little exercise or too large a quantity of "fat" food. However, there are some persons who naturally require less "fat" food and consequently grow fat on less "fat" food than other persons of the same height. The rules are not different for such persons ; they should eat less "fat" food. Banting (named after a man of the same name) consists in eating about half the calories normally consumed; and so selecting this food that about two-thirds of it will be protcids. This scheme will aid anyone, but is especially use- The Wife's Handbook 27 ful for those who are naturally fat. There are many other schemes similar to Banting's, but the general idea is the same. For a thin person to become fat, a scheme just the opposite of the above should be followed. There should be a little exercise (just enough to aid appetite), and the number of calories should be increased, especially fat. The table below gives the number of "fat" units in the average helping of any article of food at a meal. From this, it is easy to see just what articles are fattening, and how to reduce or increase. This table shows that 1 piece of apple pie is as fattening as 8 mutton chops though about one-sixth as nourishing as one chop ; one ball of butter is as fattening as two glasses of skimmed milk or 2 eggs. Diet Table, Arranged in Order of Fats Article Beans, string Crackers, saltines Fish, trout Crackers, Uneeda Biscuit Sugar, cube Watermelon Sugar, granulated Mutton chop Roast chicken Cream Milk, skimmed Buttermilk Egg Force Soup (bean) , Cheese, Swiss Bread, white baker's Apple Syrup, maple Orange Shredded Wheat Honey Ham Butter Banana Average Helping 4 oz 1 1 piece 1 1 cube 1 slice 1 h tbsp 1 chop 1 slice 1 tbsp 1 glass 1 glass 1 5 h tbsp 4 oz 1 slice 1 slice 1 1 tbsp 1 1 biscuit 1 h tbsp 1 slice 1 ball 1 Fats 11 12 14 23 29 37 41 42 49 51 52 53 56 59 62 66 69 70 88 90 96 101 108 118 120 Proteids 2 1 43 2 93 132 3 32 27 27 7 16 23 11 2 6 13 32 1 7 28 The Wife's Handbook Article Average Helping Fats Proteids 1 glass 127 30 1 133 16 1 slice 139 10 1 cup 144 31 1 cup 145 11 1 149 19 2 h tbsp 165 36 1 slice 168 18 2 h tbsp 168 21 1 glass 174 1 cup 181 40 1 slice 181 13 2 h tbsp 187 21 1 192 12 2 h tbsp 202 23 5 h tbsp 215 32 1 cup 242 37 3 h tbsp 254 44 1 slice 266 91 1 chop 278 89 1/6 pie 306 27 1/6 pie 336 16 10 510 15 Milk, unskimmed . . . , Potato, Irish Cake, frosted Mellin's Food Coffee or Tea Sausage Oatmeal Bread, brown baker's Ice Cream, vanilla . . . Lemonade, plain Malted Milk Bacon Pudding, chocolate . . . Potato, svi'eet Pudding, bread Grapenuts Cocoa Beans, baked Roast beef Lamb Chop (bone) . . Pie, mince Pie, apple Prunes Diet for Brain Workers. Contrary to prevalent opinions, there is no special brain food. Recent experiments show this, conclusively. There are, however, certain considerations affecting the food for students and office men. The brain must have extra supply of blood, and consequently there should be less blood required for the stomach. The first point then is that the foods must be easily and quickly digestible, so that less blood will be needed by the stomach. This is of far more importance than the relative quantity of proteids and fats. Pick out foods which are quickly digested; see the table of length of time to digest foods. The second point is, that the reduction should be principally in fats ; because these are the foods used up by muscular energy. They form an extra burden to brain workers, with their limited muscular work to use up these foods, and they only add to the work of the digestive organs. Consequently, they should be omitted. The Wife's Handbook 29 Diet for Different Climates and Different Seasons of the Year. Except for the selection, from the preceding table, of the foods which are freshest during the varying seasons, there need be no special consideration given to the heating or cooling effects of the various foods. It is true that some foods produce more bodily heat than others, and would consequently form a proper diet in winter for savages, as is evident in Greenland where fats and oils are chief articles of diet; but the civilized human being eats practically the same food all of the year round, and over- comes the varying climatic temperatures by changes in quantity and material of his clothing. CHAPTER II. COOKING General Remarks. There are many textbooks which give complete information on the subject of cooking. The only objec- tion to them lies in the fact that they seldom have any distinguish- ing marks to show just what is the usual way and what is an un- usual way of cooking. As a result, the wife has to try all the ways mentioned, and mark in the book the way which is most suit- able. Also, it is impossible for any one cookbook to have recipes which will exactly suit everybody. Each grown man has devel- oped a taste for cooking similar to that of his youth, and this varies considerably. Briefly, it may be stated that the more careful has been the cooking in his youth, the less is the amount of grease or lard he wants directly in the food. For example, the negroes of the south and the mountaineers of the Appalachian regions are accustomed to a noisome mess of grease, made of flour and lard, in which it is hardly possible to see the few slices of beef or bacon. I am not sure that they actually prefer this style of cooking, but it is a fact that the greater the amount of grease directly in the food, the greater is the perverted taste of the man or the greater is the ignorance of the woman in cooking and other education. EQUIPMENT Kitchen. The following is a list of practically necessary articles in a kitchen. Some of them might possibly be dispensed with, but this is really a very small outfit. This outfit should preferably be increased. The kitchen cabinet listed below, seems unnecessary ; but its value is understood after being used. 1 stove, 1 tea kettle 1 bread knife stove pipe, , etc. 1 coffee pot 1 safety paring knife 1 coal (wood) box 1 fry pan 1 butcher's knife 1 stove shovel 1 sauce pan 1 automatic knife grin- 1 coal scuttle 1 muffin pan der 1 ash can 3 pie plates 1 cook's fork 1 garbage can 2 bread pans 1 cook's slicer 1 table, large 2 cake pans 1 cleaver 1 table, small 1 cake turner or 34 The Wife's Handbook 2 chairs 1 preserving kettle 1 cook's assistant com- 1 sink mat 1 stove kettle prising the 7 articles 1 kitchen cabinet 1 drip pan above (small ones) 1 refrigerator 1 rolling pin $1.00 1 scrubbing brush 1 nutmeg grater 1 bread board 1 floor mop 1 flour sifter 1 chopping bowl 3 laundry irons, 1 egg beater 1 dipper 1 handle 1 basting spoon 1 cup 1 wash basin 1 coffee mill 1 glass (if no waterworks) 1 spring scale 1 dish pan 1 alarm clock 1 thermometer 6 dish towels A cork mat (called also cork linoleum) will materially soften the effects of much walking to and fro. This is practically a cork carpet and is quite expensive for a kitchen. It costs about $1.25 a square yard, making a complete carpet cost about $30.00. Next in value is linoleum ; finally oid cloth, which is cheapest. If floor is of wood, do not paint it; for it must be scrubbed, and paint will be scrubbed off. In order of cost, the above utensils grade as metal, gray enameled ware, blue (outside) and white (inside) enameled ware, aluminum, the last costing at least twice as much as the first. Many claim that the more expensive utensils are not nearly worth the increased cost. The fumes of cooking can be partly carried away by a hood placed over the stove. Disregarding all question of costs, it is thought that the other advantages lie : 1st, with the electricity because of the ease of manipulating, freedom from danger, complete control, absence of dirt and odor. 2nd, with the gas because of the ease of manipulating, com- plete control, absence of much dirt. 3rd, with the gasoline because of the ease of manipulating, control, absence of much dirt. 4th, the coal and wood have few advantages, but they are sometimes the only source. Their greatest disadvantages are the uncertainty of heat, the great quantity of dirt, and the labor of removing ashes. All things considered, I believe that it is really more economi- cal to use electricity, gas, or gasoline if the first cost of outfit is not more than twice that with coal or wood. The Wife's Handbook Comparison of Coal and Wood, Gasoline, Gas, and Electricity. The preceding table includes a stove complete without mentioning kind of stove. In many cases, it is impossible to use a gas or electric stove, because they cannot be obtained; but where they are available, their advantages should be carefully considered be- fore deciding to use wood or coal. Following list gives first cost of approximately equal size and capacity stoves, etc. using the different fuels. The electric appli- ances require no special wiring; just attach the plug and turn or the current. Electric appliances are new and expensive, but are rapidly decreasing in price. Coal and Wf
    ^ c z > n 5° war;* tn » a Flax Blue plex IN C O io o W w w M r > raw S .« W in PI n 5 ^ _ W 3 - W £ w w f^ 2 ^ z > w no « w ?ng Z w H » tdi §Po Wo 5 w Mo ■< K w ta ^ C w z » ?g§ 2 0§ ."^ ~; z So", w Z re M _ td X Or; « w > > n Z «: X S Cd ^ -: z 1? K ? n w is 2?? p o 3 »■ re S qo re p 31=^ re CLP ■ 3 3-- re — Ei- 5 ^O 3"ft 2 ?;•=" 2 re -ip- IreO re>5-p. ^ » ^ 3 Pa ftp:!. 3 ^ a. ^ 3 ■i 3-_ re ^ 3 re re „ 1 re H re .re ? re i2 p ~ gre 2:3 3 P re'< p x) 3 ? M To be except binatio color. 550. TO 3 3 '•^ix 0*3-" 3:i§ re S'" ° ^ ^ • ►-■'<; ^ 3 3' & " s re n- 0. 2" g-P re re C3 »p^-- 5-S-2 SC "o .-^ re ^ G. S' p Ill 3 S p p-a -?G. •n ^ re 0^ 3 re 1^ 5- "^ ?^3 p-§ ^ —0. re" n To be ed ex very tones. so 3 n tn "■ p. g-3-3' 2 re 2:l3-o 5-3 2"<^ i SO P c 3 1^ go 3 2 re 2 tn P. < n oi ?5' p 3 a. re 3 P ' 3| >< P 3 B^ 3-0 3 3 -1 3 a; c" re > S"^? H H TO P C/J §30 O3O P-re -o o-wre H !? 5 X TO 0-0 § "■ 2. 0" tr.re H 3 ° ^«ft. cr D* P-o"^ 1x0 _. » re „ 2^ 3 ui re re ? 3 O- 0.-1 a. 0* • •o 0" k; 2.S^S ft. G. 3 w (XT' p < K n a. P <: re '^ TO 2 "' p 3" 3 p <: %■ a. -.p 3 < re D- w p' 5- P ^V TO t»TO ,7 Sop p 33 TO a.re ■ re •0 --^ G 5 S „ ° — 5-^ ^!^ p P „ ■^ w w < 3-0 P 5- re S-X -t p 3 „ 3 P ■" S-3 2o. 0"^ 3 H _ c- & p ° re ^. 1 3 3 p --. 0-3 ■ re p ■-i "5" 3 "^ S 0- t]l '^ 3- g-o ?= 3 " „. 3:? td z Good; especial- ly in hues in- clining to yel- low. an n p p ^ •n 5" TO p 3 1? P-o -( re a. 3 re S2,p 3 t ^5' TO '" 3-^ z ?5 ^-p re 3 rD -. c/i 3 0- re re re re ^1^ o-SS^ re 0- Good; mo shades of purple can be worn. S-3< p TO? -, p p H p-p P*p • ^ p H 2° S,re <; (T> hJ ^ ^ tfl q- X re 2- p re p re '^ |§ ^ re*"^ u) -• P33 P Ire-S- re '" *• p. ■ °s o-O. < s 5 - . .^-PTo. 7 9- .^ 0- P 5-0. All war shades blue are Rood. Ill S'n.o 3 3 P-n p re if' < re re w r <£.re H ^=•0 S G-o 35;^ td r w 3' .-" 3 E- g-s- sTo re >< p 2. S-3> ■ SLp "a' 3 3 TO TO -"3 P •< bo l1 Wj3 tn 4-* is g-o >- ^ U v Pi 3 2 '3 o E nl X 11 g-o i| g« g-o n) 5 11 g-o Kj3 .3 o g-o 3 _o '3 o E 1- 3 _o '3 o E nl "3 P 2 u 2 u h H O > a 3 2 'c O n! 3 'c o g C 3 ^2 'c o E 3 _o 'S o s u a 3 O S o g > bo V •a nJ P5 "3 S T3 nl P5 "3 se p 3 2 '3 o E n! 3 O '3 o E n) X 3 O '3 o E i- nj X o '3 o E nl X 3 o C o E w n! w 1-1 pq > ho 1 "3 T3 a m P 3 2 '3 o E CS ho C o 3 2 '3 o E u n) Ph 3 o "3 o E u rt X 3 o '3 o E nl X 3 '3 o E u rt in 3 o '3 o E u re X B) 3 O 'c o E n) X 2 u 4-> D o S a! 3 o o E "3 o se 5 O 3 gT3 4-> "3 s 3 2 'c o E u nl l1 E'« a is nl fq ■^ v ^ "3 o P ■o n) pq tn 3 o 'c o S ni X "3 P 3 P 3 'c o E U 3 "S o fi c a ■a a CO M 3 _o 'c O E rj 3 ^2 'a o B nj 13 a M 3 O '3 o E t^ w > 1 13 nl pq -o nl pq ho 3 o u (JO be c o 172 3 O '3 O E nl X 3 _o '3 o E nJ III 3 "3 O S X 3 2 '3 o E nl 3 _o '3 o E I-. nJ 2 o 3 .2 o S u 3 O o B 3 2 '5 o £ 3 .2 'n o E U w 3 ^2 'c o E u "3 3 _2 'c o E ni 3 _o '3 o E 3 O 'S O E rt "3 P 3 _o '3 o E nl X "3 P 3 O '3 o 6 nl X 3 _o '3 o E nl X V > bo V > bo "3 P 3 P S ►J 14 3 .2 c o E U 3 '5 o E U 3 o 'S o E t« K 'S o E 3 _o "5 o S U W 3 'c O E 1- 3 _o "c O E ho C o "3 o SS 5 •a a pq i| g-o X-a > bo u o o Ph 3 2 '3 o E u nJ i-r< in 3 .2 "3 o E nl X bo C o u in 3 2 '3 o E X >< < C3 2 U V 2 "o u 2 U 3 P 3 o 'S o E 3 'S o E 3 _o 'c o E a 3 _o "3 O E 3 O "5 o E u nJ X 3 .2 '3 o E a X 3 .2 "3 o E J- a X 3 _o "5 o E u nl X "3 P "3 P P 2 "o u > CU bo lU 'Z u < ►J pq 3 O 'c o e 3 _o 'S O E 3 O "n o p d "3 Q o 3 'c o g C "3 P 3 _o '3 o g X p 3 _o 'S o E 1- w p bO C o bo C o i-< "3 P "3 R 1) > nl bo ;z; r. v u <: M u BS O H w o H Bi U < H W ,-J o > H Ph D Q z z u o < Z O a >< a u z < K O H Z o u pq u < ►J pq H E >• < O CHAPTER V FURNITURE General Remarks. It is not intended in this chapter to de- scribe the various changing fads and fancies in furniture. These are so constantly changing that it is impossible to keep up with them ; and they are generally useless. About half of the furniture in the modern house is useless, unsightly, and expensive. Nor is it true of furniture, as of many other things, that the most expensive is the cheapest in the long run as regards wearing qualities. It is probable that mission furniture wears as long and retains its beauty longer, yet it is comparatively inexpensive compared with mahogany, maple, etc. Recently, the sanitary education of the people of this country has progressed very rapidly. No longer do we see the old carpets, filled with dust and germs of all diseases. They have given place to clean and neat rugs. The bathroom of our ancestors resembled nothing so much as a storehouse for rags, bottles, and toilet articles. It resembled a drug store and a stable. As now furnished, the bathroom is provided with a basket for soiled towels ; a small closed cabinet for toilet articles ; and face towels about the size of a handkerchief, a fresh one being used by each person. No list is furnished of the costs of various articles of furniture. There is such a variety that such lists would be useless. Cata- logues can be obtained, free, by simply writing to Sears, Roebuck & Co., Chicago, or Montgomer}^, Ward & Co., Chicago; these catalogues contain the cheapest and also very good qualities, HISTORY From the earliest periods, human beings have endeavored to improve the appearance and comfort of their houses by furniture. In the British ^Museum in London, there are certain old Egyptian chairs which are the same height and more or less similar to those of the present day. In the item of chairs, it is possible to distin- guish some forty different styles : Egvptian, Grecian, Roman, Pompeian, Byzantine, Gothic, Moorish, Indian, Chinese, Japan- ese, Italian Gothic, Tudor Renaissance 15th, 16th, and 17th Cen- turies, Spanish Renaissance, Dutch Renaissance, German Ren- 86 The Wife's Handbook aissance, Francois, Henry II, Louis XIII, Elizabethan, Jacobean, William and Mary, Queen Anne, Louis XIV, Georgian, Chippen- dale, Louis XV, Hcpplewhite, Louis XVI, Sheraton, R, & J. Adam, Empire, British New Art, L'Art Nouveau, Modern Aus- trian, Scotch New Art, Arts & Crafts, Mission. These are not all entirely distinct in every way ; but a complete education in furniture requires a knowledge of the different styles. Many books have been written about them. It is impossible to at- tempt to describe shortly these various styles ; but it would be well to remember a few points, which are more or less distinctive of each style but not necessarily limited to that particular style. Egyptian: Legs of animals; couches take form of an animal; lines similar to all Egyptian art. Pompeian: Combination in detail of Greek and Roman; ex- quisite, soft colors ; fluted columns ; dignified. Gothic: Pointed style, with special reference to church architecture ; furniture of same general character, either in pointed form like spires, organs, etc., or with carving to represent this form ; chairs like choir stalls, chests like altars. Renaissance: Luxurious finish; most elaborate carving; acan- thus leaves on columns, legs, etc.; minute details; applied espe- cially to beds, coffins, and chests ; used also in embroideries, friezes, etc. Louis XIV : Similar to Renaissance, but more dainty, less elaborate ; legs of furniture generally curved ; more elaborate inlay work ; tapestries ; heavy curtains ; luxurious, heavily cushioned chairs. Large mirrors generally introduced. Louis XV S^XVI : Still less luxurious; principally noted for the bare effect on the rooms ; much gilt. Empire: No gilt; natural finish, veneering actually preferred to .'olid material; back legs of chairs curved slightly outward; constant use of bay wreaths, Roman fasces, letter "N". Elizabethan: Renaissance reduced by English simplicity; less accurate and less elaborate carving ; more heavy columns. Chippendale : An American furniture maker who published a book of designs in 1754; less carving; used many types, adapt- ing Ihem to various purposes; used ball and claw foot from the Chinese ; grandfather clocks ; bedposts comparatively slender with little adornment ; beauty of proportion carefully studied. The Wife's Handbook 87 Mission: Modern; absolutely unadorned; generally dark, unpolished finish; straight lines preferred. For more detailed information, see Dying and Cleaning, Farrell, price C. Candee, price $2.00. TABLES OF NECESSARY FURNITURE The following tables include some not absolutely necessary ar Front Porch Wooden settee Chair, wicker Chair, straight Hammock or swing Door mat Hall Hat rack Rugs Umbrella stand Stair carpet Chairs (?) Parlor Divan 2 sofa pillows Rocker Arm chair 2 chairs, straight Rugs, small Table, small Lamp or other light Window shades Window curtains Library Rocker Book cases Office desk, ink, etc. Lamp or other light Davenport or couch Waste basket Bedroom Dresser, with mirror Chiffonier, no mirror all of the necessary articles, and tides of furniture: 2 chairs, straight Bed and springs Mattress 2 pillows 4 pillow cases 4 sheets 2 blankets Comforter 1 rug 9' X 12', or several small rugs Lamp or other light Window shades Window curtains Waste basket Washstand, if no waterworks ? towels Pitcher Bowl Soapstand Soap Slop jar Dining Room Dining table (extension) Small side table Sideboard China cabinet 6 chairs Rug 9' X 12' Lamp or other light 4 tablecloths 12 table napkins Window shades Window curtains Crockery (see chapter on cook- ing) 88 The Wife's Handbook Bathroom 2 bath towels 2 face towels Soap holder Soap Toilet cabinet Bath mat Toilet paper Large wicker basket, with closed top, for soiled towels Servant's Room Small bed Mattress Pillow 3 pillow cases 2 sheets 2 blankets 1 comforter Chair, straight Small table Large cheap rug Mirror Chiffonier Waste basket Lamp or other light Washstand, if no waterworks 2 towels Pitcher Bowl Soapstand Soap Slop jar Guest Room Dresser, with mirror Chiffonier, no mirror Washstand, if no waterworks 3 towels Pitcher Bowl Soapstand Soap Slop jar Vessel Chair, straight Chair, rocker Bed and springs Mattress 2 pillows 4 piUow cases 4 sheets 2 blankets Comforter Couch, sometimes Rug 9' X 12', or several small rugs Lamp or other light Window shades Window curtains Pitcher of drinking water Drinking glass Waste basket Back Porch Lawn mower Broom Carpet sweeper Floor mop Bathroom mop Door mat Polishing materials Coal or wood box Cellar Garden tools Tool box containing Hammer Tackhammer Hatchet Handsaw, fine Screwdriver Monkey wrench Handy man (brace, bits) Pliers Wire nippers Foot rule Square Small plane Nails, 4 & 8 penny Screws, y/', 1", 2" The Wife's Handbook 89 Cellar Sandpaper Light bolts Putty Screw hooks Le Page's glue Picture hooks Picture wire SELECTION The principal furniture woods are, in order of importance, oak, pine, mahogany, birch, cypress. Other woods are cedar, maple, hickory, ash, cherry, walnut. Lately, steel furniture is used, especially in offices where the cost is not so carefully con- sidered. Wood rots either because of outside moisture, or because of inside sap, etc., remaining after improper seasoning. As all furni- ture is fairly well seasoned, the question of rot need not be con- sidered. Shrinking is that quality of wood whereby it expands or con- tracts. When the air is laden with moisture, the wood cells take up water and expand ; the}' lose it upon contracting. If furniture is well seasoned and well painted or varnished, the amount of this expansion and contraction is very small. Hence, it is always best to purchase furniture which is not strictly new. Much of the cheap furniture is made before thorough seasoning. Proper seasoning is expensive, and cheap furniture cannot be properly seasoned. One of the advantages of antique furniture lies in the fact that, after its many years, there will be practically no expan- sion or contraction. Saxving may be either quarter or plain. In quarter sawing, the log is cut into fourths and the boards are sawed from the sides alternately. In plain sawing, the boards are sawed across the full width of the log, being widest at the center of the log. Quarter-sawed boards do not warp or twist as much as the plain sawed, because boards shrink in the direction of the annual rings and these are perpendicular to the face in quarter-sawed boards. In other words, quarter-sawed boards are better, and cost more. Leather: There are three grades of leather used in furniture making, Nos. 1, 2, and 3. No. 1 being the best and most expensive. There are also several grades of imitation leather, each being made with a cloth fabric in the back and coated with leatheroid (imita- tion leatlier). These imitation leathers are much cheaper than the true article, and the best qualities can hardly be distinguished 90 The Wife's Handbook from the real leather. As the imitation is very much cheaper, it is often advisable to buy imitation. Its wearing qualities are not as good ; but in general, the real leather will have a worn appear- ance and require renewing in the same length of time that the imitation leather will be so worn out that it must be renewed. The mail order houses always give true descriptions of the articles for sale, and a careful reading of the descriptions will show if the articles are real or imitation leather. Beds: Wood beds are gradually being displaced by metal beds. In Europe, there are very few wood beds. The metal beds are far preferable, because they cost very little more, can be more easily cleaned and repaired, and furnish absolutely no refuge for vermin. Iron beds are generally jSnished in enamel, white being the usual color. Brass beds cost about three times as much as iron beds, but are much handsomer. The square tubed iron bed, or the square tubed brass bed in dull finish, are believed to present the best appearance and furnish the best service for the money. Rugs: Carpets are being displaced by rugs. If it is desired to cover the whole floor, it is possible to make a carpet with an outer border of suitable pattern ; and this can be placed as a very large rug; it is called a carpet rug. The usual commercial sizes of rugs are 18'' x 36", 27" x 54", 30" X 60", 36" X 72", 6' x 9', 71/2' x 9', 9' x 9', 9' x lOl/s', 9' X 12', 101/2' x 12', 12' X 12', 12' x 15'. As a rule, the larger rugs have seams, being composed of several widths and a border sewed together; but it is possible to pay a little more and buy seamless rugs in the large sizes. Rugs with seams quickly show wear at the seams. The oriental rugs are better and wear better than other rugs ; likewise they cost more. They are even worth the increased cost; but there are so many imitations that a very reliable dealer must be selected in buying these rugs. Antiques: Apart from their historical value, antiques are never worth the money. It cannot even be said that they are made of solid material, because much of the furniture of a hundred or more years ago was considered superior in qualit}^ if it was veneered. Modern furniture of even approximately the same cost, is of better construction and wears longer. Besides, there is very The Wife's Handbook 91 little chance of securing valuable antique furniture at a reasonable price. Nearly all of the so-called antiques are not antique at all; they are of recent manufacture by firms who make this special furniture. Veneering: In order to improve the appearance of cheap furniture, and make it appear what it is not, a thin layer of more expensive and beautiful wood is glued on the outside of the cheaper material. This is called veneering, and it is often impossible to tell the difference. Of late, furniture dealers have adopted certain expressions, intended to deceive. For instance, genuine mahogany now means mahogany veneer, solid mahogany means real mahog- any throughout. Veneered furniture wears well, and is generally worth the extra cost ; but a purchaser should require a written guarantee that furniture is not veneer, if the price paid is that for solid furniture. Some people bore into the wood from the under side in order to determine if it is veneered. This is a good plan, but not always positive; for in the best veneering, the furniture is first stained the proper color, and this stain will often penetrate the wood to considerable depth. A cabinet maker can easily deter- mine if there is veneering, and his services cost very little for the value received. CARE OF FURNITURE: HOUSE CLEANING In order to explain how to keep furniture in best polish, or restore same, it is necessary to explain the method of painting and polishing furniture. It is not necessary to name the ingredi- ents needed to compound the various paints, varnishes, etc., be- cause they can be purchased already mixed. Paints, Varnishes, etc.: A paint consists of a body or pig- ment, such as red and white lead, red and brown oxide of iron, carbon-black, graphite, which is applied through being suspended or dissolved by a vehicle such as linseed oil or spirits of turpentine. Varnish similary consists of a body of gum or resin which is dis- solved in oil and turpentine or alcohol as a vehicle. Shellac is varnish. Stains are liquid preparations of different tints, applied to the surface of the cheaper woods, in order to give them the appearance of the more rare and expensive woods, such as mahogany, walnut, etc. The application of the stain is a separate operation and has no bearing on the further operations. A piece of cheap wood is 92 The Wife's Handbook made to look somewhat like a more expensive wood, and the further treatment is exactly the same as if it were the more expensive wood in the beginning. Fillers are of two kinds, paste and liquid. They are not a necessit}', but are used to fill up the wood pores and thus give a smooth, level, non- absorbent surface, upon which the paint or varnish may be placed. Paste fillers are for use on coarse grained woods such as oak and chestnut ; liquid fillers are for close grained woods such as Georgia pine. Liquid fillers are not always neces- sary, as the close grained wood absorbs little. Operation of Painting or Varnishing: Go to a hardware dealer and select from his wood samples exactly the desired finish. The samples tell what paints or varnishes are necessary. Pur- chase the required brushes and cans of stain, filler, paint and varnish. Sandpaper the wood smoothly, rub off all the particles, and if not to be painted, stain it one or two coats of the desired color; Jet dry for about 12 hours. Apply the filler, liquid to pine, paste to oak, chestnut, etc. ; let it stand for 24 hours, and rub smooth with No. 00 sandpaper ; also rub the paste filler about 20 minutes after applied, as soon as it has entered and flattened, so that the extra paste may be rubbed off. The longer this is delayed, the harder it is to rub off the extra paste. Two coats of filler are generally needed. (The staining and filling are omitted in painting.) The final finish generally consists of say four coats of paint, two coats of wax, or about four coats of varnish. The painting coats are called; 1st the priming, then the two intermediate, and the final ; each of these coats should dry about 24 hours. Similarly the wax should be applied in the paste form as it comes, rubbed briskly with a soft, dry cloth to polish, and left for 24 hours before the next coat is applied. Each coat of varnish should also dry for 24 hours and be rubbed with fine oil sandpaper before the next coat is applied. Removing or Cleaning Old Paint: Dissolve two ounces of soft soap and four ounces of potash in boiling water; add ^ pound of quicklime; apply hot and leave for 12 to 24 hours. This will enable the old paint to be washed off with hot water, and is a neater and more rapid way than burning off, which is the custom- ary way. To clean old paint, Avash it with a solution of pearlash in water. The Wife's Handbook 93 Quantities Needed: One pound of paint will cover about 30 square feet of wood with one coat: on brickwork, same. One gallon ol prepared paint will cover about 300 square feet of wood with one coat. One gallon of liquid filler will cover about 400 square feet of surface with one coat. Stain, wax, hard oil finish ; about the same as liquid filler. Floors may be finished with a wax surface, in accordance with directions above, or covered with linoleum, or left plain. It is now quite usual to stain the floor, and wax it only where the surface shows outside of the rug. Linoleum is made in beautiful ])atterr'S often yiiiiost exactly like a waxed floor; is chf.apcr than waxing, just a?; sanitary; and requires much less care. liinoleum costs from fifty cents to $2.00 per square yard. Broken Furniture m.ay bo poorly repaired by glueing the parts together with I.e I'agc's glut, tying them with a string until the glue is dry. To repair perjnarently, bore nail holes in both sides of the break, put glue in these holes, put in a nail or nails, cover the edges of the break with glue, press them together with nails inside, tying edges with a stjing until the glue is dry. The nails are necessary for perm;in<:nt repair, because the glue has very little strength against a cross strain. Scratches, etc.: Sandpaper the place lightly; stain it over again, if the sandpaper has worked it to a different color; apply filler, wax, or varnish as case may be, allowing each coat time to dry. Follow same plan as though the piece was being finished new, with the single difference that each coat should be spread a little farther than the preceding coat, so as to prevent the appear- ance of a well-marked lino. In cases of very large scratches or patches, it may be best to sandpaper the whole surface and finish it all anew. Dents may be raised by applying a wet towel and rubbing the towel with a hot iron. The steam will raise the dent. This may ruin the finish ; if so, refinish the spot. Wall Paper: Harmony should be secured in papering the walls, harmony in the paper, and harmony of the paper with the rest of the furniture in the room. Refer to the table of harmon- ious colors in the chapter on Clothing. 94 The Wife's Handbook To give some idea of the cost of papering a room, the following table shows required rolls of paper and yards of border for various sized rooms. Height Number Number Rolls Yards Room of of of of of Ceiling Doors Windows Paper Border -Txd 8 1 1 6 11 8x10 9 1 1 8 12 9x 11 9 9 1 1 1 1 10 10 14 10x12 15 11x12 10 10 2 2 2 2 10 12 16 12x15 18 14x16 12 2 2 17 20 14x18 12 2 2 19 22 15x16 10 2 2 15 21 A double roll of wall paper contains about 72 square feet, and costs from 10 cents to $1.00; the border paper costs from 3 cents to 50 cents per yard. Hanging of paper will cost about half as much as the paper. Paper may be hung by home talent, but requires a little care and judgment. For more detailed information, see A Handbook for Sujjerintendents of Construction, Architects, Builders and Building Inspectors, by Richey, price $4.00 ; also Paint and Varnish Facts and Formulas, Hoff , price $3.00 ; Painters' Oils, Colours, and Varnishes, Hasluck, price $1.00. House Cleaning: Annual house cleaning is a necessity. Spring is the usual time. All of the rugs are taken up and beaten, the walls are cleaned, the light fixtures, moulding, etc. are cleaned. Also a daily cleaning of part of the house is necessary for proper sanitation. Walls, woodwork, and wall paper are cleaned by a putty-like preparation called Smoky City Cleaner, price 10 cents per can. One can will clean all the walls or wall paper in one room. There are many similar preparations costing about the same price. Rooms and rugs are best swept by a carpet sweeper, price about $3.00. Electric carpet sv/eepers are preferable, if electric- ity is available. Floors may be mopped with a wet rag; this be- ing especially applicable to linoleum floors. Brooms are not in general use, as formerly ; they stir up the dust, but do not remove it, as it settles down elsewhere in the same room. Heavy curtains may be dusted with a vacuum cleaner, or shaken or dusted with a stick. The Wife's Handbook 95 It is not desirable to sweep a room each day; nor is it neces- sary. In dusty cities it is best to dust the furniture each day. Feather dusters are not effective, and they scratch the furniture. Use a soft rag, moistened if necessary. CHAPTER VI MEDICINE General RemarTis. There is no attempt made in this chapter to take the place of a doctor. It is only desired to present here- with certain household facts that should be known by every wife. A fair knowledge of these facts will be of great benefit, will often prevent real distress, and will save money for the family. It must be remembered by the wife that symptoms are very much alike ; that the beginnings of a mild fever are very much the same as those of a serious fever. When sickness comes, the first re- liefs should be administered; and then if there is a possibility of serious sickness, a doctor should be called, and the probable causes should be looked for and removed. For example, a slight fever is in itself nothing at all; but if a member of the family has a slight fever and at the same time other persons in the vicinity are sick with typhoid fever, it is possible that this may be typhoid fever. This is very apt to be the case if the water supply is known to be impure. In such cases, a doctor should be called in at once. Doctor's visits are about $2.00 for a day visit, and $3.00 for a night visit. It is generally a mistake to try to save money by not sending for a doctor. The action of the mind is of great importance in sickness. Christian Science has demonstrated this by its remarkable cures. If a sick person wants a certain doctor, it is probable that faith in this doctor will be of more real value in effecting a cure than slightly more suitable medicine prescribed by a more learned doctor. The necessity and value of medicines are generally over- rated. Relief by medicine is generally temporary; the system must take care of itself. Careful nursing, removal of all hurtful influences, and complete r«ist for the sick person are about as good as medicines. So much is this the case, that doctors have been known to give bread pills with most satisfactory results. Especially is this true with persons who have acquired a habit of taking medicines, and are mentally unable to be well without medicine. Hysterics in persons are also only forms of mind sickness ; bread pills are particularly satisfactory for hysterical persons. 