ng train of imaginary nervous
symptoms. She presented herself for treatment, and insisted upon
a uterine examination. This revealed no pathological condition
of her uterus. She was assured that she would not die, or become
insane, nor a chronic invalid. In consequence she soon forgot
that she differed in any way from other girls. A course of
chalybeate tonics, generous diet, and proper care of her general
health, soon restored her to her normal condition. After close
observation for several years, she submitted to a thorough
examination, although entirely free from any abnormal symptoms.
The examination revealed the following physical condition:
Weight, 105 pounds (her weight before leaving Ireland was 130);
girth of chest, twenty-nine and a half inches; girth of abdomen,
twenty-five inches; girth of pelvis, thirty-four and a half
inches; girth of thigh, upper third, twenty inches; heart
healthy, sounds and rhythm perfectly normal; pulse, 76; lungs
healthy; respiratory murmur clear and distinct over every part;
respiration, easy and twenty per minute; the mammae are well
developed, firm, and round; nipples, small, no areola; her skin
is soft, smooth, and healthy; figure erect, plump, and
symmetrical; her bowels are regular; kidneys, healthy. She has a
good appetite, sleeps well, and in no particular shows any sign
of ill health. The uterine examination reveals a short vagina,
and a small, round cervix uteri, rather less in size than the
average, and projecting very slightly into the vaginal canal.
Depth of uterus from os to fundus, two and a quarter inches, is
very nearly normal. No external sign of abnormal ovaries. She is
a well-developed, healthy young woman, performing all her
physiological functions naturally and regularly, except the
single function of menstruation. No vicarious menstruation takes
the place of the natural function, though she has been watched
very closely during the past two years, nor the least periodical
excitement. It is added that, though the clitoris is normal, the
mons veneris is almost destitute of hair, and the labia rather
undeveloped, while, "as far as is known," sexual instincts and
desire are entirely absent. These latter facts, I may add, would
seem to suggest that, in spite of the health of the subject,
there is yet some concealed lack of