Neuropathy Illustrated
The Philosophy and Practical Application of Drugless Healing
Andrew P. Davis, M.D., N.D., D.O., D.C., OPH.D.
1915   

MOTHER'S DEPARTMENT

How to Care for the Baby After it is Born.

The importance of the above heading will never be appreciated by the masses, nor but few of the knowing ones, until it is understood that from resorption of the scurf, as found to a greater or less extent on all babies, is the source of more disease in after life than all other causes, and that even so small a thing as that seems like an impossibility to affect the entire organism of the little being whose budding life we are responsible for, so far as immunity from the contaminating influences of the little things are concerned. Whether the reader may know this, or knowing it believes it, demonstration has shown that this scurf, absorbed, lays the foundation for disease; and the susceptibility to disease in all the after life of the little innocent stranger who has come to make us companionship and comfort all its sojourn on earth. The milk “scurf,” causes a darkening of the rim of the iris which shows an effect of the poisoning of the blood, and forms a deposit of the absorbed material which can be seen by any one who will but examine the eyes. Like all other diseased conditions, the iris receives its influence and marks the part of the eyes which corresponds to the part of the body affected - or even the whole body at once; and this organ marking understood, and its susceptibility to nerve influence, marks the incipiency, duration, progress, elimination and dissemination of every morbid influence during the whole lifetime and shows when and where disease is ravaging in the body, and when free from disease. However much conjecture this thought may conduce to stir up, the foregoing is surely worthy the profoundest consideration, the deepest thought and most careful study.

As simple a thing as washing a baby has a responsibility about it that has not attracted the attention its far-reaching effects deserve, and we now proceed to give the reader the information necessary to forestall any future contamination of the little one at the very threshold of an earthly life.

The first thing to do with the little one is to use olive oil freely all over the body, head and face, and every part of the body (sweet, not rancid oil), and then, with the hand smear it all over, and with the scurf, and then, with a soft cloth, gently rub the entire body all over, using several clean cloths if necessary, being sure to get all off that is possible at the one sitting; then go over the body again with the same measure as before, and use the soft cloths as before, being sure that every portion of the body is subjected to the cleansing process; between the toes and fingers, around the ears, neck, in the groins, all the creases of the entire body, and finally anoint the body again and gently rub it well with a soft cloth, then clothe it and lay it away to rest an hour or two, then it is ready to be placed at the breast of its mother, after you have washed the nipple of the mother with warm water and soft cloth for a moment or two. See strictly to this method of cleansing the baby, if you want a healthy child. This is better than any number of washings with water. The baby should be anointed after each daily washing, after this first cleansing with the oil. Water should not be used on the body until all of the milk-scurf is removed, and if proper care is taken of the baby, daily, it will be strong and healthy and be no trouble to its parents as regards healthfulness.

To Mothers - the Management of Young Children.

The many cares bestowed upon the little ones seem to demand the entire attention of mothers in the main, and yet the anxiety may be greatly abridged by observing a
few little things, which, to most nurses, seem foolish.

First, the over-attention, and constant prodding and teasing and coaxing them to look, to eat, to nurse, and in some way bothering them while asleep, and exhibiting them on all occasions, courting their pride, and fretting them; all these things would not be done to one older. We would let the older one rest, let them sleep, and not be always putting them on "dress-parade" on all occasions, frequently to the chagrin of mature and older heads, and greatly to the detriment of the child itself.

Rest is an essential element in the growth of a child. After the child is bathed, dressed and fed, lay it down in a comfortable place and let it sleep; being sure to place it in a comfortable position; then, after it lies in one position a little while, say a couple of hours at most, turn it over into some other position. The child should not lie in one position too long, for the reason that the bones of the head are soft and pliable, and may be molded into almost any shape in this stage. Flat headed children are usually made so by neglect of this precaution.

The child should not for the same reason, be allowed to nurse one breast, lying on the same side, too long, nor all the time, without you wish one side of the head to be larger. A few little things observed, one can see, would make a great difference in the future of the child; perhaps shape its destiny for weal or woe. See to these matters.

The Feeding of the Infant.

Where possible, the child should be nursed by its mother, or some one whose condition is conducive to the growth of the child. The mother's milk is the natural food for babies. The child should be nursed when it seems to be hungry, and one should not mistake pain or thirst for hunger, and stuff the child too often. Feeding, or nursing, should not be oftener than two hours while the child is from birth to two months old; then the time between its meals should be lengthened, gradually, to three and four hours, so that, when it is six months old, the space between meals should be six hours, and no piece
meals, never.

The Right Kind of Food is An Essentiality for Children.

Where it is possible, the mother's milk is the food-par-excellence. After the teeth have formed, and the gums are healthy, a little bread may be soaked in milk, and fed the child, or barley may be boiled thoroughly, and the creamy portion, mixed with milk, and fed them. Goat's milk is better than cow's milk, but whichever agrees with the child, feed it. The milk should be diluted with water the first two months of the child's growth. Children should not be fed eggs, nor starchy food - if you want healthy, strong children.

The all important thing to be observed, is the vessels used to feed children. Be sure to scald, cleanse, and air, all vessels used. Never set milk or any other food away for another meal. Let every article of food be fresh; and only mix up enough for one meal at a time. Children would do better not to have any meat until after they are five or six years of age. Cream of wheat mush, and good oatmeal are good foods for children.

Never over-feed the child nor feed between meals. Give the nervous system time to manufacture the secretions from the blood; in the glandular system, to digest the food; two to six hours at least. Do not tease nor fret the child after being fed. Let it be quiet, and rest or sleep, and the little one will not need much attention on account of sickness. It will not be sick if properly fed and bathed and rested, with plenty of sleep and exercise.

The Kind of Exercise Which Will Be Proper to Attend to.

