WITH THE AUTHOR’S COMPLIMENTS. 
MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS; 
MOTHER’S MARKS. 
AN EXPOSE OF A POPULAR FALLACY. 
BY 
ROSWELL PARK, A. M., M. D., 
Demonstrator of Anatomy, Chicago Medical College, Ac. Ac. 
Reprinted from “ The Southern Clinicof February, 1879. 
RICHMOND: 
WHITTET & SH EPPERSON, PRINTERS. 
1879. MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS; 
MOTHER'S MARKS. 
AN EXPOSE OF A POPULAR FALLACY. 
ROSWELL PARK, A. M., M. D., 
Demonstrator of Anatomy, Chicago Medical College, c£c. <fec. 
Reprinted from “ The Southern Clinicof February, 1879. 
RICHMOND: 
WHITTET & SHEPPERSON, PRINTERS. 
1879. MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS/ 
HOTHE R’S MARKS. 
AN EXPOSE OF A POPULAR FALLACY. 
A paper read before the Chicago Medical Society, by 
ROSWELL PARK, A. M., M. D., (Demonstrator of Anatomy, Chicago 
Medical College, etc.) 
In the hope that it may be permitted me to present, in an 
acceptable manner, a statement of a few facts, together with 
some deductions from the same—even without adding any- 
thing to the sum total of human knowledge—and to help 
solve a doubt which must at some time present itself to the 
minds of all, I beg leave to draw attention to the following 
effort to answer the query:— 
Whether there is the slightest foundation, in theory or in 
fact, for the prevalent popular notion that “ maternal im- 
pression,” i. e. the mental condition of a woman “enciente,” 
can be transmitted and translated into, or perpetuated by 
abnormalities in the development of the foetus. 
From time immemorial this question has been decided in 
the affirmative by the laity, and to-day, among half the 
population, this explanation of any unusual appearance which 
the enquiring eye may perceive in the new born is accepted 
as full and sufficient. In many cases the mother deems it a 
duty she owes to herself and family to exculpate herself 
from any self-imputed complicity in the matter, by attaching 4 
MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK. 
the blame to some unfortunate individual or untoward ac- 
cident. Nor is this at all strange. The mother but follows 
the general custom in seeking to find some explanation 
within her mental grasp for what she cannot understand; 
and it is no difficult matter, as she conjures up the past, to 
persuade herself that this dream, or that horrid object, or 
some accident, left a much more lasting impress on her 
mind than she, at the time, realized. And so—-post hoc, 
ergo propter hoc—all doubt is dismissed from her mind, it is 
a clear case; and her friends sympathize, and warn each 
other of the necessity for caution under like circumstances. 
The above is not an individual case, nor overdrawn. This 
notion is as wide spread, almost, as the race, and as old as 
history; and on account of its prevalence, if not for its in- 
trinsic interest, is worthy of investigation. Ambrose Pare, 
in the 16th century, devoted a chapter of one of his works 
to “Monsters which take their cause and shape from the 
imagination.” The smile of incredulity on the physician’s 
face which such an explanation provokes will not dissipate 
a firmly settled conviction. 
Let us see what anatomical investigations into this subject 
reveal. We know that the circulatory system of the foetus 
is developed much like that of the chick in ovo. That is, 
that it takes its origin, and the verjr first molecule or blood 
corpuscle begins to circulate by a power inherent in the em- 
bryonic mass, and in no way transmitted from the mother. 
Its circulation having began independently, continues so to 
this extent, that no particle of blood—as such—passes from 
the foetal circulation to that of the mother. It goes as far 
as the placenta, which plays the part of the lungs,pro temp., 
but is returned, its sphere of action confined to this round. 
The idea maintained by some, that the ramifications of the 
umbilical vessels inosculate freely with those of the uterus 
is, in the light of the most recent investigations, no longer 
tenable. The maternal blood current circulates freely 
around the caecal terminations of the vessels from the feetns, 
(the “intimate interlacement” of Hermann,) yielding up MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK. 
