Part 3 — ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

MEDICAL.

Septemdecim.—Probably you will go on growing for five years longer. Besides which 5 feet 4 inches is not so very short for a woman. It is a very good medium height. It is extremely probable that you will put on another couple of inches, and that in a few years you will be writing to ask us how to get shorter.

Miserable.—You are quite right in ascribing a purely mental cause for your trouble. Blushing is almost always due to mental and not to physical causes. The form that your complaint takes is one of the commonest we have to deal with. As the cause is purely mental, so the treatment must be solely a matter of mental education. A short time ago we published an article on blushing, dealing especially with the kind of blushing from which you suffer. In that article we gave suggestions for the suppression of self-consciousness—the factor par excellence of the commoner varieties of blushing and nervousness.

Enigma.—There is no such disease as “gastric fever.” This name used to be given to various forms of slight fever accompanied with symptoms referable to the stomach or bowels. Most cases of “gastric fever” were, in reality, mild attacks of typhoid fever. Acute indigestion was also not infrequently labelled gastric fever—an inappropriate term, for in acute indigestion there is practically no fever. The term “gastric fever” is not now used by medical men.

Lal.—The symptoms that you detail to us are capable of many explanations. The two most definite and important signs are occasional blood-spitting and shortness of breath when going up a hill. Are you sure that you do cough up blood? Most probably your troubles are simply due to chronic catarrh of the throat, but they may be dependent upon some mischief in the chest. Anyhow, you should have your chest examined before doing anything else.

Dyspeptic.—The bismuth lozenge of the British Pharmacopœia contains two grains of subnitrate of bismuth, precipitated chalk, and carbonate of magnesia, together with mucilage, etc. It is very useful for indigestion, especially when there is a tendency to vomiting. The great use of these lozenges lies in the ease with which they can be carried about. When there is no tendency to sickness, lozenges of bicarbonate of soda or soda-mint are preferable to bismuth lozenges.

Seeking Advice.—The “small pimples” on your face are manifestations of acne. We have so frequently discussed this trouble that we cannot again enter into a full description of its cause and cure. Wash your face with warm water and sulphur soap, and every evening apply sulphur ointment to the place where the pimples are most numerous. Wash away the ointment in the morning and squeeze out a few of the most prominent spots. You are at the age for acne, but with a little care you are not likely to be troubled for long with it. For your hands, wash in warm water and use sulphur soap. Always wear thick gloves when you go out. We published a small article on the care of the hands some few weeks ago.

Scotch Lassie.—Your trouble is due either to indigestion or to anæmia, or to nervousness, or possibly to disease of the heart. Without examining your chest it is beyond the power of any mortal to say which of these various affections is troubling you. Our advice is, therefore, go to your doctor and have your chest examined. You may be disappointed with this curt reply, but it is far more valuable advice than you imagine.

Teething.—There are four wisdom teeth. One on each side of both upper and lower jaws. They are called wisdom teeth because they do not develop until mature years. The first to appear is usually the one in the right side of the lower jaw. This usually appears between the ages of twenty and twenty-two. The wisdom teeth develop in nearly everybody, not only in those who are wise. Nor does the early appearance of the teeth indicate superior mental powers. Indeed, savages and idiots usually have the best teeth. Sometimes they do decay very soon, but very often they remain as sound serviceable teeth until the end.

A Lover of Dancing.—A large vein in the leg is not necessarily a varicose vein, but most probably it is so or will become so in time. A varicose vein is a diseased vein. It is very common, indeed, to have varicose veins in one leg only. If so the left leg is the more commonly affected. Is it your left leg which is affected? Exercise in the form of dancing for a few minutes every morning would be distinctly good for varicose veins. It is standing and sitting which are bad. The best thing for you to do is to get an elastic stocking for the leg. Let the stocking be one or two inches higher than the highest point where the vein extends. If you wear an elastic stocking, varicose veins are not dangerous, but if they are left untreated they cause very serious troubles.

Mona.—Have the tooth removed. Teeth growing out of place are quite useless, and are ugly and uncomfortable. No. The condition is not at all uncommon.