Gently rubbing its body all over with the naked hand, greased with olive oil, after its bath, is an excellent way to develop its muscles and improve circulation, and secure rest. Taking hold of the dress below the feet, and turning the head downward, and letting the little one be suddenly precipitated toward the floor, and stopped suddenly - not too hard, of course - will stir up the liver and prevent being liver-grown, and if it is already grown, that is necessary to relieve it; the best thing to do for the child, frequently, any way.

The manipulating the naked body all over, with the palm of the hand; in a rotary motion, a sort of "massage" process, rolling the hand as it is advanced from place to place over the body; always recognizing the fact that the little one is tender, and should be handled gently, carefully, and not have too much rubbing at one sitting, is the way to exercise it. Once going over the body, including all the muscles on the limbs, as well, should be sufficient. This may be done once a day; and is better done, and more salutary, after its bath. If the body is rubbed off with a soft cloth, it will leave the skin soft and healthy.

Weaning the Child.

Mothers make a great mistake in letting the children nurse too long. It not only draws upon the mother, and reduces her to a skeleton, but her milk is non-nutritious, after ten or twelve months' nursing. The child should have been taught to eat ere that time, and when it has grown into strength sufficient to live on food it may be weaned.

How to Secure Sleep, and to Prevent Children From Being Cross.

In the first place, do not spoil them by too much attention at the start. Teach the little one to sleep after nursing - right from the start. Always keep up that habit. If food disagrees with the child, change it, and be sure to let the child have plenty of water - warm water, all it will nurse through a nipple from a bottle, especially at night.

When you want the child to sleep, at night especially, lay it down, in some quiet place. Place sufficient cover over it for comfort, and go away from it, and let it go to, sleep. Never rock the child, nor do not carry it, simply because it cries. It won't cry if you do not over-feed it nor spoil it.

Many women rock, sing, pat, pound, and toss the baby to stop its crying; sometimes carry it all night, and keep the light burning to satisfy the baby. Don't do that. Fill the baby's stomach with warm water, sweetened a little, and put it in bed and turn the light out, and let the child go to sleep. Let the mother rest, which she will, when she shall have learned how to take care of the baby as she should.

Teething of Children.

The first twenty teeth the child cuts are milk teeth, and only temporary teeth. Some children are considerably affected during the tooth-cutting period. The teeth begin to show about the fourth to the seventh month, through the gums, the front teeth come first; and these are called the stomach teeth, named so because the child is generally troubled with its stomach and bowels during the teething period. However much the teeth have to do with the stomach, it can only affect the stomach through the nervous system, and generally the stomach trouble nor the painful teething comes from the teething per se, but from over-feeding of the child. The kind of food has much to do with the condition of the child.

When the child begins to be cross, fretful, and cries out during its sleep, there is pain somewhere, and generally it is attributed to teething. The mouth should be looked after, and bathed with a weak solution of salt and water; a half teaspoonful to a pint of water will not be too strong; wet a cloth in this, wash the mouth of the baby several times a day, let it have plenty of water to drink a little at a time, and often.

If the gums seem swollen and the teeth are seen through the skin over the tooth, the best thing to do is to take a coin - a dollar is best - and place the milled edge against the top of the tooth, or where it is trying to cut through; down flat on tooth, and roll it across the tooth edge, pressing against the tooth; not too hard, nor let the coin slide over tooth, but roll it, and press down at the same time. A little dexterity in this matter will save the little one much suffering. If that does not suffice, take the point of a sharp knife, cut down through the skin to tooth crosswise, then cut lengthwise of the jaw on tooth, and there will be no more trouble with that tooth. Remember the washing of the mouth with salty water.

If there be spasms, do not forget the bath in warm water, mentioned elsewhere in this book.

Never give children any cordials nor opiates to soothe them to sleep. Simply relax them with the bath of warm water; place them in bed, or some easy place; and let them sleep, and all will be well. If there be any impaction in the colon, see to that at once; see about that by all means. If the stomach has been over-loaded with indigestible food, give an emetic of salt and water, and remove it. Be sure to carry out the principle, "Remove the
pressure."

To Relieve the Diarrhea of Dentition.

Cease to over-feed, and feed between meals - the first thing you do. Do this without fail. For the indigestion, as some are wont to call it when the bowels discharge thin and greenish-watery stools, all you need to do so far as treatment of diarrhea (mentioned elsewhere), if you have only a small child to treat, take it by the heels and nape of the neck, and let it be placed across the knee, bearing its own weight against the back for a moment; then hold up, and then repeat a few times; and the diarrhea is over with. It may have to be repeated a few times. But that is the means to institute for all discharges of the lower outlets of the body. Remember this.

The Tissue Elements for the Children.

When the child becomes pale and emaciated, and skin wrinkled, ferric phosphate is the best element and about the sixth potency is the one to use; in grain doses, every hour or two until all fever is gone, then use the calcarea phosphate in grain doses every three or four hours, and that may be alternated with the kali phosphate in same size doses, which will be almost tasteless to the child - in fact, it will think it is taking sugar, for the potency is sweet, because triturated with sugar of milk. These are in no sense drugs or medicine, but tissue elements, and if properly applied, fill a niche needed by the child.

It will be of vast importance to the child if the parent will remember that food is not what the child needs all the time. Hot water, given the little one, is often better than food, for the waste material in the body is eliminated better by the use of water than any other agency known. Good fresh air and the proper cleanliness and bathing should receive the attention of the mother or nurse if the health of the baby is of any consideration.

The use of salt bath - one teaspoonful to a quart of water for children every day, will be the kind to keep, the skin soft and natural.

A bath occasionally with the Epsom salts, a tablespoonful to a half gallon of warm water, will be the proper thing to use in cases of fever, skin eruptions, chigger bites, and sores of the skin, anywhere on the body. There is no more soothing application to the body in case of fever than the Epsom salts bath. Rheumatism, and all kinds of pains are relieved by the bath - taken daily, or oftener.

