Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine,  7 (1858–59), 203–08.

A Surgeon's Advice to Mothers: On the Rearing, Management, and Diseases of Children  [4/9]

Anon

Genre:

Essay, Serial

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Human Development, Gender, Health, Vitalism, Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals


    Warns mothers against sharing nurses' belief that a child's reluctance to eat food and consequent physical suffering, can be attributed to its 'infantine longing'. (203) Explains how this condition is eventually solved by 'Nature, triumphing over abuse' or by the use of 'alternative powder'. Urges mothers to use a 'simple remedy' to 'remove the cause' and 'eradicate the effect'. (204) Explains how clothing can compress a child's internal organs. Argues that 'a child judiciously reared by hand has an infinitely better chance of living through the diseases of infancy' and of enjoying a healthier life (205). Agrees that 'Nature' qua the 'vital principle' has 'physical and curative powers', but points out that this power can be 'augmented or diminished at the will of the practical intelligence' (205–06). Believes that a infant can be best prepared against disease if it is brought up on an 'artificial diet' in addition to being breast-fed. Explains the domestic 'articles' and techniques needed for feeding an infant on an 'artificial diet', and what constitutes the most 'nutritious and strengthening food' (208).



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