Anxious Mother.—The question of the causation of tuberculosis by milk is the most important question in modern preventive medicine; for not only is tuberculosis the most common and most fatal disease of man, but milk is the staple food of infancy and sickness—the two states in which we are most prone to harbour germs of this terrible malady. To the public mind tuberculosis is synonymous with consumption of the lungs, but this is only one of its manifestations. Brain fever (tuberculosis of the brain) is a common and invariably fatal disease. The joint troubles known as “white swelling,” “hip disease,” and very many others are due to tuberculosis. The so-called “scrofulous” glands, which disfigure and undermine the health of so many of our children, are due to tuberculosis. The worst and most fatal form of diarrhœa is due to tuberculosis of the bowels. No organ in the body is exempt from the ravages of this disease. We look with righteous horror at the plague, or the various fevers which occasionally decimate our towns and villages, but these are as nothing when compared with the ravages of tuberculosis. Unlike the fevers which destroy life in a few days, tuberculosis usually takes months, often years, to kill its victims. Slowly, but surely, this terrible malady eats away the human organs till the unfortunate sufferers die of exhaustion, or from an intercurrent malady. To say that medical science can always cure tuberculosis would be very far from the truth, but it can and does rescue millions of sufferers from the disease. And it can, and in the future it will, do much to prevent the disease from gaining an entrance to the body. The disease is caused by a microbe, an infinitesimal atom of jelly, which cannot even move; but it can, and does, multiply by splitting in two, at an incredible rate. As regards the prevention of this scourge, the first question we must consider is, where does this dreadful organism come from? Suffice it for your question that the organism is frequently found in milk. True, it is only in the milk of tubercular animals that these organisms are found, but it is not always possible to tell whether a cow has tuberculosis. And so, notwithstanding every precaution, tubercular milk does get into your milk-jug and that can scarcely be prevented; but you can prevent the organisms from finding their way into you or your child’s body by the simple expedient of boiling the milk. If you boil milk it cannot give you tuberculosis. Now, we dare say you think that we might have said this at once, and not wasted half a column of valuable space in detailing the horrors of tuberculosis. Had we done this you would probably not have paid any attention to our warning. It is only by forcible illustration that we can impress the mind with the immense value of attention to trifling details. And the importance of this detail may be gauged when we aver that a law to enforce persons boiling their milk would probably save more lives than the invention of ships which could not possibly be injured by wind or weather, or of railway trains which could not collide.

STUDY AND STUDIO.

D. E. N. S.—1. We cannot tell you of any French lady who would exchange correspondence lessons with you. But why not insert your name in our “International Correspondence” column?—2. Mudie’s Library, or Smith’s, extend their operations to country districts. For light reading, you might try one of these.

Laurel.—We have read your letter with great sympathy. We cannot give a direct “yes” or “no” to your question, as so much depends on the individual habit of mind. Would you not like to read a good translation (e.g., Longfellow’s) of Dante’s “Divine Comedy” on Sunday? We certainly think you should employ your scanty leisure to the best advantage; but there are many great poets who are so spiritual in tone, that there could be no doubt as to the fitness of studying them on this day.

Semper Idem.—1. You do not give us your address, but there are plenty of classes in London for type-writing; address The Secretary, Board of Technical Instruction, St. Martin’s Lane, W.C. The art appears to be very quickly learned as a rule.—2. Your quotation,

is from “The First Settler’s Story” in Will Carleton’s Farm Ballads.

Edwin C. R. Langley.—Many thanks for your kind suggestion. We remembered Longfellow’s mention of St. Augustine; but Tennyson, though his thought is similar, does not mean St. Augustine, or even Longfellow by

Our information, that the poet referred to was Goethe, comes from one who had asked Tennyson himself.

Colleen Bawn.—1. Your story is graphically written and shows you to have a certain power of description. The criticism—not, as you suggest, a severe one—which we should be disposed to offer is this:—That you are inclined towards an excess of sentimentality. Why should the curate have felt “everything was changed for him” after the scene in the church? “Miss Amy” had given him no cause whatever, so far as the reader can observe, for any such despair. And his dying in the snow is unnecessarily tragic. A sensible man, accustomed to traverse the parish in all weathers, would have guarded against losing his way on such a night as you describe, probably by remaining under shelter at the cottage till daylight, if no guide could be found. One feels that the man’s life is quite needlessly sacrificed for the sake of forcing the pathos. We should not have said all this, had not your story shown some signs of talent, and if you are neglecting no duty by writing, we should advise you to persevere.—2. Your handwriting is good, and you appear to understand the art of punctuation, which is by no means a matter of course.

Frog.—1. We should advise you to write to George Philip & Son, publishers, London, for a full catalogue of geographical works of every sort at a low price. Doubtless any bookseller would procure this catalogue for you.—2. We should consider that no soap can be of any possible use in reducing weight. Plenty of exercise and proper diet are the best remedies.

White Aster.—1. We do not consider your handwriting good. The backward slope is not to be admired, and in addition to this defect, it is very irregular and untidy.—2. We have heard that a coating of varnish is sufficient for the purpose you name, but have never tried it.

Miss E. K. Sibbald (Canada).—Many thanks for sending the extract stating that “Puss” is a modern form of the Egyptian “Pasht”—a name given by the ancient Egyptians to the moon, and also to the cat, of which they made an idol. The cat’s face was supposed to resemble the moon “because she was more bright at night, and because her eyes change just as the moon changes, which is sometimes full and sometimes a bright crescent or half moon.”

