Paradoxically Yours...

Only in the Nineties

(Prompt - 'wrong'  26/5/2017)

The 1990's? Well-ll, no... these are the fervent findings of a remarkable medical practitioner of the 1890's - J.H. Kellogg, MD, (published in 1893), and in case you're wondering, YES - this is the self-same manufacturer of the Kellogg breakfast cereals.

Dr. Kellogg, a veritable oracle of truth and wisdom, NEVER erred - his lengthy book tells you so. Following an extremely 'General' Survey of the Body, the Reproductive System, the Mysteries of Reproduction and Sex in Plants and Animals, Dr. Kellogg progresses into an extensive examination of Girlhood, Maidenhood, Wifehood and Motherhood.

Here is advice and medical recommendations for the more unusual 'Diseases of Women'. As you will learn, it's not only unusual diseases - their descriptions and suggested 'cures' are an equal education in the art of 'getting it wrong'.

'The Effects of Perverted Social Habits' - well-ll-ll! After rushing to the designated page, overcome with a need to know what the esteemed Doctor could possibly be referring to, we learn that women's attempts to compete scholastically with boys is a major reason for perversion. Another is that American women are more susceptible than their sisters in other nations, because ALL animals tend to deteriorate in this country. No cure appeared to be forthcoming for this one, sadly.

Next in the 'need to know' stakes is - 'Neglect of the Bowels and Bladder'. He insists neglecting prompt attendance to the 'calls of nature' is the most common cause of uterine disease, noting sadly, the closet accommodations of these times cannot compare with those convenient, comfortable and even attractive closets of ancient times - noting that their stability was such, they withstood the blasts of many centuries.

He also laid heavy blame on 'False Modesty' that too often restrained the sufferer from sharing her intimate problems with her trusted medico, undoubtedly leading to such complaints as 'Uterine Catarrh'. Although improper dressing habits, sexual excess - and even sexual abuse were equally likely causes, no elaboration was forthcoming.

'Atrophy of the Breast' was a frequent condition among American women, caused chiefly by deficient physical development - also compression by corsets - and inadequate development of the ovaries, causing unnatural upper lip hair growth. Massage and sponging with hot water should prove valuable, and also uterine massage if any atrophy exists.

The 'Relaxed or Pendent Breast' however, requires proper support, firm bandaging and daily hot and cold applications...all successful remedies. Or, the sufferer may have 'Irritable or Hysterical Breast'. This extreme over-sensitivity of the breast is chiefly caused by indigestion and disease of the womb or ovaries. The most severe case encountered was solely due to the young woman's habit of self-abuse. Discontinuance resulted in such an incredible recovery, within a week, she was able to strike the breast a full blow without suffering any inconvenience, whatsoever. The normal treatment suggested was improving general health, fomentations to the spine, and electricity to the breast.

'Floating Kidney'? No problems - a floating tumour is simply a kidney which has become dislodged from its proper position. He suggests toning up the abdominal walls with the application of electricity - or alternate hot/cold spray to the abdomen.

'Nerve-Tire' (or exhaustion of the nervous system)? Don't fret. '... although the womb and ovaries are not responsible for ALL maladies - they are absolutely responsible for 'Nerve-Tire'. The cure? Take sufferers away from cares and old associations, and surround with entirely new influences. This is best managed in a well-regulated Sanitarium - and treated with massage, proper diet and - electricity!! (the recommended voltage is never mentioned).