Parturition, or the expulsion of the perfectly formed human being from the body of its mother, is a most wonderful natural function, for the complete and safe performance of which at the proper time, every requisite is found to exist. Notwithstanding the contrary experience of society, as it now exists, it is well known that extreme suffering, and danger to life, are not necessary nor even probable accompaniments to child-birth; for it is invariably found, when females live under circumstances favourable to their full physical development and health, that it occurs speedily, and with little or no difficulty or pain. Numerous proofs of this could be given in accounts of the Indians, and other uncivilized females, among whom parturition is regarded as an ordinary occurrence, for which no preparation need be made, and about which no apprehension need be felt; such facts, however, are so well known that they only need be referred to here. As the organization and requirements of society changes, by the adoption of what is called civilization, the condition of woman becomes very different to what it was originally. In many respects her lot is much meliorated, and she has great reason to be pleased with the change, but in other respects she has not been so fortunate. One great evil resulting from her altered position is, a neglect of proper physical education while young, and of the various requirements for bodily health in after life. In consequence of which she becomes constitutionally weaker, and more sensitive to various injurious influences, which she possesses diminished powers to withstand. This evil increases in proportion as civilization advances, until at last females become so imperfectly organized, and so enervated, that they are utterly unable to fulfil the duties assigned them, and they either die prematurely, or pass their whole lives in suffering and complaint. So universally is this the case at the present time, particularly in cities, that the exempt are very rare exceptions to a rule most lamentably general. Unfortunately, custom and false notions have given this melancholy state the stamp of propriety, and thrown around it the charm of fashion. The suffering invalid is called _interesting_, and the pale faced debilitated creature, scarcely able to crawl about, is styled _genteel_, while robust health and physical capability is termed _coarseness_ and _vulgarity_. So infatuated, and weak minded, have females been made on this point, that I have actually known some of them quite chagrined because people could see they were well and strong; and I have known others quite alarmed for fear that they should _look_ so. A short time ago I knew a lady who, by the adoption of a proper course of training and treatment, passed through her confinement so quickly, and with so little exhaustion, that she was up and travelling about in three days after, not only without inconvenience but with pleasure and advantage. But what was