AN AMERICAN CASE REPORT OF PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY PUBLISHED IN 1832

Abstract

I believe this is one of the earliest case reports of precocious puberty in American medical literature.

I take the liberty to acquaint you with an extraordinary case of prematurity in a child, which fell under my observation in this city. Matilda H. was born of a white family in low circumstances, the 31st of September, 1827. She came into this world with her mammae perfectly formed, and the mons veneris covered with hair, as much as a girl between thirteen and fourteen years old; when precisely three years of age the menses made their appearance, and have continued to reappear regularly every month until the present time, and as copious as any woman might have them-each period lasting four days. She is now four years and five months old; she measures forty-two inches and a half in height, French measure; her features are regular; she has a rosy complexion; her hair chestnut colour; her eyes bluish-gray; she is what may be called handsome; and conformation of her body is very strong; her mammae are now of the size of a full-grown orange, and the dimensions of the pelvis are, in my opinion, such as to enable her to bear children when eight years old, and very likely sooner. She constantly enjoys good health.