5 
freely of its invigorating gasses and nutrient material, and 
returning (to the lungs, etc., of the another) for a fresh sup- 
ply; but not one corpuscle, it is probable, nor any particle 
of formative or germinal matter which could bear any stamp 
or impress, or give any direction to future development, 
passes across the membrane which the vascular walls or 
placental structures interpose. Most painstaking researches 
by most industrious scholars, using variously colored injec- 
tions and every appliance, confirm these statements. 
To be sure the foetus must receive a certain amount of 
nutritive material from the mother’s blood, but this passes 
through, like the gasses, by osmosis, and has no more power 
to give special impetus to growth according to the bent of 
thought of the mother, than milk at the breast, or from the 
udder of the cow; except, and granted that deficiency of sup- 
ply or change in its quality may of course lead to arrest of 
development, or to unusual development. 
Some assert that this is not a simple osmotic process, but 
that the placental villi play the role of secerning cell, ab- 
stracting the nutriment from the mother’s blood, and in some 
way passing it over to the foetus. But be the minute pro- 
cesses what they may, this main fact being granted, the ques- 
tion arises: Can the emotions of the mother cause in any 
way any such derangement of supply as we have spoken of? 
While it is far from my intention to deny that the mother’s 
general condition may depend much upon that of her mind, 
I assert that it is impossible to predict in what, if in any 
special direction, this derangement will be manifested; and 
one is justified in imposing the burden of proof upon those 
who sustain a contrary view. I would not be understood as 
speaking lightly of, or under-estimating the influence of the 
mind, even upon the nutrition of the body, and the thus in- 
direct effect of a mental condition upon the foetus; but I 
would insist that the influence of this derangement cannot 
be pre-determined, nor estimated in terms of departure from 
the normal standard. 
Add to this the fact that, no matter what the peculiarity 6 
MATERNAL IMPRK8SION8 PARK. 
of growth may be, nor how distorted its various features of 
conformation, a careful examination always shows it to he a 
reversion to some lower type of growth, to some other em- 
bryonic form,—a species of “atavism,” if I may use the term. 
It is unnecessary here to go into a pathological discussion, 
showing how most departures from the physiological standard 
tend to revert to some more embryonic type. This princi- 
ple, long known and recognized, has of late assumed a more 
important position from its bearing on questions of evolu- 
tion. Consider, in addition to this, the known fact that every 
foetal malformation has its analogue among those of the 
lower classes of animals, either in their embryonic or mature 
state; and we have a light shed upon the subject that should 
do much towards showing up its superstitious features. 
An objection may be raised here to the effect that there is 
a direct interchange of material before the placenta is formed 
even though the placental circulation be as above described. 
Let us examine this point. The chorion, which acts much 
as the placenta subsequently does, is connected with the de- 
cidua reflexa much as the placenta is connected with the 
uterus; its villosities being “dovetailed” with those of the 
decidua, and this union is at first easily severed. Just here 
let me quote from an admirable report on this matter, by 
Dr. Waddel, of Toledo, O.: “Indeed we cannot but admire 
the provisions which have been made to shield it (the ovum) 
from such influences, (maternal caprices and other supposi- 
titious disturbing influences.) Up to the third month its at- 
tachment to the mother is far from being intimate, being sus- 
tained by imbibition of an albuminous secretion, * * * 
first during its passage along the fallopian tube, and after- 
wards from the mucous membrane of the uterus, by which 
it is encapsuled. Very recent investigations have shown that 
even as late as the second month the ovum is loosel}’ attached 
to the uterius decidua.” 
Finally, after the third month chorion villi are simply in- 
creased in number and 6ize, while their relative position and 
function remain unaltered; that is to say, that though their MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK. 
7 
names and the grosser conformation of the parts may differ, 
their respective functionment is essentially the same; and all 
that has been said of the placental circulation, in this re- 
spect, holds good of the pre-placental. 
