Page:Love and its hidden history.djvu/111

 specially to which end, I have already indicated, in oxygenization. But, the question rises: "What is this oxygenization of which you speak? and by what method is it done? and how does it act to produce results so desirable to nearly every female in the land?" These are very just and pertinent questions, demanding clear and explicit answers. In the first place, then, it is impossible for a woman to be ill, in the direction here alluded to, if her lungs be large and sound, her blood pure, and her waist uncramped by the tyranny of fashion. But if her lungs be squeezed into the shape of a blue-bottle fly, or an hour-glass, it is impossible that they can be filled with fresh air, or any air at all; and if they are not so filled at every breath she draws, the blood that rushes to the lungs from the heart cannot receive the due share of air to which they are entitled, and for which they were created. Now, if such is the case, it follows that by degrees the blood becomes foul, because it cannot rid itself of the impure and noxious substances gathered from all parts of the body, and of which it would speedily discharge itself, if the heart and the lungs were permitted to do their full duty.

I have already demonstrated that the body of woman is infinitely finer, more delicate and susceptible to all sorts of impressions and influences, than is that of man; and, by reason of her sex and its responsibilities, she is doubly liable to what man never can be, — disarrangement of peculiar organs.

I need not say — for every one knows perfectly well — that the uterus (and its appendages) is the most wonderfully delicate and sensitive mechanism ever constructed by the hand of the living God; for in it, by it, and through it, the purpose is accomplished and completed, for which the Eternal Being has ceaselessly labored during countless millions of rolling; centuries! It is the sacred recess wherein nature's loftiest and finest work is done! It is the sealed and thrice-holy laboratory, wherein God manufactures the most surprising machines. He builds the most exquisite furnaces therein, — witness the lungs! The most magnificent chemical works; witness the stomach of a babe, — a machine that converts gross food into eternal and infinite thought, and imperishable mind! The most wonderful dyeing works in existence, for what can equal the marble purity of an infant's skin? or the carnation of a maiden's cheek? or the blushing coral of her lips?