*
I do not think, however, that any of these things should debar a
woman from pursuing a regular course of study, only let her
exercise care and prudence at the menstrual period. It is not
uncommon for this function to be arrested by any great change of
circumstances, as when a girl leaves home and goes to school,
where there is almost an entire change of habits. Many cases came
under my observation while at the Seminary, among the junior
class (first year), of suppression or irregularity for three or
six months, all then proceeding regularly without medical
interference. I think women suffering from ordinary female
troubles are benefited by regular exercise; for a want of proper
exercise affects injuriously the general health, thereby
increasing the uterine disorder. If a girl with any _great_
female trouble should enter the Seminary, her troubles would be
increased, not from the regular work, but by going over the
stairs."

Letter from Mrs. Arnold, of Milwaukee, formerly Dr. Homer, physician at
Mt. Holyoke Seminary in 1860-64:

"A large number of cases of irregularity in the form of
suppression, were always met with during the first year,
especially the first months of that year. Often the health was
not seriously affected, and the trouble would right itself or
readily yield to mild remedies. Had this derangement been caused
by hard study in the pursuance of a regular course, it would have
been most common among pupils in advanced classes. The fact that
it was not, shows that it must be accounted for in some other
way. Neither do we need to look far. There is change of
circumstances, of employments, of diet, of sleep; often of
climate, many coming from a distance, and, more than all, coming
from quiet homes to dwell in such a large family, where there is
enough of novelty and excitement to keep them constantly
interested--perhaps I should say absorbed--in new directions. It
is common for change to produce like results elsewhere, as well
as in school life, especially during the early years of
womanhood. Again, those thus affected are quite as likely to be
the dull or inattentive as the studious.

"Cases of excessive or painful menstruation were far less
numerous, and had their origin also in other causes than hard
study.

"A