Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 September 1882 — Occupation for Women. [ARTICLE]

Occupation for Women.

This rather fascinating occupation (type-setting) is found to be very hard on women if they stand at the work. The testimony of Miss is given, who had for a long time been type-setter and foreman of a composing-room. It was : “I have no hesitation in saying that I think I never knew a dozen lady compositors who were well. Their principal troubles are those belonging to the sex, and great pain in the back, limbs and head.” With regard to this highly organized occupation (telegraph) the same general statements are made, with a difference only : “Those at all familiar with the demands upon the nervous energy and manipulative dexterity required by the processes of telegraphs will not be surprised that the rapidity, readiness of perception, etc., are found to exert upon the general and special health of the youthful lady operator a most positive and injurious effect.” A “lady operator,” many years in the business, reported : I have broken down several times from sheer nervous debility. I was well in every particular when I entered the office. Since I broke down the first time £ have never been ‘right,’ though much improved when out on my vacations.” Few occupations would seem so attractive to the average working women as the counting of money in the treasuries of the United States. It is found to demand “ concentration, alertness, continued exercise,” and -these, with the monotony, work mischief. One of the oldest lady workers said : “ Gradually they learn to count faster, but they continue in the work "but a short time.” The counting of the rattan strands at Wakefield is found to produce the same unbearable results. Of stenography we have the same report —“ constant employment therein would inevitably break a woman down in a short time.” Here sewing-machine work is one of the greatest of the modern occupations for women, and it is found to be a doubtful blessing. The troubles produced by the continued use of the sewing machine are classed under some general heads: First, indigestion ; second, muscular pains; third, diseases peculiar towomen; fourth, general debility. IK. H. Elliott, in Popular Science Monthly.