forbidden to touch anything that men use. Aristotle said that the
very look of a menstruating woman would take the polish out of a
mirror, and the next person looking in it would be bewitched.
Frommann mentions a man who said he saw a tree in Goa which
withered because a catamenial napkin was hung on it. Bourke
remarks that the dread felt by the American Indians in this
respect corresponds with the particulars recited by Pliny. Squaws
at the time of menstrual purgation are obliged to seclude
themselves, and in most instances to occupy isolated lodges, and
in all tribes are forbidden to prepare food for anyone save
themselves. It was believed that, were a menstruating woman to
step astride a rifle, a bow, or a lance, the weapon would have no
utility. Medicine men are in the habit of making a "protective"
clause whenever they concoct a "medicine," which is to the effect
that the "medicine" will be effective provided that no woman in
this condition is allowed to approach the tent of the official in
charge.

Empiricism had doubtless taught the ancient husbands the dangers
of sexual intercourse during this period, and the after-results
of many such connections were looked upon as manifestations of
the contagiousness of the evil excretions issuing at this period.
Hence at one time menstruation was held in much awe and
abhorrence.

On the other hand, in some of the eastern countries menstruation
was regarded as sacred, and the first menstrual discharge was
considered so valuable that premenstrual marriages were
inaugurated in order that the first ovum might not be wasted, but
fertilized, because it was supposed to be the purest and best for