The Beginning of Life 51 



however, until at birth all resemblance to the 

 lower stages of life ceases and the infant gives 

 evidence of the highest possibilities. These 

 phenomena show the human infant to be the 

 microcosm or summing up of all created life. 

 Even at birth the infant is not a completely- 

 formed human being, but from this time on the 

 difference from the lower forms of life becomes 

 most startling. 



After nine months of intra-uterine life the 

 infant is sufficiently developed to branch forth 

 in an independent existence. During this 

 period, however, the mother is a trustee not 

 only of her own health but of the well-being 

 and development of the rapidly forming infant. 



Pre-Natal Care 



Constant oversight should be exercised over 

 the pregnant woman, not only on her own ac- 

 count but in the interest of the unborn child. 

 Control of the pre-natal period has proven to 

 be a most important factor in reducing infant 

 morbidity and mortality. Owing to a lack of 

 skilled supervision, maternal deaths and deaths 