To make a good bath of this kind put about ten gallons of warm water into a bath-tub, and put into that water about two pounds of Epsom salts, and bathe in that water a few moments - say ten or fifteen minutes, being careful to use cool or cold water to the head at the same time. The above directions followed aid in curing many a condition called disease.

Eye-Strain in Children.

If mothers could understand that eye-strain is as liable to be found in small children as in persons of riper years, they might find cause for many a case of imbecility, idiocy, and dullness of intellect, slowness of learning, and indifference in many ways.

Look after the interest of the little ones in this respect, and save much remorse and discomfort in the life of the child in after years. Eye-strain, remember, is a source of a host of the ills of humanity, dating from infancy, in very many cases.

Children often suffer with a strained condition of the muscular system of the outer muscles of the eye-ball, and many cases become cross-eyed as a consequence of strain of the extrinsic muscles. The redness and swelling of the balls of the eyes are caused by the nerve strain in the muscle of the outside of the eyes in an effort to focus objects, and physicians being ignorant of that fact, let many a case become a chronic invalid.

Spasms in Children.

The first thing to do for them is to wrap them in a sheet or blanket and dip them into warm water (the temperature as to bear-ability being as warm as the elbow can bear), being sure to always wet the head in cool, or cold water, letting the whole body of the child be submerged in the water - letting it cover all but the head. After the system is relaxed, and the spasm is gone take child out of the bath, and wrap it in a blanket, or dry cloth, and lay it away to rest and sleep.

This is the best thing possible to be done for the spasms. If the child has eaten food, and it lies in the stomach, vomit it with warm salt and water. If the food has gone beyond the stomach, and is in the colon, use the irrigation tube and warm water injections into the bowels and get it away as soon as possible.

Conjunctivitis - Acute Sore Eyes.

In case of common sore eyes, the patient will not need to be told that they are sore. The symptoms are so familiar to all that we need not give them here.

The Treatment.

If caused by dust or sand or foreign substances in the eyes, wash out whatever it is. Sore eyes generally come from irritation of some kind, and that should be looked after, and removed. The application to them is simply a solution of common table salt - about a tablespoonful in a pint of water (measure everything you use; do not guess at anything), and apply to the eyes, externally by means of soft cloths, wrung out of the water so as not to drip. Apply over the eyes - both of them, if sore - and let cloth remain about five minutes, and then rewet and reapply. Repeat this right along until inflammation subsides, occasionally putting a few drops of the same strength solution of the salt and water into the eyes.

A very soothing and pleasant collyrium may be dropped into eyes, a few drops, made by the addition of one teaspoonful of sugar to half a teaspoonful of boracic acid, and mixed with a little water, added in drops, and mixed together in a teacup, with spoon, until it is made into a paste; then add half a cupful of water, stirring with a spoon while adding the water. This makes a harmless and soothing wash for sore eyes, to drop into eyes out of a teaspoon at pleasure. Keep cup covered and fresh, or in a cool place. Continue the salt water, with the cloths, right along, for several hours; then let patient rest; and reapply if necessary. We have given directions as to how to cure trachoma, or granulated eyelids, elsewhere.

Chalazion may receive the same treatment, as granulated lids, to cure. Ulcers on the cornea, will all succumb to one or two treatments of stretching the upper lid, for this takes off the pressure, and the ulcer ceases to be painful; stops the dread of light to patient, and the ulcer gets well right away. The eye needs nothing put in it, except the salt water solution above named. We have given directions to cure catarrh, by the use of snuffing salt and water up the nostrils. Salt is one of the essentials of life, and should not be lost sight of in the treatment of inflammations of all kinds, anywhere in or on the body. Salt water is the best tooth wash there is, and obviates the necessity of tooth paste, and costs nothing scarcely, and always beneficial, cleanly and does no harm whatever anywhere. Salt is the best remedy for spitting blood; at the time of the bleeding, swallow it right down into the stomach, or snuff it up the nostrils and it will be effectual, satisfactory.

Glycerine Cures Colic at Once.

One teaspoon to one tablespoonful of glycerine taken internally will cure the colic at once. When you have no other means, try this.

To Mothers.

It would not be doing the good mothers justice were we to omit saying something to them regarding the diseases of their little ones, and we submit the following for their special consideration:

The subject is one of the greatest importance; for the child is to be the grown-up individual in the course of time, and all mothers have a pride in the outcome of their children, and especially in their physical welfare, knowing that, unless they are healthy, life is filled with sorrow and disappointment innumerable and unsatisfactory. The strong, robust child has a goodly heritage that wealth is inadequate of comparison. The following advice will be duly appreciated by those who are interested in health. Study the instructions here detailed, as well as the rest of this book, and you will have a fund of knowledge on hand which will be most gratifying when needed.

The commonest fault of parents with their children is to feed them too much and too often. Another common fault is to feed them food that the digestive organs are incapable of digesting. To meet these requirements, we should consider the kind of food the child can digest. The natural food for babies is milk. It should be milk which has all of the elements in it, in due proportion, so as to sustain life and furnish the elements of growth - carbonates, nitrates and phosphates. These are essential to form the food for infants. If the child does not grow from the start there is something wrong about the constituents of the milk the mother furnishes the babe, and she should consult a chemist and have her milk analyzed to ascertain whether it is natural.

Cows' milk is the next best food for babies, but should be good, natural milk, containing the normal elements and furnished the baby a little warm, so as to simulate the temperature of the mother's milk as it comes from the breast. In the absence of milk, use Horlick's Malted Milk as first choice, and Mellen's next. The food, whatever it be, should not be given the child oftener than every two hours for the first month or two of its life, and gradually lengthening the time of feeding to four hours until it is six months old; then to six hours after that age. Give nothing in the way of food between meals. Allow no stuffing, or piece-meals, but let the stomach have natural rest, and the nervous system time to take care of the digestion of the food taken.

The child should not be allowed meats at all until it is at least six years old. The cereals are the, food for children. The best being barley and wheat; well cooked and eaten with milk or a mixture of cream and milk. After the teething, see to it that it learns to chew its food. This develops its salivary glands.

