i Life History Alhunt. 



When this family record has once been made for any member of a 

 family, it can readily be copied into the books of the other members, to 

 every one of whom it is of like importance. 



The following diseases are more particularly hereditary, and the existence of one 

 or more of them in any member of the family should be recorded ; the age at which 

 the disease first appeared in each member should be stated :-^ 



Gout, rheumatism, consumption, spitting of blood, struma (scrofula), scrofula, cancer, 

 (and other forms of tumour), bronchitis, asthma, paralysis (state whether of both legs or 

 of one side), epilepsy, insanity, heart disease, dropsy of abdomen, general dropsy (Bright's 

 disease), diabetes, stone, goitre, fistula, the peculiar liability to bleed seriously from slight 

 cuts, and some other diseases. 



The liability of a member of the family to either of the following minor ailments 

 should be noted : — 



Colds in the head or throat, sick headaches, sleeplessness, boils, quinsy, enlarged 

 glands in the neck, bleeding at the nose, indigestion, bilious attacks (state whether 

 accompanied by jaundice, vomiting, or headache), constipation, skin eruptions (their 

 nature should be stated if known), varicose veins, &c. 



Also any imperfections of sight, hearing, or dentition. 



Description of Child at Birth.— The observations asked for 

 under this head are simple and can be easily made. They are im- 

 portant in relation to subsequent development, and other points of 

 interest. With regard to the much-disputed question of the cause of 

 " mother's marks," it should be recollected that no statement concerning 

 any strong maternal impressions can be accepted as good evidence unless 

 the facts were recorded at the time and before the birth of the child. 



Height and Weight.* — The importance of frequent observation 

 at regular intervals on these is much greater than usually supposed. 

 Height is perhaps not so important as weight. Still, periods of unusu- 

 ally rapid growth are periods of danger to health ; they should there- 

 fore be noted, and physical and mental fatigue should be carefully 

 guarded against during them. 



Variations of weight are the surest guides to variations of health. 

 Arrested increase, or a gradual or sudden loss, of weight, often occurs 

 before any other symptoms of disease can be detected, and may be the 

 first to give the alarm, and call attention to the health of the child. 

 Insidious diseases may thus be met early and checked ; dangerous ill- 

 nesses may be avoided, and even life preserved, by a careful attention to 

 this indication. The following small chart is drawn from one made by 

 Professor H. P. Bowditch, of Harvard University, U.S.A., and well illu.s- 

 tratcs the use of the weighing machine in giving warning of approaching 

 illne.ss. 



* Hsight should be measured without shoes, and weight in ordinary in-door dress. 



