An Appeal to Mothers

Largely of historical interest, Ellen G. White's 1864 book on health care reform deals with the perceived problems of masturbation among the young. Terming it a "solitary vice" and "self abuse," she addresses her concerns-and her solutions-directly to mothers, advocating religion, awareness, and work. Though hardly politically correct today, with modern knowledge and insight, her views and solutions are far less extreme than most other health care professionals' of the age.