Whatever is found, in the way of vegetables, which agrees with its digestive organs, may be allowed, after it has been taught to chew its victuals. It is worthwhile to teach the child how to eat right at the start, then there will be but little fear of stomach, or any other trouble in after life. Health is dependent upon how, and what to eat, and when we eat.

The parent should study the nature of the food, by consulting the table of articles on diet, their elementary, chemical constituents, and feed that which agrees with the child. The results of eating depend largely upon the kind of food eaten, as regards elements needed in any given case or condition. If we need fats we should eat food containing fats; if muscle, food containing nitrates; if we need to build up the nerves, let them eat what contains the proper proportion of the phosphates.

Some children are born with a shrunken skin and completely exhausted; seemingly doomed to mortality as soon as born; enervated, emaciated, marasmic, and the majority of such cases, die soon. These need special attention at the start. They should not be wearied for some time after birth with bathing. Anoint such all over with olive oil, and lay it aside f or a couple of hours, and let it rest; then gently rub it all over with a soft woolen cloth, and then let it rest again; feeding it with a little sweetened water, and within three or four hours let it nurse the breast. It requires much care in such cases that it be not exhausted further by doing too much for it. Lay it on its right side and let it rest a reasonable time, then feed it; let it nurse if it seem eager for food. The first nursing from the breast is nature's physic, and will remove the meconium - the green discharge from the infant's bowels.

The nursing of the mother's breast causes uterine contractions and pain of the mother, arresting the lochial flow for the time being, and sometimes serves a better purpose than any other means to expel the "after birth" as it is the natural course and the natural hemostatic (stopping the flow).

Do not feed the child "panada," but a little warm sweetened water is the best for it. If there is not sufficient mother's milk for it, substitute the warm water with cow's milk mixed with it. If the child has any symptoms of "Three Months' Colic," fill a pint bottle with warm water, add a little sugar-grape sugar is the best and fit on it a nipple, and let the child nurse all it will of this, and it will answer every purpose, relieving it at once; and if given to the child at bed-time, it will afford a quiet, restful night, not only for the child, but for the mother, and the whole household for that matter.

This should be used every night at least, and oftener will be of much benefit, for it will keep the bowels regular and promote digestion, and supply the entire system with water. Most all children suffer for the want of water. They should have water frequently. Only the water which is nursed through the nipple should be warmed. Give cold water in small quantities to the little one several times a day, and you will find that the baby will thrive and be healthy all the time.

The warm water as an internal bath should receive attention. Children sometimes are permitted to eat unwholesome articles of food, such as bananas, and have colic. Nothing answers the purpose of relief from such conditions as the warm water, colon douche. Every family should have a fountain syringe, and nozzles of varied sizes, and the nozzles should have holes, or perforations, on the sides, near the end, and the end hole plugged up tightly, and thus permit the water escaping through the side holes and the inlet is not felt as it enters the bowels, so that the entire colon can be filled when desired. There is frequently a necessity of washing out the entire colon, and no better way can be devised than the use of this method. It will relieve any impaction, and nothing else is so effectual in relieving that condition we denominate Intussusception, or that condition known as enfolding the intestines in such a manner as to close the passage. It is an invagination of the intestines in and over themselves. Plenty of the warm water injected into the rectum, and filling the colon full, and letting it go on into the small intestines will expand and relieve the invagination. The bowels should be gently massaged - manipulated - to assist in their movements, and performing their peristalsis.

The Use of Water - Warm Water in Case of Diarrhea and Flux.

Children would have neither diarrhea nor flux, were they not stuffed with everything that is in sight; or that is thrust upon them - into their stomach - perhaps to stop their crying (and their crying is the fault of some one else and not the child's fault, most frequently). If, therefore, the child has too frequent movements from the bowels, there may be relief in one or both of the following ways: either by taking hold of the child by the lower limbs, with both ankles in one hand, and the other placed at the back of neck, in such a manner as to hold it, at will, and where you should; and now let the child be placed with its loins or small of the back across the knee, and its head and limbs lowered, bent back pretty well, and bearing its weight on the knee, and hold in that position a moment; raise it up and let it rest a moment, and then repeat process a time or two, and then press gently with the hand against the abdomen a few moments, and the child is cured of the diarrhea.

The Flux.

The treatment for flux requires something more, sometimes, than the above. It is best, in all cases of flux to relax the internal sphincter muscles of the rectum; and the best way to do that is to anoint the forefinger with oil and insert it into the anus far enough to feel that it is through the constricted portion of the bowel, and then gently, steadily and firmly, pull the finger backward toward the coccyx, giving the sphincter quite a good stretching, not enough to tear the parts, but stretch them till the muscle seems somewhat relaxed, then remove the finger at once - quickly, and let the patient rest a few moments, then inject as warm water as can be borne by the patient, filling the bowels quite full of the water; let that pass out, and in a few moments repeat the injection of water; doing this from two to four times all at one sitting, and then let the patient have rest in a recumbent position. After a rest of an hour or two give the Neuropathic treatment for diarrhea recommended in another part of this book - that is, treating the spine - from the lower lumbar vertebra upward; raising the limbs, strongly pressing on the sides of vertebra while raising the limbs, with thumb and finger to sides of vertebra. This may be repeated several times at the one sitting, and repeated every four to twelve hours. This procedure generally cures the flux. The diet, if any, should be thickened milk, eaten while hot; or hot milk alone. The stretching of the lower bowel is for the purpose of relieving the pressure therein, which chokes the blood in the veins, and causes the exudate of blood or pus. Relief is as certain as the directions are followed, to the great satisfaction of all concerned.

For Many Supposed Cases of Consumption - A Bad Cough.

