Papers on Health Part 33

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 1a.]

1a.--Arms by side forced well back, finger nails to front. Inhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 1b.]

1b.--Raise bells to shoulders, contracting biceps. Exhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 2a.]

2a.--Arms by side forced well back, finger nails to rear. Inhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 2b.]

2b.--Raise bells to shoulders. Exhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 3a.]

3a.--Extend arms sideways in line with shoulders, finger nails up.

Inhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 3b.]

3b.--Bring bells to shoulders, contracting biceps. Exhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 4a.]

4a.--Arms by sides, chest well out. Inhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 4b.]

4b.--Cross arms in front, contracting chest muscles. Exhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 5a.]

5a.--Arms extended in front level with chin. Exhale.

5b.--Bring bells back sideways in line with shoulders. Inhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 6a.]

6a.--Upper arms close to sides, bells level with shoulders. Exhale.

6b.--Raise bells above head as far as possible. Inhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 7a.]

7a.--Arms by sides forced well back, finger nails to rear. Inhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 7b.]

7b.--Raise arms up level with shoulders rounding back. Exhale.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 8a.]

8a.--Lean over to right, left knee bent, right leg straight.

8b.--Repeat to left.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 9a.]

9a.--Lunge out to left, right leg straight, raising left hand above head, right hand at side.

9b.--Repeat to left.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 10a.]

10a.--Heels together, chest well out, hands on hips.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 10b.]

10b.--Sink on toes, raising heels from ground, gradually resume upright position, keeping back straight.

s.e.x AND HEALTH.

The treatment of the relations of the s.e.xes to one another, and the enormous influence over health of both body and mind which these exercise, cannot be attempted in a treatise such as this. Such articles would occupy far too much s.p.a.ce, as from the nature of the subject much detail must be given, and explanations must be as complete as possible.

The Editor of these Papers has therefore written a book for children, and one each for boys and girls. These will be found advertised at the end.

Numbers of persons consult us on these matters, and much has come to our knowledge which is astonishing and saddening as well, in regard to the widely prevailing ignorance of both young and old regarding the s.e.x functions. This is largely due to culpable neglect on the part of parents and others who have charge of the young.

Parents are often unwilling to speak of such matters, and would desire rather to place a good book on the subject in their children's hands.

Many such books have been published, but none that we have seen have seemed to us quite satisfactory. Due attention must be paid to both the physical and moral sides of the matter. Hence our resolve to write as we have indicated. The books will be found duly advertised at the end of this volume.

It will no doubt be said that it is a pity to suggest ideas of s.e.x to an innocent child, but surely those who look back on their own youth will remember that there came a time when the problem of their own origin suggested itself.

The pretty fable that the storks or angels fetch the babies cannot long satisfy the growing mind. Children wish to understand, yet it is easy for them to see that parents do not wish to explain the mystery.

Curiosity is aroused, for the desire to know is natural and quite legitimate, and the sad thing is that the explanation is generally left to companions and servants who are devoid of delicacy or modesty.

Now there is no reason for this reticence and false shame. The whole process of reproduction is a wonderful example of the wisdom and goodness of the Creator, and if properly explained the child will see that it is so.

Again, there are physical epochs through which all young people must pa.s.s. These are quite natural, but unless explained and the children are prepared to expect them, may cause great alarm. In their distress they are very likely to enquire from impure companions, or get some of the pernicious literature which is issued in quant.i.ty by the quacks who prey upon the fears of the young, and upon their dislike to speak to their parents on a subject which the latter have taught them by silence is one which is unmentionable.

It may be asked when this information should be given. No rule will fit all cases, as children vary so much in their development. We would urge that it should be given _early_, as Miss Willard well says:--"See that the pure thought gets in first." Besides, children grow up much faster than their parents are apt to realize.

The evils of self-pollution are so great, and the cure so difficult, that no risk should be run of such ever being commenced through ignorance. In fact this is the main reason for our undertaking the separate works on this subject. It is so saddening to reflect that a career of vice is often entered upon through the child's ignorance of the laws of its own body, that the natural reticence in speaking of the subject should not be allowed to prevent the information being given.