I. Preparation of the Body

175. - 1. It is necessary that parents, especially the mother, by prudent observation detect defects which are to be corrected by the use of a scalpel or medicine: phimosis, which in a little boy is to be removed by circumcision; worms (by which the body is aroused) around the anus or vulva (oxyures), which are to be extirpated by antiseptic medicine.

2. Care must be taken that persons who have a part in the care of a child, or the infant himself, do not stimulate the sexual organs by touches. Wherefore it is also very expedient that a little child be accustomed to lie in a manner which wards off the danger of touches: so that, if he places his hand beneath his head, he keeps it outside the sheets, or sleeps with arms crossed.

3. As far as it can be done, let parents not permit two persons to lie together in the same bed, but assign separate beds to each.

4. From the authority of his parents, let the child learn those modes of acting with himself and with others which savor of honorable and simple modesty. Civility itself can be adduced to children as a motive. And we are assisted by nature itself, as Rousseau testifies ¹: "Follow the spirit of nature, which, placing in the same places the organs of secret pleasures and those of disgusting needs, inspires in us the same cares at different ages, now by one idea and now by another; in the man through modesty, in the child through cleanliness." It can also be added that these habits are pleasing to God and are especially approved by the guardian angel. Wanton acts arising from impudence should be corrected firmly, but not with that force and indignation which would disturb the conscience and deform it by error.

¹ Émile, book 4, p. 376 of the large edition.