98 The Wife's Handbook However, mind has no effect on germs, broken limbs, etc. It is absurd to apply mental treatment to cholera, typhoid, or broken limbs. In this chapter, the subject is treated under the following subjects: Nursing: The wife can do the nursing, and is generally pre- ferred. A trained nurse costs about $25.00 a week, and her board. Women have a natural ability in this line, ard very little knowledge is required of a wife for ordinary nursing. Medicine Chest: Various outfits of medicines are given, with cost of same. These are intended for prompt use in case of emer- gency, or for use in ordinary and unimportant sickness. Causes of Some Diseases: Infectious diseases are diseases which are transmitted to the infected person from another person or animal already infected. In general, no treatment is pre- scribed, as these diseases are serious and require the services of a doctor. Of late years, due particularly to the efforts of Army surgeons, the causes of these infectious diseases have become known, and the avoidance of them is not at all difficult. There are also mentioned other diseases which are not infectious such as those of the digestion, circulation, etc. Rules for Health: Certain simple rules are given which are advisable in order to prevent disease. Home Treatment: This includes all treatment which can be permanent in minor ailments, no doctor being necessary; and also emergency treatment while awaiting the arrival of the doctor. It does not include an extended system of treatment in serious sickness. Camping : This gives a few special rules for camping. NURSING Care of The Sick Room: The sick room should have sunshine, pure fresh air, and freedom from noise and odor. The furniture should be plain ; the wall paper and curtains should be of a subdued color and pattern and produce a soothing effect. The bed should be of iron, and the mattress should not be a soft feather mattress. The mattress under a sick person should generally be covered with a rubber sheet ; and over this placed the usual two sheets, blankets, etc. The object of the rubber sheet is to prevent damage The Wife's Handbook 99 to the mattress ; likewise, the patient will not need a new mattress very often. To change the bed clothes: Warm the fresh sheets; roll the patient on one side ; put on one lower fresh sheet half way, folding do^Ti the remainder; roll the patient over on the fresh sheet; remove the old sheet and tuck down the fresh one. To change the personal clothes: Pull up over the shoulders, removing the arms last. Noises should be avoided, especially in nervous cases. If you wish to speak to the patient, stand directly in front before speaking. Heating and Ventilation: The room is best heated by an open fire. In cities, this is not always possible, but the advantage of the open fire is in its ventilation, so proper ventilation renders an open fire unnecessary. Ventilation should be such that all the air is changed twice a day. Tack cloth say 12 inches wide to top of top window, and to top of w^indow sill ; pull down window about 8 inches, letting the air through the cloth. Another way ; raise the bottom window, filling the space with a board; the air will come through between the sashes of the two windows. About 80° is the proper temperature of a sick room, but this should be varied with different patients in order to make them satisfied and comfortable. Care of The Patient: The same person should preferably always be in charge of important duties ; the patient prefers it. A patient should be lifted firmly; this applies especially to babies. Do not lift them as though you were afraid. To lift or raise the patient in bed, raise by hands under the arms and hips. Head rests should be made firm ; pillows alone are very poor, they should preferably be supported on a stool or chair or a special rest. If too much light for the patient, place a sheet over the window, or over the head of the bed if it is not solid. Methods of Giving Baths; Temperature : In administering a sponge bath, the body should first be sponged rapidly with warm water about 80 degrees Fahr., followed by the bath of prescribed temperature. In typhoid fever, a sufficient number of persons should be present to hold the patient fii-mly. A full length tub is used; a rubber ring should be available to support the head, and a sheet to rest the shoulders. A sitz bath (hot or cold) con- 100 The Wife's Handbook sists simply of sitting in the water ; a blanket should be placed around the shoulders, legs, and feet. The following are the temperatures for baths : Cold 33-65 deg. Fahr. Tepid 86-92 deg. Fahr. Cool 66-74 " " Warm 93-98 Temperate 75-85 " " Hot 99-112 " " Bedsores: They are due to shutting off the circulation. They appear on bony prominences, or are due to wrinkles, crumbs, etc., in sheets. To avoid them, run the hand carefully over the sheet after each meal, and smooth out the wrinkles, take away the crumbs ; toughen the skin by washing the bony parts with soap and water and rubbing two or three times a day with alcohol. Make a padded ring to protect the sore until healed. Taking Temperature, Pulse, Respiration; Notes: The doctor wants to know the condition of the patient during his absence. The temperature is taken every hour in serious cases ; at least once in the morning and once in the evening in all cases. If the doctor wants very accurate information, he will furnish blanks for charting the temperature and for other bedside notes, such as pulse, respiration, vomiting, bowels, sleep, etc. The normal temperature for most persons is 98.4 degrees Fahr. Shake the thermometer down below 90 degrees before tak- ing temperature; then put in patient's mouth, under the tongue; see that the mouth is kept closed, and leave about two minutes ; some thermometers are slow registering, and take five minutes. Naturally, no hot or cold liquors should have just been in the mouth. If the patient cannot take the thermometer in the mouth, place under the armpit, and fold the arm down on it; leave at least five minutes. Pulse and respiration are not reliable indicators of state of health; temperature only is reliable. Pulse can be counted by the finger tips placed on the thumb side of the wrist, the temple, the side of the neck, and the top of the foot. Count at least half a minute, and multiply by two. Respiration is taken by watching the movements of the chest while it rises and falls. A complete rise and fall is called one respiration. Medicines are generally given through the stomach ; sometimes when in a hurry, by hypodermic syringe; sometimes, through inhaling or by atomizer. The Wife's Handbook 101 Where the amount is to be measured, unless by drops or spoonfuls, a measuring glass is necessary. Medicine should be given promptly ; do not discuss it with the patient; just raise his head and give it. If the patient is par- tially unconscious, moistening the lips Avill attract attention and make him swallow. Food : Liquid food can be administered in a glass, by a spoon, by a glass tube, or by feeding cup (like a cream pitcher) if the patient cannot raise his head. Solid foods should be served in small quantities, a small amount assimilated being better than a large amount not assimilated. Beef juice is made by broiling a piece of round steak an inch thick for seven minutes, squeezing the juice into a hot cup with a lemon squeezer or something similar, and seasoning with salt and pepper. To make bottled beef tea, chop fine a pound of beef free from fat and put into a large mouthed bottle; add half a pint of cold water ; let it stand for an hour ; then place the bottle in a saucepan of cold water, put on the fire, and cook for two hours at almost the boiling point ; strain and season with salt. To make bottled beef essence, follow above, omitting all water. Frozen beef tea is made by placing cold beef tea in a small tin pail, surrounding it with crushed ice, letting set, scraping the hardened parts from the sides until it is all hard. Broth; see chapter on Cooking. Application of Heat and Cold hy Poultices, Stupes, Packs, Ice Coil, etc.: Be careful that the heat is not too great, as it will burn the tissues (this is not uncommon with unskilled nurses), and not too cold, as it will freeze t^iem if too long applied. Poultices are made of equal parts of boiling water and flax- seed meal, or Indian meal, or even stale bread. The meal is stirred into the water, and the poultice is beaten from three to five minutes. It is then laid on muslin; covered on both sides by the muslin ; a piece of cheese cloth or old mosquito netting placed over one side and folded back about one inch on the other side. The poultice is applied with the cheesecloth side next to the patient, and held by pins or cloth bands. Mustard plaster is made same way as poultice with mustard instead of meal, except that tepid water is used, as boiling water destroys the efl^cacy of the mustard. Effect of mustard plaster should be closely watched, as it blisters the skin very quickly. 102 The, Wife's Handbook Stupes are best made of two thicknesses of old flannel. Put them in a towel, and pour water over all but the ends of the towel ; wring out thoroughly until the flannel is very dry ; then open and flap it two or three times in the air ; cover with oil muslin or rubber, and apply every ten minutes or more depending upon the degree of heat required. Dry heat can be obtained by hot water in rubber bags or bottles, by heated soapstone or brick, by bags filled with heated' salt or sand; and by a new invention called the electric pad. The hot pack consists simply in wrapping the patient in a blanket, or two blankets, wrung from water as hot as the hand can bear. An ice bag or cold wet towel should be applied to the head. The hot pack should not be kept on more than one hour. The cold pack is similar to the hot pack, sheets being used wrung from water about 70 degrees Fahr. The ice pack consists simply of two sheets around the body with chopped ice between them. There are also ice coils for use around the body ; chopped ice in rubber bags (called an ice bag) ; and iced cloths. Any applica- tion of cold to the forehead relieves intense pain in the head. Infectious and Contagious Cases: All extra furniture must be removed from tlie room in which the patient is to be isolated. Two rooms are preferable for isolation, one being advantageous for disinfecting and other arrangements, or each may be used alternately for the patient. The rooms should be at the top of the house. If other rooms on the same floor must be used, tack a sheet to the outer frame of door, this sheet being kept constantly wet with a mixture of 1 part glycerin to 6 parts two per cent carbolic acid solution [one tea- spoon to Yo pint (1 glass) of water]. Two sheets should be used, one always soaking in the solution. All articles used by the patient must be washable, or burned later. Toys, etc., should be burned as soon as not needed. All linen, clothes, etc., should be lirst washed by the attendant, then soaked six hours in strong carbolic acid solution (two teaspoons to a glass of water) and afterward boiled. An open fire is especially useful for burning things. F.tca] matter and urine which cannot be burned if mixed with sawdust, should be allowed to stand one hour in a solution of six ounces The Wife's Handbook 103 of chloride of lime to the gallon of water. It should not be thrown untreated in a water closet, as the germs are only carried by the sewer to form dangerous contamination elsewhere. After one hour in the above solution, the mixture can be thrown into a water closet or buried in a trench far from the source of water supply. When allowed to leave isolation, the patient, hair also, should be bathed in a corrosive sublimate solution of 1 to 1,000 [1 tablet to 1 pint (two glasses) of water]. The body can then be enveloped in a clean sheet and the patient taken to another room. Convalescents should not be allowed to indulge themselves to the extent of overexertion, overfeeding, or nervous excitement. Visitors should stay a short time only. The patient should not be allowed to sit up so long that he is fatigued. Special Points: The mouth should be cleansed by listerine as a mouth wash, or by a swab made of absorbent cotton around a toothpick. Thirst and nausea may be relieved by spoons of hot water at frequent intervals, or by small pieces of ice. Very little water should be given. Fasces and urine should be noted, for information of doctor. In infectious diseases, they should be disposed of as stated above. Sleeplessness, nervousness, restlessness, and general discom- fort at night can often be overcome by a not too cool light sponge (if allowed), with water or alcohol; sometimes, a simple shaking up of the pillows and smoothing of the spread will often be suffi- cient. Do not give a hot or cold bath. Dressings for wounds should be soaked off by an antiseptic solution. The wound should be washed by towels soaked in this solution. New dressings should be sterilized, and the hands of the nurse must also be frequently washed in the antiseptic solution, (see antiseptics) The Dying and Dead: Very little can be done for the dying; he will naturally assume the most comfortable position. If he can swallow, a little brandy in hot water will help. After death, hold up the chin by a bandage; comb the hair; if necessary, keep the eyelids closed by a tiny piece of thin moist paper ; bathe the body ; tie the ankles, knees, and wrists together ; 104 The Wife's Handbook tie a large sheet well filled with cotton batting around the hips. Place the body in a natural position, elevating the head a little. To prevent decomposition, in case the undertaker will not arrive in twelve hours, place on the stomach a large flat pan filled with cracked ice. MEDICINE CHEST A medicine chest should be available in every family. All of the medicines and equipment needed for a medicine chest are sooner or later required by tlie family; and, if such a chest is at once provided, the same equipment and medicine may be saved for future use. As in many other things, a little system saves much expense. Home treatment is generally not dangerous. The medicines used are rarely poisonous. However, there are a few poisons ; and it should be a first requirement, that medicines whether in a chest or not, should be beyond the reach of children. All poisons should have a little bell attached, so that there may be no possibility of mistake in the dark. There is no difficulty in providing a suitable chest. Chests or cases for medicines are sold in all sizes varying from pocket cases up to chests the size of a trunk. Unfortunately, no one seems to have prescribed the medicines to be placed in the case. This is left for the patient or nurse; and these do not know. In the tables below, I have enumerated the medicines which should preferably be included in the various sizes of cases. These medicines may be varied without any difficulty. Any drug- gist can put up these or any other medicines ; the cases can be purchased, or home made substitutes are good enough. The price named includes the medicines and the case described; cheaper cases can be purchased for less ; the case is a great part of the cost. The directions will be written on each medicine. The medicine chest should be examined on the first of each month, and used articles replaced. Complete Family Medicines; no chest (use an old trunk that has a lock); cost $12.00. Cloth bandage roll Package safety pins Gauze bandage roll Bed pan Spool adhesive plaster Sponge Package absorbent cotton Dropper The Wife's Handbook 105 Medicine glass Glass (tumbler) Thermometer Hot water bag Ice bag Teaspoon Package Soda Can insect powder Package moth balls Scissors Electric pocket light Tablets or liquids in bottles Alum Arom, sp. ammonia Carbolic acid Cascarets Castor oil Chloride of lime Cold cream Corrosive sublimate Heroin tablets Ipecac Morphine (Vg grain) Nitric acid Oil of cloves Permanganate of potash Phenacetin Quinine Sugar of lead Whiskey Settler's or Camper's Medicine Case — Black Metal; Burroughs, Welcome & Co., price $10.50. 814 x 43/3 x 534 in. Gauze roll Adhesive plaster Safety pins Absorbent cotton Cloth roll Electric pocket light Cold cream Tablets or liquids in bottles Carbolic acid Cascarets Castor oil Corrosive sublimate Heroin tablets Ipecac Morphine Oil of cloves Phenacetin Quinine Smelling salts Whiskey Medicine Pocket Case — Morocco Leather; Burroughs, Welcome & Co., price $7.30. 6% x 414 x l^^ in. Compound tincture of chloroform Cascarets and morphine Heroin tablets Cold cream Phenacetin Small brush Quinine Tablets or liquids in bottles Whiskey CAUSES OF VARIOUS DISEASES Appendicitis : Caused by infection of the appendix due to strain, overeating, or contagion ; always comes on the right side. Bubonic Plague: Caused by a germ carried by rats and fleas. Prevented by killing the rats and fleas. Cholera: Caused by a germ taken into the stomach through infected water, or infected food. Prevented by boiling the water, and keeping flies away from food; kill the flies. 106 The Wife's Handbook Diabetes : Caused by family predisposition ; also by too much eating of rich food. Diphtheria: Caused by a germ generally transmitted through some liquid. Prevented by antitoxin ; isolating persons sick with it. Dysentery : Caused generally by a germ taken into the mouth in unripe fruit. Prevented by more careful selection of food. Gout : Caused by inheritance ; by too much food and too little exercise; and by intoxicating drinks. Malaria: Caused by a germ transmitted through a mosquito bite. Prevented by destroying the mosquitoes. Measles: Caused probably by a germ carried through the air. Prevented by isolating persons sick with it. Mumps : Cause unknown ; probably transmitted through the air. Prevented by isolating persons sick with it. Pneumonia: Caused by a germ transmitted through the air. The germ is generally effective only when the exposed person is already weak. Prevented by isolating persons sick with it. Scarlet Fever: Cause unknown. Prevented by isolating persons sick with it. Smallpox: Caused by a germ transmitted through the air, clothing or furniture. Prevented by isolating persons sick with it. Tonsilitis : Caused by exposure to wet and cold. Tuberculosis: Caused by a germ transmitted generally through the air. The lungs of the person infected must previous- ly be weak. Avoid too close contact with persons sick with it. Typhoid Fever: Caused by a germ in infected water, or food generally infected by flies. Prevented by boiling the water and killing the flies ; also prevented by taking the typhoid serum. Whooping Cough: Cause unknown; but conveyed by the breath, expectoration, atmosphere, and fabric. Prevented by isolating persons sick with it. RULES FOR HEALTH Antiseptics: These weaken and kill germs, and prevent fur- ther increase of germs. Antiseptic gauze and antiseptic cotton may be purchased, but an antiseptic solution must generally be homemade. In order of relative importance, the antiseptics are: The Wife's Handbook 107 (a) Boiling water. Cheap; kills all germs of any kind when left in the boilinjg water for 15 minutes; used to disinfect surgical instruments. (b) 1 to 1,000 solution of corrosive sublimate (also called mercury bichloride), 1 tablet in a pint (2 glasses) of water (it comes in tablets of 7^2 grains). The most useful antiseptic, kills all germs of any kind, not necessary to boil the water ; but burns a little, and very poisonous if taken internally, (c) Two per cent solution of boric acid or common soda (1 teaspoon in 1 glass of water). Cheap; used with all wounds or cuts as it is strong enough to kill all pus germs or other ordinary germs ; generally entirely satisfactory, if the water is first boiled to kill stronger germs ; non-poisonous and absolutely harmless. (d) Two per cent solution of cai'bolic acid (1 teaspoon in 1 glass of water). Stronger than boric acid; but poisonous and not so strong as corrosive sublimate. Bathing: Bathe with soap once or twice a week. Use water of any temperature which will be comfortable. Finish with a cold shower if not too much shock. Each morning take a cold shower in order to make the blood circulate freely. Do not take a cold or warm bath at night ; it induces sleeplessness. Constipation: This is the result generally of irregular habits. The best time for relieving the bowels is in the morning immedi- ately after rising. The bowels are very easily trained, and will quickly acquire the habit. Make an effort to relieve them each morning until the habit is natural. When pills are taken to move the bowels, take only such pills as are then necessary, and do not form the habit of taking pills all the time. Eyes: Weakness of the eyes causes many other troubles, such as headache, stomach ache, etc. Never read in a bad light, in sunlight, or while on a train or street cars. Always stop when the eyes hurt, or when small spots appear before the eyes. Exercise: A little exercise is better than no exercise and better than too much exercise. Walking is the best exercise; golf probably the next best; tennis is sometimes too strenuous. Do not exercise the muscles after the heart is fatigued and is beating rapidly; rarely will the muscles be fatigued. Flies and Mosquitoes: These and water are the great germ carriers. The water can be rendered safe by boiling ; and a mos- 108 The Wife's Handbook quite net will afford limited protection from flies and mosquitoes, but they should be destroyed. Both must be destroyed at their breeding places. Flies breed in the deposits from man and beast. The deposits in all privies should be absolutely fly-tight. A privy consists of two parts, the shelter and the seat. The seat should have holes in the top with covers always closed when seat is not in use. Earth (preferably sand) should be thrown in the hole after each use. The sides should be tightly sealed; the bottom may be of boards (so that privy need not be moved), or it may be a ditch opening only into the scat box (necessitating the removal of the privy and a new ditch when old ditch is filled). The privy should be located far from the house, and so that it will not drain into the well of drinking w^ater. Breeding places of flies in manure piles can be destroyed: 1st, by removing the manure; 2nd, by spraying it with a large quantity of an antiseptic solution, preferably two per cent car- bolic acid [1 teaspoon to l^ pint (1 glass) of water]. This is very cheap and kills flies, eggs, etc. Mosquitoes breed only in still fresh water. They fly only a very short distance. Cover all pools of water and marshy banks of creeks with a thin film of kerosene oil. Half a mile from the house will generally be sufficient. Teeth: Keep the teeth in good shape; consult a dentist about once every three months, and have him repair them. Toothache should be followed by an immediate visit to the dentist. Tooth powders are generally good for cleaning the teeth, and should be used preferably before each meal, but at least once a day in the morning. Calox Tooth Powder is as good as any. Change brand of tooth powder about every two months. Ventilation: Fresh air enthusiasts often make sad mistakes. Fresh air is very healthy, but the body should never be chilled. Take a walk, thoroughly wrapped in warm clothing; sleep under plenty of warm clothing ; wrap up warmly after exercise. If the body becomes chilled, sickness will surely follow unless the body is quickly warmed and rubbed, and wrapped warmly. This applies to any portion of the body, such as wet feet, wet hair, etc. The Wife's Handbook 109 Water: Boil all the water in case there is danger from the water. This is best known by the diseases in the vicinity. If typhoid fever is prevalent, the water should surely be boiled. In cases of doubt, take the water to a physician for examination. HOME TREATMENT Practically all ordinary forms of sickness are named below, with description of symptoms, if necessary, and the treatment prescribed where no doctor is necessary or emergency treatment until the arrival of a doctor: Appendicitis. Symptoms : Pain more or less severe on the right side low down, generally midway between the navel and the prom- inent bony part of the hip ; sometimes a distinct swelling can be found. Treatment: Send for a doctor. Appetite, Loss of: Due to too much eating, or other illness. Eat less, or find out the other cause of loss of appetite. Billiousness. Symptoms : Sallow skin, foul breath, dullness. Treatment: Eat less; stop alcohol and tobacco; exercise actively or even violently. Blood Poison. Symptoms : Fever and sometimes prostration in one to three days after infection. Treatment: Use antiseptic on the wound (see antiseptics) and then send for a doctor. Boils: The best treatment is to open the boil early by a small cut, and thus let out the puss. The boil should be bathed often in hot boiled water. It is practically impossible to hasten the progress of a boil. Broken Limbs: Send for a doctor. Burns: For sliglit burns apply cold cream, or cloths wet with a solution of soda. For more severe burns, wash with anti- septic (see antiseptics) and send for a doctor. Chills. Symptoms : Pallor ; chattering of the teeth ; coldness. Generally caused by malaria fever. Treatment : Immediately put patient to bed; wrap up warmly; use hot-water bags; administer hot drinks or a moderate amount of whiskey. Final Treatment: Get rid of the malaria by taking quinine, or send for a doctor. CJwking. Treatment : Remove by coughing, by slapping on the back, or by turning patient upside down. Cholera Morbus. Symptoms : Vomiting, purging, and cramps. Treatment: Administer castor oil at first to get rid of bad food; then feed milk in small quantities. 110 The Wife's Handbook Colic or Cramps: Remove the cause by castor oil or some purgative pills. Constipation: Temporarily relieved by castor oil, or some purgative pills. Permanent treatment : Train bowels to regular habits, preferably on rising in the morning. Corns: Get a larger shoe. The corn will never be cured while you wear the present shoe. Use Bluejay corn plaster after you have changed shoes, or Russian corn cure (10 cents). Cough: Cough drops (heroin tablets) will relieve only tem- porarily. If cough is accompanied by hoarseness, it will be well to send for a doctor. Croup: Spasmodic croup occurs in attacks at intervals. Be- tween intervals, produce vomiting by half teaspoonful of ipecac every 15 minutes, or warm water and the finger inserted in the child's throat. Catarrhal croup is continuous. Place a mustard plaster on the neck of the child, and cause the child to inhale steam. Send for a physician, if the attack does not pass at once. Cuts: To stop the bleeding, press the finger or fingers direct- ly upon the cut and press against a bone. Then hold this until a tourniquet can be made above the wound. A tourniquet consists simply of a handkerchief knotted around the leg and tightened by a stick placed between the knot and the body, and twisted very hard. Then send for a doctor. Slight cuts should be washed in antiseptic (see antiseptics) ; the sides of the wounds pressed together ; and the wound tied with antiseptic gauze or clean cloth. Diarrhoea: Caused by some irritation of the intestines. First, take castor oil or some other purgative. The diarrhcea will cure itself. Diet should be restricted to milk until the disease is past. Diphtheria. Symptoms: A cold in the throat; pain when swallowing; temperature about 101 degrees; takes about 5 days to develop ; throat being rather swollen at the end of that time. Treatment : Treat for fever for a day or so. If found to be diphtheria, send for a doctor. Drowning : Turn patient on the face and raise the stomach so that the water will drain from the mouth; turn on back, wipe out the mouth and throat. Repeat the operation. Then tie or The Wife's Handbook 111 hold the tongue out to prevent it falling back and obstructing the throat and induce artificial respiration by raising the arms over the head, and carrying them back and pressing them against the chest 18 times a minute. Earache: Wrap ear in hot cotton or cover with a hot-water bag. Another way is to place ear over a steaming pitcher of hot water. Never put any liquid in the ear. Epilepsia: Simply fits. Send for a doctor. Nothing useful can be done for an epileptic except to prevent him from injuring himself until a doctor arrives. Fainting: Caused by blood leaving the head. The patient will naturally recover, but can be assisted by holding aromatic spirits of ammonia under patient's nose, sprinkling water upon patient, and rubbing the hands. First lower the head below the level of the rest of the body so that the blood may run to the head. Fever: The normal temperature is 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit. One hundred degrees Fahrenheit is called a fever. Do not bundle up with too thick clothing. This is all wrong. Give an adult phena- cetin in 5-grain doses every four hours, or bathe adult or child with a sponge ; bathe with alcohol or warm water. If the fever continues for over one day, it may become worse; so send for a doctor. Hair: There is no real hair remover except the electric needle, which costs about 50 cents for each hair. There are some hair renewers, but the only one which is positively known is Glover's Mange Cure, and this requires several months of constant treat- ment. Dandruff is quickly cured by it. Headache: This is generally a symptom of some other weak- ness. For immediate relief, give phenacetin to adults, or apply an ice bag to children or adults. Hiccough: Drink nine swallows of water. Hysteria: Leave the patient alone and leave the room. Do not coddle or sympathize. Insomnia: See sleeplessness. Intoxication: Let the patient sleep, or make him vomit by giving him warm water or warm soapy water. Lungs, Bleeding: Not always caused by consumption. Will stop of its own accord. Send for a physician. Do not give alco- holic drinks. 112 The Wife's Handbook Malaria. Symptoms: Begins with chills and perspiration at first stage ; followed several days later by a fever with a temper- ature of about 104 degrees at night; accompanied by headache, delirium, and pains. Tongue white, later brown, bowels consti- pated. Vomiting, intense thirst. Treatment: Take quinine from 20 grains to as much as 40 grains. If no improvement, send for a doctor. Measles. Symptoms : Red spots first in the nose and eye- lids ; later red spots on the throat, then head and neck, then the rest of the body. Accompanied by sneezing, weeping, cough, and fever. Treatment : Put patient to bed, give liquid diet, and if serious or with a very young child, send for a doctor. Quaran- tine for 12 days. Mumps. Symptoms : Fever ; pain below the ear ; swelling of the glands of the neck and cheek. Treatment: Send for a doctor. Nose Bleed: In serious cases make patient sit in cold water. In mild cases plug the nose with cotton or put cotton firmly under the upper lip. Pain: Apply cloth soaked in hot water Avhere pain is felt; apply occasionally a cold cloth to the forehead. Pneumonia. Symptoms: High fever; 102 to 105 degrees after exposure ; generally accompanied by chills, great prostration, cough, pain in the side, and perhaps delirium for about a week. Face is red and breath is short. Treat for fever until above 100 degrees, then send for a doctor. Poison: Empty the stomach as soon as possible by making the patient drink warm water or warm soapy water in large quantities. Send for a doctor. Rheumatism: Caused in various ways. A complete rest is best, and a physician should be sent for. The rheumatic serum, recently discovered, is about the only valuable treatment. Scarlet Fever. Symptoms : Red cheeks ; red pimples on pal- ate, and on walls of throat. Later on the neck, cheeks, chest, and rest of the body. Accompanied by headache, vomiting, and fever. Looks a little like measles, but is much more serious. Treatment : Send for a doctor. Sleeplessness : Put a hot-water bag or bottle at the feet and warm bed clothing. Do not take a bath. The Wife's Handbook 113 Smallpox. Symptoms : A chill with fever ; convulsions in children; high fever, headache, severe pains in the back, dry tongue, and at the end of the fourth day the characteristic erup- tion which consists of little hard bumps under the skin which feel like birdshot and can be rolled about. These pimples later become water blisters, puss blisters, crusts, scars, and pits. Treatment: Send for a doctor. Snake Bite: Constrict the limb above the bite as soon as possible. The wound may be sucked by any individual who has no cut or sore on the lips or inside of the mouth. The bite should be cut larger to make this easy. Then cut it still larger and let the blood wash out the poison, or wash it out with a strong solu- tion of permanganate of potash [a handful to a quart (four glasses) of water]. To stimulate the heart, give whiskey in fairly large doses, remembering that children are easily poisoned by whiskey. Sprains: Immerse the sprained joint in very hot water for an hour or two ; keep the water hot ; then place the j oint in a Plaster of Paris splint well padded with cotton padding, or imitate this splint as well as possible by putting cotton padding around the joint with a very tightly wound bandage over it. Do not exercise the joint at all for about two days. Suffocation: Remove the immediate cause. Dash cold water in the patient's face, and induce artificial respiration as explained in drowning. Sunstroke: Reduce the temperature, which is about 110° Fahrenheit, but do not reduce it too quickly. To do this, strip patient naked and sprinkle with ice water, and rub with ice. Do not put patient in ice water. Continue this until the temperature has fallen to 101° Fahrenheit. Then stop, put the patient to bed, and send for a doctor. If the temperature raises considerably, repeat this performance until the doctor arrives. Administer whiskey if the pulse weakens. Throat, sore: Gargle with hot water; eat less. Tonsilitis: Practically a very severe sore throat. Send for a doctor. Toothache: Place in the cavity of the tooth a small piece of absorbent cotton soaked in oil of cloves, or a strong solution of carbolic acid. Be careful that the lips or throat are not touched with this acid. Go to the dentist as soon as possible. 114 The Wife's Handbook Typhoid Fever: This is a disease of the intestines. Symp- toms: Pain in the stomach for about a week; some 8 or 10 rose- colored spots on the abdomen. Faeces ; liquid, greenish, and flaky. Quite often accompanied by complications. Treatment: Send for a doctor. Unconsciousness : See also fainting. If the face is not pale as in fainting, raise the head instead of lowering; otherwise, proceed as in fainting. Vomiting: To cause vomiting, drink warm salt water or warm soapy water. Give a child syrup of ipecac. To stop vomiting, drink warm water, which will cause the stomach to clean itself by vomiting, then take very cold milk in small quantities. Drinking water is unnecessary in mild cases. Warts : Burn off with strong nitric acid, or cut out the wart, cutting the skin with it. These leave scars. The best way is to apply Russian corn cure or any corn cure or wart cure which covers the wart and keeps out air ; the wart then dies off. Whooping Cough. Symptoms : Same as an ordinary cold ; then fever ; a spasmodic cough, and after about ten days, an un- mistakable whoop is heard. Treatment : Send for a doctor. Wounds: See cuts. For more detailed information, see Family Health Book, Roosevelt, price $2.50; Home Encyclopedia of Medicine and Prevention of Disease, Ditman, price $1.50. CAMPING There are certain rules for health in camp. Since the dis- covery of the germ theory, camp life has been made just as health- ful as life in a house, except for the colds due to carelessness in getting chilled. Observe the following rules : Place priv}^ far from kitchen; dig a trench, and cover it with a fly proof box as explained in subject of Flies. Screen the kitchen tent to keep out the flies ; disinfect all nearby breeding places for flies ; screen the dining tent. Dig a hole for kitchen refuse, if only a short time in camp; otherwise, place in a can and take far away, or bury it. Boil all water before drinking; do this even if the water has been examined and found pure ; it is very apt to become impure during the presence of the camp. Always sleep under a mosquito bar. The Wife's Handbook 115 Keep thoroughly warm and dry at all times ; if not so, build fires and become so as soon as possible. Preferably wear woolen clothes next to the skin (see chapter on Clothes). Take along a Settler's Medicine Case. CHAPTER VII ETIQUETTE General Remarks. Proper etiquette consists in following the social customs of the most intelligent people of a community. These customs are the result of years of experience. It is neces- sary that there be such customs, and an intelligent observance of such customs shows proper education and consideration. Although any well-bred person will be polite and considerate in any situation, it is well to remember that the same customs are not exactly suitable under different conditions. For example, a dress suit would look absurd at a country dance in the summer time, while a dress suit is necessar}^ at a dance in a large city in the winter; cards of admittance to church weddings are un- necessary at a country church where the whole community will be gladly admitted, while such cards are absolutely indispensable in large cities where mobs block the church doors at every stylish wedding. In this chapter I have avoided as far as possible all informa- tion not needed for ordinary social customs ; complete information on a more elaborate scale can be obtained from the many books of etiquette. Each author of such a book seems to have some particular hobby of her own, but the general ideas are the same in every case. INTRODUCTIONS The usual words of introduction are: "Miss Brown, let me introduce Mr. White". The first person named is usually con- sidered as being entitled to the greater consideration; hence the implied request "let me" which is really a form. By this form, it is understood that Mr. White is being favored by being intro- duced to Miss Brown. Following this form, the lady should always be named first in an introduction to a lady of a gentleman (except the President of the United States, who is always named first) ; an older lady should be named first, that is, the younger lady is introduced to her ; if both ladies are about the same age, the married one should be named first; similarly a young man should be introduced to an older one, and if about the same age, the single man should be introduced to the married one. 118 The Wife's Handbook In introducing relatives, the relationship should be stated, thus : "Mother, let me introduce Miss Brown". "Miss Brown, let me introduce my sister, Mary". "Aunt Alice, let me introduce Miss Brown". On being introduced, it is proper to shake hands, and each or both should rise at once, except an old lady or an invalid may remain seated. The man will politely say "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Brown", and the lady will politely say "I am very glad to meet you, Mr. White"; though this is not really important, for no one pays any attention to just what is said. Such elaborate phrases as "I consider it an especial pleasure to become acquainted with you. Miss Brown" are embarrassing and absurd. If a person enters a crowded room, it is best to take him or her around and make complete introduction to everyone in the room. This is a little disconcerting, but is of advantage ultimately. If there are reasons why this person should not meet any other person in the room, these reasons should be discarded for the time being; if these reasons are such as cannot be discarded, then this person should never have been allowed to be present. At crowded entertainments it is not improper for any gentle- man to introduce himself to a young lady with whom he is tem- porarily thrown and to whom through oversight he has not been introduced. The words are : "Let me introduce myself ; I am Mr. White." The response is : "I am very glad to meet you, Mr. White; I am Miss Brown." It is best for the young lady not to introduce herself to the young gentleman. If he does not know enough to introduce himself, the young lady should go elsewhere. An older lady should introduce herself to a younger one, under such circumstances. Letters of introduction are of little value. Most persons put them in their pockets, and never present them. If you really wish a friend in a distant city to meet one who is going to that city, you should write a letter to the friend living there, giving date and stopping place of the visiting friend and requesting her to call on your friend. The letter should state exactly as possible the extent of your friendship, and if the acquaintance justifies your making any requests, what courtesy you desire extended. The Wife's Handbook 119 CALLS The matter of calls is important, at times. Among old friends, calls, are paid without regard to the last call, by whom made, date, etc. But as calls are the only method of learning the possibilities of future friendship, the subject has a certain importance among all but very old friends. A newcomer or a bride should be visited within a month after her arrival. She should return this call within ten days. If a call is desired after an introduction, the person intro- duced should make the call. Generally, permission should be requested to make such call. A young lady may, as a special favor, invite young men to call on her. Preferably, such an invitation should be extended by her mother, but it is not abso- lutely necessary. In case of death, illness, birth, etc., a call is quite proper. Such calls need not be returned. If one is invited to a dinner, reception, etc., a call should be made within two weeks, whether the invitation was accepted or not. Such an invitation is equivalent to a call by the person giving the invitation, except first calls which must always be made. If the persons use such invitations in lieu of calls, it is not improper. If you want to do so, you are at liberty to follow that scheme. Calling cards are used in cities. Business men take advantage of this system and send their cards by the female members of their families. This is considered quite proper. Cards: The sizes of calling cards are 3" by 2" for a woman and 3^/8 '' by 1 9/16" for a man. The name should be placed near the center and the address should be written in the lower right hand corner. A business card of a man or woman should have some words descriptive of the business placed in the lower right or left hand corner. The following forms are used for social calling cards : For a man Mr. John E. White For a married woman Mrs. John E. White For a widow Mrs. Mary B. White For an unmarried woman Miss Mary E. Brown For a divorced woman Mrs. Mary Brown White For a doctor Dr. John E. White 120 The Wife's Handbook In making a visit, one card should be left by the lady for each lady she is calling on, and one card should be left by the man for each lady and each man. All cards should be handed to the servant by the older lady. Printing or engraving visiting cards costs about 50 cents to $2.50 per hundred. WEDDINGS '• Invitations: The following is the usual form for wedding invitations : Mr. and Mrs. William J. Brown request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Mary Elizabeth to Mr. John Evarts White on Thursday, the nineteenth of June at half-past three o'clock Holy Trinity Church If Mr. Brown is not living, the form will omit his name. If Mrs. Brown has married again, the form would be : Mr. and Mrs. Henry K. Jones request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Mary Elizabeth Brown to Mr. John Evarts White on Thursdaj", etc. If the young lady's mother is not living, one of her relatives will issue invitations in the above form. If she does not care to have the invitations issued by a relative, they may be issued by a friend, but the usual form is a mere statement of invitation, as follows : The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of Mary Elizabeth Brown to Mr. John Evarts White on Thursday, etc. If the wedding is to be held at home, the last line Avill be the home address, thus "231 Fourteenth Street" instead of "Holy Trinity Church." The Wife's Handbook 121 To prevent undue crowding at the church, there is also often a card with the invitation which reads : "Present this at the church" This card should always be brought ; otherwise, admission may be refused. Personal appearance is no excuse ; many crooks dress exceedingly well. Guests: The bride decides how many guests she wishes to invite to the reception, and confers with the groom as to how many of these guests shall be his relatives or friends. Gifts: An invitation to a wedding is not a request for a gift, though many so consider it. The following gifts are practically necessary : The best man gives the couple some useful article for the dining room or reception room. The maid of honor gives the bride some personal gift. The ushers together give one gift to the bride. The bridesmaids together or separately present something to the bride. The groom gives the bride some jewelry that she can wear, such as a necklace, a brooch, etc. The bride should acknowledge all of the wedding gifts. This should be a personal note, even to those she has never met. If the bride's handwriting is not known to the donor, her friends often write this letter of thanks, but this is improper. The letter may be written on card, or on note paper. The gift itself should be stated as "the bonbon dish" or the "dozen spoons," not as the "silver piece". All presents, when possible, should be marked with the initials of the bride before being sent. This applies especially to silver presents, as the cost of marking these presents will later have to be borne by the bride, while any jeweler will without charge mark silver presents before being sent. Expenses : The bride or her family pay the following expenses : The bride or her family pay the following expenses : Wedding invitations, cost about $5 for 100, .