Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].

relatively small number, among whom I was one, advocated the longer period of rest in bed. But we have learnt to accept the new principle, and even to prescribe definite movement instead of the former immobility. For there is no doubt that early " getting about again " involves early return to muscular exertion, and favours the resumption of meta- bolism and the health of the whole organism. The secretory functions, the elimination through bladder and bowel and the formation of milk are earlier restored or less clogged. Sleep comes without artificial aid. The appetite thrives. As for the organs of sex and maternity, far from becoming displaced and dropping forward, as some critics have ventured to affirm, they resume their normal position sooner and have the increased support of taut sound muscles in the pelvic floor. The abdominal muscles, instead of sagging, become firmer and more elastic, and finally, the circulation is speeded up and actively counteracts varicosities and embolism, though affording no absolute guarantee against these lesions. But I must wholly endorse the comments of Stoeckel (Bibliography, No. 28), when he adds to these encomia the question whether such benefits can only be gained by " getting up soon " ? For this regime cuts down the time of rest and recuperation to a minimum, and robs women of that blessed solace of bodily peace and quiet which the majority so profoundly appreciate and enjoy. Puerperal physical culture offers all the benefits enumerated above without the drawbacks of " getting about soon/' It is much more truly considerate to the woman, and can be much better regulated, rationed or adapted individually. Moreover, it combines rest with a certain activity and variety, and has a refreshing as well as a soothing effect on the mind beyond all comparison with the other alternatives of enforced quietude or premature exertion. If the young mother is healthy and sufficiently strong, and expresses her wish to leave her bed for a short time on the sixth or seventh day after delivery, I am of opinion that there need be no hesitation in allowing her to do so. But it should not be urged upon her at that stage of involution. After two more days have elapsed, however, she should be