CHANGES OF SEX.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 10, 10 December 1936, Page 30

CHANGES OF SEX.

DOCTOR PROBING MYSTERIES. Sensational developments in the realm ot sex change are expected within, the next few months as a result of rosearch experiments being carried out by British doctors. While a change from male to female is much rarer than the converse, researches suggest that there is a female element in every male, just as there is a male element in females. A leading London doctor, interviewed by the Sunday Sun, described, certain so-called "women" athletes as really under-developed men, who subsequently developed male characteristics. Specialists scout the idea that there is any likelihood of a general sex change, but suggest that there are many more cases than is generally imagined where the natural balance can be restored by operation. Drs. L. R. Broster and H. W. Vines, of Charing Cross Hospital, have studied the subject extensively, and have published a book in which they advance the theory that there is a male factor in every early human embryo. They say this is suggested b} - their researches, and there is a possibility that future research may establish the existence of a female element in the male, though a change from male to female is the much rarer event. Dr. Broster (who was New Zealand Rhodes Scholar in 1925) tabulates the results of operations carried out on a number of young women who developed male characteristics. The average age of the patient was 20. The age at the onset of "virilism" (manifestation of male characteristics) averaged 15. Harsh voices and general changes in bodily contour and psychological outlook were noted. Dr. Broster operated, with gratifying results. The doctors are reticent at present owing to the keenness of friendly competition with American rivals, who are closely following the British methods.