zoned on the society columns of the daily press, of much
less importance to the human family than the homely duty we ask mothers
to devote themselves to.

CONSTIPATION AND DISEASES OF WOMEN.--Constipation is present in a very
large majority of the cases of diseases of women. It may be caused by
disease of the womb, or it may cause disease of the womb. There is no
question about the bad effect constipation has upon all diseases of this
type. In many cases it is absolutely impossible to effect a cure without
first curing the accompanying constipation.

We seldom appreciate how severe a degree of constipation a growing girl
will submit to without seeking relief. Some of the worst cases of
constipation that have been known, have been in girls between the ages
of sixteen and twenty. The mechanical effects of such a condition can
well be imagined. The constant, severe straining, necessary to evacuate
the bowel, has, in very many instances, produced congestion and
displacement of the womb and ovaries. It is not observed at this time,
or if observed it is not understood, and thus is laid the foundation for
years of neurasthenia, helplessness, and disease.

The more we investigate the ramifications of constipation the more we
learn of its seriousness and of its significance.

CONSTIPATION IS ALWAYS HARMFUL.--There is no period in life when
constipation can be borne with impunity. Youth, with its virility and
vitality, will endure its consequences with an apparent negation, so far
as positive or specific results are concerned, but it is only an
apparent impunity. There is always a certain amount of strength built
up, held in reserve as a heritage of youth, which will withstand a
certain amount of physical license, but if this reserve is assailed by
an unnecessary imposition, and is successfully undermined, there will be
infinitely less reserve to call upon in the legitimate battle of life.
Life is too real, too concentrated, too strenuous, and health is too
precious to be wilfully wasted in any form of self-abuse.

CONSTIPATION AND PREGNANCY.--Mothers will appreciate from the foregoing
explanation why constipation is eugenically a crime during pregnancy.
The evils which result from constipation mechanically, frequently have
serious consequences by interfering with the circulation of the blood to
the womb, by forcing the womb to assume wrong positions, by straining at
stool, and by preventing the kidneys from functionating pro