The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-06

or VIEW 30,


This is a work by physician of reputation
on the hygiene of woman, designed for popu-
lar use, and introducing variety of topics
not generally discussed outside of regular
scientific medical works. 1t is certain, how
ever, that many of the ills which humanity
is heir to are due to want of proper know
ledge of such subjects, especially by the
women of the country. Works of this char
acter have fallen into deserved disrepute be-
cause those who have attempted to discuss
the subjects attempted by DR.. Napheys have
mostly been quacks and impostors, who were
unworthy of the recognition of decent people.
A properly written treatise on the relations of
the sexes, however, can scarcely
fail to be productive of incalculable
good to many who cannot understand the
technical terms of the standard medical works,
and who are repelled, by false modesty per-
haps, from even consulting with their physi-
clans upon matters that every man and
woman ought to thoroughly understand. In
n book like the one before us, which is in
tended for general readers, it is necessary, of
course that the subject shall be treated with
as much delcacy as possible, without leaving
unsaid anything that the reader ought to
know. DIR. Napheys writes with dignity and
earnestness, and there is not a chapter in his
book that may not be read with profit by per-
sons of both sexes. OF course, such a work as
this is intended for men and women of mature
years, and it is not suitable to be left laying
about for the qualification of idle curiosity.
The author has been careful however, to
write nothing that can possibly give offense,
and he conveys much sound instruction that,
if needed by those to whom it is particularly
addressed, will save much suffering. Before
venturing upon publication the author sub
mitted the work to the judgment of a number
of eminent divines and literary men, all of
whom commend it heartily. This was per-
haps necessary preeaution, as there is we'll
founded prejudice against most attempts at
popular writing on such subjects. Of
course large portion of the work is not
adapted for quotation in the columns of
newspaper, but we consider the following OBJ
servations on divorce judicious, and we give
them as specimen of DR.. Napheys' style:-
''He of Nazareth laid down the law that whoever
puts away his wife for any cause except adultery
and marries again, commits adultery, and that
whatever woman puts away her husband for any
cause save adultery and marries again, herself COM
''This has been found hard saying
"JOhn Milton wrote book to show that the Law
glver did not mean what he said, but something
quite different. Modern sects, calling themselves
Christians, after this Lawgiver, dodge the difficulty
and refer it to State LEGISLATURES. State Legislatures
not troubling themselves at all about any previous
law lawgiver allow dozens of causes, scores of
thom, as perfectly valid to put asunder those whom
"Science which never tinds Occasion to disagree
with that Lawgiver of Nazareth, here makes his
words her own.
"Whether we look at it as a question in social
life, in morals, or in physiology, the American plan
OF granting ABSOLUTE divorces is dangerous, aud de-
structive to what is best in life 1t leads to hasy,
iassorted matches, to an unwillingness to yield to
each others pecuartes, to a weakening of the
family ties, to lax morality. Carry it trine far
ther than 1t now is in some states, and marriage
will lose all its sacredness, and degenerate into
physical union not nobler than the crossing Of flies
sSeparation of bed and board should always be
provided for by law, and whether single, married. or
separated the woman should retain entire control
of her own property But In the eyes OF God and
nature woman or man with two faithful spouses
living to each OF whom an eternal fidelity has been
plighted, is a monster
fold force to the custom OF woman living as wife
to several men, or of man as husband to several
women. We should not speak of these customs,
but that we know both exist in this country, not
among the VIGOROUSLY wicked, but among those who
claim to be peculiarly good-the very elect Of God.
They prevail, not lustful eXcesses but religious
Observances. Every reader OF the daily press knows
what sects mean.
sit is worth while to say that such practices lead
to physical degradation. The woman who acknow-
ledgeS more than one husband is generally sterile
the man who has several wives has usually weakly
offspring principally males. Nature attempts to
check polygamy by reducing the number of females
and falling in this by enervatng the whole stock
The Mormons of Utah would soon sink into a state
OF Asiatic efIeminacy were they left to themselves.
AMERICAN COMMERCIAL LAW. BY Franklin
Chamberlin. Published by o. d. Case & Co..
Hartford, Conn.
Any work that proposes to make every mar
a lawyer will necessarily be failure, fo
law is science as well as medicine, and it cal
only be understood in all it's details by thos,
who devote themselves specially to it. Th,
principles of law and the more usual lega
forms ought, however, to be included in ever,
system of education, and it is the more impor
tant that they should be generally understoot
in country like the United States, wher
every citizen is frequently called upon to de
eide legal questions at the polls. If ther
was more general knowledge of legal prin
ciples, much expensive litigation might b.
avoided and much annoyance to busines
men and others who are called upon at time
to execute legal papers. A number of work
have been put before the public for the pun
pose of giving the necessary instruction an
advice in these matters and some of them ar
highly meritorious and useful: other
fail by attempting and promising to
much, and by encouraging their readers t
RELY upon their instructions in importar
cases where a skilled lawyer ought to be col
suited. The work before us is the most con