Flow: The Cultural History of Menstruation: New Book

Hi Everyone, I found a very interesting new book at my local library. Frankly, I was very surprised to see this type of book at a public library, but I do live in a very progressive state. It is:

"Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation" written by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim.

I found it to be a fascinating study on a very important topic dealing with the social history of menstruation. I think that the most interesting chapter for med-fetters would be Chapter Four dealing with the history of Hysteria and how it was treated by Doctors. It is a diagnosis that dates back to ancient Egypt. "For centuries, one of the most popular treatments for hysteria was manual stimulation to orgasm by a medical Doctor." Actually, women did not experience an orgasm, it was a "hysterical paroxysm". Even midwives performed this service for centuries and there is a quote dating from 1653.

Anyway, there is just too much great information in this fascinating book to mention. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in women's health and history.

Lady Teddy, who spends way too much time reading and also in book stores...

Thank you Lady Teddy for keeping us informed about so many interesting books. I hope that you will make this a regular review column. Am I right in thinking that the mechanical vibrator came into being to replace manual stimulation, because so many 19th century women needed treatment for "hysteria" that the doctors couldn't keep up with the demand?

Yes

Thanks for the question. Yes, it is my understanding, that the vibrator was the third appliance to receive electricity. Right after, the toaster and the vacuum cleaner. Oh, I love these modern inventions and not in this order!

Lady Teddy