Youth and Sex | Page 2

action of the muscles and ligaments on the growing bones, in part to the weight of the
body from above and the reaction of the ground from beneath, but they are also largely
due to the growth and development of the internal organs peculiar to the woman. All
these organs exist in the normal infant at birth, but they are relatively insignificant, and it
is not until the great developmental changes peculiar to puberty occur that they begin to

exercise their influence on the shape of the bones. This is proved by the fact that in those
rare cases in which the internal organs of generation are absent, or fail to develop, there is
a corresponding failure in the pelvis to alter into the normal adult shape. The muscles of
the growing girl partake in the rapid growth and development of her bony framework.
Sometimes the muscles outgrow the bones, causing a peculiar lankiness and slackness of
figure, and in other girls the growth of the bones appears to be too rapid for the muscles,
to which fact a certain class of "growing pain" has been attributed.
Another part of the body that develops rapidly during these momentous years is the bust.
The breasts become large, and not only add to the beauty of the girl's person, but also
manifestly prepare by increase of their glandular elements for the maternal function of
suckling infants.
Of less importance so far as structure is concerned, but of great importance to female
loveliness and attractiveness, are the changes that occur in the clearing and brightening of
the complexion, the luxuriant growth, glossiness, and improved colour of the hair, and
the beauty of the eyes, which during the years which succeed puberty acquire a new and
singularly attractive expression.
The young girl's hands and feet do not grow in proportion with her legs and arms, and
appear to be more beautifully shaped when contrasted with the more fully developed
limb.
With regard to the internal organs, the most important are those of the pelvis. The uterus,
or womb, destined to form a safe nest for the protection of the child until it is sufficiently
developed to maintain an independent existence, increases greatly in all its dimensions
and undergoes certain changes in shape; and the ovaries, which are intended to furnish
the ovules, or eggs (the female contribution towards future human beings), also develop
both in size and in structure.
Owing to rapid growth and to the want of stability of the young girl's tissues, the years
immediately succeeding puberty are not only those of rapid physiological change, but
they are those during which irreparable damage may be done unless those who have the
care of young girls understand what these dangers are, how they are produced, and how
they may be averted.
With regard to the bony skeleton, lateral curvature of the spine is, in mild manifestation,
very frequent, and is too common even in the higher degrees. The chief causes of this
deformity are:
(1) The natural softness and want of stability in the rapidly growing bones and muscles;
(2) The rapid development of the bust, which throws a constantly increasing burden on
these weakened muscles and bones; and
(3) The general lassitude noticeable amongst girls at this time which makes them yield to
the temptation to stand on one leg, to cross one leg over the other, and to write or read
leaning on one elbow and bending over the table, whereas they ought to be sitting upright.
Unless constant vigilance is exerted, deformity is pretty sure to occur--a deformity which
always has a bad influence over the girl's health and strength, and which, in those cases
where it is complicated by the pathological softness of bones found in cases of rickets,
may cause serious alteration in shape and interfere with the functions of the pelvis in later
life.
2. Changes in the Mental Nature.--These are at least as remarkable as the changes in the
bodily framework. There is a slight diminution in the power of memorising, but the

faculties of attention, of reasoning, and of imagination, develop rapidly. Probably the
power of appreciation of the beautiful appears about this time, a faculty which is usually
dormant during childhood. More especially is this true with regard to the beauty of
landscape; the child seldom enjoys a landscape as such, although isolated beauties, such
as that of flowers, may sometimes be appreciated.
As might be anticipated, all things are changing with the child during these momentous
years: its outlook on life, its appreciation of other people and of itself, alter greatly and
continuously. The wonderfully rapid growth and alterations in structure of the generative
organs have their counterpart in the mental and moral spheres; there are new sensations
which are scarcely recognised and are certainly