Many such conditions may be absolutely aborted by the daily flushing of the colon with warm water. It will be a satisfaction to know that this is the best tubercular remedy there is. It is the best remedy for appendicitis. It is the best remedy for impaction and the only remedy for it. Thousands of cases, which proved fatal from other means, might have been cured by this method, and we hope this measure will be the means of relieving thousands whose lives are in the balance from that condition, called impaction. It can do no harm, and the immediate relief is so satisfying that it should receive the profoundest consideration. We have had much experience along these lines, and recommend the irrigation of water - the flushing in all suspicious cases.

Circumcision and Its Necessity.

The necessity of looking after congenital conditions of the little ones to prevent them from having to undergo the consequences of such neglect demands our attention, and we would be withholding an important item from the mothers and from the little ones were we to leave out of this book what follows.

Special Attention to the Genital Organs.

Every child born into this world is entitled to special consideration as regards their starting right physically; for, without health, life is scarcely worth anything to anyone. The little things in life make up the sum total of happiness or misery. It is said by a wise man, that “words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” We desire to thus speak to the parents in behalf of their little ones.

The lower outlets of the body deserve special consideration.

The Importance of Attention to Them in Time.

Some children come into this world having some abnormal condition of their genital organs. The most common, is an elongated foreskin, in the male, and a bound-down clitoris, in the female. These need attention and correction as soon as discovered. The attention needed is circumcision of the male and clipping the hood of the clitoris in the female. Much depends on these things being done, in all cases where needed. The need is in all cases where the above described conditions exist. The enervation resulting from conditions named causes a large percentum of the weaknesses of the sufferer in after life. Undue pressure, remember, anywhere in the body, on terminal nerve fibers, cannot be allowed to continue, if we desire health. Nerve waste expresses itself in various diseases and mental depression, mental degeneracy and physical weakness, and finally wreckage of the entire nervous system.

The necessity of taking off the pressure from every filament of the nervous system has been shown in the Neuropathic department of this book, and it applies with equal force to the terminal nerve fibers in the outlets of the body.

Many nerve wrecks may be attributed to the neglect of attention to these organs. An elongated prepuce, and a bound-down clitoris, cause more physical wrecks than many have any conception of. Next to nerve waste through over-use of the eyes, may be found in the waste due to a tightened foreskin, a narrow meatus, a contracted glans underneath, due to a shortened bridle, and to adhesion of the mucous membrane to the glans penis.

We would emphasize these facts greatly, for we know their importance in the welfare of the future lifetime of the one not natural in these particulars. Always consult one who knows how these organs ought to be, and be sure to have them righted, if wrong.

We have seen marasmus cured simply by circumcision. A case of diarrhea - chronic for six months, cured in a short time by circumcision. We have seen venous congestion, in an infant of four weeks old, cured at once by enlarging the meatus, after all medical means had failed.

We have seen young men, who had been weakly all their early manhood, assume a normal condition and become stout, healthy men. We have seen cross, irritable, sickly persons restored through the means recommended. Whenever there is found to exist an elongated foreskin do not fail to have it removed. The entire covering of the corona need not be removed, but sufficient to render the head of the organ bare - back as far as the glans extends. In other words, remove the pressure upon the nerves involved. This acts on the same principle as dilating the sphincter ani; it removes the tightened condition which presses on nerve terminals and thus relieves.

Some one will ask, "How old may the individual be when this is done?" We would recommend it in infancy, and any time from that to old age if necessary. It is proper at all times, and for all conditions of ill health, to relieve, to take such steps as are needed to correct the unnatural conditions existing, which cause the trouble. This recommendation is directly in line with the principles of Neuropathy. The whole trouble with most people is they are so wedded to relying upon medicine, that they do not stop to think that almost every condition called disease may be relieved by following the instructions contained in this book - for they say it differs from the way we have been taught. Give the subject due consideration, and the more you practice what is recommended herein the more confidence you have in its efficacy. It will satisfy the most incredulous when properly applied. Depend upon it without a doubt; for it is the best means of relief known.

How to Make a Sub-Cutaneous Stitch.

In very many lacerations or cuts with a sharp instrument, the surgeon resorts to the needle to coapt the wound; and this is sometimes the best thing to be done; but when it is done, we would suggest that the stitches be made in the muscle, just at the edge of the skin; taking deep enough stitches in the muscle, from side to side, to hold the parts when the stitches are drawn together. After the sub-cutaneous sewing is done, the skin may be coapted nicely with surgeon's plaster strips crosswise of the wound. If the stitches are made with cat-gut thread, there will be no scar, as a rule, following. After all is done, and the wound closed, wet a small pledget of absorbent cotton with compound tincture benzoine, and lay it directly over the wound, and letting it wet the skin. This applied once a day will serve as a disinfectant, and at the same time exclude the air from wound.

All sorts of cuts may be served the same way. The stitches, taken as described, cause no pain whatever, to the patient; and this method should be adopted whenever possible, for circumcision, and all other such wounds. Small wounds, not too deep, may be held together by moistened absorbent cotton, wet in the compound tincture of benzoine, and spread across the wound. It will hold it together if allowed to dry a little before leaving it. These hints may save much pain unnecessarily made by sewing through the skin.

What to Do for Bruises and Concussions.

Frequently a bruise resulting from a stroke of a hammer or otherwise, on a finger, may be a source of much discomfort unless the bruised blood be immediately discussed.

To remove the congested blood, wrap the finger from the hand toward the end and to the end of finger, with a twine, somewhat tightly and the twine wrapped close around the part but not tight enough to obstruct the arterial blood but tight enough to prevent the venous blood from returning, and let the wrapping remain until the end of the finger is quite dark with venous blood, then immediately unwrap it and rub the finger toward the hand for a moment or two; then repeat the application of the cording and do as before, doing this two or three times, and you will have discussed the blood which would have been bruised and black for days. Then apply quite warm water for a little while afterward.

