This in itself would have quite explained much of her trouble.  It has been pointed out that body and mind are not separable; that mental functions are based on the bodily functions, and that mood may rest on no more exalted cause then the condition of the bowels.  But a more intimate questioning revealed sexual habits which are easily drifted into by people of an amorous turn of character and who are really fond of one another.  These both husband and wife frankly said they had not meant to speak of, but with their disclosure it was evident that a good deal of importance was to be attached to them.

The correction of the life habits was of course the fundamental need.  The young woman was instructed in detail as to diet, the care of the bowels and outdoor exercise.  Since she was in perfect condition except for stoutness she could easily look for recovery, and as an added incentive the restoration of youthful good looks was held out as certain.

The sexual life was frankly discussed, and necessary restrictions were imposed.  Both the husband and wife agreed willingly to the changes ordered and promised faithfully to carry out instructions.

The patient made a splendid recovery and very rapidly.  Here was a deenergization dependent solely upon the sedentary life of the housewife and upon ignorance of sex hygiene.  Here were quarreling and impending marital disaster removed by attention to details in living.  Here was a complete proof that not only does a sound mind need a sound body, but that a sound marriage needs one as well.

Case V. The hyperaesthetic woman.

Mrs. J.F. is twenty-seven years of age.  She was born in the United States, of middling well-to-do people.  Her father was a gruff, hearty man, not in the least bit finicky, who really despised manners and the like, though he was conventional enough in his own way.  Her mother was an old-fashioned housewife, fond of her home and family, in fact perhaps more attached to the former than the latter.  She hated servants and got along without them (except for a day woman) until she became rather too old to do the work.

J.’s sister and two brothers were duplicates of the parents,—­hearty, stolid, and remarkably plain looking.  J., the younger sister, though not the youngest in the family, was as different from her family as if she had sprung from another stock.  She was slender, very pretty, with a quick, alert mind which jumped at conclusions, because labored analysis fatigued it.  Above all, from the very start of life she was sensitive to a degree that perplexed her family, who were however intensely sympathetic because they adored her.  This adoration arose from the fact that J. was brighter and prettier than most of her friends, and that her cleverness in many directions—­music, writing, talking, handiwork—­was the talk of their little group.