$15 for 500 Decoration of church AAvning at the church door The sexton's fees The music 122 The Wife's Handbook Carriage to take her to church Carriages for the bridesmaids Carriages to bring visitors from trains to house The groom or his family pay the following expenses : The license Fee to clergyman ($5 to $50) Wedding ring Bride's bouquet (she tells him what to get) Gifts to ushers and best man Gloves and ties for ushers and best man Carriage in which he and best man ride Carriage in which he and bride ride Often invites best man and ushers to his house Note : All expenses of groom are paid directly by the best man with money given him by the groom. Reception at House after Wedding: The bride's father will stand at the head of the reception line. Next will be the bride's mother, followed by the bride, groom, maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids with their corresponding ushers in order. The groom's mother and father may be next in the line, but often they are placed next to the best man. Guests will speak to the parents of the bride ; will then say to the bride "I wish you much happiness" ; say to the groom "I con- gratulate you" or words to that effect; the remainder of the re- ception line will be greeted without formal words. If necessary, each person in the receiving line will introduce the guest to the next person. Guests should not place themselves in prolongation of the reception line, but should pass on and mingle with other guests in the reception room or in the refreshment room. Wedding Anniversaries: Invitations to wedding anniver- saries are issued in the following form : 1889 1914 Mr. and Mrs. John E. White request the pleasure of your company on the twenty-fifth anniversary of their wedding Thursday afternoon, June nineteenth from four until seven o'clock 1222 Park Avenue Certain gifts are appropriate for each wedding anniversary as shown in list below. It is not proper to present other gifts more expensive. 1 year, cotton 2 years , paper 3 leather 5 wooden 7 woolen tin 2 silk The Wife's Handbook 123 15 years, crystal 20 china 25 silver 30 pearl 40 ruby 50 golden 75 diamond Customs: The groom often gives a bachelor dinner the eve- ning before the wedding. This custom is dying out. The groom selects the wedding ring; the bride does not go with him, but gives him instructions as to size, width, etc. On the day of the wedding, the groom first sees the bride at the altar. He sees her but rarely for two or three days before the wedding. The bride selects the dresses for the bridesmaids. They pay for them; acceptance of invitation to act as bridesmaid involves this expense. The maid of honor should be invited to the bride's house, and expected to remain there until the day after the wedding. LETTERS The formal letters so often used by our ancestors are rapidly giving way to the more informal use of the telephone. In general, a letter is written inviting guests to be present, or inviting guests to a house party; and it is only when there are man}"^ such in- vitations that formal invitations are issued. A letter is never improper, even in response to a formal invitation. A woman's letter or note paper should be white and unscented. The writer's address and date of letter will preferably be placed at the upper right hand corner, though many notes have same at the end of the letter, in the lower left hand corner. The letter or note should follow certain forms in beginning, thus: rr, . . My dear Miss Annie or io a mere acquaintance ,, n ,, ^ ^ My dear Mr. Green rry ^ ^ t • i Dear Annie or 1 o an old iriend _, , , /^ Dear Mr. Grreen The letter or note should not begin with "I", nor should it con- tain superlative expressions that would preferably not be used in conversation. 124 The, Wife's Handbook The conclusion should be "Yours sincerely" or "Sincerely". To complete strangers, the conclusion should be "Yours very truly". The signature should be complete, (except to very close friends) thus "Mary E. Brown". A married woman should sign her name "Mrs. John E. White" or "Mary B. White" to personal friends. Letters to persons with a title, should make use of the title, thus "My dear Senator Simpson" or, if well acquainted, "Dear Senator". DINNERS The usual form for invitations is written or printed as follows : Mr. and Mrs. John E. White request the pleasure of your company at dinner on Wednesday evening, March the twelfth, at seven o'clock 1222 Park Avenue The reply is written as follows : Mr. and Mrs. Frank V. Green accept with pleasure Mr. and Mrs. John E. White's invitation to dine on Wednesday, March the twelfth, at seven o'clock. or Mr. and Mrs. Frank V. Green regret very much that a previous engagement prevents their acceptance of Mr. and Mrs. John E. White's invitation to dine on Wednesday, March the twelfth, at seven o'clock. Often the dinner is given for a visitor, in which case the in- vitation will be : Mr. and Mrs. John E. White request the pleasure of your company at dinner on Wednesday evening, March the twelfth at seven o'clock 1222 Park Avenue To meet Mr. and Mrs. Samuel N. Norris of Philadelphia The acceptance or refusal will be exactly the same as above, not mentioning Mr. and Mrs. Samuel N. Morris. If the invitation is by personal note, it should be short and to the point, as follows : The Wife's Handbook 126 Dear Mrs. Green: Mr. White and I shall be much pleased to have you and Mr. Green at dinner on Wednesday, March the twelfth, at seven o'clock. Yours sincerely, Mary B. White. The reply should be equally short and to the point, as follows : Dear Mrs. White: It gives Mr. Green and me great pleasure to accept your in- vitation to dinner on Wednesday, March the twelfth, at seven o'clock. Yours sincerely, Helen K. Green. If the invitation is refused, the refusal should be in the form of a note, and should give explanation of the reason for such refusal. Guests should always arrive promptly at the time designated. If the hostess makes the error of inviting the guests at an hour really not expected, the hostess is at fault. Dinners cannot be de- layed and guests know this. Nor should guests spend unnecessary time in the house before dinner. A hostess should show courtesy to guests already arrived by not waiting for belated guests more than fifteen minutes after the dinner hour. At large and formal dinners, each gentleman on his arrival is given an envelope, in which is the name of the lady he is to take in to dinner. At smaller dinners, the hostess will name the couples, thus "Mr. Green, will you take in Miss King", or the formal entrance by couples may be omitted. Name cards may also be placed at the plates ; this saves much inconvenience. The lady guest of honor sits on the host's right ; the gentleman guest of honor on the hostess's right. At small dinners, place cards are not necessary for there are few seats to be assigned after the guests of honor have taken their places. The forks are on the left of the plates, the knives and spoons on the right, each article being farther from the plate than the ones used after it. The ladies should be served first, beginning with the lady on the right of the host. All dishes should be handed to the left hand side. All wine, etc., sliould be poured from the right hand side. The custom of carving at the table is now discontinued. All carving is done in the kitchen. A dinner with many courses will be served in the following order : 126 Thk Wife's Handbook 1st Grapefruit (or something similar) 2nd Soup 3rd Olives, celery, etc., passed 4th Fish, potatoes, etc. 5th Mushrooms, (or something similar) 6th Asparagus 7th Meat with vegetables 8th Frozen punch 9th Fowl with salad 10th Pudding 11th Dessert and cakes 12th Cheese with crackers 13th Fruit, bonbons 14th Coffee For such a dinner the wines would be served : 1st course — a white wine 2nd course — sherry Other courses — champagne All guests will rise when the hostess rises. The ladies will withdraw; the men may remain and smoke for a time. The men will later join the ladies in the reception room. After about an hour, guests will leave. On leaving, each guest will shake hands with the hostess and say "Good night, Mrs. White, this has been a most agreeable dinner" or something similar. It is not necessary to say anything similar to the host, nor is it ex- pected that the guest shake hands in farewell to any person except the hostess, the host, and other grown members of the immediate family. Special Points. The elbows should never be placed on the table. Nor should the hands be elsewhere than in the lap ; espe- cially they should not be engaged in twirling the spoons or draw- ing fancy figures in the table cloth. The napkin should not be tucked in the clothes ; it should be spread, half folded, in the lap. The spoon should be dipped into soup and moved away from the diner. Bouillon is stirred with a spoon and tasted, but it is drunk from a cup. The knife and fork are both left in the plate when passed for a second helping, or when the course is finished. Seeds of dates, plums, etc., are inconspicuously removed from the mouth with tlie left hand, and placed on the fruit plate. The Wife's Handbook 127 DANCES It is not at all improper to use the telephone or a personal letter in inviting persons to a dance. If formal invitations are issued, the following is the form : Mr. and Mrs. John E. White request the pleasure of your company on Wednesday evening, March the twelfth at nine o'clock Dancing 1322 Park Avenue R. S. V. P. If the invitation is issued by a club, the form is similar, thus : The Cotillon Club request the pleasure of j^our company on Wednesday evening, March the twelfth at nine o'clock R. S. V. P. to 131 Broadway Mrs. John E. White, 1222 Park Avenue The letters "R. S. V. P." mean "Answer, if you please". They are used where it is necessary to obtain a reply; in this case, a reply is necessary because preparation must be made to enter- tain the number who may be present. "R. S. V. P." is not gener- ally placed on dinner invitations because it is supposed that every- one knows the necessity of previous notification and will answer the invitation without request. Nor is it generally placed on invi- tations to receptions, because preparations are generally made to entertain as many as may desire to come. The reply to a dance invitation is of the following form : Mr. William N. Black accepts with pleasure the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. John E. White for Wednesday evening, March the twelfth at nine o'clock 1222 Park Avenue or Mr. and Mrs. Frank V. Green or Miss Mary E. Brown regrets exceedingly that her absence from town renders her unable to accept the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. John E. White for Wednesday evening, IMarch the twelfth at nine o'clock 1222 Park Avenue 128 The Wife's Handbook On arriving, the lady goes to the ladies' dressing room to re- move her cloak and the gentleman goes to the gentlemen's dressing room for the same purpose. The gentleman then waits outside the ladies' dressing room until the lady appears at the door, when he escorts her to the dance hall. The reception committee takes position near the entrance to the dance hall, first the hostess ; or if a dancing club, the secretary of the club, and after him in order a patroness, another man, a patroness, etc. On reaching the dance hall, the lady first and then her escort meet the reception committee. If the reception committee has not taken position, the lady and her escort stroll around until the the committee has taken position, and then meet the committee. If dance cards are available, the escort will obtain two and write the names clearly at the top, on the inside. In writing his name for a dance, a gentleman should write his name clearly so that it can be read. Initials and signs are evidence of conceit and ill-breeding. The matter of asking for a dance is very simple. The gentle- man should say "Will you kindly give me a dance. Miss Brown", and he may say this Immediately after being introduced. Miss Brown should say "I should be pleased", and hand him her card; or she may say say "I am so sorry, but I have not one dance left", and hand him her card as proof, if she wishes him to under- stand specially that she is sorry, or she need not hand him her card In case she wishes to keep open certain dances or has already promised them elsewhere. After writing his name on a card, the gentleman should say "Thank you — I have No. — I shall see you then" and leave. He should not stay around and converse, unless he expects to get no more dances elsewhere, because another lady cannot wait too long for him to come and ask her for a dance. It is not polite to leave a lady alone; and sensible ladies will gather in groups of two or three (not more) so that the filling of cards may be facili- tated by allowing the gentlemen to leave. Under no circumstances, should a dance be "cut". The dance should never be given, if such is Intended. If the same gentleman has two dances, and the first is unsatisfactory to the lady, the second should also be danced regardless of the discomfort. If a The Wife's Handbook 129 lady or a gentleman "cuts" a dance, it is considered merely an im- polite and crude manner of showing dislike and of showing that no further friendship is desired at any time. When the music starts for the dance, the gentleman should approach the lady and say "I think this is the dance you promised me, Miss Brown". When the dance is completed, the couple may stroll around the room until the next dance starts. When the music for the next dance commences, the gentleman should not wait for another one to come for his partner, but should say "Will you excuse me? I have an engagement. Where would you like to be taken", and and the lady should say "Please take me to Mrs. — ". On part- ing, the lady should say "That dance was very nice" and the gentleman should say "I thank you, it was very pleasant". If the lady has not her next dance engaged, the gentleman may ask for it, or on leaving mention this fact to her chaperone; but he should not delay at all to leave, if he has the next dance engaged. Nor should a lady ever fail to ask to be taken to her chaperone at the beginning of a neAV dance ; this is especially important, because otherwise the gentleman will be forced to leave her alone, as he must do to fill another engagement, and this will be embar- rassing to both. On leaving the dance, the couple should shake hands with at least two of the reception committee, and should say "I have had a very delightful evening" or words to that effect. If there are refreshments, the lady should be with her escort during that time. If refreshments are served during dancing, he should select certain numbered dances which will take place during this time. If it cannot be avoided, he will have to leave other partners in order to be with his own partner during refresh- ments. This should be explained to his other partner or partners, with whom he has the dance engaged. Such occurrences should be avoided. HOUSE GUESTS Invitations to a friend to visit you should always state the day when she is to come and the day she is to leave. For example, the invitation is generally by letter and it should state the reason for such invitation, the other guests if any, who are to be present, and should state precisely some words like these: "Cannot you 130 The Wife's Handbook come to visit me from Thursday the twentieth until Saturday the twenty-ninth", or "for two week;, beginning Thursday the twen- tieth." When a guest leaves, she should be gently urged to stay longer, but she should not do so. If she does, she should not be invited again. A hostess has to make arrangements for a definite visit of her guests, and she does not expect this time to be prolonged, however much she may say so. After reaching home, the guest should write a personal letter of thanks to her hostess. Invitations to visit "first time you are in this vicinity" or "any time you get a chance", are mere polite phrases and mean nothing at all. Unless a definite date is given, no such invitation should be accepted. Guests should be friendly, but the}' are not expected to make themselves too much at home. On leaving, guests may give some tips to the servants, but this is generally unnecessary. TIPS However much they may be objectionable, it is a fact that tips are necessary in order to obtain the best service. Sometimes, the value of money thus spent is obtained in increased comfort. Ladies generall}' tip less; but they likewise get less service. A safe rule to follow at hotels or restaurants, is to tip the waiter ten per cent of the bill. If this is done, the waiter will be careful to give proper service. It shows that you know what is expected, and what to expect from him. If you wish especial service, a greater tip will hurry him, but this must be given before the service. He will still expect the ten per cent. This custom is unfortunate, but it is the custom. A Pullman porter should be given 25 cents for shining shoes and making up the berth. In the day time, 10 cents is the tip for brushing the clothes and for other care, but it is rarely given. Persons living in a hotel should tip the servants ten per cent of the total bill. This may be divided among the maids, porter and waiters, including the head waiter. On a steamship, 10% of what the same care would cost on land is about correct (omitting the cost of fare). For example, the The Wife's Handbook 131 amount expected by each attendant who does as much work as a Pullman porter is likewise 25 cents per day. Many persons object very strenuously to giving tips. If such persons can obtain the service otherwise, it will be well; but servants can generally guess such intention by the manner of the person and the}'^ govern themselves accordingly. There is practi- cally no redress from the employers of the servants, because these employers quite often give the servants very little wages in addi- tion to their tips, and such tips are a recognized source of wages. Some hotels have even tried a no tipping scheme, but have aban- doned it. OTHER POINTS Children should be trained to keep quiet before older persons, and not to speak unless spoken to. Ladies should remove their hats at the theater, unless in boxes. Applause should be by clapping the hands, not by stamping with the feet or striking with a cane. A gentleman always offers a lady his right arm, in escorting her. A gentleman always walks on the street side of a sidewalk, unless the lady has his arm. The custom of helping a lady up a step is becoming obsolete. When riding horseback, the lady is generally on the left. In helping a lady on a horse, the gentleman places his open right hand about a step higher than the ground, and lifts her when she puts her foot in his hand. A gentleman lifts his hat on meeting a lady with whom he is acquainted ; he also lifts his hat when with a lady who bows to an acquaintance. Ladies or gentlemen speak to servants similarly. There is no rule as to who should speak first, but it is customary for the lady to first show some recognition. A lady precedes a gentleman in church, out of church, and in a crowded street unless it is evident that he should go first for greater convenience. Young ladies should not accept permanent presents from young gentlemen unless they are engaged. Permanent presents are such as may be returned after friendship ceases, such as jewel- ry, gloves, veils, fans. She may accept candy, fruit, flowers, books, etc. 132 The Wife's Handbook In conversation, do not interrupt anyone in the act of saying something. There is no necessity, generally, of saying what you intended to say. As long as the conversation is being carried on, everything is satisfactory. If a person starts to relate some event, and there is interruption by some one else for reasons unavoidable, show proper attention at first opportunity by requesting that the person continue the story as before interruption. Observe the rules of etiquette in your own home ; they will then be simple and natural to you in the homes of your friends. For more detailed information, see Encyclopedia of Social Usage, Roberts, price $2.50. CHAPTER VIII ACCOUNTS General Remarks. Very few women have had any business education before marriage, and it is not convenient to acquire such an education after marriage. Consequently, few wives can understand the simplest rules of bookkeeping without great effort. Before marriage the few pitiful attempts of a girl to keep her accounts are considered amusing by her friends or her fiance. After marriage, the wife is at once placed in the position of dis- bursing member of the partnership, and her pitiful attempts cease to be amusing, and become tragic. After consulting business forms, and securing the aid of a bookkeeper, the author has devised a simple method of keeping accounts, household and personal. Enough blanks are placed in the book to give the wife experience in the use of this method; so that, if the method is satisfactory, it may be continued. A com- plete set for a year comprising the blanks as placed here in the book, will be sent upon receipt of 25 cents. There are many more complete forms, but the author has decided that they are too complicated. There is no necessity for more detailed records. NECESSITY FOR ACCOUNT KEEPING The great majority of women, and often their husbands, see no necessity for keeping accounts. As they say, the money is honestly spent, and what is the use of keeping a lot of red tape to show where it is going. This argument is very good, but I have never known a family who kept accounts at one time, and later stopped keeping same. Invariably, they have continued the practice ; and have often gone into greater detail, which seems to be unnecessary. The reasons for keeping accounts are: 1st: Each day, the wife should know how much money she has spent during the month up to and including that day. The object is not to know this amount purely for the knowledge itself, but to compare the amount spent with the amount which is allowed her for the month up to and including that day. This is by far the most important reason for keeping accounts. Quite 136 The Wife's Handbook often, in fact almost always, the wife is given a fixed amount or herself decides upon a fixed amount as her allowance to be spent during the month. Suppose it is understood that she can spend $40.00 during the month for food, children's clothes, and daily expenses, excepting her own and her husband's expenses. Then, on the night of the 15th of the month, the total expenses which she has incurred, cash and charged, should not be more than $20.00. If, on the night of the 15th, she has spent more than the $20.00 allowed, then she must spend less during the second half of the month. All of this is shown in the blank forms. 2nd : At the end of each month, the wife should be able to tell her husband just how much the bills will be, and to whom they are due. If she does not keep accounts, she almost invariably forgets some bills, and the expenses are greater than expected. If the question of expense is of no importance, it would really be cheaper and more satisfactory to the husband, for the wife to employ a secretary and have her keep the accounts rather than not have them kept at all. But, if the wife must not exceed an allowance for house expenses, it is absolutely necessary that she know just what are her expenses. 3rd: It is also necessary to keep some kind of check upon the grocer, butcher, etc. In these day of hurried effort to get money, it is sad but true that many grocers, butchers, and other merchants charge on the book more than is actually furnished. Few wives check this up, and none check it up unless they keep accounts of some sort. Likewise, it is not unusual for the mer- chant to enter the amount properly on one day, and then to in- crease the amount some time say a week later; consequently, it is not enough for the wife to see that the proper amount is charged for the day ; it is necessary to keep account of the total amount due to date. As many merchants add the total to date after each item is entered, this is very easily checked. Some wives even keep such elaborate accounts that they enter each amount, with its cost per pound, quart, etc. There appears to be no good purpose served by such extreme detailed system. A statement as to the cost per pound, quart, etc., will be of some value to the new housekeeper, but a little experience will show that this is mere useless work after the first few weeks. The Wife's Handbook 137 HOUSEHOLD DUTIES Customs: It is the custom in this country for the wife to attend to all of the household duties. This comprises : Cooking meals Hiring servants Ordering groceries Buying children's clothes Care of all clothes Keeping house clean Care of yard and garden Keeping furniture in condition She need not actually attend to all of these duties herself ; if she has servants, they will relieve her of a great deal of this work. Too many servants are, however, as much trouble as no servants at all. To properly perform these duties, the wife should be provided with a certain allowance each month. The amount should be decided after husband and wife have discussed their financial con- dition. Quite often, the husband refuses to let his wife know any- thing about his finances, and onl}'^ tells her to run the house to suit herself. This is all right, if there is little question of expense, but where the income is very small, a policy like this results in con- tinual bickerings with her husband because of too great expense, or in too great stinting of the family in order to be sure that the expenses will not be heavier than is allowable. A husband should not force his wife to adopt such a policy. As for the husband who will not give his wife an allowance, there is very little commendatory to be said of him. Either he has no confidence in his wife's ability, which will soon be justified if he gives her no opportunity to develop, or he is selfish and wants her to come to him like a servant and explain every time she needs money. Eventually, a family of this kind will consist of a selfish, overbearing husband and a timid, discontented wife. In most cases, the husbands give their wives a fixed amount for all house expenses, including her own. This scheme is very good; but has the one disadvantage that the husband takes no interest in his wife's Avork, she has no object in telling him of good bargains she has made, and eventually she may acquire a tendency to cut down on the meal expenses in order to increase the savings for her oavti personal use. 138 The Wife's Handbook Another scheme, which is also good, is to allow the wife a cer- tain amount for her own expenses, regardless of the amount of the house expenses. This scheme has the disadvantage that she has no direct inducement to decrease the house expenses. The following system of dividing income has been tried and recommended by all who have tried it. Fix a certain amount as the allowable expense for the month for food, clothing for the children, books, magazines, school books, laundry, theaters, servants, minor articles of furniture such as towels, sheets, crockery, coal, etc.; in fact, all running (daily or weekly) expenses. At the end of the month, add these expenses, the monthly ex- penses such as newspapers, rent, lights, water, etc. ; in fact all monthly expenses. Subtract the sum of these expenses from the monthly income and divide the remaining balance into three parts ; one third for the husband, one third for the wife, and one third to be placed in the bank for important expenses, such as life insurance, articles of furniture of considerable cost, etc. Let the husband and wife keep their money separately, and let each pay for own personal expenses. The wife should pur- chase necessary articles of clothing for the husband, but he should reimburse her for the money thus spent. This system places the burden of all household expenses on the wife. It is my opinion that this is as it should be. At first, the husband, who necessarily has business training, will have to help her with advice and show her how to keep the accounts, but event- ually she will be able to run the house without difficulty. If she has not the ability and cannot be taught, then the husband is in- deed unfortunate, for he has not the time to attend to these duties himself; and if he has to employ a housekeeper to supplement his wife's lack of intelligence, his expenses are much heavier than they should be. However, it will generally be cheaper for him to employ a housekeeper, because a witless wife will foolishly spend more money than a housekeeper will cost. VARIOUS METHODS OF SAVING At times, through this book, the cost prices of articles are named so that the wife may have a fair idea of what the cost should be in her own town. The large mail order houses, like The Wife's Handbook 139 Sears, Roebuck & Co., Chicago, or Montgomery, Ward & Co., Chicago and Kansas City, send out catalogues showing prices on practically every household article. These catalogues cost noth- ing, and should be obtained. Just write to each of these firms re- questing a copy of their latest catalogue. They will gladly fur- nish same. Groceries : There have recently been enacted laws requiring exact measures of articles. The wife should measure the amounts, and notify the grocer if they are not as charged. The grocer will become angry ; but after one or two notices, he will improve. A particular source of trouble is the short weight on butter. This should be checked on scales. A scale weighing to 24 pounds costs less than $2.00, and it will more than pay for itself in two months. . Butcher: Very rarely does the butcher furnish full weight unless he suspects that the meat will be weighed. As the penalty is very heavy for short weight, he will improve at once if notified. If he does not do so, he should be reported to the proper author- ity, generally the Health Officer. Milkman: There is seldom trouble with the milk. Nearly everywhere there are inspection laws which are very strict. However, it will be advisable to send a sample of the milk about once a month to the Health Officer, who will examine it free of charge, and report if it is all right. This examination is partic- ularly necessar}"^ in a household where there are little children and babies. Food in Season: It will be noticed in the chapter on Food that the vegetables, and meats when possible, are included in the tables of meals at the times in which fresh vegetables can be ob- tained. This is rarely cheaper, for many canned vegetables can be bought about as cheaply as fresh vegetables. However, in all cities or country districts, there are certain fresh articles which can be bought more cheaply at certain seasons of the year than the canned article. At any rate, the fresh article is more healthy than the canned article, and should preferably be used. Clothing: Bargain sales are continually going on in the cities. Generally, these so-called "bargains" are really not cheaper than similar articles elsewhere ; but it is possible to really find times when clothing can be bought very cheaply at these 140 The Wife's Handbook sales. A wife should carefully read the newspapers in order to pick out such bargains. As the object of such sales is to attract the purchaser and sell her something else, one should be partic- ularly careful to buy only such articles as are really bargains, and to buy these only when they are needed, or when it is advisable to buy now for future use. Receipts: No one has ever told me of an instance when a tradesman made an error in favor of the housekeeper. When he makes an error in his own favor, it is very hard to prove the error because the tradesman keeps books, and the housekeeper does not. When finally convinced that he has made an error, the tradesman is willing as a favor to correct the error, but never seems to feel that an apology or even more care in future is neces- sary. To check payments to tradesmen, there are three methods : 1st: The daily account of money spent; this is the most valu- able because it shows when he was paid and shows that the amount on hand was decreased by the same amount. This is the best and only really important check. 2nd: Old receipts. Receipts should always be signed by the tradesman as "Paid in full to date (or end of month)". Trades- men never do this unless forced to do so. Such a receipt is suffi- cient in case of dispute ; all old ones can be safely destroyed. If no such receipt is obtained, all old receipts should be kept for two years. They can most conveniently be kept, filed by alphabet, in a box letter file (cost 30 cents). 