In this way it can be shown, that at no period in embry- 
onic existence is there a direct connection between the mother 
and foetus; the sole function of the placental and uterine ap- 
paratus being—the one to furnish a resting place, where the 
work of development may proceed undisturbed; the other 
to provide a supply of plasma, or nutrient material, to be as- 
similated in one way or another; in other words, that the 
process of growth goes on as independently (considerations 
of source and quality of nutrition not forgotten) as if it took 
place entirely without the organization of the mother. 
When we see so many vices of conformation in animals 
hatched from the egg, and in those animals besides man 
which have an intra-uterine existence, the pretext of some 
predominant thought, fear, or desire in the mind of the hu- 
man mother is not justified. 
But if it be urged that possibly some lymphatic or ner- 
vous connection exists, by which this mysterious influence is 
transmitted, the answer is ready at hand, that neither nerve 
nor lymphatic have even been discovered in the placenta, 
and according to Whittaker, Meadows, Kifss, and others, the 
cord contains neither nerves, lymphatics, capillaries nor 
vasa-vasorum. 
It is no easy matter to decide questions of this nature ua 
prioriif, indeed, it be possible. Every physiologist admits 
the power of vivid impressions to affect the nervous system, 
and so the whole body. “ Observations have long established 
the fact that such emotions influence the state of functions, 
not only of the digestive and glandular, but muscular organs, 
as the heart and uterus. Physicians are familiar with cases 
in which vivid impressions produced uterine contractions, and 
even miscarriage, or have disturbed the catamenial function.” 
[Smith.] Very true, and it would be unscientific to assert 
that such influence may not at times affect development in 8 
MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK. 
the way above mentioned; but I would insist—first, That it 
is impossible to explain in this way the malformations that 
occur; and secondly, That, given the emotion of any nature 
and from any cause you please, it cannot be predicated what, 
if there be any, the deformity will be. (Illustration of this, 
further on.) 
Cases and varieties of arrest of development, or of intra- 
uterine pathological lesions are numerous, collectively, num- 
berless; but what does this signify? A conflict of the laws 
of evolution and development? Rather the harmonious ac- 
tion of some of those very laws with which we are not yet 
familiar. Let us face this matter squarely, and, while ac- 
knowledging our ignorance concerning intra-uterine life, be 
not deceived by those who would foist upon us specious 
theories, not sustained by the facts witli which we are ac- 
quainted. 
Let us take for granted that the ovum or germ has im- 
pressed upon it, at the time of impregnation, the general and 
hereditary features of its growth. (Then, and then only, 
can it receive such impress from the father, and then it 
must, too, to a large extent at least, from the mother.) Who 
can doubt that it now possesses in itself all its potentialities 
of growth. All that it now needs is a suitable resting place 
and a regular supply of nutriment, and it will grow on, in- 
dependently of external conditions which do not interfere 
with such supply. 
While fully recognizing the importance attaching to the 
“law’s of heredity,” whose existence is not disputed, though 
they be but meagrely understood, I wish to draw the line 
distinctly between the action of such law’s and the subject 
of this paper, which is a matter entirely separate, and whose 
laws, if they exist, have as yet unrecognized existence. 
Should any one hold that the general plan of action—of 
development—is not laid down at the time of impregna- 
tion, (if it be not inherent to the ovum,) but somewdiat, later 
in the life of the embryo, it must still be conceded that 
this must nevertheless be very early in such life; else he MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK. 
9 
would have to adhere to a theory of fortuitous circum- 
stances, and no true physiologist can do that. 
In either case, however, how equally absurd to try to ao 
count for some vice of conformation, some congenital de- 
ficiency, which must have dated almost consentaneously 
with the formation of the embryo, and probably before the 
mother was aware of her condition, by something which 
happened during the later months of her pregnancy! 
Spina bifida, extrophy of the bladder, harelip, intra- 
uterine peritonitis, or bronchocele, the various forms of so 
called “hermaphrodism,” anencephalic and partially double 
monsters, intra-uterine amputations, supernumerary mem- 
bers, &c.; these are but a very few examples of foetal abnor- 
malities which may occur; and these may, and for the most 
part must have originated very early in embryonic life, and, 
therefore, months before the occurrences to which they'are 
usually credited. 
