An early marriage, three pregnancies, the last
two of which broke in upon the years of nursing, began at last to show
in loss of flesh and color. Meanwhile, she met with energy the
multiplied claims of a life full of sympathy for every form of trouble,
and, neglecting none of the duties of society or kinship, yet found time
for study and accomplishments. By and by she began to feel tired, and at
last gave way quite abruptly, ceased to menstruate five years before I
saw her, grew pale and feeble, and dropped in weight in six months from
one hundred and twenty-five pounds to ninety-five. Nature had at last
its revenge. Everything wearied her,--to eat, to drive, to read, to sew.
Walking became impossible, and, tied to her couch, she grew dyspeptic
and constipated. The asthenopia which is almost constantly seen in such
cases added to her trials, because reading had to be abandoned, and so
at last, despite unusual vigor of character, she gave way to utter
despair, and became at times emotional and morbid in her views of life.
After numberless forms of treatment had been used in vain, she came to
this city and passed into my care.
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