ould be consulted.

_HYSTERIA._

DEFINITION.--A functional disorder of the nervous system of which it is
impossible to speak definitely; characterized by disturbance of the reason,
will, imagination, and emotions, with sometimes convulsive attacks that
resemble epilepsy.

SYMPTOMS.--Fits of laughter, and tears without apparent cause; emotions
easily excited; mind often melancholy and depressed; tenderness along the
spine; disturbances of digestion, with hysterical convulsions, and other
nervous phenomena.

HOME TREATMENT.--Some healthy and pleasant employment should be urged upon
women afflicted with this disease. Men are also subject to it, though not
so frequently. Avoid excessive fatigue and mental worry; also stimulants
and opiates. Plenty of good food and fresh air will do more good than
drugs.

* * * * *

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Falling of the Womb.

CAUSES.--The displacement of the womb usually is the result of too much
childbearing, miscarriages, abortions, or the taking of strong medicines to
bring about menstruation. It may also be the result in getting up too
quickly from the childbed. There are, however, other causes, such as a
general breaking down of the health.

SYMPTOMS.--If the womb has fallen forward it presses against the bladder,
causing the patient to urinate frequently. If the womb has fallen back, it
presses against the rectum, and constipation is the result with often
severe pain at stool. If the womb descends into the vagina there is a
feeling of heaviness. All forms of displacement produce pain in the back,
with an irregular and scanty menstrual flow and a dull and exhausted
feeling.

HOME TREATMENT.--Improve the general health. Take some preparation of
cod-liver oil, hot injections (of a teaspoonful of powdered alum with a
pint of water), a daily sitz-bath, and a regular morning bath three times a
week will be found very beneficial. There, however, can be no remedy unless
the womb is first replaced to the proper position. This must be done by a
competent physician who should frequently be consulted.

[Illustration]

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Menstruation.

1. ITS IMPORTANCE.--Menstruation plays a momentous part in the female
economy; indeed, unless it be in every way properly and duly performed, it
is neither possible that a lady can be well, nor is it at all probable that
she will conceive. The large number of barren, of delicate, and of
hysterical women there are in America