Then there are pathological lesions of the maternal or- 
gans; e. g., traumatic lesions, diseases of uterus, placenta or 
membranes, diseased ova, which are yet capable of partial 
development, hereditary transmission of any abnormality, even 
though a generation or two intervene, and the different dia- 
thetic and cachectic conditions so common. Any one of 
these may be sufficient to cause an arrest of development, 
without having to invoke a theory which shall deal with still 
more inscrutable causes. 
Excess or exuberance of development also may as easily 
occur; nevertheless, there are too many who would endeavor 
to cover the whole ground with the stereotyped explanation 
which it is the object of this paper to combat. 
What reasoning physiologist would endeavour to explain 
in this wa}7 a double monster, or the presence of twins, when 
the real cause was the existence and degree of proximity of 
two primitive traces instead of one f 
How many women are there who pass through the trying 
ordeal of gestation with unruffled tempers, without cares and 
anxieties, or without seeing—especially in cities—objects 10 
MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK. 
deformed and unpleasant, and, therefore, matter for sympathy 
and remark? And does the percentage of marked or de- 
formed children born to these exceed that of similarly 
marked offspring born to those whose existence and mental 
condition have been undisturbed by extraneous circumstan- 
ces ? I have yet to learn of statistics, or proof of any kind 
which can be adduced in illustration of an assertion to this 
effect. But carry the matter to its legitimate extreme. Has 
anything analogous to this matter of maternal impressions 
been noticed among other animals? Except the single in- 
stance mentioned in Genesis, chapter xxx., which must be 
discarded as an unscientific, and, therefore, unavailable ac- 
count, I have never heard, nor have I been able to find any 
account of an instance of the kind. 
The chick in ovo goes on to maturity and is hatched, pro- 
vided only that its surroundings—warmth and air—are 
favorable. The spawn of fish, the eggs of reptiles, the larvee 
of insects, proceed h? the same way, save that they are much 
more exposed and subject to ever varying conditions; and 
when abnormalities occur they bear the same relation to the 
parent that changes in the human feetus do, provided always 
that we must not forget the respective sources of pabulum 
for their needs of growth. 
Farther, careful enquirers into this matter have taken 
pains to make inquiry of their patients approaching confine- 
ment as to their fears and apprehensions concerning their 
offspring. 
Win. Hunter pursued this course with two thousand cases, 
and “in no case did a single coincidence of mental emotion 
with a corresponding abnormal development occur in all his 
observations.” 
Dr. Fisher, of New York State, found that, though the 
majority of twelve hundred cases expected some such mark- 
ing, only three cases occurred in the entire number; and 
“these in no way verified the mothers’ prediction.” 
(A similar experience in a very limited way has been the 
writer’s.) MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK, 
11 
As the time for parturition draws near, everything that 
happens about the patient is colored to suit her own sub- 
jective condition. The mind becomes doubly susceptible, 
and a very slight matter serves to make an impression with 
which it is not at all commensurate. Swayed by hope and 
fear, the latter emotion not infrequently asserts itself as the 
stronger; and she often apprehends more for the condition 
of the child than for her own. She fears, without knowing 
why; and if everything turns out well she laughs at her 
foolish fright, or congratulates herself upon the narrow 
escape; but if, by some coincidence, the child bear some 
mark, or, worse y7et, be deformed, the poor mother shakes 
her head, and by a woman’s irresistible “logic,” convinces 
herself that she knew all the time that it would be thus and 
thus. It may seem, at first, trivial to lay so much stress 
upon these subjective features; but a little reflection will 
convince that they have an important bearing on the subject. 
An intra-uterine amputation of the thigh, for example; 
might happen comparatively late in foetal life. Let us sup- 
pose an easily impressionable woman has seen a maimed 
cripple on the street, two months before her confinement. 
