orried and apprehensive
has been the pregnant mother, that, although she can never
successfully predict the "birthmarks" and blemishes of her child,
nevertheless when these defects are disclosed at birth she is
unfailingly able immediately to recall some extraordinary experience
which she has carefully stored away in her memory and which, to her
mind, most fully explains and accounts for the defect.

Is it much wonder that in the very early days of embryonic existence,
during the hours of delicate cell division, indentation, outpushing,
elongation, and sliding of young cells--is it much wonder, I
repeat--that there occur a few malformations, blemishes, or other
accidents which persist as "birthmarks?"

CAUSES OF BIRTHMARKS

There are many factors which may enter into the production of
birth-blemishes, deformities, monstrosities, etc. These influences are
all governed by certain definite laws of cause and effect. A
pre-existent systemic disease in the father, or a coexistent disorder
in the mother, may be a leading factor. A mechanical injury, such as a
sudden fall, a blow, or a kick, or certain kinds of prolonged
pressure, not to mention restrictions and contractions of the maternal
bony structures, may all possibly contribute something to these
prenatal miscarriages of growth and development. Maternal or prenatal
embryonic infections could bring about many sorts of birthmarks and
malformations. These defects might also be caused by certain types of
severe inflammatory disorders in the uterus during the early days of
pregnancy.

The same factors that produce the accidents of embryology resulting in
malformations or monstrosities in the human family, are also operative
in the case of our lesser brethren of the animal kingdom, for
monstrosities and birth-defects are very common among the lower
animals, notwithstanding the fact that the animal mother probably does
not "believe in birthmarks."

"It is a striking fact that during the nineteenth century, the
teratologists, those who have scientifically investigated the causes
of monstrosities and fetal morbid states, have almost without
exception, rejected the theory of maternal impressions." Scientists
and physicians are coming to recognize the fact that fears and frights
do not in any way act as causes in the production of monstrosities and
deformities. Let us seek forever to liberate all womankind from the
common and harassing fear and the definite dread and worry