Yet man uses this marvellous mechanism but carelessly, and the widespread
poverty, the worry and discord in the lives of the happiest, our ignorance,
the evil habits we contract, and the vice, miseries, diseases and labours
to which most expectant mothers are too often exposed, explain why one baby
in every eight never walks; why but four of them live to manhood; why less
than 40 years is now man's average span; and why this brief space is filled
with suffering and misery, from which many escape by self-destruction.

Sound children do not come from unclean air, surroundings, habits,
pursuits, passions and parents. Children conceived in unsuitable
surroundings by unsuitable parents, die; must die; ought to die. They are
not built for the stern battle of life.

* * * * *

"Where the sun does not enter, the doctor does!"
--Italian proverb.

Plenty of fresh, clean air is essential to health.

In all rooms a block of wood nine inches high should be inserted beneath
the whole length of the bottom sash of the window. This leaves a space
between the top and bottom sashes through which fresh air passes freely,
without draught, both night and day, for it should never be closed. A handy
man will fit a simple device to prevent the windows being forced at night,
but better let in a burglar than keep out air.

If it be cold or draughty in the bedroom, hang a sheet a foot from the
window, put more blankets or an overcoat on the bed, or put layers of brown
paper above the sheets, _but never close the window_.