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

loose by their own weight, is of equal importance and needs equal attention. Three factors need consideration for this purpose. There must be appropriate care for the epidermis, keeping the skin elastic and flexible; there must be constant and adequate support for the tender and swollen glands; and there must not be excessive demands on them, functionally : they should not be required to supply milk for any longer time or in greater amount than is actually necessary for the child's welfare. To deal with these three requisites in detail would take too long. But a few hints may be given. First of all, avoid overfeeding during pregnancy. The expectant mother normally puts on a certain amount of adipose tissue, especially in the breasts, and if this layer of fat is excessive, it over-stretches the elastic skin, and then, when the fatty layer is dispersed after lactation, the skin is slack and pendulous and the breasts hang down shapelessly. The skin itself loses its firm satiny smoothness and forms thousands of tiny wrinkles and pits—quite apart from the peculiar white scars or stricz, which are never totally oblite- rated after pregnancy—and one of the chief feminine charms is a thing of the past.* Secondly, the breasts should be supported by a soutien- gorge or bust-bodice, but not compressed. Any pressure on the sensitive organs from below stretches the skin of their upper portion and favours pendulous and sagging breasts. The bust-bodice or soutien-gorge should, so far as possible, follow the natural contours, and the best material is strong but porous and to some degree elastic. The usual manu- factured articles are much too flimsy to give proper support. There should be wide shoulder straps and fastenings at the back. Expectant and nursing mothers should have special linings, protecting the very sensitive and vulnerable mem- brane of the nipples from rubbing or pressure. There should * The avoidance of overfeeding during pregnancy is, of course, not the only measure to be taken for preserving the skin of the breasts, that of the stomach and the thighs. A special massage—of the skin only—and the use of a good non-greasy cream is also of great value in certain instances.