3rd: Old checks, or check stubs, serve as aids to memory; they generally convince the tradesman, if he sees his own endorse- ment on the check. Kitchen Economies: Attention is invited to the chapter on cooking, where the comparative costs of various fuels are listed. The old method of cooking with coal or wood stoves is generally very expensive for households, as compared with oil in almost any locality and with gas, gasoline, or electricity in certain localities. It is a custom of our ancestors, which is hard to break, but event- ually all households will dispense with coal and wood for kitchen fires. Also, servants will work for less, or will do more useful work, in a household where coal and wood are not used; this is an economy. The Wife's Handbook 141 Absurd Economies: A woman should use judgment in the emplo3^ment of her time. For instance, I knew an estimable lady who had been taught by her mother to make tapers in order to save matches. As matches cost about 1 cent per hundred, I estimate that this lady saved by steady work, almost half a cent an hour. As she paid her cook about 10 cents an hour, I think that she was wasting her time. A wife should see just what she can do that will save the most money for the time spent. Preserves are expensive, pickles cost money, cakes are not cheap; possibly she would save money if she made these things herself. On the other hand, clothes are expensive, and she may have special ability or training with the needle. If so, she should not make pre- serves and pickles ; she should make clothes, darn socks and stock- ings, do all her own sewing and hire a cook. She may even sell some of her own sewing ; fancywork is paid for at fancy prices. Some wives find that they have ability to write and sell articles for magazines or newspapers. If a wife can really make more money this way than she can by doing other work, she should do so ; but it must be remembered that it is not a question of her ability to write such articles, but a question of the selling value of the articles. If she wishes to indulge herself in writing them anyhow, this work should be done after all other household duties have been completed. Some wives take special pleasure in care of children. (All wives should take special pleasure in care of their own children.) As nurses are nearly as expensive as cooks, such a wife should have a cook and do the nursing herself. This is particularly advantageous for the child. EXPERIENCES OF OTHERS Financial Budgets of Many Good Housekeepers: It is es- pecially to be noticed that the mere keeping of accounts is of no value whatever ; a dead list of where the money was spent is use- less ; a live list showing how much money is to be spent for separate items during the month, and how much is left for this purpose each day, is what is needed. Studies of the expenses of good housekeepers in all walks of life have shown that, with rare ex- ceptions, the amounts spent for food, clothing, shelter, etc., are practically the same for incomes of the same amount, regardless of the population of the community or the occupation of the 142 The Wife's Handbook breadwinner. In large cities, as compared with life on a farm, with same income, the food is not so healthful, the comfort of living is not so great, and the character of the companions is not so satisfactory ; but for the same income the proportional amounts for food, clothing, shelter, etc., are nearly the same. The following table will be useful to the wife in deciding what amounts should be set aside for different expenses ; these tables represent the average actual expenses of good housekeepers who lived within their incomes and saved a little money, with a family consisting of husband, wife and two young children. w c o o o o o o o o o O o q o q in q q q q q q o > m m (D CO 00 d d CO t-^ d t-^ d €e- iH r-l iH (N •* T)l !0 o o o o o o o O o o o 'S 3 m o q in q in o q q q q c g ci 03 •*' '*■ d d t-^ d tH ci in HH •TS ie- c o o o o o o o o o o o q q o o o q q q q o o M c3 ;o' 00 GJ d ^' (m' in d m" d d u C-l Cl CO in s £«• i o o O o o o o o o o o > q q q in q q q o q o q N CO ■*" ■4 in d t-^ 00 d in" d (M » «■ JB ■=i" i? o'o o o o o o o o o O d q q q q q q q q q q q S 03 CJ CO -^ in d t> 00 d d m" m" d A Si (M O O &3- aj c o o o o in o o o o o o 'u q q in q Cl in q q q o q '5 tH iH rH ei CJ 03 co" -*' in d t> «■ S ti o o O o o o o o o o o c q o q q in in in q q q o !5 (O t-^ o> d c-i co' t-^ in" in d d iH ri ^ m o w- 5 o o o o in o o o o o o in o o o C] in o o o o s -a o in 00 oi d ^ d d T<< co" M 3 aj €©- T-l i-< IM CO -* ;^' o o o o o o o o O o o q q in in q q q q q q q -— «3 03 co" d d (m' in" c^i in d d x: rM r-l (N C) C^J CO CO ^ CD CQ «• o o O o o o o o o o o o o q q o q o q o q q q q in --o t> 00 d co' d in d in in &. (M (M CO CO ■> -C o in o o in in o o o o o c o to t> Ol o rH (N m o in o o o a iH tH fH iH CJ (N CO m s «e- S 1S 144 The Wife's Handbook FORMS FOR ACCOUNTS The following forms are placed at end of this chapter: 12 monthly sheets of Household Expenses 12 monthly sheets of Daily Household Notes 12 monthly sheets of Husband's Accounts 12 monthly sheets of Personal (Wife's) Expenses 12 pages for list of property These forms are simple and require very little work. A wife can quickly learn to keep them, and will find that the satisfaction of knowing how she stands far outweighs the little trouble in keeping accounts. About ten minutes each evening will be suf- ficient to make all necessary entries. Any husband can easily ex- plain the forms, but a few hints are given herewith to assist. HouseJiold Expenses and Notes: In each community certain amounts are spent or charged during the day, and certain ex- penses cannot be determined until the end of the month. Food, children's clothing, servants, and incidentals are daily or weekly expenses ; while heat, light, rent, and insurance are monthly ex- penses. The money for the monthly expenses can be kept by the husband or wife, but the money for the daily expenses should be given her at the beginning of the month. To determine this amount: Suppose that the monthly income is $125 per month. A study of the above table giving financial budgets of other good housewives shows that the wife should re- ceive on the first of each month $55 for daily and weekly ex- penses as follows : Food $33.00 Clothing for children, about 3.50 Medicine 2.50 Church 3.50 Servants 6.00 Incidentals - 6.50 Total $55.00 Being allowed each month $55, she should on the first of each month fill in the cohnnn "Allowance to date" from the following table, or if not in this table, by multipl3ang the total allowed amount by the amount allowed to date for each dollar (in the column of $1.00). The Wife's Handbook 145 Total Allowances to Each Day Total for $1.00 $10.00 $30.00 $50.00 $70.00 Month 1 .033 .33 1.00 1.67 2.33 2 .067 .67 2.00 3.33 4.67 3 .10 1.00 3.00 5.00 r.oo 4 .133 1.33 4.00 6.67 9.33 5 .167 1.67 5.00 8.33 11.67 6 .20 2.00 6.00 10.00 14.00 7 .233 2.33 7.00 11.67 16.33 8 .267 2.67 8.00 13.33 18.67 9 .30 3.00 9.00 15.00 21.00 10 .333 3.33 10.00 16.67 23.33 11 .367 3.67 11.00 18.33 25.67 12 .40 4.00 12.00 20.00 28.00 13 .433 4.33 13.00 21.67 30.33 14 .467 4.67 14.00 23.33 32.67 15 .50 5.00 15.00 25.00 35.00 16 .533 5.33 16.00 26.67 37.33 17 .567 5.67 17.00 28.33 39.67 18 .60 6.00 18.00 30.00 42.00 19 .633 6.33 19.00 31.67 44.33 20 .667 6.67 20.00 33.33 46.67 21 .70 7.00 21.00 35.00 49.00 22 .733 7.33 22.00 36.67 51.33 23 .767 7.67 23.00 38.33 53.67 21 .80 8.00 24.00 40.00 56.00 25 .833 8.33 25.00 41.67 58.33 26 .867 8.67 26.00 43.33 60.67 27 .90 9.00 27.00 45.00 63.00 28 .933 9.33 28.00 46.67 65.33 29 .967 9.67 29.00 48.33 67.67 30 1.00 10.00 30.00 50.00 70.00 31 1.00 10.00 30.00 50.00 70.00 In the daily household notes should be entered the amounts of cash paid out and for what purpose, occasionally the prices paid for certain articles, reports to the Health authorities of the milkman, butcher, etc., and near the beginning of the month the dates of payment of monthl}'^ bills of preceding month. Settlement can be made about the fourth of each month (sooner, if the monthly bills have all been received). The hus- band should then give the wife checks or cash to pay these last month's bills, and the monthly savings can then be divided as shown in form. 146 The Wife's Handbook Husband's Accounts and Personal Expenses need not be kept at all, except for general information and satisfaction; they are not necessary for efficiency. However, they are generally kept. The husband need not give the wife extra money in advance for the small cash amounts she pays for him. It is usual for her to place it on the form or to write dealer, article, and amount on a little slip of paper, place it with her cash as though it were actually cash, and then get the cash from him at the end of the month or earlier if convenient. The property form is to be used only once each month, on the first. Many wives do not know how many spoons, forks, plates, etc., they have. A servant very soon learns this, and all servants are not too honest to take away with them a few articles from time to time. It is customary to arrange the items alphabetically, and make a separate entry for each different set of articles, even if of the same name. In the "Notes" are entered where the articles can be found. Thus, the entry for the tea spoons would be Spoons, Tea Silver, K. S. N. 12 Trunk 12 Silver, K. S. 10 S 8, Kn 2 Plated 9 Kn 9 ■*-• U s — en a >-) o K to o >4 O -w O pq "3 o Charity Papers Rent o H s o c 1— 1 CO C O c at a « CM ■M o a u & -a ^ o 1 ^ HI rH ll O H — O O 13 d2 1^ 13 u Q O O ■a u u o 3 Da C > " - 0* M T}< »o CO t- X Ol o 1— 1 rH o< CO I—I I— 1 1— 1 us 1—1 00 rH Ci o 0* rH ^ CO en "5 to 0* 0* C5 0* o CO CO Pi O CO H O O O >^ < Q =^ M 1 CM CO 04 c i a »-) o W O J3 13 o H Charity Papers Rent O Eh s o o c 1— ( CO c 4; P CS o - (¥1 CO t-H ^ •o •o t- 00 Cl o o» CO 0^ 0^ 00 C5 o CO M 1 9. E a o a o J3 3 "o H Charity Papers Rent o s o c I-H to « c a, u a C c IS o - s < i ^ o 0.2 H 1 — = = = = U o o K o Pi o _ _ =r (U 4) 52 CO CO W Pm T3 U 1^ o O 33 3 oa «] g o 1 i - - > a c ' i-H Q* M Tjl «5 CO t- ao 05 o ^ 1— ( CO 1— 1 I-H "5 1— 1 ■■o t- 1—1 o o 0* CO 0< 05 o CO 50 r; IN CO Ur iQ ?^ CM M 04 IM c S n 1-1 o K 1 JP5 •5 o Charity Papers Rent "3 O lU i c <1 Q O H P O T3 1) O - u 3 1 o — '" - 0* M •^ "5 CO t- » o o 1— ( '^ m CO 1— 1 r- 2 -O t~ X a o G« G^ •* G» CO 0< I- G< G< CO CO i I c £ i-l B w CO § u V : 3 ^< 4J -(J X! CS V J Ph tf •s B a «5 C ^ [J p •^ t* 00 oi c; rH iM 00 Nj^ s o w u 3 O CO Cm C P^ Pi o S £ 5h 4) 3 c a "to o "S CO — = = 1 1 1l 0< 52 T3 u O u <- 3 «. O 1 1 i ! — 1 CO |eo ' F-H en eo 'ji •o » tr- OD Ol o - (!« CO 1— 1 -*< «5 X> t- 00 C5 o (5< "2 0^ G< a V e S o O O Charity Papers Rent o 4) S o c n X a t3 C ■4-1 O ^ o 1 o 0,2 H = = = = U o — — - 1° a, T3 Qj a « -a 52 -0 rt bo o — — — — >1 X! 3 M V O • ^ 13 0» 0* O p— 1 50 > O^ CO -* '-'> ® t- OD OS o - G^ M ^ O O t- X C3 o 0< 0> G» w esi < XI •o bt u ' rH en on ^ «5 » t- X 05 O 1— 1 rH C5< rH CO -*- iH «2 •o CD rH o ■H 0< 0< CO C5< 0^ 0^ C5 O CO 50 I c • • • ♦ • 6 P . . . ... X' 1 — O U V ^ «, : ^ ?? -r! w OUSEH Groce Butch Cash Total Char! Paper Rent Total come icpensc Clear mk usban ife Total K h5h « E^ c ii ? T) W o <5 r- 1 H ti "S rt — — rt -v fe "-" 2 O ffi H 1^ ;z; o Pi o fT, M N J3 O CO O - 5^ H Ph ■d ><) "S s W H J5 U O H c/) D O t>> XI •tj fo — ' M , tJ V = H (■ '"* >. rt f^ 71 'i* «> » t~ -m Oi o 1— ( f» m -* JO o i~ y^ ^ o ■—1 t- cc cs 0^ G^ CO c^^ G* o CO CO E en a o K i O -M ; J3 '3 o Charity Papers Rent 05 i s a O c :q T3 C C8 O I-I X t, I-H O 1^ O O •d 52 1 CO Oh •a rt to o n — — O CO O - 1 u 1-1 2 C P - rs> CO rf. ' 1 O t~ X Ol o ::; o> CO -f< '0 -^ rt ^ —1 t- GO Si i-H 1— ( i-H o CN CO 1-0 ■o p* 0-. p' CO CO c <. E J. tr Q i-l O K o 3^ u V J= o ■*-• u P O pq O o Charity Papers Rent Is 4-> o i C CO a ^1 c P5 a eS CS o 7-( ^ -a < 1 »-l 1 l-H 1 O ffi 1^ a, ! o o _ _ ■d n -a 52 1 1 •a -J u r° « U — 1^ O E o X u u rt U u U 3 m 1 2 o i - — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — '' -H o< CO r}< 'O o t- X 03 o ;i^ f^» CO l-H «5 —1 1— 1 CD —1 C5 o o< S '* P* ^2 05 o CO 00 cS B •a ■(5 a, B 3 O B < S < u "a u Q 1 § u c 3 O B < kt <: _u "rt u Q 1 — — i: 3 p— 1 0^ M ^ «5 O t- 00 Oi o ^3 ©« CO 1— 1 ■rfl kC ■■s t- X 01 o S 5> en to G» 0* o CO M a s 3 a CS "cS H Pi B CS P X a TS en C ^ • CS • -0 S • in J3 • p . a 1 c CS 3 cS CM o 'Z > ■5 Q e u u c 3 S < < "a e E ■a V U c 3 a < < 1 CO — C ■a i-H o« CO ■* «> « t- OQ 05 z; G> CO 1-1 »c ■0 I— 1 00 Oi o> CO 0* G( •0 CD 0* 05 CO B G 3 t/3 Clear at end of last month Received during the 5 c o s CO a > a 'Ji CO s c 3 o S < < a u a •a o U c 3 o s <; < — Q 1 ^ « 5 - c< c •# «5 o t- 00 o :::3 o> CO 1— 1 iO •o X S5 1— 1 o - H 3» CO ao c 1 o - ^> CO B e 9 J' u a O •s •• Pi a a 1 -a c P p< 2 m O JS a > c C8 tn o o H V a P S X u O u ■a 'a a a o s < 'S u o g X o ■c bJ a O 4-t c 3 o 6 < < _o "n Q en 01 CD CI o CO 1— ( — c >> 5 - G^ C 5 Tji «5 o t- X OS o f-H o^ M i-H »o ■o 00 05 1—1 5» "iX CO B B 3 Clear at end oi last month Received during the to a ■> lU 5 § S o J2 C O bo l1 ?^ « HO : : Is o Clear at end of month In oank Cash s- CO '. '. "rc ! ! c : : ^ o _>. '3 O 1? X c »-. o -a CO 0-1 c 3 O e < < ~3 u Q O a 3 O 6 < < :3 —1 c^ c •* «5 O t- co o ;i| Cf( CO ^ ■■s t- (X, Ci i-H 1— 1 r-H O — 1 3\ 0* G< 0» CO -f ITj O t- G* 0» 0> G X o o - 0» G> CO i rt S B 3 r3 C 5 ^ «5 ■-0 t- OD 05 o - H G^ CO r-C as 1— ( » t- ©» CD o CO m b n S B 3 4-> tn C V (53 c S 4-" .S 'u P OJ J3 a to be c i cc . . P • • • • X : : • * "s 4- . . c • • E- c S bJD a c ^ ■" J? ^1 HO : • Clear at end of month In bank Cash a- m ! ! rc ■t- . . c : : ^ o K o o ■3 p 1 ? c CO > J2 « ■5 a, a 3 e < < Q CO i-J < o CO H Ph 1 ■0 c 3 B < < ■3 u Q 1 ^3 1— 1 C< CO -:?< «5 ■0 t- CO «n -1 c I— 1 rH r <« CO H f-4 1— 1 «5 ■0 t- X i-H i-< 1— ( — 1 3^ 0» Q^ G< CO ■* u-j ;o t- « " I 0* 0* 00 |o B S 3 "3 +-> o H 3 ^ : c • P • a o C Ji • CS O • In X! • p O • 43 a ^ .. p o '. •M O H o _^ Q 1 I 6 X u o •& u 'p. B 3 O S <; JO < _u "n Q E X u n U c 3 o E < < "3 u 1 1 1 • c >» t 5 - G< « '*« «> « t- CD C5 o :^ o> CO ■a «C •-0 1— 1 CD 5« '4 0> o ^ 6 6 3 C/2 tn O C ■<-> _ .s > PS CO .S m . 5 i : S ci3 o c bO c ^ ° : : : ^ ^ '. '. '. c ^ • • • (U ^ • • • HO ■ . o : • Eh Clear at end of month In bank Cash owes me Total 05 o O u o Q cS u V c & to o > CO Pi n a CL4 a 3 o S < u < u s n u Q en Oh X o Ph -a u it im a U c 3 o s < t-l < a Q - — V 3 i-H (y« c *2 -J" "5 O t- 00 Ol o — ( cy« CO Tl" iO ■o t- X c -5 O — ( 5-« H 0^ ot o> CO -f. ^j -O b o» c» ©> c - 00 C5 O - « 0» 0» M |C & a S s 3 a a C3 O H •• ^ : ^a • (3 • rt • -o • 3 • (D s be "^ O C ^ • cs tl • 3 o . a be c en 3 Ph O +-' <4H CO "3 ■M o H o '5 Q e O 'n c 3 O S < J) < u E O c 3 O S < o il a — c ? 5 1— ( Q< (» 'J' •c ■o t- 00 OS o >— 1 — 1 —4 Gt CO I-l I2f •o f-H 2 c G> 2J G» G^ G» G« G\ CD Gl C5 o — < S s 3 Clear at end of last month Received during the 5 c o s bO C i X! CO g < < u a T3 n U c 3 S <; < n u Q o< CO cr> — , 5 - rt* C -fi 'O •o t- X 05 o ^ c <( M ^ ifl o t- oc C5 o - H 5< 0> b- CD e s s '3 6 •4-> H C CS 1 tJ CO C -M • cS • to .C • 0) a i -a c ea to 3 -t-i to CS CO "3 o 'a o E s 3 o 6 < < o o •a V U E < < » =» CD C5 — < — c 1 3 - Ol Ci L «o ;o t- CD 01 — ( CO "5 •0 r-l 00 C5 — < 3< CO c« e e 3 CO ■4-> s o C CO ri* •c •o t~ X c ^ 1-1 l-( 1- ■> O — 1 5> H |o» |p< [0» CO 0> t- a D O « s s a O X! CO O o H C C3 a 1 'a 3 Pi o CO o (U ■6 a be c C3 3 HH CS O CS CO O o ■« Q o re O ■« □ 3 o s < ■£ < "a V C 1 £ o •a u be re j: O c 3 g < < n V o 1 1 i-H CD 05 i-H oJ CO G< G* C5< CD 05 o CO ?5 — c ^ 3 - G^ h :) 'ji »o O t- CD OJ O - 1 c> -1 >-< CO «o & 6 6 3 o c t-i a V c o s fco i a o s to C 1 CO eS c a a - ■5 1-H O X H o * o ■ ■« Q ? -M X •a c C3 -Q P O CO 1) x: a > be c B5 tn o •4-> to 13 o 8 o 'a e X u o u ■o 'S a 3 i <: t < V n V Q ! 1 1 1 1 o ■a M Q 3 O s <; JU "ij "S M ■o< «i ■o t- CD G( -v> SI CI OD 01 o5 - & a B s 3 Clear at end of last month Received during the i c o s tn C i 4) • en 3 • o • e C E- C o B tc a "IS • • tn 2 • • i- ft . . HO : : -3 : - H Clear at end of month In bank Cai,h 05 o ! : 'n '. '. o : : ^ 4) O 'a P cS ij ft O -a > CO -0 'a a 3 o s < < ■« Q 1 1 1 1 13 U a c 3 o a <: < "rt u Q 3 -< ri^ : -f 'O •O t- Q D CI O -H e -^ CO -T< ^ ■o I- cc c 1 O — 1 31 1 [o» p< 0( CO -f< iTj O l- 0» p« 01 [o . X ci o - ■» CM [CI CO |0 a a 3 (U « to u H C i g bC c CS X! a bo B C8 P Oh -w J3 to CO o '3 P e X s o a 3 a < J) ■£ <; i< n u G ~ 1 i 6 K -c rt □ 3 G <; < "3 C i 1 — c ^ 2 - o» « ^ " ■0 " OD Z^ 0^ M "^ ■0 t~ CO Oi c> ":« 51 CO S« 01 CD C5 Gt cc - i: a B B ■a m OS o TJ C 03 V u o S .2 3 > Pi CO be C % u • 5 § : gffi : s : 'o C c o s C ■)- c 1 O C o % £1 JS to 5 O V s (U o - C o 'rt c o cS CO J3 CU a 3 O 6 < < u S H V o 1 i 1 1 -J T3 U u a Xi U c 3 O s < J) < u JJ a o 1 1 1 o - CO [? i ^ 3 •H 0* CO "* «5 •, 3 t- oo c o -1 c ■< eo ;:i; ^ •o X o o - -1 .-;> CO 5« [o« B a 3 -^3 eS O "3 O H Pi c i3 -a 3 • a be c ctf CO s > c tn P >-> 5 o ■•-' o Eh a o '3 Q o ■a ■« B O 6 < < u JJ H u o — 1 - e X o •a u tit a .c U c 3 o s <; < _u - — c ^ 5 - G< cr '* o - i- CX5 Oi o Zj G> CO «3 •o 1—1 CD 05 c G» ■51 G« CO «5 Gt Gl Gl XI G* 0« o CO a a 3 ■4-> o C O bo .S 'O aj > Pi 5 § a m bC C (U • • to 3 • • o • • Ui: : : : : . . o • • Eh a to a «S • • Pi n j3 u ■d "a § 5 < V u < "c3 Q PL, o Pi T3 be u a U c 3 O S < < u O — — 1 & 3 "H G< C -* «5 •o t- CO oi o -( c r-l r-H [■- ■^ CO ■^ iC •i^ t- X c 1 O -( -« CO G» -f< ^j o t- - OD C^ O ' » 0< 0* CO p B B D J' 03 H Ph & -a c ca en P a C en P p. ■2 : ca M • y • < u c - S X ■a j: c 3 B < < u "« u Q c ^ 5 r-( 0. C -# "5 ■0 t- 00 01 ;:^ c« (« 1-^ «5 •0 t- X c C5^ CO 0* ex «5 0* «5 CO C5 01 CO ? b E E 3 CO ■4-> o c eS O J3 C o s 4) -I-' bo _C "C 3 > c O s to t>0 ,c *> CO O H 1-1 I-H o o O 'A '3 1 ? ^| c D P. 03 o > o J2 'o a, c 3 O S < o p CO rn i-J <; o rt o c 3 o s < 'S < "H u Q 1 ( - o* CO -f "5 O t- CO 05 o ^ eo •^ iO ■o r-H X G5 O - H 5> CO 3^ (5^ o CO CO a B G 13 be }- C3 o "3 ■»-> o H Husband will pay: H 4) > eS bO C !3 o *-> i 1 to -a c a, O +-1 J= en ', • o 1 1 .6 X u ■2 O a 3 O S < 1 M ! 1 — = z= E X c •c « U n 3 o B < < "3 a \ _l_ [ 1 •^ ■^ "5 ■•o 1— 1 i-H CD 1— i 05 1— ( c — < g^ CO G« G» CD 05 G» O CO M & 3 i-H ©« r • -a c n d — O m O " I— I a t;; CO r^ 3 ^ < H Pi O O ~3 H 3 M — — 0, t;; < 5. — — — — — — — 1— 1 h4 — — — — — — - — — - — - — — J t>- ft w — — — « 1 1 ! ! t 1 I 1 1 o 12; •a -C CJ c C rt c O 6 Q " O " /• Q to >< < Pi (^ O Pi CM It, :3 1^ p. 2 — — — — — - O CO »— ( — — < 1 1 •a j: U c ■a c n c O o z — o ^ » — *1 w O 1/1 O " 'Xl : — - H Pi H Ph O Pi o 3 !3 — — 3 M B to ^ 4-1 0, "> < -- - ,« 12 < ^ 1 ! i 1 1 1 ! i i i i 1 i 1 1 '1' \ » ^ i o U c -a c rt c O d u in ^; " o tn O " ,;■ in >^ < H Pi H (^ O Ph O H "3 S 3 i-i fa " a ii ■-1 u o u < 1 V 1 •T3 u J; u c > C a X c O d 2; 2; F-H < H PS o o H _>,„ 3 « 3 IS a tn At a -K ' 1 1 1 o T3 (J u c X. ■a c n c O 6 — o " C/3 1— 1 I-l H Pi O Pi o _>,„ 3 S 3 « < — — — — — ' - — ^ .1-1 til ■-1 ' 3 < o •a u j: O c T3 C rt C O d 2; Q " O " ■72 ti -w < 3 S (U 3 M — — 0, m < — — — — — — — — — — — j2 1; — hi u o i T3 o c •a c K c O d Q " tl tn O " 1—1 'Si " < Ph O o 3 M 5 tn n tn < t-1 hX4 0* ■K a ii _ o 1 •a J3 u c •d c c O 6 :2; Q " O " : a" < H Pi o o H t—t "3 n 3 « n to - 0, JO < J3 ■S! m M t> < 1 .._ o 15 1 I i [ ■a ^ < o Pi o H 1— I 3 iC' 5 " — — — — — — 3 " 0." < — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — - — — — - — — CIS » ^_ I . u < i 1 1 o 1 1 ! •a U c c o c O d Q " 1 > 4-. O (A O " I— 1 72 Oi T-t >* -3; H O Oh o _>. « 3 « — 0," — -° " u < CHAPTER IX MARRIED SEXUAL LIFE General Ignorance: There is more ignorance on this vital condition of married life than is generally imagined. If a man from Mars casually walked in to the home of a newly married couple and asked questions about the most sacred state of mar- ried life, he would learn that the groom knew almost nothing of the laws of nature as regards sex, and that the bride was entirely ignorant of the laws of nature and of the facts concerning the action of her oAvn reproductive organs. Male: At the beginning of married life, the husband must be the teacher. He must be kind, gentle, and aifectionate. Genr erally, he knows about the act of sexual intercourse. Cases are known where the husband is ignorant of his part of the act, but these cases are very rare. He may never have had sexual inter- course, but the discussion of sexual subjects is not secret among men, and he could hardly fail to have learned a great deal. The male sexual organs are exposed to view, and the habits of the male are such that no mystery has surrounded his productive organs. He handles them every day. In youth he goes in swim- ming, entirely naked, with six or a dozen other youths. If he attempts to be modest, he is ridiculed. In school and college, the rooms are common ; and nakedness in the boarding house, the gym- nasium and the shower bath, is a matter for no comment. After maturity, sexual matters are discussed openly among unmarried men. Often visits are paid to women of bad character, for im- moral purposes, or purely to satisfy curiosity as to the female sex. So it may be safely decided that the young husband is fully acquainted with the reproductive organs of both man and woman. Female: On the contrary, tjie wife generally knows very little. It is true that there is a certain amount of discussion among women of the lower classes, but even this is vague and indefinite. No single woman is willing to acknowledge too thor- ough acquaintance with such matters for fear that this may create the impression of actual experience, which would probably be correct. The single man, on the contrary, even if continent, desires among men to create the impression of being immoral, for it does not detract from his prestige, and often adds to it. 150 The Wife's Handbook Married women likewise avoid the discussion of such subjects; it is considered improper and vulgar. Little girls never undress and go naked before each other ; they are taught otherwise. They never handle their sexual organs. At school and college, con- ditions are entirely different from that among boys. Girls rarely discuss such matters ; there is practically no nakedness. It is safe to say that girl roommates seldom if ever see each other completelj' undressed. After maturity, sexual matters are not discused among unmarried girls ; this is considered vulgar . Before marriage, the girl's mother, if living, tries to tell her as much as she knows about sexual relations ; but this informa- tion is meagre and generally erroneous, being based on similar misinformation from an ancestor, and on experiences not thoroughly understood. So it may be safely be decided that the young wife is only vaguely aware of the actions of her own re- productive organs and has practically no knowledge of those of her husband. MARRIAGE RELATION Reproductive Organs: It is useless to describe the male or- gans of reproduction. The semen is composed of granules from the testicles, (becoming spermatazoa in the seminal vesicles) and an unexplained but seemingly necessary secretion from the pros- tate gland. The spermatazoa are the living germs in the semen. They are shaped like a worm with a large head, the body form- ing their means of locomotion. They travel always straight forward, at the rate of about an inch an hour. They thrive in a warm fluid, but are killed by water nearly boiling, say 180° F., sudden cold, prussic acid, strychnine, permanganate of potash, and alcohol. The male organs of a grown man are generally completely developed, and if their effectiveness is marred in any way, it is not evident without examination. The fact that the semen is produced in the regular way in an average or unusual quantity is not proof that it is of effective quality; microscopic examination of such semen in many cases has shown that there were no spermatazoa, and consequently reproduction was impossible. This accounts for so-called barreness of many wives, which is really impotence of the husband who is seemingly not at all so. Contact with the female under proper conditions will cause an erection in the normal male. As this erection is The Wife's Handbook 151 all that is necessary for copulation, the normal male easily per- forms his share of the act. The female organs of reproduction are not completely under- stood, but such understanding is not necessary. Briefly, the female ovaries correspond to the male testicles ; the ova from the ovaries correspond to the seminal granules from the testicles and the Graafian vesicles assist to develop these ova by action similar to that of the seminal vesicles in the male. However, while the male has only one center of excitation, the female has three, the vagina, the clitoris, and the nipples of the breast. The ova of the female must be fertilized by the spermatazoa from the male in order to produce offspring. This is described later. The female organs are not generally well developed at marriage, the clitoris being thin and narrow, and the walls of the vagina being pale and sickly looking. The ovaries are generally fully de- veloped. And except during pregnancy and nursing, one ovum (sometimes two or three) are developed and pass out into the womb. Erection of the female is difficult to obtain at first. It is by no means spontaneous as in the case of the male. Judgment and Consideration Necessary: As stated, the male is experienced in practice or in knowledge, and he generally has to make all of the advances. By nature, also, the male is aggres- sive and the female quiescent. Likewise the training of the two is to this effect. So much is this true with the female that many women think it is immoral to show any desire for intercourse with their husbands even after several years of married life. This is all wrong, as will be explained later. The husband experiences no difficulty in obtaining an erection. Through manly aggressiveness, it is natural ; likewise it is neces- sary for further procedure in the act of sexual intercourse. Erection on the part of the wife is not necessary for intercourse, but it is advisable if the act is not to be really distasteful. As the wife is inexperienced, the husband must employ caresses, as are pleasant between lovers but are often omitted as unnecessary after marriage. The husband's efforts to arouse the passion of his wife should be more or less prolonged. As one author has stated: "The husband should actually seduce his Avife." Of course, this is not a necessit3\ The wife will permit intercourse because she feels it to be a duty, but her love for her husband is increased 152 The Wife's Handbook or decreased in accordance with the effectiveness with which he arouses her desires for intercourse. No normal husband need fear that he will too greatly arouse the passions of his wife. The male being the aggressor, it is necessary that he proceed at least the first time with delicacy and consideration. The feminine canal is partly closed with a thin membrane, called a hymen, and it is often necessary that this be stretched oi ruptured before complete intercourse can take place. As the rupture of this membrane is attended with pain, the wife looks forward with dread to the first act of intercourse. Extreme lack of con- sideration causes nervous shock, which in extremely sensitive women may result in real sickness. Quite often, the hymen is not naturally grown, or it has been ruptured by a fall or accident, and sometimes the male organ can enter without rupture. The absence of a hymen is not proof of lack of virginity, though men generally think so. Artificial ones have even been been made. Assuming that the husband uses every proper means to make intercourse a pleasure to his wife, it still remains a fact that many women are unwilling or unable to express any satisfaction in it. It is safely estimated by those who know that about 15 per cent of wives derive no satisfaction from intercourse. It is almost impossible for such a woman to retain the love of her husband and to be happy in her marriage. This brings up all the question of the marriage relation. It is a broad subject and will be discussed only briefly. It may be clearly stated that no marriage between young people will be happy without proper sexual relations. The two may marry without any desire or intention of having children ; they may even before marriage have no passionate tendencies toward inter- course, yet no man or woman will marry one of the opposite sex if it is known that her or his sexual organs are impotent. Too many wives do not realize the importance, the necessity to their happiness of proper intercourse with their husbands. Many wives come to me and complain that their husbands do not care for them, that they care for the company of other women, often for immoral purposes. Yet these same women are very much shocked when I tell them plainly that it is generally their own fault, that they are like a dead weight in the most evident expression of their love, and that their previous training is altogether wrong in de- The Wife's Handbook 153 daring such expression to be immodest. The love of a husband cannot be retained by beauty in form of dress, by good cook- ing, or by multitudinous evidence of care and solicitude, if the mainspring of such love be missing. The above attitude of the wife is often due to her intentionally failing to perform her part in the vain hope that by so doing she can avoid conception, and the consequent pains of child birth, with the following worries and care in bringing up the child. There is practically nothing in this idea. It is a known fact, there are no doubts whatever, that concurrence of the wife is not at all necessary to conception. Women have conceived while asleep, hypnotized, unconscious, and under drugs during inter- course. The spermatazoa from thoroughbred studs of great value have been used to impregnate four to eight mares with one emis- sion from the stud, and the seminal fluid has even been shipped to a distance for that purpose. Inanimation of the female does not prevent conception; it should be avoided, as it only causes unhappiness to both parties. Further, any such inanimation by the wife causes congestion and sickness of the female generative organs. Husbands often can, by care and judgment, prevent such errors in their wives. Many husbands have asked me for advice, have told me that their wives are cold, that they feel that they are imposing upon their wives. My advice has invariably been to the effect that their wives are acting in accordance with the training of 20 or more years of ignorance and modesty, and that the husbands must train them to obey now the natural in- stincts. PHYSIOLOGY OF CONCEPTION During the act of copulation, the semen from the male is spurted into the vagina of the female. This semen contains the spermatazoa, and these little germs have such life and power of locomotion (one inch per hour) that they spread themselves through the whole of the interior of the feminine generative organs. They have been found alive throughout the entire generative tract, and some say even alive on the surface of the ovaries some days after intercourse, though this is doubted. They may live six or seven days after emission. 154 The Wife's Handbook Fertilization: In order to produce conception, one of these spermatazoa must fertilize an ovum in the proper condition for fertilization. The ovum is developed during menstruation, and possibly for a certain number of days after menstruation. The average duration of menstruation is four days, though it may habitually last seven days and not be abnormal. Fertilization must take place during or shortly after menstruation because it is then and onl}"^ then that the ovum is in condition for fer- tilization. The exact time and place of fertilization are not clearly under- stood, and physicians do not agree. The best authority is of the opinion that fertilization can only take place in the womb or just at the edge of the Fallopian tubes which form the passage of the ova from the Graafian vesicles to the womb. The ovum does not enter the Fallopian tubes until menstruation has ceased, and it is not properly opened for impregnation until it enters these tubes. The ovum is very small, about 1/120 of an inch in diameter, but its passage through the Fallopian tubes is indicated by obvious signs, more or less acute. Generally about two (some- times as late as ten) da3^s after menstruation, there is a sensation of weight and uneasiness in the Fallopian tubes, across the ab- domen on a line with the lower edge of the hip bones. This marks the passage of the ova, and some females can really feel a kind of drawing on the tube as it forces the ova along . When the ovum reaches the womb, it is kept there by a kind of membrane for several days, and it is then that fertilization generally takes place. In about five days it dies, passes out of the womb, and is discharged. This can also be determined. The first indication is an increased flow of watery fluid from the vagina, sometimes pink, but generally colorless and like the white of an egg. After a few hours, or sometimes a day or two, there is a slight contraction and pain in the womb, with a feeling of weight and bearing down, followed by the escape of a small grayish clot, somewhat firm and elastic. This clot is opaque and about the size of a pea ; it contains the membrane and ova. The Jewish law requires that no sexual connection take place during menstruation or for seven days tlicreafter. As the Jews generally obey their laws, it is evident that fertilization can take place seven days after, or possibly for two days before menstrua- The Wife's Handbook 155 tion. Some eight or ten doubtful cases have been reported of conception 20 days after menstruation. The popular idea among women that menstruation after sexual connection shows no conception is slightly in error. Menstrua- tion several days after sexual connection is probable evidence of no conception. A second menstruation after sexual connection is more positive proof of no conception; but not final, as some few women menstruate during pregnancy. That these facts are understood by the lawmakers is evident. The average time for delivery after ceasing of the last menstruation flow is 278 days. Yet we find that in France a child is legitimate if born 300 days after death of its father ; in Prussia, 302 days ; in this country, practically the same. It must not be supposed that fertilization will take place every time there is intercourse in the time limits as stated above. The contrary is the actual case. The conditions must be exactly suit- able, and the meeting of spermatazoa must take place in exactly the right way. As the ovum is not always in just the right posi- tion, and as the spermatazoa always proceed straight forward, and never turn back, it is to a certain extent a matter of luck if fertilization does take place. Likewise, even if both husband and wife are anxious to produce offspring, their efforts are not often successful in the first months of marriage. The mouth of the womb is very narrow, or the female organs may be undeveloped and do not acquire their full power for several months. Not often are children conceived within three months after marriage, and this is greatly due to lack of development in the wife. In 556 cases investigated, the most frequent epoch of first impregnation was found to be between ten and fifteen months after marriage. Avoidance of Conception: There is a United States law against giving information to aid in preventing conception. This law is really injurious in its results, because it is responsible for a lot of female troubles and is of no real benefit. Every woman has inherited some foolish methods for avoidance, and she tells her daughter, with results injurious to her daughter, resulting in the so-called mysterious female troubles, which are really nervous affections or actual injuries of the walls of the womb or vagina caused by improper intercourse or vain attempts to prevent con- ception. 156 Thu Wife's Handbook The arguments in favor of this law are : 1. "It promotes increase of children". This may be true among the poorer classes, but it is not true among the richer classes because so many of them try all kinds of preventive schemes with injury and final impotence. In other words, this law possibly results in increase of the least valuable children. 2. "It is according to the teaching of the Bible." I have never been able to find that this is true. The arguments against the law are clearly stated by the Critic and Guide (a medical journal) Mt. Morris Park, New York, which is trying to have it repealed : 1. Families would be happier if they could regulate the num- ber of their offspring. 2. Young people are restrained from marrying from fear of many children. 3. Thousands of young men, because unmarried, have ruined themselves by contracting venereal diseases. 4. Women often become invalided by too frequent child- bearing. 5. Women often become incurable invalids as result of im- proper attempts at prevention. 6. Many men often injure themselves likewise as result of improper attempts at prevention. 7. Many women kill themselves by abortions. 8. Children do not receive proper care, because there are often too many in family. 9. Children are often physically and mentally weak because not desired by their mother. 10. Children often should not be born at all because of the inheritable weaknesses of their parents. 11. Human beings are not animals; they should have the right to regulate their own offspring. 