The philosophy of marriage, in its social, moral and physical relations; with an account of the ...

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Chapter I

Introductory remarks, population^ marriage and bastardy laws, function of reproduction, 1— Its influence on all classes of society, its investigation by philosophers, naturalists, ecclesiastics, physiologists, and legislators, 2— • Objections refuted, 4— Diffusion of demoralizing works, necessity for scientific productions, 6 — Spurious and erroneous work ascribed to Aristotle, 6 — ^Arguments in proof of the necessity of investigating the subject, 6— British legislation on marriage, bastardy, and poor laws, criminal abortion, &c., T—The population question, the Malthusians and anti-Malthusians, 8 — Proposed immoral checks to population, 8 — Seduction and juvenile prostitution, 10 — Society for the prevention and suppression of juvenile prostitution, its melancholy reports-Hseduction and prostitution in Paris, 12 — Causes of the infamy and tyranny of the new poor law, 14— Man-milliners and haberdashers, their exclusion of the weaker sex from their proper occupation, 14 — Toleration of the sale of demoralizing books and prints, 15 — Other causes which excite amorous impulse, lead to profligacy, premature and illicit sexual unions, 16 — ^Early and late marriages, 16— Physiology of generation, various questions concerning marriage in its moral, social, and physical relations, 18— Arrangement of the subject, 19 — Physiology and pathology of the generative organs, 22.

U CONTENTS.

CHAPTER 11.

Institution and object of marriage, 23 — A natural, religious, civil, and legal contract for the procreation, conservation, and perpetuation of the human species, 23 — Indispensably necessary to mankind, 24 — The source of society, 25— Both civil and domestic, 25 — Of divine institution, 26— A sacred contract which obliges those entering into it to forsake their nearest relations and most intimate friends, 26 — The perfection and sincerity of friendship can only be found in the marriage state, 2B — Requisites for a happy union, 28 — Heinousness of adultery in husband or wife, 28 — Inhumanity of deserting illegitimate offspring, 29 — It is not enough that children are procreated, they are also to be nourished, clothed, and educated, 29 — Parental duties, 30 — Proper age for marriage, constitution, predisposition to diseases, the state of health, 30 — Premature marriages, 31— Premature abuse of the reproductive function, 31 — Late marriages, 32 — Comparative fecundity of the sexes, 33 — Hufeland's precepts on marriage, 35 — Individuals who doubt the propriety of forming matrimonial unions, 37 — Their resoit to ignorant and unprincipled empirics^ 37— In preference to regular medical practitioners, 37.

CHAPTER 111.

Physiology and hygiology of marriage, premature and abusive exercise of the genital function, 38— Consummation of marriage, 38 — Hygienic precepts relative to the reproductive function, 40 — Motives which influence the majority of mankind in contracting marriage, 42 — The parties ought to be of the adult age, and in good health, 43 — Premature exertion of the generative function, 43 — Great disproportion in stature ought to be avoided, 44 — Generative function as imperious as any other, 45 — In-f voluntary and voluntary pollution, 45-^Baneful effects of this vice, 48— The contagion of scholars, 49— How prevented by parents, and those who have die care of youth, 49 — Profligacy of the youth of the metropolis, 50 — Premature marriages recommended by some as a remedy.

CONTENTS. Ill

CHAPTER IV.

Premature and late marriages, 51— Their influence on the population, morals, health, and longevity, 51 — Evils of premature marriages, and precocious sexusil intercourse, 52 — Difficulty of determining the proper age for marriage, in consequence of difference of constitution, climate, and other circumstances, 53 — Causes of early marriages, and the vicious union of the sexes, 53 — Illustration of bad effects in the British dominions and France, 53— Physiological and pathological objections, 54 — Beardless fathers and girlish mothers, 54 — Moral and physical objections, 65 — Ancient laws on the subject, 66 — Laws of Lycurgus, Plato, and Aristotle, 56— Of the Athenians, Jews, and Germans, 57 — Marriages of the Armenian and Georgian infants, 58 — Infants of the Calmucs betrothed before they are born, 58 — Early marriages in Ireland, 58 — In consequence of the proveroial chastity of the women, the rarity of seduction and illegitimacy, infanticide, the denunciations of the catholic clergy, and the disgrace and personal danger to women guilty of unchastity, 59 — Poverty assigned as the only cause by the Commissioners of Irish Poor Law Inquiry, 59 — Numerous supposed illustrations, 60 — 72,

CHAPTER V.

