New-York tribune., 1901-11-05
CENTURY BOOK FOR MOTHERS.
DIRECTIONS GIVEN FOR THE CARE OF II
FANTsTHE MODERN NURSERY.

Thoroughly practical and useful are the hints
contained in The Century Book for mothers pub
Eshed by The Century Company The writers
Le Roy Milton Yale, NJ D., formerly lecturer
on the diseases OF children ct Bellevue Hospital
Medical College New-York and Gustave Pollak.
Editor Of -F3abyhood" Their directions therefore,
are authoritative. and, while intended TO take
the place OF physician IN actual illness. often
might be OF immense value where a physician is
accessible
The scope Of the work IS large beginning with
advice TO the prospective mother. and touching on
every possible topic OF importance interest from
the chid's earliest infancy. The first part treats
OF the general care Of children, including prepara-
ton for motherhood. furnishings Of the nursery.
It's ventilation and temperature. the infants ward
robe and the precautions that must be observed in
caring for the new baby.
From these preliminartes the authors so on 10
the routine Of the nursery, the hours for sleep.
bathing and feeding They discourse. without
technicauties Of any kind. on the proper mode OF
dress the disorders caused by improper food. and
point out the symptoms that indicate approaching
illness.
Reasons given with refreshing absence Of
dogmatisrn and the whole tone OF the book Is sug-
gestive Of a friendly doctor chatting with the
mother Of a family under his care
Some idea Of the practical nature Of these talks
may gained from glance at the subjects spoken
Of The mother is told that the temperature Of
the nursery should not be above 70 degrees. and
should not fail below 65 degrees. She is cautioned
10 protect the child from the rapid cooling OF the
air next the glass OF the windows, which pours
down upon the floor, TO increase the draughts Of
ton without draughts and for night lamps. The
ideal nursery is described the principle That
everything should be selected with regard TO two
questions: can ii be kept thoroughly clean or
completely disinfected in illness?'' and Can af
ford TO destroy II If il cannot be made entirely
pure?" Cheap carpet rugs are advised for the
floor and paint vanished paper for the walls.
The traditional baby clothes said by the
authors be entirely obJecTiona ole, and the lit
tie garments fashioned after the Gertrude model
recommended. The tight binder that is usual
" worn by babies they consider unhealthfu well
uncomfortable. and directions are given for
making hygienic and comfortable clothing. Consid-
cradle space is allotted explaining the construc
ton Of the foot and the kind OF shoe that should
be also the kind OF stocking supporter
The proporuonate growth Of the child is consid-
cred. that careful mother may note any de-
parture from normal development and take meas
correct the defect The teething period
in for large share OF attention. and stress
Is laid upon the fact that Of the disorders
orally attributed to teething are actually due 10
said 70 be the cause Of the greatest trouble.
The chapter on food for young children goes fully
into the suitability Of the various fruits and vegeta
bles, and restricts the of beef and
mutton Fresh breads. biscuits and mullins
tahooed. Banaras. apples and other fruits
should be cooked, and nuts forbidden.
The second part Of the book is made up largely
OF answers 10 specific questions asked ny mothers,
that large variety OF is treated includ-
ing physical defects and the remedies for them and
minor ailments and their There is hardly q
trouble that is mentioned and more or less
to be of distinct value to mothers. and will
doubtedly be popular.