Concussions apply more directly to the head, and done by hard blows or falls on hard pavements, floors or other hard substances. Fracture of the skull may result, or simply a contusion result. In either event, the circulation of the blood all over the body may be interrupted, and a difficulty of breathing ensue, or death may result at once. The thing to do is to establish the circulation of' the blood as quickly as possible. To do so, divulse the sphincter ani muscle strongly, and by sudden, quick dilations so as to gradually shock the system, and flush the capillaries. When the breathing is restored, apply quite warm water to the parts, by the uses of cloths or towels wrung out of the hot water until the discussion of the blood from the part bruised is assuaged. These are the essential things to be done, immediately, or as soon as possible. We have mentioned lacerated wounds in another article in this book - which see.

What to Do for Children Who Hold the Breath.

The simple things are of importance to know and do the harmless and effectual things. A child whose control has been neglected by its parents until persuasion with the rod and promises of special gifts as a reward for obedience, have all been unavailing, and through a fit of anger, due to over-indulgence in its own way, falls down to the floor and holds its breath - even until it turns black in the face - there is a remedy which never fails to bring about a calm and serene atmosphere in that household. It is simple, but as certain as it is applied, and immediate, satisfactory and never need to be repeated. It is this: Insert the forefinger into the rectum past the internal sphincter muscle, or as far as the second joint of the finger, and begin to pull backward toward the coccyx just enough to stretch the opening as much as the width of the finger, and the work is done. The child immediately catches the breath, and it will never attempt such a thing again.

A good spanking on the naked nates is sometimes effectual, but a divulsion of the sphincter ani muscles is sure of success. I would add right here; some older persons are troubled with despondency, melancholia, and seemingly an inability to breathe, although there seems to be no reason as far as the condition of the atmosphere is concerned, and yet they cannot feel disposed to want to breathe, or that it is almost impossible to get the breath. Using the forefinger inserted into the rectum, and pulling it strongly backward, stretching the muscles strongly, affords relief immediately. This is also the remedy par-excellence for all cases of hysteria. The finger answers the same purpose as the bivalve, and you always have the remedy with you, and can regulate force according to the necessities of each case and condition.

The Early Training of Children.

The special oversight of children as regards their forming bad habits is a matter too sadly neglected. It is often a sad ending of the boy or girl who forms bad habits while climbing the slippery paths of youth, and many a young man has just cause for rebuking his parents for not warning him of the evil consequences of Onanism. They have just cause in many instances, for regret that their parents did not teach them how to avoid forming habits which, like a viper had fastened its venomous fangs into the very heart and stung them like an adder, and ruined every prospect of usefulness; sapped the very foundation of their manhood, and left them to brood over their sad fate. Is it not worthwhile to consider this subject when so much of the after life of the youth depends upon it? Teach the child what their genital organs are for, and that they are not playthings.

The hideous picture of a ruined life beggars all description. The sad wailings of ruined youth reach the very gates of heaven, and reverberate with doleful lamentations adown the ages, and if this warning saves the youths of the readers of this book, we shall be glad we had lived to bless them. Parents, see to it that your dear ones have their minds instructed as they should be along these lines, for a sweet and virtuous life is the proudest character parents can bequeath their children. As is the family, so is the nation, and as is the nation, so ought the world to be, and will be, in this regard. "Lust when it hath conceived bringeth forth sin, and when it is finished it bringeth forth death," was said by one who knew all things. A moment's pleasure in the gratification of lust, breeds shame and if often indulged in, ends in inexpressible remorse.

Ear-Ache - How to Relieve.

There are many simple things, which seem so simple that their usefulness is too often disregarded, for the mind is seeking to find some great things, or something made popular by time-honored custom, and traditional descent, and the very thing which might answer a better purpose, costs less, and does more good, is neglected. Now listen, study, read this.

The ear-ache is no trifling matter when it takes hold on us. It surely hurts, and hurts badly. If it is so distressing to the reader, may it not be as much so to the little ones?

Now to relieve it. Place a silk handkerchief, one or two folds over the ear that aches, and with the warm breath, blow gently into the ear through the handkerchief, several times, and you will accomplish for the sufferer more than any other means you can devise. Warm, dry heat should be applied if there is pain from inflammation, till relieved, not forgetting the warm breath, as above directed.

About Washing the Ears with Water.

The ears seldom need the application of water in them. When they, through neglect, are stopped up with cerumen (ear wax), pour a small quantity of olive oil into the ear, with a teaspoon, and place a pledget of absorbent cotton, loosely, into the meatus, over the oil, and let it alone for ten or twelve hours; then, with a fountain syringe, let the warm water run into the ear (do not have the fount so high as to make too much force to the stream of water), having a vessel held under the ear to catch the water, and the water will clean out the ear thoroughly - impaction and accumulated filth, and relieve the patient of much discomfort, and very often, temporary deafness. Remember this is important sometimes. To dry the ears thoroughly, after the irrigation, is important. Use dry absorbent cotton wrapped around a small stick - the end of which has been notched, wrapping the pledget of cotton around it, by placing the small bit of cotton on the other hand or held between the fingers, placing the stick half way through the pledget, and then twisting the stick to the right till completely wrapped - doing the pressure on the stick – leaving a part of the cotton to extend beyond the end of the stick. This leaves a soft end of the cotton to go into the ear, and saves the pressure against the ear drum, but reaches to, every part of the ear and absorbs the water. There should be a repetition of the use of the cotton in order to dry the parts completely. After the ear is dry, put into the ear a small pledget of cotton, having patient retain it for several hours. This is to prevent taking cold after the warm douche. This does not need frequent repetition, for the ears may be kept clean by the use of the cotton used on a stick, or a notched end of a match (cutting off the sulphur).

These simple directions followed, may be utilized by any and all who need them.

How to Remove Foreign Substances from the Ear and Nose.

It seems to be a desire of some children to want to be as annoying as they can be.