Late marriages, 72 — Physiological and moral objections to, 73 — Laws of ancient nations against, 73 — Laws of Sparta, 73 — Of Italy, cecisbeos; of Spain, cortejoes; of Rome, 74 — Moral and physical objections to, 75.

CHAPTER VL

Marriage in its moral relations, 76 — Happy and unhappy unions, 76 — Erroneous motives which influence conjugal contracts, 76 — Requisites for a happy marriage, 77 — Men infinitely more depraved and vicious than women, 77 — Conjual obligations and duties, 78 — Causes of matrimonial misunderstandings, differences, and quarrels, 79 — Arguments for and against marriage, 81 — Evils of, as regard

IV CONTENTS.

parents and offspring, 82 — Expediency and necessity of the indissolubility of this union, 82 — Desertion of children, 83 — Adultery, seduction, and elopement, 83— Profligacy of husbands delineated^ 83 — £vils inflicted thereby on society, 84 — ^Marriage contract equally binding on both parties, 84 — Depravity of high or fashionable life, 84 — lUustrations in all classes of society in different nations, love the same to all, 85 — Marriage a fairy land, mercenary considerations, 85 — Inconstancy of the male sex their levity and duplicity, 86 — Adventitious circumstances of fortune, and erroneous estimate of personal charms, 86 — Folly of wooing poverty, and of ball room, and streetmatches, 87 — Public and domestic life, 88 — Conjugal dispositions, 88 — Religious and irreligious husbands and wives, 89 — Folly of love marriages in general, 90.

CHAPTER VII.

Influence of polygamy and monogamy on society, and on conjugal and parental duties, 91 — St. Simonites and Owenites, 92 — Unanswerable objections to, 93 — Evils of incestuous unions, and intermarriages within certain degnees of consanguinity, 94 — Advantages of intermarriages between different nations and families, 95 — Consanguinity of vrives and husbands in ancient and modem times, 96-101— Marriage ceremonies in different countries, 101-110— Reputed signs of virginity, 110 — General opinions erroneous, 112---Correct conclusions. 113.

CHAPTER VIII.

Conjugal and parental rights and obligations, 114 — Conjugal morality and chastity, 115 — Moral and physical laws, 116— Hygiology of reproduction, 117 — Obligations and duties, 118 — Eoually binding on both parents, 121 — Conjugal fidelity and infidelity, 122— Infidelity advocated by Samuel Johnson, Napoleon, and Martin Luther, 123 — Polygamy practised generally in all countries, under the title of libertinage, 125 — ^Erroneous causes assigned, 125— True causes of infidelity, 126.

CONTENTS. V

Part II. Marriage In Its Physical Relations*

CHAPTER IX.

Physiology of the sexual organs, 126 — Effects of puberty on the physical, moral, and intellectual states of botn sexes, 127 — Development of the generative functidn, 128— Development of sexual sensations, 131 — Puberty influenced by climate, aliment, situation, and morals, 133 — Establishment of the reproductive function, 135 — Reproduction of plants and animals, 135 — Reproduction of the human species, 138.

CHAPTER X.

Causes which influence fecundity, 140— Abundance and scarcity of aliment, famine and pestilence, cold and warm climates, 140 — Different classes of society, rich and poor, rude and civilized, 141 — Polar, tropical, and equatorial r^ons^ 142— Age, temperament, and habit, 143 — Frigid and ardent constitutions, influence of sexual impulse, 143 — Comparative fecundity of the sexes, 144.

CHAPTER XI.

