Book Notices.

White Ribbon, Volume 1, Issue 9, 1 March 1896, Page 3

Book Notices.

A BOOK FOK TO-DAY. The Human Element in Sex : Being a medical inquiry into the relations of sexual physiology to Christian Morality. By Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell. “To know Tliat which before ua lies in daily life Is the Prime Wisdom.” — Paradise Lost. in a reverential spirit does the author of the little volume before me treat of her delicate theme. The book is written from the “ standpoint of the Christian Physiologist, 1 ' who believes that the “ Supreme Authority is beneficent as well as powerful,” and who consequently “ seeks to find out the laws and methods of action by means of which human function may accomplish its highest use.” But this task, the writer points out in her introduction, can only be carried out gradually. “ Ultimate function is not revealed by structure, nor ultimate use by function;” “function being defined as “ the arrangement by means of which the independent life of the sentient being is carried on and maintained,” and “ developed function or use ” as including the growth and improvement of the individual in relation to his fellows, and to existence outside his own personality. “Itis a special work of the rational physiologist to discover the higher uses of our varied human faculties.”

‘ We only see at present the beginning of this great work of applied physiology in enabling us to comprehend the full effects of food, air, exercise, climate, &c., upon human character. We possess only vague knowledge of the great facts of the hereditary transmission of diseased or healthy qualities or tendencies. We only faintly realise the transforming power of habit or mind in healthy growth and in morbid degeneration.” “ I he union between the physical, moral, and intellectual elements of our nature can not be dissoiv. J during lifetime.” “ The greatest present obstacle to progress is the ignorance of parents, and above all, of mothers, of many facts of physiology, and particularly of the fact of sexual physiology.” In chapter i., The Distinctive Character of Human Sex, Dr. Blackwell points out a fact not generally recognised, viz—that in the human race the mind tends to rule the body, and “ that sex in the human being is even more a mental passion than a physical instinct ” Oblivion of this fact “ blinds us to the imperative necessity of giving human education to this part of our nature,” while from its very complexity it requires the widest range of knowledge for its healthy guidance. “ The general structural resemblances between man and the lower animals affords no guidance to the education of this human faculty, for the differences between man and the lower animals are radically greater than the resemblances between them.” Self-consciousness is pointed out as the most evident form of difference; and this self-consciousness is never entirely extinguished in the most corrupt man or woman. “ The growing power of the mental element over sex in all the higher races of mankind is demonstrated by the ennobling friendships between men and women which increasingly brighten life in our own AngloSaxon civilization. In the affianced couple this mental or moral predominance is still remarkable. “ The consciousness of spiritual attraction will sustain and guard through long waiting tor more complete union.” “ It is the mental element dominating the physical impulse in man for evil which produces that monstrous creation which is seen only in the man or woman abusing the creative power of sex.” Dealing with “ Equivalent Functions in the Male and Female,” our author exposes the fallacy of the supposition that the sexual passion is stronger in the male, and points out that Nature has made due provision for healthy independent life in each individual. Wise self-restraint and human advanceim nt are shown to go hand in hand. This second chapter closes with the oft-repeated wish that parents and especially mothers were better acquainted v/ith the laws of physiology,

that they might be able to guard and instruct their offspring. In the following pages mention is made of solitary vice and its attendant mental and physical ills, and mothers are again urged to exercise a kind and watchful care over the little ones committed to their charge. Bad habits are frequently innocently acquired. “ There is grave reason also for believing that transmitted sensuality may blight innocent offspring.” Chapter IYA deals with what is ordinarily known as the social evil. This sin is defined as the attempt to divorce the moral and physical elements of human nature and to ignore the inseparable results of joint action.” “ Physiology condemns the vice by showing physical arrangements which support the moral law.” “ We thus see by the light of sound physiology and the advanced thought of the nineteenth century the profound insight of the founders of Christianity, who denounced in one equal and awful condemnation the whoremonger and the whore ” The evolutionary nature of the human race is set forth in the chapter on the Development of the Idea of Chastity, “ It is the physiologist’s part to show how the two great forces of Habit and Heredity are the powerful physiological factors in the growth or degeneracy of the human race. In these two great facts, viz., the ability to form habits and the power of transmitting the tendencies produced by habits, the mind and body are inseparably blended, and through them a nation becomes chaste or unchaste.” “ Chastity is the government of the sexual instinct by the higher leason or wisdom.” The chapter closes with an appeal to the Christian physician—ist. To disseminate these vital truths that thereby they may promote the elevation of the race. 2nd. To develop and support in his patients that power of will and that mental polity which alone can wisely govern the human sexual nature; and 3rd. To cherish and respect the personal modesty of patients, both rich and poor. “ In all those points, where the physical health of a nation is inseparably connected with its moral health, they (physicians) are more responsible than any other class of the community foi the moral condition of their country.” With regard to such measures as the C.D. Act no uncertain note is sounded. lhe whole trend of the little work is to set forth the idea that man is intended to be a coworker with God in the creation and development of a chaste and perfect race.