Page:The Virile Powers of Superb Manhood.djvu/100

92 total subjection to the wishes of another. On the "rocks" of this false conclusion are shattered the happiness, health and future prospects of thousands of married couples. Herein lies the paramount importance of superb physical health. Notwithstanding the influence that may be imposed on a woman by what she may have cause to believe is her duty, she will not stoop to anything that will outrage her physical instinct if she possesses all the power, beauty and health conjoined to superb, wholesome womanhood.

That diaphragm-breathing and tight lacing are most ruinous to women and their offspring is self-evident. No evil equals that of curtailing this maternal supply of breath; nor does anything do this as effectually as tight lacing. If it were merely a female folly, or if its ravages were confined to its perpetrators, it might be passed unrebuked; but it strikes a deadly blow at the very life of the race. By girting in the lungs, stomach and diaphragm, it cripples every one of the life-manufacturing functions, impairs