Influence of the seasons on fecundity, 145 — A hora genitalis, 148— The time most favourable for reproduction, 148 — Causes of fecundity continued, 149 — Use and abuse of aliment and drink, bad effects of inebriation, 149 — Of excessive exertion of mind or body, 1 51 — Effects of public amusements, civilization, liberty, misery, &c., 151 — Comparative influence of the sexes in procreation, 151— nymphomania, satyriasis, 153— Sexual excesses, 154 — Continence favours fecundity, 156 — Abuse of the genital functions causes various diseases 156 — Influence of conjugal morals on population, 157.

CHAPTER XII.

Procreation of the sexes at will, and of a vigorous population, 158 — Arguments in favour and against this ques-

VI CONTENTS.

tion, 159-164— Coombe*s and Pritchard's conclusions, 164 — Sir Walter Scott's description of the moral and physical characters of the mother of the Emperor Napoleon, 169— Influence of the murder of David Rizzio on the unhom infant of Mary Queen of Scotland, 1 70 — Contrasts between Napoleon and James I., 170 — Influence of the sanguinary French revolution on unborn infants, 171 — Coombes opinion on the requisites for marriage, 174 — ^Author's conclusions, 175.

CHAPTER XIII.

Reproduction of organized beings, 176— Universal code of generation, of plants and animals, one primitive gene* ration of the universe, spring the season of reproduction, 176 — Primitive generation of the universe, all organized and inorganized matter formed and continued by the Divine Creator, 177 — Reproduction but an eternal emanation from this source, 177— A continuation of the arrangement of each organized species, 177 — Characters of organized beings, 177— Transmission of life, 177 — Physimogical conclusions of ancients and moderns, all generation from an ovum, egg, or seed — omnia ex ovo, 178— Reproduction of organized beings, or of plants and animals, 179— Organic and inorganic bodies, 180 — Solely dependent on the divinity, according to philosophers, physiolo- Slsts, and poets, 180-181 — Life, organization, and reprouction inseparable, 182 — Love the same to all animals — amor omnibus idem, 183— History of reproduction of plants and animals, 184 — Spring the season of reproduction, 185— Classiflcation of organized beings, 187 — Analogy between the floration of plants and the sexual impulse of animals, 188 — Physiology of vegetable and animal reproduction, 188 — Imperiousness of the repoductive function, 189— The cause of warg, strife, dissensions, law-suits, crimes, and murder, 190.

CHAPTER XIV.

Generation of organized beings, its physiology and pathology, 191 — Effects of physical power on offspring, 191— Sons of great men umike their fathers, 192— Numerous examples, 192— Causes of degeneracy, 192 — The

CONTENTS. Vll

strong engendered by the strong, the weak by the enfeebled, 102 — The human mind seldom intent on reproduction, 193 — If intent, and occupied with the recollection of a certain individual, the ofispring, it is said, will resemble such individual, 193 — Thus an adulterous infant may resemble its reputed father, Dr. Gregory on family resemblances, 193 Improvement of ofispring, 194 — Men of genius and talent the first bom, 194 — Not engendered in the married state, and by the force of love alone, 195 — Remarkable examples, 195 — Protracted continence and purity of morals, 196 — Intermarriages degenerate the ofispring, 196 — Old age and the venereal disease produce this effect, 196 — Amorous instinct and impulse among animals, 197 — Their reproduction, 199 — Compared with that of the human species, 200 — Sexual unions of animals, 201— Comparative reprodactive powers of plants and animals, 201.

CHAPTER XV.

Generation of the vegetable kingdom, 203 — Vegetable physiology, 203 — Anatomy and physiology of the reproductive organs of plants, 204-209— Linnaus's account of the amours of plants, 209 — Generative function, 209 — Sexual approach, dehiscence, or ejaculation of seed, 210 — Fecundation, impregnation of the germ, conception, 212 Development, gestation, or pregnancy, 212 — Dissemination, parturition, fructification, or analysis of the fruit, 213 —Means of dissemenation of plants, 214— Germination, 215-216.

CHAPTER XVI,

Generation of the Animal kingdom, 217— Extent and sublimity of the subject, 217 — Comparative and human ovology, or development of the new being, 219-242.

CHAPTER XVII.

