Searchlights on Health: The Science of EugenicsJefferis, B. G. (Benjamin Grant)
Philosophy
Searchlights on Health: The Science of Eugenics
Jefferis, B. G. (Benjamin Grant)
Eugenics; Hygiene; Marriage; Medicine, Popular; Sexual ethics
11. ADVICE.--Therefore it is urged that during the period of
utero-gestation, especial pains should be taken to render the life of
the female as harmonious as possible, that her surroundings should
all be of a nature calculated to inspire the mind with thoughts of
physical and mental beauties and perfections, and that she should
be guarded against all influences, of whatever character, having a
deteriorative tendency.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: THE BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY.]
* * * * *
EDUCATION OF THE CHILD IN THE WOMB.
"A lady once interviewed a prominent college president and asked him
when the education of a child should begin. 'Twenty-five years before
it is born,' was the prompt reply."
No better answer was ever given to that question Every mother may well
consider it.
1. THE UNBORN CHILD AFFECTED BY THE THOUGHTS AND THE SURROUNDINGS OF
THE MOTHER.--That the child is affected in the womb of the mother,
through the influences apparently connected with objects by which she
is surrounded, appears to have been well known in ancient days, as
well as at the present time.
2. EVIDENCES.--Many evidences are found in ancient history, especially
among the refined nations, showing that certain expedients
were resorted to by which their females, during the period of
utero-gestation, were surrounded by the superior refinements of the
age, with the hope of thus making upon them impressions which should
have the effect of communicating certain desired qualities to the
offspring. For this reason apartments were adorned with statuary and
paintings, and special pains were taken not only to convey favorable
impressions, but also to guard against unfavorable ones being made,
upon the mind of the pregnant woman.
3. HANKERING AFTER GIN.--A certain mother while pregnant, longed for
gin, which could not be gotten; and her child cried incessantly for
six weeks till gin was given it, which it eagerly clutched and drank
with ravenous greediness, stopped crying, and became healthy.
4. BEGIN TO EDUCATE CHILDREN AT CONCEPTION, and continue during their
entire carriage. Yet maternal study, of little account before the
sixth, after it, is most promotive of talents; which, next to goodness
are the father's joy and the mother's pride. What pains are taken
after they are born, to render them prodigies of learning, by the best
of schools and teachers from their third year; whereas their mother's
study, three months before their birth, would improve their intellects
infinitely more.
5. MOTHERS, DOES GOD THUS PUT the endowment of your darlings into
your moulding power? Then tremble in view of its necessary
responsibilities, and learn how to wield them for their and your
temporal and eternal happiness.
[Illustration]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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