Lecture introductory to the course on obstetrics, and diseases of women and children : in the University of Pennsylvania, for the session of 1836-7 / by Hugh L. Hodge.

  • Hodge, Hugh L. (Hugh Lenox), 1796-1873.
Date:
1836
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Lecture introductory to the course on obstetrics, and diseases of women and children : in the University of Pennsylvania, for the session of 1836-7 / by Hugh L. Hodge. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    iiness, and imagination:—making delicate discriminations where the rules of logic can hardly be applied. It is true, that education has great influence in regulating and modifying natural propensities; and that there may be, and have been, examples of great mental superiority occurring among females. Still the general truth already stated, seems to be apparent, that power, or strength of mind and of body, belong, by the original fiat of the Creator, to man; and hence, that females being truly the weaker sex, are dependant on their more ro- bust companion for support and protection. It was, however, only in the early stages of society, or among barbarians of past or present times, that woman is held in any thing like subjection. Wherever civilization and reli- gion have extended their influence, woman has always exerted a controlling influence over the interests of society, and the destinies of nations. Her beauty and grace, the softness and delicacy of her figure, the captivating loveliness of her expres- sive countenance, her sprightliness and wit, her warm imagi- nation, and above all, the warmth and devotedness of her affec- tions, have always subdued to her wishes that sex, who might otherwise have exerted dominion over her destiny. Man may govern by his mental and corporeal powers—woman does govern through the medium of those indescribable sentiments and passions, which are universally excited in the breast of man by her physical and moral excellencies. Hence, the great source of female power, and the impor- tance of the station she occupies in society. Let it be remark- ed, moreover, that by the arrangements of Providence, fe- males have almost the entire superintendence of man in the infancy and childhood of his being; that hence, the formation of the physical and mental character depends greatly on the influence of the mother. She educates her offspring; she gives direction to the young mind; she teaches the young idea how to shoot; and casts her progeny into the mould of