A suggestion not to do a thing seems to create an intense longing to do it, and it is best not to suggest to children that they do not stick beans or corn into their nostrils or their ears, for everybody seems to incline to experiment, and a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. If parents would fully explain the consequences of doing the wrong thing and thoroughly impress them that the parents should be obeyed, they would be satisfied; but if a suggestion is made that "thou shalt not" it will require a good deal of moral courage to withstand the temptation. But if the child persists and decides to make the experiment, and when you return from church, or some other place, and find your child's ears full of beans, corn or rice, or gravel, be prepared to extricate the substance in the easiest and the best way possible. The child will not take the treatment for their removal as submissively as when poking them into the orifice. If you go at the task of removing the corn, beans, cherry-stone or any other substance in the ears, with any degree of rashness or awkwardness, so as to create a suspicion that you are going to hurt, you will have stirred up a faculty just above the ears, called destructiveness, to expressing itself in terms that, for vehemence no tongue can ever describe. I have had experience along these lines. Mark my words, and be sure to consider my advice. You will regret it if you do not. Be careful what you do, and how you do it. It is a matter of importance.

The easiest and safest way to remove hard substances from the ears is to secure a small stick that will enter the ear easily, and take a strong piece of cloth and place it over the end of the stick, fastening the cloth back, leaving room to place a small amount of glue on the end of the stick - on cloth, just the end of it - and then place that against the object in the ear, letting the glue adhere a few moments, and it will enable you to pull the substance out easily. This is the best way; but sometimes a hairpin can be introduced to the side of the object and it removed therewith, and sometimes water may be used to wash it out. The water is the thing to use for flies or bugs in the ears. Sometimes the object may be hooked out with a small sharp hook, but care should be had in any event so as not to injure the parts.

There are so many little things get the matter with children that it would take a large volume to enumerate them. The artful mother will find her ingenuity often taxed to know just what to do many times, but should always be equal to the emergency.

The above instructions should save much anxiety and much cost in the way of doctor's services and expenses thus incurred, and much suffering and long spells of sickness.

 

Starting the Youth and Teaching Them to Shun Evil Influences.

Life is so precious that it should demand our first and highest interest, early, constantly and intelligently. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and to know how to be wise we must be ever ready to receive instruction. Were we inclined to go through life heeding the advice from those who know by experience and observation, of those who have grown older than we, much anxiety and many heartaches might be avoided, health preserved, and many who suffer a lifetime might have escaped the pitfalls of vice, immorality, and saved of being physical wrecks - addicted to habits which tend only to wretchedness, disease and death.

Parents should not be remiss in early admonition of their children regarding bad habits, unchaste associations, evil communications, obscene literature, novels, trashy stories, and such influences as tend to educate children and youth in paths of vice, and poison their minds with the history of crime, luxury and foolishness, ever remembering that Scripture which says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of Jehovah; and on his law doth he meditate day and night." Such a course will forever shield the youth from falling into or adopting bad habits.

We have said this much as an introduction to what we have to say regarding the care of our youth, upon whom the future of this nation rests, prospectively, and its importance cannot be over-estimated, nor its far-reaching influence measured; for "whatsoever we sow, that shall we also reap." Then be sure of sowing the right thought in the mind of the youth; for, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Analyze these sayings and be guided by them, remembering that children only know what they learn. Teach them rightly and they will be guided by what they are taught all through life and verify the instructions given in Holy Writ, which says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

If there were no tendency in man to go away into sin from his mother's womb, there would be no necessity to charge the parent with the care and oversight of the offspring; but he being under "Tutors till the time appointed," it behooves the tutors to always be on the alert for the, welfare of the child.

See to it while you have the little ones under your charge. Allow nothing to divert your mind from this, solemn obligation you owe to your child. Do not think that “my child is too perfect to think of such things, and that he cannot do wrong.” There is no one above temptation along these lines - "The desire of the flesh" is one of the three ways to sin and it begins at the very dawn of our physical life, and we need teaching so as to know why we are thus created, what the uses of our organs are, and how not to abuse them, nor any part of our body. Every organ, has its specific uses, and when one is unduly exercised, the whole body, sooner or later, sympathizes with it and emaciation and many unnatural consequences ensue; and the constitution suffers all the balance of the natural life of that individual. If, therefore, you desire strong, healthy, sound mentality and a start in life for your dear little ones, see to it that you keep them from learning a habit that is so sure to be their downfall and physical wreckage.

The abuse of the genital organs should never be allowed. It saps the foundation of all nerve forces which make manhood and womanhood attractive, bold and strong. Nerve waste through the genital organs, affects the mentality, sooner or later, and makes its victim a physical and a moral wreck and stultifies all decency and self-respect, and renders many a would-be manly man and womanly woman an absolute failure in life, and damns them for all of this life and perhaps for the world to come.

The emphasis cannot be too strongly placed upon this subject, nor can parents be too careful in absolutely knowing, at all times, what their children are about, who they associate with, and what their training is.

Consumption could be avoided if the children were taught how to preserve nerve force, and how to eat, breathe, sleep, and exercise properly. Life may be prolonged by properly caring for the body and the right teaching of how to think and act toward our fellow-men.

Teach your children to "shun every appearance of evil," and they will be the beneficiaries - the world will have been better by their having been born and lived in it.

Your child's life will be a failure if you neglect to teach him, in early life, how to live and what his relationship to the rest of humanity should be. "A sound mind in a sound body" is a gem worthy our highest and profoundest consideration, and then we will have a better conception of our responsibility to Him who has so wonderfully created us, and what our physical and moral obligations are to Him (as well as our religious obligations).

