130 PLAIN FACTS FOB OLD AND YOUNG 



are due to other diseases (tumors, ulcers, displace- 

 ments, etc.). 



The following points also go to prove the correct- 

 ness of the view that the ovule becomes imbedded, etc. : 



Many observers have recorded that young girls, 

 some four weeks before the first appearance of men- 

 struation, have all the nervous symptoms which are 

 found later with every recurring menstruation. A ripe 

 follicle has burst, the ovule becomes imbedded, and in 

 four weeks causes the first menstruation. 



Immediately after childbirth, ovulation and imbed- 

 ding may take place, as is proved by the occurrence 

 of pregnancy a few weeks after childbirth, and before 

 the recurrence of menstruation. The irregularity of 

 menstruation before the climacteric period, only proves 

 the theory, as the ovule does not have the same vital 

 power, and the thickening of the membrane often pre- 

 vents rupture of a Graafian follicle. 



The experiments of Lawson Tait have caused him 

 to conclude that the anticipated climacteric period 

 always occurs with certainty when both tubes are re- 

 moved. This goes to prove the correctness of the 

 Loewenthal theory, as no ovule can get into the uterus, 

 even if a third ovary exist, or some ovarian stroma 

 remains behind, and consequently menstruation can- 

 not occur. 



The well-founded fact that impregnation is most 

 liable to occur immediately after menstruation, also 

 tends to prove the correctness of the theory, as the fur- 

 ther removed from menstruation, the less vital power 

 is possessed by the ovule, and pregnancy is not so liable 

 to occur. 



The theory of Loewenthal leads him to conclude that 

 menstruation is not physiological, but pathological, and 



