304 GENERATION. 



raised and killed by Prof. James R. Wood. In this animal, 

 the uterus was rudimentary and there were no ovaries. 



A menstrual period usually presents three stages : first, 

 invasion ; second, a sanguineous discharge ; third, cessation. 



The stage of invasion is variable in different females. 

 There is usually, anterior to the establishment of the flow, 

 more or less of a feeling of general malaise, a sense of ful- 

 ness and weight in the pelvic organs, accompanied with a 

 greater o less increase in the quantity of vaginal mucus, 

 which becomes brownish or rusty in color. It is probable 

 that, at this time, the discharge has a peculiar odor, though 

 this point is somewhat difficult to determine. In the lower 

 animals, at least, there is certainly a characteristic odor during 

 the rutting period, which attracts the male. At this time, 

 also, the breasts become slightly enlarged, showing the con- 

 nection between these organs and the organs of generation. 

 This stage may continue for one or two days, although, in 

 many instances, the first evidence of the access of a period is 

 a discharge of blood. 



"When the general symptoms above indicated occur, the 

 sense of uneasiness is usually relieved by the discharge of 

 blood. During this, the second stage, blood flows from the 

 vagina in variable quantity, and the discharge continues for 

 from three to five days. With regard to the duration of the 

 flow, there are great variations in different individuals. 

 Some women present a flow of blood for only one or two 

 days ; while, in others, the flow continues for from five to 

 eight days, within the limits of health. A fair average, per- 

 haps, is four days. 1 It is also difficult to arrive at an approx- 

 imation, even, of the total quantity of the menstrual flow. 

 Burdach estimated it at from five to six ounces. 2 According 



1 Burdach makes the following statement with regard to certain conditions 

 capable of modifying the menstrual flow : " The flow is more abundant in the 

 indolent than in women accustomed to labor ; in those of feeble constitution 

 than in those who enjoy robust heath ; in inhabitants of cities than in inhabitants 

 of villages." (Traite de physiologic, Paris, 1837, tome L, p. 286.) 



2 BURDACH, op. cit., p. 286. 