Ancient and modern theories of human generation, 220- 842— Influence of Uie maternal mind, or imagination on

VIU CONTENTS.

the foetus before birth, and in causing deformities, 243 — Absurdity of the doctrine, 243— A mother of three hundred and sixty-five infants at one birth ! 244.

CHAPTER XVIIl.

Hygiology, or rules for the physical management of women during pregnancy, parturition, after deuvery, and during lactation or suckling, code of maternal medicine, 21-5 — Hygienic cares relative to pregnancy, 245 — Mental emotions, appetite, longings, dress, bad effects of tight lacing, diet, 247 — Exercise, 248-249— Abortion genersJly disregarded, though highly dangerous, 249 — ^Bad effects of crowded assembUes, 250 — Precepts for the preservation of health, 250-251 — Errors to be avoided, 252 — Fears and ridiculous stories encouraged by midwives, 252 — Hygienic cares relative to parturition or labour, 253 — Superiority of medical to ordinary obstetricians, 254— Cares to be observed by parturient women and midwives, 255 — Hygienic cares relative to the puerperal or child-bed condition, 256 — Diet and regimen, 256 — Hygienic cares relative to lactation or suckling, 259— Every healthful woman bound to suckle her infant, 260 — Management of the breasts and nipples, 260 — Proper period for suckling, 260 — Rules for the application of the infant to the breast, 260.

CHAPTER XIX.

Parturition, assistance to be afforded by male or female attendants or obstetricians, duties of accoucheurs and midwives popularly explained, and rendered comprehensible to every rational individual, 262-286 — Diet and regimen of the woman after delivery, 286— Inutility of midwives at tedious, difficult, or instrumental labours, 289 — Medical practitioners to be preferred whenever they can be procured, 290 — Secured by public charities, 290 — Hints for the physical management or education of infants, or code of infantile hygiology, including rules for diet, weaning, drink, sleep, clothing, air, exercise, cleanliness, bathing, dentition, moral management, intellectual development, education, &c. &c., 290-296.

CONTENTS. IX

PART IIL

MARRIAGE IN ITS PATHOLOeiGAL OR MORBID RELATIONS — ^PATHOLOGY OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS.

CHAPTER XX.

Pathol(^ of the generative organs^ 296 — Malformationb^ and diseases of the sexual organs which disqualify for marriage and reproduction, cause impotence and sterility, and injure or destroy the oflfspring, 296 — Female maU formations, 297 — Bad effects of tight lacing, 297 — Moral and social evils induced by want of family, 297 — Moral and physical disqualifications for marriage, 297~Impatence and sterility, 299— Physical, manifest, natural, and accidental impotence of the male, 300 — Absence of the penis or testicles, 300 — Reproduction in such cases, 301 — Diseases of the urethra, 303 — Dimensions of the penis, 304 —Contraction and obliteration of the genital aperture, 305 —Stricture of the urethra and large scrotal hernia, 307 — Conditions necessary for sexual intercourse, 308 — Chastity, «elf-pollution, onanism, and seminal weakness, 310 — Formidable list of diseases caused by these vices, 312 — Influence of mental emotions on the generative act, 314 — Cases of Lady Frances Howard and £arl of Essex, 316 — Case of the Marquis of Langley, 317 — Enumeration of diseases which cause impotence, 318 — Moral causes of impotence, 320 — Influenceof the mind on the reproductive function, 32lHSupposed effects of charms and incantations, 322 — Cases of moral impotence, 323— Impotence, natural, manifest, or accidental in woman, 323 — Various malfor« mations and accidental diseases, 324 — Contractions of the vagina, dilatation during pregnancy, 326 — ^Vesico-vaginal, and recto- vaginal fistulas, 328 — Diseases of the womb, 329 — Classification of the causes of impotence, 329 — Causes of terility, 331 — Conclusions, 333 — Ambiguity of seX, hermaphrodites, 333 — Monsters, 33^ — Treatment of impotence, 336.

CHAPTER XXI.

Syphilography, history of the venerea disease, 341 — Primary symptoms, 342 — Its ravages on the constitution.

X CONTENTS.

