Family Care, 1960's style

I love old books, and my favourites have to be the ones with surreal and often rather disturbing pictures. This crazy selection come from a tome called "Family Care, in sickness and in health" which was published in 1963.

It covers everything from an A to Z of childrens ailments, common medical problems, personal hygeine, mental health, toilet training to care of the elderly. Not only is the text a fascinating insight into life almost 50 years ago, but the photographs are real gems!

" A cautionary word about plastic bags!
"Every mother needs a firm adjustable brassiere...... and many like to have a well made corset."

this sensible looking boy doing his homework looks more like a child from the 40's, rather than a child of the 60's. I find this an interesting snapshot of how little childrens clothing changed in the 20 years following the 2nd World war.

"Young children soon develop an insatiable curiosity, and directly one's back is turned have their fingers into everything."

Above shows the dangers in the kitchen with the sensible advice that "Saucepan handles should be turned inwards so that children cannot pull boiling food over themselves" (I just want that kitchen!!)

"Children should not be allowed to use sharp knives as they invariably cut themselves"

"Children should be trained to wash their hands" Once again the image used looks more 1930's or 40's than 1960's.
"Old people can exercise gently in rocking chairs". This lady appears to be living in a room from the Victorian period...

"Sometimes a Granny lives quite happily with her family" (the use of the word "sometimes" is an interesting choice....)

Not only does the book cover childhood, there is also a chapter on the older generation, this old chap playing the piano makes me smile...and the caption says that "old peoples homes have improved a lot in recent years"

"Bowls is an ideal sport for older men".... what about the women???