12. The law is due to mistaken prudery; it results in much misery, with no compensating good. Although this law is not known by many people, it is followed by reputable physicians, who are among the few men in this country who obey a law because it is a law. As long as the ma- jority of the people believe that many weaklings are better than The Wife's Handbook 157 fewer strong persons ; that is, as long as quantity of population is preferred to quality, this law will work harm. It will not be repealed until the people force their Congress to repeal it. It is true that disreputable physicians will freely furnish so-called schemes for prevention; but these schemes are injurious. These injurious methods are many, and they are enumerated below solely to show Avhat they are, their effects, and to prevent unwise women from making use of them. If a physician prescribes any of these methods, it is a certainty that he is not reliable (very few know the only proper method), and his advice should not be taken, as it will surely result in the injuries indicated. Premature withdrawal is bad for the man, being little worse than masturbation ; the semen acquires a habit of continual dis- charge and wasting away; it finally results in impotence, or an unfaithful husband who goes elsewhere for results not so dis- tasteful and unnatural. It is also bad for the Avoman, causing congestion and nervous troubles. Finally, it is still possible to have conception, as the spermatazoa are very active and some- times reach the womb, after all. Condoms have about the same effect on the man as masturba- tion, except possibly the nervous injury is a little diminished. Again we find the husband is disgusted and becomes unfaithful. The effect of condoms on the woman is the same as premature withdrawal. Condoms often break, quite often with results in- effective as regards avoidance of conception. Pessaries (stoppers), sponges, etc., do not catch all of the spermatazoa, of which there are millions. Such intercourse is abnormal, and utterly useless as a preventative. Hot water injures the lining of the vagina and womb; likewise the spermatazoa are in the folds of the vagina or womb and are never all destroyed. Acids such as permanganate of potash, alcohol, or boracic acid, injure the lining of the vagina and womb much more than hot water; with results not effective as regards prevention. It is a sad commentary on our civilization that a family can- not decide as to its offspring. The above methods injure some- times the husband, invariably the wife, and often the child — for sooner or latcs conception does take place, and the unborn child is nourished in a weakened womb. There are dangers to the 158 The Wife's Handbook mother in this condition, for flooding and other disorders of child- birth are often traced directly to so-called methods of prevention. One of my friends decided that the best scheme was to have the selected number of children; and then let herself be injured, there- by preventing conception. This did not work, as conception was finally not prevented, and she had a very difficult time because of the self-inflicted injuries. Abortion: After the child is conceived, the fear of pain, danger, and trouble often leads the wife to take steps to produce an abortion. Quacks flourish and grow rich on such wives. Many socalled harmless remedies for that purpose may be seen ad- vertised in thin disguise. They are never harmless. Their effec- tiveness depends upon a disarrangement of the feminine organs by instruments or by violent retching or such as would be produced by a sudden fall from a great height. Invariably, they injure the woman, and in many cases produce permanent malformation, and even death. Penalty for such practice is very severe to the prac- titioner, and consequently no honorable physician will indulge in such practices. I have no intention of preaching a sermon, but I advise a wife not to attempt to rid herself in an unnatural manner of a conceived child. The idea that childbirth is very dangerous, is erroneous. It is painful, but seldom fatal ; in fact, with proper care, such a result need never be expected. If a woman is healthy, she need not fear childbirth. There are many feminine complaints, some imaginary, some real. The real complaints are caused generally by unnatural practices either during intercourse or after conception, or by disease innocently transmitted by the man him- self. Excepting these two causes, the health of women is so excel- lent that it is evident that the Almighty never intended that they should worry men and themselves with mysterious feminine troubles. PRE-DETERMINATION OF SEX This matter is not definitely settled, but enough is known to be of value. The greater part of the theories on this subject are worthless. For example, many believe that the absence of one testicle or one ovary will insure either all boys or all girls, as the case may be ; but this has been disproA'en because men with only one testicle and women with only one ovary have produced both boys and girls. Others believe that by lying on one side or the other The Wife's Handbook 159 during intercourse, the sex of offspring may be influenced ; but this is also absurd. It is found that there are certain rules which are at least fairly effective. Scientific explanation is made for the results attained, but the explanations are not satisfactory. Rules: The following rules will generally insure the desired sex in the offspring: To obtain a girl, have intercourse within two days before or after menstruation. Also, the mother should acquire vigor by strengthening food, avoidance of fatigue, etc. ; while the man should do just the opposite. To obtain a boy, have intercourse six days or more after menstruation. Also, the father should acquire vigor by strength- ening food, rest, etc. ; while the woman should be tired and ex- hausted. Conditions will vary with different people. For example, with some women, avoidance of intercourse until ten days after men- struation will result in no children ever. However, in general, the above rules hold good. Certain facts prove this; the children of farmers are generally boys, because the fathers are generally strong and vigorous while the mothers are weak and tired with much work ; in cities, the majority of the children are girls, because the fathers have little physical strength and the mothers are strong and vigorous as the result of no fatiguing work; the children of laborers are generally girls, because the fathers are tired and the mothers are not overworked. Physicians prescribe certain foods, as a result of experience, but investigation shows that the only value of such food lies in its weakening influence on the mothers if boys are wanted and the reverse, if girls are wanted. BARRENNESS Causes in Male: The following are stated to be causes of impotence or barrenness in the male : Physical Defects, Self Abuse, Nightly Emissions, Over Indulgence, Venereal Disease. Some of these really produce impotence, but in the majority of cases, the prevalent ideas are much exaggerated. As nine cases out of ten of barrenness in marriage are due to impotence of the husband, all young men should be examined before marriage to see if they possess the vital germ. If they do not, they have no right to marr}^, and condemn their wife to 160 The Wife's Handbook childless existence. Any reputable doctor can examine the semen. One or two drops placed in proper solution under a micrscope will settle the question. If not impotent, the microscope will at once disclose many little spermatazoa running around vigorously. The germ is very small and looks very much like a tadpole with its large head and threadlike body. Physical Defects: The semen of the male comes from the testicles, via the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. While it may be possible that the last two actually furnish necessary ingredients of the vital semen, there is no doubt that the testicles furnish such necessary ingredients. Removal of the testicles is sure to cause barrenness; disease of the testicles will probably cause it. It is a fact not generally understood that men without testicles can have intercourse in a seemingly normal way, and dis- charge semen of form and color practically indistinguishable from the vital semen, yet such discharge lacks the vital germ. Few cases of barrenness are due to normal physical disability. There are such cases however. Testicles may be lacking at birth ; they may have been injured, or even removed because of injury. Often their effectiveness is destroyed during an attack of "mumps", but this seldom occurs in both testicles. The testicles are unus- ually well protected by nature, and injuries or "mumps" very rarely do real damage. Self Abuse is loudly proclaimed as a cause of impotence. Many surgeons and ministers make positive assertions to this effect. The facts do not altogether bear out their statements. Self abuse is bad, very bad, for the boy or man, both morally and physically, but the greatest danger from self abuse lies in its convenience and in the consequent repeated indulgence of it. Al- though generally asserted to the contrary, there are not many boys or men who indulge in this habit ; and even where it has been done, the indulgence has only lasted during the more active sex- ual period from 15 to 25 years of age. There seem to be few if any well-authenticated cases of impotence from self abuse, but there are many well-authenticated cases where impotence was not caused by self abuse. Those who are guilty of self abuse are naturally a little weak in mind and body. No self-respecting male will be guilty of such practice, and the mental and physical Avcak- ness so often pointed out as the result of self abuse is really in the The Wife's Handbook 161 beginning the cause of such self abuse. If such a weak individual be married to a similarly weak wife between 15 and 25 years of age, there is practically no doubt that their lack of self-control would lead them to practices during their first year of married life which, except for a serious physical nervousness, would have all the effects of self abuse. Nightly Emissions : They are practically harmless, yet they are very widely advertised by all quacks as an unfailing cause of impotence. Quacks are perfectly sure that ignorant youths will be worried by this most natural condition, and will come for relief. If the truth were fully known by all young men, not one would be more alarmed by nightly emissions than is a young girl by her menstruations. Naturally, too many such nightly emissions are physically weakening; but any young man so alarmed need only consider if he would be alarmed if the same number of times had been spent with a female. If the number is still alarming, he should quit sleeping on his back, and should exercise very stren- uously every day. In the extreme case, it may be noticed that, when straining during defecation, a kind of thick liquid exudes from the penis. This is not the vital semen, but only a secretion from the prostate gland, and its presence is no sign whatever of present or future impotence. The natural cure is marriage. Over Indulgence in liquors or in sexual intercourse may some- times cause impotence ; but such cases are extremely rare. Over indulgence in intoxicating liquors may cause a weakening and breakdown of the whole system, and the sexual organs will be wrecked temporarily or permanently along with the others. Sex- ual weakness is made more evident in such cases, because a chronic alcoholic will consider his health fairly good after his digestion has refused to work, after his nerves are gone, his blood thin, his heart weak, his muscles flabby, but will be wildly alarmed if his sexual organs refuse to perform their functions. As a matter of fact, these organs are the last to weaken, and will very quickly become normal if the male will give them a chance. In cases of sexual over-indulgence, if a man's sexual organs are abused, overworked, maltreated, they refuse to work; but if treated properly before being utterly ruined, and it takes a great deal to ruin them, they will promptly resume their normal function. As sexual intercourse twice a week is enough for a normal man 162 The Wife's Handbook over 25, and once a week for one over 35, it is easy for a man to judge as to his over-indulgence, and mend his habits accordingly. Venereal Disease is the primary cause of impotence in the male. Generally, he will not acknowledge it, and will preferably admit over-indulgence, nightl}'^ emissions, or even physical disability; but the fact remains that nearly all cases of impotence in the male are caused by gonorrhoeal infection. Syphilis does not cause impotence. It would be very fortunate for the human race if it did. Gonorrhoea does not at once, or generally, cause impotence — but impotence is itself relatively rare, and cases of gonorrhoea are not uncommon. If a man contracts gonorrhoea, he is fortun- ate if it does not affect the prostate gland. But if the prostate gland is affected, the disease may remain for one or more years. In manj' such cases, the germ travels along the tube leading to the testicle, causes swelling of the testicle and much pain, with out- ward symptoms exactly like that of "mumps". When the swelling has ceased, it is found that in 60% of the cases, this tube is stopped and no vital semen can leave that testicle. If both testicles are thus swollen, it is a case of double epididymitis, and impotence may result. Causes in Female: The following are stated to be causes of sterility or barrenness in the female: Physical Inability, Self Abuse, Unnatural Intercourse, Venereal Disease. In general, it may be stated that as in the male, the prevalent ideas of the causes of barrenness are much exaggerated. It seems useless to advise a young woman to be examined for barrenness before she is married. There is no examination as positive in its results as the search for live spermatazoa in the male semen. Also, women generally will not be so examined. Physical Inability: Such defects are more often a cause of barrenness in the female than in the male. The ovaries of the female may be missing, or may not properly perform their func- tions ; but the most common defect is that the entrance to the womb is so small as not to easily admit the semen. This physical defect is very rarely found. If a surgical examination shows the organs to be normal, then, in view of the very few known cases of sterility due to physical defects, it may generally be decided that the cause of such sterility is to be sought elsewhere. The Wife's Handbook 163 Self Abuse has the same effect on the female as on the male. It is weakening mentally and physically, is indulged in only by those who are already weak mentally and physically, but does not often cause absolute impotence. Unnatural Intercourse causes congestion of the organs of the female. Quite often, this congestion causes disarrangement of the organs, swelling, etc. ; all because the natural intercourse is prevented or even delayed. When the woman learns fully that such schemes are useless in results, and only productive of physical dis- comfort and sickness, she will cease being so foolish. As pre- viously stated, about 60 per cent of woman's nervous troubles, especially insomnia, are due to sexual weakness, and unnatural intercourse is the worst cause of this nervous weakness. Venereal Disease in the woman, as in the man, is generally the cause of her sterility. Syphilis is not a cause of sterility. Its effects are frightful; but very rarely does it cause sterility, and then only after many years. Gonorrhoea is the one disease to fear. In a man, it is really not productive of much discomfort, but the germs remain for many months after all discomfort has ceased, though all germs may eventually be destroyed. In a woman, gonorrhoeal infection is a disaster unless treated very quickly. The germs get in the folds of the vagina, and it is difficult to get rid of them all. Slowly but surely, the germs during childbirth or monthly sickness, find their way into the womb, the Fallopian tube, and the ovaries. Eventually, bar- renness may result. At any rate, disease remains, and it is not inaccurate to state that 60 per cent of the mysterious female diseases which are a matter of pride to silly women and despair to men, are caused by some gonorrhoeal infection or remotely inherited weakness proceeding from such infection; the other 40 per cent are due to unnatural intercourse or unnatural practices to prevent conception. None are due to constitutional female weaknesses. Conclusion If both man and wife are normal and healthy before marriage, if they follow natural laws, use judgment, and endeavor to pro- mote harmony and the happiness of each other, their married sexual life will be a pleasant one ; and this means that their mar- ried life will be a pleasant one, for the sexual life is the controlling 164 The Wife's Handbook factor for happiness in marriage. Failure to follow the common sense rules above described, will lead to unhappiness, to hospitals, and to divorce courts. For more detailed information, read The origin of Life— HoUick, price $2.75. Woman— Tolway— price $3.00. Sexual Life of Our Times— Bloch— price $5.00. Creative and Sexual Science — Fowler — $2.00. CHAPTER X PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH General Remarks : Nearly every wife has a general idea of the care necessary in pregnancy and childbirth. In almost every case, she has heard mother or friends tell of the fearful dangers and pains accompanying this most natural function. As a con- sequence, she looks forward with dread to the event in her own case. This more or less misleading knowledge has an advantage and a disadvantage. The disadvantage lies in the fear which it causes to the inexperienced wife, often leading her to injure herself in her attempts to prevent conception or delivery, and invariably causing her to become more or less ill as a result of nervousness. The advantage lies in the fact that she is so impressed with the dangers and pains attendant upon delivery, that she will make the necessary efforts to secure proper attendance and assistance in the event. As a matter of fact, this attendance and assistance is very necessary, but it is necessary for the safety of the child far more than for the mother. Almost any ignorant woman could take fair care of the mother ; it requires a skilful physician to see that the child is properly and carefully delivered, so that it will live and during life be not injured or deformed as a result of ignorance during delivery. Emperor William of Germany has a shrunken left arm as a result of the ignorance of some one in allow- ing his mother to go on a journey at a critical time, with the result that the delivery was accomplished by an ignorant country physician, and Emperor William is still suffering because of such ignorance. No one denies that childbirth is painful 'and sometimes danger- ous to the mother ; every husband is fearful that in his wife's case, it will prove fatal. It is, however, a fact that the deaths of mothers during childbirth averaged during the year 1910 only 1 in 970 ; the deaths of children in birth averaged 1 in 220. In nearly every case of death of the mother, it was due to improper precautions or natural weakness, and it is now pretty well estab- lished that the probability of death, after proper precautions, is about the same as the probability of death in a steamship trip across the Atlantic Ocean. The probability of death of the child is somewhat greater, but still not great enough to cause heartrend- ing anxiety. 168 The Wife's Handbook PREGNANCY Description of Organs: The child is conceived in the womb, which is a pear-shaped organ, about three inches long, two inches in diameter at the upper end, and one inch in diameter at the lower end. During delivery the child passes from the womb, into the vagina, and out through the mouth of the vagina. In its progress, it passes through the upper and lower straits of the pelvis. The vagina is three to five inches long, and one and a half to two inches in diameter. Naturally, before childbirth, it and the womb are much distended. The extreme distension of these organs during labor is generally quite painful, but during preg- nancy they are already naturally enlarged considerably. The mouth of the vagina acquires a quality of distension far greater than is deemed possible before the necessity exists therefor. The bones of the pelvis form a couple of narrow openings through Avhich the child must pass. These openings are called the upper and lower straits, though the upper strait is the only one which is worthy of the name. It is almost a circle, having four distinct diameters or distances across, which are four, four and a half, four and a half, and five inches across in the normal female. The lower strait is really limited only by the end of the spine; and as this will relax, easily in a young person and with difficulty in an older one, there is no real difficulty experienced with this strait. The largest part of the child is the head, which has various diameters ; five inches across the unusual diameter, four inches across three other unusual diameters, and three or three and a half inches across the other six diameters. The child generally is in such a position that it is delivered by its head along the three inch diameter, which makes it very easy to pass the pelvic strait. However, in case it is coming even by the five inch di- ameter, which chance is about 1/10 mathematicallly and about 1/1000 actually, its head is so composed of bones and cartilages that the pressure on the bones will cause them to overlap as much as is necessary. This is not well for the child, and it is often necessary that the child be turned by the physician in order to prevent too great compression. The shoulders and hips of the child are about four inches, but they are easily compressed to three and a lialf inches, without any danger whatever to the child. The Wife's Handbook 169 In the womb, the child is surrounded by a sac containing the waters, one or two, called tlie false and the true. Until birth, the child is nourished by the umbilical cord, leading to the after- birth, which is attached to the walls of the womb. This cord is about the size of the little finger, and contains an artery and two veins. Examination before Marriage: Before entering into mar- riage, a young girl should have herself examined carefully to see if the pelvic straits are too small for safe delivery of a normal child. Be careful not to use Xrays; it is claimed that they injure the ova. If the pelvic straits are too small, she should not be allowed to marry. Not only is it impossible for her to give birth to a healthy child, but the danger to herself is great, and there are no wa3's to benefit her. If she is with child before she learns of this weakness, it is necessary to produce premature delivery, which saves her but results in a sickly infant, even if it lives at all. However, so very few girls have such small pelvic straits that it is impossible to expect any of them to undergo this exam- ination. Hernia is also dangerous. Any wife suffering from hernia should have same cured at once. A tumor or a pol3'^pus is unusual, but not impossible. The wife should be carefully examined before and during pregnancy to discover any such sickness. An easy delivery is impossible, and a safe delivery not at all usual in such cases. Signs of Pregnancy : There are many signs by which the con- ception may be determined. The test of the blood is the only positive proof. Blood can be sent by a physician through the mail to a laboratory (see medical journals for names). The cost of test is $10. Cessation of menstruation is almost invariably proof of con- ception. This is the most usual sign; but it has sometimes been known to fail, for cases are known where menstruation has con- tinued several months or even up to deliver}'. Medical examination of the urine will show almost positively the condition. A preliminary examination can be made at home. Place the urine in a glass and let it stand still. In two to five days, a layer of thicker matter will form on the top, like cream on milk. This layer may even be lifted off, sometimes. Presence 170 The Wife's Handbook of this layer is not positive proof, as it may easily be confused with other similar substances ; but its presence is enough to justify examination by a physician. Movement of the child can be felt about the end of the fourth month. This is the first evidence of life, and is called the quick- ening. The heartbeats, or blood beats, of the child may be heard about the end of the fifth month. This beating may be heard more and more distinctl}' as time goes on. In case there are twins, two heartbeats can be heard. At the end of the sixth month, the above signs are very dis- tinct. This is also the time at which the law says the child is alive. Quite often, the physician believes it necessary to feel the child in the womb, and move it, in order to be sure that the growth is not a tumor or a polj'pus. Generally such examination is un- necessary and absurd if other signs are evident. Other signs, not so important or positive, are enlargement of the neck, circle around nipple of breasts becomes dark (about fourth month), breasts swell, head aches or becomes dizzy, ap- petite lessens or increases greatly, and there is general nerv- ousness. Intercourse during Fregnancy: Although many ignorant doctors and ministers have very fixed opinions on this subject, it seems to be a proven fact that intercourse during the first two months is not at all harmful. The wife should be the judge of this. Sometimes, it is absolutely necessary ; and tends greatly to reduce the nervousness. If, however, such desire becomes ab- normal, it will be necessary to take other measures to reduce this nervousness. Intercourse after the fourth month is always in- jurious to the child. It is thought by many that intercourse at this time tends to impress the character and personality of the husband on the child, though this has not been proven. It is even claimed that such in- tercourse will result in a male child ; but there seems to be ab- solutely no proof of this supposition ; in fact, study of this claim leads one to conclude that there is no basis for it. It is probably based on the fact that a man who has such intercourse is usually liard to control sexually, and is one of those who are more apt to transmit their qualities to the children. The Wife's Handbook 171 Care and Attention: The whole physical being of the pros- pective mother seems to be concentrated on the sustenance of the child. All of her symptoms should be studied with a view to the ultimate effect of any sickness or weakness on the child, for any derangement which will affect the child will react on the mother. It is safest to prevent any possibility of sickness ; avoid it. Some sickness seems to follow as a result of the wife's condition, and cannot be avoided. Generally, however, careful attention and proper exercise in the open air will render these so-called neces- sary sufferings of small moment. Two hours walking each day in the open air, unless such exercise is an effort, will work wonders on the mental and physical inherited weaknesses of a prospective mother. Sickness and vomiting come on about the second month and last until about the fourth month. Mild and quickly digestable food is advisable, anything quickly digestable which can be re- tained (see Digestion Table — Chapter 1). Often a little light wine is of benefit. The stomach and hips should not become chilled. Wear warm flannels in winter, and be sure to wear at least enough clothing in summer. Never wear corsets which bind at all; get others, or don't wear them at all. Teeth seem to ache more or less. They should be examined to see that there is no decay. Such decay may cause trouble when there is not time to attend to it. Irregularity of the bladder or bowels, constipation or diarrhoea, is not uncommon. This increases as the child grows, for the womb is between the intestine and the bladder, and presses on both. This irregularity should be relieved at once; but it is not advisable to take a powerful emetic, because the habit will be formed of depending on emetics, which will be inconvenient later. Exercise, care in diet, and proper mastication of food, are of more general benefit. Slowly digesting meats (see Digestion Table Chap. I) and alcoholic stimulants should be avoided. Heartburn, palpitation, fainting, cramp, capricious appetite, a kind of longing for things more or less absurd, headache and dizziness, spitting blood, nose-bleed, varicose veins, and a number of other minor weaknesses develop, due to the fact that the whole energy is concentrated on sustenance of the child. Exercise, lack 172 The; Wife's Handbook of nervousness, and proper diet, should cure these quickly. If the weakness is at all serious, a physician should be called upon to prescribe. Nervousness should not lead to unnecessary alarms, nor should lack of care cause prolonged weakness or sickness. Baths at about the temperature of the body are very efficacious in cure of minor evils. Too much bathing, say more than once a day, is not generally advisable. Flooding or hemorrhage of the womb is not uncommon, but is serious enough to require the presence of a physician. It is caused by too violent exercise, excessive fright, etc., too strong purgatives, or by attempts at abortion. It is more dangerous in the early months to the child than to the mother. Abortion is premature delivery before six months ; miscarriage is premature delivery after six months, or after the child can live. The causes are practically the same as in flooding; in fact, flood- ing so often causes an abortion or miscarriage that the two are discussed together in text books. The medicinal treatment is also practically the same. The danger to the mother from flooding is considerable, but strange to say, it is greater during the early months than later. Disease of the father, and also of the mother, especially gonorrhoea, syphilis, and inflamation due to unnatural intercourse are often causes of abortion or miscarriage. The danger is not less, and the trouble remains after the delivery, causing a second similar trouble, unless cured. Death of the child quite often causes premature delivery, though this does not always folloAv. The child is sometimes re- tained for weeks or months after death, though this is unusual. Treatment for abortion or miscarriage is practically the same as during childbirth; a physician is necessary. CHILDBIRTH Physiology of Childbirth: The pain of the mother during childbirth is very great. However, it is necessary that it be borne, and it is thought that the cries of the mother are results of efforts and are not exact measures of the real pain suffered. At any rate, in order to bring forth the child in the best possible condition, it is necessary that the mother assist in the delivery. The chances of death to the mother are very small. It is probably a fact that shortly after commencement of delivery, the physician The Wife's Handbook* 173 could remove the child without serious danger to the mother, but with sure death to the child. Of course, such delivery is bad for the mother, and sometimes her organs are disarranged, but a reputable and experienced physician will always save the life of the mother when her strength has given out, and the delivery can- not be accomplished. However, the mother should always bear in mind above all things that her assistance is necessary, and that she must keep up her courage and do her duty by the child at the expense of a certain amount of pain, with very little real danger. German physicians have been experimenting for five years with a drug which causes the mother to become semi-unconscious, to feel no pain, and yet to assist in the birth of the child. It is claimed that the deaths are reduced to one third, especially with nervous women, that the pain is not felt at all, and that the child is not affected in any way. This experiment has about passed the experimental stage, after some 5,000 cases ; it will probably be introduced into America at the most expensive hospitals. The child in its passage from the womb to delivery does not follow a straight line. In animals and in the lower order of human beings, the course is a straight line, but it seems that the higher the organization, the more difficult the delivery. The seeming ease with which a savage woman is delivered is due to her organization, and not to any superior strength or contempt of pain. The path from the womb to delivery is a slight curve ; and during this pass- age the muscles of the mother so contract with her assistance, that the child is almost invariably turned into the most favorable position for passage. It is even believed that the child by instinct helps to turn itself into the most suitable position for delivery. The time of delivery is divided into three more or less distinct periods, and generally lasts eight to twelve hours. First period: The head of the child begins to push against the mouth of the womb. As this is not large enough, it has to be enlarged, and this is attended with considerable pain. After some time, the mouth of the womb is so enlarged that the womb and the vagina are practically continuous. The lower part of the bag or sack of waters descends into the vagina. The sack of waters descends farther and farther into the vagina, until the pressure bursts it. The waters are discharged, and incidently lubricate the canal of passage for the child. The 174 The Wife's Handbook head of the child at once closes up the passage at the mouth of the womb. Pains cease for a time, and there is some rest. Second period : Soon the head begins to pass the mouth of the womb, pains become very acute as the head passes through the mouth of the womb and along the vagina. During this time, the the muscles are contracted and the child is turned by the mother, or turns himself, in the most favorable position in case he is not already in such position. The mother does not seem to be able to make great change in the position of the child, so if not coming right after such forward progress, say once in ten thousand times, it is necessary for the physician to assist in turning the child. It is probable that the greatest pain is experienced while the child is passing through the pelvic strait and along the vagina; and as there is no probability of any tearing during this passage, it is seen that the general impression that the mother is torn all to pieces and that this causes the pain, is erroneous. When the head has reached the mouth of the vagina, it appears and recedes once or twice. This is a provision of nature to enlarge the mouth of the vagina gradually, and prevent tearing. If the mother is not careful in her efforts at this time, she will tear the mouth of the vagina, and injure the perineum or skin between the vagina and the rectum. Such tearing is very painful, and re- quires sewing. In order to assist the mother in her efforts in bearing down or contraction of the womb and vagina to force the child along, a strong band or cord should be attached to the foot of the bed with the loop toward her. She should be moved down so that her feet will bear against the bottom of the bed. If a metal bed, some support should be placed at the foot for her feet. The loop should not be long enough to pass around her body, for fear she may rise up in it and throw herself to one side. The physician or nurse should support her back when necessary for strong effort. The mother should be told not to make any effort at all except during the pains. At other times, no progress will be made, and effort is wasted. When the time for delivery arrives, the child will force its head through the mouth of the vagina, speedily followed by the rest of the body. Generally at the moment of birth, the face of the child is turned toward the back of the mother; that is, the child is is born face downward. The Wife's Handbook 175 The umbilical cord should be tied twice, at about two inches or more (push the child's intestine back if it is in the cord) and about four inches from the child's body. It is then cut between these two points where it is tied. Third Period:' The umbilical cord is attached to the after- birth and this is attached to the walls of the womb. In about half an hour, less severe pains begin, and the afterbirth is deliver- ed. The cord should not be pulled hard to facilitate delivery, though a slight pull will assist. If there are twins, there are two cords, and two afterbirths. The first child generally comes head first, and the second feet first. The birth of the second is attended with very little pain, as the way has been prepared. The second child is generally born immediately after the first, though sometimes it delays several hours. Precautions : The above description is given fully, because it is thought that a wife will be able to see that there is no mystery, no great danger, and only common sense and endurance necessary in childbirth. It is by no means intended that this information should serve in place of a physician. A nurse is necessary, and a very good physician. There are so many complications in the first delivery that a wife should, regardless of expense, make arrangements for delivery of her first child under the care of a very good physician and in a hospital or in a home where every convenience is available. A useless saving of expense, and an unbecoming modesty, may cause lifelong regret to the mother and lifelong suffering or deformity of the child. The umbilical cord is the most evident cause of danger to the child in a normal delivery. It has been known to sever limbs of the child, and if stopped before delivery, the supply of blood will be exhausted and the child will die. Therefore, although in only a few cases the physician is absolutely necessary, yet he should be present in order to prevent injury in these few cases; and his presence is a source of great comfort to the mother in her nervousness and distress. The physician should always be required to treat the eyes of the child with Crede's nitrate of silver solution. This is primarily a precaution against gonorrhoeal infection, which is remotely possible and may cause blindness when neither parent has gonor- 176 The Wife's Handbook