ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR 1857 BY

FOWLER AND WELLS

IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED
STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Politeness Defined--The Foundation of Good Manners--The Civil
Code and the Code of Civility--The Instinct of Courtesy--
Chesterfield's Method--The Golden Rule--American Politeness--
Utility of Good Manners Illustrated. Page ix

I.--PERSONAL HABITS.

Where to Commence--Care of the Person a Social Duty--Cleanliness--
The Daily Bath--Soap and Water--The Feet--Change of Linen--The
Nails--The Head--The Teeth--The Breath--Eating and Drinking--What
to Eat--When to Eat--How much to Eat--What to Drink--Breathing--
Exercise--The Complexion--Tobacco--Spitting--Gin and Gentility--
Onions, etc.--Little Things 15

II.--DRESS.

The Meaning of Dress--The Uses of Dress--Fitness the First
Essential--The Art of Dress--The Short Dress for Ladies--
Working-Dress for Gentlemen--Ornaments--Materials for Dress--Mrs.
Manners on Dress--The Hair and Beard--Art _vs._ Fashion--Signs of
the Good Time Coming 31

III.--SELF-CULTURE.

Moral and Social Training--Cultivation of Language--Position and
Movement--The Ease and Grace of Childhood--Standing--Sitting--
Walking--Hints to the Ladies--Self-Command--Observation--Practical
Lesson 42

IV.--FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES.

Manners and Morals--Human Rights--Duties--The Rights of the
Senses--The Faculties and their Claims--Expression of
Opinions--The Sacredness of Privacy--Conformity--Singing out of
Tune--Doing as the Romans Do--Courtesy _vs._ Etiquette--An
Anecdote--Harmony--Equality--A Remark to be Remembered--General
Principles more Important than Particular Observances 48

V.--DOMESTIC MANNERS.

A Test of Good Manners--Good Behavior at Home--American
Children--Teaching Children to be Polite--Behavior to
Parents--Brothers and Sisters--Husband and Wife--Married
Lovers--Entertaining Guests--Letting your Guests Alone--Making
one "at Home"--Making Apologies--Duties of Guests--Treatment of
Servants--Rights of Servants--"Thank You" 56

VI.--THE OBSERVANCES OF EVERY-DAY LIFE.

Introduct