Part 19

(A year later.) “We are all so delighted at having a son and think you need our grateful thanks.”

“I write as soon as I can to say how immensely grateful I am to you for the son I have been wanting for the last seven years. He is called —— after my father. Both my brothers were killed in the war, so I did very specially want a boy, and now I hope to have more owing to you. I think your discovery one of the most important that can be made, and only long for everyone to know of it.” (1925. Received while the proofs of this work are passing through the press.)

B. In the following cases Girls were desired:

“I wrote to you for a daughter a year ago.... A very precious little girl arrived in November. I am more grateful than I can say.” (1912)

From South Africa.

“Thank you for your letter. It may interest you to know that my three boys started on the day you give for conception of males, and I am positive the little girl I lost started a week before the period. Thank you so much for your advice. I hope my new baby-girl will have arrived next time I write.” (1922)

(A year later.) “Just to let you know our lovely baby-girl arrived a month ago.”

“I am so delighted with my daughter and was so well all the time. I feel so full of gratitude.” (1919)

“My friend, Mrs. P., has her baby girl according to your hints, and she is very grateful to you.” (1923)

C. Cases of Sterility:

“It was an amazement to me when I found I had started, as all the specialists told me I could not possibly have another child. I had an easy confinement; the boy weighed 9½ lbs. Many, many thanks. I intend giving your address to many mothers who need your recipe.” (1917)

“I find it hard to express how awfully grateful I am to you for all you have done.... It really is too extraordinary what you have done for my health, besides the infant—your power is so wonderful, and the happiness you bring to people.” (1913)

“I cannot half express my gratitude to you. It seems just like a miracle ... I am deeply grateful....” (1916)

“I can’t tell you what a joy our little girl is to us. I never can be grateful enough. Do help my friend as you helped me.” (1924. This lady had been childless for fifteen years.)

FOOTNOTES

Pure Sociology, p. 313.

L. Schenk: Determination of Sex.

R. C. Punnett: Mendelism.

Tennessee Lady Cook: Essays.

In the mishaps that I have observed, the first bad sign is very frequently the total disappearance of all kinds of nausea. Montgomery remarks: “There is little doubt that, in general, vomiting is a useful concomitant in pregnancy, and that its sudden cessation is very often indicative of an unfavorable change in the contents of the womb, and of approaching abortion.”

Psychotherapy, p. 19.

Lancet, April 23, 1842, p. 119.

Speech by Mr. Wheatley (Minister of Health, 1924) to the Standing Joint Committee of the Independent Women’s Organisation, July 31, 1924.

Advice to a Wife.

Sterility of Woman, 1890.

Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, vol. 38, p. 231.

Médecine Légale.

Traité des accouchements, obs. xxiii, p. 52.