342 — Its local and constitutional effects, 343— Its contamination and destruction of the foetus in the womb, 345 — Transmission and prevention of the venereal virus, 347 — Secondary syniptoms, 348 — Cases, 349-350— Venereal eruptions, 351 — Pains in the bones, excrescences, ulcerations, &c., 351.

CHAPTER XXII.

Urethritis, blenorrhagia, gonorrhoea, 352 — Symptoms and progress of the disease, 352 — Urethritis, gonorrhoea in women, 354 — Leucorrhcea, vaginal discharge, 355 — Sympathetic buboes, phymosis, and paraphymosis, 356 — Hernia humoralis, inflammation of tne testicle, enlargement of the epidydimis and spermatic cord, blenorrhoea or gleet, 359— Strictures of the urethra, 360 — Diseases of the bladder, kidney, and urinary organs, 363 — Disease of the prostate gland, 364— Sexual diseases of women, 364.

Preface

The very favourable reception of two editions of this work, in a short time, has induced its author to revise, enlarge, and, he hopes, improve, the present impression.

The subject considered, is one of universal interest, and was investigated from the most remote period of antiquity to the present time ; but most particularly from the origin of medicine, as an art or science. Considered in all its relations, religious, moral, social, legal, physical, philosophical, and medical, it will be found of the greatest importance to mankind. This will be manifest to all on the perusal of the introductory remarks, and the succeeding pages.

A philosophical, social, physical, and medical

IV PREFACE.

history of the reproductive function of the Vegetable and Animal Kingdoms, and of the abuses and disorders resulting from it in the latter, will, it is hoped, prove instructive and interesting to the majority of general, as well as medical, readers.

The function of reproduction has been examined and inquired into, by the most virtuous theologians, moralists, naturalists, philosophers, physiologists, legislators, and jurisconsults, as the most influential of all the functions of the human economy, on every class of society, both civilised and savage. It must be almost superfluous to observe, that it is the duty of every lecturer on physiology, on obstetric and on legal medicine, to describe it according to the ancient and modem conclusions; because it materially influences population, morals, public health, disease, mortality; as well as personal reputation, property, legitimacy, and even life, together with a vast number of other questions, hereafter enumerated.

PREFACE. V

The illustrious and indefatigable Baron Haller propounded the axiom before describing the physiology of generation : — " There are no secrets in physiology;" and our immortal Harvey and Hunters, and all their eminent successors were of the same opinion.

Moral and legal authors in all ages adopted it On a recent and memorable occasion, that astute and enlightened judge. Lord Denman, declared, in his judicial capacity, that the subject was most important when described and expounded by medical authority. This is also the opinion of every rational individual, who has arrived at the adult age.

These facts are mentioned to reconcile the prudish and the ignorant to the consideration of a subject, highly conducive to the preservation of the health of parents and o£Pspring, to the improvement of morals and population, and to the correction of numerous evils inflicted on society in all countries. Whether the author has sue-

Vi PREFACE.

ceeded in the task he has undertaken, after several years' research and study, remains for the public to determine ; but of this he is convinced, that his motives and endeavours are well intended, and solely guided by the mens consda recti.

4f Charlotte Street, Bloomsbury Square, October, 1837.

MARRIAGE

IN ITS

SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL RELATIONS.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

POPULATION — MARRIAGE AND BASTARDY LAWS — REPRO- DUCTION OP THE HUMAN SPECIES — ARRANGEMENT OP TH3 SUBJECT.

A VAST deal has been written both on the law of marriage and on the duties of married persons. The physiology of generation has also been described in the Diet des Sciences Medicaks, and in different physiological works.