It has made a powerful impression upon her mind. She 
comes to term, and is delivered of a child with but one sound 
leg and the stump of another. Of course the usual explana- 
tion is offered, and the shudder which the sight first pro- 
voked is repeated every time the mind reverts to it. All 
very well. The claim is, that after this object created such 
an impression on her mind, the peculiar impetus was trans- 
mitted to the foetus, and the plan of its growth so altered as 
to admit of this change; this supposed arrest of growth of 
one limb. 
But the accoucheur, quietly examining the membranes, 
finds enclosed therein the remains of the missing member; 
and further search reveals strong bands extending from one 
part of the sac to another; or possibly the former have been 
entirely absorbed, and only the latter are found. The 
skilled scientific eye has found the clue that unravels the 12 
MATERNAL IMPRES8IONS PARK. 
whole mystery; for I never yet heard of any claim that a 
mental impression might set np such a degree of inflamma- 
tion in the amnion as to cause the results here stated, to say 
nothing of the intrinsic absurdity of the idea on grounds 
mentioned above. 
Yet another difficulty arises in endeavoring to decide this 
matter. We are confronted by a number of recorded cases— 
some even by distinguished men, whose very names carry 
authority—where the possiblity of “mother’s marks” seems 
to be no longer involved in doubt. How to meet this ob- 
jection is, perhaps, the most difficult task within the scope 
of this paper. 
Of the majority of them, we can probably say, as a distin- 
guished French clinician recently said of most of his own 
earlier cases—reported before he attained his present position 
as “facileprinceps”—that he considered them worthless, be- 
cause unreliable. 
Not until recently, (if, indeed, yet) have methods of in- 
vestigating nature and her laws arrived at anywhere near 
perfection; and only those specially trained are fitted to ap- 
ply the stern inductive logic of modern science in studying 
her phenomena and formulating her laws. On these grounds, 
therefore, we are justified in rejecting most of those cases as 
inaccurately and unscientifically recorded. 
A very strong mental effort is required to avoid tinging 
the report of any case with the tint by which such cases are 
surrounded in the fancy of the reporter. Nor is it any slur 
upon the character of such an one that he should attach the 
stamp of his individuality to his writings. The sole objec- 
tion is, that it is so much labor lost; because such work is 
worthless from a scientific point of view. 
I will not prolong this paper by quoting cases, either those 
utterly absurd and foolish, or those few which are entitled to 
consideration on account of their source. Such reports are 
accessible to those interested enough to look them up. But 
having disposed of most of them on above grounds, what MATERNAL IMPRESSIONS PARK. 
13 
shall be done with the remainder? If it be not presump- 
tuous in me, I would make the following answer: 
Doubtless some of them may be owing to pure coinci- 
dences, than which many stranger ones have happened. Of 
the few that remain, I think we ought to suspend our judg- 
ment for the present. The facts of such a case are so en- 
shrouded in uncertainty, the testimony of the interested 
parents so liable to error, the sources of fallacy by no means 
yet reduced to a minimum, that justice to science, as well as 
to individuals, seems to demand this course. 
Nor is this urged in any iconoclastic spirit; rather do I 
say that, as we all earnestly desire to arrive at the truth, we 
must first eliminate whatever will not stand a crucial test, 
and then, if the facts be not sufficient to build a theory upon, 
patiently and diligently observe and note, using the most 
rigorous methods, in full faith that, if the truth be still 
hidden, we shall not be led into error. 
Therefore I contend—and it has been the object of this 
paper to convince—that while we are hardly prepared to 
deny explicitly and in toto that a mother’s mental condition, 
be it temporary or more or less permanent, may in some ob- 
scure and inexplicable way modify the normal development of 
the foetus in utero, still we are certainly not yet in a position, 
either—in the first place—to even admit that such an influence 
can make itself felt; or, secondly, and supposing this pos- 
sible, to pretend in this way to explain the palpable abnor- 
mality. 
That is, in brief, granted that strange vices of conforma- 
tion do occur, we must look to something deeper and beyond 
mere desires or mental impressions for an explanation thereof.