state of nudity. A single cotton garment, or at most one of thin flannel, 

is the only protection afforded to the limbs beneath the skirts, which 

often serve no better purpose than to collect cold air and retain it 

in contact with the limbs. A thin stocking is the only protection for 

the ankles, and a thin shoe is the only additional covering afforded 

the feet. Under such circumstances, it is no wonder that a woman catches 

cold if she only steps out-of-doors on a chilly or damp day. 

(2) Another glaring fault is in the manner of suspending the skirts. 

Instead of being fastened to a waist or suspended so as to give them 

support from the shoulders, they are hung upon the hips, being drawn 

tight at the waist to secure support. By this means, the organs of the 

pelvis are pressed down out of place. The uterus becomes congested, 

and painful menstrual derangements ensue. 

(3) Tight lacing, or compressing the waist with a corset, is a barbarous 

practice which produces the same results as the one last mentioned. 

Reform in all of these particulars is an imperative necessity for every 

woman who desires to secure or retain sexual health. 

It is of the greatest importance that careful attention should be given 

to the proper establishment of the menstrual function at the outset 

of a woman's life of sexual activity. The first two years will be quite 

likely to have a deciding influence respecting her health during her 

whole future life. If a woman can get through the first two years after 

puberty without acquiring any serious uterine or ovarian disease, she 

will stand a good chance of enjoying a good degree of sexual health 

during the balance of her life. The foundation of a great share of the 

many thousands of cases of uterine disease is laid during this period. 

At this early period the daughter is usually too young to appreciate 

the importance of observing slight deviations from the standard of 

health, even if she were able to recognize them. Hence it is a duty 

which no mother should neglect, to inquire into the exact frequency 

of the periods, the amount and character of the discharge, and other 

points necessary to ascertain whether or not there is any deviation 

from the natural condition of health. If there is pain, it is a certain 

evidence of something seriously wrong. If there is irregularity in any 

particular, it is a matter well deserving of serious attention.