rhoea; but it is so good to prevent other weaknessess of the eyes that the State of New Jersey has made this treatment com- pulsory in every case. Care of Mother: The mother feels great relief after delivery, and generally goes to sleep at once. There are certain other pains, except in first delivery, and these give trouble for several hours. But little solid food should be given for a day or two; the patient should be judge of this to a certain extent. The bowels and bladder should be kept clear. There is kind of discharge from the womb, while it is returning to its natural position. This is a proper discharge and its absence indicates something wrong. It stops however during the milk fever, which is a slight fever lasting from about the second to the fourth day. The mother should keep her bed for a week, until the womb has returned to its natural position. Often ten days or two weeks are necessary. She may then sit up ; and walk around after two weeks or more. She should not, however, take any sustained exercise for a month, or until she has acquired full strength. Nursing by the mother is preferable. It is good for the mother, and for the child. For more detailed information, see Origin of Life, Hollick, price $2.75. HEREDITY After a baby is born, the parents generally look for inherited traits. Rarely does a couple, before marriage, exercise judg- ment as regards the probable inherited qualities of their children. However, such foresight would be justifiable, because it has been known for centuries that qualities are inherited, although only recently have there been careful statistics for the purpose of de- termining the rules of heredity. Unfortunately, scientists have been opposed to this theory until recent times ; consequently, it has not made much definite progress. Likewise, misled by theory that by determined effort a person can make of himself whatever he wishes, ministers have opposed the theories of heredity. In modern years, however, all admit the laws of heredity and ac- knowledge that environment is an important factor only in de- velopment of inherited characteristics. Even so, scientists still differ as to the exact theory of inheritance. The discussion below The Wife's Handbook 177 is based on the best information available. This information is the result of carefully compiled statistics with plants, animals, and human beings in large numbers : Common Errors. Before discussing the theory, it is well to call attention to the fact that two common errors as to inheri- tance are practically disprovcn. No one has been able to put for- ward real authentic cases, although the reports of such cases are many: First. It is impossible that a dead husband transmit charac- teristics through his Avife to children born through the agency of a second husband, say, one year later. This is evident because the spermatazoa die, and cannot possibly have any effect on the woman or on the spermatazoa of the other man. Second. Prenatal influences on women may result in weakness or malformation, but it is not believed that they have any real effect otherwise. Theory of Heredity. This theory is quite complicated, and is hard to explain, but the following information is about as clear as is necessary for ordinary purposes : There are something like one million spermatazoa with each sexual intercourse. Let us suppose that the grandfather and the grandmother possess absolutel}^ original characteristics, disre- garding all their ancestors ; and also suppose that each sperma- tozoon or ovum has 16 germ cells. Then, as the fertilized ovum has only the same number of germ cells as each spermatozoon or ovum, the fertilized ovum will have 16 germ cells and their son will inherit germ cells in proportion 8A from father, 8B from mother. Simi- larly, his wife will inherit from her parents (also grandparents of child in question) germ cells in proportion 8C from her father, and SD germ cells from her mother. Now, when these two are mar- ried, the male spermatozoon which produces the child under con- sideration is only one of a million spermatozoa, each composed of 16 germ cells taken at random from billions of germ cells in a re- ceptacle containing half A and half B, but not at all mixed every- where in the proportion 8A to 8B. The proportions of this par- ticular spermatozoon are most likely to be 8A to 8B, but they may be 12A and 4B, or even 16A and OB. Similarly, the particular ovum may be 8C and 8D, 14C and 2D, or even OC and 16D. It is thus seen that the child in question may be 8 A, OB, OC, 8D, or 6 A, 178 The Wife's Handbook 2B, 7C, ID, or practically any other combination, but will more probably be 4A, 4B, 4?C, 4U, than any other. It is thus seen that the child will more probably resemble its father or mother, but there are chances that it may resemble greatly its grandparents, and going back still further there are very remote chances that it may resemble a distant ancestor. Statistics of many cases show that the average of inherited qualities is one-half from father and mother, one-fourth from grandparents, one-eighth from great grandparents, etc. It is evident that so-called blue blood descent is of no particular value above great grandparents, as the chances are exceedingly remote of inherited original qualities from these ancestors; e. g., a child of the present day will have had some 67,000,000 ancestors sinee the Norman conquest, and the chances of inheriting qualities of a particular ancestor at that time are 1,000,000,000,000,000 ^^ '^' P^^y^^^"^ characteristics had been transmitted equally, the child would possess of the 1 blood of this ancestor, that is of a drop. The inherited qualities may be divided into three cases : (a) Blended, that is, half the sum of strengths of a charac- teristic or several characteristics of both parents. (b) Exclusive, being practically characteristics of one an- cestor. (c) Particular, being certain characteristic of one and cer- tain characteristics of another. Some claim that a strong ancestor will transmit more of his own qualities than will a weaker one. Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics. However much may have been the evolution in past years, it seems to have been prac- tically completed centuries before the present day. Experiments show that it is practically impossible to change the physical char- acteristics ; (e. g., if a thousand ancestors had lost one arm the descendants would still be born with two arms) consequently, it is only possible to inherit strength, constitution, etc. Of course it is evident that in some past era acquired mental characteristics were also inherited; otherwise all germ cells and all people would be alike now. Yet, no one has been able to furnish The Wife's Handbook 179 clear proof of inheritance of acquired mental characteristics in present times. It is true that developed mental qualities have shown in offspring, but careful investigation has always proven that the so-called developed quality was not altogether developed, but was latent in the parent and naturally transmitted to the off- spring. Of course, environment and training assist in develop- ment of these characteristics in the child. Scientists, however, are not at all agreed on question of inheritance of acqquired characteristics. Inheritance of Disease. Disease may be inherited in two ways. 1. From the body of the mother during pregnancy, called congenital inheritance. 2. Frorp the spermatozoon or ovum in its original form. This is called inborn inheritance. Congenital traits inherited are such as syphilis and alcoholic taste, same being transmitted through the blood of the mother. Inborn traits inherited are such as baldness, idiocy, deafness, predisposition to tubercular weakness, insanity, etc. Of course, in some cases, due to the possibilities of inheriting qualities un- equally from various ancestors, as shown above, some children may inherit the above qualities and others may not. Likewise, the germ cells of alcoholic parents are not necessarily alcoholic ; but they are weakened as the result of alcohol, and the children are nervous, and often mentally or physically weak, and predis- posed to nervous troubles, especially insanity. It is also known that the children of near relatives are often more or less unusual, sometimes abnormal. This is caused by the fact that due to the possible inequality of transmission of germ cells as explained above, the children may inherit an unusual number of same germ cells (traits), which are present in both father and mother, resulting in unusual strength of qualities which are equall}'^ apt to be good or bad, physically or mentally. Effect of Environv^ent. Since it is generally accepted that the inherited qualities are practically fixed upon birth, it is evident that the action of environment is limited solely to the develop- ment of those qualities. This is easily proven; e. g., in the slums of the cities the worst qualities are developed and the best qualities are not developed. A nobleman among thieves would probably make a very poor tliief because of his lack of development of 180 The Wife's Handbook deceptive and unmanly qualities, although his superior intelligence might make him a superior among thieves in spite of liis utter failure as 'a thief. Improvement of the Race. The modern science of eugenics is becoming quite important. Eugenics means practical selection with a view to producing a better race of people. Statistics col- lected among thousands of children show that the average of intelligence and good or bad qualities of the children is the same as that of the parents. In no case has a child of superior attain- ments been born from inferior parents, or the reverse. It would thus seem that the world will not grow any worse or any better in the future than it has been growing in the past. But this is not now true. The inferior parents produce offspring in greater number than do superior parents, but, in the past these in- ferior offspring suffered greater mortality, and the average of grown people remained about the same. Of recent years, however, medical science has made such great progress that these inferior children do not die as before, and the number of inferior adults is consequently increasing very rapidly. It is proposed, by per- sons interested in eugenics, to arbitrarily apply laws which will eliminate the unfit by rendering them unable to produce offspring, i. e., by sterilization. This is a difficult proposition. Six states of the Union have passed such laws, but their success has not been evident. In the individual case, each family should inquire into the characteristics of other families as far back as three genera- tions before allowing marriage with them, for the laws of heredity are fixed and immovable. For more detailed information, see First Principles of Heredity, Herbert, price $1.75. CHAPTER XI BABIES General Remarks. Until comparatively recently, the care of babies was dependent upon knowledge handed down in a more or less indefinite way from ancestors on the feminine side. Of recent years, however, specialists have taken up this subject with very gratifying results. There are two books which cover the subject fully, and no family with babies should be without at least one of them. These books are : (a) The Care and Feeding of Children, Holt, price 75 cents. (b) The Child, Sill, price $1.25. In this chapter, there is given a certain amount of general information necessary on the subject. It is not intended, however, that this information should be regarded as complete, and one of these books is practically necessary to any family with babies. In this chapter, only the first three years of a child's life are considered; after that, it is taken up under the subject of children. PRErARATION In preparation for the birth of a baby, the following clothing should be ready: Four medium size silk and wool shirts. One yard of soft, white flannel for bellybands. Two pairs of hose. Two outing-flannel skirts (for the night). Four flannel skirts. One wrapper. Three slips. Two dozen cotton diapers — one dozen 20x4-0 and one dozen 22x44. Three plain slips for night dresses. Two sacques. Two flannel bath aprons to wrap the baby in after the bath. One crib, with mattress, etc. For general purposes there should be a baby basket containing the following necessary articles : One pincushion. Three packages safety-pins, assorted sizes. Box talcum powder. Cake castile soap. Three wash-cloths. Three soft bath towels. Three baby towels. 184 The Wife's Handbook Infant hair-brush and fine-tooth comb. One jar of white vaseline. PufF and puflp-box. Absorbent cotton (one package). Bath thermometer. Package of sterile gaxize. Two yards of linen. A bottle of saturated solution of boracic acid. One package of wooden toothpicks. A pair of scissors. Bottle of sweet oil. GROWTH The following gives the growth and progress of the average child. It is not by any means a proof of weakness or sickness that any particular baby does not follow this schedule : Table of Weights. Birth 7 Vs pounds One week 7 " Two " 7 3^ Four " 81/2 " Eight " 10 1/3 " Twelve " 13 " Twenty " 15 " Thirty " 16 Forty " 18 " One year 21 " Two " 27 " Three " 32 " The above weights do not include clothing. If the baby loses weight steadily, there is something wrong, and the doctor should be called. A baby should Notice objects about the third month. Hold up its head during the fourth month. Laugh aloud about the fourth month. Reach for toys about the sixth month. Sit up about the eighth month. Be weaned from breast by the twelfth month. Stand alone about the twelfth month. Begin to say "papa" and "mamma" at about one year, and Put together sentences at about two years. Be weaned from bottle about fourteenth month. The Wife's Handbook 185 Walk alone about the fourteenth month ; it should never be urged to walk, as this is apt to cause a baby to be bowlegged. The fontanel should be closed about the eighteenth month. The two central lower teeth appear about the seventh month; the four upper central teeth about the tenth month; at one year a baby generally has six teeth. DUTIPZS OF NURSE The nurse should preferably be a middle-aged woman. Young women are, as a rule, careless. The nurse should be cautioned never to let anybody kiss the baby on the face or on the hands ; in fact, there is no necessity for anybody, except relatives, kissing the baby at all. Bathing. At birth the cord is tied, and should be let alone until it dries up and drops off, which is about the tenth day. No full tub bath should be given the baby before this time; but the baby should only be placed in a basin and rubbed with the hand or a soft wash cloth; then dried quickly with a soft bath towel. The water should be at a temperature of 100° Fahr. The full tub bath is more complete in every way. The baby is placed in the water and held by the nurse. The genital organs are sponged with absorbent cotton or a solution of boracic acid, one teaspoonful to a glass. If puss is in the eye, it should be cleaned with a solution of boracic acid (10 grains to the ounce). If necessary the mouth is swabbed with a little absorbent cotton twisted on a toothpick. After bathing, the baby is rapidly dried with a soft towel, and the folds, armpits, etc., which rub together are dusted with talcum powder. The full bath should not be given less than an hour after feed- ing. Very little soap is used. The temperature is about 99° Fahr. Room. If possible, the baby should have a room of its own. As the baby spends nearly all of its early life in this room, it should be cheerful and properly kept. The temperature should be from 60° to 70'^ during the day, and about the same during the night ; after one year it may be allowed to go lower, say, to 40° during the night. The room should aired twice a day at least — in the morning and in the evening— and the baby should be removed while the room is being aired. 186 The Wife's Handbook The baby should not sleep in bed with another person, but should have a bed of its own. This prevents accidents, often fatal. Equipment and Toys. The nursery should be provided with a carriage, a baby's crib (one with a side which can be raised so that the baby cannot get out), an exercise pen, and later a baby walker. The baby should never be left in the baby walker so long that it becomes fatigued. Toys with sharp points or with paint or loose parts that could be swallowed should never be given the baby. Clothing. There is nothing especially important as regards clothing, except that the chest should be covered with soft flannel and the abdomen supported by a broad flannel band. This band supports the walls of the abdomen, and helps to prevent rupture ; after four or five months it may be removed if it is evident that the baby's abdominal walls are strong. Babies do not require as heavy clothing as older people, because they live in a warm room; but nurses should be particularly careful to wrap them up warmly when taken out for an airing. Napkins should be immediately removed Avhen soiled or wet. Wetted napkins may be used again, provided they are not stiff. Napkins should never be starched in ironing. Crying. Crying is not necessarily a sign that the baby is sick or needs something. Crying is necessary to exercise the baby's lungs. If the cry is continued, it is best to see that the baby is not in pain by being stuck with pins or something of that kind. If the cry is weak and whimpering, the baby is probably sick; if the cry is strong and healthy, the baby is probably trying to attract attention or only exercising its lungs. Airing. To accustom the baby to an airing, it should be fully dressed and placed in a crib a few feet from the window, at first for only 15 minutes, and increase this about five minutes a day. In the summer the baby can be taken out in a carriage when about a week old; in the winter it should not be taken out until about three months old. When the baby is taken out in the carriage, see that it is fully covered and cannot get chilled; that the wind does not blow in its face and that the sun does not shine in its face. The Wife's Handbook 187 TRAINING The baby should not receive undue attention, and yet it must be remembered that a certain amount of attention is necessary. If the baby is absolutely unnoticed, the mmd will not develop as rapidly. Of course, later, when the body is physically older, the mind will develop more rapidly; but it is best to show a certain amount of attention, without spoiling the baby. Naturally, too much attention leads to bad habits. It would be a safe rule to require that only the parents and relatives show 'attention to the baby, and that the nurse should not attempt an}' intellectual train- ing. Especially should the nurse be directed not to attempt to make the baby "show off." Sleeping. A young baby sleeps nearly all the time ; it should, however, be waked up for feeding. A six months' old baby sleeps about two thirds of the time. It should also be waked up for feed- ing in the daytime; but it should have been trained at this age to go without night feeding (see table showing hours of feeding). It is not at all necessary to rock the baby in order that it go to sleep. If this is done once, the baby will expect it. After such a habit has been developed it is necessary to break it by not doing it any more. At first the baby will cry a great deal, but in four or five nights there will be no such trouble. After about five months the child should not be fed between 10 p. m. and 6 a. m. ; consequently, it should be trained to sleep all night long. When the baby is put in the room to sleep, the room should be darkened and the child made comfortable and left alone. Pacifiers, soothing syrup, etc., are not advised as their relief is only temporary, and acquired tastes will give much trouble later. Toys. Habits of order and regularity can be taught the child by making it careful to put away the toys when through playing with them. Useful toys are just as satisfying to the child and are to a certain extent educational. Bowels. The bowels should move about twice each day after the child is a month old. They can be trained by pressing a vessel against the child, supported horizontally. After this is done about a week, much trouble with napkins is avoided, as the bowels are very easily trained. Bed Wetting: This is generally due to liquids taken late in the day. As the child should be given liquids at this time, until 188 The Wife,'s Handbook two years of age, it is difficult to stop bed wetting before beginning of the third year. At that time, do not give liquids after 4 p. m., and take the child up each night at 10 p. m. If the training does not result satisfactorily after two or three weeks, it is possible that there may be some local irritation or general weakness which would require the services of a doctor. FOOD The following table shows schedule for feeding a baby during the first year. If the baby is bottle-fed, give the amounts as stated; if breast-fed, about twenty minutes will be sufficient to furnish the desired quantity. If amount is not sufficient, the baby cries when removed from the breast ; also, it sucks its finger. The child's appetite is a good test as to the amount, provided the child is in good health and has not formed greedy habits. The times are not absolute as to exact hour, but the intervals are about cor- rect ; and it is especially desirable that the hours of feeding be the same each day, so that the baby will form regular habits. Time Hours of Feeding Quantity each beginning a.m. feeding. 1st and 2d day 2, 8, 2, 8 about 1 oz. 3 days to 4 weeks 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 " li/g to 3 oz. 4 weeks to 2 months 2, 7, 9:30, 12, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 9 " 3 to 41/2 oz. 2 months to 5 months 2, 7, 10, 1, 4, 7, 10 " 41/3 to 6 oz. 5 to 12 months 7, 10, 1, 4, 7, 10 " 6 to 9 oz. Note — An ounce of liquid is about 3 level teaspoons. Mother's Milk is by far the most suitable food for the baby. It contains the proper amount of each of the food elements, and is by nature even changed at the proper times for the growing baby. Statistics show that three times as many bottle-fed babies die as breast-fed. However, the mother should not feed the baby when she has tuberculosis or some other communicable disease, or is in bad health and cannot furnish the necessary amount of milk. Also, sometimes the mother's milk does not agree with the baby, in which case she could not furnish milk for it. In these cases, a wet- Inurse should be provided, or the baby should be fed from the bottle. The mother's milk does not come in abundance until the third or fourth days ; but the baby need not be given more than the mother can furnish, as the baby by nature does not then require The Wife's Handbook 189 more. The diet of the mother should consist of light food, with plenty of liquids, such as oatmeal, eggs, soups, plenty of milk and cocoa; she should avoid wine and beer. Sour fruits are bad. The health of the mother should be maintained by care at all times ; and her nervous condition is even sooner reflected in the baby than is the effectiveness of her diet. The return of mnstruation is often the sign that it is time to wean the baby ; for generally the amount of milk is decreased, and likewise the quality. However, as long as the baby is healthy looking, its tissues firm and strong, the milk plentiful, and the appetite is good, the mother's milk can be con- tinued. Artificial Milk can never properly take the place of mother's milk. Cow's milk is the nearest to mother's milk, but this is not satisfactory, because it does not contain the exact elements of food values that are contained in mother's milk. Likewise, mother's milk is always fresh and unspoiled, while cow's milk is very often impure, not fresh, and not of the right temperature. If, however, the baby must be bottle-fed, certain changes and additions can be made to cow's milk, certain precautions taken, which will render it very much like mother's milk. If these pre- cautions are not taken, and the milk is not altered as explained, the milk will not be at all suitable for the baby. With all possible precautions, however, as stated before, three times as many babies die when bottle-fed as when breast-fed. In large cities, there are milk laboratories which prepare cow's milk in the proper propor- tions. If it can be obtained fresh, such milk is better prepared and more suitable than can be made by the wife with her limited facilities at home, as described below. The composition of artificial milk is as follows : Age of baby Proportions 2 days 4 days 8 days 4 weeks 8 mos. Top milk 2 tbsp. 3 tbsp. 4 tbsp. 6 tbsp. 10 tbsp. Milk sugar 1 1 1 1 1 Lime-water 1 1 1 1 1 Boiled water 17 16 15 13 9 Note. — It is seen that as the amount of milk is increased, the amoimt of water is decreased by the same amount. The increase of milk is made slowly, and the eifect on the baby is watched very carefully. The milk sugar is dissolved in the boiled water; it should be filtered if not clear, or if there is a deposit. 190 The Wife's Handbook The lime water is strained and measured from a saturated so- lution. Top milk is simply milk taken from the top of unskimmed milk which has been standing five hours, the thicker milk thereby rising to the top. Methods are available whereby all of the milk is used, not the top only, but this is more variable in quality than the top milk obtained as described below : First : The milk should be strained as soon as received, and placed in bottles. The bottles should be rapidly cooled by being placed in ice water or cold spring water for half an hour (placing in a refrigerator does not cool rapidly enough), and then placing in a refrigerator or cool place. If the milk is of doubtful character, and no better can be obtained, it should be pasteurized ; that is, heated to 155° Fahr. for thirty minutes to kill the germs. Pas- teurized milk will keep for 24 hours, and is not harmed by pas- teurization. If necessary to take milk on a journey, it should be sterilized; that is, heated to 212° Fahr. for an hour and a half. If kept upon ice, sterilized milk will keep for ten days ; but fresh milk is preferred, as sterilized milk is more or less difficult to digest, often causing constipation. Second: After the milk in the bottle has set for five hours, the top milk is obtained by taking off the top third of poor milk, the top half of ordinary milk, and the top two-thirds of especially rich milk, as Jersey, etc. Jersey milk is not more suitable than other milk, as the top third of ordinary milk is just as good as the top two-thirds of Jersey milk, and the above table cannot be used for the top third of Jersey milk, as it would give too rich artificial milk. Take milk off with a spoon ; do not pour it out, as this does not give the top milk. Place the top milk in a separate bottle and close it tightly. The artificial milk is prepared by simply mixing the propor- tions as shown above, varying with the age of the child. The pro- portions are generally mixed in a pitcher, and all stirred together. The milk sugar is dissolved in the boiled water and strained if necessary. The lime water is added. The top milk is taken from the top milk bottle. Be sure to first shake the bottle, as otherwise the top of the top milk will be obtained, and the proportions as named above are not for the top of the top milk, but for all of top milk. The Wife's Handbook 191 Preferably, to save trouble, all of the artificial milk for one day is made at one time and the proper amounts for each feed- ing are often made up for the whole day and placed in separate bottles. The artificial milk should be placed in a refrigerator where its temperature will be below 50° Fahr. Just before feeding, the arti- ficial milk, in its bottle, is placed in warm water and heated to 105° Fahr. If the child is taken on a railroad trip, it is necessary to take along a little basket of milk kept cool. There are little ice boxes for this purpose made for traveling, which can be bought in almost any city. Second Year. The baby must gradually be taught to take solid food. The artificial milk will gradually give way to the cow's milk. The diets given below are gradually merged one into the other. Diet at twelve months : 6:30 a. m. Breakfast of warmed milk, 20 tablespoons; add a little oatmeal. 9 a. m. Orange juice, 4 tablespoons. 10 a. m. Second breakfast of warmed milk and outmeal, about 25 table- spoons, twice as much milk as oatmeal. 2 p. m. Broth, about 15 tablespoons. 6 p. m. Same as 2d breakfast. 10 p. m. Same as breakfast. Diet at sixteen months : Practically same as above, except that a little more of each is given. There is added toast or biscuit at 10 a. m., 2 p. m. and 6 p. m. Diet at two years: 6:30 a. m. Breakfast of warmed milk, a little more than a cup. 9 a. m. Fruit juice, 7 tablespoons. 10 a. m. Second breakfast of cereals, with milk and toast or biscuit; a cup of warmed milk. 2 p. m. Six tablespoons of broth, a soft boiled egg (or finely chopped meat) ; toast or biscuit. 6 p. m. Cereal, or bread, and milk. 10 p. m. Milk, if not yet trained to do without it. Third year: At this time, solid food may be given more or less freely. Night feeding should be stopped. Practically there are three regular meals, with milk between these meals, but not too much. 192 The Wife's Handbook Diet for third year : 7:30 a. m. Breakfast of cereal, warm milk, one egg, bread and butter. 2 p. m. Dinner of soup, meat well chopped, potatoes, peas, or asparagus tip, baked apple or prunes. 6 p. m. Supper of cereal, or bread, with milk. Weaning. At the age of about ten months, the bottle should be substituted once a day. Start with weakest artificial miUc, gradually changing to strongest, then to cow's milk. As the baby becomes used to the bottle it is given the bottle more often until at about one year of age the child is trained to use the bottle alto- gether. Often this is done much earlier, especially when the mother's milk gives out. If the baby has secured a good start by mother's milk for the first four months, there is not so much danger from bottle feeding after that time, though, of course, it is not best. At the age of about fourteen months, the baby should be weaned from the bottle, except for the night feeding, but it should be fed at night from the bottle for practically all of the second year. To teach it to drink from a cup, keep the bottle from it. It will probably object at first, sometimes for over a day, but do not be alarmed, just wait until it is hungry enough and it will then drink from a cup. After this is taught, gradually add cereals and other solid food. SICKNESS As a general rule, a doctor should be called for sick babies. After three or four years, a child is able to explain its sickness and there is less trouble in deciding what is best. Colic: Symptoms; strong and intermittent cry, drawing up of feet, other signs of pain. Treatment ; warm the feet by hot water bag or fire ; warm the stomach by hot water bag or hot flannel. If colic continues, inject into the bowels ^ glass of warm water containing 10 drops of turpentine. Constipation: Give the baby an injection of one tablespoon of sweet oil, or of tepid soap and water. It is far better to have trained the baby's bowels in regularity of movement so that there will be no constipation. Contagious Diseases: There is no possible advantage in ex- posing a baby to contagious diseases, such as measles and chicken pox, so that it may have them and get it over with. Measles are The Wife's Handbook 193 particularly dangerous to cliildren under four years of age. Scar- let fever is probably the most dangerous ; whooping cough is very bad. Convulsions : Bathe the baby's feet in a mustard bath made by putting a handful of mustard in tlie baby's tub of tepid water. When the skin shows red or tingles, roll body in large towels dipped in the mustard bath, put ice pack on head, and put in bed. Convulsions arc not uncommon and are not generally dangerous, being usually caused by something wrong with the digestion. However, convulsions generall}'^ precede serious diseases, such as scarlet fever ; so send for a doctor, if convulsions are frequent and continued. Croup: See Chapter on Medicines. Diarrhoea: Generally, the stopping of milk and all other food for six or twelv& hours will be sufficient; but if there is an irritating substance in the bowels, a teaspoon of castor oil is sometimes necessary in order to get rid of irritating substances in the bowels. Diarrhoea is the most frequent cause of the deaths of babies. Fever: The normal temperature of a baby is about 99, but it may be as high as 100 and 102 and still be only a very mild illness, as, due to nervousness, a baby's temperature is subject to more sudden changes than that of older persons. However, if a temperature of 100 is maintained for more than one day, or if a temperature of 102 is maintained for six hours it is safe to conclude that the baby is really sick, and send for a doctor. To take the temperature of very young babies, place the thermometer in the rectum or groin. Swalloxoing Toys: Do not give the baby a cathartic or any- thing of the kind. Give it plenty of bread, potatoes, etc. The article should leave the body in about a week. Vaccination: The baby should be vaccinated at about six months, preferably on the leg. Vomiting: After feeding, the baby often vomits some of the food. This is not serious, being only a sign that too much was taken. If, however, there is acute indigestion and repeated vom- iting, fever, etc., all milk should be stopped at once and only boiled or barley water given every three hours for say twelve hours. Milk should not be given again until at least a day after vomiting has ceased. CHAPTER XII. CHILDREN. General Remarks. Few young wives realize the joys attend- ant upon the care and training of children of their own. Other parents rarely talk of the real pleasures of possessing children and watching their development, their ready grasp of ideas, their unfailing trust and confidence in their parent as their final arbiter and judge, even God to them. It is remarkable that so many wives complain of the cares of raising children, and so few realize the ever present joy of possession, the glowing warmth to the heart of en- during affection. If any childless couple has serious doubts that they are missing the one greatest happiness of life, let them only endeavor to secure final possession of one of the nine children of their poor coal man struggling for food. Both he and his wife will refuse to consider the proposition. This is not due to any theo- retical mother love, but is due solely to the pleasures of possession, to the joy of raising and teaching, to the unknown hopes of the future. There is, indeed, the mother love ; and sometimes it may overbalance the selfishness of the couple; if it does, they see that it is best for the child and give him up. Many couples have said that they want no more children, but none will say or think that those living have been a liability instead of an asset. Since children are to be raised, the parents must study the question seriously. Of course if it does not die, the child will some day be grown; but the development of body and mind of this grown person is dependent upon its inherited qualities and its training, both of which come from the parents. The duties of father and mother are important ; they cannot be delegated to ministers and teachers. The home is the place of training; the church and school are places of learning. Father and mother must know children, their methods of thought and periods of growth. The mother particularly is charged with their early training. By careful study, she can become a good teacher and mother; by entering into her duties with zeal and love she can derive more real pleasure than can be given by all dances, recep- tions and card parties. 