"But there is yet another reason, and a very strong moral one, why the wife should not remain childless. There can be no question that the blood of the father mingles with that of the mother through the medium of the child _in utero_. (Hence the transmission of blood-diseases from husband to wife.) Hence the indelible impressions made upon a wife by the father of her offspring--impressions, both mental and physical, which by character or resemblance she often transmits to her children by a second husband. Now, * * * * may not this account for the similarity of character and identity of tastes, and, indeed, for that wonderful personal resemblance, which sometimes develops between husband and wife? And does not this requisite alone fulfil the Divine interpretation of marriage, that 'they are no more twain but one flesh?'"[J]
[J] Wm. Goodell, M. D., "Lessons in Gynecology," P. 442.
After marriage a new order of life is entered upon by the wife, and her family matters should subordinate all other schemes and projects of her future existence. Her main thought and study should now be, "How can I best fulfil these new duties and responsibilities? First, my dear husband! how can I be a true help-meet to him? Here we two are to be one, a new _punctum saliens_, and every act of ours will bear the image of our united lives. No matter what may happen, I will be true to my matrimonial vow and to my God; for I am in His hands and my dear husband's." A married life begun in this way, with such resolutions sincerely and studiously kept, will secure a life full of happiness and privileges beyond the fondest hope and expectation. When pregnancy occurs, just as soon as the fact be suspected, the little embryo should be regarded as already a member of the family. Every act of each parent should now be performed in some degree with reference to the forth-coming infant. The mother's thoughts particularly should be directed to it as much as possible whilst performing the uses of life. She should read much that is elevating and ennobling in character as this serves a good purpose in producing a more perfect, more healthy and more brilliant child. Let her read such books as "Elements of Character" by Miss Chandler; "Growth of the Mind" by S. Reed; "Sex in Education" by E. H. Clarke, M. D.; also, "Wear and Tear" by S. Weir Mitchell, M. D.; and any other books of like character. Do not forget that the education of the child begins _in utero_.