387. What are the usual causes of Chlorosis? Chlorosis is caused by torpor and debility of the whole frame, especially of the womb. It is generally produced by scanty or by improper food, by the want of air and of exercise, and by too close application within doors. Here we have the same tale over again--close application within doors, and the want of fresh air and of exercise. When will the eyes of a mother he opened, to this important subject?--the most important that can engage her attention! 388. What is the usual age for Chlorosis to occur and what are the symptoms? Chlorosis more frequently attacks girls from fifteen to twenty years of age; although unmarried women, much older, occasionally have it. I say _unmarried_, for, as a rule, it is a complaint of the _single_. The patient, first of all, complains of being languid, tired, and out of spirits; she is fatigued with the slightest exertion; she has usually palpitation of the heart (so as to make her fancy that she has a disease of that organ, which, in all probability, she has not); she has shortness of breath, and a short dry cough; her face is flabby and pale; her complexion gradually assumes a yellowish or greenish hue--hence the name of chlorosis; there is a dark, livid circle around her eyes; her lips lose their colour, and become almost white; her tongue is generally white and pasty, her appetite is bad, and is frequently depraved--the patient often preferring chalk, slate pencil, cinder, and even dirt, to the daintiest food, indigestion frequently attends chlorosis, she has usually pains over the short-ribs, on the _left_ side, she suffers greatly from "wind"--is frequently nearly choken by it, her bowels are generally costive, and the stools are unhealthy, she has pains in her hips, loins, and back, and her feet and ankles are oftentimes swollen. _The menstrual discharge is either suspended or very partially performed_, if the latter, it is usually almost colourless. Hysterical fits not unfrequently occur during an attack of chlorosis. 389. _How may Chlorosis be prevented_? If health were more and fashion were less studied, chlorosis would not be such a frequent complaint. This disease generally takes its rise from mismanagement--from Nature's laws having been set at defiance. I have heard a silly mother express an opinion that it is not _genteel_ for a girl to eat _heartily!_ Such language is perfectly absurd and cruel. How often, too, a weak mother declares that a healthy, blooming girl looks like a milk maid! It would be well if she did! How true and sad it is, that "a pale, delicate face, and clear eyes, indicative of consumption, are the fashionable _desiderata_ at present for complexion."--_Dublin University Magazine._