196 The Wife's Handbook PHYSICAL GROWTH AND CARE. Weight and Height. The following table shows the average weights of boys and girls to the twelfth year. These weights in- clude ordinary clothes: Year Weight Height 4 37 lbs. 38 in. 5 41 41 6 45 45 7 49 46 8 54 48 9 60 50 10 66 52 11 72 54 12 77 55 At about the twelfth year the two sexes begin to develop along different lines. Before that time they are generally alike and could really be assigned similar games if customs did not render it undesirable. Eyes. Examination shows that 70 per cent of the children in New York City schools have defective eyes. The eyes should be examined early and about once a year to see that they are not de- fective. Examinations should be made by at least three different reputable doctors, as nearly everyone prescribes glasses for minor ailments. As glasses are very inconvenient, and once worn are rarely dispensed with, they should be avoided if possible. If the child has constant headaches, it is probably necessary to wear glasses for part of the day at least. Ears. Over 30 per cent of the New York City school children have defective hearing. Often a so-called stupid child is really bright, but slightly deaf. Prompt treatment may prevent deaf- ness ; colds and adenoids are great courses of deafness. Teeth. The grown person has 32 teeth. The child has cut 20 teeth at about three years ; these have no roots and are called the milk or temporary teeth. This means that 10 teeth in each jaw, 5 on each side of the center, are to be shed, and replaced by perma- nent ones with roots. These milk teeth begin to shed at about seven years of age. At this time particular care should be taken that the new teeth, the permanent ones, are not allowed to grow improperly. This is possible for several reasons, as follows : The Wife's Handbook 197 (a) The milk tooth may be firm and the permanent tooth may force its way to tlie side. (b) The permanent tooth may be thoughtlessly pressed out of its proper position. (c) The jaw may be too small, and permanent teeth may be crowded out of position. As loss of teeth or misshaped teeth prevent proper growth of the jaw and injure the appearance of the face as well as the teeth, children should be taken to a dentist who makes a specialty of straightening teeth. This should be done while the permanent teeth are coming, or after they have come, in improper position. At the age of twelve the jaw and teeth can be straightened by plates in about three weeks ; after maturity it takes several months, and is often impossible. If a permanent tooth does not come at all, a dentist should use the X-ray to locate it (for it is surely in the jaw), and should bring it out; otherwise, it may form an abscess and will at least cause some trouble. The following table shows time of appearance of teeth: Age. Nos. Description. Total No. 1 1 and 2 milk Called central and lateral incisors 8 milk 2 3 and 4 milk Called anterior milk molars and canines 16 milk 3 5 milk Called second milk molars SO milk 7 6 permanent Called first permanent molars 20 milk, 4 permanent 8 1 and 2 permanent Called incisors, displacing milk teeth 12 milk, 12 permanent 9 4 permanent Called bicuspids, displacing milk teeth 8 milk, 16 permanent 10 5 permanent Do 4 milk, 20 permanent 12 3 permanent Called canines, displacing milk teeth 24 permanent 13 7 permanent Called second permanent molars 28 permanent 21 8 permanent Called wisdom, completing per- manent set 32 permanent For best care the teeth should be brushed after each meal; but once each morning is all that can be expected of a child. Adenoids. Over 55 per cent of the New York City school chil- ren have adenoids. This is a foreign growth in the throat, and 198 The Wife's Handbook causes deafness, colds, weak eyes, etc. Mouth breathing is evi- dence of an extremely bad case. Adenoids should be cut out; the operation is safe, cheap, painless, and simple. Catarrh. Catarrh should be treated early by a reputable specialist ; otherwise it will become chronic and incurable. It is not dangerous to people with strong lungs. Feet. The feet should not be fitted with a tight shoe. Such pressure does not prevent growth of foot, except that it may nar- row and deform them by pressing one toe under another. The Chinese small foot is not really a small foot, but is a stump with the toes pressed out of existence. Shoes should preferably be too wide, but need not be too long. Toe nails grow in width at the front ; so keep them cut short, but not in the quick. Ingrowing toe nails are generally caused by shoes with too little vertical space for the toes. Another shoe must be worn ; and the toe nail scraped fairly thin and kept so until the toe nail is no longer ingrowing. It does not help to cut it out, as it will come back just as it was. Bare feet and legs are good for children during the summer seasoon. Bare soles to the feet are not so healthy as sandals. If the child has not a strong arch, bare feet or flat sandals will make him flatfooted, which results in pain and fatigue when standing or walking. To support the arches, put steel supporters in shoes and sandals; they cost about $1.75 per pair. In southern states, barefoot children catch "ground itch," which means the hookworm and should be quickly treated. Food. The child should gradually progress from the diet of a baby to that of a grown person: At first, much milk and other liquids; meats such as are easily digested (see chapter on Food) ; vegetables and fruits (except bananas) ; simple desserts, such as puddings and raisins, or a little ice cream. Chronic indigestion is generally due to gratification of a developed taste for pies, cakes, candies, etc. The child should eat only at regular hours, and should chew the food. If the child wants only sweet things, it is best to give him no food until he is hungry enough to cat whole- some food. To prevent constipation, the bowels should be trained to act regularly each morning on arising; and in young children, also each night before going to bed. The Wife's Handbook 199 Exercise. The average child will take enough exercise, and often too much if not restrained. Gymnastics in the house are of less value than almost any outdoor game at school or the play- ground. It is only necessary to see that the child does not become stoop-shouldered at school. To develop an erect figure, a child should practice throwing chin forward and back into neck at least 50 times a day. This will make head erect, throw chest foward and insure normal breathing. For sleeping, no pillow or a very small pillow should be used. Tasks. Long tasks are not very harmful, because the child will stop to rest. But no tasks should be given which are too great for its strength, as the spirit of emulation is great in children and rupture from lifting too heavy weights is not at all uncommon. MENTAL GROWTH AND CARE. Strange as it may seem, a knowledge of history is of great assistance in determining the mental development of a child, for it is an undoubted fact that the educated mind of a grown person today has passed through all the stages of development of the human race. The following table shows the approximate ages of each devel- opment : Age Historical Prototype. — 3 Prehistoric. 4 — 6 Patriarchal guidance. 7 — 10 Savage families. 11 — 13 Savage tribes. 14 — 15 Chivalry and feudal system. 16 — 17 Revolution and independence. 18 — 21 Republican organization. Parents are often surprised at the quick changes of their chil- dren. Stories which two months ago were interesting and exciting are now tiresome. By considering the characteristics of the people of the historical eras named above, remembering, of course, that there were both backward and also unusually intelligent peo- ple in those days, it is possible to estimate fairly closely the mental development of a child at any age. Treat the child as you would now with your superior knowledge, treat the grown people of the era corresponding to the child's age. Note the similar mental de- velopment as follows : 200 The Wife's Handbook — 3 (Prehistoric) : The child is developing by instinct; in co- ordinating its muscles and brain; its mind is growing (in fact, grows more these first three years than in all the rest of its life) ; is pleased with toys that make a fuss ; is generally afraid of the dark. 4 — 6 (Patriarchal Guidance) : The child thinks of itself alone; considers no one else; brings its troubles to its parents with the sublime faith of the savages in the patriarchs ; has the religious instinct, but sees no real difference between its parents and God ; is pleased with stories of fairies, goblins, and supernatural beings, and invests Biblical characters with supernatural characteristics. 7 — 10 (Savage Families) : The child sees the advantages of kinship ; develops loyalty to his parents ; still retains somewhat his mixed idea of parents and God; prefers stories of adventure with individual heroes working for family or community. 11—13 (Savage Tribes) : The boys join in gangs and the girls in sets ; religion becomes a habit, with God absent and parents present, both to be obeyed because it is right ; reads stories of heroes at the head of organized bands, such as Robin Hood and Jesse James. From 4 — 13 years, corresponding to the eras be- fore written records were devised, the memorizing power of the child is wonderful, just as its historical prototype possessed a wonderful memory. 14 — 15 (Chivalry and Feudal System) : This is the age of sex development, the girl henceforth developing a year or two earlier than the boy at ages stated in the table; the child develops un- usual chivalry ; love^ mental and physical, are constantly present ; imagination runs riot, often with disastrous results ; longs to be a knight (boy) or a knight's lady-love (girl) as in the days of Ivan- hoe ; becomes sentimentally religious, desiring to be a hermit, and sometimes seeks self-immolation. This period is fraught with dangers to child, and parents must be careful to give advice, but not drive away their children from their confidence. 16 — 17 (Revolution and Independence) : The child becomes self-assertive, wishes to control himself, his religion and actions; wishes to be by himself, to work out his own destiny, as did the Pilgrim Fathers and the Pioneers of American history; often leaves home or college and strikes out for himself. The Wife's Handbook 201 18 — 21 (Republican Organization) : Sees his duties in the world ; realizes the advantages of co-operation ; reasons logically as to religious matters. Many children never develop to the final period of Republican Organization, girls of the wealthier families being especially dis- posed by false training to stop at the Feudal period. The Russian peasants of today are about half way between the eras of savage tribes and the Feudal system. Some children are even forced men- tally to skip certain periods, but this does not result in increased intelligence ; it is unnatural and generally harmful. TRAINING. The suggestions below are for assistance to the wife. They cannot always be followed. For example, it is very easy to say that the wife should not let herself be worried by the children and should set aside certain hours during which they are under no cir- cumstances to come to her ; but in practice it is impossible for her to keep herself locked in her room with the child loudly crying outside for an unknown cause, which may be a finger chopped off, but is more probably a torn dress of a doll. However, by consid- eration of these suggestions, much unnecessary trouble will be avoided and a great deal of unexpected pleasure will be enjoyed. Control: In any plan for control of a child, as well as in any other consideration of the child's mental growth, we must consider the child's historical prototype. Punishment need not be ex- plained to a child — 6 years of age, but explanation of reasons for punishment are absolutely necessary for a child 16 years old. As a general rule, physical punishment never makes the child bet- ter; it only creates a sense of wrong in the child's mind, and in later years the grown person remembers the wrong, reasons over it, and concludes that the punishment was administered because of anger and lack of control of the parent. In fact, nearly every such punishment is administered to relieve the parent's anger rather than to improve the child. Obedience is secured by decision and politeness. Study each child separately, and make demands for obedience accordingly. Do not exact too much, do not make unnecessary demands, and do not make an obedient child into a handy servant. 202 The Wife's Handbook Home: The home is the only place for all training of children. Three qualities are to be trained ; the intellect, will, and character. All of these are best trained in the home, assisted by the intellec- tual training of the school and the character training of the church. The continual use of the word "don't" should be avoided; let the child alone, let it make mistakes and learn thereby, unless these mistakes will result in permanent injury. For example, a child may go without supper if absent at supper time, but it should not be allowed to hang out of a window so that it may learn by falling, or to play with sharp knives in order to learn by being cut. The mother should teach the child to be alone, to amuse itself at least during certain hours of the day. The beginning of school is hailed with relief by most mothers. Recently, there has arisen a system of hiring a community nurse or governess to take care of the children of several families during certain hours, A good governess costs about $60 a month, which may be divided among several families. The idea is excellent; the mothers are greatly relieved, and the children are benefitted, as the governess is gen- erally more capable than the mothers in the care of the children. Just now, many theorists are worrying themselves over the question of how the child shall learn the truth about the story of the stork. This worry seems unnecessary; the child will learn, and will not be shocked, nor will its morals be injured. The mother need not worry particularly about the child's moral welfare until It reaches the age of sexual development and change. At this time, necessary information must be given to the child. At no time, how- ever, should evil associates be allowed, because they retard or misdirect the training of the child in character development. Amusements: In story telling, the always interesting book is the Bible. Others become tiresome. Theaters should not be too often attended, as the child will become satiated too early in life, and will not take a healthy interest later. Moving pictures should be special ones selected for the purpose. Games will come naturally; boys and girls should be taught how to swim. The sand pile is very useful for amusement of young children. Camping is the greatest single amusement. It is not expensive and is good for both sexes, but especially for boys. The Wife's Handbook 203 Families often club together and hire a cook and a teacher for all the childi'en, and even the poorest families can spend a short time in the country in camp, or doing temporary work on a farm. City life is not the best for young children. This is evident by statis- tics which prove that 98 per cent of the young delinquents are city-raised. The parents should never lose the sense of confidence and com- radeship of their children. To retain this, they must play the children's games with them. This is often difficult at first, but proficiency can be acquired, with results pleasant and gratifying. Schools are to supplement the home training, and can never do more than a small portion of the work toward development of the child's mind. Of recent years, the schools are branching out beyond their natural field of training the intellect, and are trying to train the will and character. This is due to the facts that (1st) teachers are generally more capable than mothers, and (2nd) mothers are not attempting to train their children ; they are leav- ing this to the teachers. The schools are doing as well as possible, but a teacher is regarded as an outsider and the child never has the religious confidence in her as in its mother. Teachers who become mothers are generally the most efficient mothers. The community governess is the first outside teacher ; she is at first altogether a teacher, later a governess. The Montessori system of child training is next, in which the child teaches itself to a certain extent. Next are the kindergarten, the grammar school, and the high schools. In Germany, the boys of about 12 are bunched in clubs which travel the country under the guidance of a teacher who points out to them historical and natural points of interest. The present trend of our public school system is toward the development of individuality by easy tasks, such as lectures, out- door recitations, no examinations, etc., with avoidance of any dis- agreeable tasks. It is claimed and justly so, that association with others is the primary education in public schools, that actual use- ful knowledge acquired is very little under any system. It is also claimed that disagreeable tasks lessen control of the pupil; but the opponents of this system claim that the will-power can only be developed by actually accomplishing tasks more or less disagree- able, that adult life is a series of such tasks and that the child can- 204< The Wife's Handbook not select his life duties as he can select easy courses at a univer- sity. At any rate, the present public school system is based on making education attractive and easy, and the will-power must be developed at home by the parents. The great development of in- dividuality in the public schools will often result in selfishness, so we see that the qualities of love and unselfishness must be de- veloped at home by the parents. Church is like a school in that it develops the intellect, but it differs from the school in that it has practically no theories, and occupies itself also indeveloping character. Even so, the parents are again the best teachers, and the church teaching, however won- derful, can never be complete without the home training. Child Labor in modern industries is a great source of injury to children; it retards and often entirely stops their mental develop- ment, while at the same time weakening and often ruining their physical health. There are families which need their children's pay to prevent them from starving, but states are now enacting laws to provide loans or even gifts to families in distress in order to make such child labor unnecessary. A certain amount of labor around the home is an advantage to a child in that it develops all three qualities of intellect, will and of character, especially that of will-power, because the child learns that play must be supplemented by work. CHAPTER XIII. SONS. General Remarks : The information in this chapter is intended to cover the life of a boy from the ages of 12 to 21. Except for formation of character, before the age of 12, this is the most im- portant period of his life. At the age of 12 or over he begins to develop along lines different from his sister, he is exposed to all the temptations of youth, and because of ignorance or evil compan- ions, he may form habits of thought or deed which will be a contin- ual drawback in his future career. The discussion below is intended primarily for a wife or mother, as a guide to her conduct toward her sons. Many of the facts mentioned are well known to the father, but some of them are not known, and it will be well for him to become familiar with this information. Also it would be advisable to make the boy himself read this chapter. The subject is considered in three parts, Physical Welfare, Intellectual Welfare, Moral Welfare. PHYSICAL WELFARE. Between the ages of 12 and 17, the boy begins to grow rapidly. His frame lengthens very quickly, and he becomes lean, lank, and awkward. His appetite is enormous. He is sensitive, and shuns the company of girls. The average mother seems to be utterly unable to understand a boy during this growing period. She dislikes to have him awkward and bashful, and she worries him greatly with her en- deavors to correct these faults. This is not advisable. She should see that he has plenty of food, plenty of sleep, and that he takes a reasonable amount of exercise. Too much food or sleep cannot possibly injure him, but too much exercise may unnecessarily fa- tigue him. Do not believe that he will always be lazy, for he is always tired during this period of growth. His muscles have not grown proportionally strong as his height has increased, and they must be allowed to catch up. On the other hand, if the boy does not exercise these muscles during growth, they will not properly develop, and the boy will remain weak after his bones have acquired their growth. A simple 208 The Wife's Handbook and safe rule would be to simply let him or make him associate with boys during the day, thereby exercising enough. Do not let him study too much in the day. At night let him do all his studying more or less completely, and be sure that he goes to bed at about 10 o'clock. If there is a gymnasium at the school, be sure that he takes the physical course. If there is no such course, something similar should be devised for him. At the age of 17, he has practically acquired his growth of bones, and then he should increase the amount of exercise in order to^ broaden out and attain his possible muscular strength. If the boy ever goes to college, he generally is there at the age of about 17. This is the time when his heart and lungs are not quite de- veloped, and his muscles have not yet acquired full strength. At this time above all others it is a fearful mistake to allow him to in- dulge in violent athletics, such as rowing, running, football and basketball. No parent, through mistaken pride, or a mistaken college loyalty of the boy, should let him indulge in any of these sports. College athletes, who have reached the age of 40, are al- most unanimous in agreeing that violent athletics are of no benefit in building up the physique. Baseball, skating, gymnastics, and other mild forms of exercise are necessary and advisable. Walk- ing is particularly beneficial. As a result of participating in violent athletic games, the heart is distended and strained, the muscles are overdeveloped, the lungs are strained, and quite often more evident permanent in- juries are sustained, such as torn ligaments, water on the knee, charley-horse, twisted arms, etc. The same exercise ten years later would not cause athletic heart, strained lungs, strained mus- cles, etc. It is not cowardly to refuse to join in such games. It is generally a foolish patriotism on the boy's part, and a kind of weak pride on the parent's part which permits the boy to partici- pate. Many parents claim that their refusal will not prevent his participation, but this is not correct. If the boy be disobedient, which is rarely the case, a letter to the faculty of the college will be sufficient to prevent such participation on his part. If circumstances are such that the parent cannot excercise complete supervision over the boy from ages of 12 to 17, it would be advisable to send him to a military school. There are many The Wife's Handbook 209 such institutions in this country, where the work is easy, the drill is not hard, and the boy must follow normal habits. A military man is usually amused at these so-called military schools, but their very inefficiency and lax methods make them exactly suitable for a growing youth who should not study, drill, or play too hard. Food: The food for a growing boy should be such as will build up muscles and bones ; consequently the proportion of proteids should be greater than in the food of grown people. By looking at the table of food constituents (see Chapter on Food), it is seen that the greatest quantity of proteids is contained in an av- erage helping of roast chicken, mutton chop, roast beef, lamb chop, baked beans, oatmeal etc., while the least is contained in sugar, syrup, butter, crackers, apples, cream, string beans, oranges, cake, white bread, etc. Alcohol is bad physically. It has no real value even in small quantities, and in large quantities it weakens the growing cells, disintegrates tissue, and causes early fatigue. Unless immoder- ately used, its bad effects are not at once evident. INTELLECTUAL WELFARE. While the intellect of a growing boy is not actually weakened by quick growth, his bodily laziness or weakness reacts somewhat on the brain. He should not be forced to study too hard. At about the age of 12, the boy's mind ceases to resemble the girl's, and his intellect demands reasons for the statements in his studies or elsewhere. His memory becomes less strong, and his reasoning powers stronger and more accurate. He should study mathematics, logic, physics, etc. He should not spend further time on music, singing, etc., unless he has shown remarkable talents in that direction. In his school he should take a manual training course. It is good exercise, and will be useful to him in later years, no matter what his profession. About this time, he should surely begin to acquire a fair know- ledge of his own small finances. If possible, he should be given an allowance of his own, and he should be made to keep an exact account of his expenditures. It is best to give him full indepen- dence in his expenditures, thereby teaching him self-reliance; but he should be made to show his accounts each month with the full 210 The Wife's Hal-dbook knowledge that the expenditures will not be criticised, but that the method of keeping his accounts must be approved. School Course: There is no reason why he should not take the full high school course; also a certain amount of business school course should be given him in some way. A knowledge of book- keeping and typewriting will help him materially, whether he is to be superintendent of a steel mill or clerk in a shoe store. Private schools are not preferable to public schools ; they may actually advance him more rapidly in books, but the loss by lack of associ- ation with boys of all classes more than counterbalances this ad- vantage. College : If possible, the boy should be sent to college at the age of about 15. If he has not finished high school, he should drop it. A college education is necessary for proper advancement in life work. In large business establishments, it is the rule to assume that a college graduate who has shown ability is suitable for pro- motion to higher duties. If the young man with ability has not had a college education, he can only attain promotion to higher duties by proving in some manner his capability for such duties, which capability is assumed for the college graduate. Quite often the parent states that the son prefers not to go to college. Although true in rare instances, such a remark is gener- ally understood by others as an attempt to hide the fact that the parent cannot afford to send the son to college. The advantages of college are so evident that no parent can well neglect to send a son, if possible, and the pleasures of college life are so well known that no intelligent son will refuse to seize any opportunity to go. Even where financially unable to go, an unusually intelligent boy can acquire a scholarship or work his way through college, or combine the two. His high school teacher can give him complete information as to scholarships. A small college is generally preferable to a large one, and it is an advantage to start in the freshman class. If the boy will surely go later to a large university such as Yale or Princeton, he should preferably attend a preparatory school for these universi- ties. If he intends to later enter one of the most important tech- nical schools, he should leave his small college as soon as he can enter the freshman class at the technical cchool. In other words, he should select his final college, and should so arrange that he enter the freshman class and take the full four years course. The Wife's Handbook 211 At a college, there are many things to be learned besides books. That is why a smaller college should be selected for preparatory course. A better comradeship prevails at small colleges or at military schools than at the larger colleges. A certain amount of self-confidence is developed. In the smaller colleges or minor universities, the first two years are devoted to general education, and the last two to special courses. At the end of two years, the boy should know just what course he will probably follow through life, and should shape his studies accordingly. If he prefers, or his finances require it, he may finish his college life at his small college ; but the larger uni- versities are preferable, because they have better laboratories and are in every way better equipped for training in any specialty. The larger universities have a curriculum about two years ahead of the colleges, but few colleges follow exactly such a course of study that its graduates can enter the junior class at a larger university. As to selection of life work, there is very little to be said. For- merly, there were numberless graduates of law, medicine, etc., while those of engineering, electricity, etc. were rare. Now, there are more college graduates of all kinds than there are situations. It is often claimed that the years spent at college could often have been better employed in acquiring experience ; but this is misleading, for statistics show that a college graduate will in two years show greater ability than an equally gifted boy v/ith six years outside experience. Food : In the chapter on food, it is stated that there is no special brain food. However it is advantageous to eat only such foods as are quickly digested (see Digestion Table in Chapter on Food) , as these require the blood from the brain for a shorter time in the stomach to aid in digestion. Such foods are rice, sugar, fruits, vegetables, bread, chicken, fish, etc. Whiskey is bad, of course. It weakens the brain cells and causes them to be slow in performing their functions. It is certain that immoderate use of whiskey is injurious, and it is claimed by many reputable physicians that the so-called temporary stimula- tion of the mental faculties is really an excitement and lack of con- trol resulting in seeming brilliancy, but really is not greater bril- liancy but less control. Recent tests in school of boys without 212 The Wife's Handbook whiskey or temporarily stimulated with whiskey show greater rea- soning power, more accuracy, quicker thought, and better memory when not stimulated. Cost of College Course: The following table gives information as to the annual cost of a course at various colleges of the United States. The expenses as listed are not the lowest possible, nor do they make any allowance for various possibilities of income by extra work; but they are the lowest for reasonable comfort, and the average expenses are generally higher. COLLEGE STATISTICS Name. Location. Yearly Ex- penses. No. of Stu- dents. Male or Female. Assets. Alabama : Greensboro Tuscaloosa Tuskegee Auburn $215 250 200 125 1,350 146 800 Both Both Female Both $ 250,000 2,500,000 357,000 800,000 Un. of Alabama Alabama Con. Fem Alabama Poly. Inst Arizona : Un. of Arizona Tucson 250 250 Both 450,000 Arkansas : Arkansas College Batesville Conway Fayetteville Conway 215 200 125 255 700 185 Male Both Female 100,000 350,000 Un. of Arkansas Central Baptist 1,000,000 70,000 California : Leland Stanford Jr. Uu. Un. of California Un. of So. California . . Palo Alto Berkeley Los Angeles San Jose Colorado Sprgs. Boulder 400 465 300 1,737 4,902 2,505 118 757 1,250 Both Both Both Female Both Both 25,000,000 15,444,000 875,000 240,000 Colorado : Colorado 2,056,000 Un. of Colorado 1,500,000 Connecticut : Yale New Haven Middletown Dover 400 290 3,263 420 120 Male Both Both 14,665,000 Wesleyan 3,148,000 Delaware: State C. for Col. S 40,000 Dist. of Columbia: Georgetown Un Washington 250 1,533 Male 1,250,000 Florida: John B. Stetson Un Un. of Florida Florida Female De Land Gainesville Tallahassee 250 500 350 413 Both Male Female 1,500,000 750,000 300,000 Georgia : Athens Decatur Rome Atlanta 180 325 275 611 269 287 939 Male Female Female Male Agnes Scott 650,000 Shorter 425,000 Georgia Sch. of Tech. . . . 800,000 Idaho : Un. of Idaho Moscow Lake Forest Evanston 400 275 450 763 211 4,490 Both Both Both 1,549,000 Illinois: Lake Forest 1,300,000 Northwestern Un 10,000,000 The Wife's Handbook 213 Name. Location. Yearly Ex- penses. No. of Stu- dents. Un. of Chicago Un. of Illinois Armour Ins. of Tech. . Indiana : Indiana Un Un. of Notre Dame . . . Valparaiso Purdue Un Iowa: Drake Un Un. of Iowa Iowa St. C. A. & M. A. Kansas: Ottawa Un. of Kansas Kansas State Ag Kentucky : Un. of Kentucky .... Hamilton Kentucky Ag. & M. . . Louisiana : Tulane Un. of Louisiana Louisiana State Un. Ag & Mech Maine : Bowdoin Un. of Maine Maryland: Johns Hopkins Un Un. of Maryland Hood. Col Massachusetts : Amherst Harvard Un Tufts Williams Radcliffe Smith Wellesley *Mass. Ins. of Tech Michigan : Olivet Un. of Michigan Mich. State Ag Minnesota : Un. of Minnesota Albert Lea Mississippi : Miss. Ind. Ins. & C Miss. Ag. & Mech Missouri : St. Louis Un Un. of Missouri Washington Un Montana : Un. of Montana Montana Ag Nebraska : Nebraska Wesleyan Un. of Nebraska York Chicago Urbana Chicago Bloomington Notre Dame Valparaiso Lafayette Des Moines Iowa City Ames Ottawa Lawrence Manhattan Lexington Lexington Lexington New Orleans Baton Rouge Brunswick Orono Baltimore Annapolis Frederick Amherst Cambridge Medford Williamstown Cambridge Northampton Wellesley Boston Olivet Ann Arbor Lansing Minneapolis Albert Lea Columbus Starksville St. Louis Columbia St. Louis Missoula Bozeman University PI. Lincoln York 500 440 167 360 300 400 204 215 274 325 350 275 400 300 400 400 400 650 450 475 450 250 300 450 260 200 400 310 375 6,802 5,200 1,400 2,530 1,000 5,000 2,197 1,593 2,606 2,882 344 2,715 2,927 1,223 296 681 2,833 716 422 1,075 1,269 1,400 300 429 4,354 1,096 495 564 1,550 1,480 1,611 250 5,805 1,530 7,382 139 853 1,150 1,438 3,349 1,548 500 537 891 3,823 443 Male or Female. Assets. Both Both Male Both Male Both Both Male Both Both Both Both Both Both Female Both Male Both Male Both Both Male Female Male Male Male Both Female Female Female Both Both Both Both Both Female Female Male Male Both Both Both Both Both Both Both 30,972,000 4,543,000 5,000,000 1,500,000 iioooiooo 2,187,000 1,300,000 3,250,000 921,000 400,000 2,662,000 2,500,000 603,000 300,000 468,485 6,600,000 848,000 3,460,000 980,000 8,150,000 1,500,000 300,000 3,675,000 24,907,000 2,145,000 3,473,000 1.900,000 3,573,000 3,700,000 10,500,000 500,000 4,672,717 1,415,000 10,037,000 223,000 800,000 1,150,000 3,758,000 11,993,000 250,000 1,506,000 361,000 3,618,000 180,000 214 The Wife's Handbook Name. Nevada : Un. of Nevada . . . New Hampshire: Dartmouth ■ New Jersey: Princeton Un Stevens Ins. of Tech New Mexico : N. M. of A. & M. A. New York : Columbia Un Cornell Un Fordham New York Un Syracuse Un Barnard Vassar North Carolina: Wake Forest Un. of No. Carolina North Dakota: Un. of No. Dakota . No. Dakota Ag Ohio: Ohio State Un Ohio Un Ohio Northern Case Sch. of Ap. Sc. Oklahoma : Un. of Oklahoma . . Okla. Ag. & Mech. Oregon : Un. of Oregon Oregon Ag Pennsylvania : Lehigh Un Penna. Military . . . . Penna. State Un. of Penna Un. of Pittsburgh . . Villa Nova Wash. & Jeff Bryn Mawr Rhode Island : Brown Univ South Carolina : So. Carolina Mil. A. Converse Clemson Ag South Dakota : Un. of So. Dakota . So. Dakota Ag Tennessee: Tennessee Mil. Inst. Un. of the South . . Un. of Tennessee . . Vanderbile Un Location. Yearly Ex- No. of stu- dents. Reno Hanover Princeton Hoboken Mesilla New York Ithaca New York New York Syracuse New York Poughkeepsie Wake Forest Chapel Hill Grand Forks Fargo Columbus Athens Ada Cleveland Norman Stillwater Eugene Corvallis So. Bethlehem Chester State College Philadelphia Pittsburgh Villa Nova Washington Brvn Mawr Providence Charleston Spartansburg Clemson Vermilion Brookings Sweetwater Sewanee Knoxville Nashville 275 350 400 570 650 400 450 350 550 525 235 385 200 250 375 210 350 330 300 300 475 275 400 455 260 500 220 200 245 265 325 300 1,331 1,599 324 9,840 Male 4,635 Both Male or Female. Assets. Both Male Male Male Both 1,324 4,400 3,800 774 1,073 459 875 1,075 1,322 4,111 2,037 1,740 531 1,210 1,850 1,257 2,314 632 100 2,810 6,323 2,650 394 332 467 961 211 300 811 425 851 165 246 4,489 1,046 Male Both Both Female Female Male Both Both Both Both Both Both Male Both Both Both Both Male Male Both Both Both Male Male Female Male Male Female Male Both Both Male Male Both Both 615,000 5,264,000 5,195,000 2,000,000 300,000 45,000,000 15,895,000 210,000 5,771,000 4,852,000 3,000,000 4,500,000 661,000 2,700,000 2,496,000 885,000 5,740,000 1,360,000 250,000 3,500,000 4,000,000 808,000 900,000 1,500,000 2,500,000 "2,'4i8i666 18,000,000 2,355,000 'ii2i8,'666 3,842,000 4,277,000 350,000 600,000 1,330,000 1,500,000 597,000 125,000 750,000 1,610,000 4,000,000 The Wife's Handbook 215 Name. Texas : Baylor Un. . . . Un. of Texas . Baylor Female Utah: Un. of Utah . Utah Ag. ... Vermont : Norwich Un. . . Un. of Vermont Virginia: Un. of Virginia . Virginia Mil. Inst. Wash. & Lee Un. Randolph-Macon . . Hollins Washington : Un. of Washington Washington Ag. . . . West Virginia Bethany West Virginia Un. Wisconsin: Beloit Marquette Un. of Wisconsin Wyoming : Un. of Wyoming . National: U. S. Military Academy U. S. Naval Academy Location. Yearly Ex- penses. No. of Stu- dents. Waco Austin Belton Salt Lake City Logan Northfield Burlington Charlottesville Lexington Lexington Lynchburg Hollins Seattle Pullman Bethany Morgantown Beloit Milwaukee Madison Laramie West Point, N.Y. Annapolis, Md. 650 250 420 300 375 425 260 360 180 200 325 310 None None Male or Female. Assets. 1,531 Both 3,391 Both 449 Female 1,053 Both 1,200 187 600 887 375 456 576 250 2,824 1,537 400 1,271 395 1,606 5,748 613 785 Both Male Both Male Male Male Female Female Both Male Both Both Both Male Both Both Male Male 725,000 4,000,000 231,000 300,000 3,000,000 4,000,000 675,000 1,358,000 697,000 200,000 5,400,000 8,500,000 900,000 1,000,000 1,850,000 500,000 6,675,000 750,000 Unlimited Unlimited *Probably the best technical college in the world. For more detailed information, see World's Almanac, price 25 cents. MORAL WELFARE Necessity for Knowledge. The moral welfare of a boy is indi.s- solubly linked with his sexual condition; yet this is where he has least real knowledge of his own and least guidance by his parents. Any boy knows that whiskey is bad for him, that evil companions will gladly lead him to a saloon, and that he may acquire a taste for alcohol which will be a weakness all his life. The parents always warn him of the above evils and his knowledge is perfect. He will likewise know of the hold which gambling acquires on a man, and he will have examples shown him of such human wrecks. But on the subject of sex, which is far more important and be- set with many more dangers and temptations than all the others together, his parents are foolishly silent and leave him to learn by experience and often by misfortune. 