seldom
allowed, but the daily routine is gone through, regardless of what may
happen.

Dress.--The way the abdomen is now constricted, and this is now a
prominent feature of women's mode of dress, is without doubt an important
predisposing cause in female diseases. This contraction of the normal size
of the cavity of the abdomen, with the subsequent compression and
displacement of its organs, must of necessity produce dynamic (powerful)
changes in the pelvis that cannot be otherwise than injurious to the
pelvic organs. Tight lacing or any lacing, aside from the remote effects
so unnatural a practice must produce, causes marked atrophy (dwindling) of
the abdominal muscles. These are often so weakened that during labor they
cannot properly assist the uterus (womb) in effecting delivery, and as a
result instrumental interference, with its attendant dangers becomes
necessary.

Prevention of Conception.--This is a very common practice among civilized
women, and it has a most destructive effect upon the pelvic organs, as
well as upon the general system.

Criminal abortion.--The chief danger from the criminal interruption of
pregnancy is sepsis (absorption of poisons) into the system. This may be
acute in character and have a fatal termination, or chronic in nature,
leading to permanent injury of the womb and fallopian tubes, sterility and
chronic invalidism.

Child birth.--Pelvic diseases frequently come from injuries received
during labor.

Venereal diseases.--Dr. Child says, "Syphilis exerts its usual baneful
influence, but gonorrhoea is responsible for more pathological (diseased)
lesions (conditions) in the female pelvis than any other one factor. Its
attack, if not resulting in ultimate loss of life, always leaves the
tissue in an impaired condition, from which resolution (returning to
natural condition) is rare. It is doubtful if a woman once infected with
gonorrhoea ever recovers from its ravages. As a cause of sterility its
power is beyond estimation."

INFLAMMATION OF THE VULVA.--(Vulvitis).--An acute or chronic inflammation
of the vulva (external genitals) either from a specific, like gonorrhoea,
or non-specific cause.

Causes.--Veit says, "Seventy-five per cent of the cases are caused by
gonorrhoea."

Other Causes.--Accumulation and decomposition of discharges from the womb
and vagina, inflammation of the inner lining of the womb and of the
vagina. Foul, putrid discharges from neglected supports (pes