Numerous questions of great importance in a medical point of view appertain to this subject^ and many are connected with morals^ pohtical economy, and social relations. It is on this account that I have attempted an outline of them in these pages. The pathology of the genital organs, as regards infecundity, has been grossly neglected by the profession in this country, iind has, until the present time, been consigned to empirics. It would surely be better to confide it to educated medical practitioners. In 4i«russing this topic, facts must be revealed at which the modesty of some- persons takes alarm. But the illustrious Haller well observed, "there are no secrets in physiology." They

B must be described plainly, and are chiefly objected to by those possessed of an erotic and prurient imagination, who discover nothing to gratify a licentious curiosity or a depraved mind, and by those who pretend to excessive modesty and rigid chastity. But philosophers, naturalists, physiologists, ecclesiastics, and legislators, as well as all classes of mankind, have taken the greatest interest in endeavouring to unravel and comprehend the mysterious function of reproduction. It is the universal theme of conversation among men of all grades and conditions, and the numerous questions relating to it, are now matters of frequent notice in the puUic as well as in the medical journals. Though this is the case, there are some antiquated and hypocritical persons, even in the medical profession, who are shocked at the consideration of this part of physiology. I would ask these men, have they ever perused the works of Aristotle, Harvey, Haller, Spallanzani, Hunter, and a thousand other celebrated physiologists, on the regeneration of the animal and vegetable kingdoms ? Are they not aware that the generation of animals and plants has been investigated by the most virtuous of the medical profession ? Does not < the world look up to medical practitioners for advice on many points concerning this function in the human species? and is it not well known that the decision of such advisers may affect honour, property, reputation, tide, liberty, and even life ? It is, therefore, manifest that if medical practitioners are to be referred to in such cases, they ought to be well acquainted with the received opinions of their profession, which are founded on nature and reason. To obtain this knowledge, they are required to attend lectures or peruse works on the branch of physiology under consideration ; but such lectures and works are censured by the short-sighted^ ignorant^ and prejudiced part of the worlds who^ in their own hearts^ are generally much more vicious than those^ whose duty it is to explain the errors and follies of mankind^ on the subject of reproduction. An able writer^ and a clergyman of the National Churchy from whose work I shall freely quote, offers the following reply to such persons : —

'^ It is conceded that the ideas which most young persons entertain of Love^ are both romantic and foolish ; and it is not difficult to account why this is the case. Love is^ too often, a proscribed topic, either of conversation or advice ; all that is known concerning it is, therefore, derived from the fictions of poetry, and the high-wrought descriptioDs of novels. Education is employed in directing, controlling, or reforming all the other passions and tempers of the human heart; but on this, it is systematically silent. Can we then wonder that a passion so stimulant, so powerful, so influential, shall, unguided or misdirected, urge on to error and to crime, the weak reason, and the generous unsuspecting nature of youth ? That there is a strong prejudice against the discussion of this sulgect is confessed ; and when the peculiar delicacy attending it is considered, we cannot wonder that such a pr^udice should exist. £ven the most chaste and correct observations concerning it are apt to give pain ; or, at least, to excite alarm in a delicate and pious mind; The delicacy and the difficulty of the subject are confessed ; but we ask„ is it fit, is it safe, is it not preposterous, is it not ruinous to the best interests of mankind, to leave the whole discussion of it to men of loose and abandoned cha<F

B 2 racter ? is it wise to leave young persons to derive their notions and feelings on this subject from the exaggerated, false, and wicked descriptions of it, with which modem literature abounds ? Do not these descriptions daily seduce^ mislead, and corrupt thousands of the young, thoughtless, and inexperienced ? Is it not infinitely better, then, that we should innovate a little on the opinions, and feelings, and, as we think, prejudices of the world, and break that mysterious and profound silence, which r^ards the discussion of this topic as either indecorous or mischievous ?'* — {Marriage: the Source, Stability, and Perfection of Social Duty and Happiness, By the Rev. H. C. O'Donnoghue, A.M., of St. John's College, Cambridge, and Domestic Chaplain to the Right Hon. the Earl of Dunraven. London, 1828.)

This author further observes, " nor does he deem it inconsistent with his profession, as a clergyman, to embrace any means or opportunity of giving a right bias to the mind on any subject connected with the morals and welfare of the world.

'' Marriage, the author has ever considered as bearing intimately, not only on the happiness of individuals, but also on the prosperity and welfare of communities anil states ; he believes it to be the source of all industry, subordination, and government, among men. He, therefore, who shall succeed in rendering marriage a matter of serious consideration, and not blind experiment, will deserve well of society, and cannot offend against delicacy or religious filing. On this ground, the author feels assured that he need offer no further apology, for the humble publication which now solicits the reader's approbation."

