Why, oh, why did my mother never read this 1919 text before embarking on the joyride of conception? To think that had she onlyspent those nine long months looking at pretty people, beautiful art, and cultivating intellectual pursuits and self improvement, I could have been a contender! Having seen a good number of photos from the era in question, I'm not so sure that everyone strictly adhered to this advice, (or perhaps they did and it was <gasp> erroneous?) Please bear in mind that this information is quoted verbatim from a 1919 text and does not reflect the opinions or recommendations of the blog owner. (Well, except for the part that basically implies that a woman should spend nine months eating anything she wants, reading books and magazines, looking at pretty pictures, and being insulated from all stress. I am definitely on board with that! As for avoiding ungraceful positions? Sorry, but that ship has already sailed! According to Professor Jeffries "Searchlight on Health: The Science of Eugenics" 1919, the following directions should guarantee a beautiful child. (Really, that's what the book said!)
Parental Influence-The art of having handsome children has been a question that has interested the people of all ages and all nationalities. There is no longer a question about the influence that parents may and do exert upon their offspring, and it is shown that beauty depends largely on the condition of health at the time of conception. It is therefore of no little moment that parents should guard carefully their own health, as well as that of their children, that they may develop a vigorous constitution. There cannot be beauty without good health.
Marrying Too Early- We know that marriage at too early an age, or too late in life is apt to produce imperfectly developed children, both mentally and physically. The causes are self evident: a couple marrying too young, they lack maturity and consequently will impart weakness to their offspring; while on the other hand, persons marrying late in life fail to find the normal condition that is condusive to the health and vigor of offspring.
What to Avoid-Pregnant mothers should avoid thinking of ugly people, or those marked by any deformity or disease; avoid injury, fright, or disease of any kind. Also avoid ungraceful position and awkward attitude, but cultivate grace and beauty in herself. Avoid difficulties with neighbors or other troubles.
Crossing of Temperaments and Nationalities- The crossing of temperaments and personalities beautifies offspring. If young persons of different nationalities marry, their children, under proper hygienic laws are generally handsome and healthy. For instance, and American and German or an Irish and German uniting in marriage, produce better looking children than those marrying in the same nationality.
During Pregnancy-During pregnancy, the mother should take time for self improvement and cultivate an interest for admiring beautiful pictures or engravings which represent beautiful figures. Secure a few good books illustrating art, with some fine representations of statues and other attractive pictures. The purchase of several illustrated art journals might answer the purpose.
Improvement of the Mind- The mother should read suitable articles in good books, keep her mind occupied. If she cultivates a desire for intellectual improvement, the same desire will be more or less manifested in the growth and development of the child.
Advice-Therefore it is urged that during the period of utero-gestation, especial pains should be taken to redner the life of the female as harmonious as possible, that her surroundings should all be of a nature calculated to inspire the mind with thoughts of physical and mental beauty and perfections, and that she should be guarded against all influences of whatever character, having a deteriorating tendency.
This information is presented exactly as it appeared in the original 1919 article, any spelling or grammatical errors are those of the original source.
Parental Influence-The art of having handsome children has been a question that has interested the people of all ages and all nationalities. There is no longer a question about the influence that parents may and do exert upon their offspring, and it is shown that beauty depends largely on the condition of health at the time of conception. It is therefore of no little moment that parents should guard carefully their own health, as well as that of their children, that they may develop a vigorous constitution. There cannot be beauty without good health.
Marrying Too Early- We know that marriage at too early an age, or too late in life is apt to produce imperfectly developed children, both mentally and physically. The causes are self evident: a couple marrying too young, they lack maturity and consequently will impart weakness to their offspring; while on the other hand, persons marrying late in life fail to find the normal condition that is condusive to the health and vigor of offspring.
What to Avoid-Pregnant mothers should avoid thinking of ugly people, or those marked by any deformity or disease; avoid injury, fright, or disease of any kind. Also avoid ungraceful position and awkward attitude, but cultivate grace and beauty in herself. Avoid difficulties with neighbors or other troubles.
Crossing of Temperaments and Nationalities- The crossing of temperaments and personalities beautifies offspring. If young persons of different nationalities marry, their children, under proper hygienic laws are generally handsome and healthy. For instance, and American and German or an Irish and German uniting in marriage, produce better looking children than those marrying in the same nationality.
During Pregnancy-During pregnancy, the mother should take time for self improvement and cultivate an interest for admiring beautiful pictures or engravings which represent beautiful figures. Secure a few good books illustrating art, with some fine representations of statues and other attractive pictures. The purchase of several illustrated art journals might answer the purpose.
Improvement of the Mind- The mother should read suitable articles in good books, keep her mind occupied. If she cultivates a desire for intellectual improvement, the same desire will be more or less manifested in the growth and development of the child.
Advice-Therefore it is urged that during the period of utero-gestation, especial pains should be taken to redner the life of the female as harmonious as possible, that her surroundings should all be of a nature calculated to inspire the mind with thoughts of physical and mental beauty and perfections, and that she should be guarded against all influences of whatever character, having a deteriorating tendency.
This information is presented exactly as it appeared in the original 1919 article, any spelling or grammatical errors are those of the original source.
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