The reason that such a comparatively short space was given in this work to “pelvic physiology and hygiene” was that this subject had been treated in extenso, in “The Four Epochs of Woman’s Life.” ANNA M. GALBRAITH. NEW YORK CITY, _November, 1916_. PREFACE The aim of this work has been to present in a clear and concise manner the fundamental physiological laws on which all personal hygiene is based; together with the practical, detailed directions for the proper development of the body and the training of the physical powers to their highest degree of efficiency by means of fresh air, tonic baths, proper food and clothing, gymnastic and outdoor exercise, so that the tissues will be placed in the best possible condition to resist disease. The spirit of the times demands nothing less than the most perfect development of body and mind of which youth is capable, and maintaining the highest degree of efficiency of the adult worker for the longest possible term of years. The _fiat_ has gone forth from the American Medical Association for the scientific education of the public in the laws of hygiene and sanitation. And the great civic movement inaugurated by that same Association and the Committee of One Hundred on National Health for the establishment of a National Department of Public Health, promises to be crowned with success in the near future. And so it has been deemed superfluous to expound at length what preventive medicine has already accomplished in the short space of fifty years by the eradication of terrible epidemics and many diseases, and what a general knowledge of applied hygiene might reasonably be expected to accomplish in the near future. It gives the author great pleasure to have this opportunity of expressing her deep indebtedness to Miss Ruth Blankenhorn, Vassar College, A. B., 1909, of Englewood, N. J., a most artistic and graceful dancer who posed for all the illustrations; and to Miss Harriet I. Ballintine, the able director of the Vassar College Gymnasium, who arranged the poses for the very excellent plates illustrating the free exercises and classic dances. Also to the Vassar College Athletic Association for 1908-09 for the especially arranged dances and field sports which they were so extremely kind as to demonstrate for her benefit. ANNA M. GALBRAITH. NEW YORK CITY. CONTENTS CHAPTER I PAGE THE WISDOM OF PHYSICAL EFFICIENCY 11 Physical Efficiency as an Exact Science; Marks for Physical Efficiency; Statistical Study of the Physical Examinations of 160 Young Women; the Physical Status of the Women of To-day; the Reflex Action of the Various Impairments of the Entire Organism. CHAPTER II HYDROTHERAPY 23