216 The Wife's Handbook Puberty. At the age of 12 or 13, the boj first begins to feel development and growth of his sexual organs. His imagination begins to picture to him certain association or even intercourse with females. Contrary to girls who avoid such subjects, and can not imagine unknown things, the boy is thoroughly cognizant of these matters and has no difficulty. As a result of such imagination, he lies awake at night and con- siders these things. His penis becomes erect, and remains so for hours. It even becomes physically painful, aching- a little or a great deal. If not physically tired, he will remain awake far into the night. A wise parent will retain the confidence of the boy to such an extent that the subject can be discussed. The remedy is not perfect, but is helpful. Continual exercise, avoidance of such thoughts, and sleeping on the side or stomach are all that are necessary to pass the crisis ; it will be difficult, but will-power can do the rest. Cold water baths are very efficacious. After two or three months, the strange condition will have lost its novelty, and the nightly erections will not be painful or troublesome. Moral Aspect. From the ages of 15 to 21, the boy is more apt than at any other time to be tempted to sexual intercourse. Books and male advisors generally argue only as to the dangers of such intercourse ; and it is true that these dangers are many and fear- ful; they are fully described farther in this chapter. However, arguments of danger will not deter a boy of 15 or over. He has no fear of present danger of any kind, sexual or otherwise, and the threatened effects many years hence of venereal disease will not now cause him to hesitate. He is at the chivalric age (see Chap- ter on Children), and an appeal to his sense of honor, his protec- tion of girls, his moral stamina, his religious sentiment, and even to his control of self under suffering will more than anything else cause him to keep continent. His romantic faculties are particu- larly strong, and he is much more apt to see the moral wrong now than he would be later. If possible, he should be made to promise that he will abstain from such intercourse until the age of 21. If he is not a bad boy, he will make such a promise, and he will prob- ably keep it. Especially should a parent be on such terms with the boy that a promise of this kind can be made, and no desperate fear of pun- The Wife's Handbook 217 ishment should be inculcated so that the breaking of this promise will not be acknowledged. This is the most critical period in the life of a bo}'^, and he should receive all possible assistance in his ignorance of the real facts of sexual hygiene. Injury hy Youthful Intercourse. It is just as well to be sen- sible in dealing with the boy. Tell him facts, not theories. Do not tell him that youthful intercourse will prevent his full physical development ; for he will not believe it, as he can point out very large men of whom it is known that they have been immoral from their early youth. Tell him only that it is the hardest of all habits to overcome ; that alcoholic thirst is tame beside it ; that once started, it is a continual torment to prevent over-indulgence, and that over-indulgence surely leads to permanent physical weakness. Tell him also that it is a great moral wrong, and incidentally fraught with dangers by disease. Quite often, the undeveloped parents of early marriages in India are cited as proofs of such arresting of physical develop- mnt by early intercourse. This not correct. The parents are undeveloped because they are children of immature fathers and mothers. Not all the parents are undeveloped ; not half of them. Since marriage destroys the imagination and renders sexual inter- course a matter of proper relationship, there is no over-indulgence and it is certain that a boy married at 17 would be at 21 fully as strong and as healthy as a continent boy, but both would be stronger and more healthy than an immoral one who had over- indulged. The laws of this country forbid youthful marriage, not to save the parents, but to prevent the production of offspring which would necessarily be weak if born of parents who had not attained their full growth. Self Abuse. As stated in the chapter on Married Sexual Life, self abuse is proclaimed as a cause of sterility. This is not often the case. It is very bad for the nervous system, is bad for the intellect because of its weakening of the moral fibre ; but its effects are not permanently disastrous unless as a result of over-indul- gence. However, over-indulgence and self-abuse almost always go together. A warped intelligence which shows self-abuse will surely not limit itself. This is the great danger. At the age of say 15, the boy lies awake and in some pain, and it is very natural that he should handle his organs, and often ultimately arrive at self-abuse. 218 The Wife's Handbook Unless morally very strong, he will some times do this ; and if morally very weak, he will immoderately perform this act, and will become a wreck physically and mentally. If the parent finds that the boy has become addicted to this habit, he should at once be provided with a wife, for in no other way can this weakness be fully cured. Appeals to his moral strength will be of no avail ; the boy's moral strength has already gone from him. Nightly Emissions. As a natural result of reaching the age of puberty, the boy will have nightly emissions. There is no danger whatever in these, and the boy should understand this thoroughly. In fact, such wet dreams are an almost necessary result of conti- nence, are at least an evidence of continence, and are really a physical benefit. Too frequent recurrence of such dreams are weakening. For a nervous boy, twice a week is not unusual. The number may be reduced by cold baths, sleeping on side or stomach, sleeping with a belt (buckle in back), exercise, and repression of immoral thoughts. For a strong, healthy boy, one nightly emission a week is not abnormal. Venereal Diseases. Gonnorrheoea is the most prevalent of the venereal diseases. The first symptons generally appear between the second and fifth day after intercourse. There is first a little tingling in the orifice of the penis, followed by a slight pain in urinating. This is followed by a little discharge, at first thin or whitish, but soon thick and yellow or light green. The body aches in sympathy, and there is often a slight fever. The treatment should be undertaken b}^ a very good physician who makes a specialty of such diseases. The average doctor may be the cause of a lifetime disaster. Physicians who are ignorant on the subject, and most of them are, invariably prescribe some kind of injection of potassium permanganate. In nine cases out of ten, these in- jections drive a few of the germs back into the prostate gland where they thrive, often for years. It is almost impossible to get rid of them if they ever reach thre prostate gland, and they gen- erally get into the tube leading to the testicles and in 60 per cent of cases, cause sterility of one or both testicles. If the physician suggests any such treatment as injections, administered by a syringe in inexperienced hands, it will be best to get another physician at once. Nor would it be suflicicnt to let the disease run The Wife's Handbook 219 its course, for such neglect often results in the germs reaching the prostate gland and causing the same troubles stated above. The evil effects of gonorrhoea are spread very broadly. This is due to the fact that the average man does not know that he is not cured of gonorrhoee when the discharge ceases. He experi- ences no pain after cessation of discharge; and the germs may flourish in the prostate gland for years without really causing pain, although quite often his diseased prostate will cause his death at age of 50 or more. It is unfortunate that the disease is not more evident, because it is invariably transmitted to his wife; and hospital statistics no,w prove that uncured gonorrhoea of the husband causes at least half of the mysterious female diseases. Cases are known where gonorrhoea has been transmitted to the wife two or more years after all discharge has ceased. The com- plement fixation blood test is the surest proof of presence or ab- sence of gonorrhoeal infection. Advertisements are found in med- ical journals, it costs $10, and blood can be sent by mail. Syphylis is the most horrible and the most incurable of all venereal diseases. Its effects are not so widely distributed as those of gonorrhoea, because it is known that syphylis is very rarely cured, and there is no deceptive appearance of cure as in the case of gonorrhoea. Men recognize its horror and will accept the statement of the physician that it may remain for two or three years after apparent cure, while the physical pain of gonorrhoea is so little that men will not believe that it is not cured. Although syphylis may be caught in other ways, it is gener- ally as a result of sexual intercourse. Some two or three weeks after intercourse, it appears as a reddish pimple generally on the head of the penis ; developing soon into an ulcer which breaks and discharges. This is followed by pain in the groins, red pimples on the skin, and whitish spots on the lips and tongue. The disease gradually becomes worse, eyes become sore, throat sore, pains in legs, arms, joints, etc. This gradually wears away, but if not properly treated, the bones, joints, and cartilages are finally at- tacked, resulting in wreckage of the whole body. Treatment should be made by a reputable physician. The mercury treatment is generally followed ; although there are some recent medical discoveries which claim a quicker cure. It is pos- sible to effect a cure, but it is recognized that it is a matter of two 220 The Wife's Handbook or more years, with some ultimate doubt of final cure. The Was- serman blood test, possible by mail, cost $10, is a final test of the tft'ectiveness of the cure. Preventives of venereal diseases are quite efficient, but are not always certain. In Denver, the immoral women were segregated and all examined, and it was found that 90 per cent were af- fected by venereal disease ; so it is certain that a boy ■'vho has in- tercourse with such women, will sooner or later catch a venereal disease. Certain precautions can be taken however, as follows : (a) Condoms; these are rubber sheaths Avhich are placed over the penis. They are sold "for prevention of disease only," and they will prevent disease provided they do not break, and are properly handled so that the}' are effective as a sheath throughout. (b) Mercury bichloride tablets — used as an antiseptic wash. They are sold in little glass bottles labeled "Poison.*" Two tablets in a half basin of water are sufficient to kill all germs with which the water comes in contact. (c) A ten per cent solution of Argyrol used as an antiseptic wash, and also as an injection for not over an inch. If injected more than an inch, the germ ma}' be driven back into the prostate gland. This wash is applied in full strength or half weakened by water. Sexual Intercourse Not Necessary. It is claimed by many men, among them reputable physicians, that sexual intercourse is necessary for the physical and mental health of a boy or man. This is not entirely correct. Many instances are known where men have remained continent until 40 years of age, have retained practically the full use of their mental and physical faculties, and have then produced strong and healthy children. Lack of intercourse has no effect whatever on the mental or physical health of a normal man : but it is a fact that the sexual powers and the sexual organs are not so well developed in a continent man as in one not continent. The sexual organs of a man, like other organs of the body, would become atrophied by lack of use if nightly emissions did not keep them in shape ; but a little exer- cise after marriage soon produces complete development in the male as in the female. It is, however, undoubtedly true that, if nightly emissions cease, the sexual organs are becoming atrophied and are in need of exercise. Before acting upon any such con- The Wifk's Handbook 221 elusion, however, a man of 38 should remember that his sexual organs and imagination are not as active as they were at 19, and one nightly emission in two months is sufficient evidence that these organs are in proper condition. The same moral standard for both men and women is often advocated by married couples, and by unmarried women. It is not probable that it will be attained. Without any desire to preach to either men or women, I will say that both are to blame for the present situation. As soon as married, a woman often ceases to be a partner, and becomes a burden. The j'oung man sees such cases around him, and does not wish to assume such a burden early in life, on a small salary, with prospects uncertain. Likewise, wives are expensive, and the young man knows this. If not married before 30 years of age, he has certainly considered thoroughly the matter of sexual intercourse. It is simply a question of moral wrong or physical danger. In general, he accepts the moral wrong and risks the physical danger. A women is naturally virtuous; it is practically certain that no women ever entered on an immoral career purely for the pleasure she expected to experience. A woman has to con- sider the loss of virtue as a mental loss, a moral loss, a physical danger, and finally fear of detection. If she should suc- cumb to the other three, she will finally hesitate and turn away before the fear of detection. The difference in the moral attitude of men and women has become accentuated during the centuries, until now the known immorality of a woman is sufficient to cause her to be avoided as a companion, while the known immorality of a man is a mailer of no comment, but even some times of amusement. In the future, a greater knowledge of the physical dangers of disease will probably cause an improvement in the moral standard of man, but he will never have the same incentive for morality and will never attain the same moral standard as women. CHAPTER XIV. DAUGHTERS. General Bemarks: The information in this chapter is intended to cover the life of a girl from the ages of 12 to 20. Before the age of 12, the character and habits of the girl have received their most important training, but further intellectual and practically all physical training must be taught the girl after the age of 12. As a general rule the average mother has had it sufficiently im- pressed upon her that the age of puberty is the most dangerous to the future health of her daugliter, but all sexual matters are so surrounded by an air of mystery with women, that it is well to call attention to the common errors, and give some few instruc- tions on this subject. It would be well to have the daughter read this chapter; it will be easier to start her training in this manner. Also, it will show her the necessity for care and attention to herself during these eight important years of her life. The subject is considered in three parts; Moral Welfare, Physical Welfare, Intellectual Welfare. MORAL WELFARE. Necessity for Knowledge. The moral welfare of a girl is de- pendent upon her sexual condition. By this is not meant that her morals need careful scrutiny, but is meant that her sexual condi- tion during the age of puberty is an index of her mental condition, her moral attitude, and her physical health. The average girl has no tendency at all toward immorality ; in this she is very different from a boy, who has temptations and habits conducive to immor- ality. The knowledge of young girls is very little. This is very well for her morals, but it has the disadvantage that the young girl knows much less about herself than does a young boy ; in fact she knows very little about herself, even less than a young boy knows about her. This ignorance of herself, and consequent bash- fulness on subjects sexual, quite often leads her to do things very disastrous. Puberty: At about the age of fourteen to sixteen, the young girl first begins to have her monthly sickness. She has a fullness 224 The Wife's Handbook of the breasts, and the discharge of the vagina. The average age for such discharge is 15 years ; but it is by no means uncommon to find it in girls of 12 years or 19 years. If it comes at an early age, or even late, there is no need for alarm. It does not come earlier in warm climates, as is generally supposed. If the general health is good, the failure of menstruation to appear at say 14 years need cause no concern whatever. Quite often, mothers use arti- ficial means to bring on menstruation; this is injurious and not at all necessary. The mother should carefully watch her daughter for signs of approach of her first menstruation. It is best to explain these matters fully at about the age of 12, so there can be no mis- take. If ordinary rules of diet are followed, there need be no fear of trouble of any kind. If there is positive evidence of its ap- proach, more careful rules of diet will be beneficial. Slowly diges- ting meats, alcohol, coffee etc. should be forbidden ; and quickly digesting foods such as milk, rice, chicken, and fruit prescribed. Apart from diet, the girl should take some exercise in the open air, but not so much as to be exhausting. Warm baths should be taken every other day, followed by a cold shower. Particular care should be taken that the feet are not wet and that the girl does not take cold. Regularity of emptying the bladder and in- testines is important, because the bladder and intestines are very close to the womb and have marked effect on it. At some period before the first menstruation, but not neces- sarily immediately before it, the body of the young girl undergoes certain change ; the hips broaden, the breasts enlarge ; nipples become prominent; the special organs of generation, uterus and vagina and external parts, enlarge and show marked development. The first menstruation is not always preceded by disagreeable symptoms ; though, at times, it is possible to predict its very near approach by continued nervousness and some or all of the follow- ing symptoms : colicky pain in the lower part of the abdomen ; dis- tention of the bowels with gas ; aching pains in the back and thighs, fullness in the head, a slight fever, a feeling of excitement, mucus discharge from the vagina. Physiology of Puberty: Menstruation is an evidence of the approach of development of an ovum from the ovaries, but has no direct bearing on such development. The discharge is practically The Wife's Handbook 225 continuous and is caused by an accumulation of blood in the womb and its related parts. The blood begins to accumulate immedi- ately after the cessation of the last discharge. It is real infla- mation, just as there is inflammation around a splinter in the fin- ger. The temperature is even found to vary slightly as the amount of blood accumulated increases. Upon cessation of menstruation, the ripened ovum leaves the ovaries, travels slowly into the womb, and is expelled through the vagina. The ripened ovum does not leave the womb in the men- strual flow. The time for this progress is about eight days, as explained in the chapter on Married Sexual Life. If the ovum is fertilized, all of this accumulated blood is used in nourishing the unborn child, and menstruation generally ceases during preg- nancy. Likewise, almost invariably, menstruation ceases during nursing of the child. There must be some relation between men- struation and development of the ovum, although it is not yet de- termined, for no ova are developed and there is no conception during pregnancy and very rarely during nursing. On the aver- age, menstruation occurs ever}'' 28 days, lasts four days, and the total discharge is about as much as six ounces (near a tumbler full). Precautions. As so little is generally known by a woman about m'^nstruation, there are many errors committed, some of them very serious. The average woman does not know that there are no fixed rules as to the amount, lengths, periods etc., but judges all girls by her own experience. It is well that girls are somewhat reticent ; otherwise, other women's advice would cause them much trouble. About sixty per cent of women menstruate every 28 days, but periods of three weeks to six weeks are not at all uncommon. Four days is the usual length of discharge, but one day or seven days is not uncommon. Six ounces is the average amount, but per- fectly healthy cases are known where there is no blood whatever. One fixed rule can be followed: If the health is good, and the periods regular, the amount and length should be left alone. It is not a matter for experiment. For some thirty years during a women's life, it seems that her whole physical being is engaged in its function of ripening these ova, and expelling them in connection with menstruation, or after fertilization, in developing one during pregnancy. During this time, the woman's mind as well as her 226 The Wife's Handbook body is engaged in this function, and other matters cannot con- sistently and continually occupy her attention. If forced to un- dergo great bodily or sustained mental exertion, her physical de- velopment is deranged. This is not intended as an argument for socalled feminine weaknesses, called peculiarities. These are entirely unnecessary, and are likewise a detriment to the health. If carefully started during her first periods, there is no reason why a girl should not be fully as healthy as a boy during the same age. Nervous diseases of girls are generally due not to physical pecularities but to mental deficiencies induced by erroneous teachings of her family or friends. Especial care should be taken not to let the feet get wet or to catch cold. Cases have been known where girls have de- liberately stood in cold water in order to stop the flow. This is very bad; the flow should not be stopped, if normal. If ab- normal, a reliable physician should be consulted. The girl should avoid excitement, particularly mental stimu- lation of the sexual organs. This is rare but should be considered. She should not be allowed close companionship with boys during the first few months of menstruation, until she has become familiar with the matter and it is no longer a cause of mental excitement, Any irrational or absurd acts of the girl during her first periods should receive careful consideration, and even treatment ; under no circumstances should she be led to believe that her case or her in- quiries are unusual. A morbid sense of shame should by all means be avoided; curious questions should be fully answered, in fact, should be even anticipated. A sense of pride should be developed in the marvels of her physical development, in the powers so latent ; and a proper sense of modest}^ and bashfulness should by no means be allowed to become a cause for concealment of any unusual troubles or dangers in this important function of womanhood. During the duration of the periods, complete rest is necessary ; only such exercise should be taken as is desired; there should be no exertion ; cold baths should be avoided unless previously taken regularly. Food should be carefully selected, and be quickly di- gested (see Chapter on Food). Diseases: Venereal diseases are not discussed here. They are rare among girls of fairly decent habits, and they are invariably The Wife's Handbook 227 acquired by contamination from some male who is carrying the disease. As these diseases of females are described in the same reference books mentioned in the chapter on sons, they may be consulted for information. Inflamation of the external lips is caused by carelessness in keeping clean. The treatment is very simple; bathe often in cold water, apply some cooling salve. Itching of the external parts is very rare, but is a possibility. It is generally caused by weakness of the general health, particu- larly by constipation. If caused by impurity of the blood, the same itching may be elsewhere, and some blood medicine is ad- visable. If caused by constipation, sitting in cold water for five minutes twice a day is about as good as anything. The habit of regular movement of bowels early in the morning should be ac- quired. Leucorrhoea is a discharge from the vagina of a mucus or pus, generally whitish. The discharge is very similar to that from gonorrhoea. If there is any cause for suspicion, examina- tion should be made for germs of gonorrhoea. Leucorrhoea is not at all uncommon and many girls are very miserable over it. The disease is caused by inflamation of the mucus membrane of the vagina or womb ; and is likewise caused or accompanied by general weakness. It may be caused by anything which will weaken the system, such as cold, too much alcohol, vicious habits, want of exercise and fresh air, too much warm bathing, etc. A reliable physician should be consulted when there is positive evidence of leucorrhoea. There are many serious results possible from effort to cure same at home. If complete rest does not effect an imme- diate cure, further home remedies are not advisable. . Inflamation of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or womb is caused by sexual excitement. It is similar in a general way to erection in a boy. In very romantic or highly sensitive girls, it is not at all unusual. If the general health is good, it can be caused by dancing and companionship of boys, and is very often caused by long engagements. Mothers are somewhat careless in this respect. Generally, the results are not serious. If caused by ill health, the health should be carefully improved. If caused by mental excitement of the sexual organs, the cause of such excitement should be removed ; the bowels must be kept open, the hands and 228 The Wife's Handbook feet warm. If there is a discharge of mucus, the matter is very serious, there is danger of an abscess or derangement of the organs ; a physician should be consulted. Self-abuse among girls is very rare, but it is not entirely missing. Its effects are practically the same as in the case of boys. (See Chapter on Sons). The remedy is difficult; in fact, more difficult than in the case of the boy. Marriage is the one cure. Cold baths, exhausting exercise, and a thorough explanation of the evil results are necessary, advisable, and of lasting benefit in the cases of those who are not mentally weak. For these last, some kind of physical restraint may be necessary. As the ultimate effect of continued self-abuse is insanity and impotence, this matter should be considered of prime importance. Chaperons : Escorts of older women in charge of young girls have for centuries been required. The chaperon of today corres- ponds to the duenna of Spain, and to the keepers of the harems in Turkey. In a country like this, where the intelligence of the women is very great, the necessity of chaperons practically ceases. However, there are times when these women are available as a refuge for young girls, and as confidants in matters requiring im- mediate decision. The young girl is ignorant, and does not realize that too close contact with boys and excitation of her sexual organs is productive of real physical harm. It is her opinion that as long as there is no moral wrong, there should be no ob- jection. The greater experience of her chaperon will be of great benefit to her physical health if she forbids any games or attitudes which may lead to such sexual excitement. As stated in the paragraph on diseases, several serious troubles are caused by sexual excitement. It is also a fact that until she has acquired full development and full knowledge of the sexual relation (and often afterward), the young girl is weaker in resisting power than a man ; and the chaperon should make it her duty to see that no opportunities occur for a man to endeavor to break down the ignorant or moral scruples of the young girl. At her own home, efforts by men at se- duction are not so apt to be successful as under the excitement of an entertainment. For more di'tailed information see Confidential Chats with Girls, Howard, price $1.25. The Wife's Handbook 229 PHYSICAL WELFARE At about the age of twelve, the physical differences between girls and boys first begin to manifest themselves. Up to that time, except for certain established customs, there is no real reason why girls and boys should not take part in the same games and studies. However, since at that age the separation must be very distinct, it is just as well that the preparation for such separation begin at an earlier period. At the age of puberty, the young girl becomes very bashful and timid. A knowledge of the fact that she is physically a different being is for the first time brought to her attention. She becomes exceedingly sensitive, and for the first time develops the unreason- ing and sometimes irrational traits which are utterly foreign to the masculine mind. She also develops a loving disposition, a sense of physical dependency, and sometimes mental dependency on her brothers. Her physical development undergoes radical change. Her breasts become rounded, her form becomes more symmetrical. Sometimes she also experiences very rapid growth of bones and muscles. At any rate, her whole system is undergoing somewhat of a strain mentally and physically, and no undue exertion should be placed on her. She should be forced to take a certain amount of exercise ; but it should not be at all violent. Fresh air is preferable during such exercise; hence walking, skating, etc, are recom- mended. Such exercise shonld not be excessive, should not weary her, but should be sufficient to secure full development. A lack of such exercise will result in later life in extreme stoutness with- out the proportionate amount of muscular and bony tissue. Sufficient food and plenty of sleep are the best remedies for a seeming indisposition. Without too much interference, it will be possible to judge as to just how much is necessary. Unless the girl was indolent before this time, it will be well to let her judge as to what is desired. In about two years after commencement of menstruation, it is probable that there is no further possibility of derangement of any of the vital organs, and more regular, sj'stematic, and fatigu- ing duties should be exacted. This is particularly necessary when fullness of form has not been acquired. Certain exercises arc suit- able for certain weaknesses of muscle; but as none are injurious. 230 The Wife's Handbook no special warning need be given. In the majority of cases, any system of setting up exercises comprising trunk exercises, chest exercises, etc, as can be found in handbooks, will be all that is necessary. Naturally, no violent exercise should be indulged in, either now or later ; in fact never after the age of puberty. It is customary for certain people to exclaim loudly against late hours, parties, etc. Such late hours are injurious if there is the usual accompaniment of indulgence in stimulants ; it is also injurious if the proper amount of rest and sleep is not received. The main objection lies in the irregularity of habits. A girl who spends every evening at some party until twelve o'clock will be just as healthy as her sister who goes to sleep each night at nine o'clock, provided the first girl sleeps three hours longer each morning; but she will eventually injure her health somewhat if she goes to sleep some nights at nine o'clock and on other nights at twelve o'clock. Corsets are generally believed to be extremely hurtful to young girls. This is true, provided the corset is too tight and is ill fitting as was generally the case several years ago. But the modern corset is somewhat of a benefit to a young girl in that it helps to hold her erect, increases her pride in her appearance just when she is extremely sensitive, and there seem to be no au- thentic case where real injury has been done by the recent large waisted corset. Food: In the Chapter on Food, there is a table showing the calories of proteids and fats in each article. Naturally, the food for a girl at this critical period should be such as will build up her bones and tissues, and prevent undue excitement. In general, ordinary food, not too rich in fats, will be satisfactory. Especially valuable foods for growing girls are meats, oatmeal, baked beans, etc., while the least valuable are sugar, candy, butter, cream, cake, etc. These last are not harmful; but both cannot be eaten be- cause the appetite wil not stand it. The former are necessary for proper growth ; the latter are of no particular value and can only serve to decrease the appetite for the former. INTELLECTUAL WELFARE As in the case of a growing boy, the intellect of a young girl is not weakened by her rapid growth or by her physical changes, The Wife's Handbook 231 but her nervous system is more sensitive, her imagination is in- creased, and her reasoning powers are not greatly strengthened. Owing to the fact that all her physical faculties arc concentrated in her physical growth, it is not desirable to force great exertion or activity on her mental faculties, as they are surely identified and occupied with her physical growth. School Course: The high school course is not difficult, and the young girl should surely take this course. In addition a certain amount of house duties should be required of her, as these are not necessarily fatiguing. No house duties should, however, be as- signed her that will interfere with her proper rest and sleep. A certain amount of account keeping and a knowledge of cooking should surely be required. Sewing is not advisable during these few years. It is not exercise, is hard on the eyes, and the usual sewing as at present required is rather uselesss. A sewing machine should be avoided by her just at this time, if possible. College: A college education is not as necessary for a girl as for a boy. The curriculum of the average girls' college is of no particular value in her future life. As a general education, it is rather useful, and all possible general education should be ac- quired ; but a course at some domestic school will be of real value. Naturally, a certain amount of self-confidence is acquired at college, but the necessity for such self-confidence is not so great with a girl as with a boy. The young boy learns to compete with other boys in later life. The young girl never needs to compete with other girls in later life, consequently she does not acquire this benefit from a college course. However, a college life is a source of much pleasure to a young girl ; she forms friendships which are lasting, and feels that she is at no disadvantage in her preparation for life. This is the advantage of college for a girl, and she should be given this ad- vantage, if possible ; but the most important advantages acquired by a boy in his college life, viz, preparation and self-confidence, are not acquired by her. There is one very important reason why young girls should not be sent to the preparatory schools, as is the case with boys. In fact, this is recognized to such an extent tliat tlierc are very few such schools. During the first menstrual periods, the young girl sliould be placed with companions in whom she has the utmost 232 The Wife's Handbook confidence, and to whom she will be sure to tell freely her condition. There is no one in whom she is so willing, by confidence and train- ing, to confide as her in mother; consequently, during these first months or even two years, she should not be placed in a college where the teachers are strangers and often considered tyrants. Much injury has been done by thus leaving a young girl to look out for herself under these conditions. The chances are very much against her enjoying as perfect health as would otherwise be the case. The selection of a college is a matter of some moment. A small college has the advantage that there is greater college spirit and closer companionship. It has the disadvantage that the oppor- tunity for extended acquaintance and better selection of com- panions is not present. If possible to do so, it would probably be just as well to select either a large college for its advantages as regards numerous acquaintances and much selection, or a small finishing school because of its advantages in the way of extremely careful training and individual supervision. Cost of College Course: In the Chapter on Sons is given a list of the female and co-educational colleges, with cost, number of pupils, etc. There is no list available for the numerous boarding schools and finishing schools, but their advertisements may be found in any magazine. Marriage: Of late years, owing to the suffragist movement, it has become customary to treat with scorn the statement that all women should look forward to marriage as their prime goal in life. It is unfortunate that leaders of the suffragist movement deem it necessary to make scornful statements regarding marriage in order to strengthen their cause. The wife, in past years, had certain duties about the home. In the march of industrial events, men and machinery have taken away from her these individual duties, and she now is properly anxious to secure the right of suffrage in order to see that the food is pure, the water of the best quality, that the schools are properly organized, and that the labor of her child or of any children is not too early enforced, thereby stunting growth mentally and physically. Marriage is the prime object of a woman's life. If she does not find a proper mate, then single life is better than an im- proper mating. All of the physical functions of a woman during The Wife's Handbook 233 some thirty years of her life are engaged in preparing her for marriage, and she should endeavor to fulfill her normal functions. If she does not do this, she will eventually lose this power. Each year, the number of bachelors is increased. This is due to the fact that the average man sees each day the bad effects in the cases of friends with extravagant wives. He does not see the numerous cases where the wives do not act as a dead weight around their husband's necks. When men become convinced that a girl is willing to perform her fair duty and take her fair share of life's problems, for better and for worse, that girl can easily select the best man in her acquaintance and marry him if she wishes. Beauty is an advantage ; but man is a being with faculties of reasoning, and no amount of beauty will be able to offset an evident laziness, selfishness, ignorance of life's problems, and un- fair expectations of distributions of the disagreeable events of the partnership. .-^ / LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 180 278 1 • \\\ ^\ m\;^t^^^^v^^^