APPENDIX.

157

they would often be deceived by those adroit and skil­ful manufacturers who would hare an interest in con­cealing the truth.

II.

Since putting these sheets to press I have re­ceived the following from a lady operator with whom I had held conversation as to the special effects of telegraphy :

. Boston, Fel>. 28, 1875.

Dear Sir, Pardon my delay, but I was obliged to wait some time to hear from the friend I men­tioned. I find her views are similar to my own, and have nothing new to offer.

I made inquiries of the ladies employed in my room, as you requested; and all, with one exception, declared the business had no damaging effect upon the menstrual function: in that respect they have ex­perienced no change since they entered the business. Take it as a whole, I believe telegraphy exerts no unfavorable influence in that direction, although it would seem to be a natural result on account of the nervousness inseparable from the business. Those I have consulted say every other function will be af­fected except the menstrual.

It is certainly true, that the business impairs the health of operators who work steadily, and they