PLATE XI.
The axis, or direction, of the upper strait is denoted by the line A, that of the lower strait by the line B, and that of the Vulva by the line C. The force of expulsion tending to push the child in each direction, it has to traverse a path intermediate with them all, or compounded of them all, not being able to move in either alone. This aggregate direction is denoted by the dotted curved line, which shows the direction in which the child passes, and in which the hand must be passed when introduced.
I is the Perineum.—The dotted line which crosses A denotes the upper strait, and the line I the lower strait.
CHAPTER III.
FUNCTIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL FEMALE ORGANS.
The great object for which the whole of the Female organs perform their several functions is, that of bringing into existence a new being! For this purpose they act both separately and conjointly, each one having its specific part to play in the grand phenomenon. As already remarked, it would not be in place here to give all the details of this wonderful event, but merely such a description of its principal stages, as will suffice for an understanding of the main subject of the present treatise. I shall therefore, first give the uses of the principal organs separately, and then explain the processes of conception, and fœtal development.
THE WOMB.
The Womb is nothing more than the receptacle in which the impregnated egg is placed, and in which it undergoes all the wonderful changes by which it eventually is developed into a perfect human being. The womb is not therefore absolutely needed in conception, and indeed several cases have been known where the new being was formed without the womb altogether, though not perfectly. Its principal use is in fœtal development, which cannot take place perfectly in any other part of the body.
THE OVARIES.
The Ovaries, as already remarked, are two oval-shaped bodies, placed one on each side of the womb, and connected with it, whose use is to form the germ or rudiment, called the ovum, or egg, from which the new being is developed. The structure of the Ovaries is very simple, and the manner in which they produce the ovum is not very well understood. It is certain however, that they are indispensable to conception, being in fact the most essential parts of the female generative system.
MENSTRUATION.
Menstruation appears to be a process resulting from the development and healthy action of the Female organs, and is essential to their well being. The following brief account of its nature and origin is extracted from my Diseases of Woman, page 152 to 155:
"Until very recently but little was known, with any certainty, respecting this remarkable and important phenomenon of the female system. The most crude and visionary theories have been advanced to explain it, and our works on medicine and physiology do nothing more than repeat them, one after the other. The investigations of several distinguished physiologists however, within the last few years, have thrown a new light on this hitherto obscure subject, and explained much that was previously unknown, or, at best, merely conjectured upon. A brief statement of the result of those investigations will not only be highly interesting in itself, but will materially assist in explaining what we shall afterwards speak upon.
"It is well known that the female organs are liable, at regular periods, to assume a peculiar action, which results in the discharge of a fluid termed the menses. The secretion and excretion of which are highly essential, both to the proper performance of many other functions, and to the maintenance of the general health. Whence comes this fluid, and what causes it to flow? These were questions unanswered, except by mere supposition, previous to the discoveries referred to, which we now proceed to make known.
"In the first chapter it was stated that the Ovæ, or eggs, contained the rudiments or germs, from which, when impregnated by the male principle, new human beings were developed. These ovæ, however, are not prepared to undergo this development before the age of puberty, nor after the change of life, nor are the whole of them fit for conception even during the prolific period. It appears that they become fit for fecundation in succession, during the menstrual period, one ovum, or more, being ripened every month! When fully perfected it separates from the ovary and is lost, unless conception occurs, in which case it passes along the fallopian tube into the Womb, and then develops into the fœtus. Here then we see the cause of the menses; the ripening of the ovum causes a local excitement, and congestion, in the ovary and womb, which increases till the period when it is thrown off, and then the accumulated fluid is discharged, the excitement subsides, and a new development commences.
"This curious process is termed by some physiologists the monthly ponte, or laying of eggs, and by others the Ovarian labor, or birth! A small scar is left on the ovary at the point where the ovum separates, which fades away after a time, but a number of them may always be observed on the ovaries of those who have long menstruated. In those who die during menstruation the ovaries are found very red, and full of blood, and sometimes one of the ovæ will be found swelled, and just ready to burst through, or the ruptured opening may be seen through which it has actually escaped.
"Precisely the same phenomenon occurs in the lower animals, excepting that their periods are more extended; some of them occurring annually, and others at still longer intervals. Some of the monkeys even have a species of real menstruation.
"These important facts, by enabling us to understand what causes menstruation, give us an insight also into the nature of its derangements, and the conditions required for their regulation. When we call to mind also the close sympathy between the uterine organs and every other part of the system, it shows us how important a proper menstruation is to the general health, because without it those organs must be diseased, and consequently every other part of the system liable to suffer with them.
"Formerly many absurd notions prevailed respecting menstruation, which in fact are not quite removed even now. Thus some authors asserted that a female, while unwell, could cause various diseases, by merely touching persons! Others supposed they would curdle milk, and nearly all believed that the menstrual fluid itself was highly poisonous, so that females, at those times, were compelled to live apart and approach no one. In the Old Testament there are many regulations given, for females while menstruating, which show the prevalence of such notions in olden times. It is scarcely necessary to say that there is no foundation whatever for all this, as the fluid itself differs but little from ordinary blood, and is equally innocuous.
"In like manner it was supposed, that menstruation was influenced by the Moon, and only occurred at a certain period of her age. We know, however, that females are unwell almost every hour of every day in the year.
"The due establishment of the menstrual function is absolutely necessary, to the perfection both of mind and body, and its regular performance is quite as essential to the continuance of health, for there is scarcely a single disease that its derangement will not either cause, or at least seriously aggravate.
"It is therefore vitally important to attend to this matter, particularly in young persons approaching puberty! A little care at that time, properly bestowed, may prevent years of disease and suffering, if not untimely death!"
CONCEPTION.
Conception is the union of the male principle with the female ovum, or egg, after that is perfected in the manner described in the article on Menstruation. The precise manner in which this union is effected is unknown, though our information in regard to it is much more extensive, and precise, than formerly. As nearly as can be stated it occurs in the following