Teach the child to regard the private parts, of the body, with due respect, and not to abuse them, by compelling them to perform any unnatural duties, nor to use in excess any organ; for, upon the healthful condition of every organ depends the health of the entire body. The sympathetic relationship of the body is such that if one member suffers, all the rest of the body suffers also; therefore, every part of the body must be duly respected. If the eye is over-used the body suffers from general emaciation, sooner or later, and disease of some kind is almost sure to follow. If the genital organs are abused, or used to excess, the nervous system becomes exhausted and general emaciation takes place, with all its direful effects; and if a habit of abuse is established by over-use of the genital (the private) organs, the effects are seen in the face, in the eyes, and the mind becomes weak, irritability of temper, crabbedness, cowardice, leanness, shrunkenness of the muscular system, glassiness of the eyes, and a shamefacedness takes possession of the individual; and sooner or later death, with all the horrors of a maniac closes the scene. For the sake of the child, for the sake of the fond father and mother, for the sake of the community in which the child lives, and for the good name of all that is sacred, holy, just and good, do not neglect to care for the little bud that may be blasted forever by your neglect; take warning; regard not the instruction with any degree of diffidence nor shamefacedness on your part; but get right next to the very heart and in its confidence and deep soul interest, make your child a confidant of yourself, and tell it how to be good, pure and happy, and healthy, manly or womanly, all through life. Teach the young child "the way it should go, and when it is old it will not depart from it"; and your days will be blessed, and the child will "live long on the earth" to bless humanity, to bless you, and to thank you when grown up that you said the right things at the proper time; and this world will have been better by your having lived in it, and your children will rise up and call you blessed.

If but one family shall take this advice this book will be worth to that family more than ten thousand worlds like this, and save a great multitude of sins being committed. Let the motto of the youth of this generation and all that follow be, My associates must be pure, clean inside and out, or I will not associate with them.

The boy or the girl who obeys and respects parental advice is only worthy of respect.

Suggestions for Curing the Bad Habits of Children.

The practical application of suggestion demonstrates its utility. It need not be carried to the extent of rendering the subject unconscious, for if that stage is reached the conscious mind becomes insensible to the suggestions, and the object desired is not obtained.

It is of the first importance in training children, breaking up bad habits, controlling ungovernable temper, curing enuresis (bed-wetting), changing the entire life of the child; and this can be done by the mother, or the one having the government or control of the child's life.

The mother, perhaps, is in closer relationship with the child than any one else, and she can use her influence with better effect.

Just as the child is retiring, and at the time when sleep has almost rendered the child unconscious, is the happy moment of procedure.

The mother approaches the bedside of the child, gently lays her hand on the forehead, or takes the hand of the child in her hand, and with a subdued voice addresses the child, saying, "You are now going to sleep, and I am going to talk to you while you are asleep, but you will hear me, and answer my questions when I ask you, and will hear all I say to you, and you will not wake up, but will sleep sweetly and rest well all night."

Talk along this line, should be made, not permitting too long a silence in course of the talk, but keep the conversation up, and continuous, keeping the attention of the child all the time, and when almost in that state between being asleep and awake, begin the suggestions, repeating them over several times, so as to fix the thought in the mind of the child. Always address the child in the first person, not saying "You will do so and so," but say "I will not awake but will be quiet. I will go right to sleep, for I am now quite restful, almost asleep. I will hear what you say to me, and will speak to you without awakening."

Then ask the child if it hears you, and it will say, "Yes, mamma, I hear you." "You will not wake up. Now I touch your lips and you can speak. Say, 'yes, mamma, I hear you.' "
This is an outline of approach, and may be varied according to circumstances; the mother knowing how to approach her own child best.

If the child should stir, manifest uneasiness, and open its eyes, the mother should not relinquish her efforts, but gently close the eyelids, and at the same time suggesting to the child, "All is well, nothing will disturb me, I will sleep quietly now, and hear what mamma says, and will be so pleased to hear what mamma says, for it will be for my good."

It is always best to stroke the child's forehead gently, as this has a quieting effect. Then the suggestions may beg in to be made by the mother.

The things, the habits desired to be eliminated, should be mentioned, such as being disobedient, untidy, lazy, idle, untruthful, negligent in study, swearing, rudeness, carelessness, lack of attention, indifference, etc.

Any habit needed to be changed, may be changed by this manner of suggestion. It is well to exact a promise from the child that it will do whatever the mother requires, and get the child to say, "I will do what you require." Formulate the idea in the words desired, and have the child say, "I promise I will not do so any more." Have the child make the promise, and it is better that the exaction should be pressed several times.

It is best for the mother to say, whatever she does say to the child, using the first person singular, having the affirmation made by the child; instead of the mother saying, "You will do this or that," have the child state, "I will do as mamma says. I will do what mamma wants me to do; I will do any thing to please mamma. I will make everybody happy by being good to everybody."

These suggestions need not be confined to habits, but used for physical ailments, such as bed-wetting (enuresis), stammering, and may even be used in every phase of physical and mental conditions.

In the treatment of physical ills of all kinds, strong and earnest suggestions are effectual in so changing the mind that many ailments are changed for the better, and start the patient on the way to recovery.

Many conditions, called disease, are really mental, and suggestions properly made, with due regard to the condition of the mental state of the individual, will overcome the trouble.

Suggestions are eminently useful in all the business, as well as the social phases of life, and by studying the temperament and disposition of the person to be suggested to, and applying the suggestions according to the conditions demanded, they may be beneficial in a high degree.

The manner of suggestion has much to do - in fact, everything - as far as the results are concerned. Some cases and conditions require strong, forceful and authoritative commands, and others the utmost degree of gentleness.

Oftentimes what are called "silent suggestions," "auto suggestions," for one's self, steadily, firmly held, are effectual in securing the thing desired.

Sometimes a steady, firm gaze, or look, into the eyes of the person one desires to influence, accomplishes the purpose admirably.

Thinking what you wish another person to do, will, in most cases, influence them favorably. A steady, fixed, mental state, earnestly auto-suggesting the thing desired, will accomplish the thing desired. This applies to collecting accounts, as well as many other pursuits in life.

There is no limit to the field of opportunities, where suggestion may be beneficial, eminently so if rightly done, and in the proper manner, and at the right time. It should never be applied for anything but good to the person.

More along this line will be found under the head of "Suggestions," by Prof. Edward B. Warman, from whose works many of these thoughts were culled.