I would urge these sentiments in support of my endeavour to enlighten medical students and readers^ on all the questions concerning the function of generation^ which will he suhmitted to them hereafter for their adjudication.

I have also considered that the influence of the genital function on the health of parents and offspring, and consequently on population and morals^ is one of the greatest importance ; and, under this impression, I feel justified in discussing it as freely as my predecessors and contemporaries.

The present is a reading age, in which novelty, interest, and pleasure, are the principal objects of pursuit ; and the diffusion of knowledge of all kinds is unprecedented. In this age men and women read, think, discuss, inquire, and judge for themselves. They now require intelligible information from their medical advisers; and the old system of explanation — a shake of the head, a shrug of the shoulders, is no longer tolerated. A thirst for knowledge* and free inquiry has replaced ignorance and mystery.

I offer this explanation to those ignorant few, who are not competent to understand the bearings of the subject which has given rise to these observations. I feel convinced that the profession to which I have the honour to belong, has more influence on society than any other, and that great good will result both to public health and morals, by the diffusion of correct views on the physiology and pathology of marriage. It may be necessary to remind those who feel shocked at this species of knowledge, of the present immense circulation of the most erroneous and beasdy publications on this subject, which are well, calculated to demoralize the people, and contaminate the rising and future generations, and which prove the necessity of correct and scientific productions. Are not the most revolting vices now unblushingly recommended as checks to population? and are not the most immoral works circulated and exposed in almost every bye-street through which we pass? Among these vile publications is that falsely ascribed to Aristotie, which is in great circulation, though replete with error and obscenity from beginning to end. Yet this is the text-book of midwives, and the only guide for their instruction. We also read in the daily journals of seductions, abortions, murders, infanticides, adulterous, and many other crimes, all the result of perverted opinions on the subject under consideration. Yet many consider it wise to withhold a species of knowledge most essential to every man and woman's well-being, and most influential on their future lives as well as of those of their offspring. But this course is, in my opinion, productive of great and incalculable injury. I need scarcely observe, that the physiology and pathology of the oi^ans of reproduction are as legitimate objects of study as of tiiose of respiration, circulation, digestion, innervation, &c., and have ever been discussed by the most eminent physiologists of ancient and modem times as an important branch of medical knowledge. I may also remark in passing, that the references made to the generative function in the Bible, which is in every one's hands, in our church service, in our courts of law, and in the public prints, must convince every one, capiable of reflection, that as a function in the animal economy, it is a legitimate object for the elucidation of physiologists.

Many other arguments might be adduced in proof of the imperious, necessity of investigating the phenomena

INTBOOUCTOBY REMARKS. 7

of reproduction. Among these are legislation on the population question^ the marriage and bastardy lawg^ the prevention of juvenile prostitution^ criminal abortion, suicide, murder, and many odier crimes, caused by errors and ignorance regarding the reproductive faculty. Some of these subjects I have fully considered elsewhere {Manntal ofMediccU Jurisprudence and State Medicine, By M, Ryan, M.D, S^c, 2nd Edit. 1836), with the exception of the population question and juvenile prostitution, which I shall briefly examine in the following pages.

The questions concerning marriage laws, population, bastardy, and various other topics relating to the function of reproduction, have engaged the attention of all nations from the earliest periods of history, and are even at present under the serious deliberation of the British legislature. The history of marriage laws, customs, and ceremonies, in the various nations of the universe, is replete with deep interest and much curiosity. (For a succinct account of marriage ceremonies, the reader may consult '' Marriage « Customs and Modes of Courtship of the various Nations of the Universe, selected from the best and most recent Authorities. By The. Moore, £sq. 3d £dit Lond. 1830.") The British legislature is now (July, 1837) framing new marriage and poor law acts f<»r the improvem^it of population and morals ; and, in the opinion of some statesmen, for the prevention of a superabundant population — ^an evil much dreaded by a few short-sighted political economists, but without the slightest foundation. It must be admitted that the nmnber of a family, and the extent of a population, are subjects of deep interest to a preponderating majority of society, and deserve the most attentive con-