Clissold.—All we can suggest is that you should apply to the director or organizing secretary for technical education in your district, asking him where you can obtain instruction in “black and white.” We believe that the address for Halifax would be W. Vibart Dixon, Esq., West Riding Offices, Wakefield. He would perhaps help you. Did you read Mrs. Watson’s articles on “What are the County Councils doing for Girls”? (The Girl’s Own Paper, 1897.) We advise you to refer to them.

E. G. M.—Your poem on the “Dying Child” is incorrect in metre. From verse to verse the lines vary; for instance, your ear can tell you that these lines are not alike—

Yet both lines occupy the same place in the verse. “The Phantom Bell” is much better, so far as form goes; but not quite accurate, and we fear you would scarcely be able to find a publisher for it. You should study the laws of versification.

Miss Nicholls.—1. We cannot insert your requirements in full; but are willing to say that any reader, not under twenty-four, acquainted with German, French, and either painting or music (the latter preferred), who feels she would like to work with another lady in teaching and share her house, may write to you for further details.—2. Your poems are very fairly good, especially the translations. The first two verses of the Italian specimen do you credit. We also proceed to notice, at your request, A Romance Languages Club, Secretary, Miss Nicholls, Laburnum Villa, Leamington. “The club is designed to promote the intelligent study of the Romance Languages—French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Every member must study French and one other language—Italian, Spanish or Portuguese; but if a member wishes to work at three or all four languages, she will be at liberty to do so. On receipt of a stamped addressed envelope a trial lesson will be sent free to anyone.” Further particulars may be obtained on application.

Selecta and First Class of Fräulein Green’s School, Hamburg.—We are very glad, dear girls, to hear that our paper finds its way to you and gives you pleasure. You must have made excellent progress in English when you can read it as a recreation, not merely as a lesson. We should like to encourage you to persevere. Germans have understood and commented upon our greatest author, Shakespeare, better even than we English have done, and we owe your country a great literary debt. We hope that in days to come you may each be able to appreciate, not only the great books of your own country, but the great books of ours—and then you will never regret any toil or trouble spent in learning the English language.

MISCELLANEOUS.

An Old Subscriber.—Visiting-cards, as such, should not be sent by post under any circumstances. The enclosure of cards with a piece of wedding-cake only serves to indicate whence the latter comes. They are not sent as visiting-cards.

Scientist.—The writer of the articles on “House-Mottoes” has been questioned on the subject of the old house in Lancashire, known as “Bradley Hall.” That it may be identified as being reduced to the position of a farm-house is all she can suggest. She was not aware that any other ancient country seats existed in Lancashire, all of them known by the same name; and is surprised to hear that there are “several.” “The Herald’s Visitations” of the county might afford the information required.

Ethelinda writes a good legible free hand.

Our Dick.—The game called “kiss-in-the-ring” is not one played by the higher classes of society. Amongst others less reserve is unfortunately permitted. In any case such familiarity between young men and women is inexpedient. Blues, greens, and violet are the colours which best suit red or chestnut hair.

E. E. Morgan.—We thank you for your list of places where used postage-stamps may be sent for the benefit of the Asylum for Girls at Le Locle, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. We are well acquainted with the “Asile des Billodes,” and have often both written about it in the “G. O. P.,” but contribute largely to it annually, direct to a native friend. However, we will give our readers two addresses, with which you have favoured us, viz., the Swiss Home, Mechlenburg Square, W.C., and Messrs. Loizeaux Bros., 63, Fourth Avenue, New York. We inquired of a Swiss friend how such stamps were made available for the benefit of the charity, and she said she believed, though she was not sure, that they were sent to Nuremberg for the purpose of making papier maché. We give her conjecture for what it may be worth.

Haha.—If the dust coming out of the wood you name be consequent on “dry-rot”—a decay of the wood—it is connected with the growth of a minute plant belonging to the tribe of fungi, which spreads with wonderful rapidity, and feeds on the juice of the wood. Of course, if the wood be infested with vermin, you can ascertain that fact for yourself by examining it with a microscope, and observing any movement, if there be such.

Excelsior.—The character begins to be formed in early childhood, but the judgment takes a good many years to come to maturity, and in some not till five-and-twenty or later, and remains defective the whole life through with others. From the character of your letter, we should say that your state of health has a great influence on your excitable and unhappy frame of mind. You are also striving by fits and starts to “be good” in your own strength, instead of telling your Heavenly Father your temptations, doubts, and frequent falls, and asking for the help of the Holy Spirit. He has said, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength shall be made perfect in weakness.” Pray for grace to look away from self and its insufficiency to Christ, Who hath “borne our sins,” and “by Whose stripes we are healed.” Live from day to day; do not forestall temptations and imaginary failures. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

W. A. B. E.—The “best man” leads out the bride’s eldest sister (or first bridesmaid), and the others may follow escorted by the other gentlemen near relatives (single men). The bride cuts the cake in the first instance, and she deputes any